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BRRRRR…..For those of you bundled up near your fireplace with seed catalogs and dreamy garden books, Team Fine Foliage does not want to make you more cold with a discussion about cold season white foliage, but quite the opposite. We want you to begin thinking and planning now for the possibility of adding elegant white foliage to your warm weather landscape.
Whether white in the garden means grasses, perennials, conifers or even annuals, trend watchers in design are all pointing the refreshingly old-fashioned charm and gentility of this clean, high contrast element in fresh new ways. Now, the thing about white is that it can cover a WIDE variety of variations depending on how you choose to interpret its use.
It was once very en vogue to have an all white garden, but that really meant the flowers. Then there was the transition to favoring the idea of the "moonlight garden" where the flowers were still prominent, but the foliage began to also take stage as a prominent focus of the theme with silvers and creamy whites adding to the mix.
Whites, creamy tones, silvers, variegation and even tones that border on being more blue can all translate to white depending on how they are used. And they can even work in harmony together.
Above, a 'Butterfly' Japanese maple harmonizes with a 'Spiderweb' Fatsia, both with white leaning variegation, but both also work beautifully with the grasses that have a distinctly creamy variegation.
The purity of the shade of white in the variegation of the Dappled Willow (above) (Salix 'Hakuro Nishiki') is always sweet. Paired with the bolder variegation of the unusual perennial, Variegated Comfrey, this combo shows the cool whites used beautifully for a shade combination.
On the other end of the white spectrum, the buttercream color in this Acanthus 'Tasmanian Angel' shows beautifully against the deep dark shady background.
Snow white stripes on the rich green of this unique variegated Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum 'Striatum') contrasts brilliantly with its neighboring deep black actea foliage.
Now if you live in a warmer climate zone, you are likely already familiar with Caladium, but just look at that giant, pure as snow-white leaf! Think of what you could do with it!
Whether you are familiar with Alocasia or Colocasia, in warm climates, both are handsome and dramatic. This velvety off-white variegation has oodles of design possibilities!
Speaking of BIG leaves! This large solanum 'Quitoense' is the perfect 1/3 of the dreamy trio for its bold surface area that contrasts perfectly with the lacy qualities of both the Centaurea 'Colchester White' and the racy red coleus.
Another close view of Centaurea 'Colchester White'.
This view of Centaurea 'Colchester White' was seen at the Des Moines Botanical Gardens where we are green with envy about this plant thriving!! The pink flowers are such a bonus! 🙂
Vanilla toned Arundo donax var. 'Versicolor' is a large-scale grass that needs room in the landscape to thrive, but oh what a suave thug!
From BOLD to now delicate and feminine, this Carex 'Everest' is ever so appropriately named for the snow-white variegation on this hardy little evergreen grass. An award winner too!
Whether you try the brand new, award winning Stachys 'Bella Grigio' in the landscape beds or in container designs, this is a bright white foliage that is showy! The new cousin to traditional Lambs Ears is a fun alternative.
It's time to start thinking ahead to warmer times when we will all be whining about our need for air conditioning and what you may want to plant to lighten and brighten the landscape this summer. At least whites are COOL right?
Leave us a comment below or on our Facebook page. We'd love to know!
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Oct 162015
We are in the dying days of the federal election campaign. Our most recent issue of Collectively Speaking is a reflection by USFA Chair Larry Stewart, following our two Get Research Right discussion events, about the importance of considering research when you cast your ballot.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Browse Opportunities
Recording Quality Accepted
Opportunity Type
Price Range
Final Decision Maker
Industry Pro. Response Time
Industry Pro. Community Rating
submission price: $10.00
Our Clients are independent and multi platinum artist(s) Seeking high quality, energetic trap, pop, & R&B style beats for production placement on upcoming releases. We are looking for industry quality production to shop throughout our network, as well as to consider signing new talent for production management opportunity. We will provide you with feedback & rate your submissions!
: Please submit your best work. Songs will go through the review process and if selected you will receive negotiated compensation. We look forward to hearing what you have to offer.
- The Administration
Deal Type: Producer / Production Management Decision Maker: We are the final decision makers Deal Structure: Negotiable Compensation: Negotiable Song Quality: Rough Mixes, Fully Mastered, Broadcast Ready Similar Sounding Artist: Future, Migos, The Weeknd, Drake, Ty Dolla Sign, 2Chainz, Gucci Mane, Tory Lanez, Chris Brown, Cardi B, Lil Baby
submission price: $5.00
Hey, I'm an in-house producer for JYP Entertainment, the largest Kpop label in South Korea. We're looking for songs to place with both our male and female artists. Please only send your best songs complete with a beat, vocals, and lyrics. Genre's we are looking for include, but not limited to,: Pop, Dance, Electronic, R&B, Soul, Ballad, Hip Hop, Urban. Good luck!
JYP Entertainment is a South Korean entertainment company that operates as a record label, talent agency, music production company, event management and concert production company, and music publishing house. JYP Entertainment is currently the home of artists including 2PM, Miss A, Baek A-yeon, 15&, JJ Project, Got7, Nakjoon, Day6, Twice, and Jeon So-mi, and formerly to artists like Park Ji-yoon, g.o.d, Rain, Jay Park, San E, Meng Jia, Wonder Girls, Sunmi, Ha:tfelt, and 2AM.
- Tommy Park / JYP Entertainment
submission price: $5.00
We are seeking artists and bands for a new original business that is focused on helping to develop their fan base, sell their music and most importantly stay in complete control - even in these challenging times.
If you have the talent, submit us a song, and let's connect - all songs submitted will be reviewed and feedback given.
The artists and bands whose songs really stand out - will be contacted directly to discuss how we can help you to develop your own music career as we believe that artists need to stay in control of their music.
I'm Paul K Saunders, Co-Founder of New Music Lives and I want to say this to you personally - We've all been surviving through these tough and challenging times and I know that lots of you're feeling the stress.
But I want you to know that we have used the time to develop a unique strategy that can help you now and when the doors open back up fully so now is the time to submit as we are only able to work with a limited number of artists.
- Paul K Saunders - Co-Founder - New Music Lives
submission price: $10.00
As a member of Music Xray, I will be soliciting great music "your music" to labels, managers, and artists. I am currently and always looking for "hits".
My system will work as follows:
I'm either directly or no more that (3) degrees of separation from any artist in the business. Once I receive your submission and conclude that it is indeed a hit, I will request an mp3.
The next step is for me to decipher what artist(s) or label your work best fits.
I then go to work on your behalf by submitting your work for review to the appropriate party and await his/her feedback.
I will make a maximum of (3) follow-up calls or email attempts as a constant reminder and to stress the importance of reviewing your work expeditiously.
If I get a bite, I will then contact you for the next steps.
With that said ... lets get to work!
- Anthony Truss - FMR - Sony Music
submission price: $5.00
We are seeking Singer-Songwriters for a new original business that is focused on helping artists to develop their fan base - even in these challenging times. If you have the talent submit us a song and let's connect all songs submitted will be reviewed and feedback given.
The singer-songwriters whose songs really stand out - we will be in direct touch with you discuss how we can help you to develop your own music career as we believe that artists need to stay in control of their music.
- Paul K Saunders - Co-Owner - New Music Lives


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PARIS — President Francois Hollande's Socialist Party and allied leftist groups appeared headed for a working majority in parliament after the first round of France's legislative elections Sunday.
Exit polls showed that the Socialists and their allies were likely to easily win more than half of the 577 seats in the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, if the results are confirmed in a runoff round scheduled for Sunday. Hollande's Socialists control the Senate, giving him the prospect of a free legislative field for his program designed to lighten the burden imposed by Europe's financial crisis on lower-income French families.
Among measures promised by Hollande during his election campaign were tax increases for the rich, a hike in the minimum wage and earlier retirement for those who have worked more than 40 years. Hollande, who took power after defeating Nicolas Sarkozy just over a month ago, has had Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault implement some of the measures by decree in what was denounced by conservatives as an electioneering stunt and praised by leftists as a swift fulfillment of campaign promises.
Analysts cautioned that the matchups in Sunday's voting could produce unexpected results based on the personalities of candidates and other local factors in widely varying districts spread across this nation of 65 million people. Citing this possibility, Jean-Francois Cope, secretary general of the conservative Union for a Popular Movement, called on rightist voters to continue the struggle in another burst of campaigning this week.
"The game is not that over yet," he said.
Hollande's foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, said the first round shows that voters wanted to be coherent with their May 6 presidential vote. But he also pointed out that the opening for a Socialist legislative majority has to be confirmed in the runoff round and urged Hollande's followers not to be complacent.
The exit polls, approximations taken for several television stations, gave the Socialists between 270 and 335 seats to the Conservatives' 235 to 270. The Greens party, which has an electoral alliance with the Socialists, was estimated to have won between 12 and 18 seats, and the Leftist Front, a far-left group headed by Jean-Luc Melenchon, was expected to have won more than a dozen.
The outcome, assuming it is confirmed Sunday, means the Socialists probably will have to rely on support from the Greens and the Melenchon group to pass some legislation. Conservative commentators have warned this could force Hollande to take a more leftward course than he would be inclined to adopt.
"The Socialists should rethink their alliance with the Leftist Front," former prime minister Francois Fillon said after the results became known.
Fabius predicted, however, that the Socialists and the Greens would be able to form a majority without help from the Leftist Front.
Melenchon was eliminated after a bitterly fought first-round campaign against Marine Le Pen of the far-right National Front in the northern city of Henin-Beaumont.
More world news coverage:
- In Japan, fax machines thrive
- Recent images from the Afghan war
- Talks with Iran have stalled


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The weirdest, wackiest and coolest sci/tech stories of 2016 (so far)
Wacky stories
Yes it's that time again…Time to search the old news-feed and find some of the most interesting and sometimes weird and wacky high-tech stories of the year. This time out we feature a look at everything from fireworks displays in space to Starship Enterprise remakes and mermaid robots – just to name a few cool stories.
Related: The weirdest, wackiest and coolest sci/tech stories of 2015 (so far!)
The weirdest, wackiest and coolest sci/tech stories of 2014
A more common sight
A sign warns against the use of drones outside the Quicken Loans Arena at the site of the recent Republican National Convention in Cleveland.
Drone art
An aerial performance, featuring 100 illuminated drones, flies above the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House during the Vivid Sydney light festival in Sydney, Australia in June.
Drone service
A Zipline delivery drone flies by the drop zone after releasing its payload during a flight demonstration at an undisclosed location in the San Francisco Bay Area. Zipline uses drones to deliver medicine in Rwanda.
Tesla Autopilot car mode under the gun
The interior of a Tesla Model S is shown in Autopilot mode. The NHTSA said in June it was opening a preliminary investigation into 25,000 Tesla Motors Model S cars after a driver of one of the vehicles was killed using the Autopilot mode.
Not your father's McHale's Navy
The 132-foot long autonomous ship "Sea Hunter", developed by DARPA, is shown docked in Portland, Ore., after its christening ceremony, April 2016. The unmanned ship will undergo two years of testing – mostly trying to avoid other ships at sea through a camera-radar system.
Space beauty
NASA's Hubble Space Telescope this year captured a spectacular fireworks display in a small, nearby galaxy, which resembles a July 4th skyrocket.
Space junk
DARPA recently said that it had finished integrating seven space-watching networks that will feed tons of new Earth-orbiting junk data into what the agency calls "the largest and most diverse network of space situational awareness networks ever assembled." DARPA's OrbitOutlook (O2) program brings seven previously separate new space sensor networks together that could ultimately feed into the United States Space Surveillance Network (SSN), a worldwide network of 29 military radar and optical telescopes operated by the Air Force as well as NASA, the FAA and other entities that could use the information.
Jupiter gets a tank
NASA's Juno spacecraft, once described as a flying armored tank, reaches its destination: Jupiter. The spacecraft will spend a year surveying Jupiter to find out, among other things whether there is a solid core beneath its multi-colored clouds, how much water is in its atmosphere and map Jupiter's magnetic and gravity fields. Underneath its dense cloud cover, Jupiter holds secrets to the fundamental processes and conditions that governed our solar system during its formation, NASA said.
Scam scourge
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) recently said the scourge it calls the Business Email Compromise continues to rack-up victims and money – over $3 billion in losses so far. The BEC scam is typically carried out by compromising legitimate business e-mail accounts through social engineering or computer intrusion to conduct unauthorized transfers of funds, the IC3 stated. The impact of the scam is detailed in the IC3 stats: Since January 2015, there has been a 1,300% increase in identified losses; domestic and international victims: 14,302 in US; 22,143 worldwide; combined dollar loss: $960,708,616 in US; $3,086,250,090 worldwide.
Cisco: IP traffic will surpass the zettabyte level in 2016
IP traffic will grow in a massive way as 10 billion new devices come online over the next five years. Those were just a couple of the amazing facts found in Cisco's 11th annual Visual Networking Index look at all things in the communications world. Some of the more pertinent facts from the report include: Smartphone traffic will exceed PC traffic by 2020. Smartphones will account for 30% of total IP traffic in 2020, up from 8% in 2015. Traffic from wireless and mobile devices will account for two-thirds of total IP traffic by 2020. By 2020, wired devices will account for 34% of IP traffic, while Wi-Fi and mobile devices will account for 66% of IP traffic. In 2015, wired devices accounted for the majority of IP traffic at 52%.
Creaky systems
There are some seriously old IT systems at work in the federal IT arsenal and some that are 56 years old have no real retirement date. A report from the Government Accountability Office found that agencies reported using several systems that have components that are, in some cases, at least 50 years old. For example, the Department of Defense uses 8-inch floppy disks in a legacy system that coordinates the operational functions of the nation's nuclear forces. In addition, the Department of the Treasury uses assembly language code—a computer language initially used in the 1950s and typically tied to the hardware for which it was developed," the GAO stated.
The Martian author questions space travel to Mars
When it comes to living on Mars, the human body is simply not suited to living for long periods in zero-g. Until this issue is solved, we have no hope of landing humans on the surface of Mars, nor can we create permanent residences in space. That was the crux of the testimony given to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology recently by best-selling author of The Martian, Andy Weir. "Astronauts who spend months in zero-g suffer bone loss and muscle degradation. Once they return to Earth, they have to be carried out of their capsule by ground crew. It takes days, sometimes weeks for them to re-adapt to gravity because their muscles are simply too weak to stand. Imagine, then, a crew of astronauts setting foot on the surface of Mars after eight months in space to get there. They would be unable to move, let alone execute their mission," Weir said.
Tiny wireless
A DARPA-funded research team said recently it had developed a tiny component for silicon-based circuitry that could double the radio-frequency (RF) capacity for wireless communications—offering faster web-searching as well as the development of smaller, less expensive and more readily upgraded antenna arrays for radar, signals intelligence, and other applications. The work was led by Columbia University electrical engineers and funded under DARPA's Arrays at Commercial Timescales program, which is looking to develop wireless electronic components that can be integrated into larger, more advanced systems quickly.
FBI moves car cybersecurity issues to forefront
The National Highway Transportation Safety joined with the FBI in warning consumers that the increasing number of computers in the form of electronic control units (ECUs) that control numerous vehicle functions from steering, braking, and acceleration, to the lights and windshield wipers make them vulnerable to potential cybersecurity problems. "While manufacturers attempt to limit the interaction between vehicle systems, wireless communications, and diagnostic ports, these new connections to the vehicle architecture provide portals through which adversaries may be able to remotely attack the vehicle controls and systems. Third-party devices connected to the vehicle, for example through the diagnostics port, could also introduce vulnerabilities by providing connectivity where it did not exist previously," the FBI stated.
DARPA: Show us how to weaponize benign technologies
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was created years ago because the US didn't want to be surprised again by any major new technological developments (specifically in response to the surprise launch of Sputnik in 1958) and ensure that the US should do any surprising. With that in mind the agency launched a potentially scary program called "Improv" that looks at what DARPA calls today's "bustling tech marketplace with an inventor's eye and imagine how easily purchased, relatively benign technologies might be converted into serious security threats."
NASA wants a supersonic transport
NASA wants to put a supersonic passenger jet back in the sky that promises to a soft thump or supersonic heartbeat as the agency called it -- rather than the disruptive boom currently associated with such high-speed flight. The "low-boom" aircraft known as Quiet Supersonic Technology (QueSST) will be built by a team led by Lockheed Martin Aeronautics which will get $20 million to develop baseline aircraft requirements and a preliminary aircraft design.
Einstein was right: Gravitational waves exist!
In one of the great astronomical discoveries scientists in February said they made direct observation of gravitational waves -- ripples in space-time foretold by Albert Einstein 100 years ago. Physicists said the detected gravitational waves were produced during the final fraction of a second of the merger of two black holes – that were about 29 and 36 times the mass of the sun, to produce a single, more massive spinning black hole. This collision which happened about 1.3 billion years ago, had been predicted but never observed, according to the National Science Foundation.
Beam me up Scotty
Visitors to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum see the fully restored original USS Enterprise model from the 1960s "Star Trek" TV series in Washington July 2016. The USS Enterprise is one of the highlights in the museum's newly renovated and reopened Boeing Milestones of Flight Hall, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the museum.
CIA: the fine art of investigating flying saucers
Most people don't typically associate the Central Intelligence Agency with historical UFO investigations but the agency did have a big role in such investigations many years ago. But earlier this year the agency issued a release called "How to investigate a flying saucer." In the article the CIA talks about the Air Force's Project Blue Book which investigated public reports of UFOs and operated between 1952-1969. Project Blue Book was based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio. Between 1947 and 1969, the Air Force recorded 12,618 sightings of strange phenomena — 701 of which remain "unidentified."
Scientists at the Imperial College London says that they have developed a robotic rectum that may help doctors and nurses detect prostate cancer. The idea is the device helps train doctors and nurses to perform rectal examinations by accurately recreating the feel of a rectum, as well as providing feedback on their examination technique. The device contains small robotic arms that apply pressure to the silicone rectum, to recreate the shape and feel of the back passage.
Big jet for big space access
It is likely to be the world's largest aircraft. At roughly 1.3 million pounds and using six 747 jet engines, the Stratolaunch is designed to ferry rockets to a high altitude and release them where they can blast into Low Earth Orbit to deliver satellites. Stratolaunch is Paul Allen's — who is not only the cofounder of Microsoft but a big space enthusiast — idea for making space travel an on-demand type of business.
Branson readies revamp of SpaceShipTwo
Richard Branson poses after unveiling the SpaceShipTwo, a second iteration of the aircraft. It is a six-passenger two-pilot vehicle meant to ferry people into sub-orbital space. It replaces a ship destroyed during a test flight in October 2014, in Mojave, Calif.
NASA's electric plane
NASA has begun testing a 14-motor electric plane to demonstrate that electric propulsion can make planes quieter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly. The X-57 Maxwell features 12 engines on the leading edge of the uniquely designed wing for take offs and landings and one larger motor on each wing tip for use while at cruise altitude.
Mermaid robot
Humanoid Diving Robot OceanOne, with a humanoid torso and a mermaid-like tail section, studded with thrusters and sensors to keep the mer-bot swimming. The OceanOne team said in April they want their robotic coworker to eventually find work in disaster relief, ship repair, oil and gas drilling, and other oceanographic research.
Solar bus
Buses with solar panels installed on their roofs to gather electricity are seen in a parking lot in Hangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
World's biggest solar tower
Construction workers install heliostat mirrors during the construction of a 787 foot solar-power tower in Israel's southern Negev Desert. The world's tallest solar-power tower is being built off a highway in the Negev Desert in southern Israel.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg holds a propeller pod of the solar-powered Aquila. Facebook said in July 2016, it had completed a successful test flight of a solar-powered drone that it hopes will help it extend internet connectivity to every corner of the planet.
Copyright © 2016 IDG Communications, Inc.


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08/17/2012 (press release: OnlinePR) // Donna Downing
Women can take a walk on the wild side and give their wardrobe an instant update with the new animal print dresses on sale at M&Co.
The new Savannah collection features funky animal prints for a look that roars with style. Women can give their workwear a modern twist for summer by teaming M&Co's snake print scarf with a skirt and blouse or classic little black dress, while the animal print witchy hem top looks great with a pair of leggings. And ladies do not have to break the bank to release their inner animal, as a new ruched animal print top that works well with a pair of jeans will set them back just £24.
Lindsey Williams, Buying Director said: "Animal prints are huge this season and they were all over the catwalks. These patterns aren't just for evening wear and a leopard print top looks just as good with jeans and flat shoes and it does with a skirt and heels.
"M&Co's latest collection is full of stylish and affordable pieces that are bang on trend. Plus, our new snake print scarf is a subtle way to update a plain outfit if women prefer their patterns to be a bit more understated.
The Savannah collection includes matching accessories such as bags and jewellery, so that women can complete their entire outfit. M&Co also has a great range of other options for summer, including pretty floral tea dresses and blouses with a cute bird print that work well with coloured slim leg jeans. Women jetting off on holiday can pick up a figure-fixing swimsuit and a stylish pair of sunglasses.
The new collections are online now, so ladies shouldn't wait to update their wardrobe with some great new looks for summer.
M&Co was previously known as Mackays and has been selling fashionable clothing, lingerie and accessories for women for more than 50 years.
For further information please contact:
Donna Downing (PR manager)
[email protected]
0800 0317 200
Social Media Tags:animal print dresses, little black dress, M&Co
Newsroom powered by Online Press Release Distribution – SubmitMyPressRelease.com


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Be compliant
Manage your compliance. Workflow automation to drive timely and complete compliance. Automatic alerts and reminders support your team members to be ready in time. The dashboard gives you up to date insight in the compliance status, local or worldwide.
Flexible workflow
Setting up your workflows has never been easier. Assign responsibilities per workflowstep and make sure the right team member takes responsibility.
Be in time
The built in scheduler and calendar allow you to plan ahead even years in advance to make sure the compliance tasks are automatically kicked off timely and your team members receive automatic reminders and tasks in their to-do list
Full audit trail
Every task, every comment and every document used to complete the compliance task is stored and remains available for future reference. An automatic audit trail that is there when you need it.
Reasons to like Compliance Management
The easiest way to manage all your GRC requirements
Tax Manager
- Monitor all tax filings world wide
- Plan all filings per entity in the calendar
- Predefine the workflow per filing or per legal entity to guide the process
- Easy to maintain and cost effective
- Schedule compliance actions like reports or tax filings and monitor their status, world wide!
- Combined with Corporate e-Learning we can train and test our staff and ensure compliance
- Workflow automation ensures a full audit trail of work done
- Dashboards and reports always up to date
- No more late filings
- Structuring the work makes it more efficient and less error prone
- I know we are in control


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Quest Name: used all their skills to feed a smoky gray wyvren. Location: The Wyvinian Stronghold Area Level: 43 Approximate rarity (scale from 1 to 9): 8 Average level of players who complete it: 37 (no details regarding this quest have been recorded yet)
Related and nearby quests on The Continent of RamanekLevel Align Name -------------------------------------------------------- 36 has proven their patience & kindness in their path to bec... 37 used all their skills to feed an amethyst wyvren. 37 used all their skills to feed a citrine wyvren. 38 Successfully completed the ranger's quest.


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NANOSTREAM 3.0 – SDK and Web Plugin for live video encoding
nanocosmos GmbH, http://www.nanocosmos.de, a technology leader for video encoding and streaming software, is proud to announce the 3rd generation of its nanoStream Live Video Encoder product range nanoStream 3.0, including nanoStream SDK and Web Plugins
Using the nanoStream SDK and Web Plugins is the easiest way to create custom live encoding and internet streaming applications. You will find it being used for professional 24/7 applications from streaming live sports, entertainment, e-learning, surveillance to video conferencing and chat.
nanoStream 3.0 contains many new features, a new SDK and Web Plugins for Windows and MacOS, as requested by our worldwide licensing customers.
The new multi-encoder streaming function allows parallel live encoding and streaming with multiple video formats and quality levels at the same time. You can even record video in Full HD to H.264/MP4 or MPEG files, in different quality video streams.
With our new Silverlight support for WindowsMedia, Streaming to WindowsPhone devices is possible, in combination with Microsoft IIS Smooth Streaming servers.
The nanoStream 3.0 software now supports additional protocols for streaming to Wowza and other streaming servers, CDN networks like Akamai and Cloud based servers like Amazon EC2. Including support for RTMP-T tunneling protocols with authentication and encryption, for corporate usage.
Feel free to try our demo with our simple nanoStream web encoder application and see a live stream from your Windows or MacOS browser within a minute!
nanocosmos also offers many different modules including ScreenSharing, IP network cameras (Canon, Axis), 3D Stereoscopic Streaming, HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), IPTV Transcoding for UDP-TS Multicast Applications, MXF file formats and many more, available based on the nanoStream API or as separate modules and DirectShow filters. Additional tools for command line integration allow even more flexible integration into custom applications; more than any other popular encoding tools on the market today.
nanoStream SDK with its simple API is compatible with the most popular programming languages and technologies and can be easily integrated by software developers into custom streaming apps either for the desktop or web applications. It is available as Active-X and Web Browser Plugin, DirectShow filters and desktop and command line applications, for Windows and MacOS. The flexible modular architecture contains software and hardware accelerated encoders for H.264 and MPEG-2 based on nanocosmos technology and Intel QuickSync.
list of additions and changes:
– multi-encoder streaming, multiple encoders with multiple bit rates
– h.264 and aac video and audio encoding including hardware acceleration
– support for silverlight / iis / mms streaming
– improved support for DV / Firewire capture devices
– improved support for file streaming and loading DVDs
– improved text/image overlay
– improved screen capture
– added support for canon IP cameras
– improved MPEG-TS encoding for storage and udp multicast streaming
– improved bandwidth checker
– improved XML profile handling
– improved remote network control
– improved audio handling / mute / stereo/mono
– improved command line encoder for Windows and MacOS
– new web based encoder for Windows and MacOS
– improved 3D-Stereo support and stereoscopic player
About nanocosmos
nanocosmos located in Berlin, Germany, is a technology leader for professional video streaming, broadcast applications and toolkits. The nanocosmos software system has a proven track record in providing 24/7 high quality video with its software components for professional video providers such as The Berlinale Film Festival, RTL Television and streaming web sites for sports, entertainment and corporate use. We enjoy working closely together with our worldwide license customers in creating the best software environment available to ensure successful video integration into your product.


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We have dedicated, award-winning Installation and Service Departments
Air Conditioning Sales & Installation
We have dedicated, award-winning central Air Conditioning Installation and Service Departments. That means that the Installation Department only handles installation, and the Service Department only handles service calls.
Each employee is put through a rigorous, five-year training program that consists of a combination of 1,000 hours of classroom and hands-on work in the field. We only staff EPA and/or NATE certified installers. Each installation is fulfilled by a two-person team. Any heating or cooling service request will be answered within 2 hours. And we have a 24-hour service guarantee: if we don't provide service within 24 hours, we'll put you up in a hotel for the night.
We Take Pride in a Job Well Done.
We want to make sure that you get all the comfort you pay for! After each installation we conduct a Quality Control Audit which will ensure years of trouble-free service. Our HVAC installers will review each aspect of your installation and documents. This will ensure a high level of reliability and energy savings from your new central air conditioning system.


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Brett Ford
Welcome to Gentle Dental Care. As part of our dental family, you will feel at home in our offices. The warm, informal atmosphere will help you relax and appreciate a different kind of dental experience. We understand the special needs of every individual.Our obstacle-free facilities are designed to enable easy access for the senior citizen and disabled patient. The professional staff at Gentle Dental Care are highly trained, friendly, experienced dental professionals.


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Born: August 11, 1957, Columbia, SC
Family: Son of Bobby and Shirley Lucas.
Married to Tracy Ann Deglman on August 17, 1990
Children: Will Lucas
Education: Univ. of S.C., B.A., 1975, M.P.A., 1981 J.D., 1987
- Financial Director, City of Bennetsville, 1982-84
- County Administrator, Fairfield County, 1986-86
- County Attorney, Darlington County 1990-94
- City Judge, City of Hartsville, 1995-96
- Partner Lucas, Warr & White, Attorneys at Law, 1994
- Earle E. Morris, Jr., Public Policy Award
- Professional of the Year, Mental Health Association for Darlington County
- Legislator of the Year: Paul's Foundation
- S.C. Recreation, Parks & Tourism
- S.C. State Firefighter's Association
- Member, Hartsville Lions Club
- Member, Hartsville Lodge #173
- Member, Emmanuel Baptist Church
- Served in House 1999-current
- Elected Speaker Pro Tempore November 17, 2010
- Elected Speaker December 2, 2014
- Former Board Member, Hartsville Chamber of Commerce
- Former Chairman, Hartsville National League
- Former Member, S.C. Solicitor's Association
- Former Co-Chairman, S.C. House Rural Caucus
- Former Chairman, Darlington County Republican Party
- Former Chairman, Darlington County Coordinating Council
On The Issues News Updates General Assembly SC Speaker
Growing up in the small rural town of Hartsville, House Speaker Jay Lucas learned early on that success requires hard work and dedication. Born to Bobby and Shirley Lucas, Jay's parents instilled in him the importance of personal responsibility – a trait that would lay a firm foundation for his life in public service.
A proud Gamecock, Speaker Lucas received his bachelor's degree in political science from the University of South Carolina in 1975, graduating Phi Beta Kappa. He also received a master's degree in public administration in 1981. Upon graduation, Jay immediately went to work as the Financial Director for the City of Bennettsville prior to working as the County Administrator for Fairfield County. Having high hopes of eventually practicing law, Jay applied this valuable work experience and knowledge to his future education.
Jay received his law degree from the University of South Carolina in 1987. He graduated third in his class and was the managing editor of the South Carolina Law Review. He served as the Darlington County attorney and a City Judge for the City of Hartsville before becoming a partner with Lucas, Warr and White in 1994.
When former state Representative Michael Baxley retired in 1998, Jay took the opportunity to fulfill another life-long goal and run for office. Given House District 65 had not been represented by a Republican since Reconstruction, Jay knew his election would be an uphill battle. Based on his performance in this election, Jay earned the nickname "Landslide Lucas" from former Speaker David Wilkins because he won by a mere handful of votes. Jay currently represents portions of Darlington, Kershaw, Lancaster, and Chesterfield.
After serving several terms in office, Jay was elected Chairman of the Darlington County Republican Party. In November 2010, his colleagues in the House elected him as Speaker Pro Tempore. Jay never dreamed that this position would give him the opportunity to eventually become Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.
Jay believes that he has a responsibility as Speaker to enact reforms that will better the lives of all South Carolina families. Throughout his years in public service, Jay has become the proud recipient of several prestigious awards. Earlier this year, he received the Wilkins Award for Excellence in Legislative Leadership from the Riley Institute and the Jimmy Newsom Signature Award for his contributions to public education in Darlington County. He has also been recognized by the Mental Health Association; South Carolina Chamber of Commerce; South Carolina Recreation, Parks, and Tourism; South Carolina Solicitors Association; South Carolina Farm Bureau; South Carolina State Firefighter's Association; and the Institute for Child Success.
Jay is married to Tracy Ann Deglman, a dental hygienist who continues to offer him strength and support in every endeavor. They have one son, Will, a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute who recently earned his master's degree at North Carolina State University.
Contact Speaker Jay Lucas
Speaker Lucas welcomes your input on the important issues facing our state. Please contact him with your comments, questions and concerns.
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The euro will become the world's favorite reserve currency because Europe has a better growth strategy than the US, David Roche, global strategist at Independent Strategy told CNBC.
"We'll actually produce a much stronger fiscal balance, a much better debt-to-GDP ratio within the eurozone", Roche said.
The German economy has recorded its fastest post-war contraction, at 5 percent in 2009, with exports falling by 14.7 percent, alongside investment. But this, paradoxically, brings opportunities for private investors, according to Roche.
"It also means the government will have to shrink spending because you can't increase taxes to balance the budget in Europe, otherwise there won't be an economy," Roche said.
"They're so heavily taxed anyway. So you have to shrink spending, which opens up a whole area of the economy for entrepreneurs to enter the act."
But concerns about highly indebted countries such as Portugal, Ireland and Greece put a drag on the eurozone and investors wonder if Europe will recover as fast as the rest of the world.
A German Story
"The Germans have become more assertive about the price which has to be paid and which they have paid heavily for establishing the euro and the eurozone and they are not prepared to put up with this sort of shenanigans and straight outright mendacity which they have had to endure from the likes of Greece," Roche warned.
"So what they are doing is that they are hanging Greece out to dry. (...) It is actually to show that within the eurozone, errant nations will be told how to behave," says David Roche.
At 12.7 percent of GDP, Greece's deficit is far above the eurozone ceiling of 3 percent. Greece is also burdened with debt amounting to 113 percent of GDP - more than double the eurozone limit of 60 percent.
The European Commission has already voiced its unwillingness to bail out the country, leaving the International Monetary Fund as the last resort for a potential lifeline. However, the country's Prime Minister said Wednesday that Greece will not quit the euro zone, nor will it resort to the IMF.
Next week, the new Greek budget is to be presented to the Greek Parliament, a statement which will be closely watched by the markets.
"The Germans are saying to everyone else: where is your exit strategy? You're going to have to have one, because we're going back to fiscal orthodoxy," said Roche.
"I believe that's the right strategy to get growth going. I don't think spending money you don't have is the right strategy. So the American strategy is totally wrong. And I think the Europeans will be right. I think it (the recovery) will be governed by Germany in a very nice democratic way," he added.


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Atlantic Cape Community College will offer a variety of credit courses this summer to accommodate a range of lifestyles. Whether you're a current student, recent high school graduate or attending a four-year college and home for the summer, you can earn credits toward your degree during Atlantic Cape's six summer sessions.
Some classes include: Art Appreciation, College Algebra, Composition I, Composition II, Criminal Law, Earth Science, Elementary Spanish I, Fundamental English Grammar, General Psychology, Intro to Computers, Principles of Sociology, Public Speaking, Restaurant Operations and U.S. History II.
In-person registration hours are weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.atlantic.edu/summer to view summer and fall class schedules and to register online.
The first session is six weeks, May 27 to July 3; the second session is eight weeks, June 30-Aug. 21; and the third session is six weeks July 14 to Aug. 21. In addition, two accelerated 11-day sessions begin May 27 and June 16, and a full session meets May 27-Aug. 21.
Financial aid is available to eligible students. Students can visit www.atlantic.edu/finaid to apply.
For students who wish to continue their studies beyond the associate degree, Atlantic Cape offers dual admission programs with The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Rutgers and Fairleigh Dickinson universities.
With locations close to home, students can start at Atlantic Cape and finish at Stockton, Rutgers or Fairleigh Dickinson. Atlantic Cape's associate degree also is transferable upon acceptance at all public four-year colleges in New Jersey and the college has more than 35 articulation/transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities across the country.
Classes will be held at the Mays Landing Campus, 5100 Black Horse Pike; the Charles D. Worthington Atlantic City Campus, 1535 Bacharach Blvd.; the Cape May County Campus, 341 Court House-South Dennis Road, Cape May Court House; and online.
Payment for summer classes is due at the time of registration. The college accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. To register online or view an updated schedule of summer and fall courses, visit www.atlantic.edu/summer. For more information, email firstname.lastname@example.com or call (609) 343-5000, 625-1111, ext. 5000, or 463-3960 in Cape May County.


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A spectacular location, a great idea, and brilliant beer.
Little Creatures, headquartered in Fremantle, has since the turn of the century been driving forward the craft beer movement in Australia. At the brewery in this picturesque fishing port, Little Creatures uses Krones equipment throughout its entire brewing operations. All the kit has been integrated in a beer hall with a restaurant. Because the beer is so popular, a second brewery is going into operation in 2013, this time on the south-east coast, an impressive 3,400 kilometres away from Fremantle. Once again featuring Krones technology throughout.
From a penal colony to a gold mine
Fremantle was founded by the English back in the early 19th century as a colony port 20 kilometres to the south of Perth further inland, Western Australia's state capital.
"Born to brew Pale Ale"
It's precisely here that Little Creatures found a home as well, with space for 500 to 600 guests. In the "beer garden", you sit directly at the seafront, looking at a replica of the Duyfken, a Dutch sailing ship from the 16th century. And you can also make yourself comfortable in the renovated warehouse, at the bar or at one of the many tables, from which you can watch the pizza baker plying his trade at the wood-fired oven, or the cooks in the open-plan kitchen, listen to the background music, and drink a beer or two, of course.
"Krones was the right choice for us."
And the brewers have more than enough to do. They produce over 100,000 hectolitres of beer annually in the Fremantle brewery. In the early years, they used a 50-hectolitre brewhouse, but that soon became too small, because demand continued high for the specialty beer, which is sold nationwide.
At that time, the beer market was dominated by two brewing conglomerates, Fosters and Lion, which together accounted for around 96 per cent of total production output. The third in this troika was the mid-tier Coopers Brewery from South Australia. So new styles of beer found ready acceptance among consumers. In 2006, Little Creatures requested initial quotations from three German brewhouse manufacturers. "Krones was the right choice for our brewhouse. We had already been quite impressed with a Krones bottling line back then", says Brewmaster Russell Gosling.
A fondness for the hopback
In 2008, the brewhouse was installed, rated at 100 hectolitres of cold cast wort and designed for ten brews a day. It is composed of a Variomill wet mill, a mash tun, a lauter tun, a heat-holding tank, a Stromboli wort boiler with a vapour condenser, and an energy storage tank, warm and cold water tanks, plus a whirlpool. One special feature is a hopback, in which natural hops are added.
Together with the brewhouse, Krones supplied nine cylindro-conical fermentation tanks, holding 400 hectolitres each, the yeast propagator, the entire piping and a CIP system. To enable the costs of the new brewhouse to be shouldered, Lion increased its stake in Little Creatures to 34 per cent. In 2010, Little Creatures added a TFS filter to the process technology, plus a buffer tank, a cooling system and a carbonator from Krones.
Unpasteurised bottling
Little Creatures had relocated its kegging and bottling operations to a separate hall a few kilometres away. Here, a Krones line rated at 12,000 bottles an hour runs in two-shift operation, with a Kosme bulk glass depalletiser, a Krones Mecafill filler monobloc-synchronised with a rinser and a closer, a Kosme labeller with a cold-glue station for body and neck labels, and in the dry end a cluster packer, a Kosme carton erector, a Krones Blitzpac packer and a Kosme palletiser.
The east coast wants more beer
But, magical though the location at Fremantle's harbour indubitably is, it was not a viable long-term solution by itself. Around 22 million people live in Australia, but only around two million of them in its westernmost state. An estimated 80 per cent of all Australians need not more than half an hour to get from their home to the sea. In other words, most Australians live on the coastal areas. Not ideal for distributing the beers, particularly as demand on the east coast as well continued to rise.
New turnkey brewery in Geelong
Given the enormous distances in Australia, the decision wasn't all that difficult: in 2011 Little Creatures placed an order with Krones to build a complete brewery, including all the utilities, in Geelong near Melbourne on the south-east coast, about a day's journey away from both Sydney and Adelaide. In 2012, this project was given a boost when the Lion Group acquired 100 per cent of Little Creatures. The brewery is designed for an annual capacity of 250,000 hectolitres, with an option for upsizing to 400,000 hectolitres. The 200-hectolitre Steinecker brewhouse features the very latest technology, including the EquiTherm energy storage system, combined with a unit-type cogeneration plant. The package is rounded off by a Krones bottling line.


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Once you see how much house you can get somewhere else, you can't unsee it. We all know that Metro Vancouver real estate is some of the most expensive in Canada, but we don't appreciate just how much less it costs to live almost anywhere else.
Our move away from New West started with a look…
We had always enjoyed poking around the MLS to see what houses were available, but the day we had the whim to look outside the Lower Mainland was the day the urge for going was born. If you are happy here in New West, don't look at the house prices in the Cowichan Valley, Sooke, Kelowna, Charlottetown, or Montreal. Don't look at Halifax. Just, don't.
If you have already nibbled from the Tree of MLS Knowledge, you may be going through the same seesaw of emotions as we did when we grappled with the decision to stay or go.
We were happy in New West, and that makes it harder to decide to make a change, as we all fear such a choice will make us unhappy. But in some ways, when you are happy is the best time to go, as you can be sure you are not running away from your problems. They say your problems will follow you wherever you go, and I would say the same is true for your feelings of well-being.
If you are a happy person who finds joy in life, you can find joy wherever you are.
On the other hand, sometimes your reason for going is that you have a problem with the place where you live. It's a good idea to spend some time thinking about whether your problem is really with something concrete in your environment (for example, be- ing unable to find a home with enough bedrooms at a price you can afford, wanting to be closer to work, or being bothered by excessive traffic noise) or whether the problem is unspecific and emotional (feeling sad, lonely, or bored).
A feeling that you would be 'happier' somewhere else is not a good reason to move, unless you can get specific about which particular aspects of your life you want to change. Over time, you will become habituated to whatever has changed in your environment and your big change will become your new normal. Once the novelty of the new place wears o , you will still be you.
On the other hand, moving to take advantage of a lower cost of living can offer a long-lasting financial benefit, and can increase happiness if it means you are feeling less stressed about your financial situation. This is assuming you have your financial house in order, of course. Bad spending habits don't go away when you have more money to manage.
And sometimes, the urge for going is an itch you can't explain. Some of the worst regrets are the things you didn't have the courage to try. One of the things that made our cross-country move work was doing a lot of research and reflection on the lifestyle and cultural aspects of the communities we could have moved to. We didn't just ogle houses on MLS to decide where to go. We spent a lot of time talking about the things we liked about where we lived, what aspects of other communities appealed to us and why, and so on.
When we thought we had narrowed down the area to three small towns in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges area outside of Montreal, I started looking for community discussion groups on Facebook, Instagram photos, You- Tube videos, Twitter posts, and blog posts. In our new community, the Facebook groups have been the most helpful. Before we booked our first house-hunting trip, I already knew what the local hot-button issues were, which areas were considered 'good' neighbourhoods, what the main recreation options were, where to get
groceries, the reputations of the various schools, and I had already begun to make a few friends. Because municipal politics matters to me, I also watched some interviews in French with the mayor of my new town and read through as many news articles on local politi- cal issues as I could find online. When we came on our house-hunting trip, we already knew what we would find. Reassuringly, there have been few surprises.
In the end, I truly believe your community is what you make of it. This is good news whether you stay or go: if you decide to make your community a better place, you can find happiness here, there, or anywhere, as long as you have the essential things you need to create a good life.


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Arrow Statues: Twin Arrows, Arizona
The now-shuttered Twin Arrows Trading Post survived for a spell after Route 66 was replaced by I-40, but the store/motel/cafe complex closed in the 1990s.
Just like the nearby Two Guns Trading Post (also closed), all that remains of the Twin Arrows Trading Post is the advertising -- which includes the twin arrows embedded at the foot of the Colorado Plateau.
Find out how a cartoon character became larger than life in Idaho Springs, Colorado, in the next section.


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There is some more about the Epiphone HERE.
The story is that the Selmer Charles Delaunay took out to the USA for Django, which became damaged during the trip, was subsequently repaired and sold before he returned to France. He could well have sold the Gibson also.
After he returned from America, Django almost exclusively played an amplified or full electric guitar; the notable exceptions being his reunions with Grappelli. For the majority of this period, it was a Selmer with Stimer amplification that he used.
Here he is playing a Selmer with some unknown form of rudimentary amplification from early 1945:-


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Everybody loves a good parade! And there's no better place for Happy Camper to come out than Palm Springs Pride 2013. Hi Ross Mathews! (Jump, wave, giggle. Jump, squeal, wave.)
From white parties to leather pride, drag queen divas to cuddly bears, we saw it all (thanks to your assless chaps, Duke). Thanks for coming out and supporting such a great cause with us. A portion of Happy Camper proceeds will go to causes that support LGBTQ youth!
If you didn't earn this badge, don't you worry – there will always be a gay pride parade somewhere, sometime and you'll get your chance, we promise.
If you HAVE earned this badge, we are soooooo happy to have been able to guzzle up every minute with all you crazy, lovable freaks. What did you do at Palm Springs Pride 2013 and how did you find out about Happy Camper? Contact us – we really wanna know!


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Archive for category Teaching/Learning
Still in transit…
Posted by admin in Farside, General, Leadership, Teaching/Learning on March 19, 2016
Getting to south Africa has proven to be a bit of a challenge. Not because of paperwork or documentation because that all went very smoothly. So glad we followed the South African Embassy process. That proved to be the best part of our overall paperwork.
But, the time it takes on the flights and the connections in between makes it a bit of a daunting task to travel about a third of the way across the globe to the south. The kids have handled it well, seasoned travelers as they are. We are in Johannesburg and about to board our final flight on the leg to Kasane where we will spend the next week in this general region.
All checked in…
26 kids – 4 adults – passports and documents from a dozen countries.
All clear! On the plane! Everything checked to destination. Life is good on the first leg of our adventure!
Africa began…
The Ambassadors gathered at school for our departure at 3p today and the mood was good. All was well prepared and every ounce of luggage utilized for the trip to meet the benefactors of their efforts. Clothing and other gifts were packed in every nook and cranny.
So, as we now prepare for the long journey ahead (and the math tests I'm proctoring for some on the airplane), the mood is good and I feel a bus ride song is imminent.
Africa Begins
Posted by admin in Farside, General, Leadership, Teaching/Learning on March 16, 2016
I'm heading off tomorrow for an adventure with 27 of our high school students. After a quick board meeting, I'm on a plane to Africa to help out with our school building projects in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. My thanks to all who contributed to this project both through the many activities throughout the year and via the Director's Challenge fundraiser, which has raised US$13,000 thus far to push the kids to their goals. You can still contribute to the project until the remaining spots are filled. Contribute to the Director's Challenge via PayPal or by direct payment to the AAS Cashier.
I'm heading off tomorrow for an adventure with 27 of our high school students. After a quick board meeting I'm on a plane to Africa to help out with our school building projects in Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. My thanks to all who contributed to this project both through the many activities throughout the year and the recent culmination through the Director's challenge raising US$13,000 to push the kids to their goals. You can still contribute to the project until the remaining spots are filled and completing the challenge while I'm away.
While I'm gone, I'm going to try and push out blog entries on my experiences with the kids. So, please stay in touch via the Zimplicity blog and feel free to subscribe for my email feed to get notified of new content.
Finally, my thanks to all involved in Parent Conferences today. I had a chance to spend some extra time in the North Gym this morning and there was a tremendously positive buzz in the room as both Middle School and High School reaffirmed our parent partnership for the work ahead in the final months of school. Please offer your feedback to MS and HS administration for their hard work in preparing and implementing the new format. They plan to review and continue to refresh their process next year based on your important input.
I should note that during my absence, you can seek out Ian Forster, Deputy Director, or Melissa Schaub, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for any concerns. They will be capably steering the ship while I'm away.
Getting to "YET"
Posted by admin in Leadership, Teaching/Learning on May 25, 2015
Published originally in December, Carol Dweck has extended her work to include this reinforcement of her concepts into the notion of "Getting to Yet". From Sweden TEDx in September, she proposes the concept of a grade for a class being a "Not Yet" rather than a failing grade.
The concept of growth mindset has not be propelled more than through Carol's work. It's a critical concept that should drive the work of schools more centrally. In the framework of "personalized learning," the idea of loving a challenge is central to understanding how abilities are developed.
It is still hard to understand this under an increasingly accountability frame of mind. We can't let go of necessary accomplishment, but the balance is through what we have "yet" to accomplish rather than building resumes that only capture the past. There seems potential linkage here between extrinsic reward that has yielded the generation of workers focused on tangible rather than intuitive rewards.
Praise the process equal to the product…
Technology Integration in Schools
Posted by admin in Leadership, Teaching/Learning, Technology on March 25, 2013
At a session at International School of Prague as part of the Spring CEESA Conference. Discussion about the integration of technology and pushing the boundaries of our thinking on the topic. The SAMR model helps us to see the context of integration and the transformational aspects that we are all seeking:
TEDxAAS – My first one…
Posted by admin in Evolution, Leadership, Teaching/Learning on January 23, 2013
The students in charge of this did a fabulous job!!
ECIS Panel Discussion – April, 2012
Posted by admin in Conferences/Training, Evolution, Leadership, Teaching/Learning, Technology on April 12, 2012
Initial thoughts:
The initial question posited to the conference panel that I've been asked to address:
Information Technology in school – Does it improve learning?
Gathered some resources to begin to address this question and related topics:
The key issue associated with answering the question revolves first around how you define improving learning. The learning targets that are currently accepted often revolve around norm referenced test scores because of our reliance on these measures to show growth or performance against a larger data set. There is some validity to this because of the large data set available after decades of using these measures and the large body of experience with these measures.
However, these kinds of measures are ill prepared to measure 21st century skills. They effectively measure math, reading, writing, and core knowledge competency, but they do little to measure attitudes, intellectual processing skills, and skills revolving around independence, collaboration, and innovation. We have scores of examples of students who are truly gifted as leaders and complex thinkers that routinely scored below average on the accepted measures.
So, if you are asking me whether information technology improves learning, I would have to answer "No".
There is no clear empirical evidence that information technology as an independent variable has a correlation to improved student learning as a dependent variable in the traditional, measured definition of the term.
I would suggest that addressing this question from a quantitative point of view is faulty at the outset. This is the same logic that has led to American ignorance of the impact of poverty on education and learning. We've spent more than a decade comparing our results to international measures only to ignore how poverty has impacted our bottom line. A recent AASA blog entry highlights the fallacy of the standards movement to address educational reform while ignoring this poverty gap between the countries (e.g. Finland with 4% in poverty vs. U.S. at 21%). Quantitative measures are insufficient in addressing complex issues.
Logic confirms that If we want to address what technology enables, we need different goals for education. In the truest tradition of backward design, it begins with this question:
What world are we preparing kids to live in?
Addressing that question and looking at essential skills for a 21st century world is where we truly should be focused. In regards to this question, the next logical qualified questions is:
Does the use of information technology in schools prepare kids for a technology rich world we can scarcely describe in the current moment?
Then the answer would be a resounding and passionate — YES!! Now let's design and build measures for addressing skills that emerge from this backward design and use measures that are meant to really test whether students are developing 21st century skills. Let's get beyond the issue of technology as an entity and look at how we create technology rich environments that eminently prepare students for the world of their future.
Hattie research:
and one recently reported danger from CNET:
The Holiday Season Begins @ AAS
Posted by admin in Family/Friends, Russia, Teaching/Learning, Technology on December 3, 2011
AAS 5th Grade from Jon Zurfluh on Vimeo.
Erin and her classmates entertain parents at recent gathering.
BTW – All video done with iPhone and edited with iMovie on the iPhone. Amazing…
The Future…
Posted by admin in Evolution, Leadership, Teaching/Learning, Technology on July 28, 2011
I know this is just a gadget on one hand, but for those with a science fiction come reality sort of mind, what are the implications of this? Are we preparing kids for a world with stuff like this? I mean really – Do the classrooms of today bear any resemblance to the technology they will live with after graduation? Really???!?!?!?
This changes everything…
Common Sense Thinking
Posted by admin in Leadership, Teaching/Learning on July 20, 2011
These guys get it…
Look especially at 25:40 for the key question on individualizing… Powerful – listen for the shoe story.
Parents – Time to Select Your Child's Hardware
Posted by admin in Evolution, Teaching/Learning, Technology on May 30, 2011
Schools are increasingly struggling with decisions on how to support the growing trends in technology adoption in a fast paced and constantly changing technology rich world. The number of schools moving toward greater access to technology is growing with exponential magnitude. The challenge is the cost associated with these adoptions and further compounded by the increasing pace of obsolescence. Often, we are buying equipment that has a usable lifespan of far less than three years making traditional depreciation schedules useless.
But, first we need to begin with the rationale for including technology in the learning process. Even after two decades of study, there is limited empirical support for academic achievement through implementation of technology alone. There are benefits that emerge from the use of technology, but the tools we currently use to measure educational progress are unlikely to capture the nuances of how technology helps us to achieve those goals.
We have to start with a different perspective on the function of education to understand the "why technology?" question. In our look at curriculum and instruction, we often take time to ask another critical question — "What do children need to know and be able to do to be successful after schooling?" In the time of Sputnik we shifted our educational focus to include science and math in order to generate a work force that could challenge emerging Russian competence in the race to outer space. We have more recently shifted focus to develop skills in collaboration and communication because corporate leaders suggest that graduates join the workforce woefully unprepared for a fast-paced and competitive global environments that require teamwork and flexible ongoing skill development. We shift curriculum to include more phonics when basic reading scores show a decline and we return to a whole language approach when motivation, comprehension, and fluency lag. This tipping back and forth on agendas has often been described as a swinging pendulum and it serves as the primary source of teacher frustration.
With technology we confront a sustained trend that is more profound than these cyclical curricular iterations of the past. Can we legitimately argue that the concept of integrated technology is a fad? Can we continue to posit that a productive and intelligent life can emerge in an environment bereft of technological tools in the current age?
With each iteration of innovation, technology becomes increasingly embedded and ubiquitous in daily life. Along with that trend, the challenges of adequately preparing students to live in a technologically enhanced world increases at an ever quickened pace. More than any other curricular challenge of recent memory, this trend is poised to leave us with a growing split between those who can and those who cannot – a digital divide that will become the new yardstick of competence.
Schools have to recognize that there, in fact, technology is becoming embedded in schools despite their lack of responsiveness. Students bring technology to school in increasing numbers and this technology is a demonstration of how the trend has created a ubiquitousness without intervention. In light of this, it seems prudent that school consider a different approach to technology integration.
It's time for schools to let go of control methodologies that are founding in outdated frameworks. Authoritarian control over choice is a throwback to an over-structured approach to teaching that has been proven ineffective. Instead, schools should welcome technology with open arms and — and this is important — students should bring it, not unlike the annual selection of the latest binder or pencil on the Fall supply lists. The recent BYOL (Bring Your Own Laptop) initiatives are an initial realization that schools can divest themselves of responsibility for user hardware and instead focus their energies on infrastructure and backbone to a technologically capable learning environment. The same should be expected of teachers and administrators.
I suggest that the time has passed where schools should expend capital on narrowing options for achievement with discussions of operating systems and minimum configurations. It's time for schools to create an open and welcome environment enriched by cloud based applications that removes the need for Microsoft or Linux allegiances. Even the Horizon 2011 report finds this to be the most critical trend in the next few years and repeated again after first introduced in 2010.
The bottom line for parents – pick your child's computer and then demand that schools allow that computer to accompany the child. By becoming an advocate for this paradigm, you support a move to a future-focused education that is more likely to prepare your child for the reality we all have to admit is on the near horizon.
The bottom line for teachers and administrators – build your own self-efficacy in regards to technology in order to assure your competence in guiding effective integration. If you don't own and regularly update your personal technology, you should. If you don't embrace the use of technology as a core skill for the future, you must.
Don't delay! With the pace of change, we dare not pause and watch more ground lost for the sake of mindless caution and a stoic grip on entrenched and unenlightened attitudes.
Another look at the future…
Posted by admin in Leadership, Teaching/Learning, Technology on February 25, 2011
I remember a similar video from Microsoft that takes a look at the future – not too distant – to conjecture on the state of the world associated with products already in the pipeline. I like to think of it as the nexus between StarTrek and reality. We've seen many crossover and successful products emerge this way. On the backs of Roddenberry style imagination, the future is crafted. Science fiction brought us cell phones and iPads. This video suggests what is next in interactive environments.
So the question that emerges is what do we do about preparing students for a future like this? If they only used today's computers, will they be ready to demonstrate proficiency in a world of this level of interactive demand?
Leadership requires that we move education closer to the leading edge of this kind of development. I have to prepare students for this in school, so that they can go on to dream the next level of accomplishment. The people that are crafting these new ideas were enabled at some point in their education to see beyond the limitations. Can we create another generation of unimagined innovation?
Leadership and Learning
Posted by admin in Evolution, Leadership, Teaching/Learning on February 15, 2011
Jay McTighe, one of the gurus behind Understanding by Design, has posted this video on his recent encounter with failure. It speaks to the issue of leaders who are often marked by age that is associated with their experience. Even Jay is showing his age despite the fact that he is only 7 years my senior. (This fact caused me to go peak in my mirror. Yikes!)
At the AAIE conference, this was apparent as I looked across a "wise" crowd of international school leaders. The focus of the weekend was technology and the overall content of the conference fell short of accessing the robust technology available today. That doesn't mean it was a bad conference – just bereft of the tools we were discussing. I would suggest that it drove home the point of the separation between digital natives, digital immigrants, and digital dinosaurs. While Jay is talking mostly about learning (and learners), I'm suggesting that his insights also provide a unique focus on leaders who are desperate to remain open to innovation, but are challenged by their own fear of failure when addressing a complex and constantly changing context.
Marc Prensky helped us to understand through his keynote that our issue is about the difference between nouns and verbs. We need to be less focused on the nouns which constitute the latest fads of technology tools (e.g. – Facebook, Twitter, Email, etc.) and focus instead on the skills (verbs) of the 21st century. While we need to embrace the nouns as they emerge and are adopted, the process skills of problem solving, collaboration, and communication remain static and highly adaptive to the new context. A powerful connection when considering Jay's insight into how we address our fear of failure. As Jay notes:
- Don't give in to negative self-talk
- Don't let an initial failure keep you from trying again
- Be strategic – practice, details, visualize success
Surfing at 60 is possible for even our most experienced leaders. And I'm not talking about the ocean kind of surfing.
What we really should be doing…
Posted by admin in Teaching/Learning, Technology on January 15, 2011
To learn what Alan November believes a successful school environment should look like, watch the 10-minute interview below:
This is similar to Ken Robinson's plea for a revolution rather than evolution in education. It strikes me that we often try to build on what we know rather than making the leap forward. Innovation and accomplishment will only come from competent and inspirational discord – not from compliance or cohesion with current paradigms.
Presenting at #globaled10
Posted by admin in Leadership, Teaching/Learning, Technology on November 18, 2010
Only had a few participants, but enjoyed talking about my topic and the powerpoint seemed to have just the right amount of data. Had some nice involvement, but it would have been even more fun with hundreds. 😉
Here's the recording link: https://sas.elluminate.com/drtbl?sid=gec2010&suid=D.C0BBFA0A2D7CF1BE39A2A24C253474
I'm presenting today at GlobalEd10 in my first online Eluminate session. This is a wonderful first attempt at global staff development in a virtual environment and I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts on leadership in a multi-cultural environment with whoever shows up. I have not been pushing for participation because I'm a bit nervous, but looking forward to sharing my thoughts as they relate to my doctoral work on the topic. Slideshare is now ready and this post is going up about 2 hours before the session. Hope it doesn't give too much of it away to otherwise turn people away. Truthfully, I have lots of stories to tell to go with this content.
Simplicity is our enemy…
Posted by admin in Evolution, Farside, Leadership, Teaching/Learning, Technology on October 31, 2010
A couple of issues are nagging on me and, as I watched an old TED video by Dan Meyer, some thoughts formed on why we are struggling with change and reform in schools (or anywhere for that matter). Dan quoted David Milch with the following when reflecting on the ills of a sit-com society:
It [television] creates an impatience … with irresolution….
We can see examples of this in every aspect of life. We see it in politics and government. We see it in advertisement and product delivery. Certainly, in computers and technology, we have examples of this modality where immediate gratification drives our interest and decision making.
In fact, a recent parent conference confirmed my ongoing frustration with this simple solution mentality. My son, who is generally a capable student, made a mistake on a recent test. In one section of the test, he failed to read a direction that required students answering false in a true/false section to also correct the statement to make it true. Like many of his classmates, he failed to follow this subtle direction and, thus, an "A/B" grade became a "D." At the conference held to discuss this issue, it also turned out that this was an object lesson in "following directions" and the teachers actually expected many of the students to mess up. As luck would have it, the principal sat in on our conference and reiterated the school's belief that this was a fair judgment of what my child was "taught." After all, "we have to teach kids that there are consequences in life and you don't always get second chances."
After holding my breath for a few moments, I simply asked for assessments that actually measured what my child knows and can do. The response was, "we are not doing standards based grading, so we can't do that." Interesting for a district that cites Stiggins on their website as a key reference and has pride in a "guaranteed and viable curriculum."
So here is where simplicity fits into this discussion:
- We like the simplicity of object lessons, because it means we don't have to monitor students as they work to assure success.
- We like the simplicity of quick and easy solutions because we can stand stoically behind them as ingeniously logical and sustainable despite the mythology upon which they are based.
- We like standardized tests and common core curriculum because we don't have to be accountable for the hard work or results associated with our own professional expertise. Instead, we can just implement and follow instructional guides with little thought to adaptation or unique insight.
- We like the political election cycle because we can regularly blame whoever is in power and vote them out only to find similar reaction to those elected in the next cycle — and on and on and on….
- We like to eliminate technology and leading edge curriculum from schools because they are far too complex to allow in a simple solution environment — and we might have to struggle a bit to get it right.
- We like making parents sign forms (with a witness signature) for every image that may accidentally be displayed on a school website (if there were any school website pages actually updated regularly) because we like the simplicity of signatures and absolving ourselves of responsibility.
- We like the simplicity of spending oodles of money contemplating geo-engineering to fix our planet in the future rather than conserving resources today – it's simple and I don't have to deal with it.
You get the picture? We have allowed simplicity to guide our thinking to the point of seeking the 30-minute solution to all our problems. We elected a president to a 4-year term of tough change only to be abandoning his efforts halfway through our commitment. We look for simple and quick solutions around every corner. An economic meltdown should be solved in a fortnight. Somebody please wave the wand and make 10% unemployment turn into 5% by morning. Elect me and I can make that happen. Right!?!?!?!?
Politics, education, and life are complex matters. Get used to it. Turn off the TV, read a book (I dare you), write frequent letters to your elected representatives, and realize that the world still turns at roughly the same velocity as it did decades and centuries ago. Give our kids a break and let them explore the wonders of the universe rather than just mastering the drudgery of sanitized benchmarks. Open their minds instead of hardening their hearts. Please?!
Changing Paradigms and Getting It Right…
Posted by admin in Evolution, Leadership, Teaching/Learning on October 15, 2010
This explanatory video discusses ADHD and a variety of topics, but more importantly, it's a valuable call to action against a different perspective on the needed reforms that should be taking place around the world. While I value that he has only touched on a few key topics, the references to globalization are critical to understand the complex dynamics in play. We dare not ignore the insidiously embedded nature of predispositions that have been layered upon us. Schools have effectively trained themselves into complacency and conformity over decades. Any change effort is fraught with challenge and acrimony when it confronts these well established myths of how learning should take place.
My take on the key points:
- We must attack this issue globally.
- We must dispel the grouping and packing of students. Remove the assembly line mentality to achieve the greatest gains.
- We have to abandon all attempts to create a perfect system to meet all needs. While I value that the business leaders want these systems to control costs, the reality is we need to spend less on obsolete materials and methods and move these resources to meeting the needs of the moment. Let's capture the uniqueness of individuals and build responsive systems that are messy and less defined – let collaboration emerge as our primary response mechanism. (BTW – this will get rid of the teachers who want to plan really well in their first year and then repeat it 29 times until they retire.)
- Let's focus our energies on truly accepting and understanding the concept of motivation and stop our practice of brainwashing children to accept carrot & stick as a way of life.
I'm sure there is more here that others would think worthy of equal emphasis. What do you think?
One reflection: Have you noticed how the successful "pockets" of innovation seem to first isolate themselves from interaction before they go public with their achievements? Look at the Harlem Children's Zone as an example. The work there was isolated and tied to one innovator. He sold it selectively and built it as a distinct departure from the paradigms. After it achieved success, he trumpeted it and reigned in the additional resources to meet the needs of each successive generation. We see many of these "pockets of excellence" emerging everywhere. I say, let the diversity reign and let's allow these pockets to multiply geometrically and meet the needs of the next generation of learners. Competition is dead. Long live divine inspiration and dedicated, purpose-driven organizations!!
The Zurfluh's are heading to Moscow!!!
Posted by admin in Leadership, Teaching/Learning on September 25, 2010
It's with both pride and gratitude that I'm able to announce our move to Moscow, Russia in July, 2011 as I take up the position of Director for the Anglo-American School of Moscow and St. Petersburg. As the largest school in the CEESA region, I'll master the helm of about 1500 students on two campuses in two distinctive cities in Central/Eastern Europe. For more details of my appointment, read the board communication and my introductory thoughts to the AAS community here.
Here's a great picture of our new home:
Happy First Day Everyone!!
Posted by admin in Teaching/Learning on August 31, 2010
I love the first day of school each year. This year, with dissertation work continuing, I again ushered my own two kids into school, but did not take the reins of a classroom or building. I miss it.
I love the rain beating down on my umbrella while watching buses safely deliver kids to my building. I love the calls on the hand-held letting me know that Johnny isn't sure to which classroom he is assigned. I relish the parent handshakes, the unloading of supplies. The wide-eyed enthusiasm is part of my biological clock and it refreshes me with each iteration of the cycle. Like the children in this video, I'm floating toward the heavens in awe of the mystery that is yet to emerge.
May you all have a wonderful "blast off" whether you have started or will soon do so. May this year be an exciting one where you accomplish all that you seek for yourself and for the children in your charge.
Dr. Kirpal Singh (Singapore Management University) laments in a movie featured at 21Foundation that we are focusing on preparing kids for today or yesterday, but that very few of us are preparing kids for tomorrow. That needs to be our focus and we should recommit to reaching out further than we can comprehend to address the needs of these citizens of a new millennium.


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Many sweet tooth lovers have a penchant for the richness of Belgian Milk Chocolates – these varieties capture the sweetness and texture of the best Belgian flavors in a unique structure. Some of the best pralines and truffles feature milk chocolate, while others have variations, including semi-sweet and white chocolate.
Milk chocolate creamy truffles are generally comprised of a milk chocolate Belgian shell – in general the cocoa content will be around 35%, which is enough to bring out the flavor without unduly burdening your taste buds. As a result, you can taste the purity of the chocolate at its core, which complements (rather than masks) the great nuts and fillings within the truffles.
Traditional Belgian pralines also (often) feature milk chocolate to give the treats a new taste. You can also find a variety of milk chocolate bars complete with nuts and fruit from Belgium including Callebaut, which makes a splendid milk chocolate bar. These bars also come in traditional varieties, allowing you to enjoy the purity of the chocolate, in addition to the luxurious pralines and truffles.
Belgian milk chocolate generally has a higher density of cocoa solids than do other chocolate varieties. While traditional milk chocolate varieties may only contain about 20% cocoa solids, Belgian milk chocolate generally exceed 30%, with some even reaching as high as 40%, making them borderline semi-sweet varieties.


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EDC Earns Reaccredition
[Washington, DC] – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that the Tulare County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) once again has been recognized as one of 60 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Originally accredited in 2001, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC following 16 successful years of activity as an AEDO member."The Tulare County EDC displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor", said IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle.
The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, program, and staff of the candidate economic development organization. TCEDC was reviewed by a team consisting of economic development professionals from Pennsylvania and Missouri. The team noted that the TCEDC "marketing/workplan continues to be analytical and thoughtfully developed at both the strategic and tactical levels" and the TCEDC's "work is tightly or in their words "solely focused on business attraction." Their delivery on this continues to be thorough and well executed".
"The EDC Board of Directors has made it a priority to be mission focused and vision driven and it is an honor to receive this professional designation" stated TCEDC Board Chairman George Vasquez. "It confirms the direction and work of the EDC is on target, strategic, and places us among the top in the economic development community" Vasquez added. Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that the TCEDC attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well placed and their business is in good hands.
Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.
The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy.
EDC Top 25 in North America
Leading Economic Development Profession
Toronto, ON., September 18, 2017: Tulare County Economic Development Corporation was recognized as one of the top 25 digital economic development organizations (EDOs) in North America at the 2017 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Annual Conference. The annual Digital 25 reflects those organizations that best use digital technology to differentiate their communities online, and to better serve businesses.
The recognition comes from Community Systems, a company that develops websites and software to foster economic growth and tourism in communities across the world. The Digital 25 recognition is based on results from an annual survey of over 400 EDOs, analyzing how they use digital technology to drive growth and support community businesses.
"We're thrilled to be recognized at IEDC as a digital leader in the economic development industry," said Paul Saldana, President & CEO of the Tulare County EDC. "Embracing digital technology has helped the EDC save time, better serve businesses and create a better digital portal into the communities we represent." The EDC is currently undergoing a major overhaul of its digital content and delivery systems, Saldana reported.
"We're pleased to recognize these 25 leaders in the economic development community," said Ben Wright, CEO of Community Systems. "These are some of the most successful EDOs in North America and we believe that's a direct result of how they embrace and use digital technology to help businesses and community members."
In July and August 2017, Community Systems surveyed 436 economic development practitioners about the importance they place on digital technologies, which technologies they've adopted, budget for technology as well as their overall attitudes about technology. Results showed how data driven technology is implementing positive change throughout the economic development community.
EDC Staff
The EDC staff is dedicated to bringing you the latest news on the Local Communities, County, Region, and State economy.
September 2018


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Our Culture
At Extra Space Storage we believe that a successful business and a fun work environment go hand in hand. That's why we've created a company culture that provides our employees with all the support they need to succeed. Because we understand that we can't continue to succeed unless our people love their jobs— day in, day out.
While we celebrate our wins, we also question how we can make things better. Our insatiable curiosity drives the business forward, ensuring that we continue to build an organization that leads the industry, while pushing ourselves beyond what we thought was possible.
Explore our Culture Guide, and learn how our principles and actions guide our culture and give meaning to our values.Culture Guide
Our Core Values
Be consistent in word and deed. When you make a mistake, acknowledge the mistake. Be honest with yourself and others.
Be the best at getting better. Exceed the customer's expectations. Pay attention to detail.
Be creative. Solve problems. Improve efficiency. Don't just react to change—embrace it and pursue it.
Trust your coworkers and be a teammate others can count on. Rely on teammates to do their job as people rely on you to do your job.
We want people that are passionate about life and work. Be enthusiastic, proactive, gracious, and humble.
Our Team
Sustainable Development
Our commitment to doing the right thing extends beyond our walls to the environment around us. We have implemented renewable energy improvements that have resulted in significant carbon offset through 2015, based on EPA metrics.
Number of Projects Across the U.S.
Amount of CO2 Removed (Tons)
Number of Cars Removed
Acres of U.S. Forests
Benefits & Recognition
As a people-first organization, we believe in taking care of our team members. Our employees deserve the same peace of mind we provide our customers every day, which is why we offer a total rewards and recognition package that goes beyond traditional benefits.
Your Health
- Major medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Flexible spending account (FSA)
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Your Time
- 401(k) matching
- Performance-based incentives
- Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
Your Honor
- EXTRAordinary Employee of the Quarter
- Extra Mile Award
- CEO Award of Excellence
- Superior Performance Observed Today (SPOT) Award
People are talking about Extra Space Storage
Extra Space truly puts their employees first. I have the fortunate experience of interacting with people that care about others and getting the job done! I've had the pleasure of promoting several team members, which energizes them to be even more successful in their new role. It is refreshing to know that Extra Space is aware of the value of their team members.
Extra Space Storage wants you to love your job. How may employees get to spend time with their CEO and tell the company what we can do to improve our company? Extra Space cares about their team at all levels. Everyday is something different with a new set of challenges. It is never a boring day!
At Extra Space Storage I am provided with clear and detailed objectives, and I am given the tools and the creative freedom to accomplish those goals. We work together and support each other as we work toward a common goal.
Being recognized for your hard work is a big deal here. My hard work is recognized and it's amazing to have a team that helps you grow.
I love having a job where I can truly help people. When people need storage a lot of times it is because people are experiencing a major change in their life. I love being able to make a positive difference in a person's life and Extra Space Storage gives me an avenue to help others.
I get to be part of a fast-growing, successful organization without giving up the small company feel. The growth provides opportunity to find what I do best and build my experience and the small company feel allows me to be heard and impact change across the organization. I have access to any C-level executive for ideas, issues, or even personal advice.
I love the environment and atmosphere at Extra Space Storage! Everyone is so positive. Whenever I feel like I helped out someone's life it makes me feel good!
One of my favorite days at Extra Space Storage was being recognized as a CEO Team of Excellence award winner because it felt great to feel so appreciated. Extra Space is people oriented and treats employees very well by always demonstrating that people come first and are the fabric of our company.
Extra Space Storage hasn't lost its small company vibe. Team members are treated as valued members of the organization.
One of my favorite things about Extra Space Storage is the people! We have a collaborative culture, and there are always team members willing to help on challenging projects.