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The Shins Chutes Too Narrow on LP
Pop Bliss in Glorious Analog
After wowing critics with their 60s-flavored debut, the Shins returned with a 2003 sophomore follow-up that is more emotionally and musically complex, with leader James Mercer's vocals and lyrics assuming a more prominent position. All of the band's trademarks are here: Britpop, chamber pop, indie rock, and harmonic pop colliding together into a supremely melodic mixture that will have any bystander humming for days.
Produced by Phil Ek (Modest Mouse), the album possesses a clean but natural feel, adding a bit of muscle to the Shins' seamless arrangements. Hear why in Golden State, actress Natalie Portman declares the band "will change your life."
"The band's arrangements are concise, yet singer James Mercer's melodies wander -- calling for repeated plays -- as odd lyrical phrases pop up over mutating guitars and keyboards. Getting intimate without giving away their secrets, the Shins walk a fine line between familiarity and mystery." --Barry Walters, Rolling Stone, October 2003
1. Kissing the Lipless (Mercer) - 3:19 2. Mine's Not a High Horse (Mercer) - 3:20 3. So Says I (Mercer) - 2:48 4. Young Pilgrim (Mercer) - 2:47 5. Saint Simon (Mercer) - 4:25 6. Fighting in a Sack (Mercer) - 2:26 7. Pink Bullets (Mercer) - 3:53 8. Turn a Square (Mercer) - 3:11 9. Gone for Good (Mercer) - 3:13 10. Those to Come (Mercer) - 4:24
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In our morning reading: an interview with Leni Zumas, new work by Nikesh Shukla and Catch Business, and more.
Afternoon Bites: "The Art of the Affair," Joan of Arc's Latest, Jaya Saxena Nonfiction, and More
In our afternoon reading: thoughts on "The Art of the Affair," new music from Joan of Arc and Brian Eno, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Fictional Translators, Robert Macfarlane Interviewed, Nell Zink, and More
In our afternoon reading: novels about translators, an interview with Robert Macfarlane, nonfiction from Nell Zink, and more.
Afternoon Bites: Kirstin Valdez Quade Interviewed, Ocean Vuong's Latest, David First, and More
In our afternoon reading: interviews with Kirstin Valdez Quade and Sarah Rose Etter, new writing from Susannah Felts, and much more.

subset: commoncrawl


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GSA Federal Supply Schedule
Blue Canopy as a GSA Schedule holder uses schedules to provide fast, easy, and effective contracting vehicles for our clients. The long-term government- wide features of our schedules provide Federal, State, and local governments access to our commercial services at very competitive prices. The Special Item Numbers (SINs) categorizes similar products, services, and solutions together to aid in the acquisition process. All schedules are Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) of supplies and services during a fixed period of time to assist with streamlining the acquisition process and expedite service delivery.
Schedules: GSA IT 70
Blue Canopy's most current GSA IT 70 Schedule Contract No.:
GSA IT Schedule 70
Contract No.: GS-35F-0541P
SINs: 132-51 IT Professional Support
132-45A Penetration Testing (Pending)
132-45B Incident Response (Pending)
132-45C Cyber Hunt (Pending)
132-45D Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) (Pending)
IT Schedule 70 is an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract. IT Schedule 70 is the largest procurement vehicle and the most widely used acquisition offering in the Federal Government. It offers a comprehensive array of IT products, services, and solutions, including Innovative IT Solutions, hardware, software, maintenance, network services, cyber security, professional IT services, and much more.
Currently Blue Canopy offers a full spectrum of IT Support under SIN 132-51. In the very near future we expect our schedule to be modified to allow us to offer the full suite of High Adaptive Cybersecurity IT Service [SINs 132.45A, B, C and D] which will allow Federal, State and local governments the ability to access our award winning and highly rated cybersecurity services.
MJ Peters, Partner
Phone: 703.896.4002
GSA Schedule Administrator
Teryl Ross, Senior Contracts Manager
Phone: 703.896.4000 ext. 4066


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Antique badge rejoins Augusta police
Collector found badge in Las Vegas
An Augusta police training session turned into a history lesson when a guest gave the department a badge more than 100 years old.
Sgt. Christian Behr said it came from a collector who found the badge in Las Vegas.
Members of the Augusta Police Department have been trying to collect memorabilia in the past few years and the badge fit into the collection.
The department has two other badges from the 1800s, plus uniforms and photos.
But for the century-old badge to become part of the collection, the department had to meet one requirement.
"A caveat to giving us the badge was that someone's got to wear it. And so for the past week, and probably the remainder of the month, I'm going to be honored to wear that badge at the direction of Chief Gregoire during our anniversary month," Behr said.
March marks the 165th year of the department.
Augusta police lost much of their original collection during a flood when the department's office was in a riverside location


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Scrabble & Words with Friends Word Unscrambler
Definition of Muqaddam
0 Definition of Muqaddam
The definition of muqaddam, the meaning of word Muqaddam
Is muqaddam a scrabble word? Yes!
0 Synonym of Muqaddam
Muqaddam is worth 23 points in Words with Friends
There are 8 letters in muqaddam: A A D D M M Q U


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Macbeth is tempted to kill the king by the prophecies of three witches. Goaded on by his ambitious wife and his own hunger for power and prestige he sheds blood. But one murder leads to another, and how secure can the couple ever be with their ill-gotten kingship? And will they cope with the guilt?
Director - Joanna Turner
Author - William Shakespeare
Unlike film, theatre doesn't have an official age classification organisation. That means all age recommendations are subjective and should be treated as guidelines unless otherwise stated. With this in mind, we ask you to use your judgement in regards to a show's suitability prior to purchase. However, we are more than happy to help you make a decision. Please email our Customer Care team to find out more about your chosen show.


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The Long Beach State men's track and field team claimed its ninth Big West Championship title and its third in a row at the UC Riverside Track Facility Saturday.
The three-peat for the men's team was the first in LBSU history and the first in the conference since former member Utah State did it in 1996.
At the end Friday night's event, the 49ers men's team was in second place behind UC Santa Barbara. LBSU took the event on Saturday afternoon by scoring big performances from sophomore Michael Montgomery in the pole vault and by senior Jacob Fraser in the discus throw.
The men took the lead from the Gauchos after a win in the triple jump with senior Ryan Sanders taking first and junior Willie Alexander finishing second.
Montgomery had a career-best performance in the pole vault clearing 17 feet 9 inches. Montgomery jumped himself into sixth overall in school history with his mark.
The 49er women's team finished seventh overall after they ended the first day of the meet tied for sixth with UC Irvine.
Freshman Jasmine Bass earned the second overall spot in 49er history with a third place finish of 40 feet 11.5 inches in the triple jump Saturday afternoon.
The women's 4x100m relay recorded a time of 45.44 seconds; the time is good for the third best in school history. The team consisted of twin sisters senior Kayla and junior Kristina Goosby and freshmen Ashleigh Chambers and Madison Carney.
The 49ers will look to add on to their Big West win at the NCAA West Preliminary Championships on May 28 in Austin, Texas.
LBSU Men's Track and Field Big West Winners
400-Meter Dash:
Junior Cameron Glasgow – 46.39 seconds
800-Meter Dash:
Senior Chris Low – 1 minute 48.72 seconds
4×400-Meter Relay
Sophomore Dylan McCloskey
Junior Cameron Glasgow
Sophomore Michael Perez-Rogers
Junior Jahmani Lockett – 3 minutes 9.58 seconds
Hammer Throw:
Sophomore Kody Robison – 205 feet 6 inches
Long Jump:
Sophomore Willie Alexander – 25 feet 5.5 inches
Pole Vault:
Sophomore Michael Montgomery – 17 feet 9 inches
Triple Jump:
Senior Ryan Saunders – 51 feet 1 inch
Discus Throw:
Junior Jacob Fraser – 185 feet 4 inches


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Having rich knowledge of 18 years in this domain, we have been affianced in offering the best quality range of Jar Washing Machine. This machine is manufactured under the stern guidance of our dexterous technocrats using quality-tested components and latest techniques. Provided machine is widely used for washing various kinds of jars in an efficient manner. Moreover, our valued clients can get this Jar Washing Machine in various specifications at reasonable prices.
Key Points:
MICROTECH SYSTEMS All Rights Reserved.(Terms of Use)
Developed and Managed by Infocom Network Ltd.


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Project Description
An exclusive look inside the world of Dutch DJs!
Dutch DJs – The book reveals the answers to all your questions about the profession of DJ/Producer. This coffee table book exposes how Dutch DJs move beyond their own limits and unravels their success factors and secrets for staying on top of their game. Get up close and personal with some of the world's best known and talented Dutch DJs in this comprehensive first part of the book series. The book combines amazing photos and high-profile interviews of almost 200 influential Dutch DJs, covering four generations and over 20 different dance influences. All these photo shoots and in depth interviews (which took a total of 800 hours) took place at the DJs own studio or home, enabling this book to show a side of them that has never been shown before. In addition, 100 of the most relevant professionals in the dance industry were interviewed to be able to provide a complete picture of the DJ industry. This book explores the diversity of the various Dutch dance influences and is a must have for everyone with a passion for dance music. At last Dutch DJs will get the attention they deserve.
452 pages, included 300 interviews & photos – 34×23 cm hard cover – 3 kilograms – Special pre-order price 49,95 euro until the release date – Order through www.dutchdjs.nl.
DanceWrite is more than proud to have been part of this impressive project of Anthony Donner. We've turning the video interviews of artists & professionals like Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, Ferry Corsten, Arjuna Schiks,DJ Jean, Junkie XL, Jochen Miller, Jochem Hamerling, Dance.nl, Nicky Romero, Oliver Heldens, Joeri Lodders, Menno de Jong, Headhunterz,Allan Hardenberg, Dennis J. Waakop Reijers-Fraaij, Fedde Le Grand,Marco V, Michael de Kooker and many many more, into interview articles to be published in the book. It's been a pleasure working with such a driven team & on such an inspiring project!


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WESTMORE — A 62-year-old man from Orleans died after he fell through the ice on Lake Willoughby this morning.
At approximately 9:00 a.m. police received a 911 call reporting a man had fallen through the ice in the area of Blueberry Point Lane in Westmore.
This occurred about 50 feet from shore.
The victim, identified as Richard Leblanc, was pulled from the water by rescue crews.
He was transported to North Country Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
According to police, the investigation is ongoing, but there is nothing suspicious about the incident.
Leblanc's body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for autopsy.Are you on Instagram? Cool. So are we. CLICK HERE to follow us for a behind the scenes look at Newport Dispatch.


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Kia ora Amber and welcome to the VLN and Enabling e-Learning community.
I am here to support you and help you get the most out of the VLN community./groupcms/view/785042/ko-wai-matou-who-are-we
I see you have joined several e-learning related groups already; including Enabling e-Learning, maybe I could suggest some more groups to help you get the most out of the VLN.
You might like to join the "Getting started on the VLN" group, here you will find a wealth of tips to help you get the most out of the VLN./groups/profile/25604/getting-started-on-the-vln/
You might also like to join the other groups in Enabling e-Learning too. /groups/profile/118255/enabling-elearning/ for more on-going conversations.
Every three weeks we put together the e-learning round-up on the blog, it is well worth skimming through to see the latest discussions and links, /blog/group/118255/all
Looking forward to working with you online.
Ngā mihi nui,Tess:-)
Tēnā koe, Amber
Welcome to the iPad group on the VLN.
There are lots of great resources to be found here particularly in the discussions and bookmarks.
Please have a good look around and join in the discussions.
Let us know if there is something you would like particular assistance with.
No friends yet.


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US Politics in Trump era
US bombs at Turkish airbase complicate rift over Syria invasion
An estimated 50 nuclear bombs stored at a US airbase in Turkey have become potential bargaining chips in the tense relationship between Washington and Ankara in the wake of the Turkish offensive into Syria. The presence of B61 nuclear gravity bombs at İncirlik airbase, which is about 100 miles from the Syrian border and which the US air force shares with its Turkish counterpart, is complicating Washington's calculations.
US cuts funds for 'anti-propaganda' Iran group that trolled activists
The US state department has cut off funding to a group that purported to combat Iranian propaganda, after it was found to be trolling US journalists, human rights activists and academics it deemed to be insufficiently hostile to the government in Tehran. The group also focused on supporters of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, which Donald Trump withdrew from last year, particularly the National Iranian American Council, which has advocated nuclear diplomacy with Tehran. It used the hashtag #NIACLobbies4Mullahs.
No increased Iran threat in Syria or Iraq, top British officer says, contradicting US
The top British general in the US-led coalition against Isis has said there is no increased threat from Iranian-backed forces in Iraq or Syria, directly contradicting US assertions used to justify a military buildup in the region. Hours later however, his assessment was disowned by US Central Command in an extraordinary rebuke of an allied senior officer.
Trump says US will recognize Israel's sovereignty over Golan Heights
Donald Trump has announced that the US will recognize Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, captured from Syria in 1967, in a dramatic move likely to bolster Benjamin Netanyahu's hopes to win re-election, but which will also provoke international opposition. Previous US administrations have treated Golan Heights as occupied Syrian territory, in line with UN security council resolutions. Trump declared his break with that policy in a tweet.
US quits UN human rights council – 'a cesspool of political bias'
The US is withdrawing from the United Nations human rights council, the Trump administration announced on Tuesday, calling it a "cesspool of political bias" that targets Israel in particular while ignoring atrocities in other countries.
Mike Pompeo claims Iran carrying out 'assassination operations' in Europe
Mike Pompeo's claim that the Iran's Revolutionary Guard is carrying out "assassination operations in the heart of Europe" has bewildered security experts and Iranian exiles, who say they are not aware of any evidence for the allegation.
Trump's warning to Kim Jong-un: make a deal or suffer same fate as Gaddafi
Donald Trump has threatened Kim Jong-un with the same fate as Muammar Gaddafi if the North Korean leader "doesn't make a deal" on his nuclear weapons programme. The US president issued the threat at t he White House when he was asked about the recent suggestion by his national security adviser, John Bolton, that the "Libyan model" be a template for dealing with North Korea at a summit between Trump and Kim planned for 12 June in Singapore.
Mueller files new charges against ex-Trump aides Manafort and Gates
The special counsel investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin has stepped up pressure on the former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, by filing new sealed court charges against him. Reuters saw a court record referring to the sealed charges, which were also directed against Rick Gates, Manafort's former business associate, but the documents provided no details on the nature of the charges.
Trump threatens to rip up Iran nuclear deal unless US and allies fix 'serious flaws'
Donald Trump has threatened to terminate the 2015 Iran nuclear deal if Congress and US allies fail to amend the agreement in significant ways. In a vituperative speech on Friday that began by listing Iran's alleged crimes over the decades, Trump announced he would not continue to certify the agreement to Congress, but stopped short of immediately cancelling US participation in the deal.
The Trump-Russia dossier: why its findings grow more significant by the day
Originally commissioned by a private firm as opposition research by Donald Trump's Republican and then Democratic opponents, the dossier cite a range of unnamed sources, in Russia and the US, who describe the Kremlin's cultivation over many years of the man who now occupies the Oval Office – and the systematic collusion of Trump's associates with Moscow to help get him there.
Tillerson says Iran is not meeting 'expectations' of nuclear deal
A rift between the Trump administration and Europe, over whether to stick to a nuclear agreement with Iran, deepened considerably on Wednesday after a meeting on the deal's implementation at the United Nations in New York. The US secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, emerged from the meeting conceding that Iran was abiding by the letter of the 2015 deal, but he still insisted Tehran was not fulfilling the "expectations" of the agreement.
Chinese president speaks with Trump and urges calm over North Korea
China's president, Xi Jinping, has told Donald Trump in a phone call that all sides should avoid rhetoric or action that would worsen tensions on the Korean peninsula, according to Chinese state media. Reports quoted Xi as saying: "At present, the relevant parties must maintain restraint and avoid words and deeds that would exacerbate the tension on the Korean peninsula."
Trump keeps rolling back Obama legacy by tightening travel and trade with Cuba
Donald Trump has announced a partial rollback of his predecessor's rapprochement with Cuba, tightening travel and trade rules on the grounds of what he said was a worsening human rights situation on the island. The new rules will stop individual travel to Cuba and seek to restrict the flow of payments to the many Cuban companies owned by the regime's security forces. It will not fully reverse the steps taken by Barack Obama in 2015 to ease the half-century policy of isolating Cuba.
Rex Tillerson: 'America first' means divorcing our policy from our values
UK was given details of alleged contacts between Trump campaign and Moscow
The UK government was given details last December of allegedly extensive contacts between the Trump campaign and Moscow, according to court papers.Reports by Christopher Steele, a former MI6 officer, on possible collusion between the the Trump camp and the Kremlin are at the centre of a political storm in the US over Moscow's role in getting Donald Trump elected.
Louise Mensch: the former British MP who scooped US media on Trump's Russian ties
Mensch works at News Corp by day, probes Trump-Moscow by night. Here's how she learned the secret that eluded even the best journalists. On the eve of the November election, Mensch published a sensational story reporting that a special intelligence court in Washington had granted a warrant to allow the FBI to conduct surveillance of "US persons" in an investigation of possible contacts between Russian banks and the Trump organisation.
Donald Trump says US not committed to two-state Israel-Palestine solution
Donald Trump has dropped a two-decades old US commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel as part of a permanent Middle East peace agreement. Speaking at a joint press conference with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the US president did not rule out a two-state solution but implied his administration had no preference when it came to the final geography of the region as part of a permanent Middle East peace agreement.
Trump administration 'officially putting Iran on notice', says Michael Flynn
The Trump administration has said it was "officially putting Iran on notice" in reaction to a Iranian missile test and an attack on a Saudi warship by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, but gave no details about how Washington intended to respond. The threat was made on Wednesday by the national security adviser, Michael Flynn, in his first public statement since taking office.
Russia and conflicts of interest: Rex Tillerson embodies quandaries for Trump
Trumps choice for Secretary of state in the face of allegations that Russia interfered with US elections and Mr. Tillerson's business dealing with Putin reek of "conflict of interest". Mr. Trump himself had promised to clarify his involvement with his businesses during his presidency which he did by tweeting that his sons will be running his business and they will not sign any new deals, backing out of a promised press conference on this topic.


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In Radiometer we help caregivers make diagnostic decisions that save lives. This mission brings out the best in us and drives our passion.
We combine forces across professional skills and borders. Delivering market leading Medical devices requires amazing professionals, who understand the technical, commercial, regulatory and financial aspects of the global market in which we operate.
With headquarters in Copenhagen / Bronshoej, affiliates in 30+ countries globally and distributors covering the rest of the world, we are, if anyone, a global Company.
We consist of the following departments:
• Finance
• Marketing
• Sales
• Research and Development
• Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance
• Operations and Production
• Legal
• HR and Communications
We are also part of the Danaher conglomerate and family, which gives us amazing career opportunities and more than 67,000 colleagues worldwide.
Developing on a personal and professional level is of highest importance to Radiometer and that is one of the reasons why many people stay for many years.
We don't just go to work because of the numbers:
Or the fact that we are proud of our Danaher Business System and LEAN culture. This provides us tools that focus on Growth, LEAN and Leadership. A unique combination that help us develop as individuals and achieve great results as a business every year.
Or our many colleagues, who inspire us and help us develop professionally and personally:
We chose to work for Radiometer and Danaher because the combination of all of these things help us develop and help healthcare professionals save lives. What job is more important than that?
Before watching this video, we may have similar job openings to share! Please provide your email and we'll keep you up-to-date on amazing career opportunities!


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As an unsaved child and junior high, high school, and college student, I listened to a wide variety of music, including heavy metal, soft rock, and pop. Growing up in an Indian home, I also had very extensive exposure to Hindi music, especially music from Indian movies.
Music was an especially vital part of my life from about junior high onward. At one point, I even wanted to be a lead guitarist and vocalist for a rock band.
In college, I took guitar classes and lessons and longed to learn how to play rock music. Although I tried very hard to learn how to play it, I never was able to figure out how to play the rhythms of that music. Most of the few rock solo parts that I did learn to play, I learned from a few close friends who also played guitar.
In contrast to my very limited success in learning to play rock music, I was able to develop extensive abilities in note reading and strumming and picking chords for songs that did not have a rock beat to them. In addition, considerable exposure to classical music during these years, both through my guitar lessons and through close connections with many college friends who were classical musicians, developed a deep love and appreciation in me for classical music.
Although before I was saved, I had listened to many different styles of music, I had very little exposure to Christian hymnody before I was saved. In the years leading up to my conversion, I did attend services occasionally at an Assembly of God church, but I have no recollection of the music that I heard on those occasions.
Shortly after I became a Christian, I began attending services regularly at an independent Baptist church in Cookeville, TN. In that church, I first experienced extensively Christian hymnody and other sacred music that was sung and played in a way that was distinct from all the music (except for the classical music and the few sacred songs that I had heard before) that I can recall ever having heard prior to that point in my life.
My experience of this new music was not just that I was singing words that I had never sung before—there was an entirely different feel to this music. This sacred music never brought back to my mind any of the earlier styles that I had saturated my mind with over the years.
Now, after 23 years of being immersed in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, I am readily able to detect a difference between what I first heard in my first church and what I hear today in Christian music sung and performed in contemporary styles. Whereas the former never recalls to my mind secular music that I have heard, CCM readily does so.
As one who first had his mind immersed for many years in the world's music and then immersed for many years in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, I find it appalling that good brethren assert that CCM is acceptable music for divine worship. Not having the background that I have, many of them are clueless to the effects that the musical styles of CCM—regardless of the words—are having upon them.
Furthermore, even after years of being a believer, I find that I still have within me a deep affinity for rock music, pop, and other music that is played and sung in worldly styles. Based on my extensive experiential knowledge of the world's music and of sacred music that is clearly distinct in style from the world's music, it is clear to me that CCM has no place in the life of a dedicated believer and should be eradicated from every church that desires to glorify God in its worship.


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Get ready for the holiday madness!
Ticket sales for the 2015 Leprechaun Limbo will go on sale at 12:01am on Friday, November 28, 2014. This will be the ONLY day that you can get a discount on the tickets!
Tickets will be available at the 2013 price of $40 per mother/son couple + $10 each additional son. And, event shirts will be available at 15% off as well! Heck, we might even have VIP tickets on sale too!
As a bonus, just in time for the holidays, we will mail you a special announcement letting your son know that his gift will be attending the Leprechaun Limbo with his awesome mom.
Spread the word to your friends, and plan to spend just a few minutes shopping online on Black Friday this year.


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Erasmus + Project : Sävar IK- Youth Empowerment in Sport YES
Project in Arona –Tenerife
EC Project Number: 2017-2-SE02-KA105-001854
National Project ID: 894000-8181
Project title: Youth Empowerment in Sport
Organisation Legal Name: Savar IK
From the 26th to the 31st October 2017
During five days we had the opportunity to work with 60 young people from Sävar and Arona : empowerment, sports, democracy, leadership and self confidence. The official junior handball teams of both cities met in Los Cristianos, Playa de Las Américas. This is going to be the first of many other projects in the future together.
We had the honor to have Alexandra Pascalidou, the famous Swedish reporter author of this video talking about Democracy and equality:
Her visit left a few intense moments like this ( sorry about my translation but she said so many interesting things in such a short time….it was a challenge):
The sessions started with some issues due to the level of English of some of the participants…..or the level of shyness of others 🙂 We could see how confidence and friendship was growing along the days of the project and here you have some the best moments we enjoyed:
Some of the best moments….Handball tournament on Sunday…..
What about meeting in Sweden next year?
The dream team….
Alexandra Pascalidou…
Dolphins and whales in the Ocean free and happy….


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Every experienced poker player knows that there are few things more nerve-wracking or unpredictable than playing against a newbie. Our poker help can come in handy in such situations.
This is because they don't know the fundamental laws of poker and can routinely make some pretty surprising and profitable mistakes.
But don't worry, we are here to offer poker help, as new players don't know some of this necessary poker help for playing, they'll usually end up losing in the long run.
So here's a quick refresher on how you can minimize your chances of making some costly errors.
1. Understand the mathematics
The first thing to remember is that poker is mostly a game that relies on mathematical probabilities that are always shifting throughout the session.
So recognizing the value of your initial starting hand selection will be critical in ensuring that you can successfully see the game through its conclusion. And from here it's a matter of calculating pot odds, recognizing betting patterns, and making that all important decision of when to play and when to walk away.
Get this article as a beautiful, easily save as a PDF or print for daily use.
Download an amazing infographic covering this topic to share with your friends.
Get a free copy of our popular eBook "21 Secrets to Dominate the Poker Tables Like a Pro".
2. Be aware of yourself and others
But although poker relies on universal laws of mathematical probability, the reason as to why it's become such an enduring and popular game is because of the unpredictability of the human participants.
As such it's essential to know your state of mind when playing. Avoid playing when drunk or in a bad mood, and learn to watch your competitors as it's only through capitalizing on opponent's mistakes or mood swings that many games are won.
3. Get POKER Help from the greats
We might all be as massively successful as the likes of poker stars like Phil Ivey, but that doesn't mean that we can't learn something of their trailblazing gambling formulas. Anything as simple as making sure that you use consistent bets to give your opponents no clear clues as your gameplay can have some surprisingly lucrative results.
What's critical about many of the poker greats is that they always master their own game. They never worry too much about what their competitors are doing. So stop worrying about whether your opponent has that missing ace. Just be careful to focus on your hand on a round by round basis.
4. Consider your stakes
Probably the most important thing to think about is how much money you're willing to play with. Much as you'd budget for a night out, setting your limits for a poker session is critical. If you're going to enjoy yourself and not make some foolish mistakes.
This means that you can start by making small bets at first. And then work your way up if the game is going well. Don't just blowing all of your money on the very first game.
5. Plan your losses
So this might not be the most pleasing tip, but it's essential to plan your losses. Especially if you're in the game for the long haul. This is because even the most skilled players will know when they have a hand that has no hope of winning. Be able to walk away from this round without chasing down an unreasonable goal.
By doing this, you can not only stay in charge of the way the game is going, but you can consolidate your efforts for when that prize-winning hand inevitably turns up. And remember that we always learn so much more about losing rather than just getting lucky and winning.
6. Knowing when to bluff
This is one of the hardest poker tricks to master as any beginner in the game. Any new user will inevitably end up bluffing just about every other game. Whereas the true poker pro knows that bluffing should very rarely be used, if at all.
By focusing on making the big wins with the best hands, you'll be able to learn so much more about the game. And if on the rare occasion you do bluff, it can have the most devastatingly effective results.
7. Keep your cards close
This poker help is kind of obvious but can quickly be forgotten. Other most advanced poker tips will come to nothing if your opponents manage to catch a quick glimpse of your cards.
It's because of this reason why many top poker players make an effort to memorize the cards in their hand. Whereas many newcomers to the game will make this fatal error. They get carried away and let their competitors quickly see which cards they have.
8. Practice makes perfect
Like any sport or game, it's practicing and making mistakes that are key to improving your game. This is why playing for fun, or even taking advantage of welcome bonuses on online casino sites can be handy. As they allow you to try out some new moves without costing you a penny.
9. Avoid tilt
But even if you're finding success at LadyLucks, it's important not to get too carried away. The concept of 'tilt' has been around for many years. It describes the way that poker players can sometimes let their emotions dictate their gameplay.
Thankfully, there are many poker experts like Jared Tender who can offer poker help you recognize poker tilt and take steps to avoid making those careless mistakes. And similarly, being able to quickly take advantage of a moment when a competitor is 'steaming' will also be one of the most surefire ways to drive home that winning hand.
So whether it's understanding the laws of probability, governing your mood, or just getting some more practice at LadyLucks, there are plenty of simple measures you can take to improve your poker game.


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Dentures and dental bridges can be a real pain to take care of with multiple maintenance requirements, but you don't need to take care of them forever. If they get in the way of how you'd like to live your life by always falling out, you'll be happy to know that there is a dental implant dentist out there looking to help you. The list below has strategies to help you decide whether having a dental implant dentist is right for you.
Dentures are much more tricky to care for than implants. If you apply the dental routine you use to clean the rest of your teeth, your implants will remain healthy and looking good. You will probably be given other additional tasks by your dentist to help make your implants look great.
Unlike dentures, implants will never shift or fall out, because they're permanently fixed to your jaw. More so, you do not have to change your dental hygiene routines like removing them as you would do with dentures. They'll continue looking great if only you continue brushing and flossing them like you would do to your natural teeth.
Having a dental implant can do more for you than just looking like a healthy, real tooth. Sometimes, the loss of fullness in a person's profile isn't due to the aging process, but rather a result of missing teeth, and an implant will help to resolve this. With dental implants, you can keep the young appearance of your face for much longer. Plus a bright, happy smile takes years off of anyone's appearance.
Lost teeth are serious health problems, but many people find them much more serious dents to their self-confidence. Missing teeth will cost you that great smile and affect your attitude over time. It can also affect how you behave in social settings, and you may choose to remain isolated and lonely, all because of a dental issue that in truth is rather minor and easily solvable. With a dental implant, you can revert to your healthy appearance and vigorous confidence you have known all your life.
In case you have a missing tooth or perhaps a number of them, you can solve your problem using dental implants. The benefits listed are just the top of the list of the number of advantages they have over other dental procedures to cover or replace lost teeth. In fact dental implants are stronger than the teeth that are naturally in your mouth. Also, since the implants are made of high-quality, durable material, you'll never need to worry about getting a cavity in an implanted tooth.


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By Candour Webmaster, May 22 2018 4:39PM
I am sure many of you are familiar with the new General Data Protection Regulation.
While it almost certainly doesn't apply to us - consent was granted by your request to be included on the mailing list, and no personal information is retained apart from your e-mail address - we have decided that it is better to be safe than sorry.
The existing mailing list database will be deleted and if you would like to receive our occasional e-mails. please reapply via the website.
The only information we will retain is your e-mail address and we will not share this with anyone else. We comply with the GDPR privacy regulations.
Thank you in advance for your understanding.
The A.K. Chesterton Trust
1. May 26 2018 10:41PM by Adam Hiley
courtesy of the wretched EU time to get Our Nation back then build a Commonwealth alliance economic and military Britain Canada Australia New Zealand South Africa we should be together the Queen is our head of state after all
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Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Is 8 the best year?
It seems to me that if you can get phonics finished by 7yrs old you set up the student to really excel rapidly when it comes to reading. Between the 8th and 9th birthday seems to be the time when the brain is most ready for intensive learning? It happens in my school again and again.
7yr old = Phonics, Vocabulary, simple form communication
8yr old = (Skip simple reading and go straight to High School level), Vocabulary, Diary, Complex communication.
9yr old and up = Adult beginner style lessons with the speed of the lesson adjusted to the class level.
After 4 years, this is what works for me. No text books in the classroom (used only as H.W.) if you have to use them. NO CD's!! because they waste valuable time and it can be done at home with the text.
My opinions
Posted by Chris at Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Is 8 the best year?


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International women's organisation asks members to make 'Time to Talk'
Good mental health is fundamental to a thriving life
Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Ltd is asking members to make 'Time to Talk' on 7 February, as part of their campaign to raise awareness of the mental health issues that affect women and girls.
Time to Talk on 7 February, is all about bringing together the right ingredients, to have a conversation about mental health. Whether that's tea, biscuits and close friends or a room full of people challenging mental health stigma, it's just about getting talking.
SIGBI Federation President Sue Williams is using her presidency year to encourage all members to 'Think on It' by incorporating mental health awareness into their club activities. Time to Talk Day fits in really nicely into this theme and is a great opportunity for members to kick starts their campaigns.
Some shocking statistics:
- 29% of women have mental health issues compared with 17% of men.
- 30-60% of women with mental health problems have experienced domestic violence.
- 2/3 of dementia cases are women.
- 1 in 12 young women self-harm.
- 20% of women have PTSD compared to 8 % of men.
- 56% of young trafficked survivors have depression.
"Good mental health is fundamental to thriving in life. It is the essence of who we are and how we experience the world. Yet, compared to physical health, so little is commonly known about mental ill health and how to prevent it. That must change", said Sue Williams, SIGBI President.
President Sue looks forward to working with Clubs to raise awareness of these issues.
Notes to Editors
For more information about the work of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, or this Press Release, please contact Gina Coad, Executive Officer, Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) on 0161 480 7686, email email@example.com website www.sigbi.org
1. Web addresses:
2. With the name taken from the Latin 'soror' for sister and 'optima' for the best, Soroptimist International is a leading global women's voluntary organisation. It has close to 80,000 members in more than 3,000 Clubs in over 100 countries around the world. The Federation of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) has 7,500 members in 322 clubs in 28 countries including the British Isles, Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and Malta.
3. Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partnerships. Soroptimists are committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong and peaceful communities worldwide.
4. Soroptimists focus on transforming the lives of women and girls, locally, nationally and globally, through education, empowerment and enabling initiatives. Soroptimists make a difference to the lives of more than half a million women and girls in the world every year.
5. Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland is an organisation in Special Consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council since July 2013, which is in addition to the General Consultative status held by the umbrella organisation Soroptimist International. Soroptimist International is a recognised Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) representing women from all over the world.
Press release distributed by Pressat on behalf of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI), on Wednesday 6 February, 2019. For more information subscribe and follow https://pressat.co.uk/
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Welcome back to Thursday Quotables! This weekly feature is the place to highlight a great quote, line, or passage discovered during your reading each week. Whether it's something funny, startling, gut-wrenching, or just really beautifully written, Thursday Quotables is where my favorite lines of the week will be, and you're invited to join in!
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
(published 2002)
"Before your grandfathers' fathers were born, and yea, even before their fathers, the Dragon Riders were formed. To protect and guard was their mission, and for thousands of years they succeeded. Their prowess in battle was unmatched, for each had the strength of ten men. They were immortal unless blade or poison took them. For good only were their powers used, and under their tutelage tall cities and towers were built out of the living stone. While they kept peace, the land flourished. It was a golden time. The elves were our allies, the dwarves our friends. Wealth flowed into our cities, and men prospered. But weep… for it could not last."
What lines made you laugh, cry, or gasp this week? Do tell!
If you'd like to participate in Thursday Quotables, it's really simple:
- Write a Thursday Quotables post on your blog. Try to pick something from whatever you're reading now. And please be sure to include a link back to Bookshelf Fantasies in your post (http://www.bookshelffantasies.com), if you'd be so kind!
- Leave your link in the comments — or, if you have a quote to share but not a blog post, you can leave your quote in the comments too!
- Visit other linked blogs to view their Thursday Quotables, and have fun!


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The Midgecatcher's House detail, 2012.
David Lisser is an artist working and living in Newcastle where he graduated from Newcastle University in Fine Art in 2009. He is based at the Newbridge Studios in the city centre where he was recently involved in 'Response: A Rural Urban Conversation' with Visual Arts in Rural Communities (VARC). Since June 2011, he has been artist in residence for Allenheads Contemporary Arts in Northumberland, working under the theme of 'The Future'. His final show, 'The Future 2, 3 & 4,' with Alan Smith and Liam Murray, opens this Saturday 28th January.
How would you describe your current work?
Sculpture is the simplest thing to describe it. I generally work with wood primarily, but anything I can find – interesting bits of bike, copper. I tend to make things that look like they have a use – technologies or devices. I guess what drives that is technology and human relationship to technology, how it changes society, how we change as individuals what it promises to do to our lives.


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110 pp; hardback, ISBN 978-1-911363-44-6
Fonn A Níos Fiach is a novella, based on folklore from Dúiche Sheoigheach. Out of his own works, this is the author's favourite.
This is a tense, emotive telling, with the sense of wilderness throughout. It would remind you of 'The Old Man and thr Sea' by Hemingway, but in this case it was hunger and the famine, and not heroism, that drove this man to hunt.
Read an excerpt from Fonn a Níos Fiach.
Fonn a Níos Fiach available from Amazon
Duan na Nollag was translated by the famous lexicographer Patrick Dineen, and edited and adapted for young readers by Maitiú Ó Coimín.
A book to be relished by those who have no great love for our rhymers, past or present!


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Luis Saez only started riding in America in 2009, but he's swiftly established himself as one of the best jockeys in the country.
A graduate of the Pincay Riding School, which has produced notable riders such as Jose Lezcano and Cornelio Velasquez, Saez won 37 races in his native Panama before making the journey to Florida; specifically Calder Race Course. He won his first race in the states in August, and it wasn't long before the then-17-year-old apprentice started turning heads. A month later, he was named 'September Jockey of the Month' at Calder on the strength of a four-win day on Sept. 20.
Calder would be 'home sweet home' for a while for Saez as he won three straight riding titles there from 2010-2012. He even climbed into the top five in the country in wins in 2012, posting 281 victories that year. In 2013, Saez decided to challenge himself by heading up to New York to ply his trade at the demanding NYRA circuit.
"We decided to come to New York because it's a big place, the top trainers and jockeys. We want to be here looking for…a Derby horse, Breeders' Cup horse," Saez told Poststar.com.
The decision paid off almost immediately as he secured the mount on Will Take Charge, a D. Wayne Lukas trainee that won the Travers Stakes, Pennsylvania Derby and Clark Handicap with Saez in the saddle in 2013. He just missed nabbing his first Breeders' Cup victory as Mucho Macho Man nosed out Will Take Charge in the 2013 Classic. He would also take the Oaklawn Handicap with Will Take Charge in 2014 before the horse was retired later that year.
"[Will Take Charge] was one of the best horses I ever rode in my life," Saez said. "Him [sic] and Wayne Lukas helped me out. They helped my career too, because more people…look at me, give me more opportunities."
Saez won his 1,000th race with Lea in the Hal's Hope Stakes on Jan. 11, 2014 at Gulfstream Park. He frequently spends the winter months there along with some of the other top jockeys in the country.
He is still chasing that elusive Breeders' Cup victory. It remains to be seen how many mounts he'll secure, but Saez will be one to watch for on the first weekend of November.
Follow me on Twitter: @itsgood2beking


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Spring City, PA - 19475
(610) 948-5111
Be The First To Make A Review
Your opinion matters. Leave A Review Or Edit This Listing for Spring-Ford Project Outreach - Spring City Pantry .Do not request help here. Contact the Pantry directly.
Pantry Details, hours, photos, information: Spring-Ford Project Outreach - Spring City Pantry
Project Outreach was organized by local pastors and laypersons from area churches in order to feed and serve the needy in the Spring-Ford area, as a result, two weekly food distribution sites were developed, one in Royersford and another in Spring City.
Royersford Pantry Hours:
Thursdays 10:30am - 12:00pm
Located at the Bard Community Center
Spring City Pantry Hours:
Thursdays 10:30am - 12:00pm
Located at The First United Church Of Christ
Project Outreach, with the help of 26 area churches, continues to operate these food pantries and has added many other programs which aid and assist our residents in crisis.
Project Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious creed, disability, or age.
County or Counties Served: Chester
* Important: Please call the food pantries to confirm that the hours have not changed. We do our best to provide full information and details, but food pantries often change their hours without notifying us. We do not want you to waste your time visiting a pantry that is not open.


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Vanity Hair Studio – Bellingham opened in May of 2019 with an incredible staff, as a second location to its Shoreline sister salon.
Each Stylist has years of experience and creative passion, making her a unique piece to the whole of the styling team.
At Vanity, we love our clients and are committed to excellence in hair design and service. We will work with you to create a look that is distinctly your own, styling with luxe products so that you walk out feeling like you own the day.


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Current Articles
Squirreling Away Money at the Dept. of Transportation
by Tom Yamachika, President, Tax Foundation Hawaii
Well, it looks like the Hawaii State Watch Doggie has woken up from his nap.
A: Hey! Keeping watch is hard work!
Q: Undoubtedly. So what are you reading there? It looks like an Auditor's report — "Review of Special Funds, Revolving Funds, Trust Funds, and Trust Accounts of the Department of Transportation."
A: Oh, yes. It's an outrage.
Q: What's the problem?
A: Well, you know that the DOT is telling the Legislature to raise taxes. Fuel tax, vehicle weight tax, registration fees. Taxes, taxes, taxes.
Q: So how are they different from any other government agency?
A: The auditor found that they have lots of money lying around. More than $120 million in accounts that haven't been even touched for five years.
Q: And they're asking for more.
A: And that's not all. A few years ago, the Feds got mad at them because they had close to a billion dollars in unused federal money. The Feds gave us money to work on roads and bridges, and it wasn't getting spent, so they were saying, "Why should we give you more money if you can't spend what you have?"
Q: But they have been working the backlog down over the years.
A: Come on. More than a hundred million that hasn't been touched for years? Makes me want to bite someone.
Q: Jeez! Don't look at me so intensely when you're saying that!
But didn't they say that most of the money is a reserve that they have to keep around for their airport bonds?
A: Hey, if the bond agreement requires millions to be held in reserve, DOT should have been able to point to the part of the bond agreement saying that. Did they? No! And there's more.
Q: There's more?
A: There's a law that says that DOT has to report all of their funds to the Legislature. They're not supposed to squirrel away their money.
Q: So how much did they fail to report? Enough to buy a few bags of kibble?
A: More than $120 million.
Q: Different from the $120 million that they found lying around?
A: There's some overlap, but mostly in addition to the idle $120 million.
Q: Did DOT say why those accounts weren't reported to the Legislature?
A: Airports Division said that the Airports account the Auditor identified had no money in it anyway and they forgot to report it. The other divisions didn't say anything.
Q: Not even "Oops," eh? But they did report some of their accounts to the Legislature, right?
A: Yes, but not accurately. The Auditor found that Highways Division's fund reporting was inconsistent and sometimes inaccurate. For example, a fund reported as "Revolving & OHA" was actually five different funds, and none of them were related to OHA.
Q: Oh, man. Whatever can we do about that?
A: I'm going to bite someone on the schnozzola.
Q: If you can reach it, that is. You're only a 7-pound doggie.
A: Details.
Related: Auditor Slams DoT--$112M Illegally Hidden from Legislature
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Current approaches to improve the safety of the blood supply
- Donor selection
- Serological and nucleic acid testing
- Bacterial detection
- Leucoreduction
- Gamma irradiation
Tests performed on donated blood
* NAT testing is not performed in all countries
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)
- Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)
- Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV)
- HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody (anti-HIV-1 and anti-HIV-2)
- HTLV-I and HTLV-II antibody (anti-HTLV-I and anti-HTLV-II)
- Serologic test for syphilis
- Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for HIV-1 and HCV*
- NAT for WNV**
** Only in the USA
Infectious risk of blood products
Due to stringent donor selection and testing procedures, fresh-frozen plasma (FFP) in the developed world offers a high degree of viral safety.
Bibliography: Germany: Offergeld et al Euro Surveill 2005;10(2):8-11 (Data from 2000-2002), UK: Soldan et al Euro Surveill 2005;10(2):17-19 (data from 2002-2003), Switzerland: Niederhauser et al Euro Surveill.2005;10(2):14-16 (data from 1996-2003), France: Pillonel Euro Surveill 2005;10(2):5-8 (data from 1992-2003), Canada: MacDonald et al: Paediatr Child Health Vol 11 No 3 March 2006, USA: Dodd et al Transfusion 2002;42(8):975-979
However, the current strategy can not eliminate all transfusion-transmitted infectious agents, i.e.not only known pathogens but also unknown new agents, and some patients may be harmed before preventive measures are introduced.
The window period
This is the period between the moment of infection and the time at which the presence of the virus or bacteria can first be identified in the blood (by detecting antibodies, antigens, DNA or RNA). During the window period, the blood of a donor may be infectious, although the screening test does not indicate this. This means that the negative result of the screening test is then actually incorrect.
The average window period (using the current serologic methods)
- For HIV is 22 days (between days 6 – 38),
- For HBV is 59 days (between days 37 – 87)
- For HCV is 82 days (between days 54 – 194).
Nucleic-acid-amplification testing (NAT)
The window periods for HIV, HBV and HCV have been considerably shortened due to the introduction of nucleic-acid-amplification testing (NAT), which screens for the virus itself and not for antibodies directed against it. Virus infections are detected by NAT much sooner after infection. This very sensitive technique is able to detect very small amounts of viral RNA or DNA, even when serological tests are negative. The principle of this technique is that the RNA or DNA present is selectively increased, after which detection can take place.
Although NAT reduces the window period it has its own limitations: – Sensitivity : Minipool PCR is not able to detect very low titer viruses. This has led to transmission of HIV, HBV and HCV.* – Specificity :
MPNAT : mini pool NAT SDNAT: single donation NATBibliography : *M.K. Hourfar, C. Jork, V. Schottstedt, M. Weber-Schehl, V. Brixner, M.P. Busch, G. Geusendam, K. Gubbe, C. Mahndart, U. Mayr-Wohlfart, L. Picl, W.K. Roth, M. Schmidt, E. Seifried, and D.J. Wright Experience of the German Red Cross blood donor services with nucleic acid testing: results of screening more than 30 million blood odnations for human immunodeficiency virus-1, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus. Transfusion; Vol.48, August 2008; 1558:1566 **B.R. Jackson, M.P. Busch, S.L. Stramer, and J.P. AuBuchon. The cost-effectiveness of NAT for HIV, HCV,and HBV in whole-blood donations. Transfusion; Vol.43, June 2003; 721:729
Time length for screening test development
Historically, there has been a very long interval between the first recognition that a disease is transfusion-transmitted and the eventual implementation of a donor-screening test to prevent that transmission.


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Although team building is a common method to boost morale in your company, the thought of escape rooms as a team building activity has only recently landed on the radars of employers.
Escape rooms in a nutshell: Placed in an immersive, themed space, your team is presented with an exciting challenge they must complete in a limited amount of time. Although hints are available when the team gets stuck, players are invited to express ideas, collaborate and trust each other's instincts to reach their goal.
Creating an inviting atmosphere for team building is a top priority of ours, so we've made it our goal to make your team building activity a memorable experience that brings your employees closer together.
Benefits of Escape Rooms for Team Building
Build Trust
While players complete challenges in an immersive, themed environment, they close a social gap and will get to know colleagues they may not normally interact with in the workplace. This fosters a sense of community and brings players closer together as a team.
Define Roles
Players are immersed in a new environment filled with exciting challenges and puzzles. Players have an opportunity to show off strengths in a welcoming environment where all ideas are encouraged. Team members will get a better sense of what their colleagues are capable of, which can better define the roles of employees in the workplace.
Experience Something Unique
Employers get the opportunity to take the dread out of corporate team building – no more long, quiet dinners or hyper-competitive activities that only put a wedge between staff. Escape rooms encourage all the same values required for a cohesive, productive workplace while also providing team members with a unique experience that appeals to escape room first-timers and enthusiasts alike.
Plan A Stress-Free Event
Team members are welcomed, briefed, and invited into each event with the help of the Game Masters. Our games have a unique story that players will hear as the event begins. Each game is facilitated and supervised from a separate location to allow players full immersion into the space. If the party space is used, setup and teardown are completely taken care of. All of this to say, we think every team member deserves an amazing experience, including the party planner. Leave the rest to us.
Share The Victory
When the team completes their goal, they'll share a long-lasting memory of achievement that can't be found anywhere else. Players gain a sense of comradery that will encourage the same puzzle-solving, communication, and creative thinking once they're back in the real world. A team name and photo will commemorate the occasion, and will make a great souvenir to remind players of the one-of-a-kind experience they shared.
Consider an escape room next time you plan a team building activity or corporate event. For more information on our corporate packages and rates, click here. We'd love to be a part of your next adventure!


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Harvard University
Leave A Review - Free Speech Is Welcome!
2 Student Reviews of Harvard University
Great university, although *very* expensive if your household income is above $200k.Overall Score: (4.90/5.00)
Brand and prestige for sure, but is the education at Harvard all that superior over nearby universities??? If you get in, you'll see what I mean.Overall Score: (2/5.00)
Please scroll up to leave a review.


text: RW Arnold 0 Posted October 14, 2015 I am an analytical chemist turned teacher, and have used computers since the mid-70's (punched tape, punchcards, 5 1/4" floppy, 3 1/2" floppy, ZIP, CD/DVD, Flash Drive-it's been a long, fun road) but I am a newbie at building one! I am ready to build a non-gaming computer (well, maybe chess, Baldur's Gate, or Red Alert now and then) in a HAF XB EVO case, with a passive CPU cooler (I don't want a fan cooler vibrating ON the motherboard, and I fear Murphy's Law will apply to liquid cooling for me... I love the big XB EVO case with plenty of room for massive passive radiator and lots of fan options..... I have all the parts: Intel i7-4970S to be cooled by a large passive CPU cooler (NoFan CR80EH), a Corsair RM450 PSU, a Gigabyte Graphics card (Z97X UD5H), 16 Gb of Corsair Dominator (2x8), the latest Samsung M2 SSD (500Gb) on the mobo, one ASUS optical drive, and a WD Black 2 Tb HD. I have a non-OEM Win 7 Pro DVD to install (I don't have a cell phone, either, although I am a ham operator), and I will be connecting a Dell P2715Q and a Unicomp replica of the best keyboard ever (the IBM M keyboard) w/USB, and a wireless mouse. As you may know, the upper level of the case has two 120mm front fans (which I assume blow IN), a "hole" for a 120mm in back, and an open grille top which will mount a 200mm fan. The lower level has a PSU intake on the bottom, and two side by side 80mm fan holes. I am looking for opinions on what would be best for my setup. I have filters for all the fans, but I have not purchased a 200mm until I determine its usefulness. I just want to keep things as cool as possible with the least vibration, my fans don't need to light up, nor do my memory chips. I am considering several fan setups (and I don't car that much about noise, I wear closed over-ear headphones a lot): #1 Front CM fans blowing in, rear 120 mm blowing in, 2 80mm in bottom blowing in, no top fan. #2 Front fans blowing in, rear 120 mm blowing in, top 200mm blowing in, 2 80mm blowing out. #3 Turn side panels upside down; front fans blowing in, rear 120mm blowing in, a 200 in top exhaust, 80mm fans blowing in. #4 Close the top w/plexiglass, turn side panels upside down, front fans in, 120mm back fan exhaust, 80mm fans blowing in. #4.1 Close the top w/plexiglass, turn side panels upside down, front fans in, 120mm back fan blowing in, no 80 mm fans, or maybe 1 blowing in towards the drives. #4.2 Close the top w/plexiglass, turn side panels upside down, front fans in, 120mm back fan blowing in, no 80 mm fans at all. Most of my quandary is what to do with the top (open/closed, fan/nofan), and how to rig the two 80mm bottom fans (and I add, why are they so close together? I think the open top is an invitation to dust; if I don't close it I know I will mod a plexiglass "roof" standing-off about 1" above the grill to keep dust out. The big grill openings in the side panels are dust welocming as well. I have not checked it out myself, but I have seen pics of the XB with the side panels inverted - that interests me, because I think I would get a more laminar flow through the top section right across that cooler (without outside turbulence from the side opening). I hope my post isn't too long; I appreciate your informed thoughts! Arnold Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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The heavy wrought iron gate squeaks as I move out onto the sidewalk. After a morning of pulling weeds and digging bulbs in my tiny Charleston courtyard, a brisk walk is just the ticket to round out my morning. As I approach the crosswalk at the intersection, I spot a small tan pickup truck slowing to stop for the light. My breath catches in my throat. For a moment, I can't understand where this reaction comes from. And then, it comes to me.
I know that truck.
I keep my eyes focused on the stoplight with the truck in my peripheral vision and search for a tree or fence to duck behind, but it could draw his attention. There is no way out.
As I stand waiting, I am amazed at my degree of hypervigilance, like a part of my brain suddenly opens up a file that had been neatly stored in the recesses of my mind. No one waiting for this light to change would suspect the mental gymnastics I am doing to get my emotions under control. I'm equally amazed at the freedom I've found, all the healing that's transpired since I last encountered this truck. And I am not going to allow this to cause a relapse of traumatic feelings.
Not today, no way. This dang light is taking forever.
Ten years ago, I started teaching second grade at a local grade school. The school administrator, Dr. Sands, highly regarded and considered a leader within our state, was meandering down my hallway. My contact with him had been limited to the interview just a month earlier, so I was surprised to hear him out and about on a Monday evening. He stepped inside my classroom doorway to check on me.
"Denise, are things going well? Are you settling into a routine?"
"Yes, thank you," I straightened and dropped the homework assignments I'd been grading into my satchel . "I think I am getting the hang of it. I wish I had started out a bit more structured in the classroom, but I'll know better next year."
"Good to hear it. Hang in there, it does get easier. By the way, you sure clean up nice." He grinned.
Strange, I thought. I am sure he was just being cordial.
"I'll be heading out in just a few minutes. Thanks for coming by to check on me."
Over time, his compliments on my looks became commonplace. I thought it was harmless, after all, the man was old enough to be my father. He had a lovely, fashionable wife who worked in the front office. He was probably just being nice. My mid-western farming background showed in my plainness—no makeup, little jewelry, and simple clothing. Attracting any attention, especially from men, was the farthest thought from my mind. I chalked it up to fatherly care for his employees.
Overall, the school had exceeded my expectations. They pushed for academic excellence and attention to detail, and they extended freedom to their teachers to be creative in the classroom. Their curriculum choice showed thoughtfulness, and I appreciated their push for accountability in using it. Their stellar reputation in the community drew many local residents and stationed military families, and all of this had broadened my teaching abilities and advanced my own children's training.
Yet by April of my second year, I'd noticed some minor health issues related to the pressure of balancing the demands and meeting expectations, not least of all from Dr. Sands. I was determined to make it work.
One day, during a free period that same month, Dr. Sands came by the staff room and peeked through the window. When he saw I was alone, he walked in.
"Hey, Denise. I'm glad you're getting a few minutes to yourself."
He exuded tension. I barely looked up, offered a quick, "uh huh," and kept checking off my lesson plan. It was unusual for any man to be in a closed room with a woman, even if he was the administrator. A creepy feeling rose up inside, and I kept my eyes fixed on my work. I wanted to say please leave, but I thought of his position and dismissed it.
Before I knew it, he was standing over me very close. He began rubbing up and down on my back, his face very near my ear. "Denise, I've been very concerned about you," he said in a near-whisper. "I can tell you're under a great deal of stress. You've missed several days this quarter already. You seem tired and you've lost weight. We do care and want to be here for you, but you have to let us know what we can do."
A shiver shot up my spine where he was continuing to touch me. His face was so close, I dare not turn and look at him. I shut my eyes and the notebook and pushed my chair back to stand.
"I'm fine, really. Just fine!"
It happened so fast, I'm still not sure how I sounded. What did he want from me? He was my boss, for heaven's sake!
I raced out of the room, my heart pounding in my chest. My mind kept replaying the feeling of his closeness, his breath in my ear. The backrub had felt violating, but was it sexual? My emotions swirled like storm clouds. Surely, this didn't just happen.
I pushed the feelings down as I went back to finish the school day. On the drive home, the tears fell, but I successfully hid it from the kids. By the time my husband, Greg, got home from work, I'd pushed it down again, buried deep in the place other secret memories were kept. And nothing more was said.
My thoughts and emotions were a tangle the next weeks. As association secretary for all the schools in our state, Dr. Sands could squash me like a bug. Who would believe it? My children were thriving in the school and my job earned the tuition discount and paid for the rest in this much sought out charter school. I kept it to myself.
Time passed, but the damage had been done. The secret ate at me bit by bit.
One night during a routine call to Mom, I finally let it out. We were talking about my continued struggle at the school. I told her everything and she confirmed my suspicions.
"That back rub seems very sexual."
"Yeah? I keep wondering if I could have led him on."
"Denise, this is not your fault! He could have the hots for you if you wore a burlap sack. You're very attractive and personable, and he should never have put his hands on you under any circumstance. You have something on him now. These things have a way of surfacing. You need to tell Greg. He loves you and trusts you."
I was crying by this point. "Thanks Mom." I swiped at the tears. "I will. I think I'm realizing it was wrong."
Yet while I appreciated her understanding and support, I thought about the other secret she didn't know—the deeper one I'd kept far longer. I knew my feelings about Dr. Sands were connected and amplified by it and my innocent heart had suspected nothing that time either.
Dr. Sands had no idea what he'd ignited. Another man had used his power to manipulate me before—a bath I'd been given many years ago, a secret bath my step-father, Jack, had promised would be fun one night when he was alone with me.
If only I hadn't been too afraid to tell Mom then, maybe she'd have defended me. Would she be so quick to stand up against Jack now? I thought it'd been resolved long ago, but there was no denying how quickly it poured out to haunt me. In that moment, I knew what had to be done: it was time to stand up and say, "No. Never again."
The last week of school, our superintendent organized the meeting with the school board and Dr. Sands. Greg and I entered the conference room of all men, seated around a big table. We sat at the end with the superintendent conducting the interview. Dr. Sands sat across from us flanked by the others as if being protected. I worked to keep my emotions in check and remain logical, factual. The superintendent asked me to describe what had happened that day in the staff room. I gave the story exactly as it had transpired.
When I finished, he asked, "Denise, don't you think Dr. Sands was just being concerned about you?" I hung my head, but he continued. "You had been sick and he was trying to convey that we care about you as part of teaching family. This must be related to your past. You shared you had a difficult childhood when we hired you, remember?"
"No, I don't feel it was just concern. He had been complimenting my appearance, setting me up for who-knows-what for months. Then, to come into my free period and rub my back is just unacceptable. He is my boss. Isn't there some rule in your employee code against being in a room alone with women, not to mention physical contact? I tried to convince myself for months that it was nothing, but I can't keep making excuses for what he did. I did suffered trauma as a child, and this did bring all that up for me again, but it does not justify what he did. I am not in here to simply point fingers, but I'm concerned how widespread this might be. You all have a responsibility to see that the teachers and students here are respected and not violated."
Greg spoke next. His usual quiet nature was gone. He stood up and pointed his finger in Dr. Sands' face. "You put your hands on my wife, and there is nothing more to say about it!"
Everyone was shocked into silence. Dr. Sands' face went white. I got up and we left the office without another word. We pulled out of the driveway and I left my professional life as we knew it.
While I was relieved not to have to face Dr. Sands everyday anymore, I would miss my fellow teachers and my students, and the many friends we'd made. It reminded me of my past, how I always felt as though I was going it alone, with no real defense against invasion but to run away from the situation. Dr. Sands had become Jack to me, preying on those he felt he could use.
As we stopped at the edge of the parking lot, I leaned over, hugged and kissed Greg. No one, apart from my own mother had ever stood up for me with such strength. He validated that Dr. Sands had hurt me, and that was enough. After ten years of marriage, that one act bonded us in a way we'd never been. I'd believed Greg to be my protector before, but today he'd proven it and defended my honor. In all I had done to heal in the previous weeks, his affirmation set me on the path of true emotional restoration.
I drove to Greenville to file a complaint, but it was his word against mine, so we were at an impasse. I wanted to throw rocks at the school building but instead, I simply gave my affidavit to help any other woman who might become the victim of such treatment there. A representative said that while it didn't seem much punishment, it would help establish evidence should someone else come forward with an actionable charge.
I left peaceful, knowing my story could make all the difference for someone.
As I watch the pickup truck pass, I smile. I'm now a licensed counselor, like the one I sat with for several months after those events. I now better understand traumatic experiences and how to refuse to be overcome by them. By confronting Dr. Sands that day, I lost our my position and school for my children, but I have no doubt it was the better direction for me. My experience has been used to help others.
It could have easily gone the other way for me, stuffing the past, re-experiencing the injury, and allowing anxiety over keeping the secrets hidden to prevent me from moving forward. But on this side of the light, I can look at that pickup and know I've found a better path.
I have tried to recreate events, locales and conversations from my memories of them. In order to maintain their anonymity in some instances I have changed the names of individuals and places, I may have changed some identifying characteristics and details such as physical properties, occupations and places of residence.


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IDW has come up with a super busy week for us with releasing four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles comics in one week. All of which have their values of being picked up and enjoyed by fans. Though for me, my excitements lay in the new stories. Like IDW TMNT #20 and the issue I am about to review here "The Secret History of the Foot" #4. Through the Secret History of the Foot we get the best background story I've ever seen given for the Foot Clan, all the way back to how this clan started. More and more IDW is making this world so deep it's hard not to be a fan clinging on for every issue. Here is my thoughts on the last chapter of this awesome storyline.
Starting off in the past, Oroku Saki has killed his father and is taking control over the Foot Clan. Hamato Yoshi is surprised that Saki is the new leader, as Saki informs him that all of the Chunn have agreed to him as the new leader besides for Yoshi, who was seeing to his family. He asks Yoshi if he will challenge him. Yoshi agrees to support Saki.
I love the way they did this. As Saki was saying his lies, the art would show the truth of what happened. The idea of seeing Yoshi's reaction to Saki becoming the leader of the Foot Clan. It just all fell together nicely. A short scene with so much power to it. One that will stand out as a big moment in Foot history.
The Turtles are in a bar with Professor Miller, as they are going over if the stuff in the Foot's book is real or not. The Professor is having a hard time believing that the Turtles are reincarnated Ninjas. Though when Michelangelo reads a line from the book, translating it into English, the Professor is shocked that this may be proof of memories. Mikey comes up with a video game theory about this reincarnation stuff which Don finds came dangerously close to being logical. As the Professor is realizing this may be real, Splinter announces he's going to destroy the book. Before the conversation can go any further, Casey calls their attention outside as he see that the Foot is outside. As Shredder calls them out to him.
This is a good spin around as to how to prove that there is some connection to the Turtle's past. I think it's cool that Michelangelo is the Turtle that picks up reading Japanese. That is a fun twist and not something I saw coming. His reaction is great, as he shows his fanboy self wanting to read Manga. While Donatello is lost and confused by this and even concerned that Mike's video game theory makes sense to him. This is a great scene showing the reactions to realization that something is going on here. As the Professor and Splinter share different feelings towards this news. Splinter wants the book destroyed, but the Professor wants to learn more. This scene was nicely set up displaying their feelings with fun art work and very clever writing.
As Splinter hears them get called out he has a memory of how Saki worked back in the past. He fastly calls the action that Shredder is about to do, the Foot is coming in through the back. The Professor is shocked by this knowledge as more proof is shown to him. The Professor makes up his mind on what he wants to do. He goes for the book, having to fight April to try and get the book from her. He does not want a treasure such as this to be destroyed. April slugs the Professor down, as he realizes this is not his fight he goes to leave the battle. Running straight to the Shredder pleading to work with him. Saki is not pleased that he came out without the book.
This is a turning point, that reminds me a lot of Ninja Turtles : The Next Mutation. Dr. Quease is caught by Dragon Lord and the Rank. They want him to work for them, and by doing so he will get the lab of his dream to do his work in. The Turtles come to save him, only to find that this great mind has a weakness. The access to discovering more knowledge. For me this gives the character some depths and reasons that they choose their path, showing just where they decided between the roads of good and evil. Dr. Quease was one of my favorite villains in the Next Mutation. Time will tell how I feel about Prof. Miller as we get more comics with him in them.
With the Foot going down to the Turtles fighting skills, it is time for an escape. Splinter sends his family out the back door to protect the book from being stolen while he goes out the front to distract Oroku Saki. As Saki goes into battle he realizes this is a distraction sends his remaining warriors to the back, with the goal of retrieving Saki's book. Splinter is glad he bought them some time and is doing well in his battle against Shredder.
I really do like this. The idea of seeing Splinter and Shredder going against each other is one that fans have often thrived for. We barely ever get to see this battle, in the Mirage Comics it never happened. In the Original cartoon series we would see it from time to time, but it was not always the glory we would hope for in Ninja skills. In the original movie, Splinter was the one to throw Shredder off of the rooftop. And the 4Kids series we got to watch a great battle in Shredder Strikes Part 2 where Splinter got Shredder washed off of the roof. Though the fights are long waited for and usually very brief. This is our second battle between Shredder and Splinter in IDW and both of which were not a let down. As you see these two rivals not holding back with their blows.
Out back Casey pulls up with April's van, but before they can get in there is company lead by Karai. Leonardo orders Donatello and Michelangelo to go with April and Casey to keep the book safe. As Raphael and Leo stay behind to fight. As April gets into the van she has an idea to try and help end this battle for the day.
This is the fight that decides where the book goes. If the van can get away or if the Foot catches up with them and takes away what they feel belongs in their hands. Leonardo has made a choice that is different from the order that Splinter has given him. Donatello is questioning April's idea. And Shredder lands a powerful hit upon Splinter. To find out how this battle turns out, just find and pick up "Secret History of The Foot" #4!
There is more to this issue even after the fight. As we get to learn about how the Shredder came back. We get a good long flashback which shows the end of Oroku Saki's previous life. This is a fun book filled with a ton of information that can be used through the IDW TMNT series. I highly recommend it for any TMNT fan to pick up and read. Now that we have learned this history, we look towards the future of IDW with a new view of who the Foot is, a deeper understanding. As excitement fills the air we know that the next big story arch is City Fall where Shredder takes control over the crime with Leonardo by his side.
Have you read "Secret History of the Foot #4"? If so what are your thoughts on this issue? Please share reviews, comments, and questions below.


text: Seeking a full time ophthalmologist to join a private practice Specialty/ER hospital. Located in New Jersey, close to both New York City and Philadelphia, the area has one of the top five wealthiest populations in the United States with Blue Ribbon schools, beautiful Jersey Shore beaches and an incredible job market for spouse/partners. The hospital culture is collaborative and family-friendly. The Emergency and Critical Care service is overseen by an experienced board certified Emergency and Critical Care Specialist. The hospital has an intensive care unit, 3 surgery suites, (on site) diagnostic center (CBC, Chemistry, Blood gas, Coagulation), a Digital Radiology, Ultrasound machine, Endoscopy, CT scan and Fluoroscopy. You will be working closely with our current specialists (Surgery, Emergency and Critical Care, Oncology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology and Radiology). A full time certified canine rehabilitation practitioner is on staff. The hospital has a focus on continued and advanced learning which includes, clinical rounds, journal club and morbidity and mortality rounds.


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Gilbert Avenue Residence photo shoot
Impromptu photo shoot at our just-completed Gilbert Avenue Residence. A lovely day for the lovely house, where the wide roof overhangs provide some good summer shade. This was our second time working with one of our favorite clients, and it was an absolute dream.
Suite D is expanding!
Today we worked together to build furniture for our expanded office space, to start a new chapter at OFA. Thank you, #ogawafisherarchitects team! We wouldn't be where we are without all of you.
Carol Bernard. Just. Stunning.
Welcome Cristian!
We're pleased to introduce the newest member of the team, Cristian Figueroa. Cristian recently graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in Architecture and previously worked as drafter and AutoCAD tutor. He likes to spend his free time sketching, reading and playing chess. We're looking forward to having Cristian participate in all aspects of the design and construction of our projects. Welcome Cristian!
Complex angles, simple pursuit
Our Gilbert Avenue Residence is nearing completion, and it's feeling really nice inside. The stair slices through the middle of the home, allowing for the skylights and clerestory windows to illuminate all levels.
Alpha Nu, Morris Louis.
Stone River, Andy Goldsworthy.
Loving this tile our client chose for her Laundry Room floor.
Tile inspiration in Tucson
Position Available: Project Architect
We are looking for a full-time Project Architect. The ideal candidate is able to work on and manage multiple residential projects with a team.
- 5-10 years experience in an architecture or interior design firm, preferably in residential design.
- Ability to take a residential project through an entire lifecycle.
- Ability to multi-task, work collaboratively, and have exceptional attention to detail.
- Open and thoughtful communication and writing skills.
- Have a positive and creative approach to design, work, and life.
- Proficiency with CAD programs (ArchiCAD experience a plus), as well as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Minimum Bachelor degree in Architecture; professional license preferred.
- LEED AP is a plus, but not required.
- We value passion and expertise in any discipline; we believe it enriches the design process and our office culture. Show us what you've got!
We offer a competitive compensation package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and retirement savings. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. This is a full time, on-site position. Employment is contingent on a candidate's ability to legally work in the US without employer sponsorship.
Please email cover letter, resume, references, and portfolio via link or PDF format to info_at_ogawafisher.com with "Project Architect" in the subject line. We will contact you - No phone calls or walk-ins please.


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The leadership capacity of the British Columbia Public Service depends on having qualified, capable leaders to fill the gaps created by retiring executives, shifting demographics and pressures brought to bear by the job market. In 2009, the BC Public Service took up the challenge of developing and implementing a strategy to build leadership capacity within our organization, particularly at senior levels.
The strategy, known as Leading the Best, proposed a proactive approach to executive succession planning by conducting biannual corporate reviews of all executive employees, and then of employees in the Strategic Leadership band, comprised of pre-executive employees. The two objectives of the reviews were to establish a corporate baseline of data about performance and potential and to provide useful feedback to support performance and career development.
In 2012, the BC Public Service Agency coordinated the initial comprehensive corporate review of the Strategic Leadership band. From the 557 strategic leaders in core government, 400 participated; 88 participated in an interim review in 2013, which assessed those unable to participate in 2012. Strategic leaders were excused from the review only if they were new to their roles, within a year of retirement or on temporary appointments.
With the addition of the data from the 2013 interim review, the information from these reviews established a baseline of information about the performance of these leaders and the potential within the group. The commitment was to update the data on a regular basis by reviewing the entire cohort every two years. (The next corporate biannual review is scheduled for early 2015).
The reviews began with the preparation of a performance and career profile with input from the supervisor of each strategic leader. The supervisor and strategic leader then had a one-hour dialogue to discuss the strategic leader's background, performance, career highlights, and aspirations. The supervisor then presented the profile to a review panel of assistant deputy ministers. After discussion, the panel came to consensus on a rating of both performance and potential, and offered leadership development advice, which was recorded in a report to be shared with the participant by their supervisor. To ensure consistency of the data across all ministries, the ratings were calibrated to ensure a consistent rating approach across all panels before the reports were released.
What we are learning
After analyzing data from the 2012 review, an advisory committee of assistant deputy ministers identified six competencies common to strategic leadership roles that could be used to assess leadership performance from a corporate perspective.
1. Building strategic alliances;
2. Vision and goal setting;
3. Creating and managing change;
4. Solving problems creatively;
5. Promoting empowerment; and
6. Executive presence.
These core competencies refined the existing broader set of Hay Group definitions of leadership competencies already in use in the public service. They provided the basis for a new learning and development framework, including a full curriculum of competency-based learning programs for strategic leaders, and a new online 360 degree performance assessment tool (currently in pilot phase). They also provided a basis for more consistent ratings, with fewer adjustments required when the results are calibrated.
As you might expect, the reviews have generated valuable feedback and suggestions, leading to improvements to the initial review process including changes to build the panels around executives who are most familiar with the strategic leaders being reviewed. Increasingly, executives regard the reviews as opportunities to provide one another with collegial support, and are embracing their role as talent spotters and mentors to high potential employees in the Strategic Leadership band.
In assessing potential as well as performance, the reviews identified individuals close to readiness for promotion to an executive position. These strategic leaders were invited to participate in an accelerated executive development program and receive additional support and advice. Some of these strategic leaders have applied successfully to executive positions.
Making progress
The reviews are tracking a moving target; there have been 80 new hires to the Strategic Leadership band since the 2013 interim review. Panel chairs have developed expertise in facilitating the panel process, and most supervisors have experience in debriefing the reports. As a result, the quality of feedback in the next biannual review is expected to be more consistent and of a higher quality.
While progress to date is encouraging, our ongoing and evolving reviews of the Strategic Leadership band are critical in strategic succession planning, identifying professional development requirements and providing leadership stability within the BC Public Service now and in the future.