text:
30 Here to Vie for Lilly Scholarship Awards• April 12, 2012 Share:
High-achieving high school seniors from across the nation are on campus this weekend for the 37th Lilly Scholarship competition. There will be 30 young men participating in a discussion and interviews hoping they are one of lucky young men to be awarded a full scholarship.
The Lilly Scholarship covers tuition, room and board for all four years of a student's Wabash education. The estimated value, over four years, is $170,000.
The scholarship program was established in 1974 to honor Eli Lilly and his family. The award is designed to recognize outstanding young men who show potential. Honorees will be young men who can prove they will impact Wabash College and their community.
The program includes a Thursday evening welcome and keynote speech delivered by David Broecker '83. Broecker is President of Research Models & Services, Harlan Laboratories, Indianapolis. He was a Wabash chemistry major and summa cum laude graduate. He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago. Broecker was a Lilly Scholar from Carmel, IN. while attending Wabash.
One of the most important parts of the weekend takes place Friday when students will interview one at a time with a panel of faculty and alumni. The students will also participate in a faculty-led group seminar discussion Saturday morning.
But it's not all work for the 30 visitors. The young men will spend the night in on-campus living units. They'll be hosted for a cookout Friday night before attending the Mac Miller concert Friday night.
Previous winners:
Class of 2015 – Kristopher Nickle, Rockville; Lucas Zromkoski, Valparaiso; Edward Pingel, South Bend
Class of 2014 – Spencer Peters, Brookston; Adam Barnes, Bradford, Pa.
Class of 2013 – Riley Floyd, Noblesville; Thomas Schmidt, Euless, Tx.; Liam Smith, Lawrence, Ka.
Class of 2012 – Jake Peacock, Crawfordsville; Donovan Bisbee, Ridgefield, Wa.; Zach Rohrbach, Indianapolis.
The 2012 Lilly Finalists are:
Adam Alexander
Yorktown, IN
Yorktown High Schoo
Derek Andre
Sullivan, IN
Sullivan High School
Giorgi Bekauri
Geneva, NY
Geneva High School
Matthew Binder
Hobart, IN
Hobart High School
Joshua "Josh" Bleisch
Noblesville, IN
Noblesville High School
Nathaniel "Nathan" Bode
Greenfield, IN
Mount Vernon High School
Patrick Bryant
Carmel, IN
Carmel High School
Zachary "Zach" Canon
Bogue Chitto, MS
Mississippi School of the Arts
John Dumas
Cincinnati, OH
Saint Xavier High School
Lester "Max" Gallivan
Hobart, IN
Hobart High School
Methuselah Gee
Chicago, IL
Kenwood Academy
Alexander "Alex" Hernandez
La Joya, TX
La Joya High School
Nicolas "Nick" Kang
Parker, CO
Douglas County High School
John Kennedy
Indianapolis, IN
Scecina Memorial High School
Evan Langford
East Grand Rapids, MI
East Grand Rapids High School
Christian Lopac
Cokato, MN
Home Schooled
Kyj Mandzy
Louisville, KY
Dupont Manual Magnet School
Robert McAuliffe
Saint Louis, MO
Saint Louis Priory School
Matthew McClure
Geneseo, NY
Geneseo Central High School
Thomas "Tommy" McKay
Indianapolis, IN
North Central High School
Austin Myers
Tennyson, IN
Evansville Day School
Felix Ponce
Blue Island, IL
Dwight D. Eisenhower High School
Scott Purucker
Indianapolis, IN
Park Tudor School
Clayton Randolph
Crawfordsville, IN
North Montgomery High School
Johnathan Resendez-Martinez
Lasara, TX
Lasara High School
Benjamin "Ben" Shank
Auburn, IN
Canterbury School
Dayton Snyder
West Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette High School
Zackery "Zack" Szyndrowski
Hollister, CA
San Benito High School
Morrent "Mor" Thang
Indianapolis, IN
Southport High School
Adam Togami
New Albany, IN
New Albany High School


text:
Local area data to identify profitable new locations
Build a better business with local area data insight
In highly competitive environments, the place you choose to make valuable bricks and mortar investment is critical to success. It's so important that decisions need to be based on cold hard facts, such as data about your local area, and not on hunches or anecdotal evidence. Experian brings you extensive data on the UK retail sector, and software solutions that allow easy analysis and visualisation for better informed decision making and the expertise to translate understanding of local area data into bottom line benefit.
Effective retail location planning for higher returns
We can execute effective retail planning because we own and have access to one of the largest and most up-to-date data sources available anywhere in the UK, backed up by people and technologies that will turn data into information into insight:
- Our own annual surveys provide a comprehensive set of catchments for all significant in-town and out-of-town retail destinations in the UK. These include catchment areas expressed as flows of expenditure for shoppers from postal sectors, individual high streets, out-of-town shopping parks and catchment areas that contain the nearest 80 per cent of spend around a high street.
- Insight into 800,000 retail locations in the UK and the Republic of Ireland for effective location planning, through Experian Goad, backed up by information from our National Business Database, Companies House and other sources such as Thomson business directories.
- Information on over 450,000 retail occupiers across 2,000 retail centres, updated with onsite surveys of 30,000 retail occupiers every month.
Finding the right place for maximum profitability is subject to complex variables, but is made easier through the use of retail planning and local area data. Experian's flexible and modular solutions are designed to meet your needs and help you to discover:
- customer profiles by area — a complete demographic breakdown of target location, including lifestyles, financial status and behaviours of the people who live and work there;
- population by time — composition of local populations at various times, whether during working hours or at weekends, for example;
- catchment areas — including the impact from co-located competitors;
- concentration — where your target customers are based around the proposed new site;
- customer growth — modelling to anticipate customer changes over time.
It all adds up to the best view of UK local area data, providing sound foundations for your location and retail planning decisions and building maximum profitability into every brick.
Contact us
If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help.
Call us on 0845 234 0391
Outside the UK +44 115 901 6019
Calls cost 2p per minute plus your phone company's access chargeGet in touch
Members of
Contact Us
0845 234 0391

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Monsanto ends Golden Harvest licenses
Monsanto has exercised its contractual right to end all agreements with Golden Harvest for Monsanto technology products. As a result, Golden Harvest will be able to provide Roundup Ready corn, Roundup Ready soybeans, YieldGard Corn Borer, YieldGard Rootworm, YieldGard Plus, and stacked combinations of these products for 2005 only. The action came on the heels of Syngenta's acquisition of the Waterloo, NE, seed company.
Will Monsanto do the same with Garst Seed when Syngenta's acquisition of the company is complete? Monsanto declined to comment until the proposed sale is final.
Monsanto cleared by Justice Department
The U.S. Department of Justice has cleared Monsanto of possible anticompetitive conduct in the glyphosate-based herbicide industry. The Justice Department began its inquiry in March 2003, and Monsanto had cooperated fully with the department since that time. The inquiry was closed with no actions required by Monsanto.
Appraisals aid insurance claims
Tornadoes, floods and fires destroy farm assets every year. The American Society of Appraisers (ASA) suggests farmers seek a professional appraisal to document what they own and the value of it. Memories and photos of objects may not be enough to satisfy insurance companies when making a claim. ASA offers the following advice for obtaining an independent and credible appraisal:
Hire an independent appraiser with no stake in the outcome of the valuation. As long as the appraiser has no interest in buying or selling your property, you can avoid any conflict of interest.
Allow four to six weeks to complete a professional appraisal. Appraisers cannot provide an accurate valuation just by looking at something. Accurate appraisals involve an initial inspection visit followed by extensive outside research.
Look for an appraiser accredited by ASA. These appraisers receive their accreditation only after testing, training and peer review.
To find an ASA-accredited appraiser, visit www.appraisers.org or call 800/272-8258.


text:
At each Spaulding hospital is a Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC). The PFAC is a committee that was developed to encourage increased collaboration between hospital leadership, clinical staff, and patients/families, including increased identification of the needs and priorities of patients and their families.
The PFAC works to identify need in areas of communication, improvement in processes and continued growth across the hospital, specifically as they relate to the care of patients and families while at Spaulding.
Members of the PFAC work together to develop plans and strategies to help strengthen and improve patient care delivery and lead to improved outcomes for patients and families.
The PFAC is comprised of former patients and family members who are willing to share their experiences while at Spaulding Rehabilitation Network hospitals and who are interested in helping to speak as a voice of change.
In addition, employees from various departments help to facilitate the meetings. The hospital representatives bring feedback from the PFAC to administration and help to facilitate recommendations.
Various members of our care teams invite patients to join the PFAC. These patients are identified as ones who could work with the other members of the PFAC to have a critical voice in helping to develop new programs and analyze current ones.
As active members of the PFAC, patients and families serve as a voice to:
PFAC members are asked to consider participating on the committee for a period of at least one year, with meetings being held no more than nine times per year for two hours.
Hospital contacts for the PFAC are:
All four of her limbs were amputated after complications following childbirth.
Learn More
The quarterly publication of Spaulding Rehabilitation Network and the Harvard School of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine.


text:
Freedom of information
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 came into force on 1 January 2005.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, anybody may request information from a public authority which has functions in England, Wales and/or Northern Ireland.
For more details about the act, visit the FOI website.
If you wish to make a request to the NHS Institute, please email firstname.lastname@example.com. Postal requests should go to Marketing and Communications, NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement, Coventry House, University of Warwick Campus, Coventry CV4 7AL.
View our Freedom of Information Policy Document.
View our FOI Complaints Policy.


text:
Bomb found in sugar field
An unexploded ordnance believed to be a World War II aerial bomb was discovered Monday morning in a Puunene cane field, police said.
An employee with Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. discovered the ordnance around 10 a.m., during weed control operations about 150 to 200 feet east of the old Puunene School, said police Capt. Clarence Kenui and company officials Tuesday.
Upon arrival, police photographed the rusted cylindrical ordnance, which was about 2 feet long by 4 to 6 inches wide. The photographs were immediately sent to the U.S. Army's Explosive Ordnance Division, where officials there determined the device posed no immediate danger with no structures within 200 yards, police said.
The Oahu unit arrived on Maui at about 7:30 Monday night and found the ordnance to be "unstable" and too dangerous to move to the Ukumehame Firing Range, Kenui said.
At 12:20 a.m. Tuesday, EOD officials opted to dig a trench beneath the bomb and detonate the device on location. No injuries were reported.
The discovery of unexploded bombs is not uncommon for the area that once held the Maui Airport at Puunene, the predecessor to Kahului Airport, and a military base during World War II.
The Maui Airport was built in 1938-39, according to a recent Army Corps environmental report. The Navy used the airfield from 1940 to 1946 for aircraft fighter training. Between 1941 and 1945 during World War II, about 110 Navy squadrons rotated through Naval Air Station Puunene.
The 14.8-acre Maui Airport Military Reservation was built in November 1941 to provide for Army operations at NAS Puunene. The reservation had as many as 200 enlisted personnel and officers during the early to mid-1940s.
Suzy Hollinger, director of investor relations at Alexander & Baldwin, acknowledged that ordnance has been found in fields in the past and that workers followed standard operating procedures in this case.
"From time to time, we have encountered ordnance and other devices in our fields," she said in a phone interview Tuesday. "When they plow the field and start prepping it for planting they do unearth things that have been buried. We don't know how exactly it came to the surface. . . but we're just thankful that everybody is safe."


text:
I'm no doctor but as I get older, I do keep an eye on gadgets that can benefit me — and my aging mom and in-laws, especially since my mother and mother-in-law have both suffered serious falls in the last couple of years. Here's what I've been looking at lately:
Just5 Phone
Just5 phone is a simplified cell phone with easy-to-read numbers, amplified audio and an SOS feature that alerts family members if the phone's owner suffers a fall. The phone is aimed at people with failing eyesight, difficulty hearing or who need someone keeping an eye on them.
If you press Just5's SOS button, the phone will text an urgent message, such as "I'm having an emergency, please answer") to five numbers that you set up in advance: 911, family, friends, doctors, etc. Meanwhile, the phone is emitting a siren to attract the attention of anyone nearby.
Just5 comes with calling plans starting at $3.33 a month, but AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers can slide in their SIM cards into the phone to keep using their current accounts.
Check it out at Just5.com.
Some day, fall alerts might be free for Android users. Doctors at Florida State University are developing iFall, an application for Android phones that uses the phone's built in technology to determine whether the user has fallen. The application can measure a quick increase in speed and a sudden decrease in speed, as well as gauge the direction of travel. If the phone is in your inside jacket pocket (the app works best when the phone is worn near the chest or trunk of the body), then the application can calculate whether you've fallen.
In their report, here's how the doctors described how iFall would work:
If there's a fall, the application sends the phone a notification requiring the user's response. "If the user does not respond, the system alerts pre-specified social contacts with an informational message via SMS. If a contact responds the system commits an audible notification, automatically connects, and enables the speakerphone. If a social contact confirms a fall, an appropriate emergency service is alerted.
"Our system provides a realizable, cost effective solution to fall detection using a simple graphical interface while not overwhelming the user with uncomfortable sensors."
The app's availability is not yet determined.
If you're not ready for Just5 or iFall, Wellcore Emergency Response System is a dedicated fall detector that is an eligible expenditure for those whose health insurance includes flexible spending accounts. The deadline for emptying your flexible spending account is March 15, so act fast, or simply pay out of pocket.
Wellcore is $199 for a base unit and wearable transmitter, plus $50 a month for a monitoring service. It's not experimental, like iFall, and it includes a 24-hour monitoring service, unlike Just5. It can be worn on a belt or in a pocket and, like iFall and Just5, measures a sudden change in acceleration and compares that to the wearer's walking and running habits. If the Wellcore sensor detects a fall, the monitoring service is alerted.
Hope you never need any of these, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
Have a question about your computer, cellphone, camera or any gadget? Let us know! E-mail Eric Gwinn at firstname.lastname@example.com, and you could be featured in an upcoming Gadget Q&A column.
I'm no doctor but as I get older, I do keep an eye on gadgets that can benefit me — and my aging mom and in-laws, especially since my mother and mother-in-law have both suffered serious falls in the last couple of years. Here's what I've been looking at lately:


text:
Mplus Home
Last Day
Last 3 Days
Last Week
Tree View
Edit Profile
MI of incidental truncated variables
Mplus Discussion
Missing Data Modeling
Brondeel Ruben
posted on Monday, February 28, 2011 - 5:31 am
I'm trying to fit a longitudinal model with two types of incidental truncated independent variables (also measured over time).
The first is 'how long do you have a new partner' obviously depending on 'do you have a new partner'.
1. How can I fit the association of the length of a new relation with the longitudinal dependent. Do I simply enter both the dummy and the time variable in the model at once as time varying independent variables? Since one respondent can have different new partners over time, I think a survival approach might not be appropriate. Or do I need to perform a separate analysis on only those respondents with a new partner?
2. Is it possible to use multiple imputation in this case? I can assume there will be a problem with complete separation while imputing these variables.
The second truncated variable is 'current conflict with the ex-partner' depending on 'contact with the ex-partner'. It's harder for me to consider this as a left-censored variable like the one above since the reason for no contact might be very high conflict. But maybe this doesn't make a difference for the analysis method? Also for this variable, multiple imputation is needed.
Thanks in advance,
Brondeel Ruben
posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 - 2:56 am
For the first variables above (new partner and time since new partner) I think I should make one left-censored variable, impute the dataset and then disentangle the two variables again and analyse them together with there interaction.
For the variable 'contact' and 'conflict with the ex-partner', I'm not planning on using them in one regression anymore. But I would like to use the information of 'conflict' for the MI since it's very valuable for other variables. Is there some sort of two-stage MI available in Mplus, whereby I can impute the cases who have contact with there ex-partner first using the information on conflict and then those without contact with the ex-partner disregarding the information on conflict?
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 - 10:01 am
You can impute data using variable not included in the analysis in addition to the analysis. This is done in one stage.
Brondeel Ruben
posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 - 10:26 am
I am aware of this. But I wasn't sure it's reasonable to do it in this case. Am I right that the individuals for which the variable is not applicable will also get imputed values on all other variables partly based on this variable?
For these cases I would be imputing values partly based on associations - between the other variables and this variable - that can not exist.
Can I disregard this as long as I'm not using this variable in an analysis?
Bengt O. Muthen
posted on Wednesday, March 09, 2011 - 6:22 pm
Similar questions were posed on SEMNET during the last week (post by Cam McIntosh). One suggestion is to use two-part modeling. See our Topic 4 handout.
Back to top
Add Your Message Here
Posting Information:
This is a private posting area. Only registered users and moderators may post messages here.
Enable HTML code in message
Automatically activate URLs in message
Tree View
Program Credits


text:
Dr. Anthony Maranto has over 15 years of professional experience as a researcher, educator, and environmental manager. For the past six years, he has served as a consultant to the U.S. Army Environmental Center. He has been involved extensively in managing the Army's environmental programs, both throughout the U.S. and internationally. Currently, he is also the Director of the Center for Ecological and Environmental Studies at Akamai University and the Dean of the College of Science and Technology at Greenwich University.
Dr. Maranto was formerly the Director of the Radioecology Laboratory for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. He has published or presented over 30 technical papers and reports on environmental management, risk assessment, strategic planning, and many other topics.
Dr. Maranto holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, emphasis in Environmental Health, from the Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio. He received his Masters degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Environmental Chemistry from Goddard College, and his Bachelors degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
About Dr. Maranto & His Career
Why did you decide to enter the environmental field?
I've had an interest in science as long as I can remember. As a child I remember doing "experiments" on the family television. That taught me two very important lessons: the first was about capacitors and how electronic components could store a charge even when unplugged, and the second lesson, provided by my father, was that I should not experiment on expensive appliances. I guess that my love of exploring and scientific inquiry was a natural match for my love of the outdoors. I spent much of my youth hunting and fishing with my dad, and I think that the natural observations that I made as a young boy on those outings formed the basis of what would become my interest in environmental and ecological study.
Tell us about your career path and how you became involved in environmental consulting.
When I first entered college, my plan was to focus on genetics. It was an area that held (and still does hold) a great deal of interest for me. I majored in a very challenging program that combined a dual focus in biochemistry and molecular biology. While I was doing my undergraduate studies, however, I took a paid internship with the state of Maryland at a radioecology laboratory.
My work there primarily focused on collecting environmental samples from the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay and analyzing them for radionuclides to monitor potential impacts from area nuclear power plants. Getting out on the Chesapeake to collect sediment, finfish, and shellfish became a very exciting job. Our laboratory analysis involved a wide range of procedures for the analysis alpha, beta, and gamma emitters. My career in environmental science really took off as a direct result of my internship experiences as an undergraduate. As a result of my new interest in environmental science, I switched my focus in graduate school towards environmental health and environmental chemistry.
I continued to work at radioecology lab while I was in grad school and eventually I took over the directorship of the lab and was involved in all aspects of its operation and research activities. From there, I jumped into academia for several years and worked in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). While at UMBC, my primary focus was related to instructional chemistry and biochemistry labs, but after a while, my own research interests directed me back to dedicated environmental work.
I eventually left UMBC to take a consulting position with the U.S. Army Environmental Center (USAEC) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. Ever since then I've been involved in providing a wide range of support to numerous environmental issues and programs associated with Army operations and installations. I've continued to be involved in the academic world, because I love teaching and the institutional collaboration that you can only get in a university environment, but my primary focus is on my environmental consulting activities. If you are a scientist who is interested in a lot of different and far ranging issues, there are few other occupations that can provide a more diverse and challenging career path for you.
What have been some of the biggest challenges in your career?
Most of my professional challenges deal with helping my clients manage their own programmatic constraints. In a perfect world, there is little argument about how to deal with environmental problems. Nobody wants polluted air or water. Everybody wants to conserve biodiversity and natural resources. The biggest challenges, however, focus on funding, time, and resources. These are the same programmatic constraints that plague all environmental issues. What I try to help my clients do is to prioritize their resources so that they can do the most good with the time and money available. As you can imagine, when there are other important competitive priorities, it can often be a challenge to help the client defend their environmental projects. The key to success in those sorts of situations is to clearly lay out all options and relate the relative risks and benefits of each action. In the short-term, environmental stewardship costs money. There is no doubt about that; but, if you can demonstrate how an environmental project may actually save the client money in the long-term, reduce compliance liabilities, or even be a benefit to their mission, you've gone a long way in helping them make truly informed decisions.
What are some of your favorite projects that you've completed?
By far some of my favorite projects have involved working on overseas environmental compliance issues. There is an added layer of complexity when you have to factor in societal and political ramifications of environmental issues across several countries. That's perhaps why I love the field of environmental science so much. It is, at its heart, one of the most inherently interdisciplinary fields within the hard sciences. For instance, a typical project involving the cleanup of contaminants in groundwater will likely require a deep understanding of the chemistry of the pollutants, hydrogeological modeling, potential health effects, biological and ecological effects, environmental regulations related to the contamination and cleanup, treatment technologies, and long term environmental monitoring procedures. When you add to that the factors of public perception, community involvement, and public policy implications, a relatively simple project can become very involved and detailed; especially in an international setting. If nothing else, it keeps things challenging.
For the last six years, you have been a consultant to the U.S. Army Environmental Center. How does your experience in Environmental Health and Environmental Management tie in?
Environmental health and management issues touch everything that I do in the world of environmental consulting. For the most part, consultants deal with macro-level issues. We help our clients focus on the practicality of situations. Unless you are doing a very specific laboratory investigation or developing a technical approach for a particular aspect of analysis, everything that relates to environmental stewardship has implications for public/environmental health and institutional environmental management.
Working with federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DoD) really highlights the importance of those factors. Not only does DoD have to abide by the same rules and regulations as any large business, but as a federal agency they also have a number of Executive Orders that they are bound to obey as well. There are several Executive Orders such as EO 13101, 13123, and 13148 that have really gone a long way in trying to make the federal government not only a good steward of the land and resources it is entrusted with, but to also develop federal agencies into true leaders in environmental stewardship.
The ultimate goal of every federal organization is to be a good steward of the environment, protect the health of its workers and the public at large, and ensure that operations are done in a sustainable manner so that the public trust is served and environmental quality is preserved for future generations. Environmental consultants play a huge role in helping public and private organizations do just that.
You have three jobs now - Director of the Center for Ecological and Environmental Studies at Akamai University; Dean of the College of Science and Technology at Greenwich University; and as a consultant to the U.S. Army environmental programs. How do you manage your time between these jobs?
Actually my two most important jobs are husband and father, so I always try to ensure that those come first. But in my professional life, I actually find that my various positions are very complementary, so balancing my time between my consulting and my academic jobs is fairly straight forward.
As an environmental consultant, one of the primary factors for success is having the ability to keep up with current research, laws, regulations, theories, and environmental events. One of the best ways that I've found to do that is to stay deeply involved with academic research and teaching. My graduate students at Akamai and Greenwich are involved in a wide range of environmental research projects and I encourage them to challenge me with difficult questions and scenarios; and I certainly try to challenge them. Not only does my teaching make me a better consultant, but I think that my consulting work makes me a much better educator.
I firmly believe in the value of using real life examples in education and focusing academic theory on practical applications within the field. My consulting work makes it much easier for me to relate textbook theories to real world situations and explain how complex environmental issues are approached and resolved. Having done consulting projects on three continents, I've been involved in a wide range of work that often can add quite a bit of value to my educational lessons.
About Environmental Consulting
What is your definition of "Environmental Consulting"?
That's actually a very difficult question to answer. Basically, I would say that an environmental consultant is a professional who applies his or her expertise to a wide range of issues related to how humans interact with the natural world. Environmental consultants can be called upon to develop solutions to or provide analysis of a host of issues including air and water pollution, wildlife impacts, industrial and civil planning, process engineering, environmental health assessments, waste and water treatment, construction and development activities, and regulatory compliance, just to name a few.
Because companies and agencies tend to have a core function or mission that is not in and of itself related to how they interact with the environment, they often require the assistance of outside professionals who specialize in these issues. Taking for example an automobile manufacturing firm; the firm has a mission given to it by its owners or shareholders, namely the production of cars and trucks. This is its primary job and that is what the bulk of its personnel are trained to do. While the organization may be environmentally aware and may even have a number of excellent professionals who are exclusively devoted to environmental engineering and management, organizations often find that they must have outside help to meet their environmental obligations or plan for large environmental initiatives.
What kinds of organizations require the services of an Environmental Consultant?
Basically any large organization that has operations which can impact environmental quality or human health can benefit from professional environmental consultation. My experience has primarily focused on providing consulting services to government organizations, but any corporation or association that is regulated by environmental statutes or is involved in activities like manufacturing, transportation, or has high energy/resource consumption profiles would likely benefit from the services of an environmental consultant. Even relatively small companies have found that environmental consultants can benefit their operations.
Although most of the work environmental consultants do is related to regulatory compliance, there are also non-compliance issues that companies may hire consultants to address. More and more often, organizations are realizing that operations that are sustainable from an environmental perspective also make good bottom-line business sense. A great deal of the environmental consulting industry relates to economic analysis and sustainability planning as well. These services are beginning to be employed by a large section of organizations and businesses that have not previously relied on environmental consulting services.
Environmental consultants can specialize in almost any field of study. Can you generalize the key responsibilities of an Environmental Consultant?
There are as many areas of specialization as there are projects within the realm of environmental science. Environmental consultants can be from almost any background but by far the most common backgrounds are biology, chemistry, geology, engineering, and environmental studies. Given the full range of expertise that is often involved in solving complex environmental issues, however, there is also a good bit of work for individuals with backgrounds in environmental policy, law, economics, mathematics, computer science, and even sociology.
While a significant percentage of the field is devoted to what I call "issue specifics," the bulk of environmental consultants would probably best be called generalists. By its very nature, environmental science is a multidisciplinary field. As a result, environmental consultants tend to have to draw upon a wide knowledge base in order to be able to understand multi-faceted issues that oftentimes cross traditional academic boundaries. I consider myself to be a quintessential generalist. While the term "generalist" makes some scientists cringe, I view it as one of my greatest strengths.
In environmental consulting, you are often called upon to think "outside of the box" and look at situations in different ways. Having a broad background and expertise across a number of subject areas is a definite benefit in this line of work. Often, the scientific community focuses exclusively on micro-scale issues; and that makes sense because reductionism is a tool that has greatly benefited the advancement of our scientific understanding. However, when looking at macro-scale issues, complex systems, and in trying to find pragmatic approaches to deal with issues for which economics and public perception play as big a role as toxicology and geochemistry; a multidiscipline systems approach often works better.
As a consultant, have you ever been put in a position where your professional recommendations are not heeded? Is this situation common in the consulting business? Without naming names, can you offer any examples and how you handled it?
Actually, I've been very fortunate in that my primary client (the US Army) has an incredibly strong and institutionally rooted sense of environmental stewardship. From my experiences with the Army, they genuinely seem to understand their environmental responsibilities and honor the public trust that they hold with respect to environmental stewardship. While decisions are always subject to external factors that go beyond environmental considerations, I've found that the Army tends to do the right thing when presented with a clear case and workable options. Does that mean that the Army always makes the right choice when it comes to environmental protection? No, of course not. What organization that manages 17 million acres and has stewardship responsibilities for 170 endangered species can boast a perfect record? But they do take their responsibilities seriously and when mistakes are made, they do their best to limit the damage and where possible to restore the environment.
On an individual level, there are always people who don't see the importance of environmental management in relationship to their day to day activities. For example, a military commander may not immediately see the importance of protecting the habitat of the red cockaded woodpecker in North Carolina. However, when you emphasize that the Army has to comply with our nation's laws, and it is quite possible that if we don't adequately protect the species, the Army could loose the ability to train on vital land, say at Fort Bragg; the connection between environmental protection and the Army mission can be made. The very real possibility that training might be suspended on some installations, helps to underscore the connection.
Outside of my own experiences, it is not altogether uncommon for serious recommendations to be dismissed by the clients of environmental consultants. As outside professionals, we are hired to provide our expert opinions, analyses, and suggestions for specific situations. We are not, however, the ultimate decision makers for the organizations or agencies that hire us. This is especially the case when working for government agencies. The ultimate decision maker is the responsible government representative, and they are ultimately answerable for their decisions. This is not a situation that is unique to environmental consultants; much like a lawyer or physician, all we can do is give our forthright assessment of a situation. If a person chooses not to take a physician's advice, the responsibility for the ramifications of that action ends with them. What is important is for the consultant to maintain a solid reputation of professional integrity and to deal with all clients and situations in a manner that is balanced, accurate, and ethical.
What I have found, however, is that generally as an outside professional; recommendations are typically taken much more seriously then if they had been proposed within an organization. Often times an environmental consultant can suggest painful but necessary changes that may be complicated by internal politics if not proposed by an independent entity.
What is Risk Analysis, and how does it tie into your work?
At its core, risk analysis involves a defined process for assessing, evaluating, and managing unwanted consequences or undesirable events. Much of what we do in environmental consulting involves risk analysis and risk management across a number of different issues. As I had mentioned earlier, in a perfect world, everyone would want a clean environment; the problem lies in how to pay for the changes that are required to move systems toward environmental sustainability. Often, my work has focused on environmental prioritization and that inherently involves elements of risk analysis. In order to get the biggest environmental bang for the buck, priorities have to be set; but in doing so, you introduce risk from deferred projects or missed opportunities. Environmental management is, more often than not, a gigantic balancing act.
Education in the Field: What to Expect
Tell us about your education, including degrees, certificates or any other training. Is there any formal education available to prepare one for Environmental Consulting?
My undergraduate education was at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where I got my bachelors degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. After that, I went to Goddard College in Vermont where I earned my masters degree in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Environmental Chemistry. The focus of my thesis research was on environmental externalities associated with energy generation in the United States. After finishing my masters, I studied at the Union Institute in Cincinnati where I earned my Ph.D. in Environmental Science with an emphasis in Environmental Health. My dissertation research focused on hypothetical carcinogenic risk models for pesticide residues in Chesapeake Bay finfish and shellfish.
While that summarizes my formal education, I've tried very hard to make my continuing education a daily activity. Things change so quickly in the environmental field that you have to constantly further your own understanding of the issues and the current research. I read through the current literature every day to stay on top of developments. If I can offer one piece of advice to anyone interested in the field, it is not to let your education end at graduation. If anything, that's only the beginning.
In addition to a solid academic degree in the sciences, there are a number of professional certifications that students and entry level job seekers can pursue to help round out their education and distinguish themselves to potential employers or clients. The National Registry of Environmental Professionals offers several types of certification that are useful in the world of environmental consulting. A professional engineer or professional geologist designation is also very useful to those with applicable academic backgrounds. For those who are most interested in field work, there are also a number of U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifications that one can peruse as part of your on-going training.
Do you have any advice regarding an educational path for one who is interested in consulting?
My advice would be to defiantly undertake a program that is heavy in life science, chemistry, and physics, but to also round it out with coursework in economics, language courses, computer science, and statistics. Probably one of the best things that you can do, especially as an undergraduate, is to gain some real experience related to environmental work or scientific research. There are a number of ways to do this outside of a full time job. One way would be to volunteer time with an environmental organization. Another good approach is to seek out formal internships (paid or unpaid) where you can start building valuable experience that will help you on your career path. Many colleges and universities have development offices dedicated to helping students find internship placements; they are often a good place to start.
Yet another option is to befriend a professor at your school and inquire if they need any assistance in the laboratory or the field. Most professors at research universities are starved for help. Often times there is far more to do in a lab then can be done by the professor or the graduate assistants. If you show some interest in the professor's research and volunteer a little of your time (even if it is just washing glassware), you'll soon find that you have new opportunities to jump into some real research. Those types of experiences will help you distinguish yourself from your contemporaries when it comes time to search for a job. Leaving school with a good education should be your primary focus, but if that is all you have on your resume when you start looking for employment, you'll be at a disadvantage.
While serving as the U.S. Army Environmental Center's overseas liaison, were there any extra skills that you needed to do your job? If students are looking to do overseas Environmental Consultation, do you have any suggestions for them?
My understanding of different cultures, political structures, and societal sensitivities has definitely been of assistance to me. In my view, diplomacy is something that is a natural extension of good listening, good perception, and good manners. Anytime that your work takes you across cultures, you need to keep the sensitivities and motivations of your counterparts firmly in mind.
Even areas that are grounded in science are often subject to different cultural interpretations. As an example, in the US we consider radon a significant health hazard and regulate it. In certain parts of Europe, however, people will spend good money to sit in a radon spa as a therapeutic and relaxation treatment.
My suggestions for anyone interested in doing overseas environmental consulting is to study at least 2 to 3 additional languages and to travel as much as possible. There is no substitute for international travel when it comes to broadening one's mind to cultural differences and the realities of the world beyond our national boarders.
Should students pursue a master's degree in order to advance in this field? Will a doctorate degree mean further advancement?
Absolutely. A graduate degree is very important to advancement within the field of environmental consulting. Essentially, you are selling your services as an expert in a particular aspect of environmental science or environmental management, so the better your credentials, the more effective you are likely to be. While it is possible to break into the field with a bachelors degree, most professionals in environmental consulting have at least a masters. Those who are truly sought out as experts in any given area tend to have doctoral degrees or a masters degree plus extensive or very unique professional experience.
In your opinion, what are the top five schools and programs in the world today to prepare students for careers in environmental consulting?
Given that one can specialize in such a wide range of disciplines, it is difficult to say what the best schools are for preparing a student for a career as an environmental consultant. Certainly, schools like Stanford, Yale, Johns Hopkins, University of California, and University of Michigan all have outstanding environmental programs and would be an excellent choice. I would say that most schools with a reputable research faculty in environmental science, environmental engineering, natural resource management, environmental biology, environmental chemistry, geophysics, or any related field will likely provide a solid background on which to build a career in environmental consulting.
Jobs in the Field: What to Expect
What kind of job can an entry-level graduate expect to get in the field of Environmental Consulting?
Anyone interested in getting a job in environmental consulting will have a very wide range of opportunities to choose from. Often entry-level consultants will be involved in field work or laboratory analysis; however, it is also possible for entry level employees to jump right into client support work, systems analyses, or computer modeling. A lot will depend on the specifics of the individual's background and the types of projects that are available for support.
At minimum, a bachelor's degree in the sciences or related field is required for entry level work. A graduate degree will definitely help your chances for promotion and advancement. Most professionals in the environmental consulting world have at least a master's degree in a related field. Direct and applicable experience also counts for a lot when beginning a career in environmental science.
What's the pay scale for someone just starting a career? How about for those at the senior level?
Entry pay scales vary quite a bit based on region, company, and the background of the individual. Generally speaking starting salaries range from the low 30s to low 40s. Individuals with academic degrees in chemistry and engineering tend to come in on the higher end of the scale then those with degrees in biology or geology.
At mid-career levels, an environmental consultant can expect to make between $60,000 to $80,000 a year. At upper management levels, salaries can range above six figures. Typically, mid and upper level consultants will have at least one graduate degree and extensive job experience.
In your opinion, what are the top environmental consulting firms in the world today? How can one get their foot in the door at one of these companies?
There are literally thousands of environmental consulting firms that are excellent at select aspects of environmental consulting. There are so many avenues within the field, that a lot of companies develop their own niche markets. Most of the smaller firms tend to specialize in a particular area or aspect of the field.
In my opinion, the best environmental consulting firms are not devoted exclusively to environmental consulting. Typically larger organizations that specialize in a broad spectrum of engineering, analysis, and management consulting tend to be the best at what they do. There are numerous reasons for this, but probably chief among them is the fact that environmental consulting is such a diverse field. A small company cannot usually have the expertise on hand to deal with all of the varied issues and aspects of a complex environmental program, that's why they tend to specialize. A large and diversified consulting firm, however, will likely have a wide range of environmental experts, engineers, computer specialists, and even economists and statisticians on hand to handle the complexities that are likely to occur within multifaceted projects.
Some of the best companies that I've dealt with are places like Booz Allen Hamilton; Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC); TetraTech; Dewberry and Davis; and Battelle, just to name a few. For anyone seeking to enter the job market as an environmental consultant, I would advise doing a great deal of homework on prospective employers. Often the projects that are available to work on are just as important as the company. The best way for a job seeker to improve their prospects is to get as much practical experience as possible on their resume through volunteer work or internships.
How is the job market right now for environmental consultants? How do you think it will be in the next 5-10 years?
The job market for environmental consultants is fairly strong, and will likely keep growing at a sustainable level for some time to come. Depending on the source, there are between 60,000 and 120,000 revenue producing environmental organizations in the industry. The Department of Labor projects that over a ten year window, jobs in environmental science will continue to grow about 22%. When you consider that the average projected job growth across all sectors in that same period is about 15%; things look fairly promising for the industry.
Environmental consulting is one of those fields that will likely always be with us. As environmental regulations become more complex and the benefits of sustainable operations become more pronounced, companies and organizations will continue to rely on independent professional expertise to guide them through the complex issues associated with environmental protection.
The Industry
What are some trends that you see in the field of Environmental Consulting which might help prospective students plan for the future?
I think that one of the largest trends impacting the need for environmental consultants relates to the government's need to do more with less and to focus on the core mission of individual agencies and governing bodies. We will likely continue to see an increased specialization within public bodies and increased contracting of non-core services to specialists who can deliver those services in a cost effective manner on behalf of public agencies. These agencies will turn to specialized consulting firms who can be contracted for special short-term or long-term projects, under government supervision, to provide the needed services in a cost effective manner. The same phenomenon will likely hold true within the private sector. These trends should result in a prosperous industry profile for environmental consultants over the next several decades.
What do you consider to be the three greatest challenges facing professionals in the field today?
Probably one of the greatest challenges (as well as one of the greatest opportunities) for environmental consultants these days rests in the breadth of environmental issues that impact everyday business, policy making, public health, and resource management. It is simply not possible for a single individual to have the detailed understanding needed to provide insight on all of the issues impacting today's businesses and agencies. To be effective, a consultant must understand when to bring in other experts to address the range of factors typically encountered with complex environmental issues. Being able to identify your strongest areas of consulting and build partnerships to address truly interdisciplinary approaches to environmental issues and the socio-economic factors that accompany them, is one of the principal challenges of the business.
How has the popularity of the Internet affected your profession?
Like most fields, the Internet has changed much of how we do business. This is particularly true in areas related to communications, data mining, information sharing, and electronic tool distribution. The Internet has really been a benefit in terms of remote collaboration (i.e. virtual forums, electronic mail, discussion boards, etc.). Also, environmental consultants often must sift through large volumes of data to try and discern trends or patterns that might give insight into possible solutions or new approaches to environmental problems. Centralized environmental reporting and electronic knowledge warehouses made possible through the Internet have greatly increased the efficiency of such operations. Additionally, electronic distribution of computer applications, information, newsletters, GIS data, and other essential tools has greatly changed the daily operations of environmental consultants. As with most other modern scientific fields, environmental consultants must today possess a fair amount of knowledge regarding computing, networking, and applications. These are now basic tools that are necessary for daily operations.
A Final Word
Is there anything else you can tell us about yourself, your career, or the profession that would be interesting or helpful to others aspiring to enter the field of Environmental Consulting?
The best advice that I can offer a student interested in pursuing a career in environmental consulting is to continuously seek out new information. In all scientific disciplines it is important to stay up to date with the research literature in the field, but this is doubly important in the field of environmental science. Try to get into the habit of reading several scientific papers every day. Challenge yourself to explore topics that are outside of your area of expertise. I would strongly encourage anyone seeking to make a career in the field to pursue a graduate degree and a wide range of professional certifications that will help expand your academic background. Beyond that, my only advice would be to seek out challenging projects that give you a unique set of opportunities. Some measure of international work is always a benefit in the field. If you can get involved with a few projects early in your career that give you the chance to work on environmental issues in unique situations overseas, you'll likely be starting your career with a very strong skill set that will lead to additional successes. With that, I'd just like to thank Enviro Education for the opportunity to share my thoughts with your readers. I hope that my comments will be of some utility to those seeking to enter this challenging and fulfilling career.


text:
Kid & Driver - August 12, 2013
- Written by Jackson Unruh & Julie Boselly
2013 KIA Sportage SX AWD - $32,400
20 City / 25 Hwy
Road Trip: Oregon: Tillamook, Lincoln City
2014 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD - $31,590
24 City / 30 Hwy
Road Trip: Sequim, Washington
Road Trip Review
The kid of Kid 'n' Driver is busy at summer camp so I let him off reviewing this time. Two summer road trips allowed us the opportunity to test out a couple of vehicles. The KIA Sportage and the Mazda CX-5 are stylish crossovers. Much of the two seemed similar in many ways so we'll focus on the parts we felt differed.
As a shorter driver, I felt the KIA seemed to "fit" me better. I could easily reach all features and I actually felt as though I sat higher than in the Mazda. The interior measurements are indeed smaller in most areas compared to the Mazda CX-5. The cargo room in the KIA is 26.1 cu. ft. while the Mazda is 34.1 cu. ft. Those on the taller side may find the Mazda more comfortable.
The headrest for the front seats in the CX-5 leans forward which wasn't comfortable for me, but again, the height (or lack of) could be why.
The back of the Mazda definitely fit more luggage. We are one adult and two kids so I would suggest the Mazda would be a better fit for a group of 4-5. I was concerned packing up the KIA but we managed to load everything in. I did put the rear seats down one day and loaded my bicycle in the back of the Mazda. It wasn't incredibly easy like a larger SUV or van would be but it worked. We saw KIAs with bike racks, which I highly recommend adding on.
Anyone who has been on Hwy 101 knows it is windy, has multiple speed zones and is very dark at night. The KIA handled very well. The 2.0L Turbo Gas Direct Injection engine got us easily over the little Coast Range.
Both stereo systems were quite good. Most cars in this price range seem to come equipped with Bluetooth audio and USB inputs. Jack actually had a good playlist on his iPod so we listened to his music a few times instead of the radio. (NOTE: Oregon's Oldies Radio station is the '60s, '70s and '80s.That was hard to accept). An optional feature on both cars is the navigation package. I was not fond of the GPS in the Mazda. They use the TomTom system and for some reason, I could not get it to find my destination so I ended up using my phone's GPS out of frustration.
Both vehicle are in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) top-rated list. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/tsp_current.aspx.


text:
We offer commercial cleaning services for offices, shopping malls, schools, churches and other business company premises in Midrand .
Our commercial premises cleaning could be once off thorough contract or cleaning janitorial services at an agreed frequency based on our clients requirements. We've specially trained and experienced professional staff who will always deliver cleaning solutions to your satisfaction. We constantly try to transcend beyond our client expectations hence our staff are well trained to deliver that exceptional service to our client. We always customise our cleaning services to package every one of our customers particular requirements. Contact us to make a booking for your commercial cleaning in Midrand .
We offer domestic cleaning solutions that are structured as a once off comprehensive home spring cleaning solutions or as contract maid cleaning services. Maid cleaning services can be everyday, once or twice per week, or fortnightly depending on the client requirements, we offer maid services in most areas . Our strategy to domestic cleaning solutions would be offering a customized solution to each of our customers specific requirements because we understand that not all residences are the exact same and consequently they require different cleaning services.
When you use colorful area rugs, they can enhance the beauty of any room in your home. You can place them by the side of your bed, in front of the couch, or in front of the fireplace will make the area feel warm and cozy. Generally, they are used on tiles and wooden floors but some will put them on their carpets, especially if it is a high traffic area. It is easier to do area rug cleaning than cleaning the carpet. Before you start your area rug cleaning check to see if there are any manufacturer's instructions on how they should be cleaned. If there are instructions you need to follow them or you could ruin the area rug.
Some have to be cleaned manually while others can be cleaned in the washing machine. If area rug cleaning can be done in the washer be sure that you have it on the right cycle and using the right detergent and amount. Drying may not be able to be done by putting them in the dryer but if they can check the setting to make sure that it is not too high.
If they are too big to be wash in your washer, lay the rug on an open area of your floor to clean them. Before you start, make sure that you have somewhere outside to either hang or lay the rug to dry. Next, you need to gather all the things that you will need for area rug cleaning, such as hot water, carpet cleaning solution, and a soft bristled brush. Do not pour the cleaning solution on the rug but put it in a spray bottle so you can evenly spray the entire rug. Make sure that you cover every area of the rug, especially on the edges. Often this area is missed when you are doing area rug cleaning.
Using the brush rub the carpet cleaning solution into the rug using a circular motion so you can get it deep into the fabric. Since it is a large rug, you are going to have to take it to the bathroom and rinse it in hot water in the tub. Move it around to get all the cleaning solution out. Let the water out of the tub and leave the area rug in the tub to drain for at least fifteen minutes. Take it outside and hang it over the clothesline, on an area of clean grass, over a couple of lawn chairs, or a picnic or patio table to dry in the sun to remove any remaining bacteria. Do not leave it in the direct sunlight too long as the sun could cause it to fade.
Best Methods In Professional Carpet Cleaning


text:
The Orchardist
Paperback, 426 pages, HarperCollins, List Price: $15.99 |purchase
Other editions available for purchase:
Book Summary
When two skittish pregnant girls appear on his homestead, solitary orchardist Talmadge — who carefully tends the grove of fruit trees he has cultivated for nearly half a century — vows to save and protect them. The Orchardist evokes a powerful sense of place in the American West, mixing tenderness and violence as Talmadge tries to reconcile the ghosts of his own troubled past and faces the dramatic consequences of his actions.
Awards and Recognition
2 weeks on NPR Hardcover Fiction Bestseller List
26 weeks on NPR Paperback Fiction Bestseller List
NPR stories about The Orchardist
Note: Book excerpts are provided by the publisher and may contain language some find offensive.
Excerpt: The Orchardist
His face was as pitted as the moon. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and thick without being stocky, though one could see how he would pass into stockiness; he had already taken on the barrel-chested sturdiness of an old man. His ears were elephantine, a feature most commented on when he was younger, when the ears stuck out from his head; but now they had darkened like the rest of his sun-exposed flesh and lay against his skull more than at any other time in his life, and were tough, the flesh granular like the rind of some fruit. He was clean-shaven, large-pored; his skin was oily. In some lights his flesh was gray; others, tallow; others, red. His lips were the same color as his face, had given way to the overall visage, had begun to disappear. His nose was large, bulbous. His eyes were cornflower blue. His eyelashes nothing to speak of now, but when he was young they were thick-black, and his cheeks bloomed, and his lips were as pure and sculpted as a cherub's. These things together made the women compulsively kiss him, lean down on their way to do other chores, collapse him to their breasts. All his mother's sisters he could no longer remember, from Arkansas, who were but shadows of shadows now in his consciousness. Oh my lovely, they would say. Oh my sweet lamb.
His arms were sun-darkened and flecked with old scars. He combed his hair over his head, a dark, sparse wing kept in place with pine-scented pomade.
He regarded the world — objects right in front of his face — as if from a great distance. For when he moved on the earth he also moved in other realms. In certain seasons, in certain shades, memories alighted on him like sharp-taloned birds: a head turning in the foliage, lantern light flaring in a room. And there were other constant preoccupations he likewise half acknowledged, in which his attention was nevertheless steeped at all times: present and past projects in the orchard; desires he had had as a young man, worries, fears, of which he remembered only the husks; trees he had hoped to plant; experiments with grafting and irrigation; jam recipes; cellar temperatures; chemical combinations for poisoning or at least discouraging a range of pests — deer and rabbits and rodents and grubs, a universe of insects; how to draw bees. Important was the weather, and patterns of certain years, the likelihood of repetition meteorologically speaking, what that would mean for the landscape; the wisdom of the almanacs, the words of other men, other orchardists, the unimportant but mostly the important words. He thought of where he would go hunting next fall. Considered constantly the state of his land, his property, his buildings, his animal. And mostly he thought of the weather that week, the temperature, and existence of, or potential for, rainfall; recent calamities and how he was responding to them; the position of the season; his position in the rigid scaffolding of chores — what he would have to do that day, that afternoon and evening, how he would prepare for the next morning's work; when were the men coming, and would he be ready for them? But he would be ready for them, he always was, he was nothing if not prepared. He considered those times in life when he had uttered words to a person — Caroline Middey or Clee, or his mother, or a stranger who had long forgotten him — he wished he had never uttered, or had uttered differently, or he thought of the times he remained silent when he should have spoken as little as a single word. He tried to recollect every word he had ever spoken to his sister, tried to detect his own meanness or thoughtlessness, his own insensitivity to certain inflections she might have employed. How long ago it was now. At times he fretted about forgetting her, though in fact — he did not like to admit this — he had already forgotten much.
Now, at his back, the shrouded bushels of apples and apricots rustled in the wagon bed, the wagon creaking forward beneath the weight; the old, old familiar rhythm in accordance with these leagues of thought. Dazzled and suspended by the sun. The mountains — cold — at his back. It was June; the road was already dusty. His frame slightly hunkered down, the floppy calfskin hat shielding his brow, under which was a scowl holding no animosity. The large hands, swollen knuckles, loosely holding the reins.
From the wheat fields he entered the town, and drew down the main street. Quiet. It was Sunday. The nearer church, he thought — the Methodist was on the other side of town — had yet to release its congregation. He hitched up outside the feed and supply store, watered the mule. While he was setting up the fruit stand — tugging forward each burlap-covered bushel in the back of the wagon and unveiling them and unloading them — a woman rounded the corner and gained the platform, approached him. Half her face was mottled and pink, as if burned, her mouth an angry pucker. She held defensively to her breast a burlap sack and bent and inspected the uptilted bushel of Arkansas Blacks. She reached for an apple but did not touch it; glanced dubiously at a bushel of paler apples he presently uncovered. What're those?
He glanced down. Greenings. Rhode Island Greenings.
When he spoke, his voice was low and sounded unused; he cleared his throat. The woman waited, considered the apples. All right. I'll take a few of those. From the folds of her skirt she brought out a dull green change purse. How much?
He told her. She pinched out the correct change and handed it to him.
As he filled the sack with fruit, the woman turned and gazed behind her. Said:
Look what the cat drug in. Those two looking over here like that, you aren't careful, they'll come rob you. Hooligan-looking. She sniffed.
After a moment he looked where she nodded. Down the street, under the awning of the hardware store, two girls — raggedy, smudge-faced — stood conspiratorially, half turned toward each other. When they saw Talmadge and the woman observing them, they turned their backs to them. He handed the burlap sack to the woman, the bottom heavy and misshapen with fruit.
The woman hesitated, still looking at the girls, then turned and nodded shortly to him, stepped off the platform, moved down the street.
From the wagon he retrieved his wooden folding chair and sat down next to the bushels. Wind gusted and threw sand onto the platform, and then it was quiet. Rain was coming; maybe that evening, or early the next day. The girls moved; stood now with their shoulders pressed together, looking into the window of the dry goods store. A gust of wind blew their dresses flat against their calves, but they remained motionless. He pulled his cap low. What did two girls mean to him? He dozed. Woke to someone addressing him:
That you, Talmadge? Those girls just robbed you.
He righted his cap. A slack-mouthed boy stood gaping at him.
I saw them do it, said the boy. I watched them do it. You give me a nickel, I'll run them down and get your apples back for you.
The girls had gotten farther than Talmadge would have expected. They made a grunting sound between them, in their effort at speed. Apples dropped from their swooped-up dresses and they crouched or bent awkwardly to retrieve them. The awkwardness was due, he saw, to their grotesquely swollen bellies. He had not realized before that they were pregnant. The nearer one — smaller, pouting, her hair a great hive around her face — looked over her shoulder and cried out, let go the hem of her dress, lurched forward through the heavy thud of apples. The other girl swung her head around. She was taller, had black eyes, the hard startle of a hawk. Her hair in a thick braid over her shoulder. She grabbed the other girl's wrist and yanked her along and they went down the empty road like that, panting, one crying, at a hobble-trot. He stopped and watched them go. The boy, at his side, looked wildly back and forth between Talmadge and the ragged duo. I can get them, I can catch them, Talmadge, he said. Wildly back and forth.
Talmadge, the boy repeated.
Talmadge watched the girls retreat.
Excerpted from The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin. Copyright 2012 by Amanda Coplin. Excerpted by permission of HarperCollins.


text:
This week, Teresa Tomeo mentioned on her radio show that human trafficking is expected to triple during the Super Bowl. There's not much I can do about that, but I can pray. Will you join me? Let's pray together for the victims of human trafficking and for those who most need our prayers.
Novena Prayer to Saint Maria Goretti
Child of God,
You who at an early age knew life's harshness and toil,
its sorrows and brief joys;
You who were poor, an orphan,
who loved your neighbour tirelessly,
making yourself a humble and attentive servant;
You who were kind and good, without pride,
who loved Love above all else;
You who shed your blood so as not to betray the Lord;
You who forgave your assassin wishing him in Paradise;
Intercede and pray for us to the Father,
so that we may consent to his holy will for us.
You who are God's friend and see him face-to-face
obtain the grace we are seeking from you…
For all the victims of human trafficking and for those who most need our prayers.
We thank you Maria, for the love of God and neighbour that you have sown in our hearts. Amen.
photo credit: Jun Acullador via photopin cc


text:
It is so incredibly hard to believe that it's been more than 25 years since the premiere of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but isn't it amazing how well the show has held up? Yes, the first season was a bit rough around the edges (as are all first seasons, in my opinion), but by the second season, there were some incredible storylines and plots being created that not only ran through this series but also carried over into the later Star Trek television series and movies.
The entire series has been remastered, and I'm looking forward to a few more years from now when I can sit down with my oldest son and start watching them together. (And, of course, I've got an even younger son who will hopefully show an interest, allowing me to watch them yet again!)
I'm a fan of the original series (ST:TOS), so I will admit that when word got out that a new Star Trek show was going to be released, I was resistant. I'd heard rumors (the ship can split into two!) and facts (no Vulcans, but a Klingon will be a primary character), and I just couldn't get around the fact that someone would try and tinker with the series! I was a big RPGer through middle and high school, and I had just about everything game related that FASA had released, including all the movie supplements. I saw no purpose in messing with something that didn't need fixing.
I was so wrong. And so happy to BE wrong!
When ST:TNG hit the screen, that first season was some good stuff... and it only got better. The special effects were amazing, the actors filled those characters in with quirks, both good and bad, and long, complex storylines unfolded over multiple seasons, culminating in a series finale that looped us back to that first episode and provided a great conclusion. As I said: great stuff, and I'm so envious of the younger generation who has yet to experience the voyages of the U.S.S. Enterprise and her crew.
I'll occasionally catch an episode here or there, but now that the movies have ended (or have they?) and no new Star Trek series is planned (or is it?), I've moved on to other franchises and interests. (Yes, I know there are still plenty of books coming out in the ST universe, but I've never been much into Star Trek or Star Wars novels – sorry.)
Occasionally, however, I do get swept back into the ST universe, and I get to experience a little wave of nostalgia for one of the numerous ST series. Today, what put a smile on my face was getting to enjoy a new book, Star Trek: The Next Generation - On Board The U.S.S. Enterprise, from Barron's, and not only is it an amazing collection of computer generated imagery and photos from the ST:TNG series, but it also comes with a CD (Mac and Windows compatible) that lets you take a virtual tour of the ship from your computer.
The book itself is 40 pages of full-color two-page spreads showing various locations on the ship and two fold-out four-page spreads (!!!), one showing a side-profile and deck cut-away and the other showing front and rear profile details along with tons of text explanations and callouts. All of the two-page spreads provide half a dozen or more small information sections, crew bios, equipment discussions, and much more. The entire book is written like a detailed summary of the real ship – all discussions are treated as if the U.S.S. Enterprise, its crew, its locales, and its technologies are real: Other than the introduction written by authors Michael and Denise Okuda, the book can be treated as a real-life summary of the ship and its mission. (The Okudas both worked on the actual television show, and their nice introduction to the book discusses their relationship to the show as well as the details for how the book came to be, including the computer renderings of the ship by Tobias Richter and Somchith Vongprachanh.)
So, what does the book cover? Well, there's a history of the Enterprise, coverage of some of its most well known encounters, plenty of exterior coverage (both in 2 and 4-page spreads) of the ship, and then 2-page spreads of dozens of locations, including the bridge, main engineering, the transporter room, shuttle bay, sickbay, science labs, living quarters, Ten Forward, the holodeck, and the cargo bay... and much more. It's an oversized hardback, so the colorful photos and computer generated spreads are incredibly detailed.
I mentioned that in addition to the book is a CD that allows you to take a virtual tour of the ship. Controls on the right side of the screen allow you to zoom in and out, look left or right, and toggle back and forth to and from a full screen view. In the background you'll hear a number of subtle sounds that are triggered based on the location you are visiting. Locations include the bridge, the transporter room, cargo bay, and Engineering among others. Each scene contain additional buttons that can be pressed (signified by the Enterprise insignia) to place you in that spot so you can look around. (For example, you can tap the insignia on the Captain's chair and get Picard's view of the bridge.)
All in all, it's a well-done book that's sure to be a hit with fans, old and young. I must admit I had a smile on my face the entire time I was taking the virtual tour... the detail is nicely done and the sound effects in the background, including that always persistent hum of the engines, were a nice touch, as well.
If you're a fan, you'll definitely enjoy the book. It's got just the right mix of photos and computer renderings and text to make it an easy and enjoyable read, and the added virtual tour is just plain fun to spend 20-30 minutes exploring.
Note: I'd like to thank Lucille at Barron's for providing a copy of On Board The USS Enterprise and images for this review.


text:
The Evergreen Fire Protection District board voted unanimously to spend $75,000 combined to spruce up aging fire stations No. 1 and No. 4. The decision came at a regular meeting of the board on May 28.
Fire Chief Garry DeJong recommended spending $35,000 on a cosmetic makeover for Station 4, about halfway between Marshdale station No. 3 and station No. 1 near downtown.
Station 4 serves as sleeping quarters for two paramedics while they are on 24-hour duty.
If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Canyon Courier, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.
Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.
|ZIP Code:


text:
November 08, 2010
PTC Introduces Creo Design Software
Please note that contributed articles, blog entries, and comments posted on MCADcafe.com are the views and opinion of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the management and staff of Internet Business Systems and its subsidiary web-sites.
PTC unveiled Creo design software. Creo is being designed as a scalable suite of interoperable, open, and easy-to-use product design apps. The Creo vision and strategy, first introduced in June at the PTC/USER World Event as Project Lightning, recognizes that product development involves many different users with different needs at different points in the product lifecycle. Unlike solutions to date, Creo is designed to remedy lingering, unaddressed problems that have plagued CAD for decades.
"Creo is being specifically created to solve the big problems remaining in the mechanical CAD market: usability, interoperability, assembly management and technology lock-in," said James E. Heppelmann, president and CEO, PTC. "By providing the right-size product design apps for each participant in a company's extended product development team, Creo will enable more people to participate earlier and more fully in the product development process, significantly expanding innovation capacity."
"Historically companies have made significant investments in CAD applications that bind them into inflexible business processes and design practices dictated by the specific visual authoring or simulation application that they pick. PTC's game-changing vision to release a highly flexible CAD application in a new code base, while sticking to existing file formats under the Creo portfolio, is expected to rejuvenate the mature CAD market and open up a path for non-PTC CAD users to move easily on a flexible visual design platform," says Sanjeev Pal, research manager, IDC.
Highlights of planned apps include:
"We believe Creo could be significant and a positive advance in PTC's product offerings." said Mike Galbraith, Global Engineering Systems & Services, Tyco Electronics. Creo could allow the teams involved in designing new products and bringing them to market...across different functions, different locations, etc... to productively use the same toolset throughout the product life-cycle process. We're looking forward to working with PTC and their other partners in shaping these new capabilities."
"Creo is being designed to allow product development organizations to do what they do best - innovate and develop great products free from the constraints imposed by the tools they depend on," said Brian Shepherd, EVP Product Development, PTC. "Many customers are trapped by legacy tools and locked into technologies that may no longer meet their needs. High switching costs make it difficult to migrate to a new technology, application or vendor and retire old tools. "We expect Creo will eliminate the pressure to standardize on a single vendor or technology platform."
Heppelmann concluded, "By leveraging a core set of technology assets unique to PTC, we are once again redefining a market plagued by seemingly insurmountable challenges."
Existing Brands
PTC's current design software product families and associated modules, extensions and packages are being rebranded in alignment with the functional capabilities provided by each product.
Data created in these applications will be fully upwards compatible with the Creo family of products.
PTC expects Creo1.0 to be available during mid-year 2011. The timing of any product release, and any features or functionality thereof, are subject to change at PTC's discretion.
To learn more about Creo, visit
Commentary By Jeffrey Rowe, Editor
We ventured to Boston for a day to witness a new technology (known for the past several months as Project Lightning) that PTC had been promising would influence the MCAD market for the next 20 years with its vision. Needless to say that's a pretty strong statement, and I'll admit I was more than just a little bit skeptical about the claim. However, my opinion changed to a much more positive one as the day progressed.
PTC's new CEO, Jim Heppelmann, kicked off the day's event with a question - "Is the CAD market mature and are all the problems associated with it solved? No," he said. According to Heppelmann, some of the big problems that remain unsolved include interoperability, the fact that CAD products are still too difficult to learn and use, and the inability to switch between CAD and related products.
With AnyRoleApps Creo provides a special purpose-built app for industrial designers.
PTC hopes to address these and other CAD problems with the introduction of Creo (the Latin root word for "create")- PTC's next generation suite of simple applications (or apps) for design, visualization, and collaboration. Creo is built from the elements of Pro/ENGINEER, CoCreate, and ProductView. It is intended to deliver a common user experience across the apps and leverages a common data model and a common PLM backbone based on Windchill. According to PTC, Creo is an enterprise CAD and PLM tool for what the company calls product configuration modeling. It promises to allow for better utilization of product data offering CAD for casual users, but will provide more than just
All of the apps that were discussed and shown on stage were later demonstrated "live" at the Technology Bar PTC had put together. Creo partners - Luxion, Simpoe, and Vistagy - also were on hand to demonstrate their software applications running inside the Creo interface. Since Creo is a so-called open system, I expect to see a lot of partners sign up for the program.
Creo provides a visualization and markup application for anyone in the design process.
PTC stressed that its current products, Pro/ENGINEER, CoCreate and ProductView, are not being discontinued, but are being renamed. Capabilities from these products are being further developed and will continue to live on as elements in future Creo releases. Current products including Pro/ENGINEER, CoCreate, and ProductView (which are being rebranded) will be upward compatible with Creo and will continue to be maintained in accordance with PTC's standard maintenance service terms and conditions.
Creo's AnyDataAdoption lets users incorporate data from any CAD system.
Creo 1.0 is expected to be available in mid-year 2011, and a beta version of the product is expected to be available in Spring 2011 (in English only). The pricing and packaging for Creo were not available at the event, but PTC said it might create an online app store (a la Apple) to sell the applications.
Incorporate 2D data in any 3D mode with Creo's AnyMode Modeling.
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 Next Page »
You can find the full MCADCafe event calendar here.
To read more news, click here.
-- Jeff Rowe, MCADCafe.com Contributing Editor.
Be the first to review this article


text:
How Far Would You Go for Love?
If anyone ever told me that I'd find myself leaving my beloved New York City to move to Houston, a place that to me conjured up visions of strip malls and oil derricks, I would have laughed in disbelief. That was before my then boyfriend broke the news that he'd always planned to return to his hometown for better job opportunities and to be closer to his family. Of course, he had given me a few Texas-sized hints along the way, but I'd always blithely ignored them. Then one night, as we shared drinks at a favorite nightspot and imagined our future together, he finally dropped his bombshell. Faced with the apparent firmness of his position, I could do only one thing: burst into tears in the packed bar.
Afterward, I couldn't stop thinking of an acquaintance whose fiancé had also wanted to move away from New York. She split up with him and, last I'd heard, had married someone else and was living in Greenwich Village. She'd had the courage to stand up for what was important to her. In the end, she'd gotten what she wanted. Should I, too, fight for the life I'd always imagined leading? I hadn't grown up in New York, but I'd always known, somehow, that it was where I belonged. After law school, I moved to Manhattan and never looked back. Which is why the decision I then faced tore me apart: Should I give up the place I loved deeply for the man I also loved deeply?
All couples, whether long-married or casually dating, have to make the everyday I'll-agree-to-the-ball-game-if-you-agree-to-the-ballet compromises that keep unions humming along. But what happens when an issue arises that is so huge, so important to both partners and so impossible to agree on that to compromise feels more like making a soul-shattering sacrifice? I suppose I could have issued an ultimatum: "It's me or Houston!" But I wasn't sure I could deal with my mate's disappointment—and likely resentment—at giving up his life plan so I could carry out mine. I also worried that I'd be racked with guilt in the future when we grappled with Manhattan's inconveniences, such as sky-high real estate prices or the ultracompetitive preschool application process. Plus, although I had a good job as an attorney, I had no great love for the profession and hoped to stop working when I had kids. If I couldn't claim my career as a reason to stay in New York, what bargaining power did I have?
So, grudgingly, I agreed to a move "down the road," hoping it would never come to be. Three years later, I found myself, my husband and our baby daughter in the backseat of my in-laws' sedan, headed from the Houston airport to our new apartment. As I stared at the scenery, so unlike Manhattan's skyline, my eyes welled up and I inwardly berated myself for not holding firm.
I've often wondered if my willingness to endure my own pain rather than the guilt I'd feel if I caused my husband pain is an inherently female quality. I've certainly noticed that even though many of the women I know make the daily decisions (planning vacations, paying bills), men play an outsize role in negotiating the big stuff, such as where to live or whether to have a second child. "As much as we hate to think that there is still a gender disparity, it exists," says Liz Kampf, a psychotherapist in Houston. Indeed, in a Self.com poll, 51 percent of women say they've had to make a major life sacrifice for a partner, whereas only 37 percent say a partner has made one for them.
"Women invest more in how their relationships are doing," Kampf says. "If we can make our spouse happy, we tend to be happier." Childhood role models may also contribute to this tendency to concede. "Our mothers didn't necessarily have the same options that we do, so they went along with a lot of things," says Patricia Covalt, Ph.D., a psychotherapist and author of What Smart Couples Know. "Their daughters may end up unconsciously modeling that behavior."
Then there's economics. It's no surprise that I felt I'd lost a strong bargaining position in the moving discussion because I planned to leave my job when I had kids. "If women earn less, they tend to give in on these zero-sum conflicts, right or wrong," says Michele Weiner-Davis, a psychotherapist and founder of DivorceBusting.com.
Still, I did my best to be a good sport and adjust to our new life in Texas. But my bitterness never quite dissipated. Worse, whenever my marriage hit a rough spot, my outrage at having been asked to make this sacrifice returned full force. I didn't always express it openly, but it quietly fueled the fires of discord over the years. Part of the problem was that my husband and I hadn't talked about the move the way we needed to. Rather than expressing our deeper fears and concerns (which, for both of us, meant having to give up the place we felt most at home), we'd clung to our polarized positions, going around in circles. It turns out that was exactly the wrong way to handle things.
To tackle a major conflict without wrecking your relationship, you need to forget about winning and losing. "Being locked in a power struggle is extremely harmful to couples over the long term," Weiner-Davis says. "In reality, there's no such thing as a win-or-lose proposition. If someone loses, you both lose." There are, however, guidelines that can help you navigate these conflicts without sacrificing your sense of self, getting mired in resentment or damaging your bond. Try them whenever you're grappling with a big conflict to sail through closer than ever.
Make a top-10 list
The best way to break free of a destructive win-lose mentality is to think about other ways to meet your needs, so you'll feel taken care of even if you don't get exactly what you hoped for. "I tell couples to stop arguing over the decision itself and focus on why they feel like they do," says Scott Haltzman, M.D., a psychiatrist and coauthor of The Secrets of Happily Married Women. Try this to help pinpoint your concerns: Grab a stack of index cards and write down the top 10 factors shaping your position, one issue per card (e.g., "I don't want to move because I'll miss my friends"). Have your partner do the same. Next, rank each card in order of importance, using each number only once. "That calls for thinking about how crucial something feels—and whether you're willing to go to the wall for it," Dr. Haltzman says.
In my own case, I might have listed as 5 the fact that in Houston I could no longer be a pedestrian and would have to drive everywhere; my 1 might have been losing my connection to a city that felt integral to my very identity. Once you've clarified your priorities, you can deal with them specifically, instead of being stuck on the larger impasse. "Couples tend to find they can meet each other's primary needs in unanticipated ways," Dr. Haltzman says. My husband and I could have agreed to live in a walkable Houston neighborhood and that I'd visit New York often.
Another strategy that can help couples get past these wrenching conflicts: "Consider reframing hard choices as an occasion for one mate to give the other a gift, in the metaphorical sense," Kampf says. "Thinking of your sacrifice that way can infuse the gesture with love instead of resentment. And for the person who receives the gift, it encourages not taking the sacrifice for granted and showing gratitude."
Get creative
There doesn't always have to be an either-or outcome. "People make creative deals with each other," Weiner-Davis says. Some couples opt for a commuter marriage rather than have one or the other give up a lucrative job. "I counseled a couple in which the husband agreed to have another baby and the wife said she'd do the majority of diaper changing and early child care. To others, that may sound like a crazy arrangement, but it worked well for them."
Take Amanda,* a 40-year-old stay-at-home mom in Houston, who met her husband in college. She's Jewish; he's a devout Catholic. Although neither expected the other to convert, the question of how they would raise their kids hung in the air between them for years. "I'd say, 'I want my kids to be Jewish,' and he'd say, 'Well, I want them to be Catholic.' Then we'd say, 'OK, where should we go for dinner?' We were young and having fun, and frankly, we didn't want to deal with it," she recalls. That denial took a toll: The two split up over the issue several times while they were dating, until Amanda decided she needed to work out her feelings with a therapist. "After four months, I realized that religion wasn't worth losing him over." She told her boyfriend she would agree to raise their kids Catholic. Her boyfriend, though, was concerned that Amanda might come back later and say, "I did that for you. Now you have to do this for me." So before the two tied the knot, they sat down and hashed out how they'd handle religious issues in the future. "Everything was open for discussion," she says. For instance, it was important to Amanda—and to her parents—that any future son be circumcised in a Jewish ceremony. Her husband was OK with that. The two agreed that Amanda could celebrate Jewish holidays with the kids at home, although the family wouldn't observe them as religious occasions. "I knew that some days would be hard for me, like attending the kids' first communion, but it helped that it was 100 percent my decision. My husband never asked me to do this for him. I came to it on my own."
Remind yourself, too, that your values may change over time. "We don't always know what will make us happy," Dr. Haltzman says. "You might think you'd never live in the suburbs, then suddenly, you want your kids to have a yard to play in."
Draw up a contract
I was trained as a lawyer. So when Covalt mentioned that writing a contract could have helped my husband and me resolve our geographical differences, I was intrigued, if a bit skeptical. "You could have written down how your needs would be met despite your leaving New York. Maybe that would mean committing to taking advantage of the culture in Houston, like getting a subscription to the symphony." The point, she reminded me, was to make up for what I'd lost and to acknowledge that because my husband was getting Houston, I deserved some concessions. "But don't think of the process as a tit for tat," Covalt warns. "If you do, then it becomes a negative thing. Instead, try to look at it as a maturely-arrived-at agreement."
Say thank you and mean it
Even when a couple makes a compromise that both feel good about, one person may continue to struggle with it for months or even years. For Allison,* a 41-year-old database administrator from New Orleans, the debate was whether she and her boyfriend would have a child: She wanted one; he, already the father of two teenagers from his first marriage, didn't. After much back-and-forth, he eventually changed his mind. Allison was elated, yet after they married and their baby was born, she began to feel guilty. "If he was busy doing work and the baby was crying, I'd feel, 'He didn't want this baby in the first place, so I shouldn't be asking him to help out.'"
There's a simple way that Allison could have eased her guilt, according to Dr. Haltzman. "If you're the one who has gotten your way, make a point of thanking your mate for the concession as often as possible," he says. Try, "I know this was hard for you, and I appreciate the sacrifice you've made." Expressing your gratitude can go a long way toward helping both partners feel better.
Seek silver linings
"The more you focus on bad events, the worse you'll feel," Dr. Haltzman says. "So if you're resentful, jot down the things that are positive in your life because of the sacrifice you made. They can be as small as 'I left New York City, but I have a big kitchen now.' If you focus on the positives, you're less apt to end up bitter."
But if resentment continues to linger, there may be a larger problem: failure to take responsibility for your own joy. "No one thing makes or breaks a life, so if your happiness is overly compromised, you need to figure out what's not working for you," says Catherine Birndorf, M.D., clinical professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City. In my case, I realized that my ongoing longing for Manhattan stemmed from something deeper than missing the city. My time there also marked a period when I was a single, successful professional unencumbered by the needs of children or a spouse. Once I left New York, all that changed. I quit my job, lost my status as a working person and took on the challenging role as mother to two children. I gave up not only the "New Yorker" part of me but my old identity, too.
Now that my kids are older, however, I've been able to start a career as a blogger and writer. I've also become more involved in my community. I still miss New York City, but these days, I also extol Houston's virtues to out-of-towners. "Happiness is a choice," Covalt says. "At some point, you have to tell yourself, I agreed to this, and I'm going to find a way to be happy."
For now, at least, I've accepted that Houston really is a better city for my family—and, in many ways, for me. I appreciate our lifestyle here, one that would have been harder to afford in New York. I also feel connected to my neighbors in a way I don't think would have been possible in a bustling metropolis.
I've worked hard to get to this place of acceptance. And over time, my husband and I have even had a few of the tough talks we should have had at the outset. I have voiced needs I didn't feel I had the right to express years ago and have even asked him to consider moving back to New York when our younger child leaves for college. To my surprise, he's agreed to keep that option open. "Knowing that nothing is irrevocable can help both partners handle the stress these stalemates create," Covalt says.
Meanwhile, we've agreed that I get one solo trip to New York a year. I reconnect with old friends, get a taste of my former life and return more appreciative of my current one. My husband gets alone time with our kids during a treat-filled week they've dubbed Camp Daddy. Some situations can be a win-win after all.