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Lion Creek Crossings Technology Center (LCC-TC) is a state-of-the-art technology center located at Lion Creek Crossings Housing Development (LCC). The LCC-TC was created to address barriers to technology adoption and use by providing access to technology training and literacy to prepare residents for higher education and employment, and improve their access to social services.
Classes & Workshops We Offer Include:
Open Access for Adults and Youth:
Open Access is for community drop-in use. During Open Access the computers are available to research information on the internet, fill out job applications, write resumes, do homework, write papers, or to just check email. There is no time limit during access hours so please free to come in and use our lab!
Job Application Workshop:
Residents of Lion Creek Crossings and the surrounding community can take advantage of this workshop where they will learn how to: apply for a job at any company, complete online applications, conduct job searches using the Internet, and creating or updating resumes and cover letters.
College Quest Workshop:
A workshop designed for those who are stuck in a dead-end position, recent high-school graduates and those interested in entering college, participants will work with an Instructor to discover their passions and learn what local schools best fit their needs.
Giới thiệu web vietadv.vn đối tác in ấn quảng cáo vietadv.vn giá rẻ tại HCM
The Lion Creek Crossings Technology Center is open year round Monday – Friday. Please see the calendar for a current schedule of classes and hours.
To sign-up for a class or workshop or to inquire further just call us at (510) 969-4572 or drop by the center located at 885 – 69th Avenue, Suite 100, Oakland, CA 94621.


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Medicine is good. Real good. In Far Cry 3, medicine comes in the form of a Syringe, which you can inject into yourself to gain heath bars. These syringes can be obtained by either crafting them from leaves or picking them up; generally, they are located in medical packs across the islands.
The number of syringes you can have on your person is determined by the size of your Syringe Kit. These too have to be created, but out of animal skins.
In addition, the effect of the medicine can change depending on your skills. While at the beginning of Far Cry 3 the syringes will only add 2 bars of health, getting the "Field Medic" and "Field Surgeon" skills from The Shark skill tree can raise it to 4 bars and 6 bars, respectively.
Medicine can be found (for free) in different pre-set drop spots in missions, safehouses, etc.
Medicine can be crucial to your survival in Far Cry 3. You can normally heal yourself by popping bones back into place, and wrapping wounds, but that can take some time. Medicine can heal you much quicker, which can be a life saver in the heat of battle.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Browner, Pinkard make most of chances with Seahawks
Wed., Aug. 24, 2011
RENTON, Wash. – Cornerback Brandon Browner and safety Josh Pinkard overcame long odds to get here.
They can no longer be considered long shots to make Seattle's roster, though. And that is truly remarkable, considering how far these two have come.
Browner spent the past four seasons in the Canadian Football League while Pinkard spent most of 2010 coming back from the third torn knee ligament he suffered while at USC.
"It has been long, you know," Pinkard said, "but it's always about the journey, they say."
And by that criteria, Browner might have everyone on Seattle's roster trumped after playing the last four years for the Calgary Stampeders. In the CFL, the field is longer, the end zone is 10 yards deeper and there are a dozen players on the field for each team.
"I was up there for four years, trying to get back every single season," Browner said.
They are two of Seattle's training-camp discoveries that followed the NFL's unprecedented offseason. Browner is the 6-foot-4 cornerback who towers over many receivers while Pinkard is the safety with a cornerback's ball skills.
Neither arrived with all that much in the way of expectations, but halfway through Seattle's exhibition schedule they look capable of helping a secondary that has been one of the Seahawks' primary concerns. Seattle has ranked No. 27 or worse in the NFL in pass yards allowed the past three seasons.
There were no sweeping changes to the defensive backfield this offseason. At least not like what happened with the offense. Seattle drafted two cornerbacks and one safety, but all were chosen in the fifth round or later. The Seahawks re-signed cornerback Kelly Jennings and opted not to bring back starting strong safety Lawyer Milloy, who ranked fourth on the team with 61 solo tackles.
The Seahawks' plan was to accumulate a pile of interesting prospects with special traits and see who emerged from the pile, and so far Browner and Pinkard have made the most of that chance.
Pinkard forced Minnesota's fourth-quarter fumble in Saturday's exhibition game, knocking the ball through the back of the end zone for the turnover that saved Seattle's chance at a comeback. That was a glimpse of a playmaking trait that is difficult to describe and impossible to fake.
Pinkard suffered season-ending knee injuries in 2006, 2007 and in December 2009 in his final year of eligibility after being granted a medical redshirt. He signed with Seattle as an undrafted free agent, began last season on the physically unable to perform list and finished on the practice squad.
"It was very meaningful knowing that he would take a chance on me," Pinkard said of coach Pete Carroll.
Browner, 27, entered the NFL draft in 2005 after his redshirt sophomore season at Oregon State. He was undrafted, went to training camp with the Denver Broncos, who tried to turn him into a safety, and spent the year on injured reserve after suffering a broken forearm in August. He played the past four seasons for Calgary, while being named a CFL All-Star three times.
In two exhibition games, Browner has shown an ability to get up on the line, jam opposing receivers and stay stride for stride.
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Step Up And Play Big!
If you are going to Step Up and Play Big, you need to make learning a constant in your daily plans. Here are links to help you stretch and grow.
NEW! The Go-To Person's Guide to Success: The "Playbook" for anyone who has a boss, for anyone who is the boss, or for anyone who wants to be the boss. If you want to be better than average and are willing to put forth the effort to demonstrate the value you bring to the table, then this is the book to help get you there.
Let Me Draw You a Picture to Achieve Business Success: The saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words" was one of the motivating factors behind the creation of this tool.
Personal Productivity eBook: Personal Productivity is the building block of all business profit—and a business can't have unproductive people and still be profitable. Many people have no idea on how to be truly productive. In Chris' free ebook, you'll find a compilation of some of his best articles on personal productivity.
Step Up and Play Big Personal Excellence Quotes: Chris' motivational book that will help give you the confidence boost you never knew you needed to make the personal transformation you've been seeking.
The Step Up and Play Big Entrepreneurial Success Program: A new self-learning series available as an e-book or audio book to allow you to learn at your pace, in your own environment. Learn the 7 strategies you need to start on NOW to thrive as an entrepreneur for a price anyone can afford: starting at $17.
The Monday Morning Wake-Up Call: A weekly dose of practical advice and proven business tools and strategies delivered every Monday morning to your in-box, in Chris' direct and unique style.
The Weekly Mind Jolt Video Coaching Series: A series of 50 videos delivered to your inbox each week, designed for people who want to learn how to get ahead, but don't have the time, or can't make the financial investment required to hire a full-time coach.
The Monday Morning Wake-Up Call Newsletter Archive: Get a glimpse at the most recent issues!
Quotes: Chris' quotes to get you focused, and to get started or to get back on your path to success.
Click here to contact Chris for more information on how he can help you Step Up and Play Big.
© 2020 Chris Ruisi. All rights reserved.
Designed & Developed by Bayshore Solutions


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Are neurotics really better team players than extroverts? If so, should they really, as has recently been widely claimed, be given preference in hiring for team-based jobs?
According to a very eye-catching UCLA Today report, "Extroverts Promise, but Neurotics Deliver as Team Players" and a Forbes article that agreed with the conclusions of a study conducted by associate professor Corinne Bendersky, UCLA Anderson School of Management study, they are and they should.
That 2012 study, "The Downfall of Extraverts and Rise of Neurotics: The Dynamic Process of Status Allocation in Task Groups", compared changes in perceived status of project participants scoring high for "extraversion" ( a.k.a. "extroversion") with changes for those with high "neuroticism" scores.
The research discovered that, over time, the outgoing, center-of-attention, take-charge extroverts experienced a decline in status in the eyes of their co-participants, while the "neurotics" enjoyed higher performance-status ratings.
Forbes picked up on the study and ran an equally eye-catching article titled "Leadership Tip: Hire the Quiet Neurotic, Not the Impressive Extrovert". On the assumption that the organizational and project bottom line is work-performance "results", Forbes seemed to conclude that, as a minimum, "neurotics"—or more precisely, those with high "neuroticism" "Big-5 Factor" personality ratings, are not only more suitable for team projects, but also should be preferred in hiring.
(But, we have to be careful, because a high neuroticism score can co-exist with a high extroversion score. More on this below.)
Why are the "quiet" neurotics trumpeted as the better choice? Because despite their tendency (as implicitly defined and reported, in the UCLA Today article) to
- "often feel tense and guilty"
- be " more cautious and risk-averse"
- "sometimes (display) a lot of worrying and grumbling that can irritate everyone involved"
they are, Professor Bendersky said, "[plagued by] an anxiety of not wanting to disappoint peers and colleagues", adding, "Because of that, neurotics are motivated to work really hard, especially in group contexts."
Of course, apart from the crucial question of where this specific anxiety about disappointing colleagues fits into the Big-5 definition of neuroticism, this raises the additional question of why neurotics, as opposed to everyone else or especially, would not want to disappoint peers and colleagues. Or is anyone who doesn't want to disappoint colleagues a neurotic?
My workplace experience suggests quite the opposite, that "neurotic obstruction", "neurotic hostility", "neurotic passive-aggressiveness" and "neurotic detachment" are quite common.
The same experience suggests that while some neurotics are "quiet", many, e.g., the neurotically demanding ones, are anything but that. (So, is Forbes recommending hiring neurotics, period, or just the quiet ones?)
Note: my judgment is based on
(a) some commonsense notion of "neurotic" that coworkers would employ in describing other coworkers as such
(b) my own understanding of the term, with an emphasis on a definition of neuroticism as the tendency to engage in self-defeating or conflicted behavior motivated by both (unconscious) fear and desire to reveal one's fears and desires and to achieve contradictory ends or using employing means incompatible with one's ends.
(As I see it, a neurosis is like a broken, worn broom used to sweep up bits of itself, thereby generating more broken, frayed bits to be swept up. Otherwise, it's like a broom you are expected to use but never get dirty.)
Not so Fast!
Without even characterizing the corresponding pluses and minuses of extroverts, it is important to hit the pause button and stop to think a bit more deeply about all of this before jumping on the pro-neurotic hiring bandwagon.
Even the most basic reflection suggests we'd better be cautious—for a number of reasons:
1. 1. Within the "Big 5-Factor" personality model, the "opposite" of an extrovert is NOT a "neurotic". "Introvert" is—at the opposite end of an extraversion (a.k.a. "extroversion") continuum.
On one common Big-5 characterization of "extraversion" it designates a trait that "includes characteristics such as excitability, sociability, talkativeness, assertiveness and high amounts of emotional expressiveness."
On the other hand, Big-5 "neuroticism" designates "the propensity for individuals to experience negative emotions in response to adverse conditions such as frustrations, losses, or the prospect of frustrations or losses. The negative emotional responses associated with neuroticism include anger, depression, anxiety, envy, guilt, and shame." (Clinical Psychiatry News)
Notice, there's no Forbes-ish mention of "quiet" here.
Read these two characterizations again, very closely. They are not incompatible; so, a candidate could score high in both of the extroversion and neuroticism personality dimensions.
So, why on Earth can't a talkative, highly sociable, assertive and emotionally expressive extrovert/extravert also tend to experience "a lot of negative emotions"?
This negativity characteristic is the cardinal neurotic trait in the DSM manual, the American Psychiatric Association's (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which, in DSM-5, will replace "neuroticism" with "negative affectivity"—in effect, making all negative feelings prima facie neurotic.
This shift will make the Big-5 "neuroticism" dimension somewhat anachronistic, if not problematic or at least confusing, while still remaining silent about any notion that neurotics are "quiet".
So, the HR manager who imagines (s)he has to choose between an extrovert and a neurotic, or that the neurotic is a quiet or nervous introvert, is mistaken.
In fact, because "extraversion" and "neuroticism" are defined as personality dimensions that are independent of each other, a candidate could easily score high on both the extraversion and neuroticism scales, i.e., could be BOTH very extraverted and neurotic.
Above all, being neurotic is not synonymous or necessarily strongly correlated with being as quiet, withdrawn, shy, self-effacing, nervous, guilt-ridden, cautious or risk averse as the popular reports extolling the "neurotic" candidate have suggested. They seem to have confused neuroticism with introversion or a nervous temperament.
2. 2. There are competing Big-5 concepts of "neuroticism". Association of neuroticism with introversion may be somewhat forgivable, since it also appears that even with respect to how "neuroticism" is used in the Big 5-Factor model, definitions of it vary from one Big-5 study to another.
To the extent that such variability can create confusion, it is not surprising that the concept gets spun in ways it shouldn't.
In particular—and I repeat, strictly speaking, neuroticism should not be confused with introversion in any Big-5 Factor-based study, since these are, on ANY interpretation of each, defined as two completely different dimensions of personality.
Likewise, "tension", which is indeed closely allied with nervousness, is not obviously uniquely correlated with only "neuroticism".
Worse, at least one allegedly Big-5 questionnaire, the BBC "Big 5-based" test had no neuroticism dimension at all, having replaced it with "confidence"!
3. There are other interpretations, including psychoanalytic, which define "neuroticism" quite divergently, as
- a tendency to experience emotional instability, anxiety, moodiness, irritability, and sadness (Big-5, Wikipedia)
- a tendency toward "a mental or personality disturbance not attributable to any known neurological or organic dysfunction"(Princeton University)
- an unstable "compromise formation" between fears, desires, instincts and/or conscience, that is emotionally, sexually, psychosomatically, socially or professionally handicapping without psychosis and disconnection from reality (Freudian)
- a tendency toward psychological suffering involving unconscious inner conflicts partially determined by cultural factors (psychoanalyst Karen Horney)
Notice that not one of the Big-5 or other definitions mentions "risk aversion" as a trait associated with neuroticism, even though the UCLA report and some of the available "Big-5" questionnaires I looked at did, either explicitly or implicitly.
(However, to the extent that one subset of neuroses, the irrational phobias, comprises neurotic and irrational risk-aversions, they can serve as illustrations of neurotic risk aversiveness, without any presumption that ALL neuroticism involves pronounced risk aversion.)
Vigilance vs. Risk Aversion
Moreover, even when risk aversion is mentioned in connection with neuroticism and the Big-5, as it was in a The Atlantic article that reported that high neuroticism scores combined with high conscientiousness scores correlate with better health, an important distinction between "risk aversion" and "vigilance" gets blurred, if not ignored.
The importance of not confusing vigilance and risk aversion can be established this way: The case of a high-risk equities day trader who will be very vigilant once (s)he boldly buys a volatile stock illustrates how these differ.
He (s)he displays vigilance perfectly, but distinctly blended with a high risk tolerance. At a high-flying Wall Street brokerage, a young turk broker may be considered for a position on the basis of his vigilance, but passed over if too risk averse.
So, if you are hiring, which matters to you more: risk aversion or vigilance? Or both? If you think you are hiring a "neurotic", which of these two very different traits will you expect to see displayed on the job, if either?
3. 4. The studies, or at least the reports about them, don't seem to distinguish "perceived status" of neurotics from "deserved status". Every employer should be concerned about both the perceived and deserved status of every employee on a team.
High perceived status, i.e., the rank of an employee in the eyes of coworkers (and maybe the employer himself), is important for morale; however, deserved status is a critical correlate of actual productivity and performance.
It is quite possible that a neurotic may have a high(er) perceived status at the end of a project only because expectations of his or her performance were set too low at the outset, whereas an extrovert is more likely to be initially overrated and therefore disappoint—even if his objective level of performance is the same as the neurotic's.
Hypothetically speaking, it is possible for there to be zero objective difference in performance between a given extrovert and a neurotic (however one chooses to define either of these) over the course of a project, yet for there also to be a dramatic "improvement" in the status rankings of the neurotic and decline for the extrovert.
However, although that improvement is only relative to expectation and measurable only in terms of perceived status, it might be a hiring plus if morale counts more than actual job productivity.
On the other hand, if deserved status is what needs to be gauged, the illusions of biased expectation should be ignored.
The Real Big-5
As for the apparent superiority of neurotics to extroverts, The UCLA Today report closed with this: "In terms of the study's practical takeaway, 'In no way does this suggest that we should not be staffing teams with extroverted people or only with neurotic people,' Bendersky said."
That is correct, but probably mostly because
1. Extroversion and neuroticism are not mutually exclusive personality dimensions or types.
2. Definitions and characterizations of "neuroticism" are not consistent enough from one study or researcher to another to support any uniform prediction, explanation or employment application of the conclusions reported in the media.
3. The alleged assets "neurotics" allegedly bring to a job, e.g., anxiety about disappointing colleagues, do not seem as clearly related to the official Big-5 definitions of "neuroticism" as they should be to warrant any specific hiring bias, priority or decision based on the concept. In the mass media, the concept of "neuroticism" has been embellished and distorted in order to sensationalize it or as a result of misunderstanding it.
4. The reports fail to distinguish productivity benefits of hiring a "neurotic", i.e., deserved status, from morale benefits (albeit with some productivity implications) of perceived status.
5. Any definition of "neuroticism" that makes neurotics look like a better bet is quite divergent from most mainstream and traditional definitions, e.g., psychoanalytic. Even if the Big-5 concept of "neuroticism" in any way favored the hiring of neurotics, it is, in fact, being abandoned as a personality dimension and disorder by the AMA and recast as "negative affectivity" (bad feelings).
Bottom line: If you insist on making hiring decisions about "extroverts" and "neurotics" based on the "Big 5"…
…make it the preceding five big warnings.


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Develop good relationships with external professionals – know who to contact
1. Ensure that all staff are aware of who their SEN pupils are, what interventions are in place and what additional support is available and offer support and advice where necessary.
2. Establish a SENCO Surgery – a specified time during the week when staff can meet with you to discuss SEN issues – try and reduce the number of "on the hoof" questions and queries.
3. Read the recently published DfE advice "Transition to the new 0-25 special educational needs and disability system". Although this advice is targeted at LAs, it will give you an understanding of their duties and what you need to do to support the processes. Continue to work with your local authority but be clear about duties and responsibilities – say NO if you think you are being asked to undertake tasks that you are not accountable for.
4. Produce a timeline for all of your transfer and annual reviews and circulate to all the relevant people. Have a timeframe for reports and evidence to be completed so everything is ready in good time.
5. Continue to develop good relationships with parents especially of new children and young people coming into your school for the first time. Make parents aware of the dates of annual/transfer reviews so they can attend any meetings and gather their evidence. For those parents of pupils on SEN Support, ensure that there are three pupil progress meetings per year planned and teachers are aware of these.
6. Undertake an audit of the skills and expertise within the school workforce and an audit of the needs of the pupils. This will enable you to effectively deploy your support staff.
7. Work with SLT to ensure sufficient funding is available to support SEN across the school. Review your whole-school provision map to determine the effectiveness of the spend to date.
8. Arrange to meet with your SEN Governor to discuss the review of your SEN Information Report and SEN Policy. Set up a focus group of staff, parents and pupils to support this review process.
9. Primary SENCOs analyse the results from the Baseline Assessments (if your school is taking them this year) and the Phonics Screening Check from the end of Year 1 to identify pupils who may need additional support. Work with teachers in Year 2 and Year 6 to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the implication of the new KS1 and KS2 tests in 2016 for pupils with SEN.
Secondary SENCOs read the JCQ document "Adjustments for candidates with disabilities and learning difficulties". The SENCO has a much wider remit within this guidance. Review all those pupils who require access arrangements – ensure that their "normal way of working" is embedded in all lessons where required.
10. Develop good relationships with external professionals – know who to contact. Think outside the box and begin to develop your own team of experts in school, share expertise across schools and link with your local special school to establish a comprehensive team that you can seek support and advice from.
Follow Lorraine on Twitter @lorrainep1957
Educational Psychologist Poppy Ionides discusses how we work with families to improve outcomes for at risk children and fragile learners.
John Galloway discusses how we can identify and support girls with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Jo Horne explores the advantages and disadvantages of using computerised assessments with special educational needs (SEND) children.
Sue Thompson talks about the different approaches to assessing students with EAL.


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Check out this latest full-body workout I did for STRONG Fitness Mag written by Fatima Leite Kusch and photographed by Paul Buceta. Was so much fun shooting in Toronto with Paul and the crew last month. I can't wait until my workout comes out in the training guide soon! To check out this awesome click the link here!
Have a great weekend and keep moving!
In good health,


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The number of posts here are over 90, now.
The body of research is is 30+ years old, encompasing thousands of studies and I and my book collaborators—the amazing Tim, who just did an update with Angelo, and Dr. BG, "Grace" (link removed), who just recorded with Dave Asprey (Tim & I are scheduled to go on Dave's show jointly on May 2)—have been uncovering it, writing about it—and not only here, but in a book (RS is a mere part of it) that now busts at 450 pages, into the thousands of references, and three appendices. Accordingly, we are now facing a luxurious problem of too much.
Resistant starch: a promising dietary agent for the prevention/treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and bowel cancer.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Resistant starch represents a diverse range of indigestible starch-based dietary carbohydrates. Resistant starch has been investigated in the past for its effects on bowel health (pH, epithelial thickness, and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells); reduction in postprandial glycemia; increased insulin sensitivity; and effects on the gut microbiome. This review highlights advances as resistant starch gains clinical relevance as a potential treatment/preventive tool for diseases such as colorectal cancer (CRC) and diabetes.
RECENT FINDINGS: Recent articles have evaluated the comparative physiological effects of different types of resistant starch and investigated the effects of resistant starch on blood lipids, body weight, and defining resistant starch-induced changes to the micriobiome that may be important in health and disease. The most novel and relevant recent data describe a role for resistant starch in ameliorating inflammation; the use of resistant starch for optimal bowel health and prevention of CRC; and, further, that the systemic effects of resistant starch may be important for the treatment of other forms of cancer, such as breast cancer.
SUMMARY: This review describes advances in resistant starch research highlighting the gastrointestinal effects that are now being linked to systemic, whole body effects with clinical relevance. These effects have important implications for overall health and the prevention or amelioration of various chronic diseases. [emphasis added]
Remember how all the paleos and LCers dismissed it out of hand, 99%, back in about 2011 when it seemed to hit the "news" big time?
Resistant Starch – Looks Like We Have LOTS of Work to Do
As you can see, I'm no match for the MSM, but it'll be interesting to see how that chart looks in a year or two, and I suspect you suspect how it'll look.


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Reducing prescribing of highly anticholinergic antidepressants for elderly people: randomised trial of group versus individual academic detailingBMJ 2001; 322 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.322.7287.654 (Published 17 March 2001) Cite this as: BMJ 2001;322:654
- Martine E C van Eijk, principal researchera,
- Jerry Avorn, assisociate professorb,
- Arijan J Porsius, professorc,
- Anthonius de Boer, associate professor (A.deBoer{at}pharm.uu.nl)c
- a OZ zorgverzekeringen, Breda, Netherlands
- b Division of Pharmaco- epidemiology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- c Department of Pharmaco- epidemiology and Pharmacotherapy, Utrecht Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, PO Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, Netherlands
- Correspondence to: A de Boer
- Accepted 1 December 2000
Objective: To compare the effect of individual educational visits versus group visits using academic detailing to discuss prescribing of highly anticholinergic antidepressants in elderly people.
Design: Randomised controlled trial with three arms (individual visits, group visits, and a control arm).
Setting: Southwest Netherlands.
Participants: 190 general practitioners and 37 pharmacists organised in 21 peer review groups were studied using a database covering all prescriptions to people covered by national health insurance in the area (about 240 000).
Intervention: All general practitioners and pharmacists in both intervention arms were offered two educational visits. For physicians in groups randomised to the individual visit arm, 43 of 70 general practitioners participated; in the group visit intervention arm, five of seven groups (41 of 52 general practitioners) participated.
Main outcome measures: Numbers of elderly people (60 years) with new prescriptions of highly anticholinergic antidepressants and less anticholinergic antidepressants.
Results: An intention to treat analysis found a 26% reduction in the rate of starting highly anticholinergic antidepressants in elderly people (95% confidence interval —4% to 48%) in the individual intervention arm and 45% (8% to 67%) in the group intervention arm. The use of less anticholinergic antidepressants increased by 40% (6% to 83%) in the individual intervention arm and 29% (—7% to 79%) in the group intervention arm.
Conclusions: Both the individual and the group visits decreased the use of highly anticholinergic antidepressants and increased the use of less anticholinergic antidepressant in elderly people. These approaches are practical means to improve prescribing by continuing medical education.
The need to improve rational prescribing is increasing, but many questions remain unanswered about how to achieve this goal.1–3 Educational visits have been shown to modify professional behaviour. 4 5 They should consist of repeated personal visits that include feedback, present clear recommendations that are relevant to practice, and anticipate any implementation problems.6–9 Not all characteristics of effective visits have been identified. 4 10
Collaboration of doctors and pharmacists in regional groups is increasingly used to improve prescribing in several countries, 1 11–13 and it can be a cost effective way to disseminate new knowledge and guidelines. This study was designed to evaluate the ability of academic detailing given to individuals and groups to influence prescribing patterns. We selected antidepressant drugs for elderly people as the focus for the study because analyses of dispensing data14 and other studies15 have shown that a substantial portion of patients aged over 60 are prescribed highly anticholinergic antidepressants despite their greater susceptibility to hazardous side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary dysfunction, hypotension, tachycardia, and cognitive impairment.16–23 We wanted to increase the awareness of the vulnerability of elderly people to anticholinergic side effects and decrease the prescribing of highly anticholinergic antidepressants (such as tertiary amine tricyclics) in this group while encouraging the use of less anticholinergic antidepressants such as secondary amines or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors when indicated.
Participants and methods
Study design
We conducted a randomised controlled trial to compare the effect of individual versus group educational visits on the prescribing of highly anticholinergic antidepressants in people aged 60 or over (fig 1). To organise the group visits we used an existing system of peer review groups that fosters collaboration between Dutch pharmacists and general practitioners. These groups of professionals practising in the same region meet regularly to discuss treatment, pharmacotherapy, and patient management. Similar initiatives exist in other countries and are known as quality circles, pharmacotherapy discussion groups, or pharmacotherapy consultation groups. The goals of these groups include exchanging information, advising on policy, agreement on guidelines, and using feedback methods to measure adherence to guidelines.11–13 Before the intervention these groups were surveyed on factors thought to be relevant for the intervention. We used the results of this survey to match groups according to their stated goals (binding consensus versus other goals) and their use of a formulary or feedback data (use of either versus neither), which created four blocks for randomisation. Groups for which information was not available were assigned to a fifth group.
We used block randomisation to assign all groups to one of three intervention arms. In the individual intervention arm each general practitioner was offered individual educational visits. In the group visit intervention arm the visit was offered to each peer review group as a whole. The control arm received no visits.
Research area and population
The research area (the South Holland islands) is part of the area covered by the health insurance company OZ zorgverzekeringen in the southwest Netherlands. This region is a mix of semirural and rural areas with a population of about 400 000, 60% of whom (240 000) are insured through OZ zorgverzekeringen.
The research population comprised all people aged 60 years old or over on 1 January 1996 (about 50 000 people) living in the southwest Netherlands health district and insured through OZ zorgverzekeringen. We performed a sample size calculation and found that seven peer review groups (with an average 2000 patients aged over 60 and 22 patients starting an anticholinergic antidepressant over one year) per treatment arm were enough to demonstrate with 80% power a significant (P<0.05) reduction of 30% in prescribing of anticholinergic antidepressants.
We measured prescribing of antidepressants using the reimbursement databases that pharmacists send to the health insurance company monthly. These contain information on all drugs dispensed to insured patients, including amount, dose, costs, and date of issue as well as information about the user's insurance number and birthday and the prescribers' code. All reimbursable drugs for the insured population are registered this way. 14 24 The box gives the classification of antidepressant drugs marketed in the Netherlands.
Classification of drugs used in study
Highly anticholinergic antidepressants
Tricyclic derivatives
Maprotiline (polycyclic derivative)
Less or non-anticholinergic antidepressants
Tricyclic derivatives
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
The intervention was based on theories and experience usually referred to as social marketing or academic detailing. 4 5 6 10 It is a framework for dissemination and implementation of activities to improve prescribing. A combination of adult learning theories and the marketing experience of the pharmaceutical industry are directed at improving the rationality of prescribing.
All doctors and pharmacists from groups assigned to the individual visit intervention arm were individually contacted by telephone. They were told of the aim of the study (to improve antidepressant prescribing in elderly people and measure the effectiveness of an educational programme) and invited to participate in the programme. For those who agreed, an appointment was made for a 20 minute visit with the lead investigator (MvE), who is a doctor. This session emphasised the unique therapeutic difficulties of treating older people and the problems of anticholinergic side effects. Participants were given a leaflet containing an evidence based summary of the most important information.
All sessions were based on a priority list for issues to be discussed. Depending on the length of the visit and the responses of the professionals, the following items were discussed (in order): altered pharmacodynamics and kinetics in elderly people, 18 19 increased vulnerability of elderly people to side effects, 20 21 the need to avoid anticholinergic antidepressants in elderly people,22 and difficulties in diagnosing depression, especially in elderly people.17 Participants were shown the overall data on prescribing of antidepressants in the past year to illustrate that most anticholinergic antidepressants are prescribed to people aged over 60.14 The initial visits included no further comment on personal performance. At the end of each visit another appointment was made for about four months later. During the second visit a graph was provided showing personal performance and the proportion of prescriptions for anticholinergic antidepressant versus less anticholinergic antidepressants in three age categories: under 60, 60-70, and over 70 years old.
For the group intervention arm, all group coordinators were contacted to ask permission to use one full meeting for the educational programme. The content of these presentations was essentially the same as in the individual contacts. At the end of the first visit, permission to use part of another meeting was requested. In this second meeting, a graph of accumulated prescribing in the group was shown and personal graphs were handed out. All contacts for both intervention arms were performed by MvE. The control arm was not contacted.
Study outcome
The effectiveness of this intervention is best reflected in the choice of antidepressant for patients starting treatment. To define incident users of antidepressants, we used the prescription reimbursement records described above. For each prescription we calculated the number of days the prescription would cover, using the prescribed daily dose and the package size.14 In this way, a time window of probable use was created. We assessed all antidepressant prescriptions from July 1995 onwards. If the patient had not previously been prescribed antidepressants or if the interval since the last prescription was over 180 days, the patient was considered an incident user.14
In the Netherlands all people with national health insurance are allocated to a general practitioner. We determined the periods before the educational visits, between the visits, and after the visits for each general practitioner in the region to allocate each incident patient to the right period for each general practitioner. In order to calculate incidence rates (number of incident users/1000 person years), the number of patient days per period was calculated to determine the denominator. For general practitioners in the control arm and those who declined to participate in the intervention arms we assigned average visit dates calculated from data on the doctors in the intervention arms who were visited. Incident use of highly anticholinergic antidepressants and less anticholinergic antidepressants was calculated for each general practitioner per period.
We used a Poisson regression model to estimate rate ratios of starting highly anticholinergic antidepressants and less anticholinergic antidepressants in elderly people in both intervention arms in relation to the control arm. The evaluation was done on an intention to treat basis in order not to overestimate the effect of the intervention by including only the most responsive doctors. Since randomisation was performed at a group level and correlated outcomes within a group can influence precision (95% confidence intervals),25 we studied rate ratios with and without correction for correlated outcomes (exchangeable correlation matrix) using longitudinal data analysis (Spida). This did not materially influence outcome. Point estimates were virtually identical and 95% confidence intervals changed less than 3% (there was no change in significance of effects estimates).
Since it was not possible to correct for baseline rates with Spida, we used Egret, although in this program it is not possible to analyse correlated Poisson outcomes. In Egret, rate ratios were estimated after correcting for sex and baseline rates, with baseline rates as an offset variable. We estimated the effects of the first and second visits and of both visits together. The effects in each intervention arm and of both interventions together were also measured.
Overall, 190 general practitioners and 36 pharmacists were working in the research area. We visited 69% of the general practitioners and 100% of the pharmacists in the intervention arms (table 1). In the individual visit intervention arm, 86% of the professionals visited were visited twice. Our request for a second appointment after the first visit was always granted, but the second visit did not take place on seven occasions because the first possible date was after the closing date of the intervention. The average time spent per person was 14.6 minutes in the individual visit intervention arm. In the group intervention arm only one group was visited twice. Most groups first wanted to decide together whether and when they were going to join the programme. Well organised peer review groups had their agenda planned for the entire season, whereas other groups were glad to have one (or two) meetings organised by an academic researcher. This caused large differences between groups in contact time (from 15 minutes once to a full hour twice).
The total number of 60-96 year olds in the research area was 46 078, 58% of whom were women. Baseline incident use of highly anticholinergic antidepressants was lower than the incident use of less anticholinergic antidepressants (table 2). Baseline rates differed between treatment arms. In both intervention arms, incident use of highly anticholinergic antidepressants for patients aged 60 decreased during the study period, while in the control arm incident use increased (fig 2). Table 3 shows the rate ratios of incident prescriptions of anticholinergic antidepressants after correction for baseline rates and sex. All estimates showed a reduction in the prescribing of highly anticholinergic antidepressants in the intervention arms compared with the control arm. This reduction was more than 30% after two visits in the individual visit arm and more than 40% in the group visit arm. This decrease was significant for the group approach and for the combined effect of both interventions.
In both intervention arms the incidence of prescribing less anticholinergic antidepressants for patients aged 60 years increased during the study period, while in the control arm the incidence decreased (fig 3). In the individual visit intervention arm, elderly patients were 100% more likely to start antidepressant treatment with a less anticholinergic antidepressant after the intervention (table 3). In the group visit intervention arm this figure was almost 70%.
We have shown that both individual visits and group visits can improve the clinical appropriateness of prescribing behaviour in an area of suboptimal prescribing—the treatment of depression in elderly people. Both interventions had a similar effect that was not seen in the control arm: elderly people starting antidepressant treatment were more likely to receive drugs that were less anticholinergic. The group visits significantly decreased the use of highly anticholinergic antidepressants and the individual visits significantly increased the use of less anticholinergic antidepressants in older patients. The combined effect of both intervention arms was also significant.
Reasons for non-participation were diverse. For the group intervention it was mainly a time problem. Most groups eventually agreed to participate, but in some cases the intervention period had already ended. For the individual visits reasons mentioned included shortage of time, a belief that the study should be initiated by the medical faculty rather than the faculty of pharmacy, and lack of motivation.
Validity of results
The data reported probably represent a low estimate of the potential of this approach. Anticholinergic versus non-anticholinergic antidepressant prescribing was a topical issue during the study.26–29 Although we focused our intervention on use of anticholinergic antidepressants in elderly people, this controversy might have diluted the effect.30
We think the observed changes over time are not due to a "regression to the mean" effect. The statistical analyses adjusted for the different baseline rates. In addition, regression to the mean usually occurs when a sample has been selected because it has an unusually high (or low) set of values for a given variable. The groups studied were not defined or chosen on this basis.
Tricyclic antidepressants are used for not only depression but other indications such as chronic pain syndromes. Their use for other indications may also have had a diluting effect on our intervention. The effectiveness of the intervention was probably also diluted by prescriptions initiated by psychiatrists or other specialists who were not part of the intervention because we allocated all incident cases to the general practitioner.
Group and individual learning
We did not evaluate the long term effectiveness of our intervention. However, other studies have shown that repeated interventions are needed for sustained behavioural changes. Our approach should also be effective for other drug categories. In groups, two opposing processes can influence the effect of an outreach programme on prescribing. Groups can be more effective in accomplishing tasks,31 and publicly announcing behavioural changes results in more commitment than private change. In this way, behavioural changes can be facilitated by the group approach. Psychological research into group behaviour has produced an inventory of factors that influence conformity with group standards.32 Unanimity provides more pressure to conform, while privacy makes it easier not to. On the other hand, as there is rarely unanimity in medicine, more barriers against the new strategy might be expressed in a group than in a one-to-one setting. The implementation of new knowledge is facilitated by expressing and discussing how to overcome obstacles to its acceptance. This may occur more intensely in groups than in an individual learning setting. Further research in group learning processes among health professionals may give valuable information on factors that facilitate the dissemination and application of new knowledge about drug treatment.
Audit and feedback are becoming increasingly important to help professionals keep up with evolving knowledge and implement new findings. This study adds to our knowledge of educational programmes in daily practice. Group approaches are likely to be a useful and cost effective addition to the arsenal of academic detailing approaches used to improve evidence based prescribing.
What is already known on this topic
Pressure is increasing to make prescribing more rational
Educational visits have been found to be successful in modifying professional behaviour
What this study adds
Academic detailing aimed at individuals and groups produced changes in prescribing behaviour compared with a control group
Education of general practice groups is likely to be a cost effective way of making prescribing more evidence based
We thank the general practitioners and pharmacists who participated in the study and OZ zorgverzekeringen and its employees for their continued assistance.
Contributors: MECvE initiated and coordinated the formulation of the primary study hypothesis, designed the protocol and was responsible for data collection, interpretation, analyses, and writing the paper. JA participated in the protocol design, interpretation of the data, and editing the paper. AJP initiated the research project, participated in the design of the study protocol, discussed core ideas and interpretation of the findings, and editing the paper. AdB participated in the design and execution of the study (particularly quality control) and statistical analyses and contributed to the paper. MECvE and AdB are guarantors for this study.
Funding This research was funded by the health insurance company OZ zorgverzekeringen.
Competing interests None declared.


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Weight-loss: When the Scale Doesn't Move – Investigate
This is my third week into a healthier me and I am incensed about the scale remaining stagnant. I thought for sure since I stopped eating all my favorite junk foods and tossed out the soda; some of the weight would melt away. I even started eating fish, more veggies and fruits. All I drink is water and diet teas. Yet, the scale has not changed one iota. The last time I attempted weight-loss I was dropping the pounds. My first week I think I dropped 8 pounds. The second around 4 or 5. In my fourth week, I was at a 20 pound weight loss. What is more crazy is while I did remove a lot of the unhealthy foods, I found "healthier junk food". For instance, my favorites were veggies chips I found at Sprouts ,Weight Watchers English Toffee Crunch Ice Cream Bars, and Sun Chips Garden Salsa. I drank diet Mountain dew, Coke Zero, and Lipton Lemon-Lift Tea with Splenda. In addition, while I did give-up fried foods, I still ate lean red meat and the occasional steak. I am a meat and potatoes type of girl, so this life-style was still right up my alley.
But thinking back, I was exercising at an extreme pace. I was going to the gym two times a day. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. I rode my bike and I did dance aerobics at home. I was also lifting weights three times a week. This lasted for six months until I got sick. I think I stayed sick so long because I pushed myself to the extreme. When I recovered, I didn't really get back into the swing of things. Back then, I did change my life style but not my mind-set. I didn't realize it them but as they say hindsight is 20 20.
This time around, while I have built on the life style change, I have a mind-set change. I am starting to think in healthier terms. I don't even consider looking for healthier junk food. True healthy foods are delicious if you give them a chance. I have fallen back in love with fruits and veggies. It is almost as if my taste-buds have changed because I never knew how good fruit and veggies could be. This is not to say I still don't have a sweet tooth. Far from it so yogurts, and sweet fruits fill the need. As far as my workout regime, I have more rest days to allow my body to recover. I only go to the gym once a day for cardio and then twice a day on strength days. I only go twice on strength days because I go to the gym with hubby to support him. He doesn't work out as much as I do yet.
Comparing the two weight loss attempts, I feel healthier now and I know I am stronger this time. The calories I am burning in a 65 minute cardio session is nothing like I have ever done before. At week 3, I am burning more calories in a shorter amount of time then what I did at 6 months last time This is shocking to say the least, but I am listening to my body and getting into my rhythm. I am enjoying doing my cardio so much (with my favorite tunes) it is almost as if I am dancing while working out. Sure, I get people starting at me. I image they may be staring because I am big, or they wonder how can a big girl can go at that pace for 60 mins, or maybe that they think, damn she sure is singing and having a good time working out. No, I am not singing out loud. (At least I hope not). I just ignore them and keeping on working out.
So the question is why do I still care about what the scale reads if I am progressing on the path to a healthier me and I feeling better and stronger? The answer; because I am a results person and I want to see results. This is still my internal battle. Unfortunately I am still holding on to the belief that the scale is the most accurate and revealing measurement for weight loss. Of course, I know I am wrong, but the heart wants what the heart wants. I am trying to change this train of thought but change takes time and I am still a work in progress.
I do believe I have found the root cause of my failure to remove the pounds. I am not eating enough, which is insane. I have meditated on what I have been doing and reviewing my food logs and noticed; I just don't eat enough to balance the calories I burn and it is hindering my weight-loss. I am burning roughly over 3750 calories a week. This means I should be eating over 1900 calories, 200 carbs, 45 fat, and 60 a day. I was only average approximately 1700 calories, low carbs, and high fat. After my analysis, I made the appropriate changes then low and behold, the scale finally changed. Granted, it wasn't a significant change, but I am ok with that. I just wanted to see progress on the scale. No weight-loss just drives me crazy.
Reflecting on my weight-loss last time and how I did it, I guess I had one thing half right, eating. I was eating enough to balance out my extreme work-out regimen. I never considered the method successful because I didn't give up all of my junk food, I just found alternatives. In fairness, I will note, this time although the weight is not melting away like butter, I do see changes in my body. My mid-section is getting smaller and my caboose (as my husband call it) is getting shorter. My clothes are fitting and some are too big. My energy has definitely increased. I think even my hair is healthier. At least to me it seems to shine and be more curlier.
The start of my week four is coming up tomorrow and I am excited to be on the right path to a healthier me. Now all I have to do is stop getting on that darn scale, trust the process and the improves in my health and body. That of course is the end-game, not just weight-loss.
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Related Article
A Solution-Focused Approach to Weight Loss
Posted on March 24, 2013, in Health and Fitness, Short Anecdotes, Uncategorized and tagged Damn Scale, Healthier Me, Physical exercise, Weight loss. Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.


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This is a leasehold Shop/Office Lot in Chan Sow Lin, Sungai Besi. The size of this unit was approximately 5,274 square feet or 489.97 square meter.
4 Storey Shop Office For Rent @ Kawasan Perindustrian Trisegi* Built up : 5274sf* Land area : 22x60* Endlot unit* Suitable for wholesaler and warehouse * Ready source of manpower* Excellent connectivity via KL-Seremban Highway, Sungai Besi Highway* Can start business anytime* Surrounded by car showrooms and service centres, banks, post office=====================================Kindly call for viewing appointment :Calvin Chew 0176366862Michele Lum 0128852388www.googleproperty.com.my=====================================Owners are welcomed to list
Wholesale, warehouse, workshop
Address: Jalan 6/89B
State: Kuala Lumpur
City: Sungai Besi
Area: Chan Sow Lin
Poscode: 57000
The most recent average Selling Price Per Sqf of Leasehold Shop/Office Lot around Chan Sow Lin was RM2,212
and the average Rental Price Per Sqf was RM2.49.


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Child and Youth Care Worker - Overnight Awake Shift - Group Home
Child and Youth Care Worker - Overnight Awake Shift - Group Home
· Carepros - Edmonton, Alberta
Employment Type Temporary Casual
Minimum Experience Mid-level
Compensation $18 - $21
Setting a new industry standard for caregivers!
Who We Are
CarePros is a rapidly growing home care agency based in Edmonton, AB. At CarePros, we are passionate about enhancing the quality of life for our client's and their loved ones. We deliver the highest level of care by leveraging leading edge technologies, cultural competency, and compassion from the best caregivers in industry. To maintain our place as an industry leader, we believe in continuously adapting our delivery model by implementing evidence-based practices from newly published research into training programs.
Quality home care is a fundamental human need; it gives us peace of mind that in the event of illness or tragedy, our loved ones will be taken care of. CarePros strives to hire the best and we value integrity, excellence, respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. What makes CarePros special is how much we encourage independent decision making, sharing of information, and respect candid discussion. We want great people working together as a team and that makes us fun, flexible, creative, collaborative, and successful.
The Opportunity
We are currently looking to hire a Child and Youth Care Worker in Edmonton, AB. This will be a temporary casual opportunity with the possibility of extension at the end of the probationary period. This position will typically work overnight awake shifts spanning from 11pm - 9am. Shifts typically rotate between three (3) nights on, three (3) nights off.
The successful applicant must have the ability to be flexible in scheduling from time-to-time.
This position will be set in a Group Home setting.
Who You Are
As a Child and Youth Care Worker, you possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge of child and youth care mental wellness practices and the processes and procedures involved in providing effective home care.
Knowledge of CPR and First Aid techniques needed to assess and treat injuries.
Experience with Addiction and Mental Health
Knowledge of Harm Reduction Model, Holistic Approach to Promote Stability, and Trauma Informed Care
Knowledge and understanding of evidence based best and emerging practices for substance use treatment and support recovery services, homelessness, and the ability to effectively implement into practice.
Proficiency in the English language, with the ability to comprehend instructions and communicate in a clear and logical manner.
Ability to actively listen, identify needs, and provide solutions to the client.
Recognize and understand emotions and handle situations with empathy.
Build and maintain cooperative and constructive relationships.
A post-secondary education specializing in Child and Youth Care or a related field. Related fields include a diploma, degree, or certificate in Social Work, Psychology, community addictions or mental health, follow-up support work, or education
1-3 years experience working in a Group Home Setting.
Other qualifications include:
You are certified in First Aid and certified as a CPR Level C.
You have a valid and current Class 5 Drivers License and proper vehicle insurance coverage.
You have passed a criminal record check and vulnerable sector check.
You have the physical wellness and mental health awareness to handle daily exercise routine and other requirements as prescribed by the care plan and a high capacity for managing stressful situations.
We thank everyone for applying, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.


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As we walk, sometimes crawl, though this infertility journey, we have to keep our minds and hearts open. Of course, there is nothing like carrying your own baby, but as we all know, sometimes that's not possible. That doesn't mean you don't get to have a family. Maybe you use a donor egg. Maybe you … Continue reading November: Adoption Awareness Month
Tag: Holidays
July: Cookouts, Fireworks, and Awareness
One thing I have absolutely NO problem doing on my blog or social media is shouting out, partnering, or spreading awareness about/with other group or individuals that are about women's health in general, or uterine fibroids, infertility, or Black women specifically. I discovered last year that The White Dress Project started an initiative to recognize … Continue reading July: Cookouts, Fireworks, and Awareness
So a Woman Thinketh, So is She
It is Mother's Day. Again. Last year for Mother's Day, I unplugged, and I was able to lift my spirits and cross off a major bucket list item by going to see Prince in concert. Alone. It was one of best days EVER! This year, Prince has passed away, I am still sad about … Continue reading So a Woman Thinketh, So is She
Doin' Too Much: Surgery, Change, and my Holiday
Most people's holiday seasons are filled with family, food, drinks, and relaxation. Mine had some of that, but also included hysteroscopy, estrogen, moving, and bed rest. In short, I've been having issues with my cycle, and my RE and gynecologist both suggested going back to my surgeon to get a better look at what … Continue reading Doin' Too Much: Surgery, Change, and my Holiday
There's No Place Like Home (And Endless Questions) for the Hoilidays
This week kicks off the American Holiday season: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year's Eve. Plenty of food, parties, shopping sprees, drinks, and time with family and friends. Time with family and friends usually means people want a life update: How's School? How's Work? Did you get the job you interviewed for? When are you going … Continue reading There's No Place Like Home (And Endless Questions) for the Hoilidays


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Pakistan's government says it is prepared to deepen its engagement with India on counter-terrorism, but says it is important for India to avoid the "blame game"
In a statement issued late Friday, Pakistan's Foreign Office said Pakistan has condemned the horrific terrorist attacks in Mumbai at the highest levels.
Earlier on Friday, both Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani pledged their support for India, during separate phone calls to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Pakistani leaders also said they would send the country's top intelligence official to India to help in the investigation into the attacks.
Indian officials have said the militants were from outside India, and Mr. Singh reportedly told Mr. Gilani that some of the attackers were from the Pakistani city of Karachi. India's foreign minister (Pranab Mukherjee) also said the gunmen had links to Pakistan.
But the Pakistani prime minister stressed his government does not believe Pakistan is involved in the Mumbai attacks.
Pakistani's foreign minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, also urged people to avoid casting blame on Pakistan. He noted that he himself had narrowly escaped a terror attack in Islamabad earlier this year.
Qureshi arrived in India before the attacks Wednesday for talks with his Indian counterpart. He said on Friday that he chose to remain on Indian soil to express Pakistan's solidarity with the people of India.
India has blamed Pakistan for past terrorist attacks. The two neighbors have also fought two wars over the disputed territory of Kashmir.
Pakistan Pledges Cooperation with India, Urges Restraint
Pakistan's government says it is prepared to deepen its engagement with India on counter-terrorism, but says it is important for India to avoid the "blame game"


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Bistro Maxine is expanding
Bistro Maxine is expanding! For many years our tiny but well-known French crêperie café has offered an authentic taste and experience of 'Paris in Palo Alto'.
We're happy to announce that begining of September 2015 we will be opening a new dining area with an additional space of twice our current size. The menu will be expanding as well to bring you new dishes including a variety of salads, sandwiches, and more. Join us to celebrate this long awaited event! Exact date to be annouced.
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Mirroring Boomer Counterparts, 89% of Millennials Report Value of
'High-Touch' Personal Service
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As the largest demographic since the boomers, Millennials are
influencing the travel industry. According to new data released from The
American Express Future of Travel and the American Express
Spending & Saving Tracker, Millennials are more optimistic and
plan to travel more frequently (52.8% Millennials vs. 32.1% Boomers) in
the next five years and spend more on travel than boomers (58%
Millennials vs. 41.3% Boomers) in the same timeframe. There are
similarities too. The survey data shows both Millennials and more mature
demographics share an appreciation of high-touch, human interactions,
with 89% of Millennials reporting that the value of personal service
cannot be replaced.
"One thing is clear, people, regardless of their age and the cost of
travel, place a high value on personalized service in their travel
experience," said Claire Bennett, Executive Vice President, American
Express Travel, while speaking July 26 at #NoFilter: Millennial
Perception vs. Reality, the first American Express Travel Salon, a
series of conversations the company plans to host relevant to the travel
The Salon, which featured a panel moderated by Bennett, was designed to
discuss and debunk the myths surrounding Millennials and travel.
Here are four travel topics and corresponding data presented at the
Salon that appear to discredit accepted millennial myths:
Opting Out of Traditional Travel Help
The most notorious myth: Millennials won't use a travel agent. Yet,
Millennials give travel agents an "A," with 92.4% of those who have used
a travel agent in the past five years reporting it enhanced their travel
experience. Additionally, nearly 60% of Millennials agree they would pay
more for an agent's expertise. "Led by Millennials, travelers are
beginning to articulate a vision of high-touch and high-tech service and
the industry is watching," Bennett said.
The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree
There's an assumption that Millennials have different travel needs than
their parents, but in many cases, the data suggests that they may be
more similar than they like to admit. In fact, according to American
Express Travel, 76.3% of Millennials say they prefer to stay in a
traditional hotel, nearly equal to boomers, and both agree (46% equally)
that enhanced in-room technology is the most appealing hotel trend.
Customization and Cost
There's a dichotomy when it comes to Millennials' travel planning
habits. On one hand, the data shows that customization is king, with
nearly 70% of Millennials saying they would put in the effort to plan a
personalized travel experience vs. purchasing a pre-packaged trip, yet
58.7% of Millennials report that they would choose a package if it were
less expensive. Price was not the only consideration when it came to
customization. By more than 25 percentage points when compared to
Boomers, Millennials surveyed shared they would be willing to let brands
use data from their past travel purchases to deliver a more personalized
If They Don't Document, Did it Happen?
While three-quarters of Millennials claim to prefer to live in the
moment while traveling and not view experiences through the lens of
their phone, the fact is the pressure to post on social media for this
group is real. More than half (54.9%) feel that it is their
responsibility to post reviews for the benefit of other travelers and
more than a quarter (25.8%) feel they spend too much time on social
media while traveling. "Previous generations simply did not face this
situation," Bennett said. "It is a constant push-pull between connection
and taking the time to be present."
About The American Express Future of Travel Study
The American Express Future of Travel study was completed online by
1,007 U.S. consumers who have traveled for leisure at least twice in the
past 5 years. The study was conducted by The Futures Company between May
26 and June 3, 2015 and the results reported in this release have an
overall margin of error of +/- 3.1 at the 95 percent level of confidence.
About the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker
The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker research was completed
online among a random sample of 2,000 adults, including the general U.S.
population, as well as an affluent demographic defined by a minimum
annual household income of $100,000. Interviewing was conducted by
Ebiquity between April 28 and May 4, 2016. The overall margin of error
is +/- 2.5 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence; the
results have a margin of error of +/- 2.4 among summer travelers and +/-
3.3 for millennials.
About American Express
American Express is a global services company, providing customers with
access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build
business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com
and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress,
foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express,
and youtube.com/americanexpress.
Key links to products, services and corporate responsibility
information: charge
and credit cards, business
credit cards, Plenti rewards program, travel
services, gift
cards, prepaid
cards, merchant
services, corporate
card, business
travel and corporate
Elizabeth Crosta


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July 21, 1861 – The first major battle of the war took place in northern Virginia.
Major General Irvin McDowell's 30,000-man Federal Army of Northeastern Virginia, the largest force ever assembled on the continent, began advancing around 2 a.m. Brigadier General Daniel Tyler's division took the lead, with the men struggling to march in the dark. The force included the 12,000 Federals moving from their camps at Centreville southwest down the Warrenton Pike to launch a surprise attack the Confederate left flank.
McDowell had a solid battle plan, but exhaustion, lack of discipline, rough roads, and obstructed night vision impeded its execution. Moreover, McDowell was unaware that spies had informed Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard, commanding the Confederate Army of the Potomac, of the Federal advance. This had enabled Beauregard to send for Major General Joseph E. Johnston's Confederate Army of the Shenandoah to reinforce him.
Before dawn, McDowell sent troops to feint toward the Stone Bridge over Bull Run, a tributary of the Potomac River. Meanwhile, the two Federal flanking divisions conducted a roundabout march toward Confederates along the Sudley Springs Road. At 5:15 a.m., Tyler's artillery opened fire on Confederates behind the Stone Bridge, initiating the contest. Confederate Colonel Nathan G. Evans responded by moving his small force to meet the threat.
Beauregard's army held a line along Bull Run and guarded the vital intersection at Manassas Junction, with most of his troops on the right. Johnston's reinforcements continued arriving from the Shenandoah Valley, and although Johnston outranked Beauregard, he approved the latter's plan to attack the Federal right. The plan was based on Napoleon's tactics at Austerlitz, but misinterpreted orders and a lack of coordination among inexperienced troops prevented the Confederates from attacking first. Thus, the Confederates were compelled to take the defense, which virtually negated Beauregard's plan.
In Washington, Congress adjourned to allow members to stroll out to Centreville and witness the battle. Politicians, ladies, adventurers, newspaper correspondents, and many other spectators clogged the roads from the capital with carriages, gigs, omnibuses, and other conveyances that interfered with Federal operations. Some witnesses brought picnic baskets, wine, and binoculars with them, eager to see a decisive Federal victory.
When the artillery barrage subsided, McDowell issued orders for the Federals to assault the enemy left. Two Federal brigades under General Samuel P. Heintzelman did not arrive at Sudley Ford until 9:30 a.m. This gave Evans time to assemble about 900 Confederates to meet the Federals' advance. Meanwhile, Federals feinted as planned toward the Stone Bridge and Mitchell's Ford.
Evans's men held strong against the Federals at Matthews Hill, where the war's first heavy fighting took place. Confederate reinforcements from Bull Run led by General Barnard Bee and Colonel Francis Bartow soon arrived to strengthen the defense. However, Heintzelman's third brigade came up with other reinforcements around 12 p.m., and the Confederate line wavered. The Confederates were then flanked and compelled to withdraw. McDowell rode along his lines, standing in his stirrups and hollering, "Victory! Victory! The day is ours!"
McDowell sent telegrams to Washington proclaiming a Federal victory. General-in-Chief Winfield Scott expressed satisfaction to President Abraham Lincoln, who took his customary Sunday carriage ride with his son Tad and attended church. Lincoln visited Scott's office later that afternoon, where Scott woke from a nap and reassured Lincoln that the Federals would be victorious. Late editions of northern newspapers reported a great victory.
Meanwhile, Confederates under Evans, Bee, and Bartow fell back to Henry House Hill, a key position on the field. Confusion over Beauregard's orders had nearly left the hill undefended until Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson's five Virginia regiments took it. Jackson employed tactics used in the Battle of Waterloo by placing his men just below the hill's crest so they could fire over it without being exposed to enemy fire.
Evans, Bee, and Bartow joined Jackson on the hill after two hours of hard fighting on Matthews Hill. Jackson withstood an onslaught from some 18,000 Federals, enabling the other three commanders to rally their forces behind him. Bee hollered to his men, "There is Jackson standing like a stone wall! Rally on the Virginians! Let us determine to die here and we will conquer!" Bee fell mortally wounded soon afterwards, but the nickname "Stonewall" stuck for Jackson.
The Confederates held firm against the attacks. McDowell, personally directing troop movements, deployed his men piecemeal rather than in one main thrust, which could have dislodged the Confederates. Meanwhile, Johnston's Shenandoah Valley reinforcements continued arriving on the field.
While the Federals could not take the hill, more hard luck befell them at around 2:30 p.m. when they had two of their artillery batteries near Henry House Hill captured by the 33rd Virginia, a Confederate unit wearing blue coats. The Federal gunners, mistaking them for comrades, had held their fire until the enemy was upon them. This turned the battle's tide.
McDowell committed more Federal reinforcements, but they could not break the enemy line. Around 4 p.m., a Confederate brigade led by Colonel Philip St. George Cocke arrived and helped drive the remaining Federals from Henry House Hill. Meanwhile, a separate struggle developed west of the hill along Chinn Ridge. Colonel Oliver O. Howard's Federal brigade, McDowell's last fresh unit, stormed the ridge in hopes of flanking the Confederates on Henry House Hill. However, they were soon outflanked themselves by Confederates attacking from the southwest under Generals Arnold Elzay and Jubal A. Early.
The Federals, stunned by their reversal of fortune and exhausted in the sweltering heat, began an orderly withdrawal around 4:30. Beauregard sensed victory and ordered an attack all along the line. The Federals began breaking when the enemy advanced upon them hollering the "Rebel yell" for the first time. When a Confederate artillery shell destroyed a wagon to block Cub Run Bridge, the withdrawal became a chaotic rout, as panicked soldiers crashed into the civilian spectators in a mad dash back to Washington.
Many soldiers returned to Washington within a day, which was a day and a half quicker than it had taken them to march to the battlefield. Confederates captured some troops as well as some spectators, including Congressman Albert Ely of New York, who was hiding behind a tree. A Confederate soldier quipped, "The Yankee Congressman came down to see the fun, came out for wool and got shorn." President Jefferson Davis sent Ely blankets in a gentlemanly gesture toward a prisoner of war.
Davis took a train from Richmond and Manassas to join in the fight, arriving in mid-afternoon. He tried to rally the remaining Confederates on Henry House Hill, many of whom were wounded: "I am President Davis! All of you who are able follow me back to the field!" Jackson also urged a renewal of the attack and an advance all the way to Washington. But rain began falling, turning roads to mud. Moreover, Johnston explained that the Confederates were just as disorganized and exhausted as the enemy. This evening, McDowell finally managed to establish a defensive line at Centreville made up of reserves.
This battle was enormous compared to the war's earlier engagements in western Virginia and Missouri. Federals suffered 2,896 casualties (460 killed, 1,124 wounded, and 1,312 missing). The 1st Minnesota Infantry Regiment suffered 180 killed or wounded, the highest casualty count of any Federal regiment. Even so, the Minnesotans had refused to retreat until ordered to do so three times. Confederates lost 1,982 (387 killed, 1,582 wounded, and 13 missing). They captured 28 cannon, 37 caissons, 500,000 rounds of ammunition, and nine regimental flags. While Confederates brimmed with confidence after the victory, the defeated Federals realized this would not be a "90-day war."
When news of the defeat reached Washington, shock and panic prevailed, especially considering McDowell's earlier assurances of victory. Lincoln returned from his carriage ride after 6 p.m. and read a message Secretary of State William H. Seward had left him from McDowell stating that the army was falling back in defeat. Lincoln hurried to the War Department, where a telegram awaited: "General McDowell's army in full retreat through Centreville. The day is lost. Save Washington and the remnants of this army… The routed troops will not re-form."
Lincoln and his cabinet met in Scott's office to review the details of the disaster as they trickled in. Scott ordered reinforcements to defend the capital. Later that evening, they met with eyewitnesses who relayed horrific accounts of what had happened. But after further assessment, a glimmer of hope came when the War Department reported: "Our loss is much less than was at first represented, and the troops have reached the forts in much better condition than we expected… the capital is safe." Nevertheless, Lincoln did not sleep.
In Richmond, citizens celebrated victory as the official dispatches arrived. One dispatch came from the president himself: "We have won a glorious though dear-bought victory. Night closed on the enemy in full flight and closely pursued. JEFFERSON DAVIS."
Angle, Paul M., A Pictorial History of the Civil War Years (New York: Doubleday, 1967), p. 46-49; Catton, Bruce, The American Heritage Picture History of the Civil War (New York: American Heritage Publishing Co., 1960), p. 94-95, 102, 104-05, 108; CivilWarDailyGazette.com; Crocker III, H.W., The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Civil War (Washington: Regnery Publishing, 2008), p. 40-43; Davis, Jefferson, The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government (Kindle Edition 2008, 1889), Loc 6177-87; Davis, William C., First Blood: Fort Sumter to Bull Run (Alexandria, VA: Time-Life Books, 1983), p. 128-29, 133-35, 141, 146-48, 150; Denney, Robert E., The Civil War Years: A Day-by-Day Chronicle (New York: Gramercy Books, 1992 [1998 edition]), p. 59-60; Donald, David Herbert, Lincoln (Simon & Schuster, Kindle Edition, 2011), Loc 6444-55; Foote, Shelby, The Civil War, A Narrative: Fort Sumter to Perryville (New York: Vintage Books, 1958), p. 84-85; Fredriksen, John C., Civil War Almanac (New York: Checkmark Books, 2007), p. 47-49; Freeman, Douglas Southall, Lee (Scribner, Kindle Edition, 2008), Loc 2675-87; Linedecker, Clifford L. (ed.), The Civil War A to Z (Ballantine Books, 2002), p. 73; Long, E.B. with Long, Barbara, The Civil War Day by Day (New York: Da Capo Press, Inc., 1971), p. 97-100; Longacre, Edward G., Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War (New York: Harper & Row, 1986, Patricia L. Faust ed.), p. 498, 675; McPherson, James M., Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era (Oxford History of the United States Book 6, Oxford University Press, Kindle Edition, 1988), p. 345; Pollard, Edward A., Southern History of the War (New York: The Fairfax Press, 1990), p. 105, 107, 130; Smith, Dean E., Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War (New York: Harper & Row, 1986, Patricia L. Faust ed.), p. 498; Ward, Geoffrey C., Burns, Ric, Burns, Ken, The Civil War (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1990), p. 62-69; Wert, Jeffry D., Historical Times Illustrated Encyclopedia of the Civil War (New York: Harper & Row, 1986, Patricia L. Faust ed.), p. 90-92, 537


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The U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced on December 12, 2016 that it no longer recognizes the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) as an accrediting agency. This decision of the ED affects foreign students under F and M status pursuing a program of study at ACICS-accredited schools.
18 Month Grace Period
If an ACICS-accredited school voluntarily withdraws from SEVP certification or cannot provide evidence in lieu of accreditation for programs listed on their Form I-17, international students at these schools will have 18 months starting December 12, 2016 to:
- transfer to a new SEVP-certified program;
- Executive has been directed to rigorously enforce and administer the laws governing entry of foreign workers into the U.S. This is aimed at creating higher wages and employment rates for US workers, and to protect their economic interests.
- depart the United States.
After the 18-month grace period, SEVP will terminate the SEVIS records of any active student under F or M status at an ACICS-accredited school who has not transferred to an SEVP-certified school or departed the United States. This guidance applies equally to all students on F or M status, regardless of program of study.
STEM OPT Extension Program
In order to qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, an F-1 student must have a degree from an ED recognized, accredited U.S. educational institution at the time he or she files the STEM OPT application to USCIS.
As a result of ACICS loss of accreditation, USCIS has announced that it will issue a denial to any F-1 student filing a Form I-765 STEM OPT extension if:
- The STEM degree was obtained from a college or university that was accredited by ACICS; and
- The student's DSO recommendation for a STEM OPT extension, and as indicated on Form I-20, is dated on or after December 12, 2016.
NOTE: Students whose Forms I-20 have a DSO recommendation date prior to December 12, 2016, are not affected.
Students who receive a denial will have 60 days to
- prepare for departure from the United States,
- transfer to a different school, or
- begin a new course of study at an accredited, SEVP-certified school.
Foreign students enrolled at ACICS-accredited schools should contact their designated school officials (DSOs) immediately to understand how the school's loss of recognized accreditation will affect their nonimmigrant status and applications for immigration benefits.
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Top 10 Must Have Apps for Summer
In the Summer time when the weather is high, you can't go very far without an iPhone by your side, when the weather's fine, you got apps, you got apps you gotta buy....
- Thank you, thank you very much. You can just call me Mungo Jerry.
All joking aside, we thought it wouldn't be fair to let y'all lose on your summer holidays without a decent list of apps that you need this summer to make the most of those 6 short weeks. So let's get down to business:
1. AccuWeather
Free - iOS and Android
As Brits, it simply wouldn't be summer if we weren't fretting about what the weather's doing. This is why we have included one of the most popular weather apps on the market at the moment.
The app can give you details for as far ahead as 15 days! What we also like is the handy "Hourly Forecast" tool.
The app has loads of added extras and a great, crisp design.
2. Dark Sky
£2.99 - iOS
For our pessimistic (British) fans, Dark Sky is an app that focuses on when the good weather is leaving and the bad is approaching.
If you're less worried about the heat and more worried about the precipitation, Dark Sky is probably the weather app for you. You can even turn on notifications to be told when the rain is nigh.
Dark Sky can also tell you when to expect snow, but that's not relevant for most of us right now (thank goodness).
3. SunSmart
Free - iOS and Android
Whilst we're talking about weather, it's time to be serious. We know the damage UV does to our skin and eyes so why are not taking all the precautions we can?
We really have no excuse, especially with an app as awesome as SunSmart on the market. This app lets you know when you need sun protection by taking into account the time of day, the season, cloud cover, altitude, reflection - pretty much everything!
So be smart...SunSmart.
4. GrillTime
£1.49 - iOS
It simply wouldn't be summer without a BBQ. Use GrillTime to make sure you get your burgers and sausages spot on!
The app helps you select meat, thickness and level of cooked-ness... whilst also recommending the perfect time and temperature to cook it at. You can even ask it to remind you when to flip those patties!
Avoid giving your mates food poisoning this summer - download GrillTime.
5. SkyView
free - iOS
There's a lot of star gazing apps out there, but SkyView is one of the simplest and most accessible. All you have to do is point your iPhone at the sky and using augmented reality, it'll point out particular stars and constellations.
Fancy a romantic night under the stars with your honey? Well now you can impress her too by pointing out Ursa Major and Ursa Minor!
6. Shazam/SoundHound
Free - iOS and Android
These ones are for all you festival goers and music lovers. You must have one of these apps on your phone because you will hear a tune that you love and you will want to know what it's called. It happens to me every summer, at least 10 times.
Both these apps are your perfect namer-of-tunes companion and they won't let you down.
7. XE Currency
Free - iOS and Android
This one speaks for itself really. If you're bound to leave the country this summer, it's handy to have an 'on-the-go' currency converter to hand. Make sure you know what you're spending on that lad's holiday, make sure you're getting good deals and budget wisely!
8. Instagram
Free - iOS and Android
I know, I know. We all know what Instagram is. But I'm just warning you that summertime + Instagram = perfection.
So, don't miss out on sharing all those summer snaps on the one social network who really appreciates it.
9. NavMii
Free - iOS and Android
I recently download NavMii after I had a rather frightening trip on my way back from a wedding in the South, there was fog everywhere and then to make matter's worse..... I lost 3G.
It's all very well having SatNav on your phone but if it requires a 3G connection then you're screwed.
I downloaded NavMii when I got home (3 hours later than I should have done) and yes, it does take up a bit of space because it downloads an entire map to your phone, but it is so worth it.
The app can get you from start to finish, all offline. It's a great little community and you can set up warnings for other drivers if there's been an accident etc.
So if you're planning a long trip into the back ends of nowhere, I'd suggest having set up NavMii before you go. Getting lost just needn't be a thing anymore!
10. Airbnb
Free - iOS and Android
Simplify your travel plans this summer. Airbnb allows you to scroll through a map of where you're going and check out the nearby rental options. Airbnb acts like a community marketplace. It helps you find affordable accommodation, book it and get to know your host before you set on your way.
Apparently, Airbnb takes a booking every 2 seconds, so don't miss out.
If you're planning a summer of travelling, this app is a necessity. You can find spare rooms to entire spare cottages so there's something for everyone.
Well, that's just about it. My top 10 summer apps. Now just a few more weeks of school and then summer is here and it's time to party, BBQ and splash in the pool.
Enjoy and peace out,
I mean Megan
Megan Herdson
Megan is a country girl who moved to the city with some big dreams. She is studying her MA in Creative Writing whilst also managing an American Football Team. She loves her blog and wants nothing more than to have her words read. That and to win the Championship, obviously. Follow her @MeganAtSMF
Contact us on Twitter, on Facebook, or leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or management why not take a look at our website for more info http://socialmediacambridge.co.uk/.
Top 10 Must Have Apps for Summer Reviewed by Unknown on Wednesday, July 15, 2015 Rating:


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Different drugs relies on pure remedy practices without using surgery or medication. Your chosen vet must be keen and in a position to answer any questions about holistic medication or therapies. Holistic approaches in drugs often embrace all the modalities of prognosis and remedy including medicine and surgical procedure. Note additionally that there are some holistic medication schools that offer diploma and diploma programs in natural sciences, as properly.
For example, when a person suffering from migraine complications pays a visit to a holistic doctor, as an alternative of walking out solely with medicines , the doctor will probably check out all of the potential factors that could be inflicting the individual's complications , equivalent to different health problems, weight loss program and sleep habits, stress and personal issues, and preferred religious practices.
One of many main benefits of holistic therapies is that they've few negative effects when used accurately. His method to various drugs is eclectic, mingling conventional drugs with herbal remedy, acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic, hypnotism, cranial manipulation, and different different healing strategies.
A holistic method in medication stresses on education and accountability by personal efforts to attain stability and effectively-being. AIHM's 1,000-hour hybrid on-line program with residential retreats and medical immersion experiences is the primary truly interprofessional fellowship in integrative well being and medication.
Holistic medication for the remedy of arthritis draws upon a variety of therapies to help treat and probably prevent arthritis. Taking an holistic method involves looking for the instruments that can help us appeal to our needs and discover private power.


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Sailing off to the Southbank
Fresson and Tee has been instructed by a leading marine insurance provider to acquire new offices in trendy Southbank.
Their preference is for a modern office, a manned reception (preferable, but not essential), with either raised floors or perimeter trunking.
Contact Jonny Novick or David Shapiro on 020 7391 7100 if you need any acquisition advice yourself.


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Almega Group serves Plano, TX and surrounding communities. Our mission is to provide the families and businesses we serve with innovative financial strategies, solutions and planning that result in financial clarity, security and overall financial health. Making strong commitments to our clients and building life-long relationships are tenets of success at Almega Group.
Almega Group provides investors custom-tailored strategies to meet short- and long-term needs. Our goal at Almega Group is to help our clients realize their financial dreams by offering creative solutions through an open and transparent process utilizing innovative solutions to achieve financial independence.
We empower you to navigate today's complex financial world. We customize a plan to fit your individual and family needs, as well as the needs of your small or large business.
Mike Raitt
President and Owner
Mike Raitt is President and Owner of Almega Group. He started his career as a CPA in public accounting in 1985 with the largest public accounting firm in the world at that time. After three years in public accounting, Mike moved into corporate accounting for the ensuing nine years as a Controller and Vice President of Finance of various multi-million dollar manufacturing companies. In 1997, Mike turned his focus to the personal financial services industry. Mike attained the position of Regional Vice President as an independent rep with a subsidiary of Citigroup and, in the process of helping hundreds of families with their financial matters, he also recruited, trained and developed dozens of new agents, helping them get a start in the industry. Sensing a need to offer a broader base of competitive products and services, Mike elected to start his own company in February 2001 and has since then added additional companies under the "Almega" brand name.
Work History:
2001-Present President-The Almega Group of Companies, Financial Services
1997-2001 Regional Vice President, Primerica, Financial Services
1990-1997 Controller/CFO…Watters & Watters, Apparel Manufacturing
1988-1990 Controller, ThermoServ, Plastic Molding Manufacturing
1986-1988 Staff/Senior Auditor, BDO Seidman, CPA Firm
1985-1986 Staff Auditor, Arthur Andersen, CPA Firm
Education, Licenses & Other:
Education: 1982–1985 B.B.A. Business Administration, Stephen F. Austin State University
Dean's List and member of Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Chi academic honor fraternities.
Texas CPA, Securities Series 6, 63, and 65, Life/Health/Annuities, Mortgage Broker
Other Accomplishments & Interests:
Eagle Scout, High School & College Soccer Goal Keeper, Guitarist/Song Writer


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This is a very special time for me. After years of working in the sales industry, I was beginning to feel that I needed to do something meaningful with my life. I went through several months of deliberation and prayer before I made the decision to become a teacher-- and I'm so glad I took that step! The sales world really wasn't the place for me and I'm extremely grateful for this new opportunity!!!
One of the things I had a bit of a struggle with during this transition was lesson planning. I'm still not entirely sure I have it figured out, but I'm trying several techniques, ranging from an entirely digital spreadsheet to handwritten pages. As the year progresses, I'm going to observe which one was easier to work with and I'll be formulating improved strategies based on my experience. I watched a lot of YouTube videos on teacher planners and organization as part of my research. I enjoyed looking at all of the beautiful teacher planners, but I was hesitant on actually purchasing one because I wasn't sure if I would actually use it the entire year; and I also kept thinking that I could simply just design my own. After playing around with a few layouts and color palettes I came up with a muted pastel color scheme which is not only adorable, it also saves on ink. I also added a bit of cacti clip art to make it aesthetically pleasing. I made both a weekly spread where I plan to keep a layout of all of my subjects as well as a detailed lesson-specific page where I can fill in more details. I'm sharing this in the hopes that you will find it both useful and pretty!! Please let me know how it works out for you!!
Click on the PDF below to download your free Pastel Cacti Lesson Plan Printable!
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