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Select a state or province from the map above to get primary contact and web information for any
member fund.
Member Connection: A member-only forum where you can post questions and ideas.
Stat Book: A highly functional analytical tool that provides valuable comparative benchmarking results from among our members who participate.
Online Directory: Get connected with your counterparts through this comprehensive list of AASCIF members with updated phone number, email and website information.
By Meagan Shields, Investment Portfolio Manager & Enterprise Risk Specialist, Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation
To say that the first annual conference for the new ERM Committee was a huge success is an understatement. All four of the ERM sessions were at or near capacity. As we looked across the room, we saw an engaged audience from multiple disciplines, including executive-level management, cybersecurity officers, underwriting managers, investment managers, risk officers, board members, and even representatives from ratings agencies. We were pleasantly surprised by audience participation, as they asked thought-provoking questions and provided practical insight from their respective ERM programs, making the sessions both interactive and informative. To those of you who participated, along with our partners from Guy Carpenter, Oliver Wyman, and Willis Re, thank you!
Earlier this year, the ERM Committee surveyed member organizations to take the pulse of ERM programs across AASCIF. The feedback we gathered was subsequently used to shape the ERM content offered at the annual conference. The survey results demonstrated that no two companies have the same approach to ERM. A panelist from our ERM roundtable session stated that his CEO, when referencing state funds, says it best: "Once you know one state fund, you know one state fund." From who owns ERM, to the reporting structure, internal audit's involvement, and which standards and frameworks are used to manage our program, we're all unique. Yet there was one statistic that stood out among the results—94% of us said that executive leadership expects ERM to provide reasonable assurance that major risks are identified, prioritized, managed, and monitored. While this is certainly a reasonable expectation of ERM, it more closely aligns with a traditional approach to risk management. ERM has evolved over the last several years. We've gone from emphasizing operational risk registers and heat maps, to capital modeling and stress testing, to integrating ERM practices and strategy. As our industry has changed, so has the need to be more nimble and equipped with a well-implemented ERM program intended to ensure the sustainability and resiliency of our organizations and facilitate corporate strategy planning and execution. Together, these two ERM objectives protect and position our organizations to thrive, versus simply survive, as the workers' compensation industry evolves.
The "buzz" in ERM the last few years has been all about strategy. Survey results revealed that 87% of us use insights from our organization's ERM program to inform and influence corporate strategy, yet slightly less than half of us rate our organization's effectiveness at linking ERM with planning and strategy as moderately or not at all effective. This lackluster assessment revealed that we all could benefit from taking a closer look into how to effectively align ERM and corporate strategy. Thus the overarching goal for the ERM Committee as we developed content for the annual conference was to provide practical ideas for integrating ERM and strategy. As Dave Ingram with Willis Re astutely articulated, "ERM has (or could have) a unique perspective on the business, looking across all functions and aspects of business, providing insights that could, and should, be invaluable to strategic decision making."
Each session offered actionable ideas for aligning ERM and strategy. For example, Willis Re proposed various ways ERM can add value to the strategy formation, selection, and implementation stages. Dave even provided a step-by-step guide on how to perform an ERM strategy assessment. Oliver Wyman and Guy Carpenter discussed the operationalization of risk appetite and risk tolerances by linking the ERM framework with the risk appetite and risk tolerance framework. They demonstrated how economic capital modeling tools can be used to quantify and articulate risks to support strategic decisions. A key takeaway from our focus on aligning ERM and strategy is this: ERM, if well-implemented, is the critical, cross-functional link between strategy formation, planning, implementation, and assessment.
Another popular ERM topic capturing our attention is emerging risk. Guy Carpenter presented key current and emerging risks faced by our industry and discussed how leading insurers are leveraging practical ERM tools and modeling approaches to effectively manage top risks, enhance financial outcomes, and better future-proof their organizations. The concept of managing emerging risk is quite daunting, as such risks are not easily identified and are difficult to quantify. Getting management to focus on emerging risks is perhaps the most difficult part, as these "risks of the future" are oftentimes perceived as less important since they may never materialize. To address these challenges, Guy Carpenter provided a useful framework with actionable ideas for identifying, assessing, measuring, mitigating, and reporting emerging risks. This was also addressed at our ERM roundtable session, where panelists from AASCIF organizations and audience members shared ideas and ERM program practices. We learned from each other that it's common for CROs and/or ERM leaders to stay ahead of emerging risks by reading trade journals and white papers, attending conferences, and utilizing third-party tools, such as quarterly questionnaires designed to help with the identification process. AASCIF organizations are also performing cross-departmental tabletop exercises to gain insights related to emerging risks from their own employees. A few of us have even developed emerging risk registers with mitigation strategies and corresponding emerging risk dashboards to closely monitor these risks.
The last session, designed to encourage open dialogue between panelists and audience members, was a tremendous success, as it granted us the opportunity to communicate with our peers and leverage the expertise in the room. The number of questions and comments from the audience was a clear sign of our common interest in sharing ideas. Perhaps the most obvious assessment one could make after attending this session is that regardless of our ERM program maturity level, we have a lot to learn from one another.
I'd like to thank the members of the ERM Committee for their steadfast work on the survey and conference presentations. In fulfillment of our mission, each committee member has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing AASCIF members with valuable ERM resources and information to further enhance ERM programs across the organization. We intend to capitalize on the momentum from the annual conference by keeping the conversation and flow of information going. We encourage you to reach out to the ERM Committee to ask questions and continue to share your ideas.
*ERM annual conference presentations are available upon request and will be posted to the conference app soon.
2018 ERM Committee Members


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subset: commoncrawl


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The only thing to fear is the lack of fear itself. So said Benjamin Graham, the investment guru known as Mr Market who has inspired Warren Buffett among others. His point was that complacency can be a dangerous thing and over-optimism can result in excessive risk taking.
Martin Wolf argues in his column that the return of fear and some uncertainty to markets is therefore a good thing. Markets did experience a bout of turbulence last week, yet the real changes were relatively small. Still Martin thinks it could get worse for four reasons. The current environment of expensive equities and bonds, low interest rates, low inflation and low yields is remarkable. It "takes no imagination", he says, to visualise yields (long-term interest rates) "jumping massively".
Second, the financial system remains fragile while indebtedness continues to rise. Largely thanks to the crisis, government debt has risen from 58 per cent of world output to 87 per cent. Third, a global economic recovery is under way — putting a rise in wages and inflation on the cards. And that could easily lead to fiscal tightening. Finally, we cannot forget the great global uncertainty that is Donald Trump. Betting against what the US president will, or will not do, is unwise. He could still easily destabilise expansion of the markets.
Melania Trump, enigma: Courtney Weaver looks at the curious case of America's First Lady and asks why her profile is so low and the relationship with her husband so discrete. Is she disinterested in public life? Or does she prefer to focus on her family?
The dark side of Big Tech: Roger McNamee, an early investor in Facebook and Google, argues that more needs to be done to tackle the democratic and economic impact of technology. Although these firms claim to understand the impact they are having on our lives, they are unwilling to do much about it.
Alarm bells for British industry: Peggy Hollinger says the May government is not focused on what needs to be done now to protect the UK's small- and medium-sized manufacturers. The continued indecision is harming long-term investment decisions and storing up more problems.
Best of the rest
Hard left are just as bad as Marie Antoinette — Rachel Sylvester in The Times
Trump's Big Public Works Dig — Wall Street Journal editorial board
The Oxfam scandal should not lead us into the blunder of cutting aid — William Hague in The Telegraph
Inside the Two Years that Shook Facebook — and the World — Wired magazine
Here's what we're all missing about the polls — Stephen Bush in the New Statesman
What you've been saying
"Five Star and En Marche are not even close"— letter from Franco Debenedetti:
It wants to repeal the Fornero pension reform, which in 2011 saved Italy, then on the brink of bankruptcy, and reduce the age of retirement; to abolish mandatory vaccination of children; to allow the deficit to rise above 3 per cent of gross domestic product and to abolish commitment to a balanced budget (a constitutional mandate which has never been obeyed). On public debt its "theory" is that it is a macroeconomic problem only because it is denominated in euros: it therefore proposes to redenominate it in lire, placing the Bank of Italy once more under the control of the Treasury, obliging it to buy the debt that would not be financed by the market.
Comment from comfychair on "Germany gets a taste of grassroots revolt":
This CDU and SDP coalition is Germany trying to hold perfectly still, lest it fall off the balance bar of German's advantageous situation. Great Euro rates, hegemony within the EU, rising incomes. Don't upset the balance! The problem is that clouds are gathering and I would include Brexit in this (vis a vis Germany) in forcing a more obvious leadership role within the EU. You have to adapt to stay in the lead, not just pretend that the federal system makes central government unnecessary.
The UK might look like it is convulsed with self-doubt, during Brexit, but we are holding our debate: out in the world, with every opportunity now open, what sort of trading country do we wish to be? By contrast Germany, stuck in the EU, with no-one asking questions except extremists.
"Treasury was right about negative impact of vote"— letter from Christopher Huhne:
True, the Treasury's pre-referendum forecasts made the common mistake of assuming that economic changes would happen rapidly, but it at least correctly pointed out that the impact of the Brexit vote would be negative, and therefore successfully identified the sign of the change.
By contrast, "Economists for Brexit" produced a report, "The economy after Brexit" (April 2016), which predicted a modest 3.8 per cent fall in sterling between 2015 and 2017 when sterling in fact fell by more than 15 per cent; no rise in inflation at 1.6 per cent in 2017 when in fact the fall in sterling and rise in import prices pushed inflation up to 2.7 per cent for the year (and 3 per cent in December); no slowing of wage growth at 2.9 per cent in 2017 when in fact average earnings slowed to 2.2 per cent, intensifying the squeeze on real pay; a speed-up of economic growth to 2.7 per cent in 2017 when in fact the UK grew by 1.7 per cent and the end-year figures show the slowest growth in an accelerating G7.
Today's opinion
FT Alphaville: Someone is wrong on the internet, modern servitude edition
The Big Read: Activist investors: the next generation flexes its muscles
Traditionally seen as aggressive, a new wave of players is taking a different approach to getting a seat on the board
City universities are the new global brands
The elite education industry is transforming like investment banking and football
North Korea's cheerleaders and the art of political distraction
Kim Jong Un tops the podium for best propaganda at this year's Winter Olympics
FT View: Trump's infrastructure plan is crumbling away
Exhorting states to do more will not fix America's roads and bridges
FT View: London's transport is vital to the capital's future
The city cannot ignore fewer passengers and a £1bn budget deficit
The enigma that is Melania Trump
In a White House filled with romance and rivalry, few storylines are as tantalising
A bit of fear is good for markets
The jump in volatility may be disturbing but it should help puncture some of the previous complacency
How to drag Big Tech away from the dark side
Technology companies want to regulate themselves, but their record is dreadful
FT View
FT View: Trump's infrastructure plan is crumbling away
Exhorting states to do more will not fix America's roads and bridges
FT View: London's transport is vital to the capital's future
The city cannot ignore fewer passengers and a £1bn budget deficit
The Big Read
The Big Read: Once-repressive Uzbekistan begins a post-Karimov opening
More than a year after the dictator's death, Tashkent may be coming in from the cold
Get alerts on Newsletter when a new story is published


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Factors of Lithuanian Industrial Competitiveness in Export Policy Provisions
The article analyses the essential factors of country's industrial export competitiveness and theoretical and methodological aspects of evaluation of competitiveness. According to the performed experimental evaluation the factors of competitiveness of Lithuanian industrial export were identified, the model of competitiveness factors of Lithuanian industrial export was formed. Evaluation of factors of competitiveness of Lithuanian export indicated that the model formed is an acceptable tool for country's economic-social analysis, strategic planning and information.
export strategy; factors of competitiveness of industrial export
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"Public Policy and Administration" ISSN online 2029-2872 / ISSN print 1648-2603


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From 4 to 5 May 2011 the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh welcomed Professor Ian Frazer, the creator of the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine against cervical cancer and 2006 Australian of the Year, to Cambodia.
During his visit, his first to Cambodia, Professor Frazer met with the President of the Cambodian Red Cross, Kittiprittbandit Dr Bun Rany Hun Sen.
Professor Frazer and Dr Bun Rany Hun Sen discussed the development of the HPV vaccine and the challenges of tackling cancer in Cambodia. The Australian Ambassador to Cambodia, Her Excellency Penny Richards, explained to Dr Bun Rany Hun Sen Australia's contribution to the health sector in Cambodia through the aid program and scholarships for Cambodian students to undertake study in Australia, including in medicine and science.
As part of Professor Frazer's visit, the Embassy presented a screening of the Australian documentary Catching Cancer to a group of around 40 medical professionals and representatives of the government and NGOs. The documentary explored possible links between viruses and certain cancers. After the screening Professor Frazer spoke about the discovery of the HPV vaccine and his experience in administering it in developing countries, like Vanuatu. He took a number of questions from members of the audience who were keen to understand more about his work.
In her introductory remarks prior to the screening of Catching Cancer, Ambassador Richards said that "the development of the human papilloma virus vaccine is just one example of Australia's impressive record of scientific innovation and achievement. Australian research strengths are particularly apparent in fields such as space science, environmental sciences, clinical medicine, biology, and immunology".
Many Cambodian students have been able to take advantage of Australia's expertise in research and innovation by studying at Australian universities. A number of Cambodians have received Australian Award scholarships to undertake post-graduate study in Australia in the fields of science, medicine or medical research. In the Cambodian Ministry of Health alone, there are around 40 graduates of Australian institutions.


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I'm sorry for selling my story, says Iran hostage Mr Bean
Last updated at 20:26 11 April 2007
Seaman Batchelor came under fire for cashing in by selling his tale to the tabloid press.
He claimed the cash he was paid would barely pay for his driving test, although colleague Faye Turney is thought to have pocketed up to £100,000.
The 20-year-old's apology came as Defence Secretary Des Browne admitted his decision to allow the former hostages to sell their stories to the media was wrong.
Conservative leader David Cameron demanded an inquiry into the "calamitous" decision.
Mr Browne said of the controversial move: "Responsibility for that rests with me. I knew about the decision. A note indicating the decision and the anlysis of the regulations that supported that decision came into my office on Thursday and early on Friday afternoon one of my officials took me through that."
The controversey came on the day the bodies of Private Eleanor Dlugosz and Second Lieutenant Joanna Dyer, a close friend of Prince William's, were repatriated. The two female soldiers were killed in Iraq last week, along with two of their male colleagues.
Relatives of soldiers killed in Iraq criticised Mr Browne's admission and said he should have anticipated the furore the decision caused and called on him to put a blanket ban on all serving military personnel speaking to the press.
Reg Keys, whose son Thomas was one of six members of the Royal Military Police killed by an Iraqi mob in June 2003, said: "I do applaud Des Browne for his honesty in taking responsibility but I don't accept this phrase 'with hindsight'. When people use those words it's seen as failed forethought."
Seaman Batchelor has also admitted he "let the Royal Navy down" and "disappointed his comrades" by selling his story to the media.
He said he would not have accepted the money had he known the MoD would later reverse its decision to allow the hostages to be paid to talk to the press.
Speaking to the Plymouth Evening Herald newspaper, he said: "To be honest, I feel a bit strange about the situation. One minute they're (the MoD) are telling us we can, and the next they're saying 'no more'."
Seaman Batchelor's claim that he cried himself to sleep after his Iranian captors likened him to the comedy character Mr Bean made him a laughing stock.
One serving soldier posted: "Batchelor didn't do the reputation of servicemen much good either! Being broken by being called Mr Bean FFS! - that must be on a par with Monty Python's Spanish Inquisition and the comfy cushions."
Comments left on unofficial forces' websites, the Rum Ration and the British Army Rumour Service laid into Ms Turney and Mr Batchelor.
Another servicemen says of Mr Batchelor's complaint that his iPod was stolen by the Iranians: "What I wish to know is why a young lad on a boarding party detail needed to take his iPod? If he listened to The Ride of the Valkyries as he sped towards the target ship, what did he listen to on his trip to Iran?"
In response others on Rum Ration suggest: "Crying by Don McLean, perhaps?, The Beat Surrender, Always Look On The Bright Side Of life? and Onward Christian Soldiers."
Another contributor said of Ms Turney, who sold her story to the Sun: "Made me squirm when she said 'President of Iran gave me a toy doll for my daughter and am keeping it after the bomb disposal experts cleared it'.
"Believe me dear, the Iranians don't need to get any more publicity from blowing up you or anyone else ... you're providing all the publicity for them for free."
Another angry contributor wrote: "They should be expelled from the Armed Forces. Maybe HMS Cornwall could make a series like The Loveboat or be used for Big Brother? The Royal Navy seems intent on becoming a complete laughing-stock."
In his latest interview with the Daily Mirror, Mr Batchelor, the youngest of the 15 sailors, said he saw the money as small compensation and complained he could not afford to buy a car.
"I'm really hurt by all the criticism. People think I'm some kind of millionaire now, dining out on lobster and champagne - but I'm not. The money I've received will simply pay for a few driving lessons. I'm not sure it will cover the cost of an actual test, let alone a car.
"I see the payment more as compensation for spending the time telling the story to reporters when I should have been out with my family and friends. But it was important that the world heard about what I went through."
Ms Turney received an estimated £60,000 for selling the story of her time as a captive to The Sun and Tonight With Trevor MacDonald.
A poll on the Rum Ration website has 92 per cent of members agreeing that Mr Batchelor was "wrong to sell his story". Warmonger posts: "Let's face it irrespective of wherever she (Turney) goes this will hang around her neck like the proverbial albatross for a long time yet to come! Jade Goody would hand back her BB contestant fee for the chance to have her time in the house again.
"The Iranians might be a bunch of s****, but they seem much better at handling the propaganda machine. If the fuss gets any more intense they'll probably wish they were back in their cells."
BTDT posts on the Army Rumour Service: "I see no reason why they should not be allowed to sell their stories. I do, however, believe that they should be required to leave the service first."
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Elevance Introduces Renewicals Product Category at Ecochem 2013
Nov 25, 2013
Elevance Renewable Sciences Inc. recently introduced Renewicals during Ecochem 2013 in Basel, Switzerland.
Renewicals are made possible by renewable feedstocks and sustainable advanced manufacturing processes, leaving a smaller environmental footprint than traditional petrochemicals and bio-based chemicals.
"The challenge for industry today is to deliver better products that are sustainable and improve current living standards, said Andy Shafer, Elevance executive vice president of sales and market development. "With Renewicals, we are able to deliver more than just sustainable products. Products that we use every day can now be made to meet and exceed industry and consumer expectations."
For more information, visit www.renewicals.com.


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Several more comics have joined the CCP:
"Demonology 101," "Ice," and "Zombies Calling" by Faith Erin Hicks
"Flipside" by Brion Foulke
I need to take some time to count up all the new comics that have joined. I think I've more than doubled the number, though it could be as much as triple or quadruple at this rate.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
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text: NBA YoungBoy Never Broke Again has unveiled the tracklist to his upcoming album A.I. YoungBoy. The Baton Rouge rapper's project is made up of fifteen tracks, with two features from Peewee Longway and Yo Gotti. The album has already spawned the singles "Untouchable" and "Graffiti," and will be dropping in full on Friday, August 4th.


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Oh lord, y'all. It' Friday, AGAIN. How does this happen?!
Love, kisses and hopes for a great weekend, kids.
Without further ado, the Daily Dump:
Raindogwaiting got a job – fuck yeah!
This page is just … great. Tell me I'm wrong. Burt is nearly always right, so….
The Empress reminds us of how we deal with sartorial history.
I mean, Friday IS for dancing. Fact.
Tyrannasaurusbataar reminds us of venting.
OkCupid continues, according to Thereisnofluffy, to be horrifying.


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Watch A Moto3 Rider Avoid An Accident By Landing A Sweet Jump
Jakub Kornfeil displayed someone serious skills and managed to turn what would have been an accident into a mega jump
With just over a lap to go in the Moto3 race at Le Mans, Enea Bastianini lost control and crashed at the final corner. Kornfeil was right behind him and with nowhere to go looked set to plough into Bastianini's bike and go down as well. But, somehow, he managed to use the fallen bike as a ramp, pulling off this awesome jump, landing it, and carrying on to finish sixth. Nice!
Kornfeil's awesome motocross skills aside, it was a controversial race with so many penalties you could be forgiven for thinking you were watching F1. Fabio Di Giannantonio came from third to first on the last lap (the typical Moto3 craziness) to score his first win, but was handed a contentious three-second post-race penalty for an earlier corner cutting incident, dropping him to fourth and handing a maiden win to Albert Arenas.


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At George Ide LLP we have a team of dedicated personal injury solicitors who help victims of employer negligence bring work accident claims for compensation.
According to The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), in 2010/11 there were 171 employee fatalities caused by accidents in the workplace and more than 600,000 self-reported work injuries.
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Not only are 26.4 million working days lost annually through worker injury and illness, but hundreds of people's lives are affected by the mobility problems, health issues, pain and financial loss caused by preventable incidents.
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If risks to worker safety cannot be removed or controlled in any other way, PPE must be available to employees so that they are protected from reasonably foreseeable harm.
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It is important that employers provide instructions for correct use of PPE, or train their staff in its use, so that workers understand how, when and why it is to be utilised. Failure to provide this information could result in an employee suffering injury after having used the protective equipment incorrectly.
A more in-depth overview of the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 is available by clicking here.
If you have suffered a non-fault work accident after not having been provided with suitable personal protective equipment, you could be eligible to make a claim for pain, medical bills and loss of earnings.
The expert solicitors at George Ide are based in West Sussex, and have helped hundreds of people receive the remuneration they deserve.
We endeavor to negotiate the very best settlement possible for all of our claimants, making sure that we fully asses treatment and rehabilitation needs, to provide them with a financially secure future.
If you would like to find out more about our solicitors, click on the staff profiles to the right, or, if you would like to speak in confidence to one of our personal injury team, please phone our Chichester offices on 01243 786 668.


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Thursday, October 9, 2014
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- July 13, 2015 at 1:11 AM


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Maryfell play area sits within the heart of the residential area of Maryfell in the picturesque market town of Sedbergh. It is one of only two play areas in the town and is therefore a valuable play facility for the local residents of Maryfell and surrounding properties. The current play area is dated and worn down from many years of use and in need of complete renovation to be an exciting and fun place for local children. It sits beside a green space currently used for informal play.
In partnership with the local community, South Lakeland District Council and Sedbergh Parish Council are raising funds to install a new play area and make better use of the green space next to it. We would like to hear your views on how we could improve these areas.
If you have any queries, would like to request additional copies or would like help taking part, please contact:
Community and Leisure on: 01539 733 333 or email email@example.com
The closing date for this consultation is Friday 8th December 2017
The results of the survey will be used to help us with planning the next stage of the improvements including tendering for and designing the new play area.
The results will also be reported on the consultation section of the SLDC website


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The Use of Music in Christianity and Islam Wraps up Duquesne Religion and Society Lecture Series
The Use of Music in Christianity and Islam, the final installment in this fall's Religion and Society Lecture Series at Duquesne University, will take a closer look at how music is used in worship in both the Christian and Islamic faiths.
The presentation, which will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 18, in Room 719 of Fisher Hall, will include presentations by the Rev. Stephen Concordia, O.S.B., director of programs in sacred music at Saint Vincent College, and Dr. Sadik Kara, professor of biomedical engineering from Fatih University in Istanbul, Turkey. Concordia will discuss Music in Christian Life: The Expressive Power of the Word and Kara will speak about The Use of Music in Islam.
"The Consortium for Christian-Muslim Dialogue (CCMD), through the lecture series, has been educating our audience about striking similarities and overlapping affinities between Christianity and Islam," said Dr. Marinus Iwuchukwu, associate professor of theology and chair of Duquesne's CCMD. "In the upcoming lectures, we would like our audience to be enlightened on the place of music in the two faith traditions. What has become of music today in both the Western and Islamic worlds can be traced to the strong influence of Christianity and Islam, respectively."
The Religion and Society Lecture Series is hosted by the theology department and presented by the CCMD, in collaboration with the Turkish Cultural Center of Pittsburgh. The series seeks to advance healthy relations by promoting open dialogue among groups as a way to build trust and mutual understanding. Spring semester lectures will begin on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2016, with Syrian Christian Immigrants & Refugees.
The Use of Music in Christianity and Islam is free to attend and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Emad Mirmotahari at 412.396.6420 or visit the CCMD's website, www.duq.edu/ccmd.
Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation's top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and tradition of academic excellence. Duquesne, a campus of nearly 9,500 graduate and undergraduate students, has been nationally recognized for its academic programs, community service and commitment to sustainability. Follow Duquesne University on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.


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Things are looking good for grads
According to a recent survey in America, it is those without university degrees that are feeling the harshest effects of the recession through job loss.
Certainly, having a degree and being qualified for office or field work is a huge advantage. While the recession is affecting everyone, of all levels of education, it is important to remember that while you are studying, you are increasing your job prospects. In fact, a recession can be a great time to pursue further study. If you are finding the job market too competitive as hundreds apply for one position, why not stay on or return to university. Get your honours, or your masters or even a PhD and when the recession ends, you could be graduating with another level of education, one that will put you another level above those you are competing with.
So the recession isn't all doom and gloom for students and grads, make the most of a difficult time…really advertise that you have a degree and that you are qualified, or stay on at uni and qualify yourself even further!
For the article about the aforementioned survey, see: Blue Collar Recession


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New Home kit 2018/2019
Online and InstoreBuy Now
City boss hails his centurions
City boss Pep Guardiola talks to City TV after his side's dramatic last-gasp winner against Southampton.
CENTURIONS: Records tumble in stunning season
CHAMPIONS PARADE: Key information
"Now we will celebrate with all our fans at the parade on Monday. Now is a time for celebration."
Watch the boss in the video above


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The Lambs were without talented midfielder Luke Brown who badly twisted his ankle in the F A Vase game, and is likely to be out for a several weeks. Tyler Elliot returned to the starting line up having recovered from his injury.
The game got off to a fast start with both teams playing some fine football. It was the home team that created the first scoring opportunity, in the third minute a fine move saw the ball find Warren Daw on the edge of the penalty area but his fierce effort went just over the bar.
Two minutes later the Lambs gave away a soft free kick just outside the penalty area but Jeffcott's effort was well wide of the target. The visitors then produced a period where they played some delightful football in the middle of the park, having the greater share of possession. The Lambs defence were in fine form and dealt with any threat on their goal, the closest Argyle got to scoring was a powerful drive from Lowless which was well wide of the target.
The home team then began to get back into the game and almost took the lead on the half hour. A really good move resulted in a powerful shot from Josh Grant which was on target was deflected away for a corner kick off Bentley.
Shortly afterwards home keeper Josh Oak made a fine save to deny Rooney from opening the scoring. Seven minutes later the Lambs took the lead when a fine move saw the ball find Tyler Elliot his powerful shot from eighteen yards took a slight deflection off Josh Grant into the corner of the net.
Just before the interval a penetrating run by Teigan Rosenquest opened up the visitor's defence, his cross found Jack Crago, but he shot wide of the target when well placed.
The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with both teams playing some delightful football in the middle of the park, but neither side created any realy good scoring opportunities as both defences were in great form.
The Lambs did force several corner kicks, but missed the normal aerial power provided by Lewis Daw who was not available for selection.
Aryle missed a good opportunity to level the scores with five minute remaining, when from a free kick the ball fell to Jeffcott, but his shot went way wide of the target.
The Lambs saw out the remainder of the game to record a victory over a team that is also in the title chase. It was a very strong performance by Argyle and made it very difficult for the Lambs to break down a well drilled defence. The Lambs just edged it over the ninety minutes and deserved the victory.
This was another good all round team performance with everyone's playing their part in order to gain a hard earned victory against a very talented Argyle team. The man of the match was Tyler Elliot, on his return to the team from injury, he was a threat to the visiting defence, and hen had a hand in the deciding goal.
The Lambs were without talented midfielder Luke Brown who badly twisted his ankle in the F A Vase game, and is likely to be out for a several weeks. Tyler Elliot returned to the starting line up having recovered from his injury.
Tavistock AFC Firsts 1 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
- Friday 17 November 2017 @ 7:30 pm
- Langsford Park
|Josh Oak
|Ben Cross
|Josh Robins
|Dan Evans
|Warren Daw
|Dave Hallett
|Teigan Rosenquest
|Jack Crago
|Tyler Elliott
|Ryan Swain
|Josh Grant
|Jake Miller Dave Hallett
|Jack Tribble Tyler Elliott
|Tom Burgess Jack Crago
Previous meetings
|17 Nov 17
|7:30 pm
|Tavistock AFC Firsts v Plymouth Argyle
|1 - 0
|Match Centre
|10 Feb 18
|1:00 pm
|Plymouth Argyle v Tavistock AFC Firsts
|2 - 4
|Match Centre
|05 Sep 18
|7:30 pm
|Tavistock AFC Firsts v Plymouth Argyle
|2 - 1
|Match Centre
|19 Oct 18
|7:30 pm
|WCP League Cup
|Tavistock AFC Firsts v Plymouth Argyle
|1 - 3
|Match Centre
|27 Apr 19
|3:00 pm
|Plymouth Argyle v Tavistock AFC Firsts
|1 - 4
|Match Centre


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Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Some Light Reading
I know, shocking, 2 posts in one week. However, I came across some light reading this evening and thought I would pass it along. There are some great quotes here.
Unfortunately, the author was not very keen on specifics with regards to unit names...I am officially a part of the 777th Expeditionary Prime Base Engineer Emergency Force (BEEF) Squadron. At least he acknowledged that I'm in the Air Force!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
End of Week 24 - The Light at the End of the Tunnel, Oh Wait...
Well, I can finally say that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I thought for a while that the light was actually a freight train heading directly for me. However, the light showed up in the form of my replacement! And yes, there was much rejoicing when I picked up Capt Jimmy Jeoun from the passenger terminal on Sunday. I'm not certain the folks at the terminal quite understood why I was smiling as large as I was when he actually got off the plane. Regardless, he is here and the transition has begun. Capt Jeoun is an active duty Air Force Civil Engineer assigned to Peterson AFB in Colorado Springs. Fortunately, we will have a full work week to transfer as much background and knowledge as possible to bring him up to speed. I think I may have overwhelmed him a bit on Sunday. By the time I dropped him off at his billeting unit, he looked beat. Or maybe it was the jet lag. Yeah, the jet lag. I'm way too low key and reserved to wear someone out.
I passed the 6-month point on 10 July and am now into the 6+ month deployment. If all goes as planned, I will be off to Manas AB in Kyrgyzstan next weekend. As of right now, the team will have a couple of days at Manas before jetting off for BWI. I'm all about getting to Manas as soon as possible...this will trigger the start of the end of my deployment. Jennifer has planned several great trips for the family when I get home...Wild Dunes with some of the Grahams, a get-away to the Homestead, and a week to Navarra (hopefully minus tar balls). I am looking forward to them all, but most importantly I'm looking forward to being home with my girls and re-establishing our routine.
I had the chance to take a flying tour of Camp Leatherneck this past week courtesy of the 41st Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, aka the Pedros. This squadron is made up of HH-60 (Pave Hawk helicopter) pilots, Para-rescue jumpers (PJs) and aircraft mechanics. Below is an aerial shot of the compound that we have been building over the past 4-5 months for the Pedros.
Below is a picture of an HH-60 on the ramp.
"HH-60 on Alert"
"HH-60 door gun!"
These are the guys that fly into the battle space to pick up injured soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. Usually, they are flying into hot landing zones and quickly retrieving the injured warrior to get him back to base for life saving treatment. I've had the opportunity to work with this incredible group of airmen during my tour as we built out their compound. They are very humble and grateful for what we have done for them...I'm in awe of them and the mission they perform. Their motto is "That others may live". These airmen put their lives on the line every time the helo takes off, and there are countless service personnel that owe their lives to these heroes. You may recall that I posted a link back in early June to a story about a helicopter crash that claimed the lives of 4 of these heroes. These airmen, Sra White, SSgt Smith, TSgt Flores and 1Lt Gentz, all paid the ultimate sacrifice going to help an injured Marine. I have the program from their memorial service sitting beside my computer as a reminder of what we are doing here and the lives that have been lost to defend the freedoms you and I enjoy every day. As you pass thru the day today, please say a prayer for the families of these airmen. They all left behind families: mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, wives, sons, daughters and friends, who are certainly still grieving their loss.
I have some shout-outs to great folks who have sent care packages over the past couple of weeks: The Flemings; Matt, Mike and all of the folks at Smith Barney; Hamilton 4th Floor at Booz Allen (thanks Michelle!); The Thetis; and Team Andrews (thanks Yvonne!). All of the goodies, treats, snacks and such have been shared across the office here. I cannot thank you all enough for your incredible graciousness with all of the care packages. These have been a special treat during my 6-months away. My guys are kind of bummed that I'm leaving b/c the supply of care packages is about to dry up. I've promised to send stuff their way once I get home.
Well, I fell way short of my goal to keep you all updated as to the weekly happenings in Afghanistan. However, I hope that my semi-regular updates have been enjoyable and informative. I'll try to get out one or two more postings before leaving the theater to help put a nice bow on this present of 6-months in Afghanistan. I can say with all honesty that it has truly been an incredible experience supporting the United States Marine Corps here at Camp Leatherneck. My respect and admiration for the actions these brave Marines take on our behalf will never wane.
Until next time...
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
End of Week...well Mid-week 20 (His Perfect Timing)...
I've decided to mix things up this week and actually blog in the middle of the week. Not that you have come to expect my blog on any given day, but it is a change for me...so here goes. The past 2 weeks have been full of highs and lows. I've been told by folks who have deployed in the past that month 5 is often the hardest, from a mental, physical and emotional perspective. I would have to say that I agree with them. For those of us on a 6 month deployment, at this point you come to realize that the end is near and begin to look forward to a glorious reunion with family and friends. However, you cannot begin to count the days as the work remaining to accomplish is still in front of you.
I have determined that I have "billed" enough hours to take the next 16 months off and still maintain a full-time status without working another hour. Of course, it does not really work that way in the military, and I doubt Booz Allen is going to let me carry these hours over. Needless to say, there are days when the new couches we purchased for the MWR area in our tent call my name, and I squeeze in a quick 30 minute nap. My guys are great at "preserving" this time for me and shielding me from visitors. This ends up being some of the best sleep I get all week! I'm certainly not complaining about the hours because the work we are performing here is exhilarating, but I will enjoy having some down time at home with the girls come July!
As the subtitle of this week's blog implies, events happen in our lives at the perfect time of our Risen Lord and Savior's choosing. I had one of these experiences this past Friday evening. After what was a very challenging day when I questioned why I was working so hard to only have everything I'm trying to accomplish here questioned by some who have very little situational awareness (SA) of the day-to-day operations, I headed off to the dining facility (aka chow hall, DFAC, mess hall, place where we eat) for what was supposed to be a quiet dinner to churn my bitterness and anger. I made my way through the serving line selecting nothing of particular interest, more looking for fuel to get me thru the rest of the evening. As I walked to the dining area to find a place to sit and watch whatever dated program AFN (Armed Forces Network) was running, I noticed one of the O-6s with whom I have been working on a couple of pretty high priority projects over the past weeks sitting alone. Now, as all of you know, I am a very shy and reserved individual who doesn't like to talk to others (especially senior officers). So what did I do, I joined the Colonel. I know, surprising...
Regardless, what was supposed to be a dining experience of solitude ended up being an hour long conversation about coming to faith, family and the crazy experiences the Colonel had faced while running the camp. I won't bore you with all of the details of the conversation, but I can tell you this - the Lord's hand was at work on Friday night as he led me to that table. I left dinner with a smile on my face, a renewed joy in my heart for the work we are accomplishing here, some great stories that I will pass along in time and an even greater respect for the Colonel who provided a blessing beyond anything I could have imagined. I realized as I finished my cold butter noddles and corn bread that the work my incredible team is accomplishing here at Camp Leatherneck is valued beyond anything I can measure and our opinions are respected and wanted - and at the end of the day, this is all that matters. My time here at Camp Leatherneck is not about some award or a Letter of Evaluation that will end up in my personnel record. It is about making an impact and doing so with a smile and joy. It is about saying hello to the Marine checking IDs at the Entry Control Point to our compound, thanking the server in the dining facility, and being a positive influence to others. You know, this deployment has really taught me what it is I love to do...it is positively impacting people's lives. And my way of doing that is through construction and facilities. I know, sounds kind of strange, but in some way I have figured out that my technical skills are merely a tool to allow me to interact with people.
Below are some pictures from my adventures of the past couple of weeks. I had the chance to ride out to the area just outside the Main Entry Point (MEP) to the camp called Soak City II. This is the area where all of the trucks hauling goods and material to the camp wait before being escorted to the MEP. In case you have ever wondered if the Afghans are capitalists, what I saw outside the MEP proves they in fact are. Numerous merchants have set up all kinds of shops to serve the needs of the truck drivers...from gas stations, to places where the drivers can wash, to small "Afghan 7-11s". There is an area called the strip mall with some food vendors that sell some incredible flat bread. I purchased some to bring back for me and the guys to enjoy.
I also got to see some Afghan construction first hand as one of these entrepreneurs was hard at working building a shop along the strip mall.
Below is a picture of me with one of the trucks that is typical of what is used to haul everything into the camp, affectionately known as a "Jingle Truck". The Afghan drivers take great pride in their vehicles and go to a lot of effort to make their trucks as "jingly" as possible.
I leave you this week with several quotes from former President Ronald Reagan. I was doing some Google searches earlier trying to figure out the context of one of Reagan's quotes and came across a gold-mine of statements he made throughout his Presidency. I think his statements below are as applicable today to the struggles we face as a nation and a world as they were when he was President.
Above all, we must realize that no arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. It is a weapon our adversaries in today's world do not have. Ronald Reagan
Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free. Ronald Reagan
The ultimate determinant in the struggle now going on for the world will not be bombs and rockets but a test of wills and ideas-a trial of spiritual resolve: the values we hold, the beliefs we cherish and the ideals to which we are dedicated. Ronald Reagan
And finally, one of the Marine Lieutenants forwarded to the office the picture below, which I thought was so appropriate.
Until next time...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Additional Photos from the Week...
Sunday, May 23, 2010
End of Week 18 Update!
The new operation significantly increased the level of security of the material entering the base and significantly reduced the number of trucks our security personnel have to screen on a daily basis as the trucks hauling the gravel out of the transfer yard into the base never actually leave the confines of the base security perimeter. This is probably one of my most rewarding projects as it had an immediate impact on the security personnel's workload and drastically improved construction timelines across the board.
Before I close for the week, I need to send some "shout outs" to all of the folks who sent care packages over the past couple of weeks!
Thanks to Jennifer and the girls; Mom & Dad; the Booz Allen Team at Andrews AFB; Matt, Mike and the team at Smith Barney; and the Hirneisen Family! The treats and goodies are being enjoyed by all of the staff here in the office...not to mention Marines across the Helmand Province as we repackage items to send out to the field with staff when they travel for site visits.
This experience continues to be one that will forever shape my view of my fellow servicemen and women who put themselves in harm's way on a day-to-day basis to defend the freedoms that we all enjoy in the States. I in no way can compare what I am doing here at Camp Leatherneck with what the Marines are doing out in the villages across Afghanistan. My goal is that when these Marines are able to get back to home base after hunting those who wish to put an end to the freedoms we enjoy that they come back to a safe, secure installation with a comfortable place to rest, clean-up, get a good meal and mentally prepare for their next mission. My prayer is that as you have followed along with me on this adventure, you too will come to appreciate even if only on the surface the sacrifices the young men and women of our Armed Services voluntarily make for you and me!
Until we chat again,
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will Abide in the shadow of the Almighty." Psalm 91:1
Sunday, May 2, 2010
End of Week "I Have No Clue"...
Well, it has been quite some time since I have actually updated the blog tracking my experiences here in Afghanistan. For some reason, the time since my last update has flown by, which I guess is good thing. Since March, I crossed the half-way point of my 6-month deployment, passed the 100th Day (which I understand is a big deal in schools these days), had a birthday, said good-bye to some incredible Air Force Civil Engineers, and received the dreaded email that one of the girls had to visit the Emergency Room.
Before I get into the nitty-gritty of the Camp Leatherneck happenings, I first want to send out many thank yous for the great care packages that have arrived over the past 6 weeks...Mom & Dad, Susan & Wade Cox, Jeff & Heather Brown, the Smiths, the Thetis, Julie & Josh, MPC MOPs Leadership, the Janetskys, Anne Lanz, Jerry & Lisa Lanz, the Hamilton 4th Floor Crew at Booz Allen, the Andrews AFB Booz Allen team, Carlton & Kristen Hendrix, the Flemings, the O'Quinns, and Park Presbyterian Church. All of the goodies have been spread far and wide, and some of the treats we re-packaged here at the office to send out to the Marines at the smaller forward operating bases and combat outposts.
At the end of March, the original 777th Expeditionary Prime BEEF Squadron - Leatherneck crew bid us farewell. Lt A.J. Harris and MSgt Will St. Peter (pictured below) were here for the stand-up of the new Prime BEEF Squadron and were a tremendous support for me as I got up to speed on the chaos otherwise known as the Camp Leatherneck construction program. A.J. went back to Alaska to prepare for a wedding, and Will went back to Dover AFB via the beaches of Florida. I would never have survived my first 2 1/2 months here without their knowledge and expertise. They are both fine Air Force Civil Engineers and did our career field proud here at Camp Leatherneck.
MSgt Will St. Peter, Maj Todd Graham, Lt A.J. Harris - in route to the Passenger Terminal!
In early April, the 2D Marine Expeditionary Brigade transitioned authority for the control of the Helmand Province Battle Space to the I Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). This probably means absolutely nothing to most of you reading this blog. It really didn't mean anything to me until the Marine Lieutenant Colonel I support explained that I MEF (FWD) would be arriving with about 4 times the number of folks as 2D MEB. I quickly learned that a "MEF" is a larger military unit than a "MEB". I would have known this already had I completed this section of my Air Command and Staff College course. The picture below is of the 2D MEB welcome sign into Camp Leatherneck. We ran out to the sign in early April to get this picture before it was swapped out for the I MEF (FWD) sign...which I have not taken my picture with yet.
You are probably thinking, "What's the big deal...MEF, MEB...they are just acronyms?" Well, when you are in charge of all contracted construction activities on the camp about to receive all of these service men and women, it means a heck of a lot of construction in a very short period of time. We have been building facilities at a "cyclic" rate, as the Marine Colonel likes to state. Currently, we have over 100+ active construction projects valued at something like $64 million. Needless to say, this amount of construction has resulted in some very long days, late nights and early mornings for the entire team here with me. Fortunately, I've been blessed with an incredibly talented team to make all of this construction a reality.
With the arrival of the I MEF (FWD) Engineers in early April, I got to serve as the continuity for the office. Essentially the entire G-7 (Engineers) staff turned over in a matter of weeks. One of the new Marine engineers with whom I work happens to be another South Carolinian from Darlington. Maj Gary Humphries (pictured below with me standing atop one of the new 10 meter communication towers we built) walked into my office when he first got here, saw my Clemson Flag hanging behind my desk and stated that we were going to get along just fine!
Gary ordered a South Carolina State flag when he first got here and it finally arrived last week. We flew it over the I MEF (FWD) compound in which we work. Below are some pictures documenting the glorious event for the State of South Carolina! Since Gary's arrival, we have tracked down another 3 fellow South Carolinians...all thanks to the Tiger Paw behind my desk.
Early April also brought a bit of drama in the Graham household back in Virginia. Poor Campbell had 2 separate visits to the emergency room/urgent care. The first was for what was reported as a "huge splinter daddy"! Campbell was out playing on our swing set, took her shoes off and walked around on the mulch barefoot. Needless to day, the result was not all that pleasant. Jennifer did everything she could at home to remedy the situation, but to no avail. The next stop was the ER at Walter Reed. Below is a picture of the good patient after the doctor removed the splinter. I hated not being home to hold my sweet little Campbell's hand during the "procedure".
The second visit was a result of a spill down the stairs and a hard smack on the head. Fortunately, she only ended up knot on the head and another entry into her medical record. If there could be a silver lining in all of the incidents it would be that Jennifer now has the whole Tricare thing down pat.
Merritt also had some excitement - losing 3 teeth. She now could pass for a citizen of West Virginia, but I told her they would not keep her since she will have teeth grow into the empty spots. Supposedly the Tooth Fairy has been very generous during my deployment...I'm going to have to chat with her when I get home to make sure she understands that the going rate for teeth is far exceeding the rate of inflation!
Well, I could go on and on...especially since I'm trying to capture something like 6 weeks of activities, but I won't. I'll promise to blog more frequently as I head into the home stretch! I have not started counting the days/weeks or loaded up the infamous "Donut of Misery" onto my desktop yet. As I tell Jennifer, there is too much to accomplish before I leave to be counting the days already. Being away from my girls has been hard, especially with all of the happenings home. But I have been blessed to be a part of a great group of engineers with a mission that most of us will never see again in our careers. The Good Lord continues to watch over us, and it is only thru His strength that I can endure the time away. Thanks for all of the thoughts, prayers and notes of encouragement. The Lord is hearing your prayers!
Until next time,
P.S. I leave you with a quote from the Chapel Service last week: "Joy is not the absence of trouble, but the presence of Christ."
Sunday, March 14, 2010
End of Weeks 6, 7, 8 & 9
It truly has been an incredibly busy couple of weeks. I was having dinner w/ some of my Navy Seabee (Seabees are a lot like Air Force civil engineers) colleagues tonight, and we were commenting on how quickly these first 2 months have passed. My prayer is that the next 4 go by just as quickly so I can get home to my incredible wife and 2 beautiful daughters. Though Skype, email and phone calls are great, there is nothing better than a hug from my girls when I get home from work in the evening and kiss good night from my wife!
Over the past couple of week, I have experienced the true cost of this war, the challenges of military airlift and joy of passing an ACSC exam!
2 weeks ago Friday, I joined COL Faxon, the Assistant Chief of Staff Engineer (essentially my US Marine Corps boss here at Camp Leatherneck), as representatives of our section at a ramp ceremony for 2 fallen Marines who were killed during Operation Mostarak. As a way to pay respect to a fallen comrade, members of the Camp Leatherneck community line the flightline as the casket is carried from the ambulance to the C-130. Marines from the unit of the fallen Marine escort the casket along the path while those paying respect render honors. This was by far one of the most moving events I have experienced in quite some time. On the other end of a very long flight would be a family to receive this casket who had just learned less than 12 hours before that their son / brother paid the ultimate sacrifice. This drove home to me the far reaching impact of the operations our Marines are undertaking. I pray for the families of these fallen Marines and ask that you do as well.
On a lighter note, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my fellow UK engineers while working here. Last night, I had dinner with 2 the majors with whom I worked most joint projects. They are both returning to the UK tomorrow after completing their 6-month tour. Below is a picture from a drive around we did yesterday as Maj Andy Green (far right) was getting his replacement (far left) up to speed on all of the projects. If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm the one in the middle in the uniform that doesn't fit in.
For those of you who have had the chance to get to know someone from the UK, you might be aware of the Brit's dry sense of humor. Well, it turns out that I fit right in with this group...go figure. Andy told me at dinner last night that after my first meeting with the UK/US engineer working group, they all commented that I would fit right into the group. I took this as a high compliment. I now have a laundry list of places to visit when Jennifer and I travel to the UK, and a roladex full of email addresses of folks who have offered to show us around. All I need to do is figure a way to get the trip on the master family schedule!
I've also traveled up to Kandahar Air Field twice over the past couple of weeks. The first trip was to restart my Air Command and Staff College progress by taking a test. The good news is that I passed...the bad news is that I now have to start studying for the next test...There are a total of 7 tests to complete the course. My goal is to be finished before I go home in July. A lofty goal, considering I have been attempting to complete this program for the past 6 years and my track record is not all that great. As much as I enjoyed the break from Leatherneck during my visits to Kandahar, I found myself looking forward to getting back to life with the Marines. These trips also provided me the chance to experience aircraft delays US military style. After boarding a C-130 for my return trip to Leatherneck last Sunday morning and sitting on the flightline for an hour, the crew chief announced that the flight was cancelled for mechanical issues. Something about a hydraulic pump that controlled the rear aileron. It sounded as if this part is fairly important to controlling the aircraft, so I didn't argue with him. We de-boarded the plane, unloaded our gear and sat for 6 hours for the next flight. I guess this is what folks who fly American and Continental feel like every day.
Finally, for all of my fellow engineers out there who are still following along, below is a picture of a concrete culvert. Not all that exciting, but I thought you might enjoy seeing some of the work we are planning here at Camp Leatherneck. This culvert is actually up at Kandahar. I was driving around the base during my first visit and saw these. I made the driver pull over so that I could get a picture to bring back to the engineers here at Leatherneck and tell them that this is what I want installed at all of our intersections and driveways.
I appreciate all of the care packages that have come in over the past couple of weeks! The entire office has enjoyed all of the home-made goodies from folks like Diane Hutchinson and the members of Park Presbyterian Church in Beaver, PA (presumably the women). I had forgotten how much fun it is to get "snail mail" until I got here. Mail call is a lot like Christmas morning...without the christmas tree, decorations, festive atmosphere...ok, maybe it isn't a lot like Christmas, but it is fun to receive packages!
Until next time...I leave you with a quote from General Chamberlain, a Union general who found himself leading a group of rag-tag militia from Maine into battle with the Confederates...
"The inspiration of a noble cause...enables men to do things they did not dream themselves capable of before, and which they were not capable of alone..."


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Spurgeon: "Down Grade" began with "Calvinists""DOWN GRADE CONTROVERSY"
Apostasy from Christian truth begins with those who profess themselves to be Christians.
Just for the record, the "Down Grade" of the latter 1800s began with Presbyterians, according to Spurgeon.
Evidently, C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) believed that the "Down Grade" Controversy originated with some of the professing "Calvinists" of his day.
Spurgeon published an article in his magazine, The Sword and the Trowel, March 1887 issue, which focused upon issues which quickly became identified as the Down Grade Controversy.
The article was by one of Spurgeon's assistant ministers and biographers, Robert H. Shindler, who alleged that the Presbyterians ["Calvinists"] were the "first" to initiate the "Down Grade" -- which was the degradation of what Spurgeon called the "central evangelical truths" of Christianity (The Sword and the Trowel, April 1887, page 195).
Here are Shindler's words, quoted from pages 123 and 126:
The Presbyterians [i. e. "Calvinists"] were the first to get on the down line. . . . The principal cause of the quicker descent on "the down grade" among the Presbyterians than among other Nonconformists, may be traced, not so much to their more scholarly ministry, nor altogether to their renunciation of Puritan habits, but to their rule of admitting to the privileges of Church membership. Of course their children received the rite of baptism, according to their views of baptism, in infancy. They were thereby received — so the ministers taught, and so the people believed — into covenant with God, and had a right to the Lord's table, without any other qualification than a moral life.
Some modern Hybrid Calvinists, such as the Flounders, have been misled to think that the "Down Grade" was somehow a controversy involving "Calvinism" and "Arminianism," as Pedobaptist Iain Murray craftily suggests in his book, The Forgotten Spurgeon (page 185).
Even Baptist Errol Hulse was evidently carried away into dissimulation by Murray on this matter (An Introduction to the Baptists, page 38).
But Spurgeon said, "We care far more for the central evangelical truths than we do for Calvinism as a system," -- and --
"The present struggle is not a debate upon the question of Calvinism or Arminianism, but of the truth of God versus the inventions of men. All who believe the gospel should unite against that 'modern thought' which is its deadly enemy" (S&T, April 1887, pages 195, 196) -- and --
"Certain antagonists have tried to represent the Down Grade controversy as a revival of the old feud between Calvinists and Arminians. It is nothing of the kind. Many evangelical Arminians are as earnestly on our side as men can be." (S&T, December 1887, page 642).
If the Sword and Trowel article was correct in saying the Presbyterians were the "first" to "get on the down line," then the Down Grade began with the Pedobaptist Presbyterian Hybrid Calvinists of that age -- preachers who held to the theory of "regeneration precedes faith." This theory is common with the Pedobaptist Presbyterians who believe that their babies get "regenerated" before they are even old enough to experience faith in Christ.
While the Flounders and some other "Reformed" Baptists don't baptize babies, nevertheless they have adopted the Hybrid Calvinism of "regeneration precedes faith."
So -- just for the record -- Spurgeon believed the Down Grade began with the Pedobaptist Hybrid Calvinist Presbyterians.


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During the past year this charity has been able to make a significant contribution towards the provision of cancer services at the Royal United Hospital in particular the development of the digital mammography service by helping to fund the introduction of a procedure known as Contrast Enhanced Digital Mammography (CEDM) .
The sensitivity and specificity of CEDM are both higher than for mammography alone or in combination with ultrasound.
With the support of BCUSG The RUH became the first breast unit in the UK to have this facility.
Also during the past year BCUSG has funded the creation of a private room where consultations with patients undergoing chemotherapy can be undertaken.
Over the past 6 years a large number of oral chemotherapy drugs have emerged and patients require intensive education and support in how to self-administer oral chemotherapy and how to counteract potential side effects.
Before the opening of the private room and because of a lack of space, the pharmacist and the Sister in Oncology OPD were limited to fifty per cent of the sessions which they needed to provide. In addition they can now use the room to provide telephone clinics for patients on oral chemotherapy thus preventing patients having to attend the RUH unless absolutely necessary, and consequently improving patients' quality of life.
Further, The RUH Trust has committed capital funds for the implementation of an electronic prescribing system for chemotherapy. This system will be used for all chemotherapy prescriptions however, to ensure maximum function and safety, the pharmacist has to input all chemotherapy regimes and check that the system is working safely. This task requires a quiet working environment to ensure accuracy and safe working practices.
The private room will provide a venue for both the initial inputting of data into the new electronic prescribing system and for educating and supporting all medical, nursing and pharmacy staff on how to use the system.


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Sedang Disiapkan
Very Simple Joomla Job - $15
Bajet $30-250 USD
The ja-slideshow does not seem to be displaying. I want to add a banner in that position under the menu buttons but when I try to set a module to the specific ja-slideshow position nothing shows. I have tried several different modules with no luck.
I'm sure to someone who knows a lot about Joomla this would be easy.
In fact when I try to select other positions not many seem to work
I'm giving $15 for this simple job


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One For Sorrow (Tony Moran Mix)
5,6,7,8 | Last Thing On My Mind | One For Sorrow | Heartbeat | Tragedy | Better Best Forgotten | Love's Got A Hold On My Heart | After The Love Has Gone | Say You'll Be Mine | Better The Devil You Know | Deeper Shade Of Blue | When I Said Goodbye | Summer Of Love | Stomp | It's The Way You Make Me Feel | Too Busy Thinkin' 'Bout My Baby | Here And Now | You'll Be Sorry | Chain Reaction | One For Sorrow (Tony Moran Mix) | Words Are Not Enough | I Know Him So Well
Released 24th September 2001 (As a B side to Chain Reaction)/ UK peak postion 2
The location: A studio in America.
Lisa: This was our first crack at the US. It didn't go down that well.


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Registered Nurses - Casual or part time - Tea Gardens
At Estia Health, we're proud that each of our aged care homes uniquely represent the residents who choose us, the community that surrounds us and the people we work with. Join Estia Health and support our residents with continuing to live the life they love. We will support, nurture and develop your career in the growing aged care industry.
About the role
Estia Health Location are looking for an experienced Registered Nurse to join their team on a casual or part time basis working across a range of morning, afternoon and evening shifts.
At Estia Health, our team takes great pride in providing our residents with a great experience whilst in our care. Working in the clinical team, our Registered Nurses inspire others while coordinating the provision of daily care needs to our residents. The role also involves:
About you
You'll bring to the role your passionate and caring nature and you will have:
What we will do for you:
At Estia Health, our people are the heart of our organisation, we love to see our team develop their careers with us.
• Join one of Australia's leading aged care providers in one of the fastest growing industries
• Lead a team, develop your coaching skills
• Enjoy working a full time role without weekend hours!
• Work in your local community and make a difference to the lives of our residents
• Opportunity to work across a wide network and learn or mentor others in your peer group
• Develop and expand your own skill set with regular development opportunities
• Estia offers a range of benefits including attractive remuneration packages with workplace banking, novated leases and EAP services
Join us!
If you would like to know more, please call us on 02 4919 7000 or by emailing us at firstname.lastname@example.com. If this sounds like the role for you, click on APPLY NOW!
To find out more about Estia Health and the wonderful work we do, please visit and follow our LinkedIn page at https://www.linkedin.com/company/estia-health/


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Yoga Vacations Prices
Yoga Vacation
Price per day for yoga vacation with accommodation, meals and activities included: USD 88
From Monday to Friday activities and schedule are specified in the weekly program of yoga vacation.
Weekend Options: accommodation, meals + 1 yoga class, zen shiatsu treatment, healing shamanic ceremony, or special half day workshop (paying the difference in the daily rate you can receive detox treatment, visit special attractions near the school, participate in workshops of Tantra, Qi Gong or dance.)
Yoga & Spanish Vacation
Price per day for yoga & language vacation, meals & activities included: USD 75 + the price of Spanish lessons (This varies depending on the number of hours. We offer discounts for larger groups.)
Spanish Instruction: In addition to your yoga vacation, we offer programs of Spanish classes and yoga. We have several professors available to help you learn Spanish. Lessons are available from 9:00-12:00pm.
Prices and discounts for Spanish Classes
Individual 12.50 USD (45 minutes)
Group of 2: 17 USD (8.50 glyph:USD per person)
Group of 3: 19.50 USD (6.50 glyph:USD per person)
Group of 4: 22 USD (5.50 glyph:USD per person)
3-5 People = 10% discount
6+ People = 20% discount
50% of the total amount of the yoga vacation stay due upon confirmation of your reservation.
50% due upon arrival, or a few days before with Payal or bank transfer.
(We don't accept reservations for less than 3 days)


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Area Spotlight: Reno's Midtown District
Where is MidTown?
The MidTown District is a geographical area in the heart of Reno. The District was created by a handful of local business and property owners with the goal of improving our community for those that live, visit and do business in the district. We want the locals to be proud of this area of Reno and the tourists to rave about it when they get home.
Source : midtowndistrictreno.com
Things To Do In MidTown Reno
(source: 10best.com)
MidTown Reno is a burgeoning area of older neighborhoods just south of Downtown Reno and the Reno Arts District. MidTown is becoming known for its restaurants and coffee shops, ubiquitous tattoo parlors, used clothing and book stores and a fun and funky vibe.
See & Do
MidTown Reno is a burgeoning area of older neighborhoods just south of Downtown Reno and the Reno Arts District. MidTown is becoming known for its restaurants and coffee shops, ubiquitous tattoo parlors, used clothing and book stores and a fun and funky vibe.
It's seems like MidTown street art is sprouting up everywhere. Blank walls are becoming canvases for local spray paint artists as well as fine artists who capture Reno's funk and art culture. If you walk through MidTown, technically along Virginia Street, Center Street and south of Liberty Avenue, north of Mt. Rose Street, east of Humboldt Avenue and west of Holcomb Avenue, you will find colorful wall art on nearly every corner.
MidTown has also become one of the top places for locals to go for weekday lunches or weekend brunches. The popular MidTown Eats, Süp, Rose's Café orIndia Kabab & Curry are popular and affordable places to get sandwiches or burgers, soup or India buffet. For dinner, locals choose the classy LuLou's,Miguel's Mexican or Bangkok Cuisine.
Many Reno locals are comfortable calling on MidTown bars for their evening fun. The Chapel Tavern is a laid back, small place for a game of pool or a chat with locals, Ceol Irish Pub is larger and has a loyal following as well as weekly trivia nights and the Craft is your one-stop shop for excellent wines, craft beers and a stylish bar and special beer and wine events.
MidTown is mostly known for its older residential neighborhoods as well as its restaurants, shopping, bookstores and bars. If staying in the downtown Reno area, you are just a few blocks away from MidTown.
MidTown has some fun places to go shopping including Junkee Clothing Exchange and its sister antique store, the Melting Pot, Zephyr Books,Sundance Books and the popular Craft wine and beer shop. Another great place for local art is Pickled Tink and The Isles where you can purchase work from local artists.
Restaurants and Bars in Reno's Midtown District
1864 Tavern – Named for the year Nevada became a state, 1864 Tavern showcases the Silver State's history, traditions, and accomplishments.
290 California Avenue, Reno, NV 89509
Phone: (775) 329-1864
Brasserie Saint James – Craft brewery and restaurant, located in an historic old Reno building.
901 S. Center Street, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 348-8888
MariChuy's Mexican Kitchen – Real Mexican food prepared by a couple that moved to Midtown from another Reno location.
764 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 322-6866
Chapel Tavern – Great cocktails, huge selection of spirits, and adventuresome owners who like to create unique concoctions for their customers. Chapel hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
1099 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502 Phone: (775) 324-2244
Craft Wine & Beer – This shop offers wine, beer, spirits, sake, and other liquid refreshment. Many products come from small growers and brewers. Not really a bar or restaurant, but Craft Wine & Beer offers tastings and other events.
22 Martin Street, Reno, NV 89509
Phone: (775) 622-4333
Great Full Gardens Cafe & Eatery – Unique, healthy, and tasty dishes, including low calorie choices. A second location, Pathway's Cafe, is on the UNR campus in building 160.
555 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 324-2013
MidTown Farmers Market – Seasonal farmers market offering goodies from organic and local produce, to bread, jams, eggs, oils, and other handmade treats and arts and crafts.
1311 S. Virginia Street Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 815-8694
MidTown Wine Bar – Big selection of wines, beers on tap, tastings by the glass, live music on weekends, facilities for parties and special events.
1527 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 323-1377
Reno Public House – Bar with a neighborhood pub atmosphere, pouring a complete line of bottled and draft beers and specialty cocktails.
33 Saint Lawrence Avenue, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 657-8449
Shea's Tavern – Shea's is an Irish pub / bar that's said to be a big on the wild side. There's a happy hour, pool table, live music, and more. This is a family owned establishment.
715 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 786-4774
Silver Peak Brewery & Restaurant – This is the original Silver Peak, with a restaurant and the brewery that provides beer for all three locations. There is a unique roof-top area for when the weather is nice.
124 Wonder Street, Reno, NV 89502
Phone: (775) 324-1864
Süp Restaurant – This midtown restaurant specializes in soups, salads, and sandwiches. Both dine-in and take-out available.
669 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 324-4784
The Hub Coffee Company – A variety of coffee drinks served up from a converted two-car garage. A second location (also in a converted garage) is at 727 Riverside Drive in Reno.
32 Cheney Street, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 323-3482
The Isles – This is Reno's headquarters for all things Celtic. In addition to Celtic products, The Isles is open for lunch and high tea. There are also grocery items from England and Ireland.
809 S. Center Street, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 384-1804
Too Soul Tea Company – This tea room and cafe offers loose leaf tea, tea sampling, brewed tea and coffee, vegan wraps, sandwiches, and baked goods.
542 1/2 Plumas Street, Reno, NV 89509
Phone: (775) 322-2001
Wedge-A Cheese Shop – Specialty cheese shop with many choices, plus the expertise to advise customers. Take a class and learn about various aspects of this popular food. Products include other foods, wines, and drinks that go with over 120 cheeses in stock.
16 Saint Lawrence Avenue, Reno, NV 89501
Phone: (775) 737-4078
Zephyr Bar – The Zephyr (or just Z) is known for some of the best and most innovative cocktails in Reno.
1074 S. Virginia Street, Reno, NV
Phone: (775) 348-1723
Source: Midtown District Reno.


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Events > 2007
The 2007 Wainwright Society Memorial Lecture
Saturday 20 October 2007,
at Rheged
The fifth Wainwright Memorial Lecture given by
Cameron McNeish, editor of TGO magazine
The 2007 Wainwright Memorial Lecture began with an introduction by our Chairman, Eric Robson, which included the marking of a significant milestone for the Wainwright Society in its fifth year of existence. Eric welcomed member number 1000, Margaret Blowey from Cheshire, who was presented with a boxed set of AW's Lakeland Sketchbook series, these were generously provided by John Nicoll of Frances Lincoln Pub
Formal business concluded, Eric then introduced the guest speaker for the evening and a capacity audience in the IMAX Movie Theatre at Rheged gave a warm welcome to Cameron McNeish, a highly regarded journalist, author, broadcaster, Editor of The Great Outdoors Magazine and an expert on walking and mountaineering in the wilder places of Britain and the rest of the globe.
Peter Linney Society Secretary welcomes Cameron McNeish
Cameron began with a self-effacing reflection on the effects of the ageing process on one's mental capacities hence, he explained, his use of notes; but this tool certainly did not detract from an hour long presentation that was full of energy and humour, passion for the outdoors, and thought provoking insights into the issues that impact on the high places loved by many in Great Britain.
Cameron recalled how he and his countrymen once poured scorn on hillwalkers south of the Border, notably those in the Lake District, with their dependence on guidebooks to bring them safely to, and back from mountain summits. Tougher sorts, he argued, placed their faith in a map and compass. However, he confessed that he has now written guidebooks of his own, and the Munro baggers of Scotland are very well served by a number of publishers and authors!
The modern trend for joining the ranks of eco-campaigners was also discussed by Cameron, with a nod back to the days when individuals were motivated by real conviction and knowledge of the issues, rather than he argued, simply jumping on a bandwagon to be fashionable. He brought this home with a humorous recollection of an experience during filming with a TV production crew on a mountain top. The intricate manouevres required when making use of the eco-lavatorial facilities were to say the least challenging!
Of course, Alfred Wainwright also came under Cameron's scrutiny with reflections on the now well-known aspects of AW's first marriage and his personality. Cameron concluded his presentation with the acknowledgement that AW was undoubtedly a skilled and gifted writer; this was evidenced with a stirring reading from AW's introductory notes to Book One of his Pictorial Guides.
After well deserved and enthusiastic applause Cameron McNeish was invited to become an Honourary Member of the Wainwright Society by our Secretary, Peter Linney, and was duly presented with the now familiar little green badge. Our sincere thanks to Cameron for entertaining us so memorably on the night.
Colleen, Ann, Jayne and Christine on the Society stand
Thanks are also due to the formidable duo of Ann Parnham and Colleen Harrison who managed the Society's display stand with assistance from Christine Stainthorpe and Jayne Hardy.
Peter Hardy -
Member 9
Wainwright Memorial Lecture
reviewed by Andy Littleton
Membership 18
It was encouraging to see a full house at this year's Wainwright Memorial Lecture, particularly as it clashed with the much-vaunted Rugby World Cup Final.
Cameron McNeish proved a good choice for the Centenary Lecture. His reputation as a writer and campaigner preceded his appearance and, no doubt, swelled the numbers.
He began in light-hearted vein, a sort of high-altitude Billy Connolly, which loosened the audience in readiness for the more serious content. Mr McNeish's blunt and forthright style came through as he warmed to his subject. He was critical of the aloof and closed-shop attitude of some mountaineering clubs and groups. He felt that many 'green' issues are too trendy and shallow, having little planning or thought.
He seemed to struggle to place AW in terms of personality and writer and found it difficult to make direct comparisons with others of the genre.
What did shine through was his appreciation and admiration of a man who, like himself, had a passion for the fells and mountains. He identified with and lauded AW's single-minded perseverance in producing the 'Guides'. He recognised the value of the books in that they have become a Bible to many thousands of people. AW's enthusiasm has rubbed off on Lakeland lovers throughout the world.
Finally he identified the works as a 'love-poem' to AW's beloved Lake District.
Thanks to Mr McNeish for an entertaining and thought provoking evening. It was entirely fitting that he was offered honorary membership of the Society.


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FLOAT THE BOAT! Pozible Campaign to Fund Locally-Produced Stage Show
By: Danae Vincent
In August and December of 2012, HOLY SHIP, a cabaret/burlesque/musical stage show set precedents at Red Bennies on Chapel St. It was the biggest opening night they've ever had and enjoyed two sell out seasons. The Greyhound Hotel is now privileged to host their next season, where comedy, dance, circus and music theatre mesh to make what has evolved far beyond the original conception by the team of upcoming talents. A nautical narrative, a love story, a meal for those hungry for the pageantry of good burlesque – those who see the show leave with memories of nipple tassels and performers hanging from the stage ceiling, the highlight of yours truly, siren song that begs for encore performances. (Ahem.)
Now moving to the popular St Kilda based GH Hotel on Brighton Road, the show will be backed by a state-of-the-art lighting system and equally capable production team; all set in a space that begs to house high-quality productions like that of HOLY SHIP. The production will dawn a new era of performance not only for the venue but for St Kilda audiences. It will represent a new partnership between the prolific St Kilda venue and local St Kilda Producer Danae Vincent. The team have plans to take the show to sea – with hopes to go both national and international.
Every light, every dance number, every minute taken to create this production contributes to the tale of Bonnie and Charlie. It is a battle between a love for each other and a lust for their careers, when Charlie leaves Bonnie behind for his mistress, the sea, the cast manage to fit the estranged lovers' enthralling tale into two acts. For those who have seen the debut run, never fear, as there are plenty more surprises to come and developments that inextricably come with taking a fantastic story into a venue fit to tell it.
The cast has grown, the script has been re-written – but change is good. Using the experience and the ability to hone the show in prior seasons, the creative machine behind Holy Ship has had to adapt and upgrade the show to match the standard of St Kilda performance, as well as to compliment the size and grandeur of the new venue; whilst keeping consistent the vision of turning the production from a cabaret show into a 2 Act Musical-Spectacular. Revelling in the success of 2012, Holy Ship also received a swarm of attention and interest from the likes of the brilliant Ian Knowles, Choreographer and Artistic Director of The Space Dance & Arts Centre, Jurga Celikiene, wig master and transformation artist from MTC, as well as Mr Boylesque Australia 2012, Raven.
However, the ship is in the drydocks currently and needs YOU, the general public, to help get her going again. Embracing the 21st century media, crowd-funding is being used to fuel the engines and it is an exciting time for those who love stage productions to get involved! Operating through www.pozible.com/holyship, the cast are uploading weekly videos, updates, and putting up prizes such as private performances, tickets and nipple tassels to encourage participation and donation. This is, fundamentally, what makes Holy Ship the quintessential showcase of what St Kilda arts are all about. By engaging with the public on every level, and putting their talents and time on the line, the young and upcoming cast allows each individual to get a piece of the action. Not just a mass-produced international act, the cast and crew are all locals and tell us, in their own words, 'Please don't let us sink!' To see what's coming up at the Greyhound Hotel check out ghhotel.com.au, or you can find Holy Ship on facebook at:
www.facebook.com/HOLYSHIPTheStageshow to keep in the loop! The maiden voyage sets sail at the GH Hotel, July 12-14th.