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ISRN Nursing
Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 164052, 8 pages
Charge Nurse Perspectives on Frontline Leadership in Acute Care Environments
1Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Road CON 121, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA
2West Boca Medical Center, 21644 State Road 7, Boca Raton, FL 33428, USA
3Tenet Healthcare Corporation, 1445 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75202, USA
Received 14 July 2011; Accepted 29 August 2011
Academic Editors: M.-A. Choe, M. Engström, and B. Roberts
Copyright © 2011 Rose O. Sherman et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
A recently issued report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the United States on the Future of Nursing included a recommendation that nurses should receive leadership development at every level in order to transform the healthcare system. Charge nurses, at the frontline of patient care in acute care settings, are in key positions to lead this change. This paper presents findings from research conducted with nurses in the Tenet Health System. Charge nurses from ten facilities who attended a one-day work shop were surveyed to gain insight into the experience of being a frontline leader in today's acute care environment. The relationship of these findings to the IOM report and the implications for both the Tenet Health System and other healthcare organizations that are working to support nurses who assume these challenging roles are discussed.
1. Introduction
The recent Institute of Medicine (IOM) report on The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health [1] includes a recommendation that nurses should be prepared and enabled to lead change to advance healthcare in the United States. It is noted in the report that strong leadership at every level is critical if the vision of a transformed health care system is to be realized, and nurses are to participate as full partners with physicians and other health professionals. In the current environment, nurses are often placed in leadership situations without the needed competencies and skills to meet these challenges and other important organizational imperatives. This is especially true for professional nurses who are asked to assume frontline leadership roles such as that of charge nurse. With rising patient acuity, decreased lengths of stay, staffing shortages, pay for performance measures and new technologies, the context of health care environments has significantly changed, and these roles have become more complex. Porter-O'Grady and Malloch [2] have noted that the demands of leadership change as the world changes. Stepping back and reconsidering the skill sets and competencies that leaders need is an important exercise in planning for the future.
The nurse executive leadership of Tenet Healthcare, who has responsibility for 49 acute care facilities and one long-term care facility in the United States, has committed to a journey to develop frontline nurse leaders. Charge nurses from ten facilities who attended a one-day work shop were surveyed to gain insight into the experience of being a frontline leader in today's acute care environment. The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of the study and relate them to recommendations in the IOM report [1]. The implications for both Tenet Healthcare and other healthcare organizations that are working to support nurses who assume these challenging roles are discussed.
2. Review of the Literature
The focus of most nursing leadership literature and research has been on the roles, competencies, and impact of nurse managers and executives. Fewer articles have been written about charge nurses who assume frontline clinical leadership responsibilities at the unit level. In the 1970s, Hinkle and Hinkle [3] described the charge nurse role as overseeing patient care, providing complete documentation of care, and managing staff interactions. Over time, the charge nurse role became more complex and there were additional recommendations in the literature about the skill sets needed to be effective. Mahlmeister [4], an attorney and expert in professional accountability, recommended that charge nurses and assistant nurse managers should be well educated about their professional accountability and legal liability under nurse practice acts. Connelly et al. [5] in their qualitative study of charge nurse competencies described the importance of clinical, critical thinking, organizational, and human relations competencies. Kalisch et al. [6] found in their research that the team leadership skills of charge nurses is key to effective team functioning, and they often performed care that would otherwise be missed by team members. Jasper et al [7] identified three common themes in research done in Wales prior to the development of a program targeted at different levels of leadership including the charge nurse role. These included managing unit performance, managing people and resources, and empowerment of self and others. Admi and Moshe-Eilon [8] studied role stress among charge nurses in Israel. Managerial decision making, authority-responsibility conflict, overload, deficiency of resources, role conflict, and patient-nurse interaction were major stress factors.
Authors agree that charge nurses are expected to lead staff while managing the work systems and processes on their units to insure that the needs of patients are met. It is a skillful balancing act and not all organizations provide the type of leadership training that the charge nurse may need [9–12]. Positions such as that of the charge nurse or assistant nurse manager usually have limited formal leadership power. Their impact on patient care and outcomes is often less visible at the organizational level. Yet as their own administrative responsibilities have expanded, nurse managers increasingly depend on these frontline leaders to assume responsibility for quality outcomes and help meet the growing number of organizational performance measures. The aim of this research was to examine leadership qualities needed today in these roles, the challenges, and role satisfiers from the perspective of the frontline nurse leader.
3. Methods
3.1. Study Design
An exploratory descriptive design was used in this study. A survey with five open and closed-ended questions designed by the authors (Figure 1) was distributed to the 400 charge nurses who attended one of the ten workshops in the spring of 2010 sponsored by Tenet Healthcare.
3.2. Sample
The convenience sample was used in this study. It included 400 charge nurses from 10 Tenet Healthcare facilities in South Florida who participated in a leadership development workshop. The criteria for selection for participation in the seminar were that the nurse needed to be in a full-time charge nurse role from any specialty area of the hospital with the potential for grooming to accept more responsibilities. Demographic information for the 354 study participants is presented in Table 1. The participants were experienced nurses with a mean age of 46.5 years and 19.5 years of work experience. More than half (55%) had either an associate degree or a diploma degree as their highest level of nursing education. They worked in a wide range of specialty areas in ten Tenet hospitals, and all participants worked in acute care hospital settings.
3.3. Data Collection
Workshop participants were read information about the research and asked to complete a survey upon arrival to the educational seminar. Questions on the survey were used to begin discussion about the charge nurse role by the keynote speaker who was the first presenter on the program agenda. After this presentation, those who consented to participate in the study were asked to turn in their surveys and demographic information for data analysis. At the conclusion of the session, 354 charge nurses agreed to participate in the study for a survey return rate of 88%. Participants were asked about leadership qualities needed to be a frontline leader, their challenges, role satisfiers, and whether they would consider applying for a nurse manager position. Approval for study was given by the Investigational Review Board at Florida Atlantic University, and written permission was also received from the Tenet System Chief Nursing Officer.
3.4. Data Analysis
Frequencies were tabulated on the two close-ended questions. A content analysis was done on the written responses to the three open-ended questions. The data was initially analyzed for key words; then emerging themes were developed by the authors. The themes and study findings were reviewed with Tenet nurse leaders during a regional leadership meeting for validation.
4. Findings
4.1. Qualities Needed by Frontline Leaders Today
When considering nurses for frontline leadership roles, those currently working in the role rated the ability to manage good communication as a critical quality for success (Table 2). During workshop discussions, participants noted that communication is challenging in today's environment with both the diversity in the workforce and the culturally diverse patient populations served by their hospitals. Good communication was viewed as being critical to patient safety. Charge nurses have to monitor the consistent use of communication tools that organizations have in place such as team huddles, bedside report, and hourly patient rounds. The role of the charge nurse was described as being similar to that of an air traffic controller. Charge nurses need to have strong organizational skills to organize the work of their teams. They also have to effectively manage their time and control their own stress levels. Clinical competence in the area assigned was identified as being important to effectively coach and mentor others. The quality of being approachable and nonjudgmental was seen as critical. Younger, less experienced staff need to feel safe when seeking help to avoid making errors.
4.2. Most Challenging Role Responsibilities
Participants identified many leadership challenges in their acute care environments (Table 3). Their most significant challenge is managing the conflict on their teams. This conflict can occur between nursing team members, with physicians or other departments. The generational diversity in the healthcare workforce presents new challenges for those in leadership roles. Charge nurses report significant differences among team members in values and beliefs about teamwork, loyalty, use of social networking, and preferred methods of communication. Some charge nurses commented that in the past, team discussions about work situations were usually confined to the workplace. Social networking sites such as Facebook have added a new dimension to relationships and discussions occurring among team members. The charge nurses observed that finding the time and having the skill to work through the many conflicts that occur in work environments is difficult.
Patients and families today were noted to be informed consumers with higher expectations than in the past. Charge nurses spoke about the impact on their roles with the initiation of the Hospital Care Quality Information from a Consumer Perspective (HCAHPS) survey [13] that is now publicly reported in the United States and tied to reimbursement. They are aware of their responsibility and role in patient satisfaction as this data is reported at the unit level and there is direct accountability. Charge nurses are also involved with the monitoring of core measures recently initiated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, nursing sensitive indicators such as pressure ulcer development, and the avoidance of never events such as patient falls on their shifts.
With frequent changes in regulatory requirements related to patient safety, pay for performance indicators, technology, and organizational expectations, charge nurses reported difficulty staying current with policies and procedures. Seasoned charge nurses observe that the pace of change is so rapid today that it is exhausting for frontline leaders. The delegation of care in high-acuity environments was also noted to be very challenging. Charge nurses need to carefully consider the competency level of their staff and the needs of the patient when making assignments. Knowing when to step in to help staff and when to step back to let them manage complex situations is a balancing act.
4.3. Role Satisfiers
The frontline nurse leaders who attended these workshops were in permanent charge nurse roles. Nurse leaders report that it can be difficult to recruit nurses to assume these roles. Although there are challenges in the role, the frontline leaders report many satisfying aspects of their work. Seven themes emerged from a content analysis of their open-ended answer to the question about what they found most satisfying in the role (Table 4). The opportunity to develop staff was a theme that resonated with many charge nurses. They wrote about the joy they experienced when they watched new graduates develop into confident professionals. Although keeping patients and families happy was noted to be a challenge, the ability to keep patients happy and achieve good outcomes was also a strong satisfier. Their ability to effectively lead their teams and hearing positive feedback about their leadership from others provide role satisfaction. Charge nurses report that they enjoy knowing that they make a difference. Their skill in effectively solving problems, and reducing the fragmentation in their environments is critical to being effective in the role. In their responses, they talked about the fulfillment they felt in being able to manage the flow on their units, troubleshoot problems, and organize care. Some charge nurses reported that seeing their own growth in their leadership role led to a sense of achievement. Their ability to contribute to the maintenance of quality and keep their patients safe in today's chaotic healthcare environments gave them great satisfaction.
4.4. Factors Impacting Movement into Leadership Roles
Succession planning is a key concern in many healthcare organizations. When seeking to fill nurse manager roles, nurse leaders often consider their charge nurses as excellent potential candidates. As is true with many healthcare organizations, nurse leaders in Tenet have found that recruitment for the nurse manager role poses challenges. In this study, only 34% of charge nurses indicated that they would definitely consider a nurse manager role, 46% would possibly consider the role, and 21% indicated that they definitely would not. The factors that would stop participants from applying are presented in Table 5. In their roles, the charge nurses appear to gain a strong appreciation of what is expected of their nurse managers. Some charge nurses reported that they currently make more than their managers with overtime and shift differentials. Many also felt they had more job security in their current roles and worked fewer hours. There was also concern about losing their clinical skills and connections with patients. Interestingly some charge nurses indicated that they would consider the role but deemed themselves too old or lacked the qualifications, education, or confidence.
5. Discussion
5.1. Study Limitations
These study findings were generated from research conducted with charge nurses in one health system in the United States. Their perspectives about the role may not be generalizable to charge nurses in other settings within the US or internationally. At the time this study was done, the charge nurses surveyed were attending the initial session of a one-year leadership development program. It is possible with leadership development that the charge nurses could feel differently about their challenges and desire to move into a more formal leadership role.
5.2. Leadership and Educational Implications
Frontline nurse leaders, such as those interviewed in this study, are in key positions to help transform the healthcare delivery system. The research findings indicate that in order to meet the many challenges that they face in their environments, charge nurses will need ongoing competency development. They also need encouragement to seek a baccalaureate degree as more than half of the nurses responding in this study were not baccalaureate prepared. Strong interdisciplinary teamwork is needed to promote change, but managing team conflict particularly with physicians was cited as a primary role challenge. The charge nurses surveyed in this study understand their role in ensuring quality care but also expressed frustration and an inability to stay current with rapid changes in technology, performance indicators, safety goals, and regulatory requirements.
As is true in many health systems, leadership development in the Tenet Health System had not historically included nurses working at the frontlines of patient care. The corporate Chief Nursing Officer, working with the Nurse Executive Council, requested that the ten Tenet South Florida Chief Nursing Officers develop and conduct a one-day pilot program for frontline nurses in their facilities. The research presented in this paper was collected during the pilot program. Using participant feedback from the pilot program, the initiative will then be expanded to include additional classes and leadership experiences relevant to charge nurse professional education needs. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a model leadership program that can be rolled out to the 49 acute care hospitals in the corporation.
The initial program received excellent feedback from participants. Using both the survey research conducted during the workshop and program evaluations, it was clear that the charge nurses both needed and wanted more classes. Their feedback provided direction about priorities for the next steps in initiative planning. Conflict management among team members, with physicians and other departments, was identified as both a major role challenge and the top future learning need by participants. Looking at the requests for future classes helped nurse leaders to step back and realize just how much conflict the charge nurses deal with every day. The conflicts arise with physicians, families, demanding patients, and, unfortunately, each other. Although this topic was covered in the one-day workshop, charge nurse participants clearly wanted more content.
Future Tenet educational programs will include scenario-based simulation using real case studies of challenging situations submitted by the charge nurses and their nurse leaders. The plan is to combine a didactic program with role playing and make the scenarios as realistic as possible. A thorough debriefing of how difficult case situations are managed in simulated exercises will give the participants an opportunity to interact with each other, debrief in a group setting, and come up with several ways to handle a difficult situation. This will help charge nurses in the development of key leadership competencies needed in their roles.
5.3. Relationship of the Findings to IOM Recommendations
The IOM Future of Nursing Report [1] has generated great interest among nurse leaders in the United States. One of four key messages in the report is that nurses should be full partners, with physicians and other health professionals, in redesigning health care in the United State. In order to achieve this vision, the report outlines a need to produce leaders throughout the system, from the bedside to the boardroom. It is suggested that being a full partner in care environments involves taking responsibility for identifying problems and implementing plans for improvement. Leadership will be fundamental to advancing the profession of nursing. The report recommends that leadership development must be available for nurses at all levels and individual nurses should take responsibility for their own personal and professional growth by developing leadership competencies. Berwick [14], in a response to the report, suggested that nursing is well positioned to be a change agent in the current health care delivery system but will require additional skill sets to lead and improve systems of care. Thibault [15] observed that understanding, mutual respect, and close working relationships between nurses and physicians will be critical to achieving the goals outlined in the IOM report. Fairman and Okoye [16] have noted that the IOM committee took a strong stand in the report on the need for better educated nurses to achieve reform, recommending that 80% of nurses earn baccalaureate degrees by 2010.
There is an assumption in the IOM report that nurses will assume expanding leadership responsibilities given the right education and skill set. The feedback from the charge nurses in this study and other research conducted by one of the authors [17] indicates that many nurses have ambivalent feelings about leadership positions. O'Neil [18], in response to the IOM report, recommended that every nursing graduate should leave their educational setting with both the skill and expectation to provide leadership for the new healthcare delivery system. He cogently observed that without these expectations and image of themselves, no blue ribbon panel will make them become leaders.
The Tenet experience with charge nurse development and their lessons learned can provide guidance for leaders in other settings. The challenges of their charge nurses are similar to what has been reported in the research literature from other settings [5–9]. The recommendation in the recent IOM report that nurses especially those working at the front line of care develop strong leadership skills is of key importance in today's healthcare environment. With rising patient acuity, decreased lengths of stay, staffing shortages, pay for performance initiatives, and complex technologies, frontline nurses who assume charge nurse roles in acute care environments take on challenging responsibilities often without the benefit of any formal training. An investment needs to be in the ongoing education and competency development of charge nurses.
6. Conclusion
Charge nurses in today's health care environment confront many challenges in their daily work. Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively manage conflict are key qualities to achieving role success and maintaining a safe environment for patients. Developing staff and having an impact on patient outcomes are significant role satisfiers. This study indicates that many charge nurses are ambivalent about seeking higher level leadership positions. They are interested in developing their own leadership skills and highly value professional development opportunities offered by their nurse leaders.
This paper has provided guidance to Tenet Health System nurse leaders on what educational programming is needed for charge nurse development. Early outcomes from the ongoing educational development that Tenet has provided to their charge nurses are very promising. Part of the success has been driven by the commitment of senior nurse leaders. The recent IOM report has provided additional guidance regarding goals that should be established for charge nurse development. The journey to develop frontline nurse leaders is just beginning.
The authors would like to acknowledge the following Tenet Chief Nursing Officers for their contributions to the work described in this paper: Joey Bulfin, Lourdes Campes, Corrine Campbell-Romano, Mary Jane Damavandia, Charlotte Dardanello, Alicia DeLeon-Sanchez, Grisel Fernandez-Bravo, Audrey Gregory, and Angela Prestia.
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- T. Porter-O'Grady and K. Malloch, Innovation Leadership: Creating the Landscape of Healthcare, Jones and Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, Mass, USA, 2009.
- M. J. Hinkle and B. J. Hinkle, "Priorities of the charge nurse part 1," Supervisor Nurse, vol. 8, no. 11, pp. 47–54, 1977. View at Google Scholar · View at Scopus
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Tag: winter
Dog and cheetah enjoy their first snowstorm
In case you're needing to see some sort of silver lining behind those snow clouds that socked the eastern seaboard and paralyzed the northeast this weekend, we offer this.
Kago and Kumbali — a dog and cheetah who have become best friends at the Metro Richmond Zoo — got to play in the snow for the first time during winter storm Jonas.
The zoo was closed Saturday, but a zookeeper let the popular duo run and play in the 7-inch deep snow in a large fenced field.
Kumbali was two weeks old when caretakers at the zoo noticed he was losing weight. The runt of a litter born to zoo cheetahs Khari (the mom) and Hatari (the dad), Kumbali was bottle fed and grew healthier, but having been removed from his litter he needed some companionship.
So the zoo got him a dog.
Kago, a 10-week old Lab mix, had been pulled from a high kill shelter in Alabama by The Art of Paws, an animal rescue group in Florida.
Zoo officials report the two have become inseparable.
Kumbali and Kago can be seen at the zoo Monday to Thursday from 12 to 1 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 12 to 1 p.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. And you can find their full story here.
Here's a look at their first meeting, and their younger (snowless) days:
(Photos and videos courtesy of the Metro Richmond Zoo)
Posted by John Woestendiek January 25th, 2016 under Muttsblog, videos.
Tags: best friends, cheetah, cheetah and dog, companionship, dog, dog and cheetah, first, friends, jonas, kago, kago and kumbali, kumbali, kumbali and kago, metro richmond zoo, play, richmond, richmond zoo, snow, storm, videos, winter, zoo
Comments: 1
Homeless man finds shelter — for his dog
Disliking all the rules that come with staying in a homeless shelter — especially the ones that prohibit dogs — Bernard Holland chose homelessness over doglessness.
He'd arrived in indianapolis a few weeks before Thanksgiving, stayed with family until that turned sour, then — as temperatures plummeted — pitched a tent in what's known as The Jungle, a homeless camp just east of downtown.
That's where a social worker ran into him and his two-year-old mutt, Oreo, on a night temperatures were dropping below zero.
Now, one of them, at least, is staying warm.
If you guessed the dog, you're right.
When Ben Bierlein, owner of Wigglebutt Doghouse, heard of the pair's plight, he offered to take Oreo in and foster her at the daycare and boarding facility.
"To us, the real story here is about a man, although down on his luck and living in a tent, who would not give up on his dog," Bierlein explained to the Indianapolis Star.
"The fact that he was willing to gut it out in sub-zero temperatures because he didn't want to leave his dog — that's pretty powerful. With the myriad of reasons people surrender their dogs to shelters, Bernard would have had a very valid reason, but he loves Oreo; she means the world to him."
Bierlein, after being contacted by the social worker who came across Holland and Oreo — Melissa Burgess of Horizon House — offered to care for Oreo during the cold snap. He also paid to get Oreo up to date on shots and to be spayed.
Normally, that would allow Holland to get a slot at a homeless shelter. But he's still living outside — at least partly by choice.
Holland says he'll continue to make his home in a tent, unless the nights get too unbearably cold. He says he's put off by the early curfew and other rules of homeless shelters, and considers them a last resort.
He has enrolled in Opportunity Knocks classes through Horizon House, and he hopes to find a job as a painter or janitor. Horizon House is also trying to help him find affordable housing where Oreo, who he has had since she was four months old, would be welcome.
Holland, 53, said he once operated his own drywall business in Chicago, but in 1992 he was shot at random by two teens as part of their gang initiation and had to undergo multiple surgeries.
Now, he says, he just wants to "get Oreo back, have a roof over my head and have a job and do the right thing in life. I'm not looking to be rich, just live a happy life."
He plans to hop on the bus and visit Oreo regularly until they are reunited.
Meanwhile, "Oreo is putting smiles on all of the faces here," the owner of Wigglebutt said. "She is adorable, the biggest sweetheart — and she has made lots of new four-legged friends. She's very dog-social. If you could watch her during the day, you'd think she's been coming to doggie day care for years."
(Photo: Mike Fender / The Star)
Posted by John Woestendiek January 21st, 2015 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, bernard holland, boarding, day care, dog, doghouse, dogs, homeless, homelessness, humans, oreo, pets, rules, shelters, social services, wigglebutt, winter
Comments: 4
From Sochi to DC: More strays arrive
Ten more Sochi strays — saved from the streets by rescue groups in Russia — arrived in the U.S. last week.
The dogs were among those rounded up by rescue organizations before and during the Winter Olympics in an effort to save them from being poisoned and killed by authorities who considered them a menace, or at least an embarassment.
"These 10 are representative of some of the dogs that have been removed from the streets and are now up for adoption in Sochi," said Kelly O'Meara, director of companion animals and engagement for Humane Society International. "They're the sweetest, most interactive, very friendly dogs, very adoptable, that just happen to be unfortunate enough to be living on the street."
The dogs landed at Dulles Airport Thursday. They were taken to the Washington Animal Rescue League, which will be responsible for finding them new homes.
More are expected to be arriving in coming days.
HSI worked with PovoDog Animal Shelter in Sochi and two other organizations to arrange vaccination, documentation and travel for the dogs, who spent two days in transit.
"We are excited to make the connection for homeless Sochi dogs with loving homes in the United States, with our focus on helping street dogs in Russia and around the world," O'Meara said. "Our goal is to protect street dogs from cruel and unnecessary killing programs — like the one employed by Sochi officials to 'clean up' in advance of the Olympics — by working with governments to create humane and effective dog population management programs."
HSI had urged the International Olympic Committee and Sochi authorities last year not to conduct a pre-Olympic "cull" of street dogs, and got some assurances that would be the case.
When it was exposed before the Olympics started that the program was underway, HSI petitioned President Vladimir Putin to put an end to it. The organization has offered its assistance in creating a humane program to control the population of street dogs.
HSI assisted American skier Gus Kenworthy, an Olympic silver medalist, in bringing home four strays.
It is also pushing the International Olympic Committee to mandate humane animal control standards when identifying a host country for future Olympics.
Each of the arriving dogs will get a medical evaluation, and they could be available for adoption within weeks, said Bob Ramin, CEO of the Washington Animal Rescue League.
"These animals are seeing a lot of new things and experiencing a lot of new things, so they're kind of stressed out," Ramin said. "We want to make sure they know they're in a safe place so we've got our staff working with them one on one."
Posted by John Woestendiek March 31st, 2014 under Muttsblog, videos.
Tags: adopt, adopt sochi dogs, adoption, animals, dogs, Gus Kenworthy, hsi, humane society international, olympics, pets, rescue, rescued, russia, Sochi, sochi strays, strays, street, washington animal rescue league, winter
Comments: none
Diablo, a Doberman, rescued from icy lake
We're not sure every firefighter in America would, without so much as a second thought, rush into an icy lake to save a panicky Doberman named Diablo.
But these two members of the St. Louis Fire Department's Rescue Squad 1C did, and as a result Diablo has lived to chase geese another day.
Diablo was with his owner at O'Fallon Park Sunday afternoon when he spotted a goose and ran onto the lake after it, falling through the ice and struggling to get out.
Firefighter Demetris Alfred said the dog was in he icy waters for about 25 minutes. Firefighter Stan Baynes said the dog was clearly struggling: "He kept rolling over and submerging."
The two firefighters managed to reach the dog, get him aboard a ladder, and pull him to shore, where owner Jason Newsome was waiting with a blanket.
After warming the dog up, he took him to a veterinarian to be checked out.
The scene was captured by St. Louis Post-Dispatch photographer J.B. Forbes.
You can see the entire slideshow here.
(Photos: J.B. Forbes / St. Louis Post-Dispatch)
Posted by John Woestendiek January 14th, 2014 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, chasing, demtris Alfred, diablo, doberman, dogs, firefighters, goose, hazards, ice, icy, lake, ofallon, park, pets, photography, photos, post-dispatch, rescue, saved, st. louis, stan baynes, winter
Comments: 1
Sled dog slaughter leads to calls for ban
The slaughter of 100 sled dogs in Canada has reenergized efforts by some animal activists to ban or boycott dog sled rides, the Associated Press reports.
There are hundreds of North American businesses offering dog sled rides as part of winter vacation getaways — from New England to Alaska — but the industry is not regulated or licensed, and kennels go largely uninspected.
And some animal welfare activists suspect that the kind of "culling" that took place in British Columbia takes place regularly, if on a far smaller scale.
"I don't think society is willing to accept that animals, particularly dogs, should be killed just because they are surplus or don't suit the purpose they were born for,'' said Debra Probert, executive director of the Vancouver Humane Society, which has called for a provincial ban on tour businesses.
The 100 dogs killed last April belonged to Howling Dog Tours Whistler Inc., and its parent company Outdoor Adventures Whistler, located in British Columbia. The dogs were killed by a company employee, who shot some dogs and slit the throats of others.
The incident came to light when he applied for workers' compensation, saying he has suffered posttraumatic stress since carrying out the orders from his boss.
Documents from the workers' compensation probe said the company acquired the dogs in anticipation of extra business during the Olympic Games in Vancouver, and that the animals were destroyed after bookings fell. But in a letter to the editor published in the Vancouver Sun newspaper, Howling Dog's owner, Joey Houssian, said "some old and sick dogs needed to be put down'' and the company thought the worker assigned the task would perform the culling "in a professional and humane manner.''
Posted by John Woestendiek February 9th, 2011 under Muttsblog.
Tags: animals, british columbia, culled, culling, debra probert, dogs, employee, howling dog tours, killed, killing, outdoor adventures, pets, posttraumatic, shot, slashed, slaughter, sled dogs, stress, throats, tourism, vancouver humane society, whistler, winter, workers compensation
Comments: none
Dog poop: Do I need to draw you a picture?
"All Over Albany" has noticed that dog poop is, well, all over Albany — and they've fashioned a helpful flow chart to help address the (fecal) matter.
(Click on the illegible version above to be taken to the full size chart. Then come back, for this isn't just an upstate New York issue, but a national, nay, global one.)
At my park in Baltimore, and probably your's, it seems that, when the snow and cold arrive, the manners of some otherwise responsible dog owners depart.
Whether it's because people don't want to traipse throught the snow to scoop it up, or because it's just so darned cold, there are a lot more lingering dog droppings to be seen, and stepped in.
In a perfect world, those not scooping would be the ones stepping in it — but it never seems to work out that way.
And while, granted, solidly frozen poopage won't despoil your footwear, neglected droppings, amid continued freeze and thaw, can come back to haunt us.
"We've thought a lot about this issue," Alloveralbany.com reported in a piece last month. "And we finally came to the conclusion that winter somehow impairs the ability of some people to make good decisions about whether they should pick up their dog's poop.
"So, we're here to help. We've constructed a flow chart to assist citizens of the Capital Region in their decision-making process on the all important question: 'It's winter. My dog has pooped. What now?'"
Posted by John Woestendiek January 29th, 2011 under Muttsblog.
Tags: albany, all over albany, animals, civility, cold, dog, dog poop, dog poop flow chart, dogs, feces, flow chart, freezing, frozen, ice, manners, pet owners, pets, pick up the poop, pick-up, poop, poopsicle, responsible, scoop, shit, snow, turd, waste, weather, winter, wintry
Comments: 3
The first and last flight of Snickers the cat
I feel bad for what happened to Snickers the cat. But to be brutally honest, I'm having a hard time working up much sympathy for her owner.
Snickers died last week, shortly after arrival at the Hartford airport aboard Delta Flight 738.
Airline officials had promised Heather Lombardi, who had purchased the cat from a breeder in Utah and was having her delivered, that the cargo hold the cat would travel in was climate controlled.
If you can't guess what happened next, here's some additional information:
Snickers was 11 weeks old.
Snickers was a Sphynx, or hairless cat.
It is winter, and a particularly cold one.
Once a plane lands, the cargo area is depressurized, and that climate control stuff doesn't apply anymore.
Lombardi sent out an email blast to tell the world about "the worst tragedy I have ever personally experienced" — not to gain pity, or money, or, we'd hope, bolster her odds in a lawsuit. Instead, she says, she wanted to inform the world of the dangers of shipping a cat, by air, in winter.
With her two children, Lombardi arrived at the airport and was told to wait in the baggage area. Fifty minutes passed after the flight landed, the delay in unloading baggage being caused at least partly by a cargo hold latch that was stuck, she was told.
"I wasn't incredibly alarmed … I figured she would be fine as long as she wasn't outdoors," wrote Lombardi, who paid $290 to transport Snickers. Outdoors, it was 7 degrees.
Upon being handed the crate, Lombardi opened it and pulled Snickers out:
"The kitten was ICE cold, limp, and unresponsive. I IMMEDIATELY put her into my coat, grabbed my kids by the hands & ran out of the airport to get her into my car & cranked up the heat putting all vents on her as I rubbed her trying to warm her up. She couldn't lift or control any limbs, her breathing was labored, she had a blank stare in her eyes, and she let out a meow. As if to say help me — please. We rushed her to the emergency vet clinic, but to my utter devastation, on the drive, she let out a blood curdling cry & went completely limp …"
Ten minutes after handing the apparently lifeless cat to the vet, Lombardi was informed that Snickers was indeed dead.
"Her last hour of life was spent frozen & unable to escape. I am so utterly devastated — I cannot express to anyone how this feels. I am so sad for her, her little 11 week life lost for no reason. A tragedy that could have been prevented if the airline had valued her little promising life."
Delta told her it is investigating, but, she said, "the bottom line is that they can't bring her back to me or my family, there is nothing they can say or do to make this whole. We don't want a new kitten; we fell in love with HER. She was our new child & there is nothing that can be done to bring her home to us. Snickers lost her life unnecessarily … Value life everyone, I have just experienced something I pray no one else has too. Don't let Snickers lost life be in vain, I pray you guys read this & maybe another animals life won't be lost to the cold & lonely Delta Cargo holds."
Reading over her summary of events, what stuns me most is that a customer would even consider having an 11-week-old hairless cat transported by air in the dead of winter. That the breeder would permit it is surprising as well. That Delta signed off on it is equally shocking.
So, much as we regret Snickers' passing, we, unlike Lombardi, wouldn't aim our anger solely at Delta. There appear to be plenty of humans to share the blame, including the one who — though her subsequent warning not to ship animals when it's below 30 degrees is valid — probably should have done a little more research and used a little more common sense before having her new hairless cat placed on a plane.
And we have to wonder a little bit, too — coldhearted as it may be at her time of clearly anguishing loss — why, any allergies aside, someone would opt for a pricey, high-maintenance novelty pet from the other side of the country when hundreds of cats are in the Hartford area's animal shelters, waiting for homes.
Heather Lombardi responds:
"… I first wanted to thank you for bringing attention to what happened to Snickers. Knowledge is power & even if you don't agree with my actions & poor decision, not everyone knows or understands the risks of placing your pets in a climate controlled cargo hold. I myself was guilty of that. I do not place blame solely on Delta, my lack of knowledge & belief that travel was safe for animals in this weather was the obvious reason she was on the flight. It's why I decided to share her story. She died due to my lack of knowledge & an obvious service failure on Delta's behalf. I can't control Delta, their practices or policies, what I can control is how I handle the situation. I choose to raise awareness, and I thank you for helping with that."
Posted by John Woestendiek January 26th, 2011 under Muttsblog.
Tags: age, air travel, airplanes, airport, animals, blast, breeders, cargo, cargo hold, cat, cold, death, delta, email, exposure, grief, hair, hairless, hartford, heather lombardi, kitten, loss, mourning, novelty, pets, shipping, snickers, sphynx, transporting, travel, traveling with pets, winter, young
Comments: 17

subset: commoncrawl


text:
This script is Copyright (C) 2013-2017 Tenable Network Security, Inc.
Synopsis :
The remote Red Hat host is missing one or more security updates.
Description :
Updated jboss-seam2 packages that fix one security issue are now
available for Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 4.3.0 CP10
for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 and 5.
The Red Hat Security Response Team has rated this update as having
critical security impact. A Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS)
base score, which gives a detailed severity rating, is available from
the CVE link in the References section.
The JBoss Seam 2 framework is an application framework for building
web applications in Java. The RichFaces component is an open source
framework that adds Ajax capability into existing JavaServer Faces
(JSF) applications.
A flaw was found in the way RichFaces ResourceBuilderImpl handled
deserialization. A remote attacker could use this flaw to trigger the
execution of the deserialization methods in any serializable class
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impacts depending on the deserialization logic of these classes.
The fix for this issue introduces a whitelist to limit classes that
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example, a custom class, you can achieve this by following one of
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text:
If you're trying to lose weight and help restore your health back, you can add green tea to your daily regimen and make it a part of your weight loss plan. It would also be more beneficial to find the best green tea money can buy. The problem is, it can be expensive. But no need to worry. Now, you make excellent green tea at home.
How to make the best green tea at home
Retailers may charge you between $70-$200 for enough good quality green tea to use throughout your diet. However, you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost. This allows you to maximize your weight loss efforts and save your money to buy other things like clothes!
How many calories can you lose?
An additional 70 calories per day can be burned off by simply adding green tea to your daily diet. This is due to a substance in green tea called catechins, which is a type of natural antioxidant that helps boost metabolism.
Green tea fat burner characteristics are recognized by the health industry as well as many diets. According to a study in 1990 by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, tea helped both men and women burn more calories than those who only took a placebo or caffeine alone. Therefore, there's no doubt that green tea helps in the process of getting rid of fat.
What about other diets?
Almost all diets advocate the consumption of green tea because of its anti-oxidants and metabolism-boosting characteristics.
The Atkins diet approves the consumption of green tea for its health benefits and fat-fighting characteristis. The Zone diet and the South Beach diet are more restrictive, as they are based on specific foods that are related to your blood type. Although the diets do not permit caffeine to be added, they does accept green tea as a substitute, just don't add sweetners.
The green tea weight loss plan
If you want to lose weight and get the benefits of green tea as an antioxidant, then you need a plan that will help support your metabolism. By making your own green tea you can know it came from great sources and drink it on a regular basis without worrying about cost and quality. Here are some benefits of green tea and how they can help you lose weight:
1. Helps in the rejuvenation of cells. It is, after all, an anti aging tea that has anti-oxidant benefits.
2. It cools the body down. If you work out on a daily basis and are hoping to lose weight, the best green tea you can find would help in cooling your body temperature, therefore supporting your active lifestyle and body health.
3. Helps protect the heart and decreases levels of cholesterol.
4. Maintains good dental health. Your gum tissue will rejuvenate and your overall dental health will improve.
What is so special about green tea?
Green tea has polyphenols, which help protect our bodies against the effects of harmful free radicals. These free radicals can damage the body's cells and wreak havoc on our immune system. This was backed up by a 2005 review on polyphenols.
If you thought vitamins E and C have the best anti-oxidant effect of all potential health supplements, think again. The best green tea you can make or buy will have Polyphenols EGCG antioxidants that ultimately will provide 100% more potency and effective elements than vitamins E and C.
Incorporate green tea in your weight loss efforts
If you'd like to lose some serious weight, and get rid of those extra pounds, you can start by following these guidelines:
1. Start moving. Even standing up vs. sitting down can make a huge difference in your weight loss efforts.
2. Decrease your caloric intake. After All, the energy expended out should exceed the energy taken in. So, let's say body needs 2000 calories a day, and you consume only 1200 calories a day. You will lose weight in a healthy way, because your body will have a daily deficit of 800 calories (2000-1200=800, or 5600 calories every 7 days.) This means, that you can lose close to 2 pound in a week (you need 3,400 calories used in order to lose 1 fat pound.)
3. Avoid sodas that eat away your bones and don't add any value to your health.
4. Choose better foods. Remove unhealthy sugary snacks from your diet and replace them with some fruits, some good carbohydrates and a lot of vegetables.
5. Learn how to make green tea at home, or buy a good brand and consume it on a daily basis.
In the old days, tea was a commodity that was mostly enjoyed by royalty. Now, tea is the second most popular drink in the world, right after water. The most popular tea with wonderful health benefits is green tea. A lot of people are passionate about it, because it's not only a great beverage to drink, but it also helps in the weight loss process.
And if you enjoyed this post, please use the social buttons below to share it with your followers and friends.


text:
On my computer, if I change the screen resolution, the things on the screen are a lot bigger or smaller.
When I look at the settings for capturing video, in AVI it's, 320x240. In "DVD" it's 720x480. The things on the screen don't seem to be any different size.
What if I went from 320z240 to 720x480 in AVI? From 720x480 to 320x240 in DVD?
What are the guidelines for the frame size? Will one make small imperfections stand out more?
Thank you,
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When you change the resolution of your screen you in effect increase the amount of space you have available to work in. You don't scale everything else to match however. Icons remain the same number of pixels wide, but appear to be smaller simply in relation to the rest of the area, which is now larger.
When you increase the resolution of a video, you can do the same. You can place a 320 x 240 resolution video inside a 720 x 480 frame, and have it surrounded by black bars. This is the equivalent of changing the resolution of your computer display.
However this is not how it is normally done with video. Generally, you actually resize the video. To be honest though, if you cannot see any difference between a 320 x 240 video, and the same video resized up to 720 x 480, you need to either ask your seeing eye dog's opinion, or book yourself in for cataract surgery because unless you are using super resolution methods for upscaling, the difference is noticeable.
Now I don't know what you are looking at when you see capture settings of 320 x 240. If it is Movie Maker then you are capture to low quality WMV, and should be capturing at a quality more appropriate to your source. If your source is DV, then use WinDV and capture at the full 720 x 480 resolution.
As for DVD, start by reading What is DVD (top left corner of this page) to learn about what is compliant and what is not.
Compro Gold TV Tuner Card. The settings are default VideoStudio). Should I capture both formats at the higher resolution?
Bigger frame size = more detail possible. And the larger frame can be sharper when both are viewed at the same size. But enlarging a small frame to a large frame won't add detail. At best you get a larger image without introducing too many scaling artifacts.
Original 720x480 frame:
Downsized to 352x240:
352x240 upscaled to 720x480:
352x480 captures most of the resolution of NTSC VHS tape. 720x480 will be a tiny bit sharper on the horizontal axis.
Here's a thread with some VHS capture samples:
Notice how all the high resolution line test patterns have degraded into gray -- even they were all done with high quality SVHS decks.
Thank you.
I have been transferring some VHS that is not the best. Two (one a friends wedding) are done on EP (lowest quality). It seems to be more noticeable on the Disc.
I was wondering it I could show less detail, by changing the resolution to get rid of the imperfections.
Better of getting all the detail you can, then filtering with avisynth filters to clean it up. There are several good filters aimed at this type of work. If you prefer virtualdub then you can also look at Neat Video, which is not free, but can produce quite good results on VHS material.
Similar Threads
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text:
WJ Merchant Funding
Complaint 234070 Details
- Date Occurred: 04/25/2013
- Reported Damages: $499.00
The complaint is against an online dating profile
The complaint is a listing fraud posted on public forums or sites against an anonymous entity
The complaint is mobile text spam or smishing related against an anonymous entity
The company or person contact no longer exists
International boundaries
Like so many people in today's economy I have looked into making some residual income. March 6th, 2013, I was contacted by a smooth talking salesman representing WJ Merchant Funding about processing credit cards. Having spoken with numerous, similar programs, I was hesitant (to say the least). I threw out all of the reasons I was not interested: cold calls, soliciting local merchants...etc.
Being the consummate sales representative, he told me there would not be any of the aforementioned reasons, this was totally different, and there was a 60 day, satisfaction guarantee. He then went on to say he would provide a 30 day guarantee. He gave me a number to call all the while assuring me that I would get my money back if not satisfied so there was no risk. I, somewhat reluctantly, gave him access to $499 which I was led to believe would pay for my own website and training. While speaking with him, I did a Google search for WJ Merchant Funding and found very little derogatory. I was told I would be contacted that Friday (the 8th) for more information and training.
The following day (the 7th) I received a voice mail giving me "my website address". I typed in the URL. In another tab, I typed in the URL for WJ Merchant Funding. The websites were the same. (What I had was essentially a 'cookie-cutter' website). The EXACT same website with a different URL (which was ungainly long).
March 8th came and went with no call. I decided to give them a little more time and began making notes of everything I found wrong with the site so I would be prepared when they called. A week passed and I still received no call. After three weeks without hearing anything, I pulled the contact information off of WJ Merchant Funding's site and began making calls myself.
Customer service would forward me to 'Morgan in Customer Relations'.....I left a voice mail telling her I wanted a refund as I was not satisfied. This became a pattern. On Monday, April 22nd, I STILL had not been contacted. Customer service told me they would send 'Morgan' a message and I would receive a call back in 24-48 hours.
Today, April 25th, 2013, 72 hours later ..... I got a call from a man who planned on 'training me'. I am totally fed up with their business practices and told him so. He talked over me, not willing to listen, and then hung up on me when I began doing the same to him.
I am a service connected disabled veteran living on VA disability. I cannot afford to be out $499 with nothing but a cookie-cutter website to show for it. (I can and have designed better websites myself). When customer service was called, (yet again), she recognized me and forwarded me to 'Morgan's' voice mail.....AGAIN. I did not leave a message this time. Instead, I hung up, called customer service AGAIN and got THEIR voice mail. Hanging up, I waited a few minutes and redialed. Getting through, I was forwarded to Morgan. THIS time I actually got to speak to her. The following is what she told me:
I could have a "partial" refund because the $499 purchased the website. The partial refund would be $99. (So much for the "no risk, money back guarantee).
I don't want anyone else going through what I have with WJ Merchant Funding. Please, PLEASE ..... if you get a call from WJ Merchant Funding, HANG UP!!
Update: 05/18/2013
This complaint was also filed with the Arizona BBB. (This is where MJ Merchant Funding is allegedly based under the name of Affiliate Marketing Group, LLC). The Bureau has since closed the file as unresolved. PLEASE learn from my mistake!
- J SBID #ea6849736d
- Posted 04/25/2013
Do You Have a Complaint?Submit a Complaint ►
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Business Profile Summary
Company Statistics
- Complaint Against WJ Merchant Funding
- Complaints Filed: 7
- Reported Damages: $68,709.00
What is SBID?
SBID is a unique id code that identifies the user's computer and location. SBID is used to prevent fraudulent postings and help our community find users who create duplicate user accounts.


text:
Cowboys look to grow business in college market
Cowboys look to grow business in college marketPublished May 16, 2011
In 1996, the Dallas Cowboys seized control of their brand by becoming the first, and still only, NFL team to take its merchandise rights in-house, forming a separate company to handle the operation.
Now, 15 years later, the club has extended its retail knowledge to the college market.
Silver Star Merchandising, a new company spun off from Cowboys Merchandising Ltd., made a sudden impact on the sports licensing scene last week, signing a 10-year deal with the University of Southern California to manufacture, license and distribute USC-branded apparel and headwear.
The agreement is thought to be the first of its kind between a pro team and a college program, according to industry insiders, and Silver Star officials are targeting additional schools for future growth.
Silver Star is one of three companies competing for an deal with Ohio State University, according to published reports, and has had discussions with the University of Texas, but no deal has been signed. It is led by Jerry Jones Jr., who will be president in addition to his role as Cowboys' executive vice president, chief operating officer, and chief sales and marketing officer.
Bill Priakos will serve as Silver Star's chief operating officer. He holds the same title for Cowboys Merchandising.
The Jones family decided to start Silver Star after Cowboys Merchandising officials began talking with University of Texas officials about the college licensing and distribution business prior to the Texas-North Carolina men's basketball game in December 2009 at Cowboys Stadium.
Silver Star and Southern Cal had been in discussions for the past four to six months after the Cowboys approached the school about taking on the merchandise rights, according to Jose Eskenazi, USC's associate athletic director in charge of strategic partnerships, licensing and sponsorships.
Last year, USC generated more than $20 million in gross revenue in the sale of licensed merchandise.
The agreement charges Silver Star with distribution of USC apparel across the major retail channels: mass, mid-tier, sporting goods, specialty and online. The apparel and headwear lines will be available at major retail outlets throughout Southern California and through USCTrojans.com, as well as on a national basis. Eskenazi said Silver Star has committed to wider distribution of replica jerseys, hats and T-shirts by expanding those lines to retail outlets such as Wal-Mart, Costco, JCPenney and Kohl's.
Apparel rights were previously held by several licensees managed in-house by USC's athletic department. Moving forward, many of those licenses have been wrapped up into a single-source model run by Silver Star on behalf of the university.
"We haven't had good distribution in the past," Eskenazi said. "There was no particular reason, but it just wasn't where we thought it should be and where the brand should be. The Cowboys told us how much wider it could be."
Silver Star's strategy is to develop a private label brand of Southern Cal jerseys, T-shirts and hats with tags displaying only the Trojan logos. Officials are already discussing the possibility of developing a line of throwback items, Eskenazi said.
Under the terms of the agreement, Silver Star has flexibility to sign deals with other manufacturers to produce items to take advantage of market trends.
The deal is also more financially beneficial to USC. Silver Star will pay the school a greater amount of royalties compared with Southern Cal's past deals, said Jones, who refused to detail the financial terms.
Silver Star's deal does have restrictions. Nike, Southern Cal's official on-field equipment supplier, is a licensee and retains the rights to produce authentic jerseys at retail, Eskenazi said.
USC Bookstores, which fulfills online orders for merchandise, will continue operating the souvenir stands for Southern Cal football and basketball games.
It is no surprise the Cowboys have branched out to the college ranks considering the success they have had producing and distributing their own merchandise, said Alan Fey, president of Gameday Entertainment, a major league retail concessionaire. "It's the same model as the Cowboys," Fey said.
Jones said Silver Star's approach is to pursue new deals with a select number of major college programs that are consistently among the top sellers in sports merchandise. He declined to mention prospects other than Ohio State and Texas.
"We would never want to do hundreds of schools," Jones said. "To do this the right way, we need to treat it as a brand and not just a piece of apparel, and have the university involved in the process so they have complete ownership and are not just contracting out somebody."
Most major college programs are represented by Collegiate Licensing Co., a division of IMG College that has deals with about 160 schools.


text:
Artist description:
from memory.
Java Draw Created Feb 25, 2011 640 x 460px Unless noted Copyright 2011 drobert486.
We encourage you to submit a comment and let the artist know what you think of this drawing. Please log in or join to post a comment.
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wow u drew this from memory? her pose is specially well drawn n like her supergirl costume-cute doggie as well hehe :33 favin~
Nice work!
aww she loves her puupy! wonderfully drawn!
Very lovely!!!!
fantastic draw
Sweet. Like the color use from the clothes and the sweet pose. 5 hearts
Oooo Great drawing! I love this one! 5h + Collection!
A great deal of emotion here as with your other pieces. I like this a lot. Your choice of darker coloring is great. I love the emotion on her face, the position of her body and how the dog is held. 5/5


text:
Wholesale sales increased 0.9 per cent to $49.2-billion in October, with the growth concentrated in the western provinces.
Statistics Canada reports wholesale sales by volume increased 0.5 per cent in October.
Six of seven subsectors, representing 85 per cent of wholesale trade, reported increases.
The largest increase in dollar terms came in the machinery, equipment and supplies subsector, where sales rose one per cent to $10.5-billion in October.
Sales in the food, beverage and tobacco products subsector advanced 1.1 per cent, based solely on a 1.4 increase in the food-products industry.
The miscellaneous subsector increased 1.4 per cent, while the only dollar sales decrease came in the personal and household goods subsector, down 0.4.
The agency reports wholesale sales were up in seven provinces in October, with all four western provinces registering increases.


text:
Unfortunately, this job is expired as of 4/22/2016.
To continue in your search through the appropriate job categories, click either Administrative Staff, Higher Education Executives, Faculty, Post-Doc and Graduate Assistants, . You can also utilize "guess-free" keyword search tools with up to eight pre-defined criteria. Search for and Apply to academic postings directly from the site. Post your background either confidentially or overtly. Stand out and be discovered!
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) is seeking a talented and innovative individual to join our College Readiness and Success (CRS) team to support the college completion initiatives at the agency. The Program Specialist will focus primarily on overseeing student success and completion projects with a combined budget of over $5 million. The selected individual will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to drive initiatives that increase the college completion rate in Texas.
Performs advanced consultative services and technical assistant work with Texas Institutions of Higher Education regarding student success and college completion. Works closely with institutions of higher education to identify and implement strategies and practices that help achieve the goals of the Coordinating Board's plan for higher education, 60x30TX. Work includes grant management from pre-award to post-award. Actively managing current College Readiness and Success projects, including annual budget for numerous projects. Develop effective relationships with local, state and national organizations that are targeting student success and college completion issues and initiatives. Work involves establishing goals and objectives; analyzing legislation and recommending policy adoptions/changes; and developing priorities and standards for achieving established goals. Works under limited supervision, with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. This position reports to the Assistant Director, College Success.
General Duties and Responsibilities:
Oversees implementation activities and monitors the budget for Texas institutions of higher education implementing grants from THECB College Readiness and Success (CRS) Division.
Provides technical assistance to Texas institutions of higher education on student success and college completion issues, in the form of meetings, oral and written presentations and communications, and site visits.
Work as a team with other members in the Division of CRS in achieving the goals and objectives of 60x30TX.
Prepares and provides reports relating to funded success and completion programs to staff, the Board and others.
Analyzes legislation and state data to develop recommendations for policy and solutions to programmatic issues relating to the implementation, improvement, and expansion or reduction of program projects and/or funding.
Confirms accuracy of collected and aggregated data and assembles output for staff and public use, publication, and inclusion in higher education databases.
Reviews and offers recommendations on products and materials to aid in increasing student success and completion.
Acts as a staff liaison regarding student success and college completion issues.
Identifies problems and determines solutions to assigned projects and programs.
Participates in staff meetings and other committee/advisory meetings.
Maintains effective working relationships with all agency staff and representatives of other agencies and stakeholder organizations.
Prepares administrative reports and studies, and performs specialized research projects.
May assist in developing program policies, procedures, standards, and manuals in accordance with established objectives and goals.
Travels up to 20 percent of time, including overnight.
Applies appropriate Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) standards at all times.
Communicates clearly and effectively in a variety of forms (e.g., written and tabular reports, informal and formal presentations, publications) with a variety of internal and external audiences.
Performs related work as assigned.
Required Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
Four years of experience in higher education-related program planning and implementation; with at least:
Two years of grant management experience.
One year of project evaluation relevant to the position responsibilities.
Master's degree from an accredited college or university in Higher Education Administration or related field may substitute for one years of required work experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of Texas public and higher education system.
Knowledge of major student success and/or college completion initiatives in the state or the nation.
Knowledge of business English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and writing fundamentals including proofing and editing documents.
Knowledge of budget processes.
Skill in identifying measures or indicators of program performance and in operating computer and application software.
Skill in using personal computers, databases, and general office software, including Microsoft word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel.
Skill in utilizing technology and industry best practices to meet the service goals in a call center environment.
Ability to research, understand, and appropriately interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively provide presentations on a variety of topics to individuals, and institutional leadership.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and external agencies and organizations and to work cooperatively and effectively in a team environment.
Ability to verbally communicate information in a clear, organized, and concise way in both spoken and written form.
Ability to prioritize work and handle multiple tasks efficiently.
Ability to initiate and complete tasks with limited supervision and make decisions using appropriate professional judgment and reasoning.
Ability to apply creative solutions when problem solving.
Ability to make decisions using sound judgment, analytical thinking, and sound reasoning.
Ability to recognize when alternative methods or processes are appropriate.
Ability to gather, assemble, correlate, and analyze facts and devise solutions to problems.
Ability to develop, evaluate, and interpret policies and procedures and communicate effectively.
Ability to use data and evidence to support successful implementation of policies and programs in education settings.
Ability to plan, set appropriate goals and objectives, and carry out work in a timely and effective manner.
Ability to provide leadership in the development and administration of student success or college completion programs.
Master's degree in education, public administration, or related field.
Knowledge and experience with state and national student success and college completion issues in higher education.
Physical Requirements and/or Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a standard office environment and requires:
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance at work;
Frequent use of personal computer, copiers, printers and telephones;
Frequent sitting;
Frequently works under deadlines, as a team member, and in direct contact with others.
Job offer and continuation of employment with THECB is contingent upon:
Proof of education and experience listed on the application.
Eligibility/authorization to work in the U.S.
Satisfactory results from a pre-employment criminal history background check.
Compliance with the Selective Service Law for males ages 18-25. Please be advised that under Texas law, names and other information concerning applicants or nominees may be subject to disclosure upon request.
THECB does not allow dual employment with other state of Texas agencies or institutions.
Skills assessment may be conducted at time of interview.
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. A State of Texas application is required to apply. For more information on how to apply for this position, go to the Coordinating Board's employment opportunities website at www.thecb.state.tx.us/apps/jobs.cfm. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board participates in E-Verify for each new employees' Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For questions please call the HR Department at 512-427-6190. For vocal and/or hearing assistance call 7-1-1, (512) 427-6190.
|Employment Type:
|Higher Education Executives
|Degree Required:
|See Job Description
|$4,500 - $5,603
|Type of School:
|4 - Year / Masters Institution
|Application Requirements:
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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Cosplayer Vickybunnyangel > Costume of Astharoshe Asran (Trinity Blood)
- Most Recent Photo
- 06-25-2012
- Series
- Trinity Blood
- Character
- Astharoshe Asran
- Special Variation:
- Evening Dress (DVD Artwork)
- Year Completed:
- Construction Difficulty:
- Difficult
- Awards
- Best in Class Workmanship in Artisan (Otakuthon), Best in Class Presentation in Artisan (Otakuthon), Hall Costume Award (Anime North), Hall Costume Award (Fan Expo), Cosplay.com Showcase, Daily Deviation
- Costume worn at:
- Anime North 2010
- Katsucon 2011
- Otakuthon 2012
- Otakuthon 2010
About this Costume
- Construction Details:
The hat is my most extravagant accessory and I love it! The brim is shaped out of wonderflex to maintain rigidity, and then it was covered in matching white fabric then hand painted. I think the blue banana looking things are ridiculous, but it looks good overall.
The collarpiece is interfaced with buckram to keep it stiff, and so that it can withstand the weight of the dangling beads at the end.
All my gold lines are outlined with 3D gold foil, a technique that's similar to gold leafing except for fabric.
- Personal Thoughts:
- One of my most favourite costumes to date, and also one of the most grueling time consuming wise. I really wanted to challenge myself with this costume and I'm glad with the way it turned out and how much it made me grow as a cosplayer skills wise.
Wig Details
- Wig Brand
- Cosworx / Cosplay.com
- Wig Name
- Ivy Long
- Original Color:
- White
- Styling Time
- 24 hours
- Wig Quality Rating
- 4 / 5.00
- Styling Notes
- I used one Ivy as a base wig and several packs of matching extensions to create the braided buns.
Add a Comment


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ito.co domain info
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Purchase ito.co if it's available, get ito.co whois records and release dates.
Domain IP Address: 22.214.171.124
Domain Information Last Updated: June 27 2017
Visit Domain: ito.co
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Domain Name: ITO.CO
Domain ID: D65440087-CO
Sponsoring Registrar: GODADDY.COM, INC.
Sponsoring Registrar IANA ID: 146
Registrar URL (registration services): www.godaddy.com
Domain Status: clientDeleteProhibited
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Registrant ID: CR238191592
Registrant Name: Adrian Esquivel
Registrant Address1: Cr 72A N. 24-72 To 2 Ap
Registrant City: Bogota
Registrant State/Province: Bogota
Registrant Postal Code: 000000
Registrant Country: Colombia
Registrant Country Code: CO
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Registrant Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Administrative Contact ID: CR238191617
Administrative Contact Name: Adrian Esquivel
Administrative Contact Address1: Cr 72A N. 24-72 To 2 Ap
Administrative Contact City: Bogota
Administrative Contact State/Province: Bogota
Administrative Contact Postal Code: 000000
Administrative Contact Country: Colombia
Administrative Contact Country Code: CO
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Billing Contact ID: CR238191628
Billing Contact Name: Adrian Esquivel
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Billing Contact Country: Colombia
Billing Contact Country Code: CO
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Billing Contact Email: email@example.com
Technical Contact ID: CR238191604
Technical Contact Name: Adrian Esquivel
Technical Contact Address1: Cr 72A N. 24-72 To 2 Ap
Technical Contact City: Bogota
Technical Contact State/Province: Bogota
Technical Contact Postal Code: 000000
Technical Contact Country: Colombia
Technical Contact Country Code: CO
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Technical Contact Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Name Server: NS49.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
Name Server: NS50.DOMAINCONTROL.COM
Created by Registrar: BATCHCSR
Last Updated by Registrar: GODADDY.COM, INC.
Last Transferred Date: Wed Apr 20 16:52:04 GMT 2016
Domain Registration Date: Sat Apr 04 17:50:12 GMT 2015
Domain Expiration Date: Tue Apr 03 23:59:59 GMT 2018
Domain Last Updated Date: Thu Apr 21 01:15:20 GMT 2016
DNSSEC: false
>>>> Whois database was last updated on: Tue Jun 27 18:44:26 GMT 2017 <<<<
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Governments, corporations, and development agencies are increasingly interested in putting a dollar value on ecosystems in order to balance conservation and development needs, a concept known as "economic valuation." For example, St. Maarten's government recently established the country's first marine national park after a local organization found that the area's coastal ecosystems contribute $58 million per year through tourism and fisheries. Belize enacted a host of new fishing regulations based on a WRI valuation, which found that coral reef- and mangrove-associated tourism contributes $150 million-$196 million per year to the country's economy. And in Bonaire, park managers used economic valuation to justify the Bonaire Marine Park's establishment of user fees—making it one of the few self-financed marine parks in the Caribbean.
These stories show that economic valuation can indeed lead to better coastal policy, conserving these ecosystems and securing their important economic contributions. However, according to new WRI research, these cases tend to be the exception in the Caribbean.
Economic Valuation and Coastal Policy in the Caribbean
In the Caribbean, there is keen interest in economic valuation of coastal ecosystems to inform policy and improve natural resource management. But while the literature on the value of coral reefs and mangroves in the Caribbean continues to grow, these ecosystems continue to decline.
WRI and the Marine Ecosystem Services Partnership (MESP) took a closer look at the impact of previous economic valuation studies in the Caribbean. Out of more than 200 studies of the economic value of the Caribbean's marine ecosystem goods and services, we were only able to identify 13 that actually influenced marine and coastal management policies, such as those in Bonaire, St. Maarten, and Belize.


text:
Collection shows changes over time
PUBLISHED: 09:00 27 October 2012
A new book featuring ahost of 'then and now' photographs of Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and the surrounding areas has gone on sale, priced £14.99.
Elephants in Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, the government buying war horses, Edward Prince of Wales and a young Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon before she was Queen Mother outside Bicton House are among a fascinating collection of old photographs published in a new book, Exe to Otter Through Time.
Husband and wife team Christopher and Kay Long put the book together after being inspired by a map from the 1875 Exmouth guidebook called Exmouth and its Neighbourhood.
The book features 'then and now' photographs – comparing local places and sights from yesteryear with images taken in more recent years.
The authors have drawn upon Christopher's extensive collection of glass slides, photos, guidebooks and postcards of bygone days, as well as help from local museums and keen historians, including Michael Tuska.
The couple were also granted access to the late Bill Sleeman's broad collection of slides, which they said were 'invaluable' when recording the changes.
The book is £14.99, published by Amberley Publishing, available locally in Exmouth from The Chandlery, Sleemans Outfitters in Exeter Road, and the Book Shop, on The Parade.
The authors will be signing their new book from 10am until 2pm this Saturday, October 27, at Sleemans Outfitters.
Also available to buy on the day are prints and a calendar created from images from Mr Sleeman's collection.


text:
You can buy the original River Tam painting and art prints and see more photo at Splintered Studios.
You will aso find on the site a wide selection of original paintings, pop art, parody art, nudes, bespoke family and personal commissions and art prints, along with Stephen Quick short films and speed painting videos.
Side note: check out The Birth of Cameron - TSCC Painting by Stephen Quick
Like our Facebook fan page below to stay connected to the latest Summer Glau news!


text:
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Ms Swift's New Fav-Pit Photographer— Pop star cruelly teases & manipulates photographer's fetish.
The Calendar— Katie strips for the company calendar and then...
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My Wife's Photoshoot— An innocent photoshoot turns into much more for a couple.
Anna Needs Help— Phil helps his sister out with a project.
Photoshoot with a Guest— A friend joins me in taking intimate photos of my wife.
Incestuous Photo Shoot— Mother & Son commit incest for money.
Whitewash High Ch. 13— Amanda's Gloryhole Whitewashing.
Alexa's Photoshoot— Alexa needs photos for a job offer. Things get heated.
Memories Ch. 05— An indecent proposal and a photo shoot.
14 Hours Pt. 02— A series of pictures on his phone threaten his relationship.
The Adventures of Nicole Ch. 03— FFM fantasy photoshoot with girlfriend.
Entertaining at Large Ch. 11— Pub sex, public sex, photo sex - anything beginning with pee.
Irene's Photoshoot Ch. 01— Cute Tgirl agrees to a photoshoot with consequences.
The Photoshoot Pt. 02— Danielle experiences some uncontrollable urges the next day.
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Entertaining at Large Ch. 07— Photoshoot then George penetrates every orifice.
Natasha & Nicola Posing Pt. 01— Shy sisters respond to Craigslist photographer ad.
Generations— An Older Man enjoys a Photoshoot and more - with Young Model.
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Sexting with Sister— Siblings enjoy erotic photography.
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Photoshoot— Showing off for the camera.
Playing with Playboy Ch. 01— Victoria Justice does Playboy. And her photographers.
Capturing Mom— Son takes photos of his Mom.
From a Hot Wife to Hotwife— A photo shoot turns my hot wife into a Hotwife.
Springtime in the Woods— A photo shoot among the trees.
How I Became a Teen Lesbian— Turned lez with help from porn, friends and a horny stepmom.
A Girlfriend's Photo Shoot— My girlfriend models for my photo class.
Turning Him Gay For Pay Pt. 06— Chris finally takes the plunge in a photo shoot.
Makeover Complications Pt. 01— After a makeover photo shoot guy has to retrieve his clothes.
Impulsive photoshoot— I was a thirty year old straight guy...
Turning Him Gay For Pay Pt. 05— Chris is convinced to just try.
The Man and the Model Ch. 04— Man meets model and posts pic on the net.
The Man and the Model Ch. 03— Man meets model, posts upskirt photos of her on the net.
Photo Shoot Gone Badly Wrong Pt. 03— Suzie's new-found personality spills into the workplace.
Men Who Photographed My Wife— How other men have photographed my wife naked.
The Man and the Model Ch. 02— Man befriends model, shoots upskirt video of her.
G's Submission Ch. 08— Sunday night.
Slips Of The Tongue Ch. 06— Gwen plus Domenique plus Tina plus Julie equals...
A Daring Reporter Ch. 05— Lisa's visit to a photographer involves a surprise guest.
Seduction Series - Annabelle— a married model goes a step too far.
Erica's Journey of Discovery Ch. 03— Fro the 1st time Erica comes alive in front of the cameras.
Erica's Journey of Discovery— For the 1st time Erica comes alive in front of the cameras.
The Pearl Necklace— A classy Photoshoot takes an unexpected turn.
When a Mother Models— Mom agrees to pose, bet you can figure out the rest.
Bell Tower— Melissa takes photos from the top of a tower.
Outback Fantasy Ch. 03— A photoshoot turns into a lesson in submission.
Lana - My Wife's Third Photoshoot— Beautiful wife, photos, a huge cock, and a shocking friend.
Wife Requests Another Photo Shoot— Loving wife goes further down the road of sluttiness.
Picture Perfect— Your photoshoot turns into more.
Total Woman Academy 22— Vanna and Vicki: alumni fantasies.
Total Woman Academy 19— Simone: a Junior.
Cancun Candids Ch. 02— What happens when brother gets caught?
Jen's Family Affair Ch. 03— She finds her father and becomes a model daughter.
Humped on a Stump— What a model really wants after a photoshoot.
The Photoshoot— A new modeling job.
T & A— A photoshoot goes further than either of them expected.
Marie's Photo Shoot— My girlfriend poses topless for a coworker.
Gillian Anderson: Skintight Shoot— Gillian Anderson submits to a student's photo shoot.
A Tale of Two Linseys (v2)— Two superbly endowed models arrive for the same photoshoot.
Vacuum Bag Bed— It was just a photoshoot, one never to speak of.
Shooting with Helena Ch. 02— Two sisters continue to explore each other's feelings.
Shooting with Helena— Carrie romances her sister.
Silken Dreams— Fantasy photo shoot becomes reality for two silk lovers.
Rachel's First Time— When model heads out, her roommate has fun.
First Time— Photo shoot turns on model and photographer.
Watching My Wife Ch. 05— His wife's journey into hardcore modelling ends.
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January 28, 2013, 08:17 PM
Senior Member
Join Date: February 27, 2000
Location: Somewhere in 14T NT
Posts: 707
Ah yes, the "bash the 'horder'" thread. I guess I have to chuckle a little when I go to Wal-mart for groceries and just walk by the ammo counter that is doing it's best impersonation of old mother Hubbard's cupboard and think to myself, "Damn, I am glad I laid in a stock of this stuff years ago!" You want to talk about having "disposable income? I've been buying bits and pieces here and there since the days of the Klintonista regieme firing it up as I needed and saving the rest away. Are you telling me that $9.99 for 550 rounds is because I have too much disposable income? Buy a box every month and even though the price is a lot higher these days, you are still not looking at a huge expenditure. Do I really need any more? Not really but when I find it, I buy a box or two to maintain the stock levels I built up over the years.
So, no, I do not consider folks that have saved for a rainy day to be horders. I think of them as having the insight to plan ahead for rough times like this. It's our vindication to those that looked at us like we were crazy for having the stockpiles we did have when times were good. Sorry if you're a Johny-come-lately to this game or if your sense of forsight didn't extend further than 5 minutes past your morning breakfast. The "too expensive" line doesn't wash with me either. Bottom line is you got caught with your pants down and are now having to pay the price for it. That's not bashing anyone, that's just the facts.
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