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2 Recommendations
John_and_Rose's recommendation
You don't have to be a chef to use these handy squeeze bottles. You can make dressings, sauces and wow your guests as you garnish like a pro! This stylish squeeze bottle will do just the job and is suitable for all kinds of sauces.
My Collections:
Krysti-Dave's recommendation
Are these fantastic squeeze bottles or what? So clever to integrate stainless steel with polyethelene to make them look more like a chef's tool than cleaning bottle. Love them.
My Collections:


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New Gator logo apparel for sale in bookstore
November 14, 2013
New seaters, t-shirts and hats are available at the bookstore.
Apparel with the new Green River gator logo has arrived at the Paper Tree Bookstore.
Customize your own apparel at the Campus Team shop, or pick something up in person today.
T-shirts cost $10.99, sweatshirts cost $23.99, and hats cost $9.99.

subset: commoncrawl


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Giuliana Rancic's Book Signing Event with Bill
She's certainly been dealing with a lot over the past few months, but a radiant Giuliana Rancic was spotted at a fan greeting in Santa Monica, CA on Wednesday (December 28).
The E! News anchor, who was joined by her loving husband Bill Rancic, glowed as the couple greeted hundreds of her fans who had lined up to get Giuliana's autograph and wish her well.
As previously reported, Rancic recently underwent a double mastectomy in order to remove the breast cancer that was found back in the fall.
Excited to be back to work, Guiliana tweeted, "Back at work today since surgery. Excited to be on set of @ENews. I've missed my 2nd family (co-workers and you guys!!!) #thankful."
"Even though I moved a tad slower than usual today, everyone welcomed me back with open arms and it was a wonderful homecoming," she added on the E! website.
Enjoy the pictures of Giuliana and Bill Rancic at a book signing event (December 28).
Photo Credit: SplashNewsOnline.com


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From OWASP
Revision as of 16:29, 12 October 2006 by Owaspdavef (talk | contribs)
Hi, my name is Dave Ferguson. I'm an engineer and C/C++ programmer, turned Java web application developer, and now serving as a security consultant for FishNet Security in Kansas City, MO, USA. I'm currently the OWASP chapter leader for the Kansas City chapter. Feel free to contact me at dave.ferguson[at]fishnetsecurity com.


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Meet Kate
"I try to make all of my styles wearable and flattering. They can be everyday or something special, both pretty and easy," says Kate Bryan, 26, the Raleigh, North Carolina, hairstylist who is the creator of The Small Things Blog. Started in early 2011, the blog has grown into a destination for 300,000 readers monthly, who come for Bryan's down-to-earth voice and—most especially—her wildly popular hair tutorials. "I think women are just grateful that someone shows them how to do the basics," says Bryan, who began doing her videos to give customers hairstyling tips. "I want women to feel good; I know what it's like to have a bad hair day. And I have found that my tutorials have helped." As for the styles she creates (and has been since middle school: "I thought everyone spent 25 to 30 minutes on their hair as an 11-year-old!"), her focus, she says, "is on not making them overly complicated, breaking them down into very easy, small steps so they are achievable." Take a look at the three she created (and models in this story) for us.


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With the ever increasing fees demanded by Estate agents to sell a property, it comes as no suprise that people are now turning to selling their own property. Whats more they are managing to sell their home without the services of an Estate agent!
Through tradition people have used Estate Agents to locate a buyer for their home. Now its time for change! We are able to offer a unique service that enables you to take control of the sale for ONLY £35, you'll receive a personalised board within 14 days. Plus place your house for sale on the Internet for free.
Can you sell your car? Yes ... well there's no reason why you cannot sell your home! After all who's lived in the property for all these years, who knows the area, the schools, and the neighbourhood better than anyone else? ... YOU DO. So why pay an agent, who hardly knows your house try to sell it. Your enthusiasm and your indepth knowledge of the house will easily satisfy potential purchasers, and reassure them that the house is right for them.
Our eye catching For Sale Sign is personalised to display whatever phone number you like! Its made of exactly the same material as your local estate agents use - Corex. Its double sided - your number is displayed on both sides of the board. Whats more if you have an advert on our website we can display the advert number too, this gives potential buyers the chance to get more information before they call you. Displaying our For Sale Board will let any potential buyer know that you have a property to sell and that you mean business.
Have you every wondered why Estate agents leave boards outside homes that have already been sold for so long? Have you wondered why they go the the length of switching the sign from "For sale" to "Sold"? The answer is simple - the for sale board really does work for them! It gets them more business from people driving around the area, someone sees a house they like and they call the number on the board.
When you display our For Sale Board , you can wave good-bye to costly fees commonly charged by Estate Agents. Why pay them for what you can easily do for yourself?
Sold after only 2 enquiries, your For Sale board really works. You were correct when you said that "people look for For Sale boards in the neighborhood they want to live in" Thanks very much.
Mr John Whitworth
Our For Sale Board will Bring you Instant Attention!
Buyers tend to know where they want to live, and will drive around looking for homes displaying boards. Catch the attention of potential buyers in your area ... the ultimate low cost solution to selling your home!
Potential Buyers love the opportunity to deal directly with YOU! Consider this:
We had 8 viewings and 3 offers within 2 weeks of putting the board up. We even had an estate agent ring us up after seeing the board and offer to "help" us. When I told him the offers that we had in, his comment was that we seemed to be doing quite fine without him. My neighbours and friends were very skeptical at first, but having seen the results you may have some more customers in the future.
T Murrey, Southampton
We service UK residents only. You must supply the post on which to fix your board. We recommend a piece of 2"x2" wood from B&Q or your local timber yard. Simply attach your For Sale Board to the side and affix to your wall. You will have everything you need to make your sale!
Your Advert Number:
Using a Homes On Sale for sale board will let people in the area know you are selling! It is a fact that people tend to know the area in which they want to live. they will drive around the area looking at properties and looking for "Property for sale boards". When they see a house they like they call the number on the board. Ever wondered why estate agents leave the boards up for as long as possible? well they get so much business just from having them displayed outside homes.
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Sell Car | Best Credit Cards | Cheap Loans | Vector Icons | Cheap Cars | House for sale | Classified Ads


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A FOOTBALL match involving Taunton Town is the centre of a racism probe.
The Football Association confirmed it is investigating alleged racist comments made during the Peacocks' home game with Mangotsfield United.
Exact details of the alleged incident are subject to the governing body's investigation, but in a statement released by Mangotsfield, the club claims its players were racially abused on and off the field.
It read: "We can confirm that investigations include alleged racist comments. These alleged comments were made both on the field and from people attending the match.
"The club is seeking advice from the FA on how to support our players who were subjected to the alleged comments. This is a very difficult time for everybody connected to the club."
In response, Taunton said: "We can confirm that the matter is currently subject to police and FA investigation which the club are fully co-operating with.
"Any allegations referred to in the public domain are pure supposition until the results of the investigation have been received and until that time the club will be making no further comment."
The FA told the County Gazette it was aware of the allegations and it is something it is looking into.
The Calor League Division One South and West game was played on April 12, which Taunton won 2-1.
Mangotsfield had one player sent off towards the end of the match, with a further two players dismissed after the final whistle, all for violent conduct.
Police have since said they are investigating an alleged assault which happened at the club shortly after the game.
A spokesman from Avon and Somerset Police said: "At the end of the match, which was against a team from Mangotsfield, a man has reported being punched and kicked.
"He attended Musgrove Park Hospital for treatment to his injuries. An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances of the assault."
Anybody who witnessed the incident should call police on 101 and quote 36706/14.


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From Time.com…. Think you should haggle only when buying a car or shopping in the streets of Morocco? In this recession, if you're not bargaining for everything everywhere, you're needlessly draining your wallet. According to the consulting firm America's Research Group, in October, 56% of consumers said they had recently tried to negotiate at retail [Read More…]
Archives for Aug 4, 2009 @ 15:10
Do you haggle?
Acts and Mission 2
That opening sketch in Acts (1:1-11) is wide-ranging and cosmic in its theology. We return to earth with the next scene: the earliest followers of Jesus are gathered for prayer (1:12-14): Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, [Read More…]
A Fine Tuned Universe? 9 (RJS)
Chapter 15 of Alister McGrath's book A Fine-Tuned Universe: The Quest for God in Science and Theology is entitled "An Emergent Creation and Natural Theology." This chapter presents some rather interesting ideas. First McGrath returns to Augustine – not to his cosmology or science, but to his view of God's creative power. According to Augustine [Read More…]
Atheist Delusions 1
The worst society I can imagine is one where Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens and Sam Harris get to determine what is good and what is bad and where they get to determine who is good and who is bad. They are, you know, Christianity's fiercest (and sometimes uninformed) critics and, once we let them rip [Read More…]


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Nancy Redd Sees Vulvas Everywhere -- Daily IntelWhen they saw [the vulvas in the book], they said, "I've never seen anything that looks like that." They're so used to their little airbrushed Playboy vulvas. They don't understand that they've got makeup and glycerin down there in porn. When guys have sex, theyIf you stare at the vulva spread, it takes on a beautiful, abstract-art quality. If you ever go into a Cheesecake Factory, their lampposts are totally vaginal, too. Now
Eros Coaching: All Vulvas are BeautifulAll Vulvas are Beautiful. I have received the kind permission from Betty Dodson to share the following vulva illustrations. TheyI feel strongly that there should more conversations about how the diversity and variety of vulvas in terms of their shape, size and colours, inIn fact, we are all beautiful, complete and whole the way we are and not feed into stereotype portrayals in the media of what 'beauty' means.
VULVA PAGE - Untitled DocumentThis pages is dedicated to all women and their beautiful vulvas! The purpose of the Vulva Page is to show women what real vulvas look like. Just
Result for beautiful vulvas - Page 1 LooKPDF.comSearch Result for beautiful vulvas - Page 1 from LookPDF.com your free ebooks library.We have compiled over 200 favorite Italian recipes from IAA members, family and friends into a beautiful Italian Cookbook titled "Mangiamo! Source: www.iaaofmc.com -Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful. Native Landscapes by Sally Wasowsk. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening ..
Do you think the vulva is beautiful?14 posts - 9 authors - Last post: Jun 19, 2000I like them delicate and light and evenly proportioned with just the right amount of hair. Those appeal to me as the most beautiful.But trying to be objective, I would say the vulvas are not beautiful Zang 10 year anniversary at Survey Central today! posted 15-Jun-2000 6:36am. Definitely in the top five most beautiful things I can think of. A woman nursing her child is number one. A spider web glistening with dew is up there
Vulva BeautifulVulvas are beautiful. All of them. The lovely labia. The mons, with hair or without. The little clitoral button that rears it's head. WeBut your vulva does not have to look like the ones in Playboy to be beautiful. In fact, if you ever wondered where the pornified standard of beauty came from,I came across the same problem when I did my post about vulva standards of beauty. All the pictures of ethnic vulvae I found were porno stills…not really
beautiful vulvasbeautiful vulvas. large; small. distressed by the social pressures to shape, trim, wax, surgically modify vulvas, this will be a place to see only natural unmodifiedThe sites that made it possible for me to find beautiful unmodified, unaltered, "full bush," photos to share without my having to feel uncomfortableIf you've stumbled on this site looking for natural vulvas showing women who haven't succumbed to the no- or almost-no pubic hair "style," I recommend


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BCBG Max Azria Women's Antique Gold Pants
1 Recommendation
LizAnnBowen's recommendation
A new take on a tried-and-true classic, these trousers from BCBG Max Azria feature a shimmering gold finish and a smooth waistband. These stylish pants are finished with two front slant pockets and touch of spandex for a comfortable fit. Color options: Antique gold Two front slant pockets, one rear button closure pocket Zipper fly with hook-and-eye closure Unlined The approximate inseam is 32.5 inches. The measurement was taken from a size 2. Measurement Guide BCBG Sizing Guide 76-percent acetate/20-percent polyester/4-percent spandex Dry clean Model: CPS20986-AGLD Model stands 5'8 tall and has a 33-inch bust, 25-inch waist and 36.5-inch hips. She is pictured wearing a size 4.


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Northern Land Use Research Alaska, LLC (NLURA) is the largest Alaskan based cultural resource management firm. We have offices in both Fairbanks and Anchorage. NLURA provides legally required pre-development cultural resource services for many northern industries and government agencies. Preconstruction surveys for archaeological and historic sites are often required for oil and gas, transportation, timber and logging, mining, utility improvement, and other projects that are licensed, funded, or permitted by federal and state agencies.
Our staff meets or exceeds professional qualification standards to undertake all types of cultural resource compliance projects, such as literature reviews, historic research, intensive archaeological and historical site surveys, historic landscape analysis, National Register of Historic Places evaluations, built-environment documentation including HABS/HAER, site excavations, and data recovery. We provide expert consultation services among project proponents and government agencies. Over the past 20+ years, we have completed more than 500 projects throughout Alaska while building and maintaining a reputation for high quality, on schedule, and cost effective work.


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Ten years ago, California lawmakers passed the Paid Family Leave Law, allowing workers to receive up to six weeks of paid leave to care for a new child or a seriously ill family member. Money for the leave comes from employees' paycheck deductions through the State Disability Insurance program.
The law, considered the first of its kind in the nation, was designed to help low-income earners.
"The reason the program was such a big deal when it was instituted 10 years ago was that, prior to its introduction, low-wage workers had very few opportunities to get paid time off when they had a baby or other family needs to attend to," said Ruth Milkman, a sociologist and professor at the City University of New York who is writing a book about the program. "Managers and professionals mostly got employer-provided time off, but low-wage workers had nothing but SDI (state disability insurance)."
The disability insurance program helps those unable to work because of a non-work-related illness or injury, pregnancy or childbirth.
Milkman said SDI applies mainly to mothers, while the Paid Family Leave program, implemented in 2004, covers more people, including those caring for a sick loved one and fathers, adoptive parents and domestic partners who want the time to bond with their new child.
"It really seemed to be a huge social leveler because in the U.S., where most people have to rely on employer-provided benefits, it provided these kinds of benefits to low-wage workers," she said. "For those who use it, it's a great program and has positive effects on them and their family."
The problem? Few people know the program exists. Awareness is low statewide, but even lower in Los Angeles County.
"All the surveys show tremendously high approval levels for the concept nationally and in California, but people don't even know that they have it," Milkman said. "And the really sad thing is that awareness is lowest among people who really need it the most - wage workers, immigrants, ethnic minorities."
This week, New America Media and California Work & Family Coalition are trying to spread the word, reaching out to media outlets and various organizations in an effort to encourage working Californians to take advantage of the program. Milkman said more can be done to raise awareness, especially through hospitals and clinics.
"It really is a valuable program," she said. "Our research shows that for disadvantaged wage workers who do use it, the benefits are actually huge."
For more on Paid Family Leave, visit www.paidfamilyleave.org.
email@example.com, 562-714-2088, http://twitter.com/KarenMeeksPT


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By Yereth Rosen | 5 December 2012
(Reuters) – A little-understood population of lake-dwelling harbor seals in Alaska deserve Endangered Species Act protections, and the proposed Pebble Mine poses dire threats to the animals, according to a petition filed recently by an environmental group.
The Center for Biological Diversity petitioned the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to list the small population of Iliamna Lake seals as endangered or threatened.
Iliamna Lake, in southwestern Alaska, is the state's largest and deepest lake. The seals there make up one of only two known populations of freshwater seals in North America and one of only five in the world, according to biologists
Development of the Pebble Mine, an open-pit project being pursued by mining giants Anglo American and Canadian junior Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd, would put the seals at risk of extinction, the petition argues. The mine poses a "catastrophic threat" to the animals, the petition says. "Absent ESA listing, there are no regulatory mechanisms in place that would specifically protect the Iliamna Lake seal from the likely devastating impacts of Pebble Project development," the petition says.
The mine project is targeting what its developers say is one of the world's largest known concentrations of copper, gold, molybdenum and silver. The mine seeks to extract 80.6 billion pounds of copper, 107.4 million ounces of gold, 5.6 billion pounds of molybdenum, among other resources.
The giant project has proved highly controversial because of its location near southwestern Alaska's Bristol Bay. The bay holds the world's largest natural
runs and supports thriving commercial and sport fisheries. The waters are also teeming with other fish and with marine mammals, and the adjacent lands are important habitat for bears, moose and other wildlife.
The mine is far from a sure thing, as no development permits have been issued. But the project is big enough to put the seals in danger, said one representative of the Center for Biological Diversity. "It's far enough along that, I believe, it does pose a real threat," said Kiersten Lippmann, an Anchorage-based biologist with the center.
Other factors that make the seals vulnerable are climate change and ocean acidification, which could diminish the fish runs that the animals eat, Lippmann said.
Knowledge about the Iliamna Lake seals is limited.
NOAA scientists started doing extensive surveys of the population in 2009, and research indicates that about 300 seals there, according to state and federal agencies. It is still unclear whether the all the Iliamna seals are year-round lake residents, but there are no known migrations to saltwater, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Key to any listing decision would be a finding that the Iliamna Lake seals are members of a distinct population, Lippmann said. There is abundant evidence that the lake seals are unique, she said.
The center's petition lists some of that evidence: a different reproductive schedule, with pups born a month later than those of saltwater seals; darker and distinctly patterned fur; larger heads and bodies; distinct behavior adapted to lakeshores.
The Pebble Mine partners disagree. Information gathered for the project's baseline studies suggests that some of the seals travel between freshwater and saltwater through one of the area's rivers, said Mike Heatwole, spokesman for the Pebble Limited Partnership.
The developers' baseline environmental studies, which devote a section to the seals, conclude that there are no "geographical barriers" to movement between the lake and the bay and that "current evidence is insufficient" to determine whether the lake seals are distinct or isolated from saltwater populations.
Heatwole said the Center for Biological Diversity has broader motives than protecting the seals. "We know the CBD is doing this exclusively to stop us," or at least to make the mine development more difficult, he said. But the effort is "shortsighted," he said.
For Pebble, "It's certainly not a show-stopper," he said. However, he said, listing could hurt other human activities on or around the lake, including barge deliveries to the Native villages and the traditional Native seal hunt.
The seals are not the only mysterious features of Iliamna Lake, which Lippmann describes as a "very under-visited area in the world."
Local legend says a Loch Ness-type monster named "Illie" lurks in the waters. Alleged sightings date back to the 1940s and inspired an episode of "River Monsters," a program broadcast by the Animal Planet.
Earlier this year, an Alaska scientist speculated that the "Illie" sightings over the years may, instead, be sightings of sleeper sharks that have made their way into the lake.
The Center for Biological Diversity's Endangered Species Act petition is available at:
The Pebble Limited Partnership's baseline information about the lake seals is available at:


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Leechburg Area School District to look into enhancing building security
Leechburg Area School District officials have decided to look into enhancing building security.
The school board voted 8-0 on Wednesday night to have administrators investigate school safety measures that might include hiring a resources officer. Board member Neill Brady was absent.
No deadline was given for the study to be completed.
Board Vice President Jean Stull said the ARIN Intermediate Unit, serving Armstrong and Indiana county school districts, is looking into a common method for member school districts to have a unified command structure to handle school emergencies and disasters.
One of the goals would be to have districts handle emergencies consistently.
"It's something that's coming down the pike," Stull said. "Districts would be able to assist each other."
Cyber school lauded
Secondary Principal Matthew Kruluts said the district has saved about $144,000 this year by educating cyber school students in house, rather than farming out of the district for cyber education services.
In-house costs are about $3,000 per school year, while sending students outside the district costs about $10,000 per student, per year.
There are 10 cyber students at Leechburg this year.
George Guido is a freelance writer for Trib Total Media.


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Daredevil Slim Corduroy Pant
Item: 1321000-015
The Daredevil Slim Pant is now in fall-friendly corduroy! Our clean, minimalist pant that can be comfortably paired with any top and are made with a hint of elastic for an excellent fit. Details include 2 welt pockets at rear and hidden hook closure with button placket.
Customer Reviews
Fabric content: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
Care instructions: Machine wash cold with like colors, do not bleach, tumble dry low, warm iron if needed.


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Moving Canada's Trade: Labour Market Information Project
Project Timelines: 01/2014 - 06/2016
Funding: Government of Canada
The Moving Canada's Trade: Labour Market Information Project is the third year of the Skills Table LMI program. The project is an update on 52 key occupations, 6 sectors and 3 regions in the Asia Pacific Gateway (APG).
Read the Asia Pacific Gateway (APG) LMI 2016-2025 Executive Summary
Read the News Release: Search for skilled workers in BC to continue in next decade, study finds
Visit lmionline.ca to access project findings
Prince Rupert / Port Edward Labour Supply Study
Project Timelines: 07/2015 - 06/2016
Funding: Government of Canada
The study answers the questions: Is the supply of local industrial labour sufficient to meet the demands of the Prince Rupert / Port Edward port facilities and related employers? How many new jobs can the local labour supply fill? How far can the local labour supply stretch?
Read the Prince Rupert / Port Edward Labour Supply Study
Developing a National Mobile Crane Operator Demonstration of Skills Test (DOST)
Project Timelines: 01/2014 - 03/2016
Funding: Government of Canada
The Developing a National Mobile Crane Operator Demonstration of Skills Test (DOST) project developed and piloted a voluntary, national mobile crane operator (lattice boom friction and hydraulic) demonstration of skills test (DOST). This standard would complement the existing Red Seal Certification for mobile crane operators, and encourage and facilitate labour mobility across the country by using a nationally-consistent practical assessment. Input from crane stakeholders across Canada drove the development.
View the project website in English at cadmobilecranedost.com or French at cadmobilecranedostfr.com.
2016 Asia Pacific Gateway Corridor (APGC) Labour Market Information Project
Project Timelines: 01/2014 - 06/2016
Funding: Government of Canada
The Asia Pacific Gateway Corridor (APGC) Labour Market Information Project leveraged the existing, successful LMI model developed by the Skills Table beyond the Asia Pacific Gateway and into the Corridor. The project developed labour market forecasts for 34 key transportation occupations that support the APGC (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba).
Read the Asia Pacific Gateway Corridor LMI 2016-2025 Executive Summary
Read the News Release: New labour market information charts cross-provincial worker supply gap in transportation sector in next decade
Visit lmionline.ca to access project findings
Attrition in Gateway Management & Knowledge Transfer Project
Project Timelines: 02/2015 - 06/2016
Funding: Government of Canada
Management attrition has been identified as a growing challenge for gateway industries. Management Attrition & Critical Knowledge Transfer: A Human Resource Practitioner's Guide provides a practical guide to help companies retain and transfer business-critical and experience-based knowledge as baby boomers reach retirement age and exit the workforce. The guide provides a framework of strategies and tools that human resource practitioners can refer to when developing their company's overall strategy in preparation for the retirement wave. A step-by-step approach to critical knowledge transfer is provided and includes questions and considerations for each step.
Read the News Release: New guide helps companies prepare for knowledge transfer as boomers retire
Lisez la communiqué en français
Labour Force Profile of Port Drayage Drivers in Atlantic Canada
Project Timelines: 11/2014 - 09/2015
Funding: Government of Canada
The Labour Force Profile of Port Drayage Drivers in Atlantic Canada builds on the Skills Table's Labour Force Profile of Port Drayage Operators in Metro Vancouver. The project developed a labour force profile of drivers operating at the Port of Halifax and the Port of St. John that takes into account the specific circumstances of drivers operating in Atlantic Canada. The project was undertaken in collaboration with the Trucking Human Resource Sector Council Atlantic.
Read the full report, Labour Force Profile of Professional Drivers Working at Ports in Atlantic Canada
Read the News Release: Recruitment for truck drivers in Atlantic Canada is changing
Lisez la communiqué en français
Study of Innovative Technologies for Communicating Real-Time Information to Port Drayage Drivers
Project Timelines: 01/2015 - 08/2015
Funding: Government of Canada
Ports use a wide range of information systems for communicating important traffic and terminal conditions to drayage companies and drivers. This study examined 10 such systems, ranging from simple email systems to comprehensive networks using sophisticated data collection, and outlines considerations for ports in designing and implementing their own systems. The project was completed with the assistance of the Montreal Port Authority in conjunction with the Port of Montreal Drayage Labour Profile and Technology Penetration Study.
Read the full report, Study of Innovative Technologies for Communicating Real-Time Information to Port Drayage DriversRead the News Release: New study outlines benefits of information technology to drayage sector
Lisez la communiqué en français
Engineers, Geoscientists, Technologists and Technicians Labour Market Information
Project Timelines: 08/2014 - 10/2015
Funding: Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia, ACEC-BC, APEGBC, and ASTTBC
The Engineers, Geoscientists, Technologists and Technicians Labour Market Information project provided supply and demand information over a 5-year and 10-year forecast for 37 different occupations, across 8 industries, and 5 BC regions. The project provided occupational snapshots that will facilitate planning and decision-making around key professions. The project was undertaken in partnership with the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies of British Columbia, Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, and Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of British Columbia.
Read the News Release: Growing economy, tight labour market for engineers and technologists ahead: B.C. forecast
Visit LMIOnline.ca for more information on the project and read the reports
Port of Montreal Drayage Labour Profile and Technology Penetration Study
Project Timelines: 01/2015 - 08/2015
Funding: Government of Canada
The Port of Montreal Drayage Labour Profile and Technology Penetration Study builds on work by the Skills Table around drayage industry issues in Metro Vancouver. The study established a demographic profile of the drayage population, and identified communications technologies currently in use and planned to be used by the drayage industry at the Port of Montreal. The project was undertaken in collaboration with the Montreal Port Authority.
Read the full report, Port of Montreal Drayage Labour Profile and Communications Study (English)
Profil du camionnage desservant le Port de Montréal — Profil de la main-d'oeuvre et étude sur les communications — Résumé (Francais)
Lire le communiqué en français
Women in Transportation Careers – Understanding Participation in Canada
Transport Canada engaged the Skills Table to conduct this brief study that seeks to validate the widely accepted assumption that women are underrepresented in transportation careers across Canada, help understand the future supply of new entrants, and identify current programs and initiatives aimed to increase women participation in the transportation sector.
Read the report, Women in Transportation Careers – Understanding Participation in Canada
Accelerated Apprenticeship Learning for Mobile Crane Operators in B.C. - Pilot Project
Project Timelines: 09/2013 - 12/2013
Funding: Industry Training Authority
The objective of the Accelerated Apprenticeship Learning for Mobile Crane Operators in B.C Pilot Project was to investigate, develop and pilot accelerated learning for mobile crane apprenticeships in B.C. The overall goal of the project was to improve completion times for mobile crane apprentices.
Technology and Skills in Transportation
Project Timelines: 09/2012 - 03/2013
Funding: Government of Canada
The Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table, as a part of its Labour Market Information (LMI) project, examined the business priorities for innovation, largely technology driven, and the incentives or barriers to it across the transportation and logistics sectors in Canada. Working in partnership with WESTAC, the APGST gathered information from business leaders in these sectors to build a greater understanding of what creates business decisions to implement technological innovations, their key areas of technology or innovation focus and associated expectations around technological skill and knowledge needs of labour force trades and professionals. The policy, regulatory and program challenges and opportunities were also examined.
This project focused on the attitudes in senior executives about their areas of focus for innovation and any impact on Human Resource programs, policies and planning for the businesses of the Asia Pacific Gateway & Corridor.
Read the report, Technology and Skills in Transportation.
Terminal Trades Occupational Analysis
Project Timelines: 09/2012 - 03/2013
Funding: Government of Canada
As a part of its 2012-2013 Labour Market Information project, the Skills Table examined in greater depth certain key occupations to provide a clearer picture of the issues and challenges that face Terminal employers in the Asia Pacific Gateway. This project examined the labour supply practice, the local nature of the labour supply/demand, as well as, the implications of any process or technology changes in the industry that could affect the nature of the work and skill requirements. The project focused on four critical trades in the container terminals of the B.C. Lower Mainland. The project examined the three main employers within Port Metro Vancouver: TSI – Vanterm and Deltaport, DP World – Centerm, and Fraser Surrey Docks.
The demand shock analysis for the lower mainland labour supply was for four 4-digit NOC categories:
- 7242 Industrial Electricians
- 7265 Welders
- 7311 Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics
- 7312 Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanics
Read the final report, Lower Mainland Container Terminals Project (Labour Market Projections for Selected Trades).
Drayage Excellence Metrics in Metro Vancouver
Project Timelines: 12/2012 - 03/2013
Funding: Government of Canada
The objective of this project was to develop a proof of concept that examines potential metrics for Port Metro Vancouver to generate a publicly available assessment of a drayage operator's performance in environmental, safety, operational performance and cost areas.
The Drayage Metrics Proof of Concept is available on request.
Labour Force Profile of Port Drayage Drivers in Metro Vancouver
Project Timelines: 09/2012 - 03/2013
Funding: Government of Canada
The objective of this project was to develop a labour force profile of drayage port drivers, including company drivers and owner operators, working in Metro Vancouver, providing specific information about size, demographics, equipment utilization, and trends in employment. It also looked at workers' use of training, educational background, and compensation.
The outcome of this project included qualitative and quantitative analysis of the current situation, insights into the trends in this labour sector, and identification of potential challenges and/or opportunities with port drayage drivers.
This project was led by the Trucking Steering Committee – Transport Canada, Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Port Metro Vancouver, and included the BC Trucking Association.
Read the report, Labour Force Profile of Port Drayage Drivers in Metro Vancouver.
Vancouver Drayage Truck Turn-Time Analysis
Project Timelines: 09/2012 - 03/2013
Funding: Government of Canada
The objective of this project was to identify the issues and root causes of longer than one hour turn-time for drayage trucks to complete a single transaction through a Metro Vancouver port terminal.
In addition to emission and congestion challenges, excess turn-time raises the costs of truck drayage and terminal operations, delays import and export shipments, reduces shipment reliability, and cuts effective port capacity. All the relevant stakeholders have something to gain from minimizing truck turn-times at port terminals.
In response, Port Metro Vancouver, the BC Trucking Association, and the Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table were interested in initiating a pilot project to document, analyze, and reduce the frequency of marine terminal truck turn-times over one hour. This project included participation from trucking, marine terminal and other industry partners.
Read the report, Port Metro Vancouver Truck Turn Time Study: Analysis, Results and Recommendations.
Identifying Successful Business Practices of Profitable Drayage Owner Operators in Metro Vancouver
Project Timelines: 07/2012 - 03/2013
Funding: Government of Canada
The objectives of this project were to develop a better understanding of the drayage owner-operator business and to identify best business practices that could improve the economic performance of drayage owner-operators in Metro Vancouver.
To achieve this, the key activities included:
- Conduct research to develop an owner-operator drayage business and cost model; and,
- Conduct interviews with trucking companies and drayage owner-operators to identify the successful business practices of profitable drayage owner-operators.
The outputs from these two activities resulted in shared content that will be used to create two deliverables:
- Owner-operator resource toolkit View the Drayage Trucking in Metro Vancouver Owner-Operator Business Toolkit
- Final report on the successful business practices of profitable drayage owner-operators Read the report, Understanding Container Drayage Owner-Operators in Metro Vancouver.
The Skills Table partnered with the BC Trucking Association on this project.
Project Timelines: 02/2012 - 03/2013
Funding: Government of Canada
The objective of the Labour Market Initiative project was to improve the scope, currency, timeliness and availability of Asia Pacific Gateway labour market information (LMI). Employers, job seekers and trainers will have access to a robust and up-to-date set of LMI resources intended to support labour market and human resource planning.
The outcomes of the project included:
- a better understanding of the supply and demand of key Gateway occupations within both the northern and southern corridors as disseminated through its online clearinghouse;
- more comprehensive, current and timely LMI decision support and forecasting capacity for Gateway employers and job seekers to support human resource planning decisions; and,
- stronger industry engagement and participation in Gateway LMI development.
Read the summary, Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table Labour Market Summary, 2013–2022.
Read the overview, B.C. Labour Market Requirements for the Asia Pacific Gateway, 2013 – 2022 Overview.
Read the report, B.C. Labour Market Requirements for the Asia Pacific Gateway, 2013 – 2022.
Read the report, Labour Market Requirements for the Northern British Columbia Asia Pacific Gateway, 2013–2022.
Read the report, Lower Mainland Labour Market Requirements for the Asia Pacific Gateway, 2013–2022.
Tracking Tradespersons: Understanding the Labour Mobility of Tradespersons in the Asia Pacific Gateway (APG)
Project Timelines: 10/2011 - 03/2013
Funding: Government of Canada
The primary objective of the Tracking Tradespersons Project was to analyze the factors that influence the movement of tradespersons. This was achieved through a research project that examined the current state of labour mobility and the underlying reasons behind decisions made by tradespersons both pre- and post-apprenticeships.
Specifically, the project:
- Identified in what sector apprentices are being trained, what sectors they are pursuing a career, and why;
- Identified common career pathways of tradespersons;
- Analyzed the factors that influence labour mobility;
- Identified the key competencies that enhance skilled worker transferability;
- Understood how a Red Seal designation status influences labour mobility;
- Provided a better understanding of the impact of key mobility legislation i.e. AIT, TILMA, NWPTA.
A better understanding of the movement of tradespersons may help to develop more accurate forecasts of training activities and the data to support those required training activities, promotion of apprenticeship training that facilitates labour mobility hence leading to greater labour mobility for tradespersons trained in B.C. and a wider, deeper pool of qualified tradespersons for APG stakeholders.
Read the report, Tracking Tradespersons: Understanding the Labour Mobility of Tradespersons in the Asia Pacific Gateway.
Read the summary, Tracking Tradespersons: Understanding the Labour Mobility of Tradespersons in the Asia Pacific Gateway - Executive Summary.
Building Capacity for Integrated and Strategic Planning in the Asia Pacific Gateway
Project Timelines: 07/2010 - 03/2012
Funding: Government of Canada
The primary objective of the Building Capacity for Integrated and Strategic Planning in the Asia Pacific Gateway (APG) project was to facilitate more robust and integrated planning for and within the APG by building the knowledge, skills, capacities and networks of planners and those doing planning work in the Gateway.
The Asia Pacific Gateway (APG) is comprised of an integrated network of transportation systems that connect North America through key points along the British Columbia west coast. Many key players in the APG supply chain already perform their own planning functions - such as developing short and long term plans for the use of land, resources and infrastructure - with the goal of planning for future competitiveness in the APG corridor. Although there is some sharing of plans and perspectives, there is currently no forum or coordinated approach to bring municipal, regional, provincial, federal and private sector planners together to explore the skills and information needs required for integrated and strategic Gateway planning. This project aimed to establish and implement an inaugural forum to bring together professional planners and those doing planning work in a collective dialogue for the first time.
Read the report, Connecting Canada's Pacific Gateway: Enhancing Planning Capacity in the Metro Vancouver Region.
Supervisor Foreperson Skill Development
Project Timelines: 08/2009 - 03/2012
Funding: Government of Canada
The objective of the Supervisor/Foreperson Skill Development project was to provide Gateway employers and employees practical resources to help develop the skills and knowledge of existing and potential supervisors. The resources developed through this project support the recruitment and advancement of workers with direct work experience into supervisory roles.
This project had three main deliverables:
1. Resource Guide – identifies and describes the core competencies required for the Supervisor position and provides training options in B.C. to help develop these competencies.
2. Workshop – based on the resource guide, the workshop teaches participants how to create an individualized plan to identify and support the development of supervisory skills.
3. Research Study – provides insight into issues and best practices regarding supervisory development in order to recommend effective, practical solutions for the Gateway.
Click here to access more information and to request a free printed copy or download an electronic copy of the Guide.
Asia Pacific Gateway Apprenticeship Engagement Initiative
Project Timelines: 04/2011 - 02/2012
Funding: Industry Training Authority (ITA)
The Asia Pacific Gateway Apprenticeship Engagement Initiative was delivered through three main integrated activities: Research – to better understand the participation of apprentices in APG trade occupations; Employer Apprenticeship Facilitation – to provide 1‐on‐1 apprenticeship facilitation and mentorship to Gateway employers; and Skills Competition Participation ‐ Youth Outreach – to promote ITA apprenticeship and Gateway employment opportunities to youth interested in trades at provincial, national, international events.
Labour Market Information Gap Analysis
Project Timelines: 01/2010 - 12/2011
Funding: Government of Canada
The primary objective of the Labour Market Information Gap Analysis project was to develop a more accurate labour demand forecast for occupations in Gateway industries. The project supported cross-sectoral HR planning in the Asia Pacific Gateway by strengthening the quality and availability of key occupational demand and forecast data for labour market stakeholders in B.C.
This project enabled Gateway employers to employ labour market information in their strategic decision-making to expand operations, recruit employees and to set wages. Up-to-date and reliable LMI data and forecasting was made available to employers, suppliers of labour and policymakers to enable them to collectively respond to the dynamics of Canada's changing labour force market. Without relevant and timely LMI it is difficult for businesses or governments to respond and measure the cross-sectoral needs of the Asia Pacific Gateway inter-modal supply chain and deal with the anticipated labour shortages.
Read the report, B.C. Labour Requirements for the Asia Pacific Gateway, 2011-2019.
Project Timelines: 01/2010 - 12/2011
Funding: Government of Canada
The primary objective of the Clearinghouse Project was to develop an online portal that is the go-to resource for Gateway employers to find HR solutions, tools, and timely, topical information. The Clearinghouse equips Gateway employers with the tools to increase business productivity by recruiting and maintaining a highly flexible, innovative, and skilled workforce.
The Clearinghouse establishes and maintains summaries of cross-sectoral industry HR information and tools. It aims to improve information sharing among Gateway stakeholders and industries through establishing, maintaining, and disseminating relevant news, reports, training programs and HR information through an online library.
HR Essentials for Small-to -Medium Sized Enterprises
Project Timelines: 11/2009 - 08/2011
Funding: Government of Canada and Province of B.C.
The Human Resources Essentials for Small-to -Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) Workshop Pilot project placed essential HR skills in the hands of SME managers within Gateway industries. Leveraging the Canadian Trucking Human Resources Council's toolkit, Your Guide to Human Resources, workshops were held in the trucking industry and resources developed and delivered in the construction, security and marine industries. This initiative shared best practices for improved recruitment practices and retention rates.
Small-to -medium sized enterprises (companies with less than 50 employees) represent 98% of all businesses in B.C. and employ more than one million people across the province. At least 20% of all small businesses in B.C. (roughly 200,000 employees) operate in Gateway industries, such as transportation and construction. This project gave people without an HR background but who perform HR functions the essential tools and templates to reduce worker turnover.
UBC Youth Recruitment Report: Attracting Students to the Asia Pacific Gateway
The primary objective of this project was to identify preliminary strategies for attracting more youth to careers in transportation trades. This project was collaboration between the Skills Table and the UBC Sauder School of Business Early Career Masters program's Community Business project to complete some initial research and surveying on youth recruitment strategies. The student team worked with a faculty advisor at UBC to undertake a literature review and interviews with students, educators, and key Gateway stakeholders. UBC students presented their final findings in June 2011.
Transferable Skills Training and Certification for Asia Pacific Gateway Crane Operators
Project Timelines: 07/2010 - 04/2011
Funding: Government of Canada
The Transferable Skills Training and Certification for Asia Pacific Gateway (APG) Crane Operators project determined the viability and value of a single, recognized crane operator certification system for federally regulated APG crane operations and recommended a certification approach that could potentially extend throughout Canada. The Skills Table partnered with key stakeholders including B.C. Maritime in Employers Association, B.C. Association for Crane Safety, and other organizations in addressing this issue.
APG employers working under federal jurisdiction are required under Canada and Marine Occupational Health and Safety regulations to ensure crane operators are trained. However, unlike B.C.'s provincial regulations for mobile, tower and boom cranes, there is no competency standard for which to train, nor are there re-certification requirements outlined in the current federal regulations. Also absent is a single competency standard for federal crane operations that can satisfy the various regulatory agencies involved. There is industry interest to adopt a single, recognized crane training and certification standard for federally regulated crane operations in the APG.
The final report, Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations - Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway (APG), identified stakeholders' consensus to move towards an industry-developed set of crane operator standards and a certification system for APG operations that would promote safer crane operators, increase worker mobility, and improve efficiency in the movement of goods through the Gateway. It also recommends how development should proceed.
Read the final report, Program Feasibility Report and Development Recommendations - Crane Operator Certification in the Asia Pacific Gateway (APG).
Technology & Innovation in the Asia Pacific Gateway
Project Timelines: 10/2010 - 03/2011
Funding: Transport Canada
The Skills Table received funding from Transport Canada to study current areas of innovation or technological improvement in the various sectors and associated operational industry sectors that comprise the Asia Pacific Gateway. The resulting report, Drivers for Change in the Asia Pacific Gateway: Business Priorities in the 2011 discusses areas of opportunity to enhance or encourage greater innovation. The primary focus of this study was on procedures and tools of innovation and technologic process improvement.
Read the report, The Innovation Imperative: Drivers for Change in the Asia Pacific Gateway
Asia Pacific Gateway Skills Table (APGST) Training Fund
Project Timelines: 10/2010 - 03/2011
Funding: Province of B.C.
For this project, Gateway employers were funded to assess their firm's training needs, informed of appropriate training programs, guided to appropriate HR solutions, and funded for employee training. The maximum funding available per employer was $5,000 and the maximum funding available per employee was $1,500.
This program allowed employers to make informed decisions about which training options address the specific needs of their organizations. After training was underway, APGST Training Fund Facilitators were available to provide additional human resource planning support, such as long-term training and HR strategies. Support was available upon request by the employer and at no cost.
For more information, please view the APGST Training Fund Overview.
Solving Skills Shortages at the Prince George Airport (YXS)
Project Timelines: 03/2010 - 03/2011
Funding: Province of B.C.
The objective of the Solving Skills Shortages at the Prince George Airport (YXS) project was to build workforce capacity for workers at YXS by providing access to aviation certification, and upgrading and retraining programs. The goal was to increase the viability and competitiveness of Northern Gateway cargo activities.
The training was conducted in partnership with Initiatives Prince George Development Corporation (IPG), a non-profit economic development organization focused on enhancing the Prince George economy. More information on IPG can be found at www.initiativespg.com/.
Project Timelines: 07/2009 - 01/2011
Funding: Government of Canada and Province of B.C.
The Business of Shipping - Training Pilot project assisted the B.C. Shipping community in designing and piloting an industry-based program to augment knowledge of the shipping sector in B.C., and to increase recruitment into the shipping industry. The Chamber of Shipping of B.C. has been running the training seminars for almost 5 years.
B.C. Security Labour Market Roundtable
Project Timelines: 05/2009 - 01/2010
Funding: Government of Canada
The objective of the B.C. Security Labour Market Roundtable project was to provide a forum for the engagement of the security sub-sector in the Gateway to identify common industry HR-planning pressures, and to identify solutions or responses to these pressures. The project also identified labour market needs, with proposed solutions to existing and projected demand. The roundtable was able to provide a clearer picture of the security sector's HR planning needs, by bringing employers together to identify and solve common HR issues in Gateway security.
The security industry in B.C. currently employs over 13,000 security personnel who, among their other duties, safeguard property assets associated with – and the goods moving through – B.C.'s Asia Pacific Gateway. It is not currently known how many of the 13,000 personnel are directly employed protecting Gateway goods and assets; however, what is understood is that retirement, the expanding B.C. economy, and changing skills profiles for this sector will translate into labour shortages. The security industry is not currently investigating labour issues and there is a risk that the industry will not be prepared to address the labour/skills shortages related to increased Gateway activity in coming years.
Read the final report, Security in the Asia Pacific Gateway: Human Resources Issues and Strategies
Partnerships (funding agreement held by partner organizations, project management by APGST)
This initiative continued the work completed in 2013 by the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) and Skills Table where 85 employers in B.C. were consulted on their interest and needs related to International Trained Technology Professionals (ITTPs). Two key outcomes of that project were the identification of five core competencies and the integration of a log book to help guide and track career development. Phase 4 of this project extended the competency-based assessment standards and online applicant evaluation methodology.
B.C./Canada and India Mutual Recognition Agreement Project
The purpose of the B.C./Canada and India Mutual Recognition Agreement Project, as with the Foreign Training Assessment for Technologists and Technicians project completed in 2013, was to complete an on-site visit to India to fully assess/evaluate education and training, and, with favourable circumstance, to sign a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) on education standards.
NorKam Secondary School Commercial Driver Training Program
The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) and School District 73 (SD 73) agreed to collaborate on a high school (Grades 10-12) Commercial Driver Training Program curriculum. This will be the first high school commercial driver training program offered outside of Quebec and could be a template for other secondary schools in B.C.
Foreign Qualifications Database Project
The objective of the Foreign Qualifications Database Project was to develop an up-to-date foreign qualifications database of applied science and engineering technology educational programs in key source countries (the target being at least the top ten immigrant source countries). This will improve the Foreign Qualification Recognition (FQR) process by allowing ASTTBC to more easily assess educational credentials from countries included in the database.
British Columbia (B.C.) and Washington State (WA) Crane Certification Recognition Pilot Project
The Skills Table partnered with the BC Association for Crane Safety (BCACS) and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) on the British Columbia (B.C.)/Washington State (WA) Crane Certification Recognition Pilot Project. The primary objective of the project was to develop a mechanism that allows mobile crane operators from WA to work in B.C., while satisfying the safety licensing requirements before arriving in B.C. or through recognition of WA credentials.
Tools for Assessing an Immigrant Truck Driver's Non-Canadian Experience
Project Timelines: 03/2013 - 03/2014
Funding: Immigrant Employer Council of B.C. (IECBC) and Province of B.C.
The Tools for Assessing an Immigrant Truck Driver's Non-Canadian Experience project proposed to develop tools to assist the employer to more effectively and efficiently assess an immigrant's application. The tools produced will help guide a qualified immigrant truck driver application through the screening phase and, ideally, to the point where he/she is considered as a serious, qualified applicant:
1. An International Trucking Workforce Reference Guide - The Reference Guide would provide information on the operating environment of other countries' trucking sectors, including; workforce profiles, industry training approaches, licensing structure, truck driver labour codes, safety regulations and other factors deemed important by B.C. employers. This information would help a Canadian trucking employer better understand the immigrant's country of origin experience and assist in the applicant's assessment.
2. A Truck Driver Skill and Experience Assessment (a pilot with 25 immigrant truck driver applicants throughout B.C.), which will provide employers third party verification (from credible source) that the immigrant applicant has the technical and soft skills to be a qualified professional truck driver in B.C.
Project Timelines: 01/2013 - 12/2013
Funding: Province of B.C.
The objective of the Working in B.C. project was to develop and pilot training resources that help Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs) close the technical knowledge of Canadian standards and soft skills gaps that are frequently cited as barriers to employment in B.C. The training resources produced include: "Working in B.C." Workshops and Webinars; video vignettes of Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs); an employer-focused video; pop-up banners; and career profile brochures.
Database Development Project – Phase 1 – Business Requirements and Vendor Selection
Project Timelines: 12/2012 - 06/2013
Funding: Province of B.C.
The objective of this project was to analyze the existing and projected requirements and to complete vendor selection through RFP process for a new member management system/database (AMSoft) that would manage certification and registration.
One-Year Experience in Canada Project
Project Timelines: 12/2012 - 05/2013
Funding: Province of B.C.
The goal of the One-Year Experience in Canada Project was to reduce barriers to employment integration, particularly for Internationally Trained Professionals (ITPs) that require one-year of Canadian work experience for full ASTTBC certification.
The project:
- Defined the performance indicators typically expected of employees that have a minimum of one-year Canadian work experience.
- Developed alternate methods to achieve the intended outcome of having the equivalent of one-year Canadian work experience.
- Designed and developed a work experience log book to describe and document the knowledge, skills, attitudes and performance expected of employees that have one or more years of on-the-job experience in Canada.
Foreign Training Assessment for Technologists and Technicians
Project Timelines: 02/2012 - 03/2013
Funding: Province of B.C.
The Skills Table partnered with the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of B.C. (ASTTBC) on the Foreign Training Assessment for Technologists and Technicians project. A model and pilot was created to test the streamlining of foreign credential recognition for international graduates coming to work in Canada's Asia Pacific Gateway.
B.C. Trucking Industry: Attraction, Recruitment and Retention Communications and Outreach Work Plan
Project Timelines: 05/2012 - 10/2012
Funding: Province of B.C.
Research and anecdotal evidence suggests that the B.C. trucking industry is experiencing, and will continue to experience in the short and medium term, shortages of long haul truck drivers (NOC 7411) and supporting occupations – dispatchers and radio operators (NOC 1475), supervisors, motor transport and other ground transit operators (NOC 7222), and automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (NOC 7321).
The Skills Table partnered with the BC Trucking Association (BCTA) in the development of a B.C. Trucking Industry: Attraction, Recruitment and Retention Communications and Outreach Work Plan. It included:
- marketing activities that will educate potential recruits and influencers about career opportunities in the trucking industry;
- recruitment activities that will increase the supply of the professional truck driver and supporting occupations from under-represented groups – immigrants, women, young people and First Nations; and,
- outreach activities that will educate the B.C. trucking sector about progressive, innovative workplace practices that will improve recruitment rates and retention.
The work plan will allow the BCTA to undertake activities that position the B.C. trucking industry as an attractive, viable career option for new workers and help employers find ways to adopt work practices and create work environments that will make them employers of choice. Ultimately, with the implementation of the work plan, new recruits will benefit by gaining information about the career opportunities in B.C.'s trucking industry, possibly leading to stable employment. Employers will benefit by creating a more stable workforce thus improving corporate productivity and profits. The B.C. economy will also benefit due to the efficient movement of goods.
B.C. Professional (Truck) Driver Training Pilot Project
Project Timelines: 09/2010 - 08/2011
Funding: Province of B.C.
The objective of the project was to pilot the delivery of the BC Professional (Truck) Driver Training Program, an industry-led training model that combines formal classroom education, practical training, supervised work experience and work-based learning. Qualified and screened trainees were matched with employers that were prepared to sponsor the trainee for the Supervised Work Experience and Work-Based Learning components of the program. It also provided a strong lead to students for possible permanent employment upon graduation.
Funding: Alberta Ministry of Human Services
The Skills Table conducted a joint LMI project with the Calgary Logistics Council to determine the level of skill shortages in those logistics sectors that are key to the success of the Asia Pacific Gateway and Corridor. The findings are based on combined labour market information research, economic forecasting and data gathered through the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council's Human Resources Study Update Project.
Read the report, The Accelerator Project
For more information on any Skills Table project, please contact email@example.com.
> View APGST's Current Projects <


text:
Around the State: Dillon's Colombian orphans
- July 1, 2013
- By Staff / Baptist Standard
Baptist Child & Family Services' Health and Human Services' Lubbock Transition Center presented 19 local foster youth who graduated high school and college with a "hope chest" to equip them for their next steps toward adulthood. The four college graduates each received a $1,000 gift card and the 15 high school graduates received $550 in store credit to stock up on necessities like household items, towels and kitchenware. After the "Hope Chest" luncheon where the awards were distributed, a staff member or volunteer guided the high school graduates on their shopping sprees.
Dallas Baptist University honored Dennis Linam, director of denominational and governmental relations, for 25 years of service to the university. An endowed scholarship created in his name will provide financial aid to needy students. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Arlington, where he serves as a deacon.


text:
Welcome to our new weekly column Dater XY! Our anonymous MALE dater will be revealing the adventures and misadventures of finding love from a dude's point of view. Let's give him a big welcome!
With a high of four degrees and over a foot of snow, the weather was not fit for man nor beast. But I had a date, so off I went into the icy cold. I'd met The Teacher through an online dating site, like so many of us do these days. I had sent her a message to see if she wanted to share a drink, she accepted, and we met at one of my favorite restaurants.
Over dinner, we chatted about the usual first date things: where we were from, how long we've been in the city, music we like, if we enjoyed our meals, etc. The more we talked, the more our chemistry grew. Of course, the chemistry could have been the Malbec. But judging by the smiles on our faces, The Teacher and I had something more. After a few hours of flirtatious and witty banter, we paid our check and I walked her to a cab. Our next date was set in two weeks and I was a happy guy.
Excited and nervous for our second date, I made plans for dinner and the symphony afterwards. Just as with our first date, conversation flowed naturally and neither of us could stop smiling. We were having such a great time that we forgot about the symphony and barely made the end of intermission. Afterwards we went back to my place for some wine. As happens on the best dates, our conversation became more personal as we grew more comfortable with each other.
I rarely share certain aspects of my life with others, let alone this quickly after meeting. But with The Teacher, I felt completely safe in talking about my brother's mental health and addiction issues. She told me about her younger sister passing away from cancer. Before we knew it, it was 3 a.m.. I called her an Uber and after a long embrace and amazing first kiss, she was on her way.
The Teacher and I had only been on two dates up to this point, but I couldn't deny the deep connection I felt with her. Even though our schedules were hectic for the next several weeks, we maintained constant contact talking in some form, almost daily. By the end of February, our schedules both settled down, so I invited her over for shrimp n' grits. (Yes, I'm from the South.)
We picked up right where we left off: smilies plastered to our faces as we talked about each other's day. After dinner, I queued up a mutual favorite show on Netflix and cuddled up to her on the couch. Eventually, we made our way to my bedroom. Nervously, given this was just our third date, I tried to take things slow; I wanted her to be comfortable with everything we were doing. In the end, we stopped at second base and I was fine with this. Would I have cried if things went further? Negative. But I I really liked her! I was more interested in a relationship with The Teacher than just a booty call.
After that night, The Teacher and I started seeing each other two or three times a week and spending the night at each other's flat on most occasions. We usually had a lot of sex when we saw each other, but our relationship wasn't just about sex. We did things most couples do. We went out on dates (dinner, hiking, etc) every week, I cooked her dinner and when she got sick, I'd brought over soup. I couldn't have been happier with where we stood; I enjoyed spending time with her regardless of what we were doing.
I assumed The Teacher felt the same way, even though we still hadn't had "the talk." You know, "the talk" that defines the relationship once and for all. By that point, it was almost April. The fact we hadn't sat down to talk about our status as a couple hadn't crossed my mind, because we saw each other all the time and seemingly did everything a couple would do. I had taken my online dating profile down a while back as I wanted to focus on her and her alone. Plus, we were having fun! Why make things weird by asking her to define it?
It wasn't until my female roommate asked me at the beginning of April about our status that I really began to wonder myself. I felt like The Teacher and I were a couple but it was true that we had never actually talked about it. And once I thought about it, there were a couple of red flags as well. We hadn't met each other's friends; though we were well versed in their names and they would regularly come up in conversation. We weren't Facebook friends at this point (let alone a Facebook official relationship) but I assumed that's because she isn't really into social media.
I knew at this point I had a decision to make. I could (a) confront The Teacher, have the talk and possibly have what we had going end or (b) continue apace doing whatever it was we were doing. I decided on the later; partially out of a complete and utter lack of cojones but also because I was new to the city and more important to me was establishing a core group of friends. While I do want an official relationship, what I currently had was close enough while giving me a certain level of freedom to make new friends outside of her. Solidifying our couplehood, I justified, might slow down or even stunt my other friendships.
It wasn't until mid-May that The Teacher finally talked about where we stood. She called me one night after work because she wanted to talk about her upcoming vacation (planned before we had started dating), which entailed being gone for almost two months.
She wanted me to be free to see other people while she was gone, she said, because it "wasn't fair to me." This explanation confused me because, to be honest, I would have waited for her when she got back. Given I still lacked the aforementioned cojones, I didn't push the issue. I told The Teacher to enjoy her trip. We would get back in touch when she came home and, I hoped, pick up where we left off.
Throughout the summer The Teacher and I maintained some contact mostly by text. I was free to see others during this time — that she had been clear on — but I never went out on any dates. Partly I didn't go out because I did miss her, but also because I wasn't interested in putting any effort into a new relationship. And as always seems to be the case, summer flew by and the next thing I knew it was August and The Teacher was back in town.
Things picked up right where we had left off. How I felt about what the relationship had changed, though. I didn't regret anything that happened earlier, or over the summer, but I was no longer okay with the ambiguity. So after our second date once she had returned, I asked The Teacher what we were doing. "Are we dating each other?" I asked. "Are we boyfriend and girlfriend?"
To say she was taken off guard would be to put it lightly.
The Teacher was barely able to make eye contact and when she did, she quickly would look away.
"Is that what you think we've been doing?" she asked, almost annoyed that I insinuated we might have been dating in the past and would start dating again. Trying to end the conversation, she said, "We don't have to talk about this right now, right? We can talk about this later, okay?" I said fine, but made it clear I wanted clarification at some point as opposed to this grey area between a booty call and a relationship.
Walking back to my flat, I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I'd missed The Teacher over the summer and was excited she had come back. At the same time, though, I felt grateful that I had brought it up as I was no longer okay existing in this grey area. I want something more than a casual relationship. I want someone to eventually share my life with.
If that isn't with her, it isn't with her.
It's been about two weeks since I asked The Teacher where we stood. Communication has been sparse. So what had we been doing? What would we have been doing if things continued? I'm still not entirely sure, but my friends called it "booty call plus." Not exactly a relationship … but something more than a weekly hookup.
What I do know is that it is time to move on. I've got to let The Teacher go. And I'm okay with that, because I've got myself a date. But that you'll have to hear about next week …


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Nipomo CA Businesses For Sale
Searched the DealStream database for Nipomo CA Businesses For Sale and found no matches. Expanded the search to nearby areas and found the following matches.
Optometry Practice For Sale: Pismo Beach, CA #464525 posted Mar 13, 2017
- Pismo Beach, California, United States
- Available On Request
Purchased in 1983, this turnkey practice on the Central Coast has offered state-of-the-art professional eye care services and eyewear for the past 34 years. The previous doctor had been established for more than 26 years. The practice is in a busy, well-kept shopping plaza with an upscale grocery anchor...
Santa Maria, Ca, Practice For Sale #464019 posted Mar 6, 2017
- Santa Maria, California, United States
- Available On Request
12-year practice collecting $267,770.00. Dr take home pay before taxes $158,245.00. 212 new patients, 5,444 total visits. Open 3-full / 2 half days. Well equipped & staffed. Ideal location. High visibility – easy access. Beautiful facility. ChiroTouch Management Software. Perfect "turn-key." Pix available...
Optometry Practice for Sale #453287 posted Sep 7, 2016
- Santa Maria, California, United States
- $145,000
Price Reduced! Located in the city of Santa Maria, in beautiful Santa Barbara County. Santa Maria was named as an All-America City in 1998 –one of only 10 cities from across the nation to receive this coveted designation that year. 2016 revenue $360,000 and netting $136,000 on 26 Doctor's hours per...
Auto Repair Shop, Well Established, W/Building #354380 posted Apr 10, 2014
- Santa Maria, California, United States
- $850,000
Loyal customer base with extremely high customer satisfaction. No advertising used for 22years. 25 year old import auto repair shop specializing in Honda / Acura / Toyota / Lexus with strong customer base and 4 bay 4200 sq. ft. shop with office, waiting room and parts dept. plus storage lot. Building...
San Luis Obispo Furniture Distrib. National Brands #333920 posted Jun 19, 2013
- San Luis Obispo, California, United States
- $25,000
Purchase this Area Marketing Development and Distributorship from a growing national furniture company. 30 year old proven business model of selling name brand quality furniture as sold in your local furniture stores but with a higher profit margin. Area Marketing Developers (AMD's) distribute to furniture...
Did you know that social networking is a great way to buy a business? Sign up now and we'll show you how.


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The Children's Aid Blog
Lift Every Voice... Public Speaking Event Honoring Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month the Children's Aid Society is seeking young men of color to participate in Lift Every Voice, a public speaking event hosted by the African American Male Initiative, a CAS program.The event, geared to encourage a deeper appreciation of African American history and culture, will take place on Saturday, February 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the New York Mission Society's Minisink Townhouse. Lift Every Voice is an opportunity to showcase the youth's positive academic accomplishments and connection to their heritage.
All participants must dress professionally and their speech topics must be related to the theme of Black History Month, "Is Black History Month still relevant and necessary?" or "Are Our Youth Preparing Themselves to Be Contributors to Black History?" The youth will be judged by a panel of educators, community leaders and representatives of The Children's Aid Society.
The African American Male Initiative-Steps to Success(AAMI)is a program created by The Children's Aid Society in response to the educational and social challenges that disproportionately confronted young men of color. AAMI seeks to provide comprehensive services and support to program participants and their families by encouraging academic, social and leadership development of young men.
To register for this public speaking event or to learn more about The African American Male Initiative please contact Ms. Reena Mahabir, Program Assistant at email@example.com.
Children's Aid Youth Go to Albany for Youth Action Day
On Monday, January 30th, a group of students from The Children's Aid Society's Next Generation Center and Lasting Investments in Neighborhood Connections (LINC) program joined the Campaign to Save Summer Jobs in Albany to encourage legislators to continue to increase funding for the Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). In this year's proposed state budget, $25 million dollars have been allocated for SYEP, but youth and advocates are asking for more funding to restore many of the slots that were cut last fiscal year.
The Campaign to Save Summer Jobs had over 200 youth rally in the Legislative Office Building to ask for support for increased funding. At the rally, Senator Bill Perkins and Senator Adriano Espaillat, both of whom represent Children's Aid Society sites, expressed their continued support of SYEP and other youth programs. In the afternoon, the youth from different agencies from across the city met with Senators and Assembly Members alike. They then joined Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo, representative of the Soundview and Huntspoint area in the Bronx, in the Assembly chamber.
The youth voiced their sentiments on the importance of summer jobs. They all echoed the issue of safety and staying out of trouble as one of the leading reasons that they are advocating for more SYEP funding. Not only do summer jobs offer a safe haven to many city youth but they also offer a learning experience that they may not otherwise have in their communities. Responsibility, maturity and money management are some of the skills that the youth believe a summer job teaches them.
We hope that more funding is allocated for SYEP and that city youth continue to be given opportunities that this program offers them. Last year, Children's Aid supported 560 youth through SYEP.
New Children's Aid Society Charter School to Give Neediest Kids in the South Bronx an Advantage Through Lottery
The Children's Aid Society has announced a first-of-its-kind lottery system for its new charter school in the South Bronx's Morrisania neighborhood. The lottery system for Children's Aid College Prep is open to all students but will emphasize particularly on needy students. "We have always focused our resources on the most vulnerable young people in New York City and our first charter school will be no different," said The Children's Aid Society President and CEO Richard Buery. "All children will be a part of our new school, but those who have been involved in the child welfare system or who have other challenges that can dampen academic success should be given an additional boost."
Poverty levels in Morrisania—a community where Children's Aid has established service hubs and community schools serving more than 10,000 people over the last 10 years—exceed those of other New York City neighborhoods. Currently 57% of children in Morrisania are growing up in poverty and only 27% perform at or above grade level on standard reading tests, more than 15% lower than the City average.
Just as other lotteries, all applicants will receive one entry for applying. Additional entries will be given to those students who meet the following criteria:
- Students who come from single-parent households
- Students from households below the NY self-sufficiency standard
- Students who have not attended a full-day kindergarten
- Students who are English language learners
- Students who have been involved in the child welfare system.
For example, a student from a single-parent household and has been involved in the child welfare system will receive three entries, or chances to get in.
The Children's Aid College Prep Charter School will serve 120 students in Kindergarten and 1st grade and eventually approximately 300 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. The Children's Aid Society's deep roots in the South Bronx and its multi-site service centers in the surrounding community will enable the proposed school to provide effective youth development practices, comprehensive health care and a commitment to empowering parents, foster parents and other care-giving adults to become full partners in their children's success.
The Children's Aid College Prep Charter School is accepting applications for K-1 through April 2, 2012 and the lottery will be held on April 9th at 11am at The Next Generation Center at 1522 Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. The school will open in Fall 2012. To apply, visit www.childrensaidcollegeprep.org/enroll, or complete the charter school common application. For more information, visit our website: www.childrenaidcollegeprep.org.
New York Times Neediest Cases Story: Love at First Sight, and Through Years of Struggles That Followed
The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund recently featured this Children's Aid story about helping Monique and Angel Cartegna make ends meet after job loss and injury.
Monique and Angel Cartagena met on a snowy night in 1991. She, then 16, was walking down 179th Street in the Bronx when she noticed what appeared to be a man breaking into a Toyota Celica. He, then 19, was jimmying the driver's side window with a coat hanger, having locked his keys inside. The time was 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 31.
"So this girl with beautiful eyes walks up," Mr. Cartagena recalled, staring at his wife the other day across their dining room table. "And I was like, 'This is my car! You want to help me?' "
Ms. Cartagena covered her face with her hands. "Being the naïve 16-year-old that I was," she said, "I helped him." She pried open the window until he retrieved the keys. "And it was — what do you want to call it? Love at first sight?" she added.
Click here to read the complete article and to learn more about the Neediest Cases Fund.
Richard Buery on The Huffington Post: A New Charter School, A New Approach to Escaping Poverty
"The lessons we have learned from community schools demonstrate that addressing the growing achievement gap requires a holistic and legitimate effort to refocus the system on children and their needs."
Despite the hard work of the thousands of dedicated and talented professionals that fill public schools, systemic problems contribute to a growing achievement gap that often leaves minority and low-income families at a serious disadvantage. While there is no one solution, community schools that provide high-quality academic instruction and offer comprehensive social, health, recreational and family services can help level the playing field between rich and poor.
A study published in 2009 shows that the New York State black-white achievement score gap for public school students in fourth grade is 26 points in both mathematics and reading. The 2009 Hispanic-white gap for New York fourth graders is only slightly better at 17 points for mathematics and 25 points for reading.
New York Times Neediest Cases Story: Trying to Give Her Family a Better Life Than Hers
The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund recently featured this Children's Aid story about helping Enid Cruz make ends meet to keep a roof over her family's head.
Enid Cruz was fed up. She was tired of seeing people fight and sell drugs outside her building in East Harlem. She wanted a fresh start not only for herself, but also for her youngest daughter and her granddaughter. Though she and her children had grown up in the neighborhood, she said, it was time to go.
"I wanted to try something new, and I thought I could afford it," she said.
Reared by a single mother who had epileptic seizures, Ms. Cruz, 47, had climbed her way out of an impoverished childhood of public assistance and food stamps that never went very far, she said.
"There were times when we would have our lights turned off or there was no money to get school clothes," she recalled.
Click here to read the complete article and to learn more about the Neediest Cases Fund.
Chinese Delegation Visits P.S. 152 Early Head Start
It is the year of the Dragon and along with the rest of New York City; the Children's Aid Society's Early Childhood programs is celebrating with fun and educational activities to teach little ones about the Chinese New Year. Earlier this month the Early Head Start Program at P.S. 152, a Children's Aid Society Community School in Washington Heights, hosted a visit for a group of Chinese government officials.
The 18 member delegation from the National Population and Family Planning Commission of China (NPFPC) came with the purpose of learning from The Children's Aid Society's Early Head Start program which serves pregnant women, infants and toddlers, ages 0-3, in a home visiting model.
CAS staff from Early Childhood, Community Schools and the National Center for Community Schools were in attendance to meet with the delegates from China who were especially interested in learning about ways Early Head Start screens infants and toddlers for special needs as well as how the program integrates and coordinates social services around prenatal care, health services and educational support.
The group discussed the need for early intervention and shares the same beliefs as The Children's Aid Society that early childhood education is important in fostering school readiness for children and families.
New York Times Neediest Cases Story: Long After Southern Storm, Still Looking for New Home
The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund recently featured this Children's Aid story about helping Shelly Berry enter her children in schools and find work for herself.
The first few days of Shelly Berry's life in New York City were spent in the hallway of an apartment building in the Bronx. That was where she and her two daughters slept for three nights, huddled together on the grimy floor of a stairwell.
Their predicament began a month before, in April 2011, when a series of devastating tornadoes struck Raleigh, N.C., where Ms. Berry and her daughters lived. The tornadoes left several people dead, injured scores of others and demolished many buildings, including Ms. Berry's apartment. But she and her daughters, Stephanie, 11, and Kaylia, 13, had managed to pack some clothes into three bags and had taken shelter with a neighbor.
Ms. Berry, who had been laid off as a receptionist, was now out of work, low on money and homeless; she had to figure out her next move quickly.
Click here to read the complete article and to learn more about the Neediest Cases Fund.
New York Times Neediest Cases Story: A Drive for Education From an Inspiring Mother
The New York Times Neediest Cases Fund recently featured this Children's Aid story about helping Dianuris Ortiz reach her goal of entering and graduating from college.
When it comes to role models, Dianuris Ortiz said, her mother, Marcia Dominguez, was the ideal.
"All her outfits matched," Ms. Ortiz, 21, said. "She was always in heels, she was professional, she had respect for herself."
Ms. Dominguez came to the United States from Cuba in 1979 as a political refugee, Ms. Ortiz said. She went to college and got a job as a social worker — all the while raising three children in the South Bronx mostly on her own.
"It was always school first," Ms. Ortiz said. "My mom had us in a straight line. If we got out of line, she corrected us."
Her mother, she said, was the epitome of class and elegance.
Click here to read the complete article and to learn more about the Neediest Cases Fund.
Children's Aid Helps to Educate Latinos on the Citizenship Process
The Children's Aid Society works to provide children and families with the supports they need to succeed, thrive and realize their "American dream". For many of the immigrant parents in the communities served by CAS part of achieving this is being able to fully participate in the democratic process. CAS has joined the ya es hora ¡Ciudadanía! Campaign to engage community members who are eligible permanent residents in an information session to educate them in the naturalization process. With over 400 partnering organizations, the campaign has motivated over 1 million individuals to obtain their U.S. citizenship.
The information session, which is also co-sponsored by Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, is to be held this Saturday, January 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at he Eleanor Roosevelt Intermediate School - I.S. 143 in Washington Heights. The topics to be discussed will include process and documentation requirements to apply for citizenship and the benefits. For more information call 1-888-839-8682 or visit www.YAESHORA.info.


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Michigan Engineering People
The Michigan Engineering community is a diverse population with a variety of passions, ideals and interests who are striving to solve the problems of tomorrow and make a difference in the world. These profiles and profile stories introduce you to some of the individuals who create our community.
Student Profile Stories
Michigan Engineering students are a talented, diverse group of individuals dedicated to forging their own path in the world.
Alumni Profile Stories
They made it through four plus years of the finest engineering education in the nation -- and now they're making a difference in the world.
Faculty Profile Stories
Our world-renowned faculty are educating the next generation of engineers -- and helping to move the world forward.
Staff Profile Stories
Helping students navigate, supporting faculty, research and alumni and making it all run as smoothly as a clock are the staff of Michigan Engineering.


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Yesterday, I posted a blog where I discussed the Wii U and whether it was a failure. I landed on the thought that Nintendo itself would be fine but the Wii U itself would be a failure. However, I pointed out that I wanted a Wii U. Most of the comments disagreed with me but one brought up the game X that's being developed by the same studio that made Xenoblade Chronicles. That made me think about the reasons why I want the Wii U and the consoles strengths. So in this post, I'm going to talk about what kind of console the Wii U could be. There are three points I would like to make, same as last time.
- Nintendo Games
This first point could actually be a negative thing but I have hope because of one game and it's not even on the Wii U: The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. On the last blog, I mentioned how Nintendo games are essentially the same thing over and over now. We've heard from a lot of people of how they're disappointed with the recent Zelda games, how Nintendo is just making the same Mario game over and over, and how franchises like Metroid, Star Fox, and F-Zero are being ignored. Nintendo games aren't necessarily bad but they're creatively bankrupt. However, A Link Between Worlds is seriously a wonderful game and while its not an epic game, gameplay is front and center and it's the most fun I've had with a Zelda game since Ocarina of Time.
This makes me hopeful that Nintendo is ready to do something different with their franchises. Maybe the Legend of Zelda game that comes to the Wii U will reflect the lessons learned from ALBW. Maybe the fact that the next Smash Bros is being made by Namco Bandai will make it change for the better. I would love to see a brand new Paper Mario for the Wii U, managing my badges on the touch screen. Ever since New Super Mario Bros Wii, I haven't been excited for most releases from Nintendo. The only one that comes to mind is Pikmin 3 (which I still want to play). However, ALBW gives me hope that Nintendo is finally ready to change aspects of their franchises and get out of its comfortable rut its been in. And of course, those games will only be on the Wii U.
- 1080p, 60 FPS
One of the big issues right now with games is whether or not the game is in 1920 by 1080 progressive resolution and whether it runs at 60 frames per second. Several games were not able to do this on the Xbox One where the PS4 was and some were not able to do this on either. Meanwhile, the Wii U does this consistently. I know the graphical quality is nowhere near the quality of the Xbox One and PS4 but what this does show is that games that do run on the Wii U run like a charm and its nice to know that you will at least have a reliable experience when playing a game. You rarely hear about bugs or required patches from Wii U games either.
- Japanese Titles
This is the biggest strength Nintendo could have. It's the most potential I see in the console. Coming to the console are games like the aforementioned X, and Bayonetta 2. Nintendo also has a good relationship with Sega, which just acquired Atlus. Even on the 3DS, we have games like Braverly Default coming and the Shin Megami Tensei series has found a nice home on the 3DS. If Nintendo plays their cards right, they could be the console you can get your small, relatively unknown Japanese games on. A drastic change from the N64 days but we could see some weird Japanese games and a bunch of JRPGs.
Last night, I couldn't get the idea of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch, a sequel to that game or a similar game being on the Wii U. Managing your familiars on the touch screen like Pokemon, that beautiful game running at 1080p at 60 FPS, easier switching of your familiars in battle using the touch screen; there are so many improvements. I've heard good things about Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate on the Wii U as well. All these games are not something mainstream audiences or a lot of hardcore players will be attracted to. However, if they were to focus on this and bring in that niche audience, I think it could make the Wii U profitable, if not competitive with the PS4 and Xbone.
For a long time, people say that you buy Nintendo consoles for Nintendo games, not third party games. However, the Wii U has proven that is not enough. The Wii U is not going to compete with the PS4 and Xbone. The most it can hope for is third place that doesn't include discontinuation. However, if Nintendo mixes it up with their franchises, showcase how well their games run and dip into the niche Japanese games audience, they can save the Wii U, make it profitable and live comfortably in third place. At that point, it would be like another GameCube, although with a different stable of games. Hell, even like the GameCube, it can still have multiplatform games like Assassin's Creed and Call of Duty, so even those who only have a Wii U can still play the biggest mainstream games. I think Nintendo needs to do something like this sooner rather than later or else risk the Wii U truly failing but there is a chance for the Wii U if it accepts that it's not going to be a major player in the console wars and satisfy its small but loyal audience with niche, Wii U only titles.