text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Sep 27, 2005
|Filing date
|Apr 15, 2003
|Priority date
|Dec 30, 2002
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Michael J. Critelli, Judith D. Auslander, Perry A. Pierce, Charles R. Malandra, Jr.
|Original Assignee
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (16), Non-Patent Citations (3), Referenced by (10), Classifications (12), Legal Events (4)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. section 119(e) from Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/436,930, filed Dec. 30, 2002, entitled METHOD FOR IMPROVING THE READABILITY OF COMPOSITE IMAGES, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The invention relates to printing composite images that can contain large amounts of information, optionally including redundant information, in an eye-pleasing format. The composite images provide high information density, with redundancy, in a highly reliable and visually pleasing format. The composite images are achieved with a novel arrangement of largely invisible, machine-readable postage evidencing information, e.g., Information Based Indicia (IBI) images containing 2-D bar code information, and dark, visible images containing human-readable postage information, which typically includes address information. The images can be printed using conventional ink jet printers.
Postage evidencing information, including IBI images, is a significant feature of the Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP) implemented by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as a distributed trusted system. The IBIP includes open IBI postage evidencing systems, which can apply postage in addition to performing other functions not possible with conventional postage machines. The IBIP requires printing high density, two-dimensional (2-D) bar codes, such as PDF417 bar codes, on mailpieces. The requirements for printing a PDF417 2-D bar code are set forth in The Uniform Symbology Specification. The Postal Service expects the IBIP to provide cost-effective assurance of postage payment for each mailpiece processed. IBI images comprise certain human readable information and two-dimensional (2-D) bar code information, which can contain such assurance. However, printed information is often obscured, diminishing its reliability even with error correction technology. There is a need for a high-density image format that includes both human readable and bar code information with high reliability.
The USPS has published specifications for the IBIP such as PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR INFORMATION-BASED INDICIA AND SECURITY ARCHITECTURE FOR OPEN IBI POSTAGE EVIDENCING SYSTEMS (PCIBI-O), dated Jan. 12, 1999; PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR INFORMATION-BASED INDICIA AND SECURITY ARCHITECTURE FOR CLOSED IBI POSTAGE METERING SYSTEMS (PCIBI-C), dated Feb. 23, 2000; and PERFORMANCE CRITERIA FOR INFORMATION-BASED INDICIA PROGRAM (IBIP) SYSTEMS EMPLOYING CENTRALIZED POSTAL SECURITY DEVICES, dated Aug. 17, 2000; (collectively referred to herein as the "IBIP Specifications"). The IBIP includes interfacing user (customer), postal and vendor infrastructures, which are the system elements of the program. The term "postage evidencing information" is meant to include IBI images meeting the current IBIP Specifications as well as alternative formats. The IBIP Specifications require a minimum bar code read rate of 99.5% and place the responsibility on each IBIP vendor to meet this requirement.
A user infrastructure, which typically resides at the user's site, can comprise a postage security device (PSD) coupled to a host system. The PSD is a secure processor-based accounting device that dispenses and accounts for postal value stored therein. The host system (Host) may be a personal computer (PC) or a meter-based host processor. Alternatively, the PSD can be located on a server remote from the user. Wherever the PSD is located, it would be desirable for IBIP indicium to be printed using an open system comprised of conventional desk-top and other ink jet printers not dedicated to postage, but this capability has not been fully realized without sacrificing readability or the visual appearance of the printed mailpiece.
The IBIP Specifications permit large format IBI images, e.g., 2-D bar codes, but there are several practical limits to the use of images that overlap conventional address information. For example, black and other dark colored inks tend to quench the fluorescence from invisible inks. Thus, if conventional address information overlaps with the IBI image, the IBI image could lose reliability and fall outside of the Specifications. Also, simple smudging of an envelope can have the same effect. The provision of error correction technology can provide a margin of protection but as conventionally employed, due to its mathematical underpinnings, must operate from a limited data set. It would be desirable to provide a technology that supplemented and, preferably, enhanced error correction technology.
The need for high resolution has posed significant technical challenges. Current systems are challenged to provide a suitable combination of convenience, acceptable appearance and high readability at high information densities. In U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/413,096, filed concurrently herewith, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, there is described a system which enables printing large amounts of information on a mailpiece without causing the mailpiece to become unsightly due to the presence of too much printing in a small space. The system employs luminescent invisible or lightly colored ink for printing at least a portion of the bar code portions of the information. This system has an advantage that attempts to maximize print information in an invisible 2-D bar code will not affect the human readable portion; but, unless provision is made for redundancy for the 2-D bar code information, problems can still occur.
When using invisible, fluorescent ink for printing the 2-D bar code, the bar code will not obscure the human readable printed information, but the human readable printed information can obscure the bar code. Overlap of the 2-D bar code and the printed conventional human readable address information can diminish the readability of the 2-D bar code or other information to the extent that even error correction codes cannot obtain the required read rates. Typically, suitable fluorescent inks irradiate in the red or infrared range when excited by ultraviolet light. But, because black and other dark visible inks tend to quench fluorescence, any overprinting of dark ink on a fluorescent ink can cause obscuration to the point of diminishing or destroying readability.
There remains a need for a method that provides machine-readable IBI images containing both large format 2-D bar code information with high levels of error correction in invisible or light colored luminescent ink, along with conventionally printed address and postage information to provide increased read rates and the provision of high information density without obscuring any one component. It would be desirable in this context to provide especially enhanced readability with a high contrast of the fluorescent image in a format that enabled improved read rates in the presence of obscured information.
It is an object of the invention to provide a method for printing postal and other information with a high information density in a visually pleasing and highly reliable form.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method for printing composite images that can contain large amounts of information, including redundant information, in an eye-pleasing format.
It is another object of the invention to provide a method for printing on a document composite images containing largely invisible, machine-readable information, such as postage-evidencing symbology, in a format that enables provision of significant redundant information without interference or overlapping with the dark, visible images printed on the document, such as address and postage information printed on an envelope.
It is another object of invention to provide for "redundancy", which goes beyond mere mathematical error correction technology and provides the ability to recover obscured bar code or human readable information.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a system that can produce machine-readable code, for example, postage-evidencing symbology containing both large format 2-D bar code information and address information with a maximum level of error correction code possible to provide increased read rates and the provision of high information density, permitting the printing of information redundant with that otherwise printed, without obscuring any one component.
These and other objects are accomplished by the invention, which provides improvements for printing machine-readable information, for example, postage-evidencing symbology, and visible address information on a document such as a mailpiece.
The method of the invention comprises: determining document, e.g., envelope, size (input envelope size), determining location and area of text and graphics to be printed with visible ink, determining areas on the document where no text or graphics will be printed in visible ink ("available area"), determining maximum size and, preferably error correction code level of 2-D bar code that will fit in each available area on the document, generating bitmap for at least one 2-D bar code to be printed in at least one of the available areas, printing a 2-D bar code in the largest available area, and printing at least one additional 2-D bar code in a second available area to include information redundant with that printed elsewhere. The second bar code can be sized for maximum size based on the second available area.
The method has a number of preferred aspects, many of which are described below and shown in the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment of printing on a mailpiece. The present invention is suitable for printing machine-readable code on any type of document.
The invention will be better understood and its advantages will become more apparent from the following description, especially when read in light of the accompanying drawing, wherein:
The invention relates to printing composite images that can contain large amounts of information on mailpieces, such as mailpiece 10 illustrated in
Referring to
The presence of an FIM 20 adds another level of complexity and is currently required by United States Postal Service IBI Specifications to be part of the IBI image so that the USPS Advanced Facer Canceller may detect the presence of an IBI mailpiece so as to sort the mailpiece properly. In the United States, the required FIM is a pattern of vertical bars printed in the upper right portion of the mailpiece, to the left of the indicia. As currently specified, the United States Postal Service FIM is large, taking up approximately 20% of the proposed IBI image. A FIM uses a large amount of envelope space, which restricts the amount of information that can conveniently and neatly be presented in the IBI image. Accordingly, the space remaining for other 2-D bar code information is at a premium. Optional FIM's are permitted, but can yet further diminish the space available for a 2-D bar code.
The address block 14 of a mailpiece is the primary source of address information and contains a human-readable address and preferably includes a Delivery Point Bar Code (DPBC), shown schematically as 22. It is typically printed in black or other dark-colored ink. A DPBC is formed by adding 10 bars (representing two additional digits) to a standard ZIP+4 code. The ZIP+4 code is a single field of 52 bars consisting of a frame bar, a series of 25 bars that represent the correction digit, and a final frame bar. The DPBC or other POSTNET (POSTal Numeric Encoding Technique) bar code can be printed just about anywhere on the address side of the mailpiece that is at least ⅛th inch from any edge. Typically, it is printed in the upper portion of the address above the recipients name as shown in FIG. 1. Each letter-size piece in an automation rate mailing and each piece of upgradeable Presorted First-Class Mail or upgradeable Standard Mail, must have a barcode clear zone unless the piece bears a DPBC in the address block. Such a zone is thus required in the preferred embodiments herein and is illustrated as 24 in FIG. 1.
The 2-D bar codes, schematically illustrated as 12 and 12 a, are codes capable of being read in the horizontal and vertical directions. To achieve this objective, they are comprised of arranged geometric modules, such as squares, capable of encoding digital information. Typically, the modules forming a 2-D bar code image block are square and solidly imprinted, but can be of other effective configurations. As needed, 2-D bar codes can optionally be provided with information to provide a variety of needs, including for redundancy of postage or address information as well as security and validation codes.
Referring now to
The exemplary 2-D bar codes 12 and 12 a arrangement printed on a mailpiece 10 in
The invention has particular applicability to open IBI postage evidencing systems; i.e., those using personal computers, which have the ability to print postage but are not dedicated to that purpose, and using conventional ink jet printers. In an open IBI postage evidencing system, the size of the envelope and the footprint of the images to be printed on the envelope (typically return address, recipient address, add slogan and postage) are known. The 2-D bar code images as illustrated as 12 and 12 a, are preferably printed with luminescent ink of the type described in the previously noted U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/413,096, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,837,042, to Lent, et al. or other patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,986 to Jones II, et al., and are conveniently printed by ink jet print means. The system is designed to the greatest possible use of available real estate on an envelope by permitting a 2-D bar code printed with invisible ink to overlap human readable information. The invention provides for the use of a higher level of error correction in the 2-D bar code that will result in a higher read rate of the bar code.
To maintain readability of all elements, it is preferred that the postage-evidencing information 18 not overlap with information in the address block 14 and/or a barcode clear zone 24 when the piece bears a DPBC 22 in the address block 14. As noted above, an optional FIM 20 a can be printed with an ink having the correct wavelength to be read by mail processing equipment, such as a facer-canceller.
The invention provides an envelope that can be visually acceptable with high information density, and the invention enables adding complexity without sacrificing readability or reliability. It is a distinct advantage of the invention that the composite images can optionally include redundant information to provide more "resiliency" to image or envelope damage. The invention can print a plurality of redundant 2-D bar codes to better enable maintenance of high read rates.
The method of the invention is designed to determine available real estate on the envelope and print at least primary and a first auxiliary 2-D bar code with invisible ink at a size pre-determined based on the available real estate. Computations, selections and comparisons are facilitated by a digital computer having suitable reference values stored, but can be assisted as need be or as is convenient by a skilled technician with knowledge of the necessary available information and result criteria. Thus, where the process calls for determining the size of an envelope or other mailpiece, this can be accomplished by a technician noting that all mailings in a particular group are number 10 envelopes, or the like, without the need to actually measure each envelope.
It is a distinct advantage of the invention that the composite images utilize a plurality of large-format 2-D bar codes with the maximum amount of error correction available for the intended area. This enables the inclusion of redundant information to provide more "resiliency" in the event of envelope damage. It can, additionally, by providing error correction coding, permit maintenance of high read rates despite damage to otherwise critical information. Thus, if a portion of the information in the machine-readable postage-evidencing symbology block becomes obscured due to poor printing or handling, the primary image 12 or auxiliary image 12 a can have redundant information available.
The primary bar code 12 contains the usual postal and address information normally associated with an IBI image. The auxiliary bar code 12 a can contain a variety of useful, but optional, information as well as simply repeating the IBI data in the primary bar code 12.
The method of the invention can utilize any practical number of auxiliary 2-D bar codes. The number and location of the auxiliary bar codes will depend on the amount of available space on the envelope or other mailpiece as well as the need or desire to provide additional information. The individual bar codes can be printed to contain information for a specific purpose solely served by an individual bar code. In addition, one or more of the bar codes can be provided with information that is intended to be read and utilized in concert. The bar codes of the invention can be printed with an auxiliary FIM, e.g., 20 a in
The above description is intended to enable the person skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is not intended to detail all of the possible modifications and variations, which will become apparent to the skilled worker upon reading the description. It is intended, however, that all such modifications and variations be included within the scope of the invention, which is seen in the above description and otherwise defined by the following claims. The claims are meant to cover the indicated elements and steps in any arrangement or sequence, which is effective to meet the objectives, intended for the invention, unless the context specifically indicates the contrary.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Dec 1, 1994
|Mar 26, 1996
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Bar code scanner for reading a visible ink and a luminescent invisible ink
|Oct 3, 1994
|May 7, 1996
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Document authentication system utilizing a transparent label
|Dec 1, 1994
|Jun 11, 1996
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Bar code scanner for reading a lower layer luminescent invisible ink that is printed below a upper layer luminescent invisible ink
|Dec 1, 1994
|Aug 6, 1996
|Pitney Bowes
|Bar codes using luminescent invisible inks
|Sep 22, 1994
|Nov 4, 1997
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Composition for invisible ink responsive to infrared light
|Dec 1, 1994
|Dec 2, 1997
|Pitney Bowes, Inc.
|Bar code printing and scanning using wax based invisible fluorescent inks
|Dec 24, 1996
|Feb 16, 1999
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Method for customer selectable module size for an information based indicia
|Apr 28, 1997
|Mar 21, 2000
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Postage metering system that utilizes secure invisible bar codes for postal verification
|Oct 9, 1996
|Aug 22, 2000
|Nocopi Technologies, Inc.
|Secure thermal ink jet printing composition and substrate and method and apparatus utilizing same
|Jul 27, 1999
|Oct 17, 2000
|Hewlett-Packard Company
|Systems and method for determining presence of inks that are invisible to sensing devices
|Sep 30, 1998
|Nov 7, 2000
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Usage of dual luminescent inks to produce a postal orienting and sorting identification mark for an information-based indicia
|Oct 28, 1998
|Nov 21, 2000
|Hewlett-Packard Company
|Light sensitive invisible ink compositions and methods for using the same
|Mar 17, 1997
|Dec 26, 2000
|Hewlett-Packard Company
|Method for user alignment of a color printer
|Nov 23, 1999
|Mar 13, 2001
|Hewlett-Packard Company
|Printer media with bar code identification system
|Jul 29, 1998
|May 22, 2001
|Ascom Hasler Mailing Systems Inc.
|Media control to eliminate printing images beyond the media boundaries
|Aug 6, 2002
|Feb 20, 2003
|Flexible loyalty points programs
|Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP). Performance Criteria for Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture for Close IBI Postage Metering Systems (PCIBI-C). United States Postal Service (USPS) Jan. 12, 1999.
|Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP). Performance Criteria for Information-Based Indicia and Security Architecture For Open IBI Postage Evidencing Systems (PCIBI-O). United States Postal Service (USPS) Feb. 23, 2000.
|Performance Criteria for Information-Based Indicia Program (IBIP) System Employing Centralized Postal Security Devices. United States Postal Service Aug. 17, 2000.
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Dec 30, 2002
|Apr 17, 2007
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Method for printing high information density machine-readable composite images
|Sep 26, 2005
|Mar 4, 2008
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Method for improving the readability of composite images
|Mar 28, 2007
|Nov 9, 2010
|Stamps.Com Inc.
|Computer-based value-bearing item customization security
|May 16, 2006
|Jan 25, 2011
|Stamps.Com Inc.
|Rolls of image-customized value-bearing items and systems and methods for providing rolls of image-customized value-bearing items
|Nov 10, 2010
|Dec 25, 2012
|Stamps.Com Inc.
|Rolls of image-customized value-bearing items and systems and methods for providing rolls of image-customized value-bearing items
|Dec 20, 2006
|Aug 13, 2013
|Stamps.Com Inc.
|Systems and methods for creating and providing shape-customized, computer-based, value-bearing items
|Nov 22, 2004
|Aug 12, 2014
|Stamps.Com Inc.
|Printing of computer-based value-bearing items
|Dec 30, 2002
|Jul 1, 2004
|Pitney Bowes Incorporated
|Method for printing high information density machine-readable composite images
|Sep 26, 2005
|Feb 2, 2006
|Pitney Bowes Inc.
|Method for improving the readability of composite images
|Mar 14, 2008
|Jun 3, 2010
|Deutsche Post Ag
|Method for identifying a machine-readable code applied to a postal item, device for carrying out said method, postal item and method for providing the postal item with the machine-readable code
|U.S. Classification
|235/462.08, 235/468
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Apr 15, 2003
Owner name: PITNEY BOWES INC., CONNECTICUT
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:CRITELLI, MICHAEL J.;AUSLANDER, JUDITH D.;PIERCE, PERRY A.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:013985/0614;SIGNING DATES FROM 20030327 TO 20030328
|Mar 10, 2009
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Jan 16, 2013
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Feb 22, 2017
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 12


text:
14. – 22. April 2018
Programme (14. – 22. April 2018)
Fair (20. – 22. April 2018)
Bird Ringing Live
Bird Ringing has a long tradition at Lake Neusiedl. In addition to the actual ringing, the captured birds are also measured and weighed. Over a long time periods, scientists receive detailed information on the different aspects of the migration of birds. With our long-time bird ringer Gilbert Hafner you have the opportunity to see our feathered friends really close.
Bird Ringing Live (@ NP-Information Centre):
Friday, 21st April 2017 from 6:30am to 5pm
Saturday, 22nd April 2017 from 9:30am to 5pm
Sunday, 23rd April 2017 from 9:30am to 5pm
Teams of at least 2 participants try to discover as many different bird species as possible within 4 hours. Only "ecofriendly" ways of travel are allowed. Start and finish is the National Park Information Centre. Christoph Roland, Head of the Austrian Birdrace - www.birdrace.at - takes over the preliminary discussion and issue of the race documents on Saturday, 22nd April 2017 at 05:30am. Start will be at 6:00am.
The winners will get some small prizes, but above all, fame and honor!
Our BirdExperience BirdQuiz on Saturday evening is already a classic. It's not all about identification tasks, also there will be different questions about the ecology of birds and the world of birds in general. The BirdQuiz' 'Champion' receives a valuable prize. Also all other participants automatically take part in the raffle of further exclusive prizes.
Get involved, have fun and win great prizes!
BEX - The Next Generation
Children's Programme
If you take part in an excursion, listen to a lecture or get to know the exhibition stands at the Information Centre - we will take care of your children and give them exciting insights of the world of birds. Our National Park Rangers 'pack' interesting things for the young birdwatchers in elaborate games or tinker with them useful or simply funny things. Whether it is for one or two hours, or for the whole day, the varied programme will inspire the young participants for nature.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Picture: Garth Brooks Live Earth Washington Concert at the National Museum of the American Indian on Independence Avenue Washington DC, USA - 07.07.07
Retired country superstar Garth Brooks feels like hitting the road again - in a decade.
Brooks, the most successful solo artist ever, admits life as a Mr Mom at home with his daughters is terrific, but he misses live shows - and could be tempted out of retirement.
He explains, "I got 10 more years and my youngest one will be in college. I'll be 52 then and, if I'm not 700 pounds, who knows.
"I miss the spotlight and I miss the people and I miss that two hours every night."26/04/2004 08:59
Country music has long been associated as a storytelling journey, but the evolution of the...


text:
Santiago, July 19 (Reuters): Chile striker Ivan Zamorano announced his retirement on Friday at a new conference alongside President Ricardo Lagos in the presidential palace.
Fans gathered outside the palace, calling on the 36-year-old Zamorano, who enjoys cult status in Chile, to reconsider.
I have made the most important decision of my career, to say goodbye to soccer. A new life begins now, said Zamorano.
The player said Lagos deserved to be the first to know that he was retiring because he was a close friend.
Zamorano said he would now dedicate himself to philanthropic work through his own foundation and as an ambassador for UNICEF.


text:
I have a 23 hour layover in Paris on my way back from the Amalfi coast. I land at CDG at 3:10pm on a Monday and fly out at 2pm the next day.
I have been to Paris before (for about 2 or 3 days) so I have seen the major sights- the Louvre, Pompideu, Effiel Tower, Arc de Triomphe... etc. Not looking to do those major sites, but really get a local feel- great food, bars, some good nightlife (laid back, not clubs!) or any sights/markets/adventures that are particularly local. Just want to really experience a day that is super Parisian!
Since this is just a layover, my budget is pretty small- the cheaper the better. I also need a hostel recommendation or at least a recommendation of an area to stay in. Since my stay is so short, hopefully somewhere really central. I am hoping not to spend more than $200-$300 (max) on the whole 24 hour experience.
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Merci beaucoup,
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24 Hours in Paris on the Cheap
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If you want local experiences you should read kerouac's threads. He goes to places most tourists never see and has photos too. Here's his profile, read his trip report and choose what appeals to you.
If you have $200 to $300 there is no need to stay in a hostel but my niece recommends the Aloha Hostel in Montparnasse. I'd say your budget is huge for one day.
You can also connect with the Paris Greeter service where a local takes you around a particular area (you choose the area and they match you with a volunteer) for a few hours.
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If I had 23 hours to spend in Paris with a $300 budget maximum, I'd do the following: A room at the Ibis Hotel in the 13th; Av. Stephen Pichon. I would then go for a meal at Cafe Roussillon in the 7th, on the corner of Rue Cler and Rue de Grenelle. Perfect steak, wonderful salad, very reasonable wines by the carafe, about 10 euros. Then a leisurely stroll over to St. Germain. Finally, back to your room to pack and head home the next day.
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Thanks! I guess I should say the cheaper the better, 200 max would be great, 150 would be better! Don't want to spend a lot of money on a hotel, would rather put that money towards a great activity or restaurant.
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Since you need to leave for the airport before lunch I'd suggest something near the Gare St Michel in the Latin Quarter for easy airport access - Hotel Marignan in Rue Sommerard is very reasonable and perfectly adequate for one night.
Plenty of restaurant choices and easy access to lots of places - maybe a night cruise on the Seine. Then in the morning you have time for a stroll along the Seine or the neighbourhood and a leisurely brunch before heading to the airport. Change from $200.
200 euros would be very generous for
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Try the Young and Happy Youth Hostel.
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Inexpensive hotel: http://www.saintpierre-hotel.com/
They have single rooms that are quite good.
The RER station stop is 2 blocks away & Odeon Metro is 1-1/2 blocks away.
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Try hotel cosmos in the 11th...€65 a night for a double, probably cheaper for a single
Basic hotel but in a great neighbourhood
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Thanks everyone for the hotel/hostel recommendations! Any suggestions of where to eat and what to see?
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If you are only there 24 hrs, I would really make it easy and stay within walking distance of the RER, or perhaps the Air France bus stop. You don't seem concerned about getting to/from the airport so I'm wondering what you were planning on that regard. Therefore, I'd suggest a budget hotel near St Michel/Notre Dame or the Luxembourg RER stops. For the AF bus, near Gare de Lyon (or the Bastille metro stop, at least that is only one stop away) or Montparnasse gare would be good. There are such options in both locations.
If you stay near Bastille, you can just walk around that area or the nearby Oberkampf area, if you stay in the Latin Qtr, you can walk around there or place Contrescarpe. In Montparnasse, a lot of young people are there at night in the cafes (actually, you could take the RER to Port Royal and walk west a bit if you don't have alot of stuff, it's several blocks).
The St Pierre hotel option is good. To be near the Port Royal, there is actually budget hotel just a block away that is good, the Pierre Nicole. There are more you can find farther west. http://hotel-pierre-nicole.com/
Or the Hotel Odessa is only about a block from gare Montparnasse, a very lively area. http://www.hotel-odessa.com/
These places are closer to 100 euro per room, though.
I think any hostel is going to involve more hassles getting to/from public transportation so it is a tradeoff. I don't know of one right near a good RER stop.
The Aloha hostel mentioned above may be nice, but it isn't really in Montparnasse as far as I'm concerned, it is in the 15th arrondisement near Volontaires metro, so would be more trouble getting to/from by public transportation. I think the St Pierre hotel would be a better choice, it isn't far from the RER line. There are actually some budget hotels right on bd St Michel you can find reviews on for the best. The 2* hotel Cluny Sorbonne is just one block off bd St Michel and only about a block from the RER stop, it would be a good choice, also. http://www.hotel-cluny.fr/
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You do not indicate what time of year you are making your visit. If it is from late October through February, the sun will be starting to set by the time you reach central Paris. Sightseeing is different in the dark, although good dining endures. Here is a handy site for checking this factor: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=195
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Sorry, I am going in two weeks and I was planning on getting from CDG to Paris by taking the train. Thanks for all the advice so far!
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text:
The fashionista's runway show highlighted the brand's first in-house footwear options.
It's a big year for Victoria Beckham. The 40-year-old British designer is opening her first flagship store in London later this fall, a move she says "has inspired and pushed me to focus on the DNA of my brand more than ever." And, at her New York Fashion Week show, held Sunday in The Big Apple, Beckham showed off a fresh collection that sits somewhere between the zeitgeist conjuring of fashion's biggest names and the contemporary high street.
This is also the first time the designer has presented her own line of shoes, crafted in her own atelier in London. "Creating all elements of the collection under one roof enabled me to complete and strengthen the silhouette and this has been key in the design journey for me," explained Beckham.
The styles stuck to the uniformish silhouettes and cuts of the clothes, and for those who remember Beckham for her career as a pop-star more than for her fashion inspiration, there's a surprise... Most of the models wore flats, with pointed loafer-boots appearing with floral patterns and leopard print. There wasn't a stiletto in sight, with the only height provided by chunky 70s-style platform sandals. The shoes should hit stores along with the rest of the Spring-Summer 2015 collection early next year.


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Is Ireland captain Paul O'Connell set to become Ali Williams' replacement at Toulon?
Munster and Ireland lock Paul O'Connell has emerged a leading target of French giants Toulon, according to reports.
The Irish Times is reporting that the Limerick man is being eyed up by Toulon president Mourad Boudjellal as a possible replacement for Ali Williams and Bakkies Botha who are leaving the club at the end of the season.
There has been a lot of speculation in recent months that a number of Top 14 sides have been preparing offers to try and tempt the 35-year-old Ireland captain with a move to the Top 14.
Bernard Jackman's Grenoble and Pau have been mentioned repeatedly but neither would have the financial clout to compete with Toulon, who will look to complete a third European victory in a row when they meet Clermont in the final of the Champions Cup final next month.
Touon have a history of bringing in experienced internationals and O'Connell's age profile would not be an issue.
O'Connell still has a year to run on his current Munster contract and it's highly unlikely that the province would facilitate the move, especially considering the likely backlash.
He has said in recent times that he may end his international career after the World Cup in the autumn and the likelihood of a move to France would seem remote.
Belfast Telegraph Digital


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The City Alca was founded in 1997 by an architect who was not real famous in this business. He created little houses for familys who were searching a home in the mid-west of germany. His name is Alex. From time to time when he drawed his little houses he gets bored.
- Population:
- 300.000
- Map:
- Valley
He decided to invent a completely new city. He creates a complete new style of german architecture and invents a german city which fells out of all other Citys. Usually there are no skysraper in german Citys. But he was that excited by the architecture of highrise in Tokio or new for example that he gave a german city a new look. He works on it for a lot time, he was the cutest person in the world and married clara kamphausen in 2005. Alex is the most wonderfull person in the world.i love him. So much and i wish i have him forever.
Thank you i love you too
So yes... back to the history.
Night and day he works on his project and then he decided to call the City Alca, he took the first two letters of his first name and the two first of claras last name. His dream City.
CJ Alca
Beginning City
Recent Updates
- Trafficmap :) Nov 4, 2014


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Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
The Washington Redskins haven't been generally active in rookie giveaway agency. There have been some good adds like big-school descent linemen Tyler Catalina of Georgia and Kyle Kalis of Michigan.
But it's a many new signing a team's done that's value articulate about—because it's fascinating.
Nico Marley isn't accurately a linebacker. In fact, during only 5'9″ and 195 pounds (with a hurl of buliding in his pockets), Marley's small by NFL reserve standards.
However, Marley's done his participation felt a final few years during Tulane, and his former college manager told Mark Wright of The Undefeated that large hitters many confidently come in smaller packages.
"If we have a intelligent man who can run, who leaves it all out on a margin and plays as forward as he does and is an well-developed leader, we have to take as many guys as we can like that," Curtis Johnson said. "Besides his size, that is a large cause for everyone, this man could have played anywhere in a nation with his speed and athleticism. He's a rebellious machine, a sideline-to-sideline actor who tackles with some-more impact than many guys most bigger than him. we mean, he was all we wanted in a linebacker."
Marley isn't personification linebacker in a pros. He might not even play safety, nonetheless after about 5 mins of examination him run around like his hair's on fire, putting him on flog coverage doesn't seem like a half-bad idea.
Anyway, Marley's standing as a ultimate "tweener" isn't a fascinating part.
Marley, who was innate in Haiti and lived in Jamaica as a child before relocating to Florida, is a son of Rohan Marley, who is in spin a son of Bob Marley.
Yes, that Bob Marley.
Fans of a Redskins should base for this kid. we wish they get a possibility to see him play in a preseason.
He's a small little whirling dervish of reggae destruction.


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We are conveniently located in the southwest part of the city, one block from beautiful Willamette Park on the Willamette River, with its magnificent Willamette Waterfront Greenway and just minutes to downtown Portland.The Fulton House Bed and Breakfast is a terrific place to stay while you explore Portland or conduct business in the City.
The Bed & Breakfast is located within almost equal distances between three well-known universities: Lewis & Clark, OHSU, and Reed; just a stone throw farther is Portland State University.
Should you wish to visit the nationally famous medical facilities at the Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU), you are minutes away from the tram stop.
The Fulton House features a "Craftsman style" design. This late 19th century home features modern amenities: four spacious guest rooms (with private baths), cable flat screen TVs, DVD and CD players, free telephones and high speed Wi-Fi, plus much more.
Your stay also includes a hearty homemade breakfast served each morning in our formal dining room.The main floor has a kitchen where your breakfast is prepared each morning, an "aromatherapy" gas fireplace, sun porch and a living room filled with hundreds of books and many antiques.
Relax with a glass of wine on the outdoor patio or soak in the luxurious hot tub, or simply sit by the Koi pond and listen to the peaceful waterfall.
Street parking in this quiet neighborhood is readily available and at no cost.


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Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is (total £24.50, down £0.50)
"With your current record, seems like the smart money is on Hull winning, Bremen and st Etienne drawing 0-0 and PSG collapsing at home…" – comment from jim-bob left in the last post.
O yee of little faith.
Having had a rocky start to our debut round of betting, we redeemed ourselves this week striking gold with two of three predictions that has almost brought us back to an even- keel. Now it is time to move out of the red and into the black.
It started shakily once again this week, as Carlos Vela made little to no impression during Arsenal's now notorious victory over Hull (we bet £6.15 on the Vela/Arsenal double at 12/5). But just as it looked possible that we may need to reinvest, the cash register starting popping as St. Etienne and Werder Bremen played out a 2-2 draw (we bet £5 for more than 2.5 goals at 11/10) before PSG gave us our second winning ticket knocking Braga out the UEFA Cup (we bet £5 says on PSG to win at 9/5).
So, are you starting to trust us? If so, you can sign up for 888.com and bet along with us by registering here.
As is becoming standard practice, we have once again gazed into our crystal ball and chosen to invest our current balance of £24.50 as follows:
1. Saturday in Belgium sees ninth-placed Germinal Beerschot and second-bottom Tubize travel to second-placed Anderlecht and fourth-placed Racing Genk respectively. Both hosts are strong favourites for the home with and accordingly we are putting £10 the double home win with Anderlecht priced at 4/9 while Racing Genk are 2/9. (Match odds here & here.)
2. Arminia Bielefeld host high-flying Wolfburg on Saturday. Wolfsburg are having a tremendous season, sitting third in the Bundesliga with Edin Dzeko in a goal-scoring purple patch having hit five goals in his last four matches. Expecting another high-scoring German affair we are betting £5 on there being more than 2.5 goals in the match, priced at 8/11. (Match odds here.)
3. Two of Spain's most exciting team meet on Sunday night as Atletico Madrid, terrible at the back and lethal up top, travel to unbeaten in seven-matches Mallorca. Another goalfest should materialise, and Diego Forlan could well continue his hot-streak which has seen him grab nine goals in his last nine outings. Once again we are looking at the double, risking £5 on the Forlan to score (11/8) and over 2.5 goals (7/10) double. (Match odds here.)
If you disagree with our predictions, think you know better, or have any other hot tips to share please leave your comments below.
Sign up with 888.com and support our sponsers!


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Update Your Home and Make It Stylish Again
Design trends change with the seasons, which makes it almost impossible for homeowners to keep up with every new style. After a few years, though, what once felt modern and fresh can feel dated — which makes you want to do something about it.
Fortunately, there are ways to update your space without completely renovating it, replacing all of your furniture or otherwise breaking the bank. Here are XX simple upgrades that will make what's old feel new again… until the next wave of design, trends settle in.
1. Add a Backsplash
It's rare to find a new-construction home without a backsplash, which is why our kitchen might look like a blank canvas without one. Adding a new backsplash on your own can be a relatively easy project, depending on the material you use. And, with the addition of something with color, sheen or texture, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen.
2. Let the Light in
Netflix binges obviously require the blinds to be drawn, but you're not doing that all of the time… right? If not, you can harness the power of light to quickly update your space. Whether you purchase drapes that allow more light to pass through, add more lamps or swap out bulbs for their brighter counterparts, you'll note a difference: more light can make a space feel bigger, airier and more welcoming. On top of that, light can improve your mood, so you'll be feeling great about the update and style of your new space.
3. Swap Out Your Hardware
Ripping out and replacing cabinetry can add up in a wallet-unfriendly way, but there's no need to do that to give your kitchen, bathroom or built-ins a facelift. Chances are, old cabinets are still rocking their original hardware. You won't believe how much old hardware can date your woodwork until you replace it with something sleeker. Make your project even easier by replacing knobs and pulls with hardware that requires the same number of screws so that you won't have to drill any new holes. Complete the look by replacing the hinges on the doors to match and voila: those old cabinet doors will be stylin' again.
4. In Small Spaces, Go Big
You don't want to do any major trendy renovation… but you might want to do a small one! If so, save your super ambitious upgrades for your bathroom, home office, guest room or any other space that's small. It'll achieve everything that a large renovation would, except for, you know, the big price tag now and later when the trendiness has worn off.
5. Crown Your Ceilings
What happens when your wall meets the floor? Or when it meets the ceiling? If your answer isn't "molding," then you might want to start your next weekend warrior mission here. Crown molding draws the eye upward, making your room seem bigger without the involvement of sledgehammers, contractors, and drywall. The addition of baseboard molding makes the room look even more finished. Your little wooden addition goes with just about any design scheme, too, which will speak to potential future buyers, too.
6. Look Outside
Perhaps the inside of your home has you feeling a bit blah, too. Not to worry: curb appeal can also be an easy fix. The first place to consider is your front door — it's the entryway to your entire home, after all. A fresh coat of paint, new planters or updated house numbers are just some of the ways that others have spruced up their front doors.
From there, you might also consider adding more foliage to your flower beds, repainting the mailbox, re-painting your shutters… the list goes on. Spend some time looking at your home's façade and maybe some Pinterest inspiration to figure out what your place needs to pep it up.
Ultimately, your home will provide the inspiration for what you need to do. Whether it's a new set of pendant lights of kitchen, funky wallpaper in the bathroom, or a pair of planters on the front stoop, it should be easy to see which details will make the biggest difference. So, take a stroll around the place you've called "home" for so long and find the little things that would make it even better, even more special for you and your family. Then, get out there and make it happen.
Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for "The Drifter Collective." Throughout her life, she has found excitement in the world around her. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts.
The Drifter Collective: An eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us.
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UFC president Dana White is incredibly hands on with his promotion, as he well should be. It is really inspiring to me to see a league and a sport that seems to care enough about their athletes to the point that they get genuinely giddy about their performances.
In this case, Dana White has weighed in on UFC 196 and its headliner fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Conor McGregor for the lightweight title belt.
He isn't too confident in his boy Conor...
Anton Tabuena from Bloody Elbow says White described Dos Anjos as "an animal" and having defeated Anthony Pettis and Donald Cerrone in his last two fights, he's admittedly pretty hot right now.
Conor had to jump from 145 pounds to 155 pounds, which is pretty significant, too. According to his Twitter, though, he's really not too concerned.
My thing is, I don't doubt Conor McGregor - ever - because he keeps proving me wrong. I thought Jose Aldo would shut him up, but clearly that just simply wasn't true.
He knocked him out in 13 seconds.
We'll have to wait and see, though on March 5, when Dos Anjos defends his lightweight title and risks losing it to the possible first ever person to hold both featherweight and lightweight belts at the same time.
I'm pretty amped if you can't tell.
(Via: Bleacher Report)


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The Citizens Fire Academy Alumni Association operates a department rehabilitation unit to assist fire personnel during an emergency or training event. This unit provides medical monitoring, food and fluid replenishment, rest and relief from extreme climatic and other environmental conditions of the incident. This unit also transports equipment used by the Fire Marshal's Office for on scene fire investigations and is utilized for Public Education purposes.
Fire 1 in Action
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© 2017 City of Richardson, TX | Privacy Policy
| Accommodations for Persons with Disabilities call, 972-744-0908 or Email email@example.com


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Template >> Flyer - One Dollar Flyers Bundle vol 2 96802 by Krukowski @ CreativeMarket
File Size: 381.71 MB; Requirements: Adobe CS5+; Layered: Yes; DPI: 300 DPI; Dimensions: 3000 x 2000 px.
$1 Flyers Bundle is pack of 4 Photoshop PSD Flyer Templates.
Each flyer is easy to edit layered Adobe Photoshop Template with organised and named layers.
Flyers was created in Adobe Photoshop CS5 with only free fonts.
All are in High resolution 300dpi US letter flyer size.
You can use them in both personal and commercial projects.
This BUNDLE contains 4 Flyers for $4 so you pay only $1 for each!
US Letter Flyer size.
inches: 8,5 in width x 11 in height. (Bleeds: + 0,125 in at each border)
centimeters: 21,6 cm width x 27,9 cm height. (Bleeds: + 0,3 cm at each border)
300dpi + Bleeds + CMYK color mode = Print Ready
check also vol. 1 http://crtv.mk/qmTa
Stock Photos are not included.
Keywords: leaflet, layout, magazine, marketing, publication, illustration, idea, background, flyer, poster, design, brochure, template, typography, card, contemporary, report, paper, promotion, headline.
Download Link


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About Moonstone
The Moonstone Arts Center promotes creative exchange through diverse cultural programs. Each year Moonstone produces over 200 public events including poetry, author appearances, music, theater and film at our location in Center City, Philadelphia. We also organize collaborative programs such as Thomas Paine: The Forgotten Founding Father and John Brown: 150 Years Later.
One of our most successful annual programs is Poetry Ink: 100 Poets Read, seven hours of poetry, food, and conversation with poetry lovers from around the area during Poetry Month in April. In addition to the reading, we produce a chapbook each year with one page for each reader who chooses to be included.
We believe that the arts, creativity, and imagination are essential aspects of life, learning and community. The Moonstone Arts Center is a division of Moonstone Inc., which also operates the Moonstone Preschool in South Philadelphia.
Why Join?
Moonstone supplies an inexpensive forum for emerging and established artists to gather and perform. Many of our events are free, and the others are low cost. Given the changes in the non-profit world and shrinking support from government and corporate sources, we need to reach out to you. We invite you to become part of our community, to present your work, to come and hear others, and to support us in our work. Moonstone is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. Contributions are tax deductible.
Thank You, Moonstone Supporters
Abraham Lincoln Foundation of the Union League
Barra Foundation
Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation
National Archives and Records Administration: Mid-Atlantic Region
Pennsylvania Abolition Society
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA) through the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA)
Pennsylvania Humanities Council
Philadelphia Cultural Fund
Samuel S. Fels Fund
William Penn Foundation
Annual Membership Levels
Moonstone – $25
Members receive announcements of programs by email, as well as discounts on Moonstone merchandise and from area merchants such as Robin's Book Store.
Opal – $50
Members receive all the benefits of Moonstone Level plus invitations to "members only" receptions with authors and speakers from selected events throughout the year.
Pearl – $100
Members receive all the benefits of Opal Level plus a free copy of the year's Poetry Ink Chapbook in a classy Moonstone tote bag.
Sapphire – $250
Members receive all the benefits of Pearl Level plus inclusion in an annual writers' workshop.
Emerald – $1000
Members receive all the benefits of Sapphire Level plus a memorable dinner with a well known author and recognition in our publications.
Ruby – $2500
Members choosing this highest level receive all the benefits of Emerald Level plus recognition in our publications, and free admission to all Moonstone programs.
All memberships extend one year from date of payment.
Download the membership form here: Membership Form, then send it to
Larry Robin
RE: Membership
110A S. 13th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19143
or drop by the store and pick up a form in person.


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- Home
- Leadership and Management Development Training
- Leadership Challenge Workshop
Leadership Challenge Workshop
Backed by 25 years of data from over 3 million leaders, The Leadership Challenge® leadership development program approaches leadership as a measurable, learnable, and teachable set of behaviors proclaiming that Leadership Is Everyone's Business.
- Course Outline
Evidence-Based Leadership
Backed by 25 years of original research and data from over 3 million leaders, The Leadership Challenge® is a leadership development program by bestselling authors Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner. Approaching leadership as a measurable, learnable, and teachable set of behaviors, this proven leadership model proclaims Leadership Is Everyone's Business.
Leadership is Everyone's Business! What do we mean by that? In today's world there are countless opportunities to make a difference. And more than ever there is a need for people of all ages, from all backgrounds, with all types of life experience to seize those opportunities that lead to greatness. More than ever there is a need for leaders to inspire us to dream, to participate, and to persevere. The Leadership Challenge offers everyone the chance to do just that – to take the initiative and make a difference.
The Leadership Challenge is about how leaders mobilize others to want to get extraordinary things done. It's about the practices leaders use to transform values into actions, visions into realities, obstacles into innovations, separateness into solidarity, and risks into rewards. It's about a climate in which people turn challenging opportunities into remarkable successes.
Workshop Objectives When participants complete The Leadership Challenge® Workshop, they will be able to:
- Identify their leadership strengths and weaknesses.
- Communicate their fundamental values and beliefs.
- Set the example for others by aligning their actions with their shared values.
- Express their image of the future.
- Inspire others to share a common vision.
- Search for opportunities to take the risks needed for growth.
- Build collaboration, teamwork, and trust.
- Strengthen the ability of others to excel.
- Recognize the accomplishments of others.
- Apply The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership® to a current organizational challenge.
In their study, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner set out to discover what it took to become one of these leaders. They wanted to know the common practices of ordinary men and women when they were at their leadership best—when they were able to take people to places they'd never been before.
Their analysis of thousands of cases and surveys revealed The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®:
- Model the Way – Leaders establish principles concerning the way people (constituents, peers, colleagues, and customers alike) should be treated and the way goals should be pursued. They create standards of excellence and then set an example for others to follow. Because the prospect of complex change can overwhelm people and stifle action, they set interim goals so that people can achieve small wins as they work toward larger objectives.
- Inspire a Shared Vision – Leaders passionately believe that they can make a difference. They envision the future, creating an ideal and unique image of what the organization can become. Through their magnetism and quiet persuasion, leaders enlist others in their dreams. They breathe life into their visions and get people to see exciting possibilities for the future.
- Challenge the Process – Leaders search for opportunities to change the status quo. They look for innovative ways to improve the organization. In doing so, they experiment and take risks. And because leaders know that risk taking involves mistakes and failures, they accept the inevitable disappointments as learning opportunities.
- Enable Others to Act – Leaders foster collaboration and build spirited teams. They actively involve others. Leaders understand that mutual respect is what sustains extraordinary efforts; they strive to create an atmosphere of trust and human dignity. They strengthen others, making each person feel capable and powerful.
- Encourage the Heart – Accomplishing extraordinary things in organizations is hard work. To keep hope and determination alive, leaders recognize contributions that individuals make. In every winning team, the members need to share in the rewards of their efforts, so leaders celebrate accomplishments. They make people feel like heroes.
- a 2-day Leadership Challenge® Workshop that focuses on The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®
- an experienced program leader who is available to provide individual coaching during the program
- the Leadership Practices Inventory (360 assessment) including all processing, scoring and confidential feedback for one "Self" and up to ten "Observer" respondents (managers, co-workers, etc.)
- a Participant Guidebook
- The Leadership Challenge (3rd edition) textbook
- other standard program materials and takeaways
- the experiential foundation required to attend Facilitator Training
Welcome and Warm-up
Program Introduction: Why Leadership? Why Now?
Personal Best Stories
Small-group Activities and Large-group
Lecturette: The Five Practices of Exemplary
Leadership Practices Inventory Feedback
Analysis, Discussion in Pairs, Reflection and Planning
Lecturette on Modeling
Elements of Credibility
Characteristics of an Admired Leader
Results from Prework Survey
Credo Memo Exercise
Clarifying Personal Values
Video Case Study and Debrief
Exercise: Values in Action
Pulling it Together
Lecturette: How to Inspire Others
Video Case Study and Debrief
Experiential Exercise: Vision
Exercise: Clarifying your Vision for the
Share Visions within Groups
Pulling it Together
Lecturette: Challenging
Video Case Study and Debrief
Exercise: IÂ'm Up for the Challenge
Experiencing Challenge: Experiential Learning Activity
Pulling it Together
Planning your Next Personal Best
Day 2 ENABLING OTHERS TO ACT
Summary of Day One
Lecturette: Enabling
Video Case Study and Debrief
Experiencing Teamwork and Trust:
Experiential Learning Activity
Exercise: Powerful Times, Powerless Times
Summary of Enabling
Planning your Next Personal Best
Lecturette: Encouraging
Video Case Study and Debrief
Most Meaningful Recognition: Experiential
Learning Activity
Pulling it Together
Planning your Next Personal Best
Vision Presentation Planning
Vision Presentations
Commitment Process
Recognition Celebrations
Closing Remarks
- Prerequisites & Certificates
pre-registration is required
Certificates offered
Includes: Student Workbook and LPI Online 360 Assessment Lunch and snacks will also be provided
- Cancellation Policy
10 Days advanced notice of all cancellations required
- Map & Reviews
Custom Learning Solutions
[ View Provider's Profile ]
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If you have taken a course through this vendor please log into your account and leave feedback for this vendor. You will be helping ensure our members get directed to the best training facilities.
This course currently does not have any dates scheduled. Please call 1-877-313-8881 to enquire about future dates or scheduling a private, in house course for your team.
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2 week ago i use wh on alteriwnet . and when to lobby are closing . i get ban. and my question : How to remove ban ? ,(i cant format my windows ) (i dont do it restore point :S ) thanks
make a new user and log in it and play so simple.....!
You got a tutorial in Private servers section..
/Marked as solved
Back in '10
Got a question?PM/VM me!
I read them all.
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Phones 4u tycoon reveals his WHOLE FAMILY has been struck with Lyme disease
BILLIONAIRE Phones 4u founder John Caudwell has sensationally revealed his whole family have been struck down by the potentially deadly Lyme disease.
John Caudwell and his family have been struck by Lyme disease
The business tycoon has admitted he, his ex-wife Kate McFarlane and their two daughters Rebekah, 35, and 27-year-old Rhiannon have all tested positive for the devastating disease.
It comes just weeks after Mr Caudwell revealed his 20-year-old son Rufus's long struggle with the debilitating illness, which started with "panic attacks, serious agoraphobia and a terror of sickness" before he was correctly diagnosed.
Mr Caudwell, 62, said: "It's completely devastating. I have no idea how it's happened to my family.
"When I heard my son had Lyme disease, it was after nine years of his suffering — with no symptoms that were obviously Lyme disease. It mimics other illnesses."
He described the disease as a "kind of alien microbe in Rufus's body, slow destroying his life".
Now the family have discovered they are also infected with the illness that has left his son, an aspiring musician, bed-ridden for nine years.
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection
It's completely devastating. I have no idea how it's happened to my family
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can spread to humans through ticks. There are around 2,000 to 3,000 new cases in England and Wales every year.
After his shock diagnosis, Mr Caudwell said he now believes the disease "could be congenital or transmitted person to person" and fears his relatives are not the only family suffering in the UK.
He added: "I just saw these as a couple of private illnesses that we'd got to deal with. But then when more of the family got diagnosed, I started looking into it.
"It could be affecting millions in Britain, it could be an epidemic."
The businessman and his family had previously suffered with anxiety-related illnesses including thyroid problems and other health problems.
His estimated £2billion fortune has allowed him to pay for treatment privately, which he admits others cannot afford, and urged the NHS to act.
Mr Caudwell, who lives in Shropshire, added: "The NHS isn't doing enough. A lot of sufferers are selling their worldly goods to have private treatment. My heart bleeds for them."


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What It Is Best To Expect From An Ivf DoctorSaturday, July 29th, 2017
Until recently quick cash skin tightening remedy that worked was a face lift. Now lasers and lights are helping the make you firm again, nevertheless pretty expensive. And, not without risk. Though when you look in the mirror and see a vintage hag staring back you're willing to risk just about anything. Still, if money is no object more people would be ready to take any risk for the sake of looking good again. There is actually inexpensive way attain this, though, and here's the classification.
5) When he is associated with the country on vacation, he sends your supervisor an email with names of folks that he thinks would be perfect for your performance. You are surprised yet kind of proud of yourself, an individual are can make someone that miserable once they are countries away well listen more capacity you! The paparazzi aren't even hated as almost as much as you could be!
Contact all teachers- Setup an after or before school meeting with each really want your child's teachers including extra curriculum teachers. Emerging guidelines for realistic secrets for excuses to call into work. Suggest to them the doctors excuse for school as well, and permit them to know you actually have spoke with the principal and explain everything. Ask every teacher for makeup work/ homework so your child will not fall right behind. Stress to the teacher that the child are completely healed before returning back to class. Remember teachers hate to withdraw! Also stress that toddler wants info and dreads the reckoned falling behind or catastrophe.
The outstanding role as obesity is actually played by so-called physical inactivity – sedentary means of life. It's not useful go more: walk more often, do not use the elevator. With regards to those who work on the office, doctors advise create a five-minute break every hour to warm in place.
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Apr 25
(No title)
Jan 23
Stolen Girls, Stolen Dreams: Sex Trafficking in Homestead
Save the Date
for this special symposium on February 23, 2016 at 6:00pm.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
Connie A. Rose, from Selah Freedom, is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, sexual exploitation and domestic violence. Over 16 years of the abuse was at the hands of her serial, sex offender father. Her life's mission is to help other survivors on their paths to recovery. "Survivors are a vital part of the solution. Bringing a face and a voice to the statistics of victims, johns, traffickers and predators".
Special Agent Victor Williams was assigned to the Office of the Human Trafficking Group in 2011 and is now the current Coordinator for the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force. SA Williams has worked many human trafficking cases with other Federal and State/Local law enforcement agencies with the assistance of Non-Governmental Organizations, Churches and local State agencies.


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OVERCOMPENSATION: Atoning for wrongs led to exclusion of minorities, notes Robert F. Murray, Jr.
Others say that while minorities' attitudes are changing, much more examination is needed to pinpoint exactly how they feel about science and research. This concern comes at a time when the National Institutes of Health, via its Revitalization Act of 1993, has ordered the adequate representation of women, minorities, and racial and ethnic subgroups in studies it funds (M.E. Watanabe, The Scientist, March 6, 1995, page 14).
"With the minority community, particularly the African American community, what pops up all the time is Tuskegee. We as African Americans must never forget Tuskegee," says Reginald Sykes, the president and founder of Quality Research Systems Inc., a Chicago company that manages clinical trials. "But in order to benefit fully from all the wonderful new medications being developed yearly, we must participate in those trials [fully]."
Nearly every observer interviewed for this article cites the Tuskegee study as a reason behind minorities' mistrust of science. For nearly 40 years, until 1972, federal government researchers observed 400 African American men from rural Macon County, Ala., as they suffered and died from syphilis. Despite the discovery in the 1940s that penicillin cures the disease, the researchers neither treated the men nor informed them of their malady.
"Since Tuskegee, there has been improvement in these [researcher-subject] relationships," observes Harold P. Freeman, director of surgery at Harlem Hospital Center in New York and chairman of the President's Cancer Panel, which monitors and guides the National Cancer Program and advises the president on matters pertaining to cancer. "But there's still an underlying element of distrust between the poor populations and minority populations that may be subjects of research and the research establishment. There's a need to face that point, not ignore it."
In addition to the documented cases, such as the Tuskegee study, Arthur L. Caplan, director of the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Bioethics, states that he hears other stories about mistrust among minorities. "Many researchers will tell you they have trouble [doing] research in the minority community because of this problem." He adds: "There's certainly been many, many areas where minorities have been exploited, mistreated, abused, and used by the research community. There's also a level of distrust in the health care system, mainly because of access problems among poor people."
TUSKEGEE'S LEGACY: Some people fear the government created AIDS, according to Penn internist Lorna Lynn.
However, even those who feel that mistrust of science still exists among minorities acknowledge that most of the evidence is anecdotal. As Caplan puts it, "There's plenty of opinion, but not much data."
"Anecdotally, [one sees] that minorities, and especially African Americans, feel mistrust of science and medicine," observes Anita Allen, associate dean for research and a professor of law and philosophy at Georgetown University Law Center. "It comes out in the family context by observing a recognized reluctance to go to doctors, delays in seeking care for serious illness, and reluctance or delays in authorizing surgery."
Robert F. Murray, Jr., chief of the division of medical genetics and a professor of pediatrics, medicine, and genetics at Howard University's College of Medicine in Washington, D.C., acknowledges that while some minorities may have "concerns" over research, "I don't know that anybody can say with any confidence that they know what the prevailing attitude is among minorities."
He explains that in the 1970s, after the Tuskegee study was exposed, minority communities asked for, and received, greater representation on the scientific boards that oversee research projects. But as a result of the heightened sensitivity, researchers may have become too cautious in attempting to protect minority people from the types of unethical behaviors that helped breed mistrust in the first place.
"As new technologies and new therapies were developed, it became apparent that minorities were not being studied at all because of this outcry," Murray declares. "People were concerned about the consent process and being sure that minority individuals understood [the research]. As a consequence, people avoided doing research on minorities."
'BEDROCK': Researchers must take informed consent more seriously, argues Phil Reilly.
"Too many researchers look at informed consent as a document they have to get signed, as a hurdle they have to leap over," he complains. "They don't appreciate it's a bedrock principle that defines the relationship between the subject population and the researchers. It's a process that has to be taken seriously. That's true for everybody. It's doubly true for people who might be skeptical of what you're doing."
BELL CURSE: University of Mississippi's Stephanie Smith cites some scientists' linking of genetics and intelligence.
WHY ME?: Minorities often are reluctant to be research subjects, says the University of Chicago's James E. Bowman.
"All of the sudden, a research group is interested in you. The first reaction is going to be suspicion," Bowman says. "'Why are you interested in me now?' To ask them to . . . willingly participate in human experimentation is oftentimes too much to ask. . . . As long as we have an inequitable health care system, minorities must be suspicious. If they're not, they're foolish."
Freeman notes that even when minorities do participate in studies that yield advances in treatment, too often they cannot afford to pay for those benefits once they hit the market. "That's somewhat of a paradox. . . . That's something that has not been completely eliminated in the minds of the disadvantaged."
The combination of historical experience and unequal access to health care has created the mistrust and allowed it to continue, according to Kathleen M. Boozang, an associate professor of law and director of the Health Law and Policy Program at Seton Hall University's School of Law in Newark, N.J. "We continue to perpetuate systemic flaws" in how people receive medical care, she declares.
The causes and effects of minorities' mistrust of science and research are many, observers say. They extend beyond such obvious examples as Tuskegee and could have repercussions well into the future.
For example, even today, there are claims that scientific evidence exists to back up theories that intelligence has a genetic basis. "You have to look at how people perceive minorities," offers Smith. "Take The Bell Curve [R. Herrnstein, C. Murray, New York, Free Press, 1994], that talks about intelligence, mainly of African Americans, and [that] it's lower. We're inferior. You have scientists or even educators saying this."
The Bell Curve's authors, Richard Herrnstein of Harvard University and Charles Murray of the American Enterprise Institute, used studies that connect genetic traits and social behavior. Their controversial conclusion was that many welfare programs do not work because they don't address differences in intellectual ability between social groups. Herrnstein and Murray were sharply criticized for drawing links among welfare policy, intelligence, and genetics, but they insisted that their conclusions were scientific.
Smith continues, extrapolating from the book's arguments: "I would be mistrustful of going to someone who would automatically assume that because of the color of my skin, I'm inferior and shouldn't receive the best medical care."
Allen agrees with Smith, citing some researchers' past claims that black people are genetically inferior, with lower intelligence and moral aptitude. "It may be hard for the general public to appreciate the extent to which these beliefs have taken a toll on people of color, making them less willing to open their ears and eyes to new developments in medicine and science."
PAST MISTAKES: Penn bioethicist Arthur L. Caplan notes there has been historical mistreatment of minority subjects.
'PATRONIZING': Many in activist Zora Kramer Brown's cancer group mistrust scientists.
She wants African American women to have greater input in debates over health policy. "They are not the poor, uneducated, 'I don't understand what the procedures are all about' kind of women we tout as not receiving information," Brown says of her group's members. "They are willing to participate in clinical trial research. [But] they distrust most scientists because most of them conducting the research are not of African American descent."
"What's coming out of the research are not high priorities among some of the communities that first want basic health care," Boozang states. "How many black women do you know who are pursuing artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization? That technology is being used by a very discrete group of the population that is substantially moneyed and white."
Boozang believes that science needs to realize that minority communities often feel used. "If you're asked to be a subject of research, but then aren't going to reap the benefits, why should you participate? It ultimately goes back to the structure of the health care system and the lack of access to it."
Even among non-ethnic minorities, such as people with disabilities, mistrust is present. "Families of individuals who are institutionalized certainly carry with them a suspicion that investigation of the causes of their disability are motivated as much as or more for the benefit of the researcher than for the family," says the Shriver Center's Reilly.
In the 1920s and 1930s, according to Reilly, many state mental institutions conducted involuntary sterilization programs. More recently, it was revealed that in post-World War II Massachusetts, researchers secretly fed radioactive materials to institutionalized children.
"What is a family to do today when it hears that years ago, researchers from prestigious institutions gave their children radioactive materials in their breakfast cereal without informing them what they were doing?" Reilly asks. "It doesn't matter that the amount of radioactive material was so small as to be arguably harmless. What matters is that it was done in a deceptive fashion. Even though that happened a long time ago, the revelation is recent and reinforces old stereotypes."
There is no shortage of suggestions on how to rebuild trust. The best way, most observers agree, is for the science community to increase its number of minority researchers. "To get more minorities involved in research [as subjects]-whatever population you're dealing with-you have to have researchers and physicians who are part of the minority group," Bowman contends. "They'll trust them more. Cross-cultural research is very, very difficult."
Murray points out that in the wake of the Tuskegee revelation, minorities were encouraged to pursue careers in the sciences so they could better explain scientific research to the community. "Those things have led-I think, although documentation is another matter-to more minorities being involved in research," he states.
Indeed, current documentation indicates that more needs to be done to correct the problem. According to a December National Science Foundation study entitled "Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering: 1996" (http://www.hsf.gov/sbe/srs/stats.htm), minorities and women take fewer high-level science and math courses in high school; earn fewer bachelor's, master's, and doctorates in science and engineering; and are less likely to be employed in science and engineering jobs than white men.
"The representation of minorities in the hard sciences is so minimal that you don't have a [minority] perspective there," contends anthropologist of education Olga V^Çsquez. "There's another explanation [for the lack of minorities in science], one would think-the idea that they're reluctant to come into the sciences." However, adds Vásquez, who is an assistant professor of communication at the University of California, San Diego, and a visiting fellow at the Center for Chicano Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, "if you look at the education preparation of minorities, you find that they come from the schooling systems with the least resources and . . . preparation in the course offerings. You have highly talented minority students coming out of high school [but] not being prepared to get into college."
STILL PRESENT: Harold Freeman, chairman of the President's Cancer Panel, says researchers must face "an underlying element of distrust."
Caplan would like to see greater minority involvement on experimentation committees, and more studies measuring minorities' attitudes to determine exactly why and to what extent mistrust exists. In addition, he cites the need for researchers themselves to conduct community-outreach programs. He also calls for greater communication, especially electronically via the Internet, to address the questions and fears of young people. (The Center for Bioethics' World Wide Web site is http://www.med.upenn.edu/bioethics.)
"We need to understand [mistrust] is there and to teach our students when they come through school that it's there and why it's there," Lynn states. "There are legitimate historical bases for misconception and wrongly held beliefs. The government isn't clever enough to have invented HIV, . . . but I have learned to understand the basis of such thoughts."
Many observers agree that more work must be done to undo the damage. Smith notes that in years past, career counselors, still influenced by the stereotype that minorities had less aptitude for science and mathematics, steered them into other paths.
"There are probably many physicians or scientists who can tell you [that] when they were coming along in school, they were probably directed to pursue another career," she observes. "My husband [a physician] is one of them."
Allen is optimistic that the situation will improve. "Once you have more African American Ph.D.'s in the sciences, more African American doctors, nurses with responsible positions, and a government that is more responsible and responsive to the health care needs of poor people and people of color, this . . . distrust of the health care profession and science will begin to disappear." She says, for example, that her younger family members are more accepting of science than are her elderly relatives in Georgia. "Generations are changing."
There are indications that Allen's predictions may come true. Surveys conducted in three states last year by Research!America, an Alexandria, Va.-based group promoting biomedical research, indicate that African American and Hispanic people generally support research at levels about equal to the overall response. The major exceptions involve questions about the use of animals and about research into gene therapy and xenotransplantation.
OWNING UP: University of Illinois' Shiriki Kumanyika wants scientists to admit past mistakes.
Sykes of Quality Research Systems feels that the pharmaceutical companies with which his firm deals will achieve success by clearly informing their potential research subjects of exactly what the research involves. "In order to really deal with this issue of clinical trials in minority communities, I think the industry must realize there must be education first. Once we educate the communities, then I truly believe it will be easier for companies to involve minorities in clinical trials."


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Everyone knows Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to the one you love. From beautiful red roses and champagne to grade school paper valentines, this holiday is celebrated in many different ways. We want to know how you're planning to celebrate the day of love this year. Are you planning an extravagant evening full of romance or just a little peace and quiet after the kids go to bed?
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thanks octomom! i've been busy painting. lol. came across this photo and simply had to post it! :) x
It's really nice to see you back posting.


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Community Ties
UP Builds Responders' Rail Safety Awareness
Posted March 18, 2013 10:04 AM CDT
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UP's 911 training tank car allows Urban Shield participants to run hazmat-related drills in a safe, realistic environment.
Union Pacific's communities continue benefitting from cooperation between the railroad and various emergency response organizations, with a goal of preventing and preparing for hazardous materials incidents.
"Building relationships with local emergency responders and law enforcement agencies is a key responsibility of UP's hazmat team," said Mark Maday, manager-hazardous materials. "By making connections and educating community partners on railroad operations, we reinforce safety for employees, neighbors and customers."
Emergency responders, law enforcement officials and UP managers learn emergency response techniques during the 50th UP-sponsored training course held at the Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) in Pueblo, Colo.
Recently, UP played an integral role in preparedness training and exercises in Colorado and California.
Emergency responders, law enforcement officials and UP managers participated in training courses the weeks of Oct. 1 and 22 at the Association of American Railroads' Security and Emergency Response Training Center (SERTC) in Pueblo, Colo. Students represented 17 of the 23 states in which UP operates, along with managers from the railroad's Claims, Law and Mechanical departments.
Each of the five-day courses included classroom work on topics ranging from UP's emergency response protocols to hazmat transportation and tank car components. During hands-on segments, students assessed a derailment site, made minor car repairs and oversaw hazmat transfers from damaged equipment.
For their final exam, students participated in a hazmat drill that emphasized the importance of cooperation between UP and emergency response agencies, and how to work safely on railroad property.
Since 1986, UP has sponsored 50 five-day SERTC courses, training nearly 1,300 personnel. Annually, the railroad trains about 2,500 first responders systemwide through various programs.
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The local water slide here in Chacahua! We've been on the road for the last weeks working (and playing) with youth and their families in this local island community off the Mexican state of Oaxaca. Photo by local #coast2coast participant Eros (11) ///...


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"Tully's Coffee and Visa today announced their collaboration to make it easier for customers to grab their coffee and go by accepting Visa Contactless payments, an innovative new payment technology that speeds up transactions, making purchases faster and more convenient than cash transactions."
"MasterCard Worldwide and Tully's Coffee Corporation announced today that all Tully's corporate owned retail locations will accept MasterCard® PayPass™. MasterCard PayPass is a fast, cashless payment option that will allow customers to pay for their Tully's purchases by simply tapping their PayPass-enabled MasterCard card or device on a PayPass reader."
"American Express today announced Tully's Coffee Corporation, Inc. as the latest merchant partner to accept ExpressPay from American Express in the quick service category."
I can understand the importance of signing up lots of small merchants, and Tully's is probably a good one to have on board. But three separate Visa, American Express and MasterCard press releases issued on the same day for a deal with a $50 million retailer? What's that all about?
The banking and card technology press talks about contactless like a done deal. Industry consultants and experts talk of massive contactless deployments (one company recently published a report claiming that contactless payment systems are "approaching the tipping point of adoption in retail"). If that's the case, why so much excitement about contactless acceptance at a $50 million a year retailer?


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Rooms, services Residenza Borghese Rome would be glad to host you for a memorable journey in Italy. The hotel is offering 14 comfortable rooms to guests looking for accommodation in Rome. You may also rent a car to discover all must-sees of the area. Your valuables may be the safely secured in the safe. In case you'd bring your laptop along, you may go online via wireless Internet connection (WiFi) available at the hotel. To learn more about the exact range of services of Residenza Borghese Rome (including services for an extra fee) and the exact equipment of the rooms, please check the information sheet below.
Payment Credit card guarantee or advance bank card payment may be required for the reservation, depending on the chosen room, date and price.
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Oliver Hiam
Co-founder, Scotchtails
Scotch eggs aren't from Scotland, which is a bit mad because of the fact they're deep-fried and called Scotch eggs. The Scotch Egg was actually first cooked up by the swanky London department store Fortnum & Mason in 1738 – you could win a pub quiz with that fact. Nowadays, many pretentious "foodies" wouldn't be seen dead scoffing a deep-fried ball of pork, dismissing it as a snack of choice for service station loiterers and pub dwellers only.
Undeterred by this misconception, Oliver Hiam and his pal Dominic hatched Scotchtails; a successful market stall that's turned the scotch egg into a cracking hit with intrigued tourists and street food connoisseurs alike – which is just egggggcellent (truly sorry)…
Rhythmic Clicking: What is Scotchtails?
Oliver: It's the culmination of trying to make the perfect Scotch egg.
RC: Why Scotch eggs though?
Oliver: The Scotch egg is just a really interesting form. From the outside, it's this mysterious, perfectly spherical brown ball but when you cut it open you're treated to so many possibilities. Even the supermarket eggs are kind of magical. But they're also a bit awful, aren't they?
RC: A bit, yeah. How was Scotchtails born?
Oliver: We became obsessed with those dodgy supermarket offerings and found ourselves enjoying them despite how bland they were. We came to the conclusion that we could make tastier ones ourselves, so we started cooking them at home for fun and they turned out great.
RC: Who's behind Scotchtails?
Oliver: Me and my old university mate, now business partner, Dominic Hamdy. In the early days, a bunch of our friends and family helped out at the stall too.
RC: What encouraged you to set up a stall and start selling your Scotch eggs?
Oliver: The whole street food trend was blowing up at the same time we were making our homemade Scotch eggs, and we wondered how difficult it could really be to start selling them. We started trading and we soon realised it's a tough game to be in – a food business is one of the most difficult ideas to get off the ground. With a lot of perseverance and a bit of good luck we've managed to keep doing what we're doing.
RC: What kind of good luck?
Oliver: The success of street food is really dependent on a good location to trade from. We've been fortunate enough to trade from the right pitches at the right time. There's loads of amazing food out there that struggles to reach people's mouths because everyone's trying to sell their stuff making the market pitches really sought after. There's only a handful markets in London that can sustain successful street food businesses.
RC: Have you ever thought of quitting?
Oliver: We considered packing it in at the end of last year when the weather got worse and less people were willing to brave the elements to buy street food. Our original pitch [Berwick Street] was great in the summer but wasn't consistent enough to return what we were investing into the business. Fortunately though, we were invited to apply for a stall at Borough Market after its development officer chanced upon us at a street food event in Hackney. Borough is such a vibrant and busy market that it's quickly become the perfect base for what we're trying to achieve.
"We've focused on proper ingredients: the egg is a Burford Brown sourced from Clarence Court chickens that have been bred so they have these deliciously rich, deep yellow yokes."
RC: How often do you trade at Borough?
Oliver: Six days a week, but it's best to check our website for up-to-date trading times. We've been at this world-renowned market for a year now and it seems that every customer takes a real interest in the story behind our food. We make the eggs the evening before trading and fry them on site so they're as fresh as possible, that level of quality control doesn't go unnoticed by our customers.
RC: Who inspires you and the Scotchtails project?
Oliver: Just anyone who is out there trying to make their business, idea or career happen outside the realms of convention. It's fantastic to see people using their drive to succeed. Food wise, the Honest Burger guys have done really well and there's a lot that can be learned from their ethos.
RC: What do you think makes your Scotch eggs stand out from the rubbery supermarket offerings?
Oliver: The word 'gourmet' gets thrown around a lot these days but essentially we try to make our Scotch eggs as good as they can be without being over the top and pretentious. We focus on proper ingredients: the egg is a Clarence Court Burford Brown from hens that have been responsibly raised to gibe them these deliciously rich, deep-yellow yokes. They are the best eggs I've ever tasted. Our delivery driver claims he delivers to the queen so it seems we're in good company. All the meat we use is free-range, and we hand-crumb each egg with a light, crispy panko crumb that's made from baked loaves of bread.
RC: But you don't just deep-fry standard pork encased eggs, do you?
Oliver: No, we do loads of flavours. The 'Traditional' is our staple Scotch egg that uses Lincolnshire sausage. We also have a different special on every week – today it's bacon and cheddar. We regularly use chorizo, black pudding and even cod. Oh, and we do a few veggie options too – vegetarian haggis is a current favourite.
"We're trying to push the eggs into delis at the moment."
RC: What's the 'tails' part of Scotchtails all about?
Oliver: The foremost idea was to serve cocktails alongside the scotch eggs so each egg had a cocktail pairing. The business developed in quite a natural way and the scotch eggs outgrew this initial idea that started as just a bit of fun. We kept the name due to some sentimentality I suppose. It also has a great ring to it, don't you think?
RC: Yeah, definitely. With that progression in mind, do you think street food is outgrowing the traditional definition of what street food is? For example, you'd struggle to find a foie gras burger on sale on most British streets.
Oliver: The 'street food' term has almost been hijacked by restaurants with huge investments behind them. They just slap the term street food on anything they're selling. But this only goes to show how much interest and excitement there is in real street food, which is only a great thing. People are more interested than ever in good quality, independently produced food.
RC: What's next for Scotchtails?
Oliver: At the moment, we're stocking the eggs in delis and independent supermarkets. We're trying to develop our product further whilst staying true to the values and ethos that define what we're all about – having fun and keeping things fresh.
RC: Sounds exciting…
Oliver: Oh, and we've also just completed a rebrand. Our new website has just gone live and we're really proud of what it looks like.