text:
Summary Report for:
17-3029.07 - Mechanical Engineering Technologists
Assist mechanical engineers in such activities as generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy. Prepare layouts of machinery or equipment or plan the flow of work. May conduct statistical studies or analyze production costs.
Sample of reported job titles: CAD Designer (Computer Aided Design Designer), Engineer Technical Staff, Engineering Tech, Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Designer, Mechanical Designer/Wind-Chill Administrator, Senior Designer, Senior Process Analyst, Technical Staff Engineer, Tooling Engineering Tech
Tasks | Technology Skills | Tools Used | Knowledge | Skills | Abilities | Work Activities | Detailed Work Activities | Work Context | Job Zone | Education | Credentials | Interests | Work Styles | Work Values | Wages & Employment | Job Openings | Additional Information
- Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, or drawings.
- Assist engineers to design, develop, test, or manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, or other equipment.
- Design specialized or customized equipment, machines, or structures.
- Prepare specifications, designs, or sketches for machines, components, or systems related to the generation, transmission, or use of mechanical or fluid energy.
- Provide technical support to other employees regarding mechanical design, fabrication, testing, or documentation.
- Inspect and test mechanical equipment.
- Conduct failure analyses, document results, and recommend corrective actions.
- Assemble or disassemble complex mechanical systems.
- Test machines, components, materials, or products to determine characteristics such as performance, strength, or response to stress.
- Prepare cost and materials estimates or project schedules.
- Design molds, tools, dies, jigs, or fixtures for use in manufacturing processes.
- Prepare layouts of machinery, tools, plants, or equipment.
- Analyze or estimate production costs, such as labor, equipment, or plant space.
- Prepare equipment inspection schedules, reliability schedules, work plans, or other records.
- Assist mechanical engineers in product testing through activities such as setting up instrumentation for automobile crash tests.
- Oversee, monitor, or inspect mechanical installations or construction projects.
- Apply testing or monitoring apparatus to operating equipment.
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment, such as leak detectors, glove boxes, or mechanical pumps.
- Analyze energy requirements and distribution systems to maximize the use of intermittent or inflexible renewable energy sources, such as wind or nuclear.
- Assist engineers to design or develop electrochemical devices, such as solid oxide membranes or other products for sustainable applications.
- Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software — ANSYS FLUENT; Intellisense Intellisuite; ProModel; The MathWorks MATLAB (see all 7 examples)
- Computer aided design CAD software — Autodesk AutoCAD ; Bentley Microstation ; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks ; PTC Pro/ENGINEER Mechanica (see all 6 examples)
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software — Stereolithography SLA rapid prototyping systems; TekSoft CAMWorks
- Data base user interface and query software — Microsoft Access
- Electronic mail software — Microsoft Outlook
- Office suite software — Microsoft Office
- Presentation software — Microsoft PowerPoint
- Project management software — Microsoft SharePoint
- Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel
- Word processing software — Microsoft Word
Hot Technology — a technology requirement frequently included in employer job postings.
Tools Used
- Analytical balances
- Angle grinder — Angle grinders
- Bench scales — Computerized scales
- Benchtop centrifuges — Dual centrifuges
- Binocular light compound microscopes — Binocular compound microscopes
- Boring machines
- Calorimeters — Oxygen bomb calorimeters
- Comparators — Optical comparators
- Compression testers — Universal testing machines
- Coordinate measuring machines CMM
- Drill press or radial drill — Drill presses
- Dynamometers — Absorption dynamometers
- Fatigue testers — Fatigue testing machines
- Flow sensors — Microfluidic particle imaging velocimetry PIV systems
- Flow transmitters — Wind tunnels
- Fume hoods or cupboards — Fume hoods
- Fused deposition modeling machine — Fused deposition modeling FDM machines
- Hardness testers — Digital hardness testers
- Hydraulic press frames — Hydraulic presses
- Impact testers
- Induction heaters — Heat treatment furnaces
- Injection molding machines — Plastic injection molding machines
- Laboratory benches — Hydraulic benches; Hydrostatics benches
- Laminated object manufacturing machine — Laminated object manufacturing LOM systems
- Load frame — Manual load frames; Servohydraulic load frames
- Metal inert gas welding machine — Metal inert gas MIG welders
- Metal polishing machine — Polishing machines
- Microcontrollers — Programmable logic controllers PLC
- Milling machines — Micro mills
- Notebook computers — Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Photoelastic testing instruments — Photoelastic testing machines
- Pneumatic impact wrenches — Pneumatic ratchets
- Polarimeters
- Polishing machines — Superfinishing machines
- Power grinders — Bench grinders; Centerless grinding machines; Grinding machines; Internal grinding machines (see all 5 examples)
- Power saws — Cold cut chop saws; Dual column bandsaws
- Pressure indicators — Open channel flow apparatuses
- Scanners — Three-dimensional laser digitizers
- Selective laser sintering machine — Selective laser sintering SLS systems
- Shears — Power sheet metal shears
- Shielded metal arc welding or stick welding machine — Shielded arc welding tools
- Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter — Sound level meters
- Spectrometers
- Strain gauges — Electronic strain gauges
- Surface grinding machine — Surface grinding machines
- Tension testers — Tensile testers
- Three dimensional printing machine — Three-dimensional prototyping printer
- Torsion testers
- Tracer or duplicating or contouring lathe — Lathes; Micro lathes
- Tumblers or polishers — Lapping machines
- Vibration testers — Vibration monitors
- Water baths — Constant temperature baths
- Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Mechanical — Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Production and Processing — Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
- Physics — Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Operation Monitoring — Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Quality Control Analysis — Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Operation and Control — Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Judgment and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Equipment Maintenance — Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Equipment Selection — Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Repairing — Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
- Systems Evaluation — Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Visualization — The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Written Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Control Precision — The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Finger Dexterity — The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
- Category Flexibility — The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Selective Attention — The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness — The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Auditory Attention — The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
- Far Vision — The ability to see details at a distance.
- Flexibility of Closure — The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
- Fluency of Ideas — The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
- Speech Recognition — The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Visual Color Discrimination — The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
- Depth Perception — The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
- Manual Dexterity — The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Multilimb Coordination — The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
- Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
- Perceptual Speed — The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
- Speech Clarity — The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Speed of Closure — The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Work Activities
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment — Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Detailed Work Activities
- Explain engineering drawings, specifications, or other technical information.
- Design industrial equipment.
- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
- Create graphical representations of mechanical equipment.
- Document technical design details.
- Test products for functionality or quality.
- Provide technical guidance to other personnel.
- Assemble equipment or components.
- Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
- Document design or operational test results.
- Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
- Estimate operational costs.
- Schedule operational activities.
- Test characteristics of materials or structures.
- Assist engineers or scientists with research.
- Direct construction activities.
- Direct installation activities.
- Monitor the productivity or efficiency of industrial operations.
- Create graphical representations of industrial production systems.
- Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
- Maintain mechanical equipment.
- Analyze green technology design requirements.
- Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
Find occupations related to multiple detailed work activities
Work Context
- Face-to-Face Discussions — 73% responded "Every day."
- Contact With Others — 77% responded "Constant contact with others."
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 80% responded "Every day."
- Work With Work Group or Team — 50% responded "Very important."
- Telephone — 60% responded "Every day."
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 84% responded "Every day."
- Freedom to Make Decisions — 56% responded "A lot of freedom."
- Structured versus Unstructured Work — 46% responded "A lot of freedom."
- Electronic Mail — 77% responded "Every day."
- Duration of Typical Work Week — 53% responded "40 hours."
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 40% responded "Extremely important."
- Coordinate or Lead Others — 43% responded "Very important."
- Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 37% responded "Very high responsibility."
- Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 47% responded "Very important results."
- Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 38% responded "High responsibility."
- Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 37% responded "Every day."
- Time Pressure — 38% responded "Once a month or more but not every week."
- Consequence of Error — 35% responded "Serious."
- Exposed to Contaminants — 39% responded "Every day."
- Physical Proximity — 33% responded "I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)."
- Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 31% responded "Every day."
- Frequency of Conflict Situations — 51% responded "Once a month or more but not every week."
- Frequency of Decision Making — 37% responded "Every day."
- Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment — 27% responded "Not important at all."
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 44% responded "Less than half the time."
- Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 38% responded "Every day."
- Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 25% responded "Important."
Job Zone
|Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
|Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
|Related Experience
|Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
|Job Training
|Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
|Job Zone Examples
|These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
|SVP Range
|(6.0 to < 7.0)
Interest code: RIC Want to discover your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler at My Next Move.
- Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
- Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
- Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
- Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical.
- Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
- Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Independence — Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
- Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
- Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
- Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
- Stress Tolerance — Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
- Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
- Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
- Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
- Self Control — Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
- Leadership — Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
- Concern for Others — Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
- Social Orientation — Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Work Values
- Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
- Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
- Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Wages & Employment Trends
Median wage data for Calibration Technologists and Technicians and Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data for Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Industry data for Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
|Median wages (2019)
|$30.28 hourly, $62,990 annual
|State wages
|Local wages
|Employment (2018)
|87,100 employees
|Projected growth (2018-2028)
|Slower than average (2% to 3%)
|Projected job openings (2018-2028)
|State trends
|Top industries (2018)
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2019 wage data and 2018-2028 employment projections . "Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2018-2028). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Job Openings on the Web
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.


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Street surveillance cameras in one of the world's most dangerous cities have been turned off because the government of Honduras has not paid millions of pounds it owes. The operator which runs them in the capital Tegucigalpa is now threatening to suspend police radio services as well.
Teachers have been demonstrating almost every day as they have not been paid in six months, while doctors complain about the shortage of essential medicines, gauze, needles and latex gloves.
The Central American country has been on the brink of bankruptcy for months, as politicians put off passing a budget necessary to pay for basic government services. Honduras is also grappling with five billion dollars (£3.16 billion) in foreign debt, a figure equivalent to last year's entire government budget.
"There are definitely patients who haven't been able to get better because of this problem," said Dr Lilian Discua, a paediatrician. "An epileptic who doesn't take his medicine will have a crisis. This is happening."
The financial problems add to a general sense that Honduras is a country in meltdown, as murders soar, drug trafficking overruns cities and coasts and the nation's highest court has been embattled in a constitutional fight with the congress. Many streets are riddled with potholes, and cities are not replacing stolen manhole covers.
Soldiers are not receiving their regular salaries, while the education secretary says 96% of schools close several days every week or month because of teacher strikes. Experts say a mix of government corruption, election-year politics and a struggling economy has fuelled the crisis.
The local branch of the international watchdog group Transparency International issued a study last month that alleged some politicians had spent money on plane tickets to a tennis tournament in Spain, Mother's Day gifts and other personal expenses. The study's author, Ludin Ayala, said the country's congress is the most expensive in Central America, although Honduras is the poorest country in the region.
Former presidential candidate Olban Valladares claimed that much of the public money has gone into campaigns ahead of November's elections, in which the president, mayors and 128 congressional representatives will be elected.
Mr Valladares said: "Sadly, we have a great number of candidates who are state officials and their tendency is to abuse state resources that they control to fund their campaigns."

subset: commoncrawl


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The 2019 Aiken Jaycees' Christmas Parade will be held on December 1st at 2:00 pm in Downtown Aiken. The theme for this year is "Ushering in the Roaring 20's." The registration cost is $25. Proceeds from the registration fees benefit Jaycee Camp Hope. You have two options for registering an entry in this year's parade. You can register online and pay now or you can mail the registration form and a check to the address provided below.
Please register and submit payment before November 22nd. Any entries submitted after November 22nd will be required to pay a $5 late fee. The last day to enter will be November 25th. No entries will be accepted after November 25th. The line up will be sent out the evening of Wednesday, November 27th. Any communications will be sent to the email address listed on the registration form. Line up begins on the 1st at 1:00 pm.
By registering to enter the parade, you are agreeing to the terms found here: Parade Terms and Rules. Please note that there is no rain-date for the parade. The parade will be held on December 1st, rain or shine.
If you are interested in entering the competition, you can view our awards and judging criteria here: Christmas Parade Competition
Register Online
To register online, please click the "Register Now" button below. This will take you to a new page. Please complete the registration form and click "Submit." Once you confirm your information, you will then have the option to be redirected to PayPal's website to complete the transaction or you can choose to mail your payment. If you choose to pay by check, the mailing address is displayed.
You should receive two emails. One that indicates your registered and second that indicates your payment has been received. If you do not see these emails, please check your "junk email" folder.Register Now
Register By Mail
If you wish to register by mail, please complete the 2019 Aiken Jaycees' Christmas Parade Registration Form and send the form with a check for $25 to:
The Aiken Jaycees
P.O. Box 707
Aiken, SC 29802


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Sometimes, while I am watching a movie, I catch myself thinking that the editing is sloppy and that the dialogue in many scenes seems to go on for far too long, to the point where it actually causes the audience to feel awkward watching. These are occasions when a film editor hasn't clipped a scene before one of the actors says something particularly vulgar, or inane, almost as if some small bloopers have made it into the final cut. But then, I wonder to myself, perhaps that's the point of some directors, to make the audience feel that way, as if, perhaps, we are witnessing life as it really occurs and not a Hollywood-cut version of our lives. Then again, some lives and some dialogue seem less important than other lives and dialogue, and most of what you see in The Five Year Engagement fits that category, and would have benefitted from a good clipping.
"The Five Year Engagement" stars Jason Segel ("Forgetting Sarah Marshall"; "I Love You, Man"), who also wrote the screenplay, as Tom, a chef in an upscale clam restaurant in downtown San Francisco. Tom meets Violet, played by Emily Blunt ("The Young Victoria"; "The Devil Wears Prada"), a British-born psychologist-in-training who is seeking to obtain her first real position after wrapping up her PhD. They meet at a New Year's Eve costume party where Tom is dressed as a large rabbit and Violet as Princess Diana. The film's troubles begin at the party—a scene that is revisited several times throughout the film—as one struggles to find any chemistry between the two actors.
As an ordinary guy, Tom is mostly just dull. His demeanor is awkward, like when a tall man (Jason Segel is 6'4") hunches his shoulders and grins apologetically to everyone shorter than him at a party. Tom is not a hero, most of all, he is not Violet's hero. As for Violet, she also presents few winning qualities. She laughs and she smiles, but we do not ever get to know her. In fact, there is little opportunity—in the script, or by Nicholas Stoller's direction—to see kindnesses, affections, struggles, vulnerabilities, or love between these two. As their relationship and engagement drag on, you want to root for them. Surely, you are supposed to be rooting for them. But it's tough.
About that five year engagement: It is never quite clear why they don't simply get married. Their problems are rather small in contrast to most real couples I know. Violet gets a great job in Ann Arbor and Tom agrees to uproot himself, too, and join her for two years. Okay. So, then, why couldn't they marry during those two years? It is unclear. Then, Violet's post-doctoral fellowship is extended for another three years. By this time, they don't marry because Tom is clearly unhappy and veering off into a serious depression—something that is meant to be funny, but most often falls flat. Violet has a momentary fling with her boss and even this is uninteresting and without passion.
It was difficult to like anyone in "The Five Year Engagement," but I found myself surprised to be most interested in Tom's dopey best friend, Alex, played by Chris Pratt, and his wife, Violet's sister, Suzie, played by Alison Brie. They hook up unexpectedly at the original engagement party for Tom and Violet and Suzie quickly becomes pregnant; they marry promptly and without fuss, and throughout the film we witness them working together on creating a loving, if quirky, partnership.
The humor of "The Five Year Engagement" usually steers toward the slapstick and the cheap gag, as when Tom and Violet begin talking one evening on the sidewalk about how they should make love in the snow, right there and then, on a cold Michigan night—until they jump in the snow bank and Tom hurts himself on a fire hydrant. Even this comes off completely without passion, or humor. Then, there is the vulgarity which—I am no prude—is simply used poorly. Such words can punctuate funny situations and make a theater roar. This didn't happen during The Five Year Engagement; it only felt like middle school.
Let me also say a word about religion in the film. Religion rarely seems to mean something in most people's lives except for when couples marry, people die and occasionally, when babies are born. Interestingly, Jason Segel was raised in a home with a Jewish father and a Christian mother, but there is little religious sensitivity in his movie. Religion only seems to matter to the older generation in "The Five Year Engagement," to the parents of the engaged. Both sets of parents—Tom's father at least is Jewish and Violet's divorced parents appear to be Anglican—gather to plan the upcoming ceremony, an Orthodox rabbi beside Tom's dad, and an Anglican priest beside Violet's family.
"All of the men present will wear yarmulkes," the rabbi informs the room.
"And all eligible Christians will partake of Communion," adds the priest.
The couple then question each other about these religious demands. Violet says to Tom that she has never heard the word, yarmulke, come out of his mouth until this day. "Do you even have one?" she asks him. "Yeah, I have a yarmulke. It is in…my Jewish drawer," he responds.
Later, when Tom and Violet are once again preparing to get married, Tom does the planning because Violet remarks how busy she is at work. (This screenplay even makes her work into something trivial, as we watch post-doc PhDs center their researches around stale donuts.) We watch as Tom arranges with a Chabad rabbi to conduct their ceremony, who then attends their rehearsal dinner at a pork barbeque. This gaff is not presented as humor, which would miss the mark terribly, but comes across as simply dumb.
Religion does come up again later, at the film's end. Without telling too much, I will simply say that Violet invites Tom to quickly choose which sort of clergyperson he would like for a ceremony. A line of men is literally standing there in front of them, as Violet names the options: "Jewish? Christian? Extreme Christian? Buddhist? Or, justice of the peace?"
Tom chooses the last. The "Extreme Christian" option is portrayed as an Eastern Orthodox bishop wearing a miter. The Buddhist is a barefoot, nearly naked Tibetan. This is again humor aimed at the lowest possible common denominator.
It doesn't have to be that way. Occasionally there are good movies that treat religion with sensitivity, and not just period pieces by Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese (although these are superior). "Keeping the Faith," for instance, released in 2000, with Edward Norton and Ben Stiller playing a priest and a rabbi, is both sensitive and accurate about matters of faith and spirituality, as well as love. I think I will watch it on my small screen, tonight.


text: Thule's Tram Hitch Ski Carrier is your ticket to transporting skis and snowboards. It attaches to most Thule hitch or Spare Me racks (sold separately) and converts your hitch rack into a winter workhorse. Ultra-soft rubber arms hold skis and boards securely and oversize, Thule One-Key locking push buttons (included) make it easy to open the rack with gloved hands. It holds up to 6 pairs of skis or 4 snowboards so you can transport an entire car-load of people and their gear to the slopes.


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Hey guys, anyone using it at 5V? Cause I moved the soldered pin from 3.3 to 5 and could not get it to work. Quite erratically. I did not use any diode cause I believe they are soldered in the pcb board. Any idea?
Quote from: the-rebel-agent on Jun 21, 2012, 05:03 pmDon't Arduino nano have a 3.3v output?yes but .. "when running on external (non-USB) power, the 3.3V output (which is supplied by the FTDI chip) is not available"http://arduino.cc/en/Main/ArduinoBoardNanoso i think i will try to change the solder to the 5volts pin as suggested by Johnwasser (thank you)
Don't Arduino nano have a 3.3v output?
Pls don't use 5 V ,it will destory our module directly ,maybe when you use for a while.the main chip of WTV020-SD module maximum voltage is 3.6V,so work voltage can not beyond 3.6V.
Did work. It was my fault. I forget to read the manual and connect to 5v the Shutdown pin. Works like a charm. Now, I will write a library to control the volume. Keep you posted guys.
In order to reduce power consumption while not in use, the PAM8803 contains shutdown circuitry that is used to turn off the amplifier's biascircuitry. This shutdown feature turns the amplifier off when logic low is placed on the SHDN pin. By switching the SHDN pin connected to GND,the PAM8803 supply current draw will be minimized in idle mode. The SHDN pin cannot be left floating due to the pull-down internal.


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I have to admit that I'm pretty horribly about embracing modern technology and junk. Honestly, when it comes to paying attention to nostalgia television and film releases I'm still stuck in the days of DVD, even though they are waning (I'm already getting flashbacks from the dying days of VHS back in the late 90s.) So it pretty much goes without saying that there's a wealth of fun shows that have had resurgences that I've ignored because they were only released via streaming or for download. I'm kind of scared to dive into the Amazon and iTunes digital pool for fear that I'll end up going broke (or die while trying to pump the content directly into my vein via a coaxial cable or something.)
That being said, the wonderfully up-to-date proprietor of the Old School 80s blog tipped me off that the first seven episodes of You Can't Do That on Television were just released as digital downloads on iTunes, and I couldn't help myself I had to buy them. They're only $8 right now! Though I would prefer access to all the episodes, this is a pretty big move on Viacom's part. In fact it reminds me of a similar situation from a few years ago prior to the release of another favorite series, The State. In an attempt to test the interest in a possible DVD release of The State, MTV/Viacom released both seasons as digital downloads from iTunes. This led to the release of the show on DVD, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that You Can't Do That on Television will follow suit (either though a company like Shout! Factory or through Amazon MOD since they have a deal with Nickelodeon already in place for manufacture on demand titles…)
Regardless, I'm currently obsessively rewatching those first seven episodes, which by the way are from the 1981 season of the show so they're technically not the first seven. Still, there's plenty of Les Lye, Barthy Burgers and Moose to keep me smiling for hours!


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Diem Lien
Area Sales Manager, Bitumen Western Europe
When a new bridge is built it involves major investments, strict quality requirements and an ability to efficiently coordinate different technical teams.En savoir plus sur The bridge builder - Öresunds Bridge
The High Coast Bridge is one of the biggest suspension bridges in the world. The geographical location places great demands on the structure's insulation and surfacing systems.En savoir plus sur The high coast bridge in Ångermanland, Sweden
The newly constructed section of highway E4 trough Sundsvall is a major project with a price tag of roughly SEK 4.6 billion. The construction work began in spring 2011 and was completed in 2014.En savoir plus sur The Sundsvall Bridge, Sweden
Avonmouth bridge on the M5 motorway near Bristol, UK, is heavily trafficked and the deck of its steel central and anchor spans – to quote the Highways Agency (HA) – 'displays significant movement'.En savoir plus sur Avonmouth Bridge, Bristol, UK
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Wednesday, February 12, 2020 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
This class is designed to inspire a child's natural thirst for knowledge. In this imaginative session, we combine simple yoga poses with songs, puppets and stories that engage social, sensory and motor skills while increasing strength and flexibility. Classes include postures, breathing exercises and relaxation time.
Ages: 2-5 year olds, Parents are welcome to join class at no additional cost!
Cost: $18/child
Location:Santosha Wellness
4341 S Westnedge Ave Ste 2210
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Contact:Cost: $18
Event Website: Click to Visit
Organizer: Santosha Wellness
Organization: Santosha Wellness
Organizer Phone: 269-254-8130
Organizer Email: [email protected]
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass., July 30 (UPI) -- Taylor Swift and Carly Simon performed Simon's classic 1973 breakup anthem "You're So Vain" during Swift's weekend concert in Foxborough, Mass.
A video clip of Saturday night's duet has been viewed nearly 110,000 times since Swift posted it on YouTube Monday.
"Before I bring out my special guest, I have this question that I've always, always had," Swift told the audience. "I think a lot of you have probably had this question too, always wondered what the answer is. Who is this song, 'You're So Vain' by Carly Simon, written about?"
Swift, 23, then brought Simon, 68, on stage and the pair sang the song after which the younger singer instructed the crowd, "Ladies and gentleman, give it up for one of your own, Carly Simon!"
Although neither Swift nor Simon discussed on stage who the song might be about, the Los Angeles Times said Mick Jagger, Kris Kristofferson, James Taylor, Warren Beatty and the former Cat Stevens have long been rumored as potential subjects.
"Got to sing 'You're So Vain' with Carly Simon at Gillette Stadium tonight!!!!!" Swift tweeted after the concert. "Unreal. I could not possibly look up to her more."


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A young Englishman accused of king-hitting Australia's rugby sevens captain in Sydney's east says he was "in good spirits" before a bout of aggressive name-calling began and he "lashed out" in reply, a court has heard.
Sam Oliver, 23, has pleaded not guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm and reckless grievous bodily harm against rugby veteran James Stannard, 35, outside a Coogee kebab shop in the early hours of March 30.
It is not in dispute he punched the then-national skipper but Oliver testified on Tuesday it was "for self protection" after Stannard allegedly threw the first blow into his left eye.
CCTV footage shows the pair separately leaving Coogee Bay Hotel after security staff evicted patrons at 3am.
Prosecutor Burton Ko argues "there was only one hit" and Oliver's injuries were sustained when he was tackled into a car by current captain Lewis Holland, who had been out with Stannard, as he tried to run from the scene.
The players were farewelling then-coach Andrew Friend, who helped to detain the alleged assailant.
In Downing Centre Local Court, Oliver said he was "in good spirits" and waiting for his housemate to get food from the kebab shop when Stannard - "a man I didn't know" - separated from his own group and approached.
The prosecutor asked: "What did he (Stannard) say?"
Oliver replied: "Here's another Pommy c***."
"I was just taken back. He wasn't a friend or anyone I knew. I didn't know how he knew I was Pommy," he said.
"I remember I said something along the lines of 'You're all Pommies down the line' just to give it a bit back."
Oliver said Stannard was "getting aggressive, puffing his chest out" before it escalated beyond name-calling.
"His whole body language changed and I was hit," he said, admitting he'd had eight to 10 pints when he "lashed out in retaliation".
"I must have just instinctively tried to protect myself."
Medical records referred to in court show Stannard was also intoxicated with a blood alcohol reading of 0.23.
The court was played video taken from a police body-worn camera on Constable Maria Gregory, who interviewed the British national shortly after the alleged Good Friday assault.
In the footage, Oliver says he got into an argument about "Pommies in general" and "it got a bit nasty".
"He hit me before I hit him ... look at my eye. I hit him back and then I ran away," the then-22-year-old says.
The machine worker, supported by his father in court, is on a working holiday visa until September 21.
Stannard missed the 2018 Commonwealth Games in April due to his head injuries and later retired.
Holland told the hearing on Monday he "heard a bone-crushing sound" when his teammate was struck and fell.
Magistrate Richard Funston is expected to deliver his judgment on Wednesday.


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Market News
|May 13, 2013
Elon Musk quits Zuckerberg's immigration advocacy group
Billionaire environmentalist Elon Musk has quit a Silicon Valley advocacy group formed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg after the group funded ads for senators touting their support for an oil pipeline and oil drilling in Alaska.
Musk leads one of the world's best known "green" companies, electric carmaker Tesla. A Tesla spokeswoman told Reuters on Friday that the South African-born entrepreneur preferred not to elaborate on his reasons for leaving FWD.us.
Zuckerberg announced the formation of FWD.us last month, saying it was focused on bipartisan policies to bring about comprehensive immigration reform and improvements in the U.S. education system.
Fwd.us bankrolled three television ads on behalf of senators who have been playing a key role in the immigration debate.
The ads were focused not on immigration but rather on the senator's general positions, including one's support for the Keystone XL pipeline, which has created a backlash among some progressive groups. Backers say the pipeline project would boost North American energy security and provide thousands of construction jobs. Opponents argue that it would lead to higher releases of greenhouse gases.
The spots quickly drew the ire of liberal and environmental groups, including the Sierra Club and MoveOn.org, who earlier this week pledged to pull ads from Facebook for two weeks.
The Fwd.us website removed Musk's name on Friday after a Reuters inquiry. It was unclear how much Musk, who also chairs solar-energy company Solar City, had donated.
David Sacks, founder of business networking site Yammer and a former colleague of Musk's at payment service PayPal, also dropped off the list of the FWD.us backers on Friday. FWD.us spokeswoman Kate Hansen earlier confirmed that a second funder had withdrawn support but declined to elaborate. Sacks did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"We recognize that not everyone will always agree with or be pleased by our strategy - and we're grateful for the continued support of our dedicated founders and major contributors," FWD.us spokeswoman Hansen said in a statement.
"FWD.us remains totally committed to supporting a bipartisan policy agenda that will boost the knowledge economy, including comprehensive immigration reform."
A Facebook spokeswoman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
FWD.us boasts an impressive list of backers, including Microsoft founder Bill Gates and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, though it operates as a special type of non-profit group that does not have to disclose its donors. Run by Zuckerberg's old Harvard roommate, Joe Green, FWD.us's political operation is managed by a group of Washington insiders with leadership roles in both Republican and Democratic organizations.
It joins other technology groups and alliances lobbying Congress for more H-1B visas for high-skilled workers and easier hiring of foreign math, science and engineering experts.
Rather than directly representing the companies its backers are involved with, FWD.us is funded by individuals who have personally attached themselves - and their cash - to the cause. Zuckerberg has become the group's public face, among more than three dozen big-name supporters.
Politically, Zuckerberg has carved out bipartisan credentials, visiting the White House and hosting a town hall for President Barack Obama but also staging a fundraiser for Chris Christie, the Republican governor of New Jersey who some see as a 2016 Presidential hopeful.
The latest controversy was sparked by ads for Republican Senators Marco Rubio from Florida and Lindsey Graham from South Carolina as well as Alaskan Democrat Mark Begich. FWD.us helped fund two separate entities to run the ads.
Rather than focusing on raising public awareness over immigration reform and its benefits for the technology sector, the FWD.us ads promote lawmakers who the groups thinks will be key players on the issue.
In doing so, the ads highlight a number of positions held by the senators, including supporting the controversial Keystone XL pipeline in Graham's case, and drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Preserve in Begich's.
The ads could help inoculate the lawmakers against challenges from within their parties as a result of their stand on immigration reform. Graham and Begich are up for re-election in 2014.
Fwd.us co-founder Jim Breyer, a venture capitalist at Accel Partners, defended the group's efforts.
"Our advertising decisions are being made by a very smart team of political operatives who know that passing major reform will require some different and innovative tactics," Breyer said in an emailed statement.
For the most part, donors have stayed out of the nitty gritty of how FWD.us operates.
"It's a really gnarly, gnarly thing having to deal with Washington," venture investor and Fwd.us co-founder Chamath Palihapitiya said at a conference last month. "I'm glad that other people other than me are dealing with it who have the patience and the resolve to figure it out."


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sec598 | Graduate
Secondary Student Teaching: Part A
- Overview
- Topics
- Costs
This graduate-level course is 6 This course is available as part of a degree or certificate program. To enroll, speak with an Enrollment Representative.
Course details:
topic title goes here
The Learning Environment
- Analyze strategies for remediation of disruptive and non-disruptive student behaviors
- Compare and contrast various classroom and school procedure
- Compare and contrast various methods of classroom management
- Analyze the implications that contextual factors may have on learning and the learning climate
- Evaluate the aspects of the classroom environment that contribute to positive learning experiences
- Explore how brain-based research can contribute to building a positive learning climate
Legal and Ethical Issues
- Examine state reporting requirements for school personnel.
- Evaluate how the Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affect teachers' role in education and communication.
- Examine copyright infringement as it applies to students and teachers.
- Examine legal and ethical issues related to technology use.
The Student Teaching Experience
- Analyze stress management techniques and strategies
- Examine the importance of appropriate attire for the professional educator
- Analyze the attributes of an effective cooperating teacher and student teacher relationship
- Review the components, process, and timeline of the Teacher Work Sample
- Review the procedures, expectations, and requirements for student teaching
- Examine expectations of the formal student teaching observation process
The School Culture
- Compare and contrast the cultures of various districts, schools, and classrooms
- Analyze the different demographics of schools and school districts
- Examine relationships within the school among teachers, colleagues, administrators, support staff, and students
- Develop techniques for collaborating with grade-level or subject-level teachers
- Describe various ways to create a team atmosphere within the school setting
Planning and Preparation
- Develop goals and objectives for the Teacher Work Sample instructional unit based on the teaching and learning context
- Justify selected learning goals and objectives based on teaching and learning contexts
- Examine various classroom arrangements and available resources
Preparing and Implementing Assessments
- Compare and contrast formative and summative assessments
- Evaluate the usability and applicability of a variety of assessment methods
- Design an assessment plan to monitor students' progress
Instructional Design
- Compare and contrast different lesson plan formats
- Design standards-based lesson plans
- Demonstrate the use of differentiated instructional strategies
- Apply technology to the creation of instruction and instructional activities
Please ask about these special rates:
Teacher Rate: For some courses, special tuition rates are available for current, certified P-12 teachers and administrators. Please speak with an Enrollment Representative today for more details.
Military Rate: For some courses, special tuition rates are available for active duty military members and their spouses. Please speak with an Enrollment Representative today for more details.
The University of Phoenix reserves the right to modify courses.
While widely available, not all programs are available in all locations or in both online and on-campus formats. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.
Transferability of credit is at the discretion of the receiving institution. It is the student's responsibility to confirm whether or not credits earned at University of Phoenix will be accepted by another institution of the student's choice.


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'The Voice' judges say their mission is not to make stars
"The Voice" may have developed into a huge hit for NBC, but it has yet to create a major, chart-topping star. And the show's principal players seem to be a bit prickly when you bring that up.
During a stop at the TV critics press tour, "Voice" coach Adam Levine told reporters, "I don't know if that's the overall mission statement of the show," prompting host Carson Daly to quickly chime in with an emphatic "It's not."
Still, it's worth mentioning: While "American Idol" has given the world big names like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson, and had Phillip Phillips enjoy a gigantic hit single in "Home," the NBC singing show can't come close to matching that resume.
"It would be really nice if we were to launch a new star," Levine said. "A lot of things have to happen in order for that to take place. The goal of the show is to do what we can do with these amazing singers while they're on the show to get somebody into the front to win the show. We all know that the lightning in a bottle that you have to capture in order to be successful in the business is extremely difficult."
Levine was joined in the panel session by Christina Aguilera and CeeLo Green, both of whom will be returning to "The Voice" after taking Season 4 off. Blake Shelton, was absent due to a concert commitment.
Aguilera, who was replaced by Shakira last season, says she needed a break to work on other projects and to simply wind down.
"I cannot live in front of the camera 24 hours a day. I have to take breaks and stay connected with myself," she says. "I'm a mom and ... when the cameras go off, I put on sweats and a T-shirt. The red lips come off. I needed some time to do that."
Green, who stepped away to launch a two-month "Loberace" show in Las Vegas, found it a little strange to watch Usher take over his big red seat on the show.
"It was awkward and intriguing at the same time," he said. "It was a bit of an out-of-body experience."
"The Voice" returns Sept. 23 at 8 p.m.


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Supercomputer storage supplier DataDirect Network is setting up a $100m exascale computing lab.
The goal is to hit one quintillion floating-point operations per second, and DDN hopes this mind-boggling level of number-crunching will be reached by 2018. The company is going to direct its funds to:
- Accelerating IO with a new file system, plus new middleware and storage tiering. This is needed to achieve "million-way application CPU parallelism".
- Merging compute, network and storage to put "pre-processing and post-processing routines natively within the storage infrastructure".
- Improving energy efficiency
About that last point, DDN states:
With the emergence of storage-class memory and software tools, infrastructures can be built with fewer components compared to today's disk-based technologies. These initiatives will serve to significantly reduce hardware acquisition costs but will also make data centres much more space and power efficient by reducing storage footprint by more than 75 per cent.
How will this footprint shrink benefit a storage-array supplier? The only conceivable way is executing exascale apps inside the data stores, which relates to the second point above, a converged compute, network and storage infrastructure.
This implies that DDN has to get compute and network elements into its existing storage stack, either directly or via partnership. DDN also wants to get Big Data analytics software into its arrays, again through ownership or partnership.
Privately held DDN must have healthy revenues to prop up an average $16.6m-per-year spend on research and development. The company has been selected by Intel to collaborate with the chip giant in Lawrence Livermore National Security's FastForward programme, which is sponsored by the US Department of Energy and investigates extreme-scale computing.
The company said its efforts will "focus on evolving the state-of-the-art in parallel file systems, including the Lustre open-source parallel file system, as well as more tightly integrating compute and storage platforms to achieve greater efficiency and information insight".
This confirms DDN's future is all about running apps in its arrays that process massive amounts of data.
DDN said:
The storage and IO research and development subcontract will focus on three main areas that together cover the exascale IO stack from top-to-bottom. Included in the stack is a new storage interface that tightly integrates with the HDF5 scientific data library and data model, a next-generation flash-optimised storage tier designed to accelerate peak IO loads in HPC environments, and a massively scalable storage interface designed to support the storage foundation requirements to achieve exascale infrastructure scalability.
We are told the FastForward programme is part of a seven-lab consortium of Argonne National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratories. Industry partners include AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA.
A final thought: could Intel be contributing any of DDN's $100m investment bill? Intriguing, no? ®


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Standing in front of enclosure 99 at Edinburgh Zoo, we looked in as the animals were stretching and bending together, moving rhythmically about the space. In one corner, a pair patted and poked each other as if testing what they could get away with. They seemed to be playing.
The animals we stared at through the perspex of the enclosure were apes, but not the kind you would usually expect to find at the zoo. These were the human variety.
The humans in question are part of a dance troupe led by choreographer Janis Claxton. As part of Scottish dance organisation Dance Base's program at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the troupe of men and women from Europe, Australia and China were performing a piece called Enclosure 99 Humans. The performance, which debuted at the Fringe festival in 2008 and runs seven hours a day for two weeks no matter the weather, was born of Claxton's fascination with the movements of animals. Her curiosity about ape movement in particular prompted her to study ape gestural communication with primatologist Klaus Zuberbühler of St Andrews University. In Enclosure 99, her troupe's movements and scenarios are inspired by apes they have observed at zoos around the world.
As we watched, the humans marched back and forth across their enclosure and then around the perimeter, as if patrolling their territory. Some of them started trying to make eye contact with others - who in turn tried to avoid that contact, making themselves appear submissive. Later the majority ganged up on one group member who fruitlessly searched for a corner where she could avoid their aggressive stares. Eventually one of the other humans took pity and helped her climb over a barrier and away from the others. I watched, mesmerised.
Claxton explained to me afterwards that their movements are intended to convey various attributes that humans share with other animals, such as dominance ranking, territoriality, empathy, cooperation and play. She hopes to increase awareness of the link between us and other animals; to demonstrate that we are connected with them through our behaviour.
We decided to have our picnic while watching the humans, and as I munched my sandwich I couldn't help noticing one of the group staring at me intently. It felt odd. I didn't know where to look, and every time I glanced up he was still looking at me. My kids started to get agitated. "They're looking at us, I don't like it", said my 12-year-old, as several of the other caged humans stood up and began to gawp at the spectating ones. It was an uncomfortable irony - who was looking at whom exactly?
The dancers never spoke and they didn't react to anyone speaking to them. They only responded to movement and touch. Claxton explained that this was so that we had to focus on what their movement told us about their relationships - just as we would with other animals in the zoo that don't make vocalisations we can understand.
When it was feeding time, the gormless keeper, in a slapstick style comedy routine, brought the humans what looked like it might be Chinese takeaway in assorted containers. After eating, the humans decided to have a bit of fun with the keeper - hiding his broom and bucket, nicking his hat and throwing it among themselves while he haplessly tried to get it back. When the hat was chucked out to our side of the enclosure, my 9-year-old daughter ran to pick it up. Wise to the game now, instead of handing it back to the keeper when he came to collect it, she snatched it away at the last second and tossed it to another of the spectator humans. Suddenly there was a sense of shared purpose between the two groups of humans, with the feckless keeper as the conduit.
Claxton said the show is as much about what's going on outside of the enclosure as in it - she has been fascinated by the variety of reactions from zoo-goers who have been variously shocked, delighted, horrified and thrilled. Many people are intrigued by the concept, she said, and will sit for ages discussing ideas with their kids. But Claxton has also been castigated by creationists, and other visitors have walked away disgusted or refused to let their children watch.
"We've had that negative response," she said, "and then we've had really amazing responses where kids go, 'Nah mum, I think they're animals, I think humans are animals'."
Claxton is now seeking funding to bring Enclosure 99 to more zoos. For more information about the project, visit www.janisclaxton.com. This post originally appeared on New Scientist.


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2012 US military suicides hit a record high of 349
Suicides in the U.S. military surged to a record 349 last year, far exceeding American combat deaths in Afghanistan, and some private experts are predicting the dark trend will worsen this year.
The Pentagon has struggled to deal with the suicides, which Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and others have called an epidemic. The problem reflects severe strains on military personnel burdened with more than a decade of combat in Afghanistan and Iraq, complicated by anxiety over the prospect of being forced out of a shrinking force.
Pentagon figures obtained Monday by The Associated Press show that the 349 suicides among active-duty troops last year were up from 301 the year before and exceeded the Pentagon's own internal projection of 325. Statistics alone do not explain why troops take their own lives, and the Pentagon's military and civilian leaders have acknowledged that more needs to be done to understand the causes.
Last year's total is the highest since the Pentagon began closely tracking suicides in 2001. It exceeds the 295 Americans who died in Afghanistan last year, by the AP's count.
Military suicides began rising in 2006 and soared to a then-record 310 in 2009 before leveling off for two years. It came as a surprise to many that the numbers resumed an upward climb this year, given that U.S. military involvement in Iraq is over and the Obama administration is taking steps to wind down the war in Afghanistan.
The Army, by far the largest of the military services, had the highest number of suicides among active-duty troops last year at 182, but the Marine Corps, whose suicide numbers had declined for two years, had the largest percentage increase—a 50 percent jump to 48. The Marines' worst year was 2009's 52 suicides.
The Air Force recorded 59 suicides, up 16 percent from the previous year, and the Navy had 60, up 15 percent.
All of the numbers are tentative, pending the completion later this year of formal pathology reports on each case.
David Rudd, a military suicide researcher and dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Utah, said he sees two main categories of troops who are committing suicide at an accelerating pace: Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans suffering from depression, post-traumatic stress or substance abuse, and those who have not gone to war but face troubled personal relationships, money problems or legal woes.
He is not optimistic about a decline soon.
"Actually, we may continue to see increases," he said.
The Pentagon says that although the military suicide rate has been rising, it remains below that of the civilian population. It says the civilian suicide rate for males aged 17-60 was 25 per 100,000 in 2010, the latest year for which such statistics are available. That compares with the military's rate in 2012 of 17.5 per 100,000.
Officials say they are committed to pursuing ways of finding help for service members in trouble.
"Our most valuable resource within the department is our people. We are committed to taking care of our people, and that includes doing everything possible to prevent suicides in the military," Pentagon spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith said Monday.
Each year the Pentagon performs an in-depth study of the circumstances of each suicide. The most recent year for which that analysis is available is 2011, and among the findings was that those who took their own lives tended to be white men under the age of 25, in the junior enlisted ranks, with less than a college education.
The analysis of 2011's 301 military suicides also found that the suicide rate for divorced service members was 55 percent higher than for those who were married. It determined that 60 percent of military suicides were committed with the use of firearms—and in most cases the guns were personal weapons, not military-issued.
Explore further
Online: Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors: www.taps.org
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Does anyone know the policy for those of us that miss the
second shot? I had an emergency and missed the test as a"no show" and
even though I pleaded Prometrics and explained my issue they considered
it as a lost cause. Any recommendations? Thanks
Hi Eralper,
I'm planning to take microsoft certifications and Im just starting. Please send me some discount vouchers for the following exams in Philippines.


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2011 Previews: AL East
Did pretty good last year: picked five of the eight post-season teams, including the Rangers and Giants. So, a little late, let's get started on the 2011 forecasts with the American League and the East:
BALTIMORE: The Orioles have a lot going for them, not the least of which is information I couldn't have known until tonight. Brian Matusz's injury forces their hand on young lefty Zach Britton, who drew the most oohs-and-aahs in Florida as he mastered veterans like they were platoon guys in the Eastern League. For the Orioles to be anything more than a Cinderella team, Britton, Jake Arrieta, and Brad Bergesen will have to form a "Baby Birds" rotation as effective as the Milt Pappas/Jack Fisher crowd of 50 years ago – but less likely things have happened. The O's have a confused but deep bullpen, and a powerful line-up that also presents an airtight infield defense if Derrick Lee and Brian Roberts can stay healthy. J.J. Hardy was described in Florida as "re-born" and Vladi Guerrero is still hitting anything that doesn't hit the mascot. It's also Buck Showalter's Honeymoon Year – his second season in each job (1993 Yankees, 1999 Diamondbacks, 2004 Rangers) has seen a playoff contender grow out of almost nowhere.
BOSTON: I need to tell you about this? The Red Sox added two ex-closers to the bullpen, have a line-up with six potential All-Stars in it, and Mike Cameron on the bench? And that in my night in their dugout in Fort Myers last month, the focus of the stars was cheering everything that the then-struggling Jarrod Saltalamacchia did? There is just so much depth that unlike last year the team could contend even with a star – or maybe two – falling to injury. Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford are also tremendous teammates, not merely tremendous talents. Buster Olney said it best, in mime. He put one hand by his belt to indicate the other 29 teams. He put the other at his neck: "The Red Sox are here."
NEW YORK: The aforementioned Mr. Olney tracked the end of the Yankee dynasty to Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, but this kind of overlooked the fact that they made the post-season in eight of the next nine years, reached the Series twice, and one once. This is the year the whole dynasty ends. Alex Rodriguez is healthy again and poised for an epic campaign, and there is no reason to doubt Cano or Teixeira. But otherwise I'd rather have Baltimore's lineup. Or Toronto's. The treatment of Jorge Posada (he can't even be the back-up catcher? Not even the emergency back-up catcher?) and the reliance on such late-round fantasy fodder as Russell Martin, Andruw Jones, Eric Chavez, Freddy Garcia, Bartolo Colon, and maybe Kevin Millwood is just startling. What? Juan Acevedo and Scott Erickson weren't available? There is always the chance that Derek Jeter is right and everybody else is wrong about his deterioration at bat and in the field. On consecutive at bats in the second inning on Opening Day, a Miguel Cabrera screamer cleared Jeter by at least ten feet yet he jumped anyway as if unable to judge its height; then, a pretty ordinary liner by Victor Martinez nearly took his glove off. It seemed prophetic. I cannot see this team in the post-season, and none of its prospect-saviors: Banuelos, Betances, Brackman, or Montero, are ready yet.
TAMPA BAY: One of the explanations I heard for Austin Jackson's blossoming in Detroit last year was that they put Johnny Damon's locker next to his. This year he's supposedly tutoring the gifted but so-far underachieving B.J. Upton. You've already heard the story of Manny Ramirez – hearing either the call of the clock or of the diminished paycheck – volunteering for spring training road trips and extra work in left. You know that Dan Johnson can produce the same kind of power/low batting average at first that Carlos Pena did. You have noticed the Rays' rotation is as young and as deep as anybody's this side of Philly (and might have improved with Matt Garza clearing space for Jeremy Hellickson). But Tampa is being written off because Joe Maddon and Jim Hickey have to fabricate a whole new bullpen. The readily forgotten reality is that they had pretty much done the same thing in 2010, with just as unlikely a cast. The key men: the closer Rafael Soriano (Atlanta), the 8th-inning guy Joaquin Benoit (hurt in the minors), and the lefty specialist Randy Choate (minors) had all been elsewhere in '09. They are not likely to have the wire-to-wire reliability of a Soriano, but there is no reason why Kyle Farnsworth and Joel Peralta shouldn't hold the fort until Jake McGee or Brandon Gomes is ready. The Rays are not in Boston's class – who is? – but they are Wild Card-worthy.
TORONTO: Like Baltimore, rookie manager John Farrell has an airtight batting order with 20-homer power at every spot in the line-up, and a rotation and bullpen that could be heaven or hell. I prefer Baltimore's starters to Toronto's, but Farrell's unique background of college head coaching, major league talent development, and major league pitching coaching, might enable him to get more out of the Jays' mix of what I think is an overrated Ricky Romero and a cast of dozens. It is simply tough to imagine a team hitting as many home runs as the Jays will and still finishing last.
THE FORECAST: I don't think the top two spots are at issue. Boston wins, the Rays probably take the wild card. The question becomes whether the Yankee collapse, and the Oriole and Jay growth spurts, happen rapidly enough to unleash Steinbrennarmageddon in the Bronx: the Yankees finishing last. I suspect we will see them occupy the basement long enough for the kind of good old-fashioned accusation firestorm and managerial firing speculation that used to make 161st Street the Bronx Zoo. But I do not think both sets of birds will fly with equal success. I may have Toronto and Baltimore switched here, but I see it: 1. Boston, 2. Tampa Bay, 3. Baltimore, 4. New York, 5. Toronto (and the last three, very close indeed).
31 Comments
You're mad, mad I say! Here's how I see it (with minimal commentary): 1. Boston, 2. Yankees (wild card) with 92 wins, 3./4. Baltimore and Toronto fighting it out, 5. Tampa Bay … Your lesson on the Yankees will be: Don't let what you so clearly _want_ get in the way of evaluating teams this early in the season. (So there!) Have a great weekend!
I think you're selling your Yankees short. Don't get me wrong – I'd love to see it. But what happens when they trade for King Felix at the deadline? The bats'll be fine.
And don't crown my Sox yet. They're loaded, but on paper. Crazier things have happened. Reverse jinx?
This is insane
THANK YOU, SIR! THANK YOU! (yes, I am yelling) After arriving home from my Rays' Opening Day debacle to the Orioles I read your reinvigorating words about Tampa Bay and that, coming from you, gave me hope for some light at the end of the tunnel (not the incoming train that everyone else is calling upon us). I hope (and oray) Sir, that you are just right! Thanks KO!
Try switching to "old Twitter." That still works, at least on my machine.
April fools, right? I can't really grasp how the "treatment" of jorge will keep them out of the postseason. Did you watch games he caught? My god. If you think the Yankees will come close to finishing last I would appreciate if u at least share your drugs with me.
I could see the Yanks falling hard. Do they have enough pitching behind CC and Hughes? Is Nova ready? He looked great in an exhibition against the O's, but is he for real? What about the #4 and 5 starters?
Not sure I see the Orioles getting to #3 in the division yet, but it could happen if the pitching comes around AND Roberts and Lee stay healthy.
The AL East is a beast this year
Picking the Yankees 4th? And people call you biased! I do believe the hype about the O's as well. I also think Toronto could finish above .500, but will probably fall short.
Patiently awaiting your AL Central predictions
Hey Keith, I agree with you on Jeter…but 4th place…I see the Yankees winning the division or at the very least securing the wild card spot…CC, Hughes, AJ and Nova will all have sensational years…And, Alex, Tex and Cano will carry the offense…The Yankees will win 95-100 games this year…
Let's not shortchange Granderson, Gardner and Swisher.
Sounds like a law firm.
I appreciate your efforts towards not being perceived as a "homer", KO, but your 4th place prediction for the Yankees is nothing more than an April Fool's joke. Only in the realm of lunacy could the lowly O's outperform the Bombers–or even Toronto!–in 2011.
I agree that the O's will be greatly improved, and quite frankly the Sox scare me this year but predicting 4th for the Yanks? Wow! I seriously thought this was an April fools joke. They may not win the division, but you are selling them short. And I echo the sentiment from another poster: did you *watch* Posada catch? My father always joked that Posada translates to "passed ball" in Spanish.
your retarded olbermann
Hmmm… "Steinbrennarmageddon"?
On the order of what happened in '66? Hard to say, but New Yorkers will look at it that way even if the Yanks finish only third…
On the "small market front," here on Planet Utah our only major league team is doing the "Legendary owner passed away Last Days" scenario, and it is butt ugly… Well, at least the Jazz will get another lottery pick that we can then watch another team scoop up after he's developed… The cannibals won't find their next pickings nearly as well-coached, however…
Well, you're allowed your predictions as long as you realize you're going against 90 years of conventional wisdom and betting against the Yankees…
A now-expired friend of mine made that error in '77 and was crowing at me as the bottom of the 9th started against the Royals… I felt some genuine compassion for him (but I collected his money and the re-buy on whether the Yanks would win the Series. Got odds on that last one). Thus doth the baseball god destroy those who would make themselves arrogant…
So how about a little confession to the cabdriver, Keith? Are you making bets that way, or just copy…
Red Sox looking good…
Personnally, I belive that you're way off this time. I may be biased, but last year you predicted that the Jays would finish last. Last year, they finished 4th with a record above .500 in the toughest division in professional sports. I would argue that this year they have a stronger team than last year. I see a lot of similarites between this year and the Jays' 1984 team. All the ingrediants are there, all they need is a few year to become a contender.
Second point: The Jays pay their players in US dollars and get revenue in Canadian dollars. The Canadian dollar is now at or just above a 1:1 exchange rate. This is much better than in the late 90s where 1 Canadian dollar fetched 65cents US. They now have the money to get AND retain their talent.
There is a possibility this team could get old overnight and that they finish in the bottom part of the A.L. East. That said, I think the Yanks manage to survive another year and at least get the wild card.
Gosh Keith, you are WRONG, WRONG, WRONG! Esp. about the Yankees.
It's too bad, your deep prejudice is showing.
Oh well, eventually you just MIGHT learn.
How can you justify the O's rotation over the Jays? I mean, it's tough to take any of the AL East rotations over the Jays. Romero's advanced stats matched his traditional ones last year, implying he's performing right around his true talent level. I don't see a regression at all with him, and he's probably only the third-best starter on the club. Morrow is filthy, and Drabek looked today to be even filthier.
You're a heck of a fan, Keith. A great baseball historian. But I really don't think you're much of a talent evaluator.
lackey looked terrible today
neither the yanks or the sox make it to the post season
the orioles surprise everyone and win the division
why does everyone forget what constitutes common sense in the regular season when doing their preseason rankings? Managers are never worth more than 4 wins/losses in a season. Buck in Baltimore might improve the team but has he made enough changes to bridge the 14 game difference between the Jays and themselves from last year? No and you'd be enjoying the finest pair of rose colored spectacles if you truly believed that.
Derek Lee and Vladi are not an answer to anything beyond 'what two players will combine for 162 days on the dl this year?' So why shun the conventional wisdom here? Is it perhaps that everyone hopes that the orioles will be better this year? I think a lot of people want to believe too much that they can be a Cinderella story, the feel good team of the year. This is not an organisation of lovable losers, it is an organisation of losers. For as awful as they have been for the past decade they still have the worst farm system in the division. This is a team going nowhere with a bullet and when the clock strikes midnight we are going to find that they are once again a bottom feeding team with a sub 500 record and very few prospects for the future.
1. Orioles 2. Boston …..The rest in no particular order.
Anyone but the Yankees is okay by me.
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text:
Babbes, professor of marketing and strategy at Azusa Pacific University, and Zigarelli, professor of management at Charleston Southern University, offer ministry leaders a crash course in business management concepts to use in churches and parachurch/nonprofit organizations. Much of the book covers typical topics that would be covered in lectures and textbooks in any graduate school of management, but the authors (both of whom work with churches and parachurch/nonprofit organizations) try to show how these secular management tools can be used in ministry settings. The authors claim that "despite the moral failure of some business leaders, the pathway to operational excellence and maximum impact—the very things for which so many ministry leaders pray—are also found and perfected in the business world. . . . God has placed at your disposal a tremendous array of powerful management tools—value-neutral tools that, when used properly, will take your ministry where you've always dreamed it could go" (pp. 7, 9).
Nothing in the book is revolutionary if one has read other church administration or church leadership books, but the unique feature is in the authors' presentation of the material. Throughout the book the authors develop a theme that parallels the design of a typical one-year executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree program. The book is divided into three sections that the authors call "semesters" and each section has four brief chapters that the authors call "courses" for each semester. The overall curriculum theme and the packaging of the material are clever. Even the "shape" of the book lends to more of a guidebook format than a textbook. The book measures nine inches by five inches, giving the book the feel of a pocketsize travel guide that someone would carry in his or her back pocket. No chapter is over fifteen pages long. The book concludes with a witty "Commencement Day Address," written by John Trent. Very few ministry leaders will normally pick up a book on management principles, but the format of this material helps greatly.
The focus of the first section or "semester" is on building a foundation for a church or organization for what the authors call "high-performance" organizations (p. 1) and includes chapters or "courses" on operational mission (translating God's call into a one-sentence reason for being), organizational design (understanding the 7-S performance factors of strategy for pursuing the mission of the organization, structuring an organization, systems for linking and ordering activities, skills possessed by the organization, staff recruitment and development, style of leadership, and shared values and organizational culture); human resources (recruiting, motivating, and retaining great people); and executive decision-making (understanding and overcoming cognitive biases of framing effects, information access effects, cognitive consistency and optimism effects, and group effects). The focus of the second section or "semester" is on formulating organizational strategy that creates and delivers value and includes chapters or "courses" on marketing (influencing behavior in a manner consistent with the organization's mission), innovation (identifying opportunities to increase impact), operations (delivering value and quality by design), and accounting and finance (moving from budgeting to stewardship). The focus of the final section or "semester" is on implementing strategy that achieves "maximum ministry success" (p. 4) and includes chapters or "courses" on developing a strategy map (creating a blueprint for success), balanced scorecard (aligning everyone to measurable strategic priorities), implementation (mastering the art of well-orchestrated execution), and transformation (leading major change initiatives).
The design and "guidebook" feel of the book is both a clever strength and a limitation. Of the three sections of the book the first section works best within the authors' format of brief chapters. The topics in this section (developing mission statements, organizational design, people management, and decision-making) are well within the range of typical ministerial training and are the easiest to grasp. As the topics in the second and third section are more complicated and less familiar to most ministers, these later chapters are a little more difficult to grasp with just a brief introduction. Being less of a textbook or workbook, there is not enough space to cover in great depth any of the "advanced" topics like strategy mapping and accounting.
The authors include resources for further study at the end of each chapter. These suggested resources are excellent, and are needed for the reader to understand more fully the particular concepts. While not in any way replacing more through treatments of management and administration, The Minister's MBA does help introduce some of these concepts that a church or organization can use as stewards of its limited resources.
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