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Backed by software and automation, equipment suppliers reveal new machines and entire production lines designed to take much of the hard labor out of manufacturing mattresses
Always on the lookout for ways to improve the efficiency, safety, productivity and ergonomics of today's mattress- and pillow-making operations, machinery makers introduced a range of innovative machinery and software solutions at ISPA EXPO 2018 March 14-16 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
There was plenty of new software for streamlining plant operations and for making complex equipment easier to maintain and operate. In fact, a significant number of innovations in manufacturing equipment were about replacing hand labor with automation.
Many factors, not the least of which is aging workers who are dealing with heavier finished products, have caused machinery makers to pay closer attention to the ergonomics associated with production processes. Equipment makers are seeking to lighten the load for those who labor on the plant floor, while, at the same time, reducing their customers' exposure to workers' compensation issues. Machinery vendors say they also are working more closely with bed makers on ways to improve production flow in general.
For instance, on many plant floors, conveyors and lift-and-place mechanisms are playing a bigger role as producers look for new ways to automate the movement of work in progress.
And de-skilling manufacturing processes continues to be a hot topic among machinery makers whose customers struggle to find and hang onto plant personnel in a tight labor market.
"We're working hard to come up with new machinery that either eliminates labor or greatly reduces the skill level of the operators," says Paul Block, president of sales for Global Systems Group, the machinery division of Carthage, Missouri-based Leggett & Platt Inc. "Producers are finding it harder and harder to find qualified seamstresses and people who are experienced at tape-edging, so we're developing innovative machines to handle those sorts of tasks. Our goal is to design machines that are easy to run, so new operators can be trained quickly, and, with minimal assistance, the machines do most of the work."
Here's a roundup of some of the new equipment and technology on the cutting edge of mattress manufacturing that were showcased at this year's ISPA EXPO.
Innovative technology
Atlanta Attachment Co. debuted the HSView system at ISPA EXPO. It's one example of how the power of technology can be put to use to improve workflow. An inventory management system, HSView uses a series of hand-held scanners, together with radio frequency identification tags, to offer manufacturers improved tracking of inventory, including raw materials, in-process production and finished goods. HSView tags do not have to be visible for scanning, and the tags can store more data than traditional bar coding, according to the company.
"HSView offers improved accuracy in inventory management, production and overall operations by giving workers total visibility on where items are," says Hank Little, president of Atlanta Attachment, HSM's Lawrenceville, Georgia-based machinery and parts division. "The system lowers labor costs, both direct and administrative, and also improves productivity by reducing the time required to log and manage components automatically as they move from raw materials, work in progress, finished goods and shipping."
Stopping a production line to count inventory is no longer required, Little adds, as HSView's RFID technology "can automatically record inventory data with a hand-held scanner as you walk through the plant scanning specific areas instead of individual items."
Little adds that HSM's supply locations can help customers manage RFID tagging, encoding and data management for tracking and replenishment of innersprings, foam and other components. The system works in tandem with Atlanta Attachment's Shop Floor Control, a comprehensive system for managing production tracking, quality control, machine parts tracking, and shipping and receiving workflow.
At ISPA EXPO 2018, the company also debuted the new 1353LFHL Large Field Handle & Label Tacker that enables operators to rapidly transition from one border design to another as tools are changed and the bar code automatically is scanned when clamped into place. The system is capable of storing 200 different patterns.
"Today, more and more bed producers are changing styles very quickly," Little says. "Together with the new active scanning technology presented on the model 3200P Border Measuring Workstation, the transition from one style to another takes only seconds with the hand-held bar code scanner, and mistakes that come from manually inputting data are eliminated." Atlanta Attachment is implementing this technology on other machines as well, Little adds.
Quilting creativity
At GSG, the big news at ISPA EXPO 2018 was the Spectrum high-speed quilter from Gribetz International. Originally previewed at the 2017 Interzum Cologne show, the Spectrum is a unique, multihead quilting machine that uses newly developed Gribetz engineering to independently operate 15 individual sewing needles. Each computer-controlled head is turned on or off automatically as determined by pattern requirements. Heads can sew at speeds up to 1400 rpm.
"The speed is phenomenal, and so is the design flexibility," Block says. "You can be as creative as you want—creating more unique shapes and patterns for each quilt panel—without having to change needles or use multiple machines for different designs. With Spectrum, producers will save both time and space."
Since time-consuming needle setting changes are not required with the Spectrum, zones can be created easily throughout the quilt panel. Differing patterns can be intermixed throughout the panel so the resulting combination of quilted patterns and negative space that surrounds them can produce different levels of support and comfort across the quilted surface.
In concert with Spectrum's rollout, GSG launched a new marketing campaign to promote "ploofy," stitched-together Qwilt|Bilt beds as an alternative to plain knit covers. "Smooth mattresses have become such a big part of the industry that it's hard to distinguish one brand from another," Block says. "Qwilt|Bilt covers can be personalized in thousands of ways, creating differentiation for the brand and curb appeal for the consumer."
Block adds that Qwilt|Bilt beds also require less glue and foam.
To improve the ergonomics of flange operations, GSG debuted the EST-501 ErgoSmart Table with a popular belt-drive sewing head. Developed by its Porter International division and shown at 2017 Interzum Cologne, the table features a foot pedal that enables an operator to move the work surface up and down for optimal comfort. Equipped with a new Galkin X-5 sewing head for belt-driven versions or the standard PFM-4000 flange head, the EST-501 is designed to reduce operator fatigue, simplify training and improve the quality of mattress panels, Block says. "Any operator can create cookie-cutter panels of consistent quality all day long with minimal effort," he says.
In addition, some GSG customers are adopting cell manufacturing setups so that instead of operators having to manually move quilted panels to the next station, "the operators stay in one place and conveyors automatically move the next batch of work to them and take the finished work away," Block says.
Packaging power
Recognizing that some boxed-bed producers fold their mattresses before rolling and packing, Dolphin Pack Srl introduced a new machine at ISPA EXPO designed specifically for this purpose. Its new Roller for Folded Mattresses machine features a reinforced structure designed for larger beds, including tall and high-density models.
"If a customer always folds a mattress before rolling it up, it makes no sense to use a machine designed for an 8-foot width," says Davide Zaninelli, owner of the Affi, Italy-based company.
The machine also features an inner rolling area that allows for a more precise diameter regulation.
Dolphin Pack's new roll-pack machine uses film for a more secure closing of the rolled-up mattress. Because this film sticks to itself, it avoids the need of a sealing bar, and the consequent risk that the package will open before the wrapping is complete.
Atlanta Attachment showcased a new Engineered Co-Ex polyethylene film for use on its Auto-Pac, Roll-Pac and manual packaging machines. Available in thicknesses ranging from 1.75 to 2.5 millimeters, compared with 3 to 4.5 millimeters for standard PE wraps, Atlanta Attachment's new film is made with three bonded layers that offer exceptional tear and puncture resistance, superior tensile strength and a high level of clarity. The product's strength means that less film weight is required to protect mattresses, reducing costs and the volume of waste after the film is discarded by the end user.
The film features a perforated seal that enables the package to be opened by tearing rather than having to use scissors or a knife.
Atlanta Attachment also introduced the 1306T Mattress Topper Packaging machine. It is designed specifically to wrap rolled mattress toppers for easy shipment.
Also drawing strong interest at ISPA EXPO 2018 was Atlanta Attachment's new 1354-950 Thermo-Label Transfer Machine. The machine uses reel-to-reel technology to transfer thermo labels to woven and nonwoven border materials, saving the time and expense required to embroider similar patterns by hand. A photo-sensory locating control provides optimal accuracy for positioning labels, and the change-out time for tool and die replacement is kept to a minimum.
"Our Thermo-Label Transfer Machine is simple and safe," Little says. "A design that might take 30 minutes to an hour to embroider takes only about 10 seconds with this machine."
Another timesaver that Atlanta Attachment featured at the show was the 1332FTS Foundation Truss Stapler. This machine automates the production of truss rails for wood foundations, greatly reducing time and labor. With the 1332FTS machine, the operator simply selects the desired truss size via a touch screen, sets the rail hopper widths, and loads the rail and block hoppers. The operator then presses the start button to initiate an automated machine cycle, which includes gluing and stapling.
"This machine can build six trusses a minute," Little says. "It only requires one operator, rather than two, and requires much less lifting and handling. The ergonomics of the process are so much better."
Integration and automation
At C3 Corp., the featured introduction at this year's ISPA EXPO was the new PD5496 Automatic Destacking System. Designed to automate the labor-intensive process of line-feeding lamination machines, the PD5496 minimizes operator product handling, increases throughput and production consistency on the lamination line, and reduces pedestrian and forklift traffic to and from lamination, says Mark DesJardin, who works in new business development. The machine is a key element in a new, highly automated, complete manufacturing system engineered by C3. The system is set up and available for viewing at C3's Appleton, Wisconsin, headquarters, which a group of bedding producers toured following the show.
"Having our destacker at EXPO provided a good opportunity to begin a conversation on the larger topic of integration and automation," DesJardin says. "We followed up our EXPO showing with an additional event at our Wisconsin facility, so that producers could see how all of our advanced systems work together." At the C3 plant, eight of the company's machines are set up as they would be for production, with sheets of foam moving through the key stages of lamination, storage, trimming and roll packaging.
C3 was founded in 1994 by Joe Van de Hey, and its line for the bedding industry has grown to include a wide range of equipment, including lamination machines; conveying, pushing, flipping and destacking systems; a trimming line; and folding, bagging and packaging machines. All of the machines are made at the company's U.S. facility.
"The destacker is one example of the deeper work we've been doing with system integration and modular design—all to improve production efficiencies for where a manufacturer is today," DesJardin says. "Our focus is on building equipment that will scale as production increases. Since our designs are modular, a producer can start with only a single machine for their current setup, then add more machines to grow into a more fully integrated system over time."
With all of its machinery, C3 constantly is on the lookout for ways to improve the production process for its customers, the company says. The new destacking system is a good example of that engineering mindset "since it takes a process that typically involves a lot of hand lifting of foam and automates it," DesJardin adds.
With skilled labor at a premium, producers view automation as an increasingly important tool for attaining a competitive edge, according to DesJardin. "They see the advantages in terms of quality and consistency," he says. "But, at the same time, they want their new machines to be adaptable, so that they can respond to market changes and not be locked into making just one type of bed. With a 'plug and play' modular system like ours, they have that flexibility.'
A new sourcing option
Another company that has expanded its line to include a full range of integrated bed-making machinery is Jumpsource, a supplier of original-quality OEM and custom replacement parts for the bedding industry. Based in Delray Beach, Florida, with offices in Shanghai and Suzhou, China, Jumpsource was founded in 2000 by Michael Porter Sr., the former owner of sewing machine producer Porter International, which Porter sold to Leggett & Platt in 1999.
Porter and his sons, Sam Porter and Michael Porter Jr., are expanding Jumpsource's mission to include a new line of imported, value-priced production machinery called Sigma. The initial line, which made its formal debut at ISPA EXPO, features 24 pieces of equipment, including flangers, serger systems, border machines, label attachment machines, binder machines, tape-edge systems and roll-packing machines. All of the machines are manufactured at Jumpsource's joint venture partner factory in China.
"We've taken classic designs that my father developed in the past and updated them with new features and materials to meet the needs of today's producers," says Michael Porter Jr., vice president of sales.
"Just like we do with our parts, we're offering bedding producers an alternative source for quality machinery that's priced much lower than what's currently available," Porter says.
"We're doing all of the R&D for Sigma in the U.S., then working with our own factory in China to produce the equipment. Our mission is to produce innovative new machines along with improved versions of the industry's standard machines," he says.
This approach, Porter says, provides customers with "all of the benefits of outsourcing along with the advantages of working collaboratively with an American company every step of the way." Jumpsource has a team of skilled technicians in place to help clients install, maintain and service the Sigma equipment, Porter adds.
Lamination and drying solutions
In the lamination and drying arena, GSG featured two new machines from Quarrata, Italy-based Quarrata Forniture, one of its European partners. Rollflex is a new sensor-controlled roll-coat adhesive machine. The machine uses laser sensors to assess the contours of material passing through, determining the exact amount of water-based glue to apply for the specific foam layers being laminated, regardless of area and product depth. This reduces glue waste, drying time and cleanup, according to GSG. Parameters are controlled via a full-color touch-screen interface.
The Rollflex can be combined with a mattress press and the Sahara infrared dryer—also new from Quarrata—to form an integrated glue line. The Sahara uses infrared heat to eliminate excess moisture from the glued surface, enabling the glued unit to move through production faster because no air drying is necessary. The infrared heat lamps automatically cycle on and off as a glued unit passes through the machine.
Quarrata also offers conveyors to connect the workstations.
In addition, GSG introduced the five-layer Strata material laminator from Gribetz. This machine is designed for producers who want to laminate their own borders and mattress covers with ticking or FR backing rather than relying on outside suppliers.
Atlanta Attachment's new 1967-AX-IR Infrared Curing Oven, also part of a complete laminating product line, is designed for just-in-time production. According to the company, the IR heat lamp arrays are positioned for optimization over the foam plates, producing a high-quality finished product with maximum efficiency. A sensor detects the temperature of the glue and adjusts the power of the lamps to maintain proper temperature for the entire surface of the plates. The process cuts glue time way down, Little says, reducing both labor and storage costs.
Tape-edge enhancements
Louisville, Kentucky-based D.R. Cash Inc. added a new motorized carriage reposition feature to its Model DTE17 Tape Edge Machine that will help eliminate manual pushing and pulling of the carriage, says Amy Cash, owner and president. Operators can use the new joystick to reposition the carriage, improving accuracy and productivity. Carriage speed also is adjustable via a control box.
The design of D.R. Cash's tape-edge machine also has been updated with sealed, dust-tight carriage electronics.
"Mattress factories can be a very dusty environment, so sealing electronics is very important," Cash says. "In addition, we have made maintenance on this machine very easy by designing it with a V-belt drivetrain—no round endless belts—and easy access electrical components. Last, our tabletops are powder coated for a long-lasting finish."
The tape-edge machine is manufactured in D.R. Cash's Louisville factory. "This is an American-made, affordable machine that exceeds modern standards," Cash says.
Foam convoluting and cutting
Responding to customer requests, Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Edge-Sweets Co. has added two new machines to its lineup of U.S.-made products. The Model C-RSS Convoluter, designed to split flexible and rigid foam slabs, includes a specially designed quick-change feature that makes changeover from one style of convoluting pattern to another simpler, reducing production time.
The second product—the VPX Vertical Profile Saw—is a patent-pending machine for cutting flexible polyurethane foams and nonwoven fiber products. The VPX can be set up as a standalone machine or configured to function in an automated foam-cutting line. Available in two sizes, the VPX is 40% smaller than ESCO's previous model, freeing up valuable floor space on plant floors. The machine is controlled via a PC-based terminal which, when equipped with ESCO's nesting software, enables operators to quickly create high-yield layouts with very little raw materials scrap—and very little effort, according to Rick Seely, executive vice president.
"Producers are looking for two things in their automatic cutting systems: Hands-off manufacturing and simplicity of operation," he says. "In other words, they want automation, but they want the machine to be as easy to run as possible, so that changeovers from one design to another are smooth and quality is consistent and repeatable."
Later this year, ESCO plans to update its automatic vertical saw and introduce one additional machine, a heavy-duty convoluter. "It's been a long time coming," Seely says. "The standard convoluter has a 6-inch opening. Our new machine is going to have a much larger opening so it can handle bigger foam rolls."
Albrecht Bäumer GmbH & Co. also has tackled raw materials waste reduction and foam-cutting efficiency with new Mattress Nest software, for use with horizontal contour foam-cutting machines. The system imports order data at the start of every day and then sorts orders automatically according to the quantities and qualities of foam needed. The materials for different mattresses that can be cut out of short-block or long-block foam are then nested automatically. Cutting for contour and length is conducted as one continuous process.
The system integrates with existing networked machinery. It also can be used with a larger, highly efficient cutting machine recently introduced by Bäumer, based in Freudenberg, Germany, with the U.S. division, Bäumer of America, in Towaco, New Jersey.
Until now, daily foam cutting for mattress production has had to be planned manually, according to Bäumer. The efficiency and quality of the process can vary greatly from operator to operator. This inconsistency results in production slowdowns and unnecessary warehousing of extra materials.
With Mattress Nest, foam cutting can be performed more accurately by planning an entire day's production flow, or even multiple days, at one time. Less staff time is required for planning the day's work and, while manual intervention during the cutting operation is possible, it's not necessary.
"Getting the most out of every block of foam is not easy, even for experienced specialists," says Volker Czymek, senior project manager. "It's hard to keep track of all the details. Mattress Nest allows operators to combine orders intelligently at the push of a button. Orders can be processed much quicker, shortening the time between order and delivery. And because the system lets you cut many different sizes and shapes of mattresses all from one single block of any length, the amount of wasted foam is reduced substantially."
Pillow talk
Card Clothing Services Inc., a Huntley, Illinois-based producer of fiber opening, cushion and pillow filling equipment, expanded its line at ISPA EXPO with the new ProLoft 1000 pillow-filling system. The new system will open (fluff out) most polyester fibers nearly 100% and fill pillow shells at a rate of 1,000 pounds per hour, says Scott Webb, vice president. The ProLoft 1000 also is able to process very fine 0.9 microdenier fibers up through coarser 15 or 25 denier fibers. The improved fiber opening can be used by producers to help reduce overall raw material costs.
In addition, CCS also exhibited new equipment from two European partners—Borsoi Group, a Vittorio Veneto, Italy-based producer of the Alan Pillow preweighed pillow and comforter filling system, and ACG Kinna Automatic, a Skene, Sweden-based manufacturer of automated pillow and comforter closing, folding and packaging systems. CCS is the exclusive North American representative for both companies. As a group, CCS and its associated companies offer a total "bale to box" automated solution to the comforter and bedding industries, Webb says.
Borsoi's latest Alan Pillow system uses robots to insert the empty pillow shell into the filling machine and then transfer the filled pillow for closing. The Alan Pillow system can handle 15 to 18 pillows per minute, or 900 to 1,080 fillings per hour, with no downtime for material loading.
ACG Kinna Automatic's KA165 Pillow Closing machine, also on display at ISPA EXPO, reduces labor by automatically sewing pillows closed and leveling the polyester in the pillow shells, then stacking, bagging, rolling, compressing, sealing and boxing the finished pillows. Output ranges from 10 to 15 pillows per minute, depending on the stitch type and equipment configuration.
Also making major introductions in the pillow-making machinery category at ISPA EXPO was Brighi Tecnologie Italia s.n.c., based in Forlì, Italy. The company showed two new machines— the latest configuration of its preweighing Blowing System and the Easy Stitch Automated Sewing System for pillows.
Marketed as MAC3, MAC4 and MAC6, depending on the number of scales featured, Brighi's new Blowing System automatically preweighs the fill weight of a pillow and then blows the filling material into the shell. The system works with virtually any type of filler, including fiber, microfiber, feathers and blends.
"Our MAC Blowing Systems are designed to manage not just the weight but also the different characteristics and peculiarities of these materials that can impact the accuracy and speed of the weighing process, such as static charge," says Matteo Tagliaferri, export sales manager. The system "unskills" the weighing process because the machine handles the weight check, improving accuracy and productivity, and reducing labor costs. "There's also no waste or spills," he says.
The new Easy Stitch Automated System, Brighi's other show introduction, delivers consistent and accurate pillow stitching for production uniformity, Tagliaferri says.
The machine can handle all types of fabrics, including nonwovens, poly-cottons and microfibers, and requires no specialized sewing training to operate.
Easy Stitch can be equipped with a patented system for sewing care labels that is compliant with U.S. law.


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Pedagogy in the 21st Century
Text Sets to push the Canon.
Jane Eyre Reading Ladder
by Lea Ann Blake
Lea Ann Blake CIED 4313
Jane Eyre Reading Ladder
12th Grade
Theme: Head vs. Heart: How Our Culture Shapes Our Values
Lee, A. (Director). (1995). Sense and Sensibility [Motion picture on DVD]. U.S.A.: Columbia Pictures and Tristar Home Video.
This movie is based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name. The movie follows Elinor, the reasonable sister, and Marianne, the emotional sister, as they navigate their change in fortunes after their father's death. Both fall in love with unavailable men, but react in opposite ways to their circumstances. The sisters face off on whether or not one should express one's feelings enthusiastically or reign in their emotions for the sake of social decorum.
I put this movie first in order to establish both the basic themes and the historical time period, which we would be focusing on. Sense and Sensibility the novel was written in 1811, whereas Jane Eyre was written in 1847. The movie shows the strict decorum that was expected of young ladies at the time, the position of women in society, and their limited options.
Jane Eyre is described as being cold looking. She is restrained in her movements and actions and yet speaks with passion: "The flame flickers in the eye; the eye shines like dew; it looks soft and full of feeling," but "The forehead declares, 'Reason sits firm and holds the reins" (Bronte, 226-7). All the major movements in the novel are based on Jane's choices, which are influenced by her circumstances at the time. Jane seems to be a combination of Elinor and Marianne, and I felt it would be easier for students to distinguish between the two extremes by analyzing two people with distinct qualities instead of one person, whose traits contradict each other.
Compare student conclusions to Jane's:
"Feeling without judgment is a washy draught indeed; but judgment untempered by feeling is too bitter and husky a morsel for human deglutition" (Bronte, 266).
Green, Alison. (2013). "6 Career Myths You Shouldn't Fall For." U.S. News: Money. Retrieved from: http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2013/01/07/6-career- myths-you-shouldnt-fall-for
This article argues against following impractical dreams. According to the author, just getting a college degree won't guarantee you a job, following your passion won't lead you to money, starting a business is difficult and not for everyone, having a major in something won't lead you to a career in it automatically, and grad school may lead to more debt and not necessarily get you a better job.
I put this second, so I could immediately reveal how the passion vs. reason debate relates to the students' lives. This lesson plan is for seniors, and they will be getting conflicting messages from all different sources about how to plan their futures. Each of these sources gives advice based on the advisor's values. In this case, the advisor values security over creative fulfillment, for example. Students must learn to examine the context in which they are given messages. They must ask themselves: does this match with my personal values?
Compare to Jane:
"Which is better? –To have surrendered to temptation; listened to passion; made no painful effort—no struggle. . .to have been now living in France, Mr. Rochester's mistress . . . What am I saying; and, above all, feeling? Whether is it better, I ask to be a slave in a fool's paradise at Marseille--fevered with delusive bliss one hour--suffocating with the bitterest tears of remorse and shame the next--or to be a village schoolmistress, free and honest, in a breezy mountain nook in the healthy heart of England?" (Bronte, 402).
Pradhan, Nihar. (2013). "Romanticism vs. Realism." Retrieved from: https://nrpin.wordpress.com/2013/12/28/romanticism-vs-realism/
This is a blog post, which puts in simple terms the definitions of romanticism and realism and how they relate to the changes that were occurring in the 19th century, which is the same century in which Jane Eyre is written.
I wanted to put Jane Eyre within a larger literary context. I want to show students that the choices that are considered "correct" in one novel are dependent upon what society at large considered valuable at the time in which it was written.
"ROMANTICISM vs. REALISM" (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://webs.anokaramsey.edu/stankey/eng2230/docs2230/romantic/romretbl.htm
ROMANTICISM vs. REALISM
Romanticism 1820-1865
Realism 1865 - 1914
Characters may be "larger than life" -- e.g. Rip Van Winkle, Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, Natty Bumppo, Ralph Hepdurn, Bartleby
Characters resemble ordinary people -- e.g. Huck Finn, Editha, Frederick Winterbourne, Daisy Miller, Sylvia, Louisa, Edna Pontellier
Plot contains unusual events, mystery, or high adventure -- e.g. Poe's stories, Melville's Typee
Plot is developed with ordinary events and circumstances
Ending is often happy
Ending might be unhappy
The language is often "literary" (inflated, formal, etc.)
Writer uses ordinary speech and dialect - - common vernacular (the everyday language spoken by a people)
Settings often made up; if actual settings are used, the focus is on the exotic, strange, mysterious -- e.g. Melville's Marquesas islands (S. Pacific), Cooper's woods and frontier, Poe's gothic chambers
Settings actually exist or have actual prototypes
Writer is interested in history or legend - - e.g. Irving, Poe
Writer is interested in recent or contemporary life
I felt a comparison table would help clarify the previous article. This will also give students a visual study aid to use while reading Jane Eyre.
Compare to Jane Eyre:
"'Jane! Jane! Jane!' nothing more. 'Oh God! what is it?' I gasped.
I might have said, 'Where is it' for it did not seem in the room--not in the house--nor in the garden . . . And it was the voice of a human being--a known, loved, well-remembered voice—that of Edward Fairfax Rochester" (467).
Bronte, Charlotte. (1847). Jane Eyre. London, England. Penguin Group.
An orphan, Jane Eyre begins life as a dependent within her Aunt Reed's house. There, she is treated cruelly until a kind doctor asks her if she would like to live elsewhere. He makes a recommendation of school to her Aunt Reed, who chooses the cheapest, harshest school she can find because she hates Jane. The strict religious institution she was sent to eventually becomes tolerable once the conditions were made public. Jane remains at school and eventually becomes a teacher there. Then she decides to go on her own to Thornfield, where she becomes a governess to a young girl. She falls in love with Mr. Rochester, who loves her back. He asks Jane to marry him without telling her that he is already married to a madwoman, who has been causing mysterious happenings throughout Jane's stay there. Jane leaves him in the dead of night, with no money, and is at the point of death when she comes across the doorstep of who we will eventually find out are her long-lost poor relations. Her relation St. John asks her to marry him, not because he loves her, but because her temperament is suited to a missionary work. She refuses to marry without love, and hears the cry from miles away of the pained Mr. Rochester. She returns to him and learns that his wife died in a fire, which made him blind and one-armed, and they marry, and live happily ever after.
I put this in the middle of the ladder instead of the end because I have some texts that enhance the reading if given beforehand and others that will refer back to the reading.
Zeffirelli, Franco. (Director). (1996). Jane Eyre. [Motion Picture on DVD]. U.S.A. Miramax.
The plot is the same as the novel.
I would use excerpts of this to clarify any plot confusion as needed by the students. I put the movie excerpts after the reading because I find knowing what is going to happen often inhibits reading motivation for me. I like the discovery. Plus, during the reading, we will reflect on the various choices Jane makes, and I would like students to reflect on what they would do in that situation without knowing the consequences of the action beforehand, as that will cloud their judgment.
Bird, Beverly. (n.d.). "How to File for Divorce When Your Spouse is Mentally Ill." Retrieved from: http://info.legalzoom.com/file-divorce-spouse-mentally-ill-20467.html
This article details the potential obstacles of divorcing your spouse on the grounds of insanity.
"If you file on grounds of insanity or mental illness, and if your spouse is not capable of
working, your state might require you to pay for his support permanently after your divorce. There could be a great deal at stake, depending on the severity of your spouse's illness, so speak with an attorney before you begin your divorce proceedings and bring the situation to the attention of the court" (Bird).
I want to get students thinking about whether or not what happened to Jane is possible in modern times, and what would they do if they were stuck paying for their divorced spouse's institutionalization for the rest of their lives.
Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. (1892). "The Yellow Wallpaper." In Baym, Nina; Levine, Robert S. (Editors). The Norton Anthology of American Literature: 1865-1914, Volume C. (pp. 792-803). New York, NY. W.W. Norton & Company.
A woman slowly goes crazy following the advice of her physician husband John, who diagnosed her with hysteria. She knows all she needs is "congenial work, with excitement and change" (Gilman, 792). She begins to hallucinate a woman within the wallpaper. She obsesses over the wallpaper. By the end of the story, she has lost all reason.
This is an example of following society's dictates to the extreme. I want students to consider what they can and cannot live without. How far is it reasonable to deny passion? How do you balance personal desires and societal expectations? This text is written near the end of the same century, so it is a useful comparison to both Sense and Sensibility and Jane Eyre on the growing criticism of the stringent roles of women in 19th century society. The woman also engages in the same struggles of reason vs. passion.
Compare to Jane:
"I felt daily more and more that I must disown half my nature, stifle half my faculties, wrest
my tastes from their original bent, force myself to the adoption of pursuits, for which I had no natural vocation" (Bronte, 444).
The Narratologist. (2014). "Literary Theory: 'The Madwoman in the Attic' (1979) by Susan Gubar and Sandra M. Gilbert.'" Retrieved from: http://www.thenarratologist.com/literary-theory/literary-theory-the-madwoman-in-the- attic-1979-by-susan-gubar-and-sandra-m-gilbert/
This article describes how The Madwoman in the Attic describes a common trope in 19th century literature in which female characters were described as angels, who were calm and submissive, or monsters, who were passionate and rebellious.
This angel/monster trope is another way of looking at the passion vs. reason debate and how the morals in literature can be used as a means of social control, in which to uphold the status quo.
Gardner, Amanda. (2012). "How Gender Stereotypes Warp Our View of Depression." Time. Retrieved from: http://healthland.time.com/2012/11/15/how-gender-stereotypes-warp-our- view-of-depression/
This article examines how gender stereotypes affect our view of depression. It found that "people of both sexes are less likely to view men as being depressed and in need of professional help—even if a man's symptoms are identical to a woman's" because "Male stereotypes that emphasize traits such as toughness and strength may dissuade both women and men, and especially the latter, from identifying or acknowledging the signs of depression in men, says study author Viren Swami" (Gardner).
Again, I wanted to direct students back to the real world. Why do we study stereotypes in literature? Because they end up being stereotypes in real life!
The Dresden Dolls. (2004). Girl Anachronism. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO5APfKnR50
This music video juxtaposes amusing scenes of a woman "acting crazy" with the angry/sarcastic tone of voice in which she critiques the stereotypes of mental illness.
Like how they should be avoided:
"But I MIGHT be catching so DON'T TOUCH You'll start believing
You're immune to gravity and STUFF."
Or that they're fragile:
"Don't get me wet
Because the BANDAGES will all COME OFF."
Or that they're faking for attention:
"THEY'LL SAY just
LET her CRASH
And BURN
The attention just encourages her. "
I think it is irresponsible to use extreme forms of mental illness as the face of mental illness. I think this video will relate to the extreme emotions often experienced by teenagers and the way that teenage emotions are often dismissed as cries for attention. One of the most common stereotypes is that people with mental illness are somehow to blame for it.
"Stereotypes About People With Mental Illness." (n.d.). The Scattergood Foundation. Retrieved from: http://scattergoodfoundation.org/stereotypes#.V-iP6mcVC70
This article is a short overview of the myths and realities on the common misconceptions about mental illness, and how they lead to prejudice.
This article is a more straightforward look at the stereotypes about mental illness. This can be reviewed at a glance for clarity.
Jane Eyre-Reading Ladder
by Marilyn Sanabria
December 2019

subset: commoncrawl


text:
ORIGINAL Pure Argan Oil - Moroccan Elixir Pure Argan Oil
ORIGINAL Relaxing Body Oil
- 100% Pure Argan Oil imported from Morocco.
- 100% Pure argan oil for the hair or body.
- Fragrance Free
Moroccan Elixir works with the Marjana Co-Operative near Essaouira. This small co-operative employs a diverse group of women and provides the opportunity for them to support their families and community. The Marjana Co-Operative uses the traditional methods of cultivation and production keeping the ancient customs of Argan oil alive.


text:
Covariance-Controlled Adaptive Langevin Thermostat for Large-Scale Bayesian Sampling
Part of: Advances in Neural Information Processing Systems 28 (NIPS 2015)
A note about reviews: "heavy" review comments were provided by reviewers in the program committee as part of the evaluation process for NIPS 2015, along with posted responses during the author feedback period. Numerical scores from both "heavy" and "light" reviewers are not provided in the review link below.
Conference Event Type: Poster
Monte Carlo sampling for Bayesian posterior inference is a common approach used in machine learning. The Markov Chain Monte Carlo procedures that are used are often discrete-time analogues of associated stochastic differential equations (SDEs). These SDEs are guaranteed to leave invariant the required posterior distribution. An area of current research addresses the computational benefits of stochastic gradient methods in this setting. Existing techniques rely on estimating the variance or covariance of the subsampling error, and typically assume constant variance. In this article, we propose a covariance-controlled adaptive Langevin thermostat that can effectively dissipate parameter-dependent noise while maintaining a desired target distribution. The proposed method achieves a substantial speedup over popular alternative schemes for large-scale machine learning applications.


text: Patient Records Mandatory In-service for LPNs and RNs. Filling in the Fields: Visit Records Assessment Name* First Last Title*Emplyee ID*Email* Visit notes must document the medications administered.*TrueFalseIf "Anti-infective therapy" is checked in the IV section of a visit note, the antibiotic name, dosages and flushes must also be documented.*TrueFalseIf "Hydration" is checked on a visit note, there must also be documentation of fluid and rates.*TrueFalseVisit notes must include:*Pain AssessmentResponse to CareProgress towards GoalsAll of the Above


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Saturday, June 27, 2009
Barracks at House, Dempsey
I am a new fan.
Over 20 photos to show you why, so I'll try to be succinct.
The Greenhouse.
Lush. Sweet. Nurturing life.
As the plants feasted, so did we, in sunlit cool comfort.
Spotted. A surprise. Guess which one?
Mint Berry Fix, Beetroot Beat, Pei Pa Herbal Tonic.
Pei Pa with vanilla and fresh lime is ingenious! Try it to see what I mean.
Pineapple Pitstop.
Cucumber meets pineapple.
Detoxes, rehydrates, all deliciously so.
Ahi Taki Skinny Pizza. Oh, sweet tuna gently seared!
Pistachios, port-soaked raisins, avocado, and herb-roasted tomatoes. All cuddling together.
My Dempsey dream pizza! Psst, you won't get this at Skinny Pizza Suntec City.
Wild Truffle Mushroom Skinny Pizza.
Mmmmmushrooms! Garlic! Truffle oil! Parmesan cheese!
Supremely yummy when shared. They've improved the crust (or cracker base) since I last tried them.
Curry Chicken Babaganoush Skinny Pizza.
Smoky babaganoush, Madras curry chicken, chopped hard boiled eggs, coriander.
All Skinny Pizzas are a cracking 18-inches, did you know?
Chorizo Almond Skinny Pizza - a celebration of colours!
Roasted chorizo, almonds, grilled peppers, roasted garlic, black olives, red chilies and fresh parmesan.
It's a party on a most edible platter.
At Barracks you get the quirky, eclectic and sometimes vintage.
Furniture, crockery, art decor, etc.
Herb Crusted Lamb Racks.
Beautifully medium rare, with Mediterranean ratatouille and Kalamata olive jus.
My favourite main dish - meaty, flavourful and tender - a single bite sent me to heaven.
Bay Prawn Capellini - a House signature.
Rich prawn Bolognese. Braised baby leeks. Micro herbs, pecorino cheese shavings and chili.
HungryCow observed rightly that this tastes very Asian, almost like Cantonese seafood noodles.
Moroccan Spiced Baby Chicken
A middle-eastern spring chicken with interesting partners:
Tomato-berry chutney, yam crisps, sauteed fennel and baby bok choy.
Meter-long Sausage.
Chicken, beef or pork, served on rocket with mustard to dip.
You'll certainly be talking about it!
Old-fashioned American Sliders, in five varieties.
It's not the sliders but the truffle fries that will make Harold and Kumar new converts!
Loved the sweet potato nibblets too.
The Tiffin Punch - so quaint and cool at the same time!
Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lychee Liqueur, Mumm Champagne, Pressed Ruby Red Grapefruit, Ginger, Lychees!
Can you say refreshing? I liked this very much!
Prohibition Long Island Iced Tea Party - the cutest I have ever seen.
In the teapot a very strong mix of gin, vodka, rum, tequila, Cointreau and lemon juice.
Pour in icy Coca-cola from the jug and enjoy!
And now desserts! We had a Godzilla Box, filled with six desserts (of your choice, and you get 15% off too!).
The BBC - Banana, Brownie and Cheese.
Nutty chocolate brownies with crispy banana strudels topped with freshly grated cheese.
Bizarre? Most of us voted this sweet and salty confection our favourite of the lot. It works!
Barracks Strawberry Shortcake - large, fresh strawberries and vanilla bean cream.
Green Tea Tofu Tiramisu in the background - matcha-topped "tau huay" with a light cake base.
These were nice, but not my favourites.
Guiltless Chocolate Almond Cake.
Chocolate cake with layers of ganache, topped with candied almonds.
Flour and gluten-free, but still a carb feast! Bit too rich for me.
MMM - Mango Marshmallow Melt.
Fresh mango, mini crunchy pavlova, honey, yoghurt, whipped cream and marshmallows.
Sounds too good to be true, no?
Panna Cotta Agar Agar.
Inspired by the Nonya kueh lapis, but using panna cotta in between layers for a creamy difference.
Unusual texture and cool presentation.
We thoroughly enjoyed this lunch hosted by Janet from Spa Esprit (those are her lovely manicured hands in the photos above). Check out Aromacookery's gorgeous post on Barracks, and look out for HungryCow, MilkMilk and Recentrunes reviews when they come out.
I also have eight sets of Spa Esprit vouchers to give away, kindly provided by Janet. They comprise five discount offers from different Spa Esprit brands, valid until 8 August 2009. You can click on the picture to see a bigger version.
If you'd like one set, just leave a comment telling us your favourite dish at Barracks (if you've been there), or what you like best out of the dishes you see above (if you haven't been there). The first eight to respond will get the vouchers by mail.
Once again, warmest thanks to Janet for being such a wonderful host! I'll be back to try the brunch!
8D Dempsey Road (behind the block that houses Jones the Grocer)
Singapore 249672
Tel: 6475-778
Open daily:
Lunch 12pm-3pm (last order 2.30pm)
Tea 3pm-6pm serving pizzas, sandwiches and sides only (last order 5.30pm)
Dinner 6pm-10.30pm (last order 10.15pm)
Brunch 11am-4pm (last order 3.45pm)
Tea 4pm-6pm serving pizzas only (last order 5.30pm)
Dinner 6pm-10.30pm (last order 10.15pm)
15 comments
You've given me (and everyone else who read this post) the reasons why I ought to give Barracks a visit.
Great post =)
refreshing approach to writing your post cat! Love the way u describe, otherwise it gets a bit boring always doing the same thing yeah? hehReplyDelete
Thanks, Harris! :)ReplyDelete
LIC: haha yeah, need to vary it a bit! I'm nowhere as creative as you are though! :P
awesome post!! the banana, brownie and cheese dessert looks amazingg.ReplyDelete
The lamb racks look divine. Thanks for the photos and the review. Gotta give them props for aestheticism.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 28, 2009 at 4:06 PM
The prices at Barracks are exorbantantly high. Their food i will rate 6.5 to 7/10. But i feel, what I paid for is very much on their visual sensory display on food presentation and ambience... my 2 cents worth =pReplyDelete
Food lover
Cat: no man, i think the way i'm writing gets more and more boring! kenny's THE man. haha. food looks good!ReplyDelete
- GeraldineJune 28, 2009 at 7:57 PM
My favourite Barracks treat is a rocket-and-pumpkin salad that I had for brunch some time ago....if I remember correctly it was sweet roasted pumpkin on top of some lovely rocket, with a sweet-tangy honey-mustard dressing, served in one of those cute silver tins. Yummo!ReplyDelete
I like the containers the food/ drinks are served in. I especially liked the BBC. IT looks delicious !ReplyDelete
Always wanted to go to Dempsey to try it out but never got the chance.ReplyDelete
From your post... I loved...
1) The iced drinks (perfect for our weather these days!)
2) The meter long sausage (I love sausages!)
3) The long island tea party set (Uber quaint!)
Cat, your post is positively mouth-watering! My favourite has gotta be the truffle pizza! Though I do like the tiffin punch, which is not quite a dish.. I'd probably like it more minus the ginger. It's been sometime since my last email, and I've been wanting to tell you about these tau-huay tarts at Le Cafe at Selegie. They're divine; if you've not tried them, you've got to!ReplyDelete
Just totally utterly gorgeous place to be over the weekend, a stress therapy place with lots of liquid!ReplyDelete
Truly a memorable House!! Moo moo moo.ReplyDelete
Wow what a flurry of comments! Thanks, everyone!ReplyDelete
Those of you who would like the Spa Esprit vouchers, please email me your mailing address - camemberu (at) gmail.com. There's enough for everybody.
Food Lover/Anonymous: yes, prices are a little high, but some dishes are worth the splurge.
Ooh are the vouchers still available? :DReplyDelete


text:
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Mayor Jackson Administers the Oath of Office to Seven Firefighters
Monday, June 3, 2019
CLEVELAND – Today Mayor Frank G. Jackson administered the oath of office to seven firefighters, three to captain and four to lieutenant, for the Cleveland Division of Fire. Director of Public Safety Michael McGrath, Chief of Fire Angelo Calvillo, Council President Kevin J. Kelley (Ward 13), Safety Council Chairman Matt Zone (Ward 15), Councilman Martin Keane (Ward 17) and other public safety officials were in attendance.
"Congratulations to the firefighters being promoted today," said Mayor Jackson. "In their new leadership role they must continue to demonstrate leadership, accountability and quality service to the residents of Cleveland."
You can view images from today's ceremony as well as the names and bios of the seven promotees.
"Congratulations to the seven members promoted today," said Fire Chief Angelo Calvillo. "Your hard work and hours of preparation led to your selection for promotion and I am confident in your commitment as civil servants to provide the best service possible to the citizens and visitors of Cleveland."
In addition to the promotions, the Division of Fire has 22 Cadets at the Cleveland Fire Training Academy scheduled to graduate in September to maintain staff levels and account for the retirement of veteran staff. To learn more about how to join the Cleveland Division of Fire, contact the Cleveland Fire Recruitment Unit at 216-664-6388 or email inquiries to: email@example.com
About the City of Cleveland
The City of Cleveland is committed to improving quality of life for its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play, and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.city.cleveland.oh.us, Twitter at @cityofcleveland or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.


text:
The NHS is expected to pay out more than £700 million in clinical negligence payments next year, up from this year's bill of £396 million.
The figures were released by the Conservative Party and suggest that clinical negligence payments will swallow up almost a third of the additional funding received by hospitals next year.
A significant proportion of these costs will go towards negligence claims relating to maternity services, which are expected to amount to £119 million.
Shadow health minister Mark Simmonds commented: 'We need a robust and fair way for patients who have received negligent treatment in an NHS hospital to get the compensation they deserve.
'Instead, we have an inefficient system which incurs vast legal costs for NHS Trusts involved in legal battles.'
Negligence claims made against the NHS in England are dealt with by the NHS Litigation Authority, which also operates a risk management programme designed to improve standards of care and reduce the number of claims.


text:
After finishing with a share of the Big South regular-season title, six of Liberty women's soccer players have earned Big South All-Conference selections led by senior Isabella Habuda and freshman Cora Duininck earning first team honors.
In addition to Habuda and Duininck, the Lady Flames' honorees include Gabrielle Farrell, Ashleigh Hill, Melody Jayroe and Sami Santos. Liberty's all-conference selections consist of three seniors, two freshmen and a sophomore, including three members of Liberty's backline. These six selections compiled eight honors as Santos was also named to the Big South All-Academic Team. In addition to earning first team honors, Duininck was named to the Big South All-Freshman Team. This was the fifth straight season that Liberty has had at least two freshmen named to the all-freshman team.
In just two seasons at Liberty, Habuda proved to be one of the most prolific scorers, ranking 11th in school history with 41 career points (16 goals, 9 assists). Habuda ranks second during Big South contests with six goals and sixth in overall games while leading the Big South with four game-winning goals during conference play. During the last two seasons in Big South play, Habuda recorded 24 points (10 goals, 4 assists) in just 17 games, averaging 1.41 points per game. This is the second straight season that Habuda has been named first team All-Big South.
Joining Habuda on the Big South's first team is Duininck as a defender. Duininck is the only freshman to make first team All-Big South, playing in 17 of the 18 games this season including 13 straight starts to end the season. The freshman from Tulsa, Okla. was a key member of Liberty's backline playing both as an outside back and as a center back. Duininck was a part of a defense that allowed just four goals during Big South play. Duininck also was named to the Big South's All-Freshman Team, as one of two Lady Flames to receive the honor.
For the second straight season, sophomore Farrell has earned all-conference honors, being named second team All-Big South. The forward recorded three goals with two assists while posting two game-winning goals this year, most recently in the final game of the season at UNC Asheville. The native of Langhorne, Penn., ranked second on the team with eight points and tied for the second most shots on the team with 30. Farrell played in all 18 matches with 12 starts, posting a team-high 19 shots on goal.
In her final two seasons at Liberty, Santos was a two-time second team All-Big South honoree, having started every match the past two seasons. As a leader of the backline, Santos helped Liberty post a 0.90 goals against average throughout the year which ranks third best in the Big South. As an outside back, Santos and the rest of the backline posted a league-best seven shutouts and 0.44 goals against average during conference play. The senior from Toms River, N.J., came into the season finishing second for Big South Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and she delivered as Liberty's defense allowed only two teams to score during Big South contests. Santos was also received an honor off the field, being named to the Big South's All-Academic team, posting a 3.4 GPA majoring in psychology.
The third member of Liberty's backline to be recognized was Hill, earning Big South honorable mention honors. As team captain of this year's squad, Hill led the Lady Flames to a share of the Big South title. As one of Liberty's center backs this season, Liberty's 0.90 goals against average ranks No. 79 in the country.
Liberty's second freshman to receive a postseason honor this year is goalkeeper, Jayroe after starting in the final 14 matches of the season. In her first collegiate season, Jayroe ranked second in the Big South in goals against average throughout the season with a 0.76 goals against average. The native of Plano, Texas posted the second highest save percentage (0.838) within the conference and ranked first during conference play with a 0.42 goals against average along with seven shutouts during Big South games. The goalkeeper went on a streak of not allowing a goal in the Big South for 409 minutes and 57 seconds. Jayroe was also a two-time Big South Freshman of the week, earning the honor on Oct. 16 and Sept. 25.
For a full list of the All-Big South selections, click here.
Liberty will return to the field on Friday, when the No. 2 seed Lady Flames host the No. 7 seed Gardner-Webb in the Big South Championship Quarterfinals. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. at Osborne Stadium and can be seen on the Big South Network.
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A special education teacher is on a mission to make sure no child with a disability or a diagnosis of any kind is stigmatized.
Two years ago, Chris Ulmer posted a video online of him complimenting his students at the beginning of class. A few days later, that video had 60 million views. He knew he was onto something. Now, he is traveling all over the world to make videos with children, most with special needs. He posts them on his Facebook page and he calls it "Special Books by Special Kids."
"The truth is, that child with a condition wants to interact with you and form a bond just as much as anyone else," Ulmer said in Medford recently.
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
Ulmer was in the area to meet 3-year-old Robbie and to make a video with her.
"You are a star and you deserve to be seen," he told Robbie as NBC Boston interviewed her mom, Kasey.
"The day we got the diagnosis, I told my husband I would never be happy again," Kasey recalled.
Robbie has an extremely rare genetic disorder with no known cure.
"The only other cases they had known of at that time were nine children in the middle east – from four families, and three of the families were blood-related marriages – and then us," Kasey said.
So she and her husband are doing what parents do — everything they can. They don't know when Robbie's condition will get worse, so they've created a foundation to raise money for gene therapy research.
Kasey says it's their best hope.
"Worst case, we keep trying, and if we don't help her, we help someone else," she said, holding back tears.
For now, Robbie is doing OK. She has great doctors, strong and determined parents, and now, she has Ulmer, to introduce her beautiful smile to the world.
If you would like to help Ulmer continue his mission, click here.
If you'd like to learn more about Robbie and her parents' non-profit, click here.


text:
October 9, 2006
Three JHU Researchers Elected to Institute of Medicine
Three Johns Hopkins University researchers have been elected to membership in the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine. Robert Blum, MD, MPH, PhD, Scott Zeger, PhD, and Chi Van Dang, MD, PhD, are among 65 new members nationwide. Election to this prestigious body affirms their remarkable contributions to medical science, health care and public health, as well as to the education of generations of physicians. It is one of the highest honors for those in the biomedical profession. As members, they commit to work with the Institute on committees and studies that address a broad range of health policy issues.
Blum, the William H. Gates Sr. professor and chair of the Bloomberg School of Public Health's Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, focuses his research in the areas of adolescent sexuality, chronic illness and international adolescent health care issues. In May 2006, Blum was named the interim director of the Johns Hopkins Urban Health Institute. He is a past-president of the Society for Adolescent Medicine; has served on the American Board of Pediatrics; was a charter member of the Sub-Board of Adolescent Medicine; is a past chair of the Alan Guttmacher Institute Board of Directors and served as chair of the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Adolescent Health and Development. He is a consultant to The World Bank and UNICEF, as well as the World Health Organization where he has served on the Technical Advisory Group of the Child and Adolescent Health Department and the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group of the Human Reproductive Program. He has been awarded the Society for Adolescent Medicine's Outstanding Achievement Award (1993); and in 1998 was the recipient of the American Public Health Association's Herbert Needleman Award "for scientific achievement and courageous advocacy" on behalf of children and youth. He has edited two books and has written over 220 journal articles, book chapters and special reports.
Zeger, the Frank Hurley and Catharine Dorrier professor in Biostatistics and chair of the Bloomberg School's Department of Biostatistics, develops novel designs and methods of analysis for biomedical data. With Johns Hopkins colleague, Kung-Yee Liang, he created the method GEE for the analysis of data from longitudinal, time series, genetic and other studies that produce correlated responses. He has made substantive contributions to environmental epidemiology, quantifying the health effects of smoking and air pollution. Zeger served as statistical expert for the U.S. Justice Department and several states in their suits against the tobacco industry. He is also involved in clinical research, having served on the Board of Scientific Advisors to the Merck Research Laboratory and on the steering committee of the Hopkins Graduate Training Program in Clinical Investigations. Zeger is a fellow of the American Statistical Association, fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, co-editor of the Oxford Press journal Biostatistics and on the editorial boards of the Annual Review of Public Health and the Springer-Verlag Series on Statistical Science. Zeger is the author of more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and two books. In 2005, Science Watch® identified him as one of the 25 most-cited mathematical scientists of the past decade. He has mentored the thesis or post-doctoral research of 30 graduate students and fellows at Johns Hopkins. He was awarded the 1987 American Statistical Association's Snedecor Award (with Kung-Yee Liang) for best paper in biometry, the 1991 Spiegelman Award from the American Public Health Association for contributions to health statistics and the 1987, 2002 and 2006 Johns Hopkins Golden Apple Award from public health students for excellence in teaching.
Dang, The Johns Hopkins Family Professor in Oncology Research, is vice dean for research at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He oversees the Hopkins Institute for Cell Engineering and is a professor of medicine, pathology, oncology and cell biology with joint appointments in molecular biology and genetics. Dang is a practicing hematologist-oncologist and is senior editor of Cancer Research and serves on the editorial boards of Current Cancer Therapy Reviews, Drug Discovery Today, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Journal of Molecular Medicine, Molecular and Cellular Biology and Neoplasia. He has authored over 160 scientific and medical articles, book chapters and a book. He was a member of the NCI Board of Scientific Counselors, was elected to The Association of American Physicians and is a past-president of the American Society for Clinical Investigation (2003). He received the Vietnamese-American National Gala Golden Torch Award for medicine and education in 2005. He holds an NIH/NCI MERIT award and has sponsored 10 NIH K08 physician-scientist awardees, mentored 12 PhD doctorates and 26 post-doctoral fellows. The Dang laboratory has contributed to the understanding of the function of the MYC cancer gene, which has emerged as a central switch in many different human cancers.
Other faculty members of the Bloomberg School of Public Health previously elected to the Institute of Medicine include: Robert Black, MD, MPH, the Edgar Berman Professor in International Health and chair of the Department of International Health; Ruth Faden, PhD, MPH, the Philip Franklin Wagley Professor in Biomedical Ethics; Manning Feinleib, MD, MPH, DrPH, professor of Epidemiology; Charles Flagle, D ENG, professor emeritus of Health Policy and Management; Leon Gordis, DrPH, MPH, professor of Epidemiology; Diane Griffin, PhD, MD, the Alfred and Jill Sommer Professor and Chair in Molecular Microbiology and Immunology; Bernard Guyer, MD, MPH, the Zanvyl Krieger Professor in Children's Health; Robert Lawrence, MD, associate dean for Professional Education and Programs and the Edyth H. Schoenrich Professor in Preventive Medicine; Neil Powe, professor of Epidemiology and Health Policy and Management; Jonathan Samet, MD, the Jacob I and Irene B. Fabrikant Professor in Health, Risk and Society; Alfred Sommer, MD, MHS, dean emeritus of School of Public Health; Barbara Starfield, MD, MPH, University Distinguished Service Professor of Health Policy and Management; Donald Steinwachs, PhD, professor of Health Policy and Management; Carl Taylor, MD, DrPH, MPH, professor of International Health; and Henry Wagner, MD, professor of Environmental Health Sciences.Public Affairs media contacts for the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health: Kenna Lowe or Tim Parsons at 410-955-6878 or email@example.com. Photographs of Robert Blum and Scott Zeger are available upon request.


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From the List view, you can rearrange your tasks by tapping on the task, holding and then dragging them up and down.
To move a task to another list, go to the Edit Task screen from either the List view or Forecast where you can swipe from right to left to edit your task. From here you can tap on the Notebook name and edit the Notebook of a task.


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Truck fans are jumping up and down this month as Ford Motor Company has finally launched their much anticipated all aluminum body F-150 pickup. Ford has dominated the North American truck market with 38 years as America's best-selling truck and many industry insiders are watching closely to see if the new model will help Ford maintain their grip on popularity.
The 2015 F-150 truck is consider a potential game-changer in the pickup category as the aluminum body has reduced the overall trucks weight by 700 pounds. Based on Ford's internal calculations the weight reduction along with additional engine improvements will produce better fuel efficiency by up to 20% over the previous year's F-150 models. The estimated miles per gallon are at levels never seen in a pickup truck before. All of this while maintaining a best-in-class towing and payload capacity for full-sized pickups under 8,500 pounds gross vehicle weight.
Some people are skeptical that Ford can maintain the same level of quality their trucks have been known for but keep in mind the body is still made of high-strength, military grade aluminum-alloy with a completely high-strength steel frame and power train. This improves the power-to-weight ratio with all engine line-ups for greater performance. The jury is still out on whether Ford will make this work but this fan would not vote against them pulling this off with great success. Innovation in the Auto Industry is an important success factor for automobile manufactures and Ford is differently leading the way.
I am fortunate enough to be one of the first private individuals to actually own the new 2015 Ford F150 pickup with it being built in October of 2014 with a final delivery earlier this week. My long anticipated wait has come and gone and I can tell you the vehicle has not disappointed. Over the years I've owned ten Ford trucks including a fully restored 1965 F-100. I can tell you this new truck is without a doubt one of the finest automobiles I've ever owned. Obviously everyone knows about the aluminum body from all the press coverage but what most people don't realize is the entire interior of the vehicle has been modified with the latest innovation and technology available today. Ford has increased the seat width and storage capacity within the cabin and leg room is the best of any truck I've owned. A new navigation system along with My Ford Touch brings technology to a new level not seen inside the truck market before. Simply an outstanding example of innovation and manufacturing that I believe everyone would appreciate.
Ford Motor Company in my eyes has clearly taken the lead in truck manufacturing with its new innovative aluminum body F-150 pickup. As we move into 2015 it will be interesting to see whether Ford can sweep all the new vehicle awards and possibly earn the coveted Truck of the Year award. It is great to be a Ford Truck owner today.
Ford Hoodie
Amazon Price: $24.95 Buy Now
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Lead Generation, Scoring and Predictive Analytics (2017 AAMT Virtual Conference Session)
Speakers: Brian Hansford, Director of Marketing Technology Services, Heinz Marketing
Check out this webinar, originally offered as a session at 2017 All About Marketing Tech Virtual Conference.
Brian Hansford leads the marketing technology practice for Heinz Marketing and has over 20 years of experience in B2B sales and marketing. Brian will provide an overview of the lead generation, scoring and predictive analytics landscape, and "state of the union."
During the session he will:
- discuss recent advances in lead generation and scoring technology
- look at where predictive analytics fits into an overall lead generation strategy and technology stack
- provide insights from innovative practitioners
- spotlight innovative vendors
- share his perspective on key trends for 2017
Click above to view for FREE today!
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Time Check: It's 2 PM.
You came back from a fully-loaded lunch an hour ago, but you still have not yet resumed the tasks you left. The clock is ticking and you need to finish it ASAP. The problem is, you can't find the motivation to do so.
Your brain can't function well. Your energy level is falling off the cliff and the only thing you want to do is head to the receiving area with a couch and fall asleep.
That, my friend, is what we call the "afternoon slump."
And yes, we've all been there.
We all have our own ways to beat this monster. But if you still can't get the hang of it, here are some of the best solutions to our everyday "I don't feel like doing anything" dilemma.
1. Work with Your Body's Natural Rhythms
According to the National Sleep Foundation, the urge to snooze naturally comes at certain times of the day. It's generally strongest between 2 and 4 a.m., which is convenient for humans with day jobs, and between 1 and 3 p.m., which isn't.
That said, it's recommended to schedule work activities around your natural highs and lows.
Tackle your most cognitively challenging tasks during your "peak hours" and save the not-so-demanding tasks for the times when your focus and alertness are at their lowest.
2. Opt for a Light Yet Energizing Lunch
Avoid loading up on slump-inducing carbs and sugary treats and beverages. They may cause a sudden spike in the blood sugar that instantly wakes you up for a while, but shortly gives you a crash, leaving you more exhausted and hungrier than ever.
Instead, build your lunch around high-quality protein, combined with fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, veggies, and some unsaturated fats to keep you energized and feeling full longer.
3. Don't Use Your Lunch Break Solely for Lunch
Divide your break between eating and taking a walk. You may sneak into a local supermarket after lunch, head to the nearest park, or just take the long route back to your office for a few minutes of exercise.
4. Drink Water
Dehydration is another strong culprit for your afternoon crash. Water is needed for your body, including your brain, to function well. Always secure a big bottle of water on your desk and refill it from time to time.
5. Stand up and Move as Often
Running out of creative juices for your productivity?
Maybe you've been sitting at your desk for hours, staring at the computer screen. Get the blood flowing.
Escape to the restroom for some jumping jacks. Do wall push-ups. Keep a stash of hand weights in your desk. If leaving your seat hinders your productivity, you may simply stretch from time to time on your desk.
Roll your shoulders forward, then backward. Time each roll with a deep breath in and out. Do this for two minutes.
6. Take a Walk
If you're not comfortable doing quick exercises, simply stand up and take a walk. Walk back and forth down the hall. Climb up and down the stairs. Go outside and take a stroll. Take deep breaths while roaming around to block.
The blood circulation created by movement, whether you're doing exercises or simply walking at a slow pace, helps you focus. It also helps reduce pain in the lower back, neck, and wrist, eye strain, and lack of mobility, which are all brought by our risky desk jobs.
7. Enjoy Tea or Coffee Time
Are you a coffee person, or more like a tea person? It doesn't matter – a routine of a mid-afternoon cup can help you beat the doldrums.
Next, to the caffeine burst that perks you up, the work-free time for walking to the pantry, brewing, steeping, and drinking help refresh your body and mind and give your eyes a break from the screen.
8. Eat Snacks
No productivity? Feeling drowsy and unable to focus? Maybe you're hungry. Grab a snack but never succumb to unhealthy stress-eating.
If you're craving sweets, go for dark chocolates. They contain healthy fats, antioxidants, and a little caffeine, which gives you a quick pick-me-up. Nuts, like cashews, almonds, and hazelnuts are light energy boosters too.
9. Breathe a "Breath of Fresh Air"
The aura inside your workplace can feel sickening and be suffocating for some reason. You need fresh air and sunshine in your daily grind.
Escape by running to the nearest balcony or roof deck. If you can, open the window. Go outside and take a stroll. Reinvigorate your senses with new, pleasing sights, sounds, and scents – things you don't experience when seated at your desk.
10. Do Something Different
Change it up! If you've been doing the same cognitively challenging and time-consuming project that gets on your nerves all day, switch to another task for a while. This allows you to take a break while remaining productive.
11. Doze off for a While
Struggling to keep your eyes open for productivity? Nothing beats power nap. A short nap of 20 minutes or less can reduce drowsiness and improve cognitive abilities. Just make sure to stick to the ideal nap length, for longer naps can backfire and cause sleep inertia or grogginess after awakening.
12. Sniff Peppermint
Peppermint is recognized as an energy-enhancing scent. Put a drop of peppermint oil on your hand, and briskly rub your hands together. Rub them over your face too, and see how it works.
13. Chew Spicy, Minty Gums
Gums with strong minty flavors are stimulating, and the mere act of chewing is a boost to a brain surrendering to lethargy. Just make sure the gum is sugar-free and you don't have acid reflux.
14. Make a Quick Phone Call to Your Loved Ones
It may sound cheesy, but it helps to boost productivity. Maybe you just need something to make you feel human again – like hearing the voice of your spouse, child, mom, dad, siblings, or friend. A five-minute social interaction in the middle of a tedious workday helps lift your spirit up and reinvigorate you to get the work done.
15. Set a Goal and Reward Yourself
If you have three hours left at work, slap yourself with a challenge. Set a realistic goal of completing a particular task by the end of the day. Beat the clock and do as much using your productivity. Once you finish these tasks, give yourself a treat.


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Nagpur is one of the largest and the most beautiful cities in Maharashtra. It is called the Orange city because of the high cultivation of oranges that takes place here. But there is much more to the city when it comes to exploring. Nagpur has some really nice tourist destinations that can keep you on your toes for the whole day. You can book your accommodation at any luxury or budget hotels in Nagpur in advance for an easy stay.
Here are six places that you should explore while visiting Nagpur.
1. The Breath-taking Ambazari Lake
Ambazari Lake is one of the biggest lakes in Nagpur out of the eleven. The mango trees surrounding it and a garden nearby make this lake Worth a visit. Sit by the lake and have yourself a picnic with your family and friends.
2. Best Family Entertainment Spot the Maharaj Bagh and Zoo
The Maharaj Bagh was initially built by the Bhosle Kings and was later converted into a zoo. If you have an interest in the different flora and fauna, this is the place to visit. The zoo has some amazing variety of animal and plants that attract tourists of all ages. You can stay at the hotels near Nagpur railway station for the better access to transportation.
3. The Very Holy Dikshabhoomi Stupa
Dikshabhoomi Stupa is the biggest hollow Stupa in Asia and attracts tourists from all around the world. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist Pilgrim spots and is also famously known as a place where Dr. B. R. Ambedkar converted his religion to Buddhism.
4. The Picturesque Markanda
Markanda is a small town that is located a little away from the main town, but it is one of the best architectural marvels in Maharashtra. The place has 24 Shiva temples and all the architecture is done on the stones. The town has other things also such as art museum, handicraft shops, and some lip-smacking cuisine.
5. A Portal to The History Nagpur Central Museum
Nagpur Central Museum is a 150-year-old museum that houses some of the oldest and the most precious artefacts, manuscripts, fossils, paintings etc. This is the perfect place to not only get to know about the history of Nagpur but also of the state's nearby.
6. A Place of Pilgrim Ramtek Temple
Ramtek is one of the oldest temples in India and it gets its name from Lord Rama. It's said that Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana stayed at this place for some time while on exile. The place has remains of architecture from 4th and 6th century. This is a heaven for all the history buffs.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Nagpur and explore these beautiful places with your friends and family.


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Judy is the author of three books:
Fascinating Women: Living by Faith,
Stories From The Front Lines: The Battle Against Abortion,
Joy Cometh In The Morning: The Joy Postle Blackstone Story.
Click on the book's cover to learn more about each book.
To contact Judy, please click here.
Books are available online at Amazon.com, iUniverse,
Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, and all others.
Or schedule a book signing with Judy and she'll deliver onsite.


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Contact PulseRadiology.Com for Online MRI Courses or Clinical Training in Barnstable Massachusetts?
Individuals known that the best place to send anyone seeking information about radiologist schooling is Pulse Radiology! Known in the space as the leading provider of MRI courses in Barnstable Massachusetts, PulseRadiology.Com is the website to go to for anyone looking to advance their career as a MRI technologists. Are you currently pleased with your current job? If you're trying to find a different occupation in Radiologic Technology, you need to understand that CT courses will aid your job options. There are several great reasons to enroll in these courses. Read on for more information on the benefit they have.
Why You Should Call Pulse Radiology for MRI Technologists Classes in Barnstable Massachusetts!
- MRI Technicians Are Very Popular: MRI technology is starting to become more conventional, which suggests there are lots of requirement for people that know how to make use of this technology. One can find many job vacancies for MRI techs, and in many areas, there aren't enough skilled people to fill those positions. When you find yourself signing up for these courses, you might discover a lot of fantastic job opportunities. The ideal career fields are the type which can be seeing a lot of growth. This industry is increasing fast, and it also shows no indications of reducing.
- The Best Courses Will Allow You To Pass The MRI Registry: If you would like pass the MRI registry, you going to need to make sure you have all of the info you require. You can learn those things that you need to know when you subscribe to MRI Technologist courses. A great program will leave you totally able to pass the MRI registry. Once you've succeeded, you'll have the ability to take on your career and start taking a look at a number of the assignments you could be eligible for.
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- MRI Courses Will Kickstart A Fantastic Career: One shouldn't be in a dead-end career. If you are failing to get what you want from your career, you should begin checking out alternative prospects. These classes could possibly be exactly what you need to throw yourself into the kind of vocation that you have wanted. Employed as an MRI Technician is exciting, and there are plenty job openings available to people that have successfully taken on these classes and aced the registry. Manage your destiny! Work to find the experience you'll require for your job. The best classes will enable you to live the kind of life you wish to lead.
It is clear that MRI classes helps your work. Search into some of the classes in the area and see if there are actually any programs you wish to subscribe to. Should you find yourself taking one of these brilliant courses, you will adore all of these benefits and a lot more. If you would like additional information on the MRI Technologists Classes in Barnstable Massachusetts, Pulse Radiology is offering please visit our MRI Courses blog.


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The practitioners listed below provide personal hypnotherapy sessions. For site-related or ordering queries, please contact Hypnotic World here.
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(989) 331 - 4545
733 W Warwick Dr, Alma, 48801, Michigan, United States of America
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From kids washing up under a too-hot faucet to an accidental tipping of a coffee cup, burns are a potential hazard in every home. In fact, burns, especially scalds from hot water and liquids, are some of the most common childhood accidents.
Thats why we decided to dedicate this month's tip to burns.
There are several different types of burns:
- Dry burn – contact with flames & hot objects
- Scald – steam and hot liquids
- Electrical burn – lightning strikes
- Chemical burns – paint stripper, bleach
- Radiation burns – sunburn
|First degree burns are the mildest form as they only involve the outer layer of the skin. They are also superficial burns. Characteristics include redness of the skin, mild swelling and pain.
|Second degree burns or partial-thickness burns extend into the second layer of the skin. Blisters, swelling and more severe pain identify these burns. Once blisters break a weeping wound will result. Infections may be caused.
|Third degree burns or full-thickness burns penetrate all skin layers, the under lying fat tissue, muscles, blood vessels and nerves. As nerves are damages the victim doesn't feel pain
- infection
- shock due to fluid loss
- airway obstruction due to swelling
Most burns are minor and don't need medical attention. However if clothing is burning, have the casualty roll on the ground. Smother flames with a blanket or douse the casualty in water.
First Aid Tips:
- Cool the area with running cold water for 10 minutes
- If water is not available us other harmless fluids
- Remove any constrictive jewellery or clothing before area will start to swell
- If clothing is stuck to skin DO NOT remove
- If burn is caused by chemical protect yourself. Be careful not to contaminate yourself or other areas of the casualty's body.
- Dress the burn with sterile dressing that won't stick.
- Tip – use cling film or new unused plastic bag. Don't wrap too tight.
- For large second degree and all third degree burns seek medical attention
- Monitor breathing as swelling of the airways can occur up to 24 hours after the initial burn
- Break any blisters. Intact blisters serve as an excellent burn dressing.
- Touch the burn.
- Apply lotions, ointments or fats.
- Apply adhesive tape or dressings.
- Remove clothing that has stuck to the burn
If you would like to like to read about our range of First Aid Courses in Dublin please click here.


text: The Institute for Networking and Security Research (INSR) is the focal point of security and networking research at Penn State. The Institute has world renowned leaders in cybersecurity and networking, leading the nation's highest priority research efforts in security and network science. The Institute provides a research and education community for professors, students, and collaborators from industry. The INSR is the host of two laboratories: Systems and Internet Infrastructure Security (SIIS) and Communications and Networking (CN).


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Class: Cars, Sedan — Model origin:
Vehicle used by a character or in a car chase
◊ 2006-10-23 01:26
◊ 2006-10-23 19:06
|Very good shots of this 1980 model (black plastic mirrors) BMW E21 320 6-cylinder! (Only one '320' write...)
Seems in not good conditions...was it involved in a chase or damaged/destroyed? I hope not...
◊ 2006-10-23 19:47
|No, only driven a bit recklessly, only accident was with the plastic garbage bin, when reversing, see: /vehicle_61382-Volkswagen-Golf-Typ-19E-1983.html
◊ 2006-10-23 19:49
|Thanks BeanBandit!
◊ 2006-11-08 20:01
|320 6-cylinder? I believe your confusing this with the 323i. All E21 320's were 4. And there would only be one badge on the left-side of the grille.
-- Last edit: 2006-11-08 20:03:12
◊ 2006-11-08 20:04
|No, no. In Europe we had the six-cylinder carburetors 320 (1978-1983) besides the 323i.
Here indeed the 320i/4-cylinder was dropped in 1978, substituted by the 6-cyl. 320 and 323i.
Yes, would be only one badge...
-- Last edit: 2006-11-08 20:04:52
◊ 2006-11-08 20:05
|I had a feeling I wrote that too quick. I just researched it. Your right. Very interesting - this 320 and the 323i must have been a blast.
◊ 2006-11-08 20:09
|Leave it to the 3-series to be complicated when it comes to models. Both the E21 and E30 are quite complex. Few beleive me when I say an E30 325 existed (US). They always think I mean a 325i or 325e. Another lesser known E30 is the 325es (US).
◊ 2006-11-08 20:21
|This car should be labeled: 320/6 (even though it wasn't labeled this on the car)
◊ 2007-03-30 16:58
|Since it has dual mirrors it's more likely it's an `81-`83.
◊ 2016-05-01 10:36
|1980 only (new mirrors, old headrests).


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10 Crazy Things We Learned in All-Girls Schools
Soirees and scrunchies, anyone?
(SPOT.ph) Just like you would in any other school, you learn your arithmetic and your ABCs at an all-girls school. And then some. Looking back, some of the extra tidbits they taught us were a bit much. While they may have made complete sense back then (or not), we look back at them fondly now and remember the rebel in all of us.
You have to "leave room for the Holy Spirit"
This was taught to you over and over again like a mantra weeks before prom night—or any school occasion that involved breathing the same air as the opposite sex. If your school was extra strict, there were teachers roaming around with 12-inch rulers to make sure you weren't getting too close to each other.
Your skirt can't be too short, but it can't be too long, either
There was no in-between. Your skirt had to be exactly three inches below your knee. Any longer or shorter than that, you got a warning. You were always on the lookout for teachers roaming around with rulers (for measuring) and staplers (for impromptu hemming)!
Anything other than a white or nude-colored bra is a no-no
You most likely went to school with a white blouse, and you were written off with a warning if you went to school with underwear that wasn't colored white or nude. No room for fashion statements here.
Your socks need to be at least one inch above your ankle
Just as your skirt was supposed to be a certain length, your socks had to cover your entire ankle...maybe to keep your whole feet warm?
Colored hair ties are the equivalent of kaartehan
Spotted a cute pink scrunchie at Regina's? Too bad.
Boy haircuts are a no-no
The shortest haircut you could get still had to cover your entire ear. While you probably just wanted to get a pixie cut because it was super hot, you had to wait until the summer break so you wouldn't get reprimanded by your teachers.
Dress modestly so boys will respect you
Your teachers had shawls in their bags on prom night, just in case you wore the dreaded backless or strapless gown.
Retreat houses are havens for ghostly nuns
There was always the story of someone who saw a sister smiling kindly at her from outside the window...of her second-floor classroom. How could your imagination not go into overdrive when you needed to stay overnight at the retreat house...which everyone says used to be the site of the convent cemetery?
Nails are a big issue
You weren't allowed to grow your nails or paint them. Picture this: You're running late and don't notice that you haven't cut your nails in two days. Your teacher is already inspecting your classmates' nails and you realize that yours are a bit long. What do you do? Cut them with scissors (not safe but you had no choice)—because you can't get another warning...you were just caught with a long skirt and short socks! Such a rebel.
A soiree is also called a "birthday party"
Especially when it was time to ask your parents for permission to attend.


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From Surprise View, off the road to Hathersage
Stonewall and snowy fields
Monsal Head Viaduct and Dale
*Sheffield recently won the best city for countryside lovers. Justly deserved!
Notes on growing ornamentals and edibles, and musings on other matters that interest me.
Snow always looks so pretty under a blue sky. Great pics. Love the panorama shot!ReplyDelete
It's a pretty irresistable conbination. Thank you for the kind comments on my pics :)Delete
Superb. I miss the snow in Yorkshire, sometimes!!ReplyDelete
A veritable winter wonderland down there Julieanne. Super images.
All the best to you and yours for 2015!
Thank you for reading and please do leave a comment. I love hearing from you, and welcome your thoughts, experiences and suggestions.
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ANNANDALE, Va. (MarketWatch) -- I have some important investment advice for you in the event your favorite athlete or team loses in the Olympics:
Take a break.
Don't even consider making changes to your portfolio for at least a day or two.
Because, if you're like most investors, you are prone to act irrationally when your favorite sports team loses.
I arrived at this conclusion not by watching sports enthusiasts at the local bar. Instead, it was reached by a rigorous academic study that appeared in the August 2007 issue of the prestigious Journal of Finance. The study, "Sports Sentiment and Stock Returns," was conducted by Alex Edmans, an assistant professor of finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania; Diego Garcia, an assistant professor of finance at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill); and Oyvind Norli, an associate professor of financial economics at the Norwegian School of Management.
To isolate the role that mood plays in investing, the researchers analyzed the returns of a given country's stock markets immediately following losses of its national teams in international competition. They focused primarily on soccer matches in the World Cup, but they also studied cricket, rugby and basketball matches as well.
The researchers found, on average, that if a country's team loses in the World Cup elimination stage, its stock market the next day produces a return that is 38 basis points lower than normal. To be sure, 38 basis points might not seem that big of a deal, but from a statistical point of view it is huge. It is equivalent to an annualized loss of more than 60%.
The researchers could find no rational explanation for these lower returns. They therefore concluded that those diminished returns were caused by the "impact of sports results on investor mood."
To be sure, there is no direct or easy way of exploiting the study's findings to devise a trading strategy. But that's not the point.
Instead, the reason to bring this study up in the context of the Olympics is to remind us how much our psychology and mood can affect our investment decisions. And, needless to say, our moods are affected by a lot more than what's happening in the sports arena.
In my experience, few investors even recognize the role that their emotions play in their decision-making. When challenged, they are able to point to a litany of reasons, all well documented, for why their strategy is strongly based on a sound statistical foundation. But, most of the time, I still don't believe them.
That's because there are different types of reasons. On the one hand, there are the reasons that genuinely account for why we have decided to do something. And, on the other hand, there are the reasons that we turn to, after a decision has been made, to justify it to ourselves and others. Most of the investment reasons that I hear or read about are of the latter variety.
I am particularly attuned to this distinction between different types of reasons because I read the daily communications from nearly 200 newsletters. I can assure you that, at any given time, there is no shortage of reasons that can be marshaled for doing just about anything in the market.
For example, if I want to be bullish on the stock market right now, I can give you a long list of "good" reasons to be bullish. Yet, at the same time, I can give you an equally long list of equally good reasons to be bearish. The same has been continuously true since 1980, 28 years ago, when I began monitoring the newsletter industry.
In the face of these myriad conflicting reasons, it's all too easy to make decisions for reasons other than the ones we tell ourselves and others. It reminds me of a famous saying attributed to Adlai Stevenson, the Democratic candidate for president in the 1952 and 1956 elections. Mocking his political opponents, he would say: "Here is the conclusion on which I base my facts."
It would be one thing if investors were cynically engaged in this practice of fooling themselves. But my wife, a clinical psychologist, assures me that most of the genuine reasons for our behavior are unconscious to us -- like dumping our holdings following the loss of our favorite sports team.
You might think that the answer to all this is just to throw up your hands. But it isn't. The far better solution, in my opinion, is to pick a mechanical strategy and then adhere to it with discipline and patience. That way you are prevented from doing something for emotional reasons.
If you take this investment lesson to heart, then maybe watching the Olympics will end up making us better investors after all.


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The Vicious Circle: Sleep, Stress, Performance
- 6 Months ago
- 315
- 4.0
A good night's sleep is as essential to the human body as is air, water, and food. However, most people skimp on sleep in order to do other activities at night. On an average, the human body requires 8 to 9 hours of sleep, but how many of us practice this? Also, each person's sleep cycles are drastically different. So while your friend or colleague may be able to carry on through the day with just 4 or 5 hours, you may feel tired and worn out if you do the same. Also, sleep requirement can vary with the age and activity level of a person.
Lack of sleep can initially feel like a small problem; but in the long run can leave you tired, irritable and unable to perform at your best during the day. Poor sleep first attacks efficiency and concentration, mainly caused due to a decline in the energy levels. Energy decline causes us to be less proactive and more prone to making mistakes. This makes situations seem more stressful and unmanageable than they already are. This stress in turn impairs our sleep pattern even more and soon it becomes a never-ending vicious circle. Stress is one of the root causes of insomnia.
With our increasingly fast paced lives, it is important that we put in as much effort into sleeping well, as we do into working well. A change in our lifestyle is a must. Implementing small, but lasting changes into your daily schedule will help you reach your goal of simply having a good, full night's sleep.
gr86 Months ago