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Astrology & Spiritual ramble on way to Mt Franklin
5 Planets Retrograde + Full Moon seems to be doing a number on everyone. Health, Relationships, closure / clearing / facing unresolved issues, like coming full-circle.
Unresolved things are coming to an end to make way for new beginnings.
Look at how we can grow and evolve from it.
Feel deceit. Deception alarm bell ringing but on grand scheme of things, nothing I can do about it.
Did a soul-retrieval ritual last week, sending energy back that is not mine, and taking back what belongs to me. Permission slip to get back to a place of love to all.
Connected to everything and sending love out to the planet. But not a daily thing.
At work I'm dealing with the same personalities that I had a problem with 2 years ago before I accepted all and stopped judging, but back to square one with them.
Miss the girl with rose-coloured glasses but starting to accept this new journey.
Another ramble about the messy game of seeking truth with a lifetime of filtered beliefs and internal programmes.
No way I'm stopping now. Just turned 40 and life is starting to be mind-blowingly interesting.
I have more of a belief in Astrology now than I had 2 months ago but that doesn't mean I believe in Astrologists' interpretations of what they decipher, but it does mean I accept that the planets do seem to affect what is going on down here.
< Phone Call interrupted video >
I don't know what this reality is all about, but a big part of it is definitely to do with dealing with your shit when it comes to others.
I need to trust wherever I'm at, in this moment, trust it. This is the journey, this is what I'm experiencing, this is how I'm feeling, this is what I'm learning.
This is it, right now.
Then as you get it out without worrying about what other people think, you speak your truth and learn from it.
I'm on a different journey now where I'm learning different things about life. Gotta get to a point where every part of the journey is a lesson, part of why I'm here.
But shit, that last lesson was a big one.
Massive. Because I didn't see it coming.
Ramble about trying to figure out why I am the weird one that doesn't trust anything anyone says & has to figure it out by herself…. why am I like this?
I'm not 'trying' to be like this. It is what it is. And it's crazy, but at the same time, I feel so much less crazy now that I've met other people like me.
I love camping with other people that resonate with me, which means I love being myself, and I love them being themselves. I hate judgement and because I hate judgement, I need to stop judging other people again.
Got a release last night from the guy last year – the guy that was my 'unexpected dark side experience'.
Therefore my soul, my being, is now integrating all these changes, and it's a process, because that was hell.
It feels like I'm coming out of something, but not quite there.
It sucks that I'll never get back to the person I was before, but am grateful that I at least got to experience a reality like that. As short-lived as it was, I was able to experience a reality where I accepted everybody and loved everybody and didn't judge. That was a beautiful existence. Kudo's and 2 thumbs up to anyone who is living that right now but I don't know how to get back to it now that I've experienced the dark side.
There's hope because it gives me something to work towards. It was easier to do it when I was doing it without realizing what I was doing.
But now that I'm not there, where I'm trying to consciously get back there, it's great to get this perspective but it's a harder process because you have that expectation cos you know you expect better because you know you've been better.
I don't want to lie, I want to be authentic.
When I'm in that place of bliss, you don't remember what it's like to be on the bridge, so I want to document this new journey. It's a different journey now.
I feel like I was way more evolved back then.
Starting to realize that life gives you more to learn as you achieve your lessons. That your life isn't wasted, there is always something new appearing to learn & grow from.


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By: Christopher Stark
I recently had the pleasure of speaking in front of two business classes at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) with two other local CEOs – a CEO of a moving company, who started out as a driver and worked his way up, and a CEO of a printing house, who bought the established business. While meeting with students about to embark on their own careers, we were asked to speak about how we got started. Our unique backgrounds and stories provided different angles of success as everyone has a different path.
Before I founded Cetrom 16 years ago (2001), I worked in a number of positions, including serving as a Navy Veteran working on planes to an IT engineer at a small company. Over the years, I had to push myself and work from the ground up to get to where I am today. It's been tough, but also rewarding and I continue to push myself and my team to strive for excellence.
When it came time to discuss how the students could ensure they set themselves up on the right path, we talked about how to prepare for an interview, what employers are looking for in a strong candidate today and what tips we could share to help them have a successful career. A lot of these tips can be applied at any stage of a person's career, which is why I thought I would share them with you.
Make a good first impression: When interviewing a candidate, I'm not really focused on what the candidate is saying, as much as how they're saying it. I want to uncover their true personality, their nature and the type of culture they need to thrive. I aim to understand the candidate as much as the candidate is trying to figure me out and get a feel for my company to make sure it's a good fit.
Set yourself apart from the rest: CEOs and companies have a lot of candidates to choose from since the workforce has become so competitive. These are some things you can do to help set yourself apart from the rest of the candidates applying for the same position:
• Do your homework – take the time to look up the company and the person you're interviewing with before the interview. Show up prepared.
• Be punctual – be on time. No, be early!
• Emphasis your work ethics – give them an idea of how much effort and pride you put into your work. Don't stop there; detail specifically how you'll apply it to the role and how it will benefit their company.
• Don't be overconfident – show off your positive, confident personality, but be careful not to overdo it. Just because you show up doesn't mean you're hired.
• Ask questions – this is just as much of an interview for the company as it is of you. Asking questions will allow you to determine if the company is a right fit for you and if the position meets your needs.
• Say 'thank you' – follow up with an email or personal note. Sounds simple, but the gesture goes a long way with the interviewer.
So you landed a job, what now?
Don't get lazy: Just because you got the job, doesn't mean you can relax and start coasting. Be there, jump in and get aggressive. Speak up, get involved, be a team player, engage with your peers and support your supervisors as much as they support you. It will get you far in both the company and your career. This also goes for internships. Many people who started off as interns are now in executive positions. Remember, everyone has to start somewhere and your career is what YOU make of it.
Start and continue connecting: Create a LinkedIn profile and link with people who you know and respect. This will help you build a stronger network of people in your field. A good friend of mine, Greg Altieri, is known as the "God of networking". He preaches that networking is 90 percent giving and 10 percent receiving, which is why he is always trying to open doors for his students, colleagues and peers. You should strive to do the same. Networking has the ability to help you find your next position or even a candidate to hire once you've made it to the executive level.
The job market has become more competitive- regardless of whether you're just starting out or have been in the industry for a few years. Continuously learning and improving your skills will help you have the career you want.

subset: commoncrawl


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Thursday us girls hung out at the beach
while my dad & Ty drove over to a car show in Gulf Port, MS "Cruisin the Coast"
They were gone a good portion of the day so by the time they were back
we headed to dinner at Cosmo's.
Which was delicious by the way.. and their crab claws were ahhmazing!
Lexi thinks she is big!
Always wanting to tote Zoey around on her hip
I make bystanders a little nervous letting her carry Zoey around!
Friday Ty worked, we hung out at the beach, and then headed to the Shrimp Fest that night!
Ty working and Lexi watching her morning cartoons on Netflix in her fort.
We had a wrap around balcony.. and I have NO IDEA why I don't have any pictures of it!! :(
this guy was too funny! I'm pretty sure he earned every tip he got that night!
After we all got dressed Ty looked at us/me and was like I guess I didn't get the maroon memo.
Haha I literally can't help my self.. gotta match my girls when I have to dress them!
atleast he's in the right color family ;)
After the Shrimp Fest we hit up some souvenir shops!
We couldn't help ourselves... she thought the shark was hilarious!
Because EVERY childhood memory needs to have
an airbrush t-shirt (from the beach) in it!
Zoey sadly was over pictures and just wanted me to hold her
so this was as good as it gets for the two of them in their shirts!
Our last day, Ty & my dad went golfing while me, my mom, and the girls went to the beach.
After the beach we showered and got ready then headed to the outlets to shop!
The guys met up with us after they were done and
then it was Lulu's for dinner!
I just love restaurants near the beach.
Such good vibes and I LOVE the live music!
had to sneak Lexi out to get a picture with the Lulu's sign since she is my Lulu!
and my camera is acting funny these days AGAIN... apparently they
didn't fix it last month when I sent it in to Nikon. :(
Sunday we headed back home!
I seriously can't thank Ty enough for driving us 10 hours to spend time
with my parents at the beach for my moms birthday week!
He had to manage working and spending time with the fam
and I think he does a pretty good job at it all!
Happy Birthday Mom!! Love you so much!!
If you ever need to find a rental in the Gulf Shores, AL area
be sure to check out Meyer Vacation Rental


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Holiday Travel SafetyTuesday, December 18th, 2018
If your holiday plans include travel, you aren't alone. Auto Club reports that 54 million people travel between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. The most popular mode of transportation? Hitting the open road. But millions opt to fly the friendly skies. Whatever method you plan to use to get from Point A to Point B, make sure you take steps to be safe: (more…)


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It's the New Year and on the TOP of my to-do list is getting our Family's Estate Planning and Living Trust set up. It's time! We have been meaning to do this for years now, our girls are six and four and God forbid anything were to ever happen to my husband and I, we want to be sure they are provided for and protected.
I have met Darlynn Morgan of Morgan Law Group several times, actually I seem to bump into her everywhere I go (last month it was the Santa Train with her adorable family). I know her to be very sweet and genuine, and I trust that she will have my family's best interests at heart when she helps us with our Estate Planning and Living Trust.
So last month Mike and I listened in on Darlynn's very informative teleseminar = call in from home in your PJ's teleseminar (LOVE!)
It started with Darlynn sharing her heart wrenching story of how she lost her husband in his 30s. After living through such a crazy hard time in her life, she decided to dedicate her life's work to making sure others who face such devastating circumstances are prepared and have guidance.
There were several topics touched upon, most of them I had never even thought of, such as the importance of naming short term guardians who live within 20 minutes of your home to be sure in the case of an emergency when a babysitter is watching your kids, they don't end up in Child Protective Services.
I also learned when naming your Long Term Guardians it is important to name the specific individual. What if you name a couple and they were to get a divorce? You want to be sure you are specific so your children are raised by the person you intend.
Sometimes the person you would never want to raise your children will look better on paper to a judge than your first choice.
The teleseminar touched on many other important financial points such how to avoid probate and minimize estate taxes to be sure your children are left with as much of your wealth as possible.
Such heavy, difficult topics are hard to face, but we have set up our appointment to meet with Darlynn at the end of the month and I already feel lighter because we are on our way to having our family's affairs in order. And I love that we are working with someone who really cares about my family's well being.
If you would like to start off the New Year checking this off your to-do list as well you can meet Darlynn this month at her in-person FREE workshop:
January 26th at 2:00pm
Granola Babies
3315 Hyland Avenue
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Or she has another upcoming FREE teleseminar so you can learn more from the comfort of your own home:
January 29th at 8:00pm
Call in from home
Register now for an upcoming event with Darlynn at


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Any watch nerds on Icrontic?
I don't want to speak for Thrax, but IMHO the Jaragar watches offer good value for the money. For $30, it's either this or a Timex from Wal Mart. The Timex will probably last longer and will be more accurate, but it doesn't have the style or the interesting movement.
It's a crapshoot as to the quality of these things. The accuracy of the movement varies, as does the fit and finish of the watch. Some are very good. Many are hit-and-miss. But Jaragar and Parnis seem to have better odds at getting a decent one.
I just cant bring myself to buy most of these Chinese watches. So many of the designs are knock offs homages to better-known classic designs from the fancy brands; I don't want to support fakes. I'd rather support long-established brands with in-house movements, or brands like G. Gerlatch, TWCO, or Strela who build on quality movements using their own designed cases, faces, and bands.
When it comes to cheap watches, there are several companies still making their own watches with in-house movements. Vostok (Russia), HMT (India), Sea-Gull (China), and Orient (Japan) come to mind. You can get a Vostok or HMT for the cost of two of the Chinese eBay specials.0
The brand blacklist is not definitive, but it is a good list of potential and certain landmines to avoid when a beginner is buying their first mechanical watch. I took a video of my first Jaragar, which explains much of why I like it.
I think with Jaragar, AK Homme or Kronen & Söhne, you have to set your expectations to the right level. This is a $30 watch that could run the spectrum from great to broken right out of the box, often with no recourse to get it replaced. The cautious should always buy with PayPal, so you have their buyer's protection on your side, so at least you could get your cash back if you get screwed.
This one is not from the same buyer as my last watch, but the movement appears to be of a similar quality, materially speaking. Just by looking at the visual quality of the metal, you can begin to gauge what the quality might be like. Cheap-ass watches will have a very dull/burred/scratched/rough appearance (example), typical of crap metal and shit machining. Mid-range watches will have dull metal (example), but it generally won't look scratched or fibrous; it'll appear as though it's just unpolished. Going up from there, the quality of the movement starts becoming polished/brushed to a mirror shine (example), or even decorated with engravings (example).
Now, this won't tell you how well the gears fit together, how well the watch has been regulated (adjusted to keep accurate time), how good the jewel bearings are, etc. But it is indicative of the quality you can expect, all things being equal.
I know that I could get a lemon, but I'm 2:2 on my cheap Chinese mechanicals, and it's fun to gamble on something that looks pretty and could be very functional.
//EDIT: Just saw Pete's post, as it didn't appear when I replied with my own, and I didn't check back to the thread.
He's right, too. I'm tooling around with the cheapo Chinese watches because they're a lot more fun to look at than a Timex, Casio or any other department store brand. At worst, I get my money back. At best, I own a good watch for $30.
It's important to me to have a diverse collection, and I will soon be offsetting my cheapos with some better models. I already have an Orient, and I'm looking for a good price on several SeaGulls (M171S, M182sk, etc.), a Poljot 3101.1, and so on. If you're truly interested in watches, you should balance the average with the good.1
Request skeleton watches less than $100 ?0
dodge_ram401 Goshen, IN MemberI always hold buy breath when I need a new battery for my watch. It has scratches, the dial is yellowed but I'm still wearing it. The watch is a 1971 Bulova Accutron with a twin coil tuning fork. Vibrating at 360 times per second, it has a sweep second hand, and hums as it runs. I got it as a gift and it was purchased at C. N. Hetzner Jewelers in Peru, IN. The cost at the time was discounted to $150 since my then father-in-law was a watch maker there. I was told today that he see less and less of these every year because the repair if the tuning fork goes out is around $300. It's still my favorite watch. Not bad for a watch that is 41 years old.
You won't really find a skeleton watch for SeaGull M182SK ($135 new, never on sale, VERY GOOD)
Armitron 20-4406SVSV ($90 from WalMart, known watchmaker with a good warranty)
Swatch Body & Soul ($136, maybe on sale, very good Swiss ETA movement from the largest watch conglomerate on the planet, plus a warranty)
Akribos XXIV DaVinci ($149 new, <$100 on sale, above average)
Adee Kaye AK4005 ($139 new, <$100 on sale, above average)
MZI Corinth ($100, good Hangzhou movement but unknown QC)
Parnis marina militare skeleton ($90, good movement, above average quality, known good customer service, 44mm case is large)
Rotary GS02518 (Multiple vendors, prices all over the map, excellent quality control)
Then several Stuhrling watches.
Stuhrling, Adee Kaye and Akribos all present themselves as "luxury" brands with inflated MSRPs that don't in any way match the material or personnel cost. At the very least, however, they offer a warranty with reasonable customer service and decent quality control on the movements.
Sea-Gull & Swatch are by far the best choice, with premium movements built in-house, backed by excellent quality control. Armitron would probably be your second bet, but some (incl. me) don't like the diver/military case.
The rest will be hit-or-miss, caveat emptor.
If you're set on a Stuhrling, here's what you need to know:
1) Stuhrling is a dishonest company. They're owned by a Las Vegas couple with head office in Miami, and everything is made in China. Despite this, they've frequently claimed Swiss origins, Swiss components, Swiss manufacturing, Swiss this-that-or-other to piggyback on the reputation of Swiss watchmaking.
2) Quality control has been an issue for Stuhrling in the past. Large batches of watches emerged from the box with broken geartrains, dislodged hands or unable to keep anything remotely resembling accurate time. More recent reports have indicated that this has improved, but it's still a skeleton (haHA) in the closet.
3) You will at least get a warranty and the right to return the product in the event of a dud if you buy from Amazon.
4) Customer service for Stuhrling is historically mediocre, but again, this has been reported to be improved as of late.
If you are comfortable with all of the above, then I can recommend Stuhrling.0
Groupon is running some really great deals on totally classic Timex quartz watches today. Max of $25 for these watches, most of which are $75+ retail.
Great way to start a collection! I bought the T2N301.0
@dodge_ram401 Love the Bulova. The tuning fork system in those is so cool. My barber has one and I've always found it to be intriguing. Cool!
@Basil Nice Seiko! That's a great purchase. Well done sir.
I received in the mail my Bergeon 6767-F spring bar fork tool today and used it to swap bands on my Orient. Totally worth the $25. If you plan on changing bands on your dress watches, this is THE TOOL to have for spring bars and bracelet pins. Highly recommended.
I secured an HMT Jhalak last night! Worried about a 35mm watch (small), but it's so pretty!0
@Buddyj Got it through eBay.0
The size of my dormroom desk ensures that my OCZ mousepad takes up at least 50% of the available space at any one time. :/0
PirateNinja IcrontianI'm without a watch, but here is one of my favorite collectible commodities on a neat background.
Oh my, I have derailed the thread0
TiberiusLazarus IcrontianThis is now a thread about trains:
Actually, railroad watches were one of the big deals in the history of time keeping.0
TiberiusLazarus said:
This is now a thread about trains:
Also, holy crap... that's a painting. 0_0
Also, also, I got one of my pocket watches working. It was just the battery. You will now hear me call out "all aboard" every time we're trying to rally the troops for dinner or whatnot at the next few IC events I attend.0
Smoke deflectors are smalltime.
ardichoke IcrontianOld timey trains are nice and all, but light rail is baller. The US needs to get on it.
CB Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Der Millionendorf- Icrontian
Zanthian Mitey Worrier IcrontianBack to watches: http://www.techbargains.com/news_displayItem.cfm/322607
Ashford has the Bulova Men's 'Strap' Stainless Steel Automatic Self-Winding Watch for $138.00 Free Shipping after Coupon Code: "TECHSTRAP138" (Exp 11/9). Tax in NY.
Features a silver-tone stainless steel case, croc-embossed leather strap with adjustable buckle closure, three-hand analog display with automatic movement, and water resistance up to 100m6
primesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI IcrontianGot a video from Solidworks PR today, showing how Solidworks is used to design watches. REALLY cool video, worth watching:


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The Dr. Oz Show Trainer Competition Finalists (1:55)
Earlier this year, we set out to find a trainer to join The Dr. Oz Show and help inspire millions of others to get fit and healthy. The field has been narrowed down to 4 finalists, and now it's your turn to decide who the two winners will be!
Learn more about the finalists by watching their exclusive workout videos here.
Hurry, you have until 11:59pm/ET on Sunday, December 10 to cast your vote below!


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Today's rustic elegant wine country wedding inspiration starts like any other of my inspiration boards – pretty, disparate ideas that add up to a much larger story – except that I got the chance to see this one come to life! Today's Sonoma-inspired palette of aqua and copper with loose, organic florals took the leap from inspiration to reality last year at Oh So Inspired.
The Inspiration
I never actually expected to win a seat at the incredible creative workshop for wedding professionals, Oh So Inspired, but all of my inspiration styling experience paid off when Honeybook held a contest for the Inspiration to Reality challenge. The design had to create a compelling wine country wedding look while incorporating Honeybook's signature aqua shade. I wanted my design to reflect the unique combination of rustic and upscale that signifies the Sonoma wine country – unstructured, organic florals in natural shades of green and cream helped bring that vision to life, while hints of teal and aqua added modern color while metallic copper accents added elegance.
The Reality
I could not have been more excited to have been chosen to attend Oh So Inspired, headed by Bay Area Wedding greats, Nancy Liu Chin Designs, Very Mary Inspired, and A Savvy Event, and attended by some of the most influential movers and shakers in the wedding world. Even better, I had the chance to see one of my inspiration board concepts come to life, through the Inspiration to Design Challenge that tested attendees creativity and wedding savvy. Some of the amazing shots from Kevin Chin are below!


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An armed group has told Aljazeera it is responsible for an attempt on the life of Iraqi politician Ahmad Chalabi.
In a video aired on Friday night, the self-styled Islamic Army said it also captured a bodyguard of Chalabi during Wednesday's attack.
The purported hostage says in the video that three of his colleagues were killed in the assassination attempt. The captive talks about "Chalabi's relations with the American Congress and Iran".
The group, which is also believed to have kidnapped two French journalists, said in the video that "the hostage, who was wounded during the attempted assassination of Chalabi, died as a result of his wounds".
Chalabi, head of the Iraqi National Congress and a member of the now dissolved Iraqi Governing Council, escaped unharmed in the attack in which two of his bodyguards were killed, two wounded and another two went missing.
"I was coming back from Najaf, where I met Grand Ayat Allah Ali al-Sistani the previous day, and when we reached Latifiya, a car started following us and opened fire on our convoy," Chalabi said after the attack.
Journalists 'alive'
Among other developments, hopes have been rising for the release of two French journalists, Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, being held captive by an Iraqi group.
Jean de Belot, the chief editor of French daily Le Figaro, has told Aljazeera that he has received word that the journalists are alive and well.
The group is said to be willing to
Quoting French Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin, Belot said the Islamic Army had handed the reporters over to an Iraqi resistance group thought to be more inclined to set them free.
The group is believed to be willing to negotiate their release.
A spokesman for the highest Sunni authority in Iraq, the Association of Muslim Scholars, also said on Friday that were safe and would be released soon.
"Their release could just be a matter of time," said Shaikh Abd al-Salam al-Kubaisi.


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On December 10, EF convened its annual Bill Maynes Panel to discuss innovative ways to advance policy reform in public health. The 2014 Maynes Fellows, Dr. Elena Dmitrieva of Russia and Andriy Skipalskyi of Ukraine, joined veteran HIV/AIDS activist Gregg Gonsalves to talk about how to promote better health policies in their respective countries. Noted Russia expert Dr. Matthew Rojansky moderated the discussion.
The event opened with remarks from Clint Liveoak, a Public Health Advisor at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mr. Liveoak spoke about the critical need for effective public health strategies, and the vital role activists can play in urging governments to adopt constructive policies. He drew upon examples from his work with the Global Fund in Burma and Cambodia, and emphasized the intersection of the health issues the panel members have worked on.
As the panel began, Dr. Dmitrieva described how she created SMSmame (Text4Baby), an innovative service in Russia that provides new and expecting mothers with health updates, schedules for medical checkups, and tips and advice through text messages to their mobile phones. Mr. Skipalskyi followed with a summary of his work spearheading a anti-tobacco coalition in Ukraine. The coalition successfully advocated for the passage of multiple pieces of legislation, including regulation requiring graphic image warning labels on cigarette packages and a ban on smoking in bars and restaurants. Mr. Gonsalves related his experience within the U.S. of pushing for public officials to respond to the AIDS epidemic in the late 1980s with constructive, health-conscious policies.
The 2014 Bill Maynes Panel
Elena Dmitrieva — 2014 Bill Maynes Fellow — Moscow, Russia
Dr. Elena Dmitrieva is the director of the Health and Development Foundation, which develops health communication and health system improvement projects in Russia. Dr. Dmitrieva also serves as the head of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Russia. The Health and Development Foundation's newest program, TEXT4BABY, provides expectant and new mothers with important information about their health and the health of their babies, communicated via text message. In 2013, Dr. Dmitrieva and the Health and Development Foundation collaborated with an American partner on "mHealth," public health campaigns implemented over mobile devices.
Andriy Skipalskyi — 2014 Bill Maynes Fellow — Kyiv, Ukraine
Andriy Skipalskyi is Chairman of the Board of Life Regional Advocacy Center, a Kyiv-based NGO that advocates for tobacco control. He successfully advocated for the adoption of two tobacco control laws in Ukraine and the placement of graphic images on cigarette packages that show the effects of smoking. Mr. Skipalskyi graduated from the Institute of Finances and Economics at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv and holds an MBA from the International Management Institute (Ukraine-Switzerland). He is fluent in Ukrainian, Russian, and English.
Gregg Gonsalves — Guest Speaker — United States
Gregg Gonsalves is a veteran of the HIV/AIDS movement. He was a research fellow at the Yale School of Public Health from 2011–2012, focusing on the role of social change and political processes in determining public health outcomes. As an Open Society Fellow, he examined how lessons from the response to HIV can be applied to other global health challenges. He is founder of the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, which advocates for AIDS and tuberculosis treatment for all who need it, and a member of the Global HIV Prevention Working Group convened by Bill and Melinda Gates.
Clint Liveoak — Opening Remarks — United States
Clint Liveoak is a Public Health Advisor at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He has been with the Division of Global HIV/AIDS for ten years and has broad policy and programmatic experience implementing U.S. governmentsupported bilateral and multilateral global health programs. He recently returned from a one-year deployment to U.S. Embassy Rangoon, where he served as the Acting CDC Country Program Director and established CDC program operations in Burma. In 2012-2013, Mr. Liveoak served on detail assignment to the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator as the Global Fund Technical Assistance Coordinator.
Matthew Rojansky — Moderator — United States
Matthew Rojansky is Director of the Kennan Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and an expert on U.S. relations with Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Moldova. From 2010 to 2013, he was Deputy Director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, where he founded the center's Ukraine Program and led a multi-year project to support U.S.-Russia health cooperation. He is an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins SAIS and American University, and a participant in the Dartmouth Dialogues, a track-two U.S.-Russian conflict resolution initiative begun in 1960.
About the Bill Maynes Fellowship
Dedicated to the generous and gregarious spirit of Eurasia Foundation's late president, the Bill Maynes Fellowship is a program that supports outstanding individuals from the countries where Eurasia Foundation operates. The fund builds personal and professional bridges between emerging leaders in countries in which we work and their counterparts in the United States. The fund is entirely financed by private donations.


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APeducation Online Student Wins Top UK Training Award 2017
WINNING THE PRESTIGIOUS STAR AWARD 2017 presented by Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). The award recognises the outstanding achievements in education and training not just in the UK but around the world. What a proud moment!!
We are proud to announce that Roxanne Kerr, has won the 'Training Organisation Candidate of the Year' award at this year's Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Star Awards.
"Speaking after the awards, Roxanne said she was delighted to be recognised for the hard work she put into achieving her qualification and the support provided by APeducation Online that contributed to her success."
Congratulations to Roxanne and the valuable contribution by the entire team.
Click here to see the Winning moments.
" I am very glad I chose this training and I met two wonderful persons. I am grateful for their support. Each time I had questions I received a reply and the feedback for my tasks was constructive.
The material and teaching were relevant and sufficient for me to implement in my organisation and to plan a change process. I am eager to see the output of my change processes implemented in the company.
I would highly recommend the PDA in Leadership and Change course to my colleagues or friends."
Oana Maria Ferent
HR Head
"I have improved my knowledge of food hygiene and I have now decided to enrol with APeducation Online for a Quality Management course as this would enhance my CV and professional growth as a Quality Manager. I like dealing with your dedicated staff, especially the learner support team who were extremely helpful and answered my various questions. I like dealing with professionals and after starting a new job role I plan to definitely return to APeducation Online for my professional growth."
Branislav Somodik -Slovakia-
Quality manager within the Food Manufacturing sector
"I gained a great deal from this course and by using the skills that I gained from the PDA in project management, I was able to complete a very successful project which resulted in being asked by my employer to grow and develop my project into something on a much larger scale.I felt that the course was good value for money and would highly recommend anyone who is looking to gain more knowledge and experience of project management to complete this course."
Roxanne Kerr
Development Officer – Paths for all Scotland
" The course helped me to become a more complete leader and manager, at a time of major change in my career (as a result of a recent internal promotion into a strategic management and leadership position). Basically, I think that the PDA in Organisational Leadership offered by APeducation Online is excellent, and of particular help to newly promoted and experienced senior managers. Definitely recommended!"
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Deputy Headmaster
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Academic Support Worker at UCB
"Due to the way in which we have to answer the self-assessment questions I have learnt a lot about influencing others which will stay with me for quite some time. This is a far better way of learning than through multiple choice questions where you effectively learn the answers to only pass the test. Your course most certainly did assist me in contributing to my professional skills development and I will be back again to further develop my skills now I am aware of how good your system and service is."
Keep up the great work!
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Director of a reputed Law firm
"Your registration and marking process is very quick and obviously this has enabled me to comply with OISC CPD requirement successfully well before the deadline. This is very helpful for a very busy person like me. Your course contributed greatly to your professional skills development and compliance requirements. I would recommend you to my colleagues and friends."
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Director of an Advisory and Law firm
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Charmaine Fagan -UK-
Lecturer – Academic Skills Centre, UCB


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Owen Matthews
The City that Never Slept
Midnight at the Pera Palace: The Birth of Modern Istanbul
By Charles King
W W Norton 476pp £20 order from our bookshop
Midnight at the Pera Palace is a vibrant, entertaining and dazzlingly original social history not only of the city of Istanbul at the dawn of the modern era, but also of the many worlds that intersected in 'the only place on earth to have been the epicenter of both Christendom and global Islam'. The story of Ottoman Constantinople's transformation into republican Istanbul takes in the Götterdämmerung of empires that followed the end of the First World War, the rise of ethnic nationalism and its tragic consequences, and the struggle of a conservative, Islamic society to adapt itself to the new century. Set between the outbreak of the First World War and the aftermath of the Second, Charles King's book provides a vivid portrait of a city filled with impoverished White Russian émigrés, disillusioned revolutionaries and broken imperialists from at least three empires.


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This example is for Processing 3+. If you have a previous version, use the examples included with your software. If you see any errors or have suggestions, please let us know.
The loop() function causes draw() to execute continuously. If noLoop is called in setup() the draw() is only executed once. In this example click the mouse to execute loop(), which will cause the draw() the execute continuously.
float y = 100; // The statements in the setup() function // run once when the program begins void setup() { size(640, 360); // Size should be the first statement stroke(255); // Set stroke color to white noLoop(); y = height * 0.5; } // The statements in draw() are run until the // program is stopped. Each statement is run in // sequence and after the last line is read, the first // line is run again. void draw() { background(0); // Set the background to black line(0, y, width, y); y = y - 1; if (y < 0) { y = height; } } void mousePressed() { loop(); }


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INFLAMMATION & PAIN RELIEF - 8 oz
INFLAMMATION & PAIN RELIEF - 8 oz
Help your cat obtain relief from pain and swelling with this unique blend of safe and effective nutrients. Quality nutrition is critical to support and strengthen your cat's immune system. Cat Food Spray for inflammation and pain relief supplies vital nutrients such as vitamins, MCT, and essential 3-6-9 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA, to the feeding regimen of your cat, and tackles any pain, discomfort, and anxiety resulting from injury or arthritis. This formulation also facilitates hairball relief and maintains sensory activity. This product also includes hemp oil, which minimizes the feeling of pain and relieves anxiety.
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BREVITY is one of the top international institutes which has ISO 9001 : 2008 certification from DAC (Dubai Accreditation Center), which in turn is fully accredited by IAF (International Accreditation Forum). IAF is the world association of Conformity Assessment Accreditation Bodies. The certification reflects our strong commitment to excellence in providing quality education through open and distance learning mode for the purpose of professional growth and skill development.
We at BREVITY are committed to making the institute a centre of excellence and it is an enthusiastic attempt by BREVITY to expose the best of International management & technology principles, practices and managerial function to the students. We want our students to excel in management & technology learning and carry out research, consultancy and training that fulfill the needs and expectation of students, parents, business and society at large. We aim to do this with high degree of social sensitivity through innovation.
As part of our focus on making higher education highly accessible, BREVITY does not require students to take college entrance exams or submit essays, instead, the Institute requires that students are employed or have access to an organizational environment that allows them to apply the concepts learned in our courses.
BREVITY offers an innovative approach to higher education. Focused on meeting the needs of working students, we believe it is important to provide educational opportunities that are not only convenient and accessible but also up-to-date and applicable to the real world. This philosophy is reflected in many areas throughout BREVITY. Working to remove the barriers to education, we offer flexible time management that allows students to enroll at any time, as well as convenient learning that enable students to learn at home. Together, these elements help expand educational opportunities for students who previously may have been excluded due to personal, geographic or employment circumstances.
In addition to convenience, a fundamental part of our educational approach is flexibility.
Understanding that working students want to earn their degrees efficiently, we offer flexible time management instead of operating on a semester or quarter schedule. This allows students to enroll at BREVITY year-round rather than waiting for the next semester or quarter.
Another benefit of flexible time management is that learning is not interrupted for long breaks during the year. Students can complete their degree/ diplomas without having to put their jobs and other commitments on hold.


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Today's Events—Saturday, March 10
$19 Tickets to Paul Taylor American Modern Dance 2018 at Lincoln Center (Through Sunday, March 25)
Lincoln Center, Manhattan
2018 High Line Open Studios (Through Sunday, March 11)
2018 NYC Coffee & Tea Festival—60% Off Tix (Through Sunday, March 11)
Gatsby-esque G&S Swing House 10th Anniversary Party + Dance Class
Total Eclipse of the Heart: A Free Karaoke/Dance Party
UnionDocs, Brooklyn
Feminarchy: Hilarious Songs to Smash the Patriarchy
The Tank, Manhattan
Tinder Live! 4th Anniversary Show with Eliot Glazer & JD Samson
Littlefield, Brooklyn
'80s & '90s Penthouse Party with Free Food, Heated Rooftop Igloos & Drink Specials
Winter Meltdown Contra Dance with Lesson & Live Music
Ambient Church—Live Music & Visuals
Free Food Truck Grub
Union Square Park, Manhattan
Art and Activism: Otto Neals and Emmett Wigglesworth
FiveMyles Gallery, Brooklyn
Brutal Measures (Lydia Lunch + Weasel Walter) / Keijaun Thomas / Straight Panic
ISSUE Project Room, Brooklyn
Cheap NYC Ghost Walking Tours (Saturdays Through December 30)
Free Comedy Shows with Janeane Garofalo of 'Wet Hot American Summer' (Through Saturday, March 31)
Free NYC Party Cruises (Saturdays Through March 31)
NYC Underground Scavenger Hunts (Through Saturday, March 24)
Open Bar Parties + Hookah (Saturdays Through March 31)
Tomorrow's Events—Sunday, March 11
Take Home a Free Potted Tree from Spencer Finch's Exhibit
MetroTech Commons, Brooklyn
Free Film: 'Moana'
Samsung 837, Manhattan
Yoga & Live Poetry
Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library Branch, Brooklyn
Politics 101: How Budgets Impact the Community
Old Stone House, Brooklyn
Empowering & Healing Art-Making
Bluestockings, Manhattan
Broadway Stars Sing Bruce Springsteen
Walking Tour of Historic 19th Century Noho
Merchant's House Museum, Manhattan
Moscow Festival Ballet's 'Cinderella'
Walk on Water & Defy Gravity at CITY OF SCIENCE 2018: Bronx
Trending: free & cheap films, concerts, Talks
Ending This Weekend
Culturemart 2018 Multimedia Arts Festival (Through Saturday, March 10)
HERE, Manhattan
Refest 2.0 (Through Saturday, March 10)
Super Cheap Tickets to BalletNext Spring 2018 (Through Saturday, March 10)
Disconnect to Reconnect with What Matters Most During 2018 National Day of Unplugging (Through Saturday, March 10)
Reimagine the Future of New York—Design Your Own Social Experiments & Bring Your Vision to Life (Saturdays Through March 10)
Queens Museum of Art, Queens
2018 NYC Feminist Film Week (Through Sunday, March 11)
Anthology Film Archives, Manhattan
2018 Art Takes Manhattan Fair (Through Sunday, March 11)
2018 NADA New York Art Fair (Through Sunday, March 11)
2018 Scope Art Fair (Through Sunday, March 11)
Metropolitan Pavilion, Manhattan
2018 VOLTA NY Art Show (Through Sunday, March 11)
2018 Art on Paper Art Fair—Save $25! (Through Sunday, March 11)
2018 Independent New York Art Fair (Through Sunday, March 11)
Spring Studios, Manhattan
2018 New York Antiquarian Book Fair (Through Sunday, March 11)
Park Avenue Armory, Manhattan
See more ongoing & upcoming NYC events
$6.50 Ice Skating + Skate Rental in Prospect Park (Through Sunday, March 25)
NYC Slavery & Underground Railroad Tours (Through Wednesday, May 30)
Discounted 60th Anniversary Tickets to 'Jamaica' Musical (Through Saturday, March 24)
$3 Paintball in New York (Through Sunday, July 1)
31-Foot Chihuly 'Rose Crystal Tower' Rises in Union Square (Through October 2018)
Union Square Park, Manhattan
'Beyond Suffrage: A Century of New York Women in Politics' (Through Sunday, July 22)
Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan
Greenwich Village Haunted Walking Tours (Through Sunday, December 30)
Minimalistic 'Whiteout' Installation Illuminates Mad Sq. Park (Through Sunday, March 25)
Madison Square Park, Manhattan
'Mod New York: Fashion Takes a Trip' (Through Sunday, April 1)
Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan
'Art in the Open: Fifty Years of Public Art in New York' (Through Sunday, May 13)
Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan
Free Admission to Museum of the City of New York (Through Saturday, June 30)
Discounted Tickets to 'Gulliver's Gate' Mini City Exhibition (Through Saturday, March 31)
'New York on Ice: Skating in the City' (Through Sunday, April 15)
Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan
'King in New York' Explores Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Connection to NYC (Through Friday, June 1)
Museum of the City of New York, Manhattan
'You Say You Want a Revolution': Counterculture in the '60s (Through Saturday, September 1)
New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Manhattan
Discounted Admission to 'Downton Abbey' Exhibition (Through Sunday, March 29)
2018 New Museum Triennial (Through Sunday, May 27)
New Museum, Manhattan
'David Bowie is': An Immersive Look at the Artist's Evolution Through the Decades (Through Sunday, July 15)
Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn
See the Iconic Painting of a Pitchfork-Wielding Farmer & Other Works of Grant Wood (Through Sunday, June 10)
Whitney Museum of American Art, Manhattan
'Closet Archaeology: An Accidental Time Capsule' of Finds Under a NYC School's Floorboards (Through Saturday, March 31)
Ace Hotel, Manhattan
'Pockets to Purses: Fashion + Function' (Through Saturday, March 31)
Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Manhattan
2018 SPRING/BREAK Art Show (Through Monday, March 12)
Chinatown Gentrification Board Game (Through Saturday, March 31)
Ace Hotel, Manhattan
$6 Central Park Bike Rental (Through Saturday, March 31)
2018 EstroGenius Festival Celebrates Women in Theatre (Through Sunday, March 25)
2018 ReelAbilities Film Fest (Through Wednesday, March 14)
2018 Rendez-Vous with French Cinema Fest (Through Sunday, March 18)
2018 braiNY: Conciousness Talks & Events (Through Sunday, March 18)
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Banning beggars in the streets of Wellington or penalising passers-by who give money to those who beg is "dramatic", says a local councillor.
It is one of the options in a report Wellington City councillors will discuss at a meeting tomorrow.
The meeting's chairman, Paul Eagle, told Newstalk ZB one of the options, banning beggars, was "dramatic" and not recommended in the report.
"The proposed action plan we need is more resources on the ground to help beggars get off the street."
Mr Eagle said the ban was "impractical" and it "won't happen".
"Police don't have the resources ... they can't get to burglaries on time, let alone beggars," he said.
However, he said the problem still remained: "Wellingtonians are too generous."
Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown echoed Mr Eagle's views, saying criminalising vulnerable people in the city wouldn't solve the problem.
"Begging is a symptom of wider issues -- lack of mental health services, people's addictions and lack of joined-up programmes when people are paroled from prison without housing options being sorted.
"It also detracts from the look and feel of the city," she said.
She said increasing housing supply, funding the city's night shelter to open in the daytime and encouraging people to contact health services, would start solving the issues.
However, local councillor Nicola Young said beggars should be banned from "lucrative areas" of the city.
Beggars are frequently seen near cash machines and convenience stores in Wellington's city centre.
"We need to freeze them out of very lucrative areas and away from the cash machines.
"People should stop giving money to beggars and instead give money to the downtown ministry or the night shelter," she said.
Ms Young said the city needed more facilities to prevent beggars on the streets.
"Beggars are there because they have psychiatric and addiction problems.
"We have been told some are just lonely. We need to increase council resources in core council roles."
Roi Reid frequently sits on Wellington's Manners St next to a convenience store and a cash machine, to ask for money.
The 37-year-old earns about $70-$150 a day from passers-by.
Mr Reid, who suffers from bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, lives in an apartment building in the city centre, paying $160 a week in rent.
He receives $270 a week from the Government.
He has sat on the streets of Wellington for four years, and said he hoped to get a "good paying job" by getting an education.
"I was thinking of joining the army to get a free education."
Mr Reid said if beggars were banned in the city, they would struggle to find a job.
Manners St City Stop convenience store owner Ab Patel said he didn't have a problem with beggars outside his business, as long as they keep away from the front door.
"They don't give us any kind of trouble but when they are drunk they throw glass bottles on the road outside."
He said the same few people sat outside every day asking for money.
"One would sit in the morning and then one comes later in the afternoon and then one at night."
He's only had two customers complain.
"It's not a personal thing but if they are sitting asking for money away from the door, it's fine," he said.
In 2013, a by-law was passed by Auckland Council banning beggars who were intimidating or causing a nuisance on the streets.
Auckland mayoral candidate David Hay said beggars needed support.
"Banning them from our streets would simply make their already desperate situations worse. It would be an act of incredible cruelty and heartlessness."
He said anyone who promoted the ban had "no understanding of, or empathy for, the plight of urban street-dwellers".
"Living on the street is, sadly, the best they can do. These people need our compassion and support."
Auckland City Mission acting chief executive Jacki Richardson said the number of homeless people has risen in Auckland CBD.
Last year 160 people were identified as being homeless in Auckland CBD in a street count conducted in a three-kilometre radius around the Sky Tower.
Three years ago 68 people were seen as being homeless in the same area.
Ms Richardson said the numbers were "certainly significant", however, new developments in the city may have contributed to it.
"People are much more obvious now than they were before.
"There used to be a lot of empty buildings in the city and it was quite easy for a homeless person to cover and take shelter.
"But now there's cranes and buildings turning into apartments so there's not that much space for them to set themselves up at night," she said.
Wellington begging recommended options
* The street outreach team continue to engage with beggars with increased emphasis on connecting them to services.
* Respond to complaints about beggars consistently.
* Advise beggars on keeping footpaths clear.
Other options
* Council could consider the possibility of introducing a by-law that bans citizens from giving to people who beg.
* Regulate when and where people can beg. Anyone found begging without a valid permit could have their permits revoked.
This option isn't recommended.
Auckland public safety and nuisance by-law
• Came into effect May 2013.
• A person must not use a public place to: beg, in a manner that may intimidate or cause a nuisance to any person; wash or offer to wash a vehicle or any part thereof, in a manner that may be unsafe or intimidate or cause a nuisance, or cause an obstruction to traffic; create a nuisance through the use of playing of any instrument (musical or otherwise), any type of public address system or any type of amplified sound system, or by making any excessive sound or noise.
• Nuisance is defined as: a person, animal or thing or circumstance causing unreasonable interference with the peace, comfort or convenience of another person whether or not that person is in a public place.


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Lilly e Violetta's collarless Jackie creates an aura of resplendent confidence with genuine Astrakhan fur. Hanging delicately from the shoulders, this open front cropped cape manages to be extravagant without sacrificing its cool refinement. With flower patterns lovingly crafted in Swarovski crystals, there's nothing plain about this silk blend lined conversation piece.
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The acoustic-electric guitar is one of the most popular string instruments anyone can buy. Unlike the typical acoustic guitar, it contains a high-quality pickup and preamp. The purpose of the preamp and pickup is to make the music you are playing louder for everyone to hear. Whether you are playing in a small setting or on top of the stage, the acoustic-electric guitar is hard to ignore. The best part is that even if you are on a budget, you can still get the best acoustic-electric guitar under $500.
However, the number of guitars available in the market can be mind-boggling. To find gems in a sea of possibilities, you have to be mindful of certain features. The quality of an acoustic-electric guitar can be determined by the type of material used on the neck and body. You can also look at the number of strings available to determine the smoothness of the sound. Features such as hand orientation, intonation, and overall finish will factor in the selection.
Top 8 Acoustic-Electric Guitars Review 2020
In your musical journey, you need not fret nor sweat. We have consulted with the experts to find the best the market has to offer. Below stands a comparison table of products you will find in this review. The detailed reviews indicate what the acoustic-electric guitars offer while the buying guide is there to offer more detailed information. Once you finish reading this guide, settling for a best acoustic-electric guitar will seem like child's play.
Durable and lightweight guitar which is a great pick for any guitar lover, whether you're a professional or just beginning to playRead Our Review
An eye-catching guitar which adds nice rich tone to your music at an affordable priceRead Our Review
Produces nice deep and clear sound, both plugged or not – ideal for the stage or just playing at homeRead Our Review
Mahogany body provides you aesthetic appeal, durability, and emphasis on high-end tones of your musicRead Our Review
Good for practically any musical genre and comes with bunch of handy accessories from preamp to picksRead Our Review
A nice-looking model available for right- and left-handed players with a cutaway to freely move across the fretboardRead Our Review
Guitar which features RichLite fingerboard escorted by an FSC certification together with quality electronics for better sound controlRead Our Review
Comprised of sturdy materials, it will provide you with durability at an affordable priceRead Our Review
Yamaha FG800 – Editor's Choice
- Number of strings: 6
- Body material: mahogany
- Neck material: nato
- Hand orientation: right-handed
- Dimensions: 42.5 x 20.7 x 6.1 inches
- Weight: 7.05lb
More features: bronze strings with improved corrosion resistance
The Yamaha FG800 is a six-stringed, right-handed acoustic-electric guitar. It comes with a solid top made of Sitka spruce to produce a good tone and provide durability. The naturally colored acoustic-electric guitar can be purchased in a dreadnought or a concert size. The concert size is smaller compared to the larger dreadnought size. Which one to choose depends on your overall size and comfort level.
The back and the sides are comprised of Nato. Nato also popularly known as eastern mahogany is durable and provides a warm resonance. The fingerboard and bridge are constructed from rosewood which is known for its rich overtones and adequate sound projection. The new scalloped bracing implemented provides support and gives the natural sound a great platform to be heard.
As for the strings mounted on this model, they are made of bronze. The bronze has undergone treatments to facilitate corrosion resistance. With corrosion resistance, you can be sure that the tone will remain bright and not fade out quickly.
This acoustic-electric guitar weighs 7.05 pounds. It features 20 frets and comes with an adjustable truss rod. It also has a cutaway so that you may be able to reach the frets with ease. The acoustic-electric guitar features an additional piezo pickup accompanied by a three-band equalizer, a precision chromatic tuner and adjustable midrange frequency control. All these are to facilitate the transition to a smooth sound.
- Offers crisp sound whether it is plugged or unplugged
- It is light thus providing comfort
- Features a cutaway to give easier access to the frets
- Well styled and comes in different sizes
- Saddled with an equalizer, piezo pickup, chromatic tuner and adjustable mid-range frequency controller
- Smooth finish accompanied by quality strings
- Accessories and a carry case are not provided
- May require a little tweaking to make the sound perfect
Jameson Guitars Full Size Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Budget Pick
- Number of strings: 6
- Body material: nato
- Neck material: maple
- Hand orientation: right-handed
- Dimensions: 46 x 18.6 x 5.3 inches
- Weight: 8.45lb
More features: high-gloss dark blueburst finish, soft gig bag included
The Jameson Guitars Full Size Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar presents to you a high gloss blue-colored blueburst finish. It looks pleasant to the eye and it just so happens to be comfortable to play. The body comprises of a Nato body with a spruce top. Nato makes a good supplement for normal mahogany. It is strong enough to withstand constant use. The neck is made of maple which is equally as strong.
As for the length of the acoustic-electric guitar, we are looking at 41 inches. The acoustic guitar features three-inch body thickness and a cutaway for your comfort. This strong construct will see to it that the guitar lasts many years. The 6 string right-handed acoustic guitar is simple but worth it. You can be assured that the steel strings won't snap mid-note.
It comes fitted with die-cast tuners and a quality built-in equalizer. The acoustic guitar possesses a built-in pickup that makes connecting to an amp a fairly easy process. To make matters better, the acoustic guitar also features an amp cable, ¼-inch jack, and volume/tone controls. Rocking out with the band does not seem like a bad idea. Once you are done, put the guitar back into the gig bag and call it a day. Don't forget to store the guitar picks well, they came free after all.
- Light and comfortable to play
- The body is thick and durable
- Features an electronic pickup accompanied by volume and tone control
- Comes with extra accessories – a gig bag and picks
- Produces a nice rich tone
- Sold at a pocket-friendly price
- Neck might become weak over time
- The frets need to be tweaked
Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic/Electric Guitar Player Package – Best Strings
- Number of strings: 6
- Body material: laminated wood
- Neck material: mahogany
- Hand orientation: right-handed
- Dimensions: 43 x 22 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 28lb
More features: passive piezo pickup with volume control
The Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Package is great for the stage or just playing at home. This model is created from laminated wood with a mahogany neck. The fretboard gives a platform to move between the frets with ease. The fretboard material in play is rosewood. They say that acoustic-electric guitars do not sound as good but this model begs to differ. The neck is not too wide, and the frets are set near each other. For people with short hands, this model would provide a strain-free experience.
Right-handed and weighing 28 pounds, this is not a small instrument. It bears D'Addario steel strings that can produce good sound. The strings provided a range in thickness including 12, 16, 25, 34, 41, and 53 ratings. The acoustic-electric guitar features chrome hardware and a reliable piezo pickup to control various aspects of your sound.
To complete the experience, the manufacturer provided accessories to use. First, there is the 10W solid-state amplifier which is very neat when you need to connect a few inputs. This amp gives you control over treble, bass, gain and boost switch among others. Then there are the other accessories such as an instructional DVD, guitar picks, strings, a strap, some cord, a tuner and a gig bag for transportation.
- Provides an amp for complete sound control
- Sounds good both when plugged or unplugged
- Gives handy accessories
- Good style with a comfortable body
- Has an instructional video
- Offers good value for money
- Easy to adapt to
- Frets need readjustment to prevent buzzing
Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar – Best Accessories
- Number of strings: 6
- Body material: mahogany
- Neck material: mahogany
- Hand orientation: right-handed
- Dimensions: 45 x 7 x 19 inches
- Weight: 15.35lb
More features: active onboard preamp
The Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar comes with handy accessories to use with your acoustic-electric guitar. But first, let us look at what features are present in this model. The body of the instrument is comprised of mahogany. Mahogany is known to provide emphasis on high-end tones and it provides durability.
This is a right-handed six-string guitar. The strings used are made of steel, and thus you are assured of their strength. The solid spruce soundboard is fitted with an x-brace. The scalloped brace provides adequate support while playing.
For people who have small hands, fear not. This acoustic-electric guitar features an accessible neck that possesses fingerboard edges. This makes reaching the frets a simple process. The cutaway also makes easy access possible.
The guitar as promised comes with various accessories. These accessories include an instructional DVD, guitar strings, picks, string winders, a strap, digital clip-on tuner, and a polishing cloth. You can maintain your instrument with no looming expenses. It even comes with its carry case which is convenient. The Fishman Isys III System electronics will not disappoint you; the sound quality is something to look forward to.
- Features good electronics for good sound quality
- Comes with its carry case
- Has convenient accessories for daily use and maintenance
- Provides an accurate tuner
- Great instructional DVD
- Offers great value for money
- Strap provided looks cheap
Donner DAG-1E Electric Acoustic Guitar Package – Best Dreadnought Features
- Number of strings: 6
- Body material: laminated wood
- Neck material: mahogany
- Hand orientation: right-handed
- Dimensions: 42.5 x 20 x 6.5 inches
- Weight: 9.2lb
More features: built-in preamp, 3 band EQ, many accessories included
The Donner DAG-1E Electric Acoustic Guitar Package is another six-stringed instrument on offer. The body is made of laminate wood with a spruce top while the neck is comprised of African mahogany. The neck shape and dots inlay only serve to increase the quality of sound produced. The acoustic guitar produces a clear vibrant sound and is strong as well.
This 41-inch dreadnought model can adapt to various musical genres. With the built-in preamp, magnifying your sound will be easy. Together with that are a three-band equalizer and a die-cast tuner. These features are important when tweaking your acoustic-electric guitar to find the right sound. The equalizer needs one 9V lithium-ion battery to operate optimally.
The strings featured here are bronze. These are known to produce a bright, almost quirky sound. There are 20 frets available in this model.
Accessories are the cherry on top. This model is delivered together with guitar strings, capos, a polishing cloth, a gig bag, a strap and some picks for use. You also get a 30-day unconditional money back guarantee. If the product does not suit your needs, customer care will handle your issue.
- Produces a lovely sound
- Offers good value for money spent
- Comes with various accessories for use
- It can adapt to varied musical genres
- Provides comfortable playability
- Looks good and it is made of quality materials
- Features 20 frets with easy electronic controls
- Offers a 30-day money back guarantee
- Battery provided drains quickly
Best Choice Products Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar – Best Appearance
- Number of strings: 4
- Body material: mahogany
- Neck material: mahogany
- Hand orientation: right-handed
- Dimensions: 45.3 x 18.5 x 4.7 inches
- Weight: 6.61lb
More features: adjustable truss rod, 4-band equalizer, built-in volume control
The Best Choice Products Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar looks sleek and is quite merciful on your pocket. The right-handed acoustic guitar will make beautiful music regardless of its size. If you are left-handed, you are in luck. You can get a left-handed version. It only weighs 6.06 pounds which is light enough to dance around with. From beginners to seasoned players, this lightweight marvel makes good company.
Save time and concentrate your energy on producing good music. This acoustic-electric guitar needs no assembly. You need to tweak it to your liking. The black mahogany body looks good as you move like a master through the 22 fret rosewood fingerboard. The cutaway is present to offer some assistance as you move across the fretboard. Considering that it is a short scale bass, the bass emanating from it is quite the kick.
The acoustic-electric guitar comes with a few other surprises. It features inbuilt volume control and a 4-band equalizer. Using these features together with the die-cast chrome tuners will assist you to find your unique sound. It also comes with an adjustable truss rod to keep the tension of the strings perfect.
We don't always get what we want. Sometimes you need to sacrifice one thing for the other. Unfortunately, this model does not come with any accessories. You will have to be industrious and source for alternative accessories.
- Looks sleek and stylish
- Price is pocket-friendly
- Plays well when both plugged and unplugged
- Made from durable materials
- Produces a lovely bass
- Needs no assembly
- Tone needs tweaking around the 12th fret
- You need to purchase the accessories you need independently
- You may need to get better strings
Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar – Best Tuner Features
- Number of strings: 6
- Body material: Sitka spruce; mahogany
- Neck material: mahogany
- Hand orientation: right-handed
- Dimensions: 6.3 x 38.6 x 18.1 inches
- Weight: 8.3lb
More features: soft gig bag included, FSC Certified Richlite Fingerboard
The Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar is quite an impressive instrument. The six-string instrument is right-handed. If you are left-handed, then you need to find innovative ways to play the instrument. Methods such as reversing the strings are popular.
Speaking of this specific model, the construction materials are of good quality. The solid top body is fashioned of a Sitka spruce top with mahogany sides and back. The neck material is also made of mahogany. Both spruce and mahogany have durable characteristics and enhance a certain range of notes. As for the fingerboard, we are looking at a RichLite fingerboard escorted by an FSC certification.
Being an acoustic-electric model, it requires electronics. This model boasts of Fishman Sonitone Electronics. It features chrome tuners and an effective pickup. Things such as the pre-amp, volume and tone control are already present. This unit is delivered with a soft gig bag for mobility and storage. You can carry it to a campsite or travel with it for music on the move. It is not a large acoustic-electric guitar so it shouldn't be hard to carry.
- Made from durable materials and has a nice color
- Sound quality is good and bright
- Nice size, easy to travel with
- Features quality electronics for better sound control
- Perfect size for people with small hands
- It stays well-tuned once set
- Lacks an adjustable truss rod
- Extra accessories will need to be purchased
Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK – Best Sound Unplugged
- Number of strings: 6
- Body material: maple
- Neck material: maple
- Hand orientation: right-handed
- Dimensions: 43 x 22 x 7 inches
- Weight: 18.45lb
More features: amp in the box
The Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK is an 18.45-pound acoustic-electric guitar. It has six steel strings for you to strum. The strings are durable; therefore, they will not snap easily even when added tension is applied.
This model comes with a top and neck made from maple. The solid top acoustic guitar also features basswood sides and back. The fingerboard has a rosewood finish to provide smooth sailing even with sweaty fingers. If you look closer, you will notice a cutaway. The cutaway intends to provide easy access to the frets.
An amplifier has been provided with this model. It will have to be tweaked to get the desired effect. An equalizer and preamp are also included. The four-band equalizer will tune your music to the desired effect. Being that this is an acoustic-electric guitar, it needs batteries to operate. This one needs 9V batteries to perform optimally.
When you purchase this right-handed acoustic-electric guitar, you get a number of accessories to utilize. These accessories include a gig bag for portability, strings, digital clip-on tuner, 10W amplifier, picks, truss rod and a strap. Take advantage of the accessories and take your musical experience to a whole new level.
- Plays well when plugged or unplugged
- Affordable
- Comes with usable accessories
- Comfortable size and easy to play
- Comes with an amplifier
- Constructed of sturdy materials
- Quality of the gig bag could be better
- The amplifier needs improvement
Buying Guide
A bit of knowledge goes a long way in making things seem straightforward. As a lover of music understanding your instrument will play a big part in how you treat it. We all know the silent rule about touching other people's guitars without permission. There are other things that you can get familiar with, such as:
What is different about an acoustic-electric guitar?
To be honest, the major differences are simple. The normal acoustic guitar is not as loud as the acoustic-electric. The acoustic-electric guitar is a normal acoustic guitar fitted with functional electronics. These electronics (preamp and input) allow you to plug into an amplifier to make the sound louder. They also allow you to add some effects depending on the kind of music you are playing.
Features such as volume control and equalizers are never far behind. They are there to tune the music you are playing. You can record your music seeing to that the music sounds good even when amplified.
The other difference is present in the physical appearance. Many acoustic-electric guitars have cutaways. These cutaways are present to facilitate easier access to the upper frets of the guitar. They also affect the resonance and volume the guitar produces when played. You can still consider playing an electric guitar, but be ready to pay extra for a good-sounding instrument, as well as accessories. Even though some of the amplifiers can be found for under 200 and 300 dollars, as well as find the electric guitar under $1000.
Other features to consider
You might be curious as to which features in an acoustic-electric guitar enable the best sound. Each feature in the instrument has a specific function to carry out. The quality of these features is also as important in ensuring you get the best out of the instrument. Let us look at the different features.
Number and quality of strings
What is a string instrument without the strings? Absolutely nothing. The number and quality of strings are vital to the quality of sound produced. Poorly made strings will produce low-quality sound and affect playability.
When it comes to strings, you have two options. nylon or steel. Nylon strings are preferred for classical and flamenco styles. These strings produce a mellow tone that is distinct to the ear.
Steel strings are the standard nowadays in making acoustic-electric guitars. Depending on the composition, these steel strings produce a louder, brighter tone to the notes in play. Whether you want to play rock or dive into pop music, the secret is in the strings.
Steel strings are comprised of a core and outer section. The inner steel core is wound in different materials that produce different sound effects. The outer material may be any of these materials below:
- Bronze– Bronze strings are commonly comprised of 20% copper and 80% zinc. They produce a bright tone especially when brand new. The tone will become dull after some time thus needing replacement. These strings are vulnerable to oxidation due to their construction. They tend to wear out quickly leaving you with no other choice but to replace them.
- Steel and silk combo– For these, the concentration is on the bass wires. The steel and silk core is woven in a silver-plated copper wire. This gives the notes played a sweet and mellow sound. The bright overtones are hard to miss as you strum the low tension strings. They are easy on your fingers and durable.
- Phosphor bronze– These are bronze strings basking in the protection of phosphorous. These strings are resistant to corrosion caused by sweaty hands and elongate the life of the tone in the strings. The tone is certainly warmer but less bright compared to the bronze strings.
One also needs to be on the lookout for string gauges/thickness. String gauges present a wide range of light to heavy measurement wise. These gauges are measured in thousands of an inch. Lighter strings may start at .010 as the heavier strings can go up to .059. How light or thick the string is will affect the sound produced and playability.
Lighter springs are easier to play but tend to break more easily. Heavier strings need more finger pressure to strum but they produce a higher volume and sustain. Depending on the style of music you play, you can select light, medium or heavy strings.
Body and neck materials
The body of an acoustic-electric guitar can be created out of a wide range of materials. Some materials will produce a better tone than others while some are more durable than others. You can select whether to have a solid or laminate body/soundboard. Laminate tops that consist of several layers of wood stuck together do not produce musical notes that are as loud or rich as compared to the solid soundboards. They are however cheaper and make a great choice for beginners.
In some cases, you find that different woods have been used for different parts. This affects the overall tonal quality. The body of the guitar is crucial to the quality of sound produced. Here are some of the popular materials used:
- Rosewood is popular and wins favor for bridges and fingerboards. The wood provides complex overtones even when the bass is in play. It presents the right environment for adequate projection, cutting attacks and distinctive ringing tones.
- Koa emphasizes mid-range tones and offers a golden color that is distinct to it. Originally from Hawaii, the wood can be utilized to construct major parts of the body. It is quite costly though.
- Cedar is popular softwood that possesses a bright tone. Due to its quick response, it is more suited for classical or flamenco guitars soundboards. It can also be used for the back of the guitar and the sides.
- Mahogany is quite a dense wood and therefore expect a slow response. If mahogany is used for the soundboard, the sound produced will put more emphasis on the high-end tones. If you want to play the blues or some country music, this material makes good company. The Best Choice Products Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar is a good example of a mahogany model.
- Ebony makes excellent fret material. It is strong and offers a sleek feel for the player to enjoy.
- Maple produces a high sound that often puts more emphasis on the high-end notes. It has a low resonance which makes it a great addition to live band settings. Often, you will find this wood used on the back and on the sides.
- Spruce is lightweight but durable. The wood produces clarity and good resonance. It has become a standard in acoustic guitar tops. The range in color and distinct tones make it even more special.
- Walnut makes a good substitute if you have no mahogany around. It adapts well to emphasizing mid-range notes and projecting the top tones.
- Ovangkol is of African descent but is similar to rosewood. Usually integrated into the back and on the sides, the wood accentuates the mid-tones producing a well- rounded sound.
The neck is supposed to be strong. The material used should be able to support the guitar strings and the fretboard. In many cases, the neck is constructed with hard and dense woods. The harder the wood, the fewer vibrations are driven to the soundboard. Mahogany, maple and khaya are considered the best for the neck regions.
Let us not forget the fretboard. The material that creates the fretboard needs to be durable and facilitate easy playability. This is enabled by selecting a smooth material with adequate density. The denser the material, the lesser damage it will incur during various music sessions. Also, the denser the material, the fewer tones are absorbed into the soundboard. In many cases, the material used for fretboards is rosewood or ebony. Synthetic materials are also used see to it that the quality is not compromised.
Hand orientation
Choice is the spice of life. Not all of us are right-handed and therefore there is a need to make products for the left-handed people. In this case, you need to understand how to tell a right-handed from a left-handed acoustic-electric guitar.
You need to look at the thickness of the strings. Stand the guitar against the wall with the strings facing you. If the thicker/bass strings of the guitar are on your left and the treble/thinner strings on your right, then that is a right-handed guitar. If the bass/thicker strings are on your right and the treble/thinner strings are on the left, then that is a left-handed acoustic-electric guitar.
Dimensions and weight
The size and body type of your acoustic-electric guitar matters. It affects how comfortably you can play the instrument and the kind of sound produced. When you look at the guitar, it is clear to see how big the top/soundboard is. Naturally, the bigger the top/soundboard, the deeper and louder the notes become. Here are some common body shapes with their corresponding dimensions.
- Concert and grand concert
Concert acoustic guitars have been around for some centuries. They usually measure around 13-1/2 inches and are thought to offer the perfect balance. Volume, comfort, shape, and size come together to offer the player a strainless experience. When using these concert acoustic guitars expect to hear a bright sound and experience a midrange with a bit of a kick.
Grand concert style acoustic guitars are a bit louder and bigger than the concert-style acoustic guitars. Size wise they measure around 14 to 14.25 inches and are good at emphasizing the mid-range notes.
- Jumbo
It is all in the name. Jumbo acoustic guitars are big. Like the general rule indicates the wider the soundboard, the deeper the sound. This loud instrument is hard to miss with the deep base seeping everywhere.
- Dreadnought
The dreadnought is the versatile one of the group. It blends in well in different music genres. Named after an English warship, the guitar features rounded shoulders. The body is designed to bond with the neck around the 14th fret. It makes a comfortable one to play and the volume is adequate for clear audibility. One such example is the Donner DAG-1E Electric Acoustic Guitar or the Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar.
- Parlour
These are the tiny acoustic guitars you see your favorite indie or folk artists use. These smaller sized acoustic guitars are comfortable to play and portable. You will notice that in most parlour guitars the neck joins the body around the 12th fret.
- Grand auditorium and auditorium
If the parlour and the dreadnought had a baby, it would probably be the auditorium acoustic guitar. Sometimes referred to as an "orchestra" body, it provides a perfect balance of comfort and balance. The wider bottom and tiny waist make it a sweetheart when strumming for some folk music.
Smaller guitars are bound to weigh less than larger acoustic guitars. Finding the right guitar size for your body size is crucial for comfort. Ensure that the width of the neck corresponds well with the width of your hand. Struggling to get to the frets is rather frustrating.
Built-in preamp
Acoustic-electric guitars have preamps and equalizers installed to enable you to tweak your sound. Some models come with pre-set effects to emulate legendary songs. These amps can be installed inside the instrument itself while others are mounted in the sound hole. It is possible to get models that have tuners, equalizers, microphone, piezo pickups and the preamp included. The quality of electronics affects how long they last so be careful. Cheap, in the end, becomes expensive.
What is in the box?
The acoustic-electric guitars need accessories. There are accessories intended for maintenance and others for regular use. In your case, you are likely to find, a gig bag, guitar strings, capos, guitar picks, polishing cloths, guitar straps, stand, and tuners among many more. Read the product description of the model you want to buy. This is to see if you will get all the accessories you need before purchasing. The Martin LX1E Acoustic Guitar provides a gig bag for you to carry your acoustic-electric guitar around.
How to take care of your acoustic-electric guitar?
Taking care of your guitar should be part of your routine. Look at the few pointers provided to make sure that your acoustic-electric guitar stays in tip-top shape.
- It is a good idea to keep your instrument in a case. It will keep it away from dust and prevent impact damage.
- Cleaning the guitar after every use will maintain your guitar's appearance.
- Use the appropriate cleaning cloth to avoid damaging sensitive surfaces.
- If you are using any cleaning liquid, the chemicals used should be safe to the particular surface in question.
- Tighten any loose screws or bolts.
- Replace old strings with appropriate new ones as soon as they wear out or snap.
Once in a while, you can take a dust blower to remove pent-up dust on the inside.
Fortunately, the industry standards support product compatibility. All of the above acoustic-electric guitars work well with Rocksmith. Millions of players plug in and play away. Whether you want a model such as the Best Choice Products Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar or the Yamaha FG800, the choice is completely yours.
Are you looking for a model with a built-in preamp? You are in luck! The Glen Burton GA204BCO-BK or the Donner DAG-1E Electric Acoustic Guitar Package would make a good choice. They are both reasonably priced and provide good features for you to enjoy.
A carry case is convenient for storage and transporting your acoustic-electric guitar. The Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a good example of such a model. It also possesses dependable electronics and a wide range of accessories. For simple interaction with the acoustic-electric guitar, an instructional video is not far from reach.
Our Verdict
The marketplace is there to cater to everyone's needs. It is possible to get the exact features you need in an acoustic-electric guitar. Out of the 8 products, our opinion is that the Yamaha FG800 is the best all around. This lightweight dreadnought model is made of nice materials, and the sound can morph into any genre you like. It is also not that costly.
For budget considerations, the Jameson Guitars Full Size Thinline Acoustic-Electric Guitar is not a bad choice. It produces quality notes while maintaining a good structure. It is equipped with accessories for use do there is no excuse as to why this comfortable instrument is cast aside.
The Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic/Electric Guitar Player Package gets a mention for various reasons. It provides good value for money, and it can blend into different musical genres. The amp provided and quality accessories make the instrument even more endearing. The strings provided are dependable, and if they wear out, replacements are near.
Well, that is it for now. We hope we have helped with your mission to enjoy musical bliss. Catch you next time!


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How Employees Handle Conflict
The natural tendencies of many individuals and other group dynamics can hinder a leader's ability to be effective in resolving conflict in the group setting. The leader must take the time to observe and then rectify specific behaviors that interfere with conflict resolution.
When problems and issues arise, many individuals have a natural tendency to avoid friction. When that is not possible, they seek to remain uninvolved in its resolution.
Employees may be forced to be part of a group charged with solving a problem, but these individuals are often not happy about it. The fight-or-flight response takes over, and even if they are physically present, they have mentally left the conflict.
When problems do occur leaders must ensure that all viewpoints and perspectives are heard and all alternatives explored. Techniques can be utilized to ensure that all members of the group are included in both the discussion and crafting of an acceptable solution.
Leaders can look for specific behavior patterns in order to determine how employees handle conflict. These patterns may be nonverbal and not readily apparent, but a careful examination will help leaders spotlight the behaviors impeding conflict resolution and enable them to address and rectify the situation.
Related: Is Conflict Destructive to Your Organization?
Such an examination includes looking at:
The first behavioral patterns leaders need to explore are the alternatives that are considered when solving a problem in the group setting. Problems can present themselves and additional conflicts can be created if employees tend to consider only a few potential alternatives.
If leaders observe these patterns, they must engage the group in brainstorming techniques that explore all possible avenues toward resolution. This action fosters creative thinking within the group and provides innovative solutions to eliminate the causes of conflict.
Within some groups, the smoothing and avoiding approach to conflict resolution is predominant, resulting in areas of agreement being overemphasized while leaving areas of disagreement unexplored. This deficiency allows the situation to fester and explode into a bigger problem down the road.
When leaders observe this pattern, they must shift the group's emphasis to balance areas of agreement with disagreement. All aspects must be fully examined and the alternatives considered before the problem can be adequately resolved.
Leaders need to observe how members respect individual disagreement, as group norms may keep any discordance from being voiced. In other situations, individuals who convey disagreement may be ridiculed, bullied or intimidated so that it is not taken seriously or considered by the group.
Leaders must ensure that all members of the group have an open and equal opportunity to voice any problems they might have and offer valid points and perspectives. Any attempt to quiet opposition will create additional conflict and deeper problems.
Related: The Challenge of Handling Conflict
There are many criteria that a group can consider in establishing agreement among its members. Some will use a majority vote, while others will arrive at a consensus before moving forward. Some group norms interpret a lack of opposition as agreement.
Leaders should shift the group toward a consensus where all viewpoints are both voiced and considered. All members of the group must be included, especially those who may be reluctant to say anything. Only in this fashion will all viewpoints, options or alternatives be considered.
In several conflict resolution modes, leaders should be watchful for members "stumping" for a specific viewpoint or perspective rather than inquiring about the potential alternatives available to the group.
Additionally, leaders can observe how actively members listen to each other's perspectives and whether or not the members respect the input of all individuals. These clues help the leader determine the group's openness to alternative perspectives.
Leaders must ensure that all perspectives are voiced and respected. The advocacy of one point of view without a full exploration of the facts and all possible solutions should not be tolerated.
The participation of individual members, their reactions to the group setting, and their involvement with specific issues should be carefully observed. Leaders should pay attention to whether members are apathetic, frustrated, defensive, warm or enthusiastic.
Each of these emotional states will impact both conflict resolution and problem solving. Apathy, frustration and defensive postures can result in faulty or unresolved solutions that will lead to subsequent issues.
Leaders should meet with each employee displaying negative personal attributes in order to determine the causes of their attitudes. In some cases, these attributes can surface because conflict and disagreement are not tolerated. Individuals may feel that their opinions are not respected or wanted. Such difficulties must be addressed if the group is to be effective.
Related: Conflict Turns Decision Making Upside Down
The final area that leaders must monitor closely is the interaction of individual members within the group environment. Some of these factors have already been discussed, including individuals who are overly nice and polite and emote only positive feelings.
Group members might too readily agree with one another while suppressing their true thoughts. This indicates that the group is in a destructive conflict resolution mode where suppression dominates and the status quo is maintained.
Leaders who observe these clues must intervene in meetings and take the initiative in order to draw out the true feelings and perspectives of the group. They can effectively do this by using open-ended questions that operate until satisfactory responses are obtained.
Excerpt: Conflict Resolution: Pinpoint Leadership Skill Development Training Series by Timothy Bednarz (Majorium Business Press, Stevens Point, WI 2011)
Timothy F. Bednarz, Ph.D. | Author | Publisher | Majorium Business Press
Author of Great! What Makes Leaders Great: What They Did, How They Did It and What You Can Learn From It (Finalist – 2011 Foreword Reviews' Book of the Year)
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Copyright © 2012 Timothy F. Bednarz, All Rights Reserved
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