text:
For the adventurous, head to Taman Negara, a vast national park that encompasses a sprawling tropical rainforest believed to be 130 million years old. Comprising canopy walkways, river trips and treks through the jungle, enjoy a guided tour that will take you through the park's geographic beauty and diversity. If you're lucky, you can spot flying foxes, monkeys and even tigers!
After lunch, enjoy a boat ride down a river and enjoy a cool breeze while sight-seeing.
Guests must be in good physical condition to embark on this day trip.
*Prices are inclusive of service charge and prevailing government taxes. Reservations must be at least 1 day prior to the preferred tour date. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start of the trip will be subject to a charge equal to 100% of the booking. Cancellations made 1 to 3 days before the start of the trip will be subject to a charge equal to 50% of the booking.

lowercased:
for the adventurous, head to taman negara, a vast national park that encompasses a sprawling tropical rainforest believed to be 130 million years old. comprising canopy walkways, river trips and treks through the jungle, enjoy a guided tour that will take you through the park's geographic beauty and diversity. if you're lucky, you can spot flying foxes, monkeys and even tigers!
after lunch, enjoy a boat ride down a river and enjoy a cool breeze while sight-seeing.
guests must be in good physical condition to embark on this day trip.
*prices are inclusive of service charge and prevailing government taxes. reservations must be at least 1 day prior to the preferred tour date. cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start of the trip will be subject to a charge equal to 100% of the booking. cancellations made 1 to 3 days before the start of the trip will be subject to a charge equal to 50% of the booking.


text:
i am able to help a lot with examination and essay writing techniques.
Essay construction are things i am very confident in teaching.
Meanwhile, my studies into memory lend toward useful techniques in both remembering and understanding information.

lowercased:
i am able to help a lot with examination and essay writing techniques.
essay construction are things i am very confident in teaching.
meanwhile, my studies into memory lend toward useful techniques in both remembering and understanding information.


text:
A new study by researchers at Yale and Johns Hopkins University has discovered how asthmatic bronchial spasms — muscle contractions in the airway that cause difficulty breathing in asthma patients— occur by creating a microdevice that mimics the behavior of the human respiratory airways.
Led by Andre Levchenko, professor of biomedical engineering, and Johns Hopkins postdoctoral fellow Onur Kilic, the team investigated the mechanism by which the smooth muscle surrounding bronchial airways — the network of tubes that deliver oxygen to the lungs — suddenly contract and cause bronchial spasms. During bronchial spasms, sudden contractions of the smooth muscles result in decreased airflow, not only in asthma patients but also in healthy people.
Using a microdevice that mimics the behavior of bronchial airways, researchers were able to create what Levchenko called a “bronchi on a chip” — a microphysiological model of the airway to analyze biochemical and mechanical signals.
According to the study, muscle contractions triggered by allergens or other small substances in the airways initially respond to positive feedback, meaning that initial contractions lead to more contractions. But eventually, the contractions stop when smooth muscle relaxes. The study found that in the asthmatic model — the microdevice with cells taken from an asthma patient — this relaxation takes much longer than in the nonasthmatic model, explaining why asthmatic patients experience airway constriction for a longer period of time.
The study also discovered that inducing a second asthmatic trigger during a spasm at the right time to actually induce smooth muscle relaxation and stop the spasm — a finding with important clinical implications, according to Levchenko.
“One of the most surprising discoveries in our model was that various triggers of smooth muscle contractions could not only stimulate the model airway once, but also that when the same trigger was used again, and if the second trigger came at the right time, the persistent bronchial spasm could actually relax,” Levchenko said.
According to Kilic, building the device required several components. First, the device had to keep human lung cells alive using a toxin-free silicon elastoma medium through which cells can breathe. Second, the device required epithelial cells, or cells that protect and support the structure of the airway and serve crucial functions in oxygen exchange. Finally, the device required smooth muscle cells — strips of muscle that surround the airway — in order to simulate the human bronchial airways’ contractions.
The smooth muscles lack biological function, much like the human appendix, and are referred to as “vestigial” leftovers of the evolutionary past, according to Kilic. However, complications in the smooth muscle could still lead to serious medical problems, notably the airway constrictions experienced by asthma patients.
A mechanical stimulus similar to a bronchial spasm was artificially induced in the microdevice to resemble deep breathing. As these motions opened up the airways, cells incorporated in the device were able to stretch. When pressure was applied to the cells exposed to air, airway constriction involving epithelial cell compression led to strong contractions of the smooth muscle cells.
Levchenko and Kilic explained that the research team recorded the movement of magnetic beads attached to the cells’ surface in order to monitor mechanical changes within the cells during muscle contraction and relaxation. By incorporating the cells of both asthmatic patients and healthy people into the device, the researchers were able to contrast the activity of asthmatic and normal muscle movements.
The researchers also identified that a protein with mechanosensor function called the Yes-associated protein, or YAP, was the biochemical component that enabled the epithelial cells to sense mechanical stress.
According to Levchenko, YAP acts on cyclooxygenase genes that code for enzymes, COX1 and COX2, that help form prostaglandin hormones. The prostaglandins formed are differentially responsive to mechanical stimuli: one causes contraction and another causes relaxation. During initial smooth muscle contractions that stimulate further contractions, the prostaglandin causing contractions was secreted more. After a certain time, the prostaglandin causing relaxation was secreted, allowing for the contractions to stop.
In addition to the complexities of asthmatic bronchial spasms, Kilic said that asthma is a challenging area of research due to the difficulty of using animal models.
“Asthma is one of the few human diseases that cannot be modeled by animals due to unique features of the human respiratory functions and mechanisms,” he said.
Nevertheless, the study’s findings provide future directions and important targets for future treatments, Levchenko said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 13 people have asthma.
Viola Lee | viola.lee@yale.edu .

lowercased:
a new study by researchers at yale and johns hopkins university has discovered how asthmatic bronchial spasms — muscle contractions in the airway that cause difficulty breathing in asthma patients— occur by creating a microdevice that mimics the behavior of the human respiratory airways.
led by andre levchenko, professor of biomedical engineering, and johns hopkins postdoctoral fellow onur kilic, the team investigated the mechanism by which the smooth muscle surrounding bronchial airways — the network of tubes that deliver oxygen to the lungs — suddenly contract and cause bronchial spasms. during bronchial spasms, sudden contractions of the smooth muscles result in decreased airflow, not only in asthma patients but also in healthy people.
using a microdevice that mimics the behavior of bronchial airways, researchers were able to create what levchenko called a “bronchi on a chip” — a microphysiological model of the airway to analyze biochemical and mechanical signals.
according to the study, muscle contractions triggered by allergens or other small substances in the airways initially respond to positive feedback, meaning that initial contractions lead to more contractions. but eventually, the contractions stop when smooth muscle relaxes. the study found that in the asthmatic model — the microdevice with cells taken from an asthma patient — this relaxation takes much longer than in the nonasthmatic model, explaining why asthmatic patients experience airway constriction for a longer period of time.
the study also discovered that inducing a second asthmatic trigger during a spasm at the right time to actually induce smooth muscle relaxation and stop the spasm — a finding with important clinical implications, according to levchenko.
“one of the most surprising discoveries in our model was that various triggers of smooth muscle contractions could not only stimulate the model airway once, but also that when the same trigger was used again, and if the second trigger came at the right time, the persistent bronchial spasm could actually relax,” levchenko said.
according to kilic, building the device required several components. first, the device had to keep human lung cells alive using a toxin-free silicon elastoma medium through which cells can breathe. second, the device required epithelial cells, or cells that protect and support the structure of the airway and serve crucial functions in oxygen exchange. finally, the device required smooth muscle cells — strips of muscle that surround the airway — in order to simulate the human bronchial airways’ contractions.
the smooth muscles lack biological function, much like the human appendix, and are referred to as “vestigial” leftovers of the evolutionary past, according to kilic. however, complications in the smooth muscle could still lead to serious medical problems, notably the airway constrictions experienced by asthma patients.
a mechanical stimulus similar to a bronchial spasm was artificially induced in the microdevice to resemble deep breathing. as these motions opened up the airways, cells incorporated in the device were able to stretch. when pressure was applied to the cells exposed to air, airway constriction involving epithelial cell compression led to strong contractions of the smooth muscle cells.
levchenko and kilic explained that the research team recorded the movement of magnetic beads attached to the cells’ surface in order to monitor mechanical changes within the cells during muscle contraction and relaxation. by incorporating the cells of both asthmatic patients and healthy people into the device, the researchers were able to contrast the activity of asthmatic and normal muscle movements.
the researchers also identified that a protein with mechanosensor function called the yes-associated protein, or yap, was the biochemical component that enabled the epithelial cells to sense mechanical stress.
according to levchenko, yap acts on cyclooxygenase genes that code for enzymes, cox1 and cox2, that help form prostaglandin hormones. the prostaglandins formed are differentially responsive to mechanical stimuli: one causes contraction and another causes relaxation. during initial smooth muscle contractions that stimulate further contractions, the prostaglandin causing contractions was secreted more. after a certain time, the prostaglandin causing relaxation was secreted, allowing for the contractions to stop.
in addition to the complexities of asthmatic bronchial spasms, kilic said that asthma is a challenging area of research due to the difficulty of using animal models.
“asthma is one of the few human diseases that cannot be modeled by animals due to unique features of the human respiratory functions and mechanisms,” he said.
nevertheless, the study’s findings provide future directions and important targets for future treatments, levchenko said.
according to the centers for disease control and prevention, 1 in 13 people have asthma.
viola lee | viola.lee@yale.edu .


text:
Food is a political issue. What we eat, how we eat, and what we do with the leftovers is political. How we grow food, how we transport it, how we advertise it, and how we process it is political. Everybody eats and the choices we make around food are political. Some activists in the American food movements talk about voting with your forks or your wallets, a call that indicates class privilege yet still holds truth in a capitalist society. Many North Americans live in food deserts and are unable to access fresh produce in a market, let alone from local farmers. The move to urban centers and the pushing out of agriculture from the urban landscape that happened at the end of the 19th century has created a society where many are disconnected from their food- unaware of where their nourishment comes from and the basic processes of growing crops and rearing livestock.
The rise of foodie culture and the food movement since the 2000s have cast light on some of these issues, but this is not the first time in modern history where people have been concerned about their food. Alice Waters, celebrity chef of Chez Panisse, is renowned for her comments on how during the countercultural movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s people in the Bay Area would protest American corporations involvement in the creation chemicals used for warfare in Vietnam while at the same time eating burgers and buying food sprayed with chemicals produced by these same companies.
The Moosewood Restaurant and Cookbook exist as part of this story in which activists wanted to take control of their lives by creating spaces that served healthy and hearty foods. Restaurants such as Moosewood challenged assumptions during their period that vegetarian food was in the words of Woody Allen, “a plate of alfalfa sprouts and a side of mashed yeast: (Annie Hall, 1977).
I love the Moosewood cookbook. Every recipe works brilliantly and the food is so delicious. Since purchasing a copy it has been my go-to cookbook for hosting dinner parties.
I have now, on multiple occasions, prepared the Curried Mushroom and Squash Soup. This dish is a bit work intensive since you have to bake the squash first before preparing the rest of the soup but it is seriously worth the effort. I tend to add more garlic than is recommended by the recipe. It has always been a rewarding dish when cooked for friends.
I like to top it with some fresh goat cheese and serve it with Moosewood's focaccia bread. I would say that you actually don’t need quite as much flour as the recipe calls for and I would recommend adding a little bit of olive oil to the dough.
To accompany these dishes I prepare the Moosewood green salad, which is basically just throwing in whatever veggies and fruit that I want.
I don’t tend to make dressings on a regular basis but I decided to prepare the "very green dressing" and it is fantastic. It is light and actually you can use it as a sauce on pasta or even as a beverage.
For a main course, I like preparing the eggplant parm with the homemade pasta sauce recipe.
This is a seriously delicious meal, especially when paired with a nice red wine.
To finish though, I insist that you bake the piece de resistance: the mocha cake. This cake is an explosion of flavor when I serve it alongside my home brewed moka stout and with a scoop of moka frozen yogurt.
The experience of eating this cake is so pleasurable that you won't ever want another type of cake ever again.
The Moosewood cookbook lends itself easily to substitutions and hearty meals. Though the above meal seems very complicated, if you plan your timing well, it takes less than 4 hours of prep and cooking time- which for a special occasion is definitely worth it.
Let us remember, food can be a vehicle for social change.
Lol! politics food.. what is this?

lowercased:
food is a political issue. what we eat, how we eat, and what we do with the leftovers is political. how we grow food, how we transport it, how we advertise it, and how we process it is political. everybody eats and the choices we make around food are political. some activists in the american food movements talk about voting with your forks or your wallets, a call that indicates class privilege yet still holds truth in a capitalist society. many north americans live in food deserts and are unable to access fresh produce in a market, let alone from local farmers. the move to urban centers and the pushing out of agriculture from the urban landscape that happened at the end of the 19th century has created a society where many are disconnected from their food- unaware of where their nourishment comes from and the basic processes of growing crops and rearing livestock.
the rise of foodie culture and the food movement since the 2000s have cast light on some of these issues, but this is not the first time in modern history where people have been concerned about their food. alice waters, celebrity chef of chez panisse, is renowned for her comments on how during the countercultural movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s people in the bay area would protest american corporations involvement in the creation chemicals used for warfare in vietnam while at the same time eating burgers and buying food sprayed with chemicals produced by these same companies.
the moosewood restaurant and cookbook exist as part of this story in which activists wanted to take control of their lives by creating spaces that served healthy and hearty foods. restaurants such as moosewood challenged assumptions during their period that vegetarian food was in the words of woody allen, “a plate of alfalfa sprouts and a side of mashed yeast: (annie hall, 1977).
i love the moosewood cookbook. every recipe works brilliantly and the food is so delicious. since purchasing a copy it has been my go-to cookbook for hosting dinner parties.
i have now, on multiple occasions, prepared the curried mushroom and squash soup. this dish is a bit work intensive since you have to bake the squash first before preparing the rest of the soup but it is seriously worth the effort. i tend to add more garlic than is recommended by the recipe. it has always been a rewarding dish when cooked for friends.
i like to top it with some fresh goat cheese and serve it with moosewood's focaccia bread. i would say that you actually don’t need quite as much flour as the recipe calls for and i would recommend adding a little bit of olive oil to the dough.
to accompany these dishes i prepare the moosewood green salad, which is basically just throwing in whatever veggies and fruit that i want.
i don’t tend to make dressings on a regular basis but i decided to prepare the "very green dressing" and it is fantastic. it is light and actually you can use it as a sauce on pasta or even as a beverage.
for a main course, i like preparing the eggplant parm with the homemade pasta sauce recipe.
this is a seriously delicious meal, especially when paired with a nice red wine.
to finish though, i insist that you bake the piece de resistance: the mocha cake. this cake is an explosion of flavor when i serve it alongside my home brewed moka stout and with a scoop of moka frozen yogurt.
the experience of eating this cake is so pleasurable that you won't ever want another type of cake ever again.
the moosewood cookbook lends itself easily to substitutions and hearty meals. though the above meal seems very complicated, if you plan your timing well, it takes less than 4 hours of prep and cooking time- which for a special occasion is definitely worth it.
let us remember, food can be a vehicle for social change.
lol! politics food.. what is this?


text:
For those of you who have seen “Immense Tenderness” on YouTube and left us some comment love, thank you. If you haven’t seen the video yet, come check it out and leave a comment!
Come follow me on Spotify as new music is coming soon from the Traitor EP!

lowercased:
for those of you who have seen “immense tenderness” on youtube and left us some comment love, thank you. if you haven’t seen the video yet, come check it out and leave a comment!
come follow me on spotify as new music is coming soon from the traitor ep!


text:
There are lots of great kids’ books, and nothing more enjoyable than reading them to your kids and grandkids. Here are a few of my favorites.
Nic and Nellie’s Island Adventure published by Islandport Press. Our eight year old grandson Vishal loved Nic and Nellie, Astrid Sheckel’s beautifully written and illustrated story about a girl’s summer adventure with her grandparents on a Maine island. But Nic’s idyllic summer brings loneliness and tears, until she discovers some unfamiliar things that turn the summer into a joy-filled adventure.
Vishal got the adventure part right off. “If I was on the island, I would like catching fish,” he said. That’s my grandson! He also reported, “I would do the eating ice cream and roasting marshmallows.” Of course he would. Boy, this kid is a chip of old Grampy’s block.
Merry Moosey Christmas published by Islandport Press. Lynn Plourde is one of our favorite children’s book authors, and this is one of her best, for sure. Rudolph asks Santa for a year off, so he searches for a substitute. The search results in a bull moose pulling Santa’s sleigh, but this is no typical moose. For example, he uses a headlamp (because he can’t get his nose to glow), a jetpack to lift him off the ground, and GPS to find his way to each and every home.
Felix’s World written and published by Kevin McShane of New Sharon. This is a simple story, suitable for youngsters like our 19-month-old granddaughter Ada. The illustrations by Kristina Young are very entertaining. And yes, I may be trying to influence Ada toward, someday, joining Grampy on a real fishing adventure! When you access Kevin’s website (musicfromthesugarhouse.com) to purchase this book, also check out his tiny “The Little Rabbits and the Fir Tree.” It’s a very imaginative way to present a story, billed as a “holiday car, story, and mantle decoration”).
A Snowy Owl Story published by Islandport Press. Those staring eyes of a Snowy Owl on the cover will grab lots of readers for Melissa Kim’s new book. The cover illustrations and others in the book were done by the obviously-very-talented Jada Fitch of Portland. This is the first in a series called “Wildlife on the Move,” a partnership between Islandport Press and Maine Audubon.
If the rest of the books are as good as A Snowy Owl Story, this will be a very profitable partnership. I am not exaggerating when I say I personally loved the book, and can’t wait until my new 10-month-old granddaughter is old enough for me to read it to her. Actually, I think I’ll get started on that now!
The “Wildlife on the Move” series will bring engaging stories about wildlife migration, conservation and respectful human interaction with nature to a Pre-K through second grade audience. Melissa Kim is working with Audubon naturalists to create scientifically accurate stories. What a great idea!
A Snowy Owl Story is based on a true story of an owl’s journey from the Arctic to Portland, Maine. I only wish the owl had stopped in Mount Vernon! Actually, we’ve seen Snowy Owls in our area, as these amazing birds have moved south into Maine in pretty good numbers. I don’t want to give the entire story away, but the book’s owl was captured in Portland, transferred to wildlife rehabilitators at Avian Haven in Freedom, and released the following day near Rockland.

lowercased:
there are lots of great kids’ books, and nothing more enjoyable than reading them to your kids and grandkids. here are a few of my favorites.
nic and nellie’s island adventure published by islandport press. our eight year old grandson vishal loved nic and nellie, astrid sheckel’s beautifully written and illustrated story about a girl’s summer adventure with her grandparents on a maine island. but nic’s idyllic summer brings loneliness and tears, until she discovers some unfamiliar things that turn the summer into a joy-filled adventure.
vishal got the adventure part right off. “if i was on the island, i would like catching fish,” he said. that’s my grandson! he also reported, “i would do the eating ice cream and roasting marshmallows.” of course he would. boy, this kid is a chip of old grampy’s block.
merry moosey christmas published by islandport press. lynn plourde is one of our favorite children’s book authors, and this is one of her best, for sure. rudolph asks santa for a year off, so he searches for a substitute. the search results in a bull moose pulling santa’s sleigh, but this is no typical moose. for example, he uses a headlamp (because he can’t get his nose to glow), a jetpack to lift him off the ground, and gps to find his way to each and every home.
felix’s world written and published by kevin mcshane of new sharon. this is a simple story, suitable for youngsters like our 19-month-old granddaughter ada. the illustrations by kristina young are very entertaining. and yes, i may be trying to influence ada toward, someday, joining grampy on a real fishing adventure! when you access kevin’s website (musicfromthesugarhouse.com) to purchase this book, also check out his tiny “the little rabbits and the fir tree.” it’s a very imaginative way to present a story, billed as a “holiday car, story, and mantle decoration”).
a snowy owl story published by islandport press. those staring eyes of a snowy owl on the cover will grab lots of readers for melissa kim’s new book. the cover illustrations and others in the book were done by the obviously-very-talented jada fitch of portland. this is the first in a series called “wildlife on the move,” a partnership between islandport press and maine audubon.
if the rest of the books are as good as a snowy owl story, this will be a very profitable partnership. i am not exaggerating when i say i personally loved the book, and can’t wait until my new 10-month-old granddaughter is old enough for me to read it to her. actually, i think i’ll get started on that now!
the “wildlife on the move” series will bring engaging stories about wildlife migration, conservation and respectful human interaction with nature to a pre-k through second grade audience. melissa kim is working with audubon naturalists to create scientifically accurate stories. what a great idea!
a snowy owl story is based on a true story of an owl’s journey from the arctic to portland, maine. i only wish the owl had stopped in mount vernon! actually, we’ve seen snowy owls in our area, as these amazing birds have moved south into maine in pretty good numbers. i don’t want to give the entire story away, but the book’s owl was captured in portland, transferred to wildlife rehabilitators at avian haven in freedom, and released the following day near rockland.


text:
Agrigrain respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide us. This statement explains our policies regarding the use and disclosure of your personal information by Agrigrain. Please note that Agrigrain reviews and updates this policy from time to time as needed without notice. Therefore, you should review the terms periodically to make sure you are aware of how Agrigrain collects and uses personal information. By using our website, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information by Agrigrain as explained below.
We intend to use this information to support your relationship with Agrigrain by designing website content that is suitable to your needs and alerting you to new products and services as they become available. This User Information may be retained by Agrigrain to verify compliance with the agreement between you and Agrigrain, to keep track of the domains from which people visit us, to better meet your needs, or to simply contact you. If you decide that we should not use your User Information to contact you, please let us know. However, please do not submit any User Information if you are under 18 years of age.
The accuracy and security of this information is important to Agrigrain and you can update your details by contacting Agrigrain. If you contact us to correct your User Information, we will attempt to correct such inaccuracies in a timely manner. Agrigrain is concerned with the security of User Information and is committed to taking reasonable steps to protect it from unauthorised access and use.
Agrigrain uses "cookies". A cookie is a small data file that a website can transfer to a visitor's hard drive to keep records of visits. A cookie contains information such as your username and password that helps us recognise the pages you have visited and improve future visits. The only personal information a cookie can contain is the information that you provide yourself. A cookie cannot read data from your hard drive or read cookie files created by other sites. Information stored in cookies may be encrypted, however, we do not store your credit card number in cookies.
Agrigrain’s website provides links to other third party sites. Even if the third party is affiliated with Agrigrain through a business partnership or otherwise, Agrigrain is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices or the content of such external links. These links are provided to you for convenience purposes only and you access them at your own risk.
If you have questions regarding our Privacy Statement, please contact Agrigrain via our Contact Us page.

lowercased:
agrigrain respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information you provide us. this statement explains our policies regarding the use and disclosure of your personal information by agrigrain. please note that agrigrain reviews and updates this policy from time to time as needed without notice. therefore, you should review the terms periodically to make sure you are aware of how agrigrain collects and uses personal information. by using our website, you consent to the collection and use of your personal information by agrigrain as explained below.
we intend to use this information to support your relationship with agrigrain by designing website content that is suitable to your needs and alerting you to new products and services as they become available. this user information may be retained by agrigrain to verify compliance with the agreement between you and agrigrain, to keep track of the domains from which people visit us, to better meet your needs, or to simply contact you. if you decide that we should not use your user information to contact you, please let us know. however, please do not submit any user information if you are under 18 years of age.
the accuracy and security of this information is important to agrigrain and you can update your details by contacting agrigrain. if you contact us to correct your user information, we will attempt to correct such inaccuracies in a timely manner. agrigrain is concerned with the security of user information and is committed to taking reasonable steps to protect it from unauthorised access and use.
agrigrain uses "cookies". a cookie is a small data file that a website can transfer to a visitor's hard drive to keep records of visits. a cookie contains information such as your username and password that helps us recognise the pages you have visited and improve future visits. the only personal information a cookie can contain is the information that you provide yourself. a cookie cannot read data from your hard drive or read cookie files created by other sites. information stored in cookies may be encrypted, however, we do not store your credit card number in cookies.
agrigrain’s website provides links to other third party sites. even if the third party is affiliated with agrigrain through a business partnership or otherwise, agrigrain is not responsible for the privacy policies or practices or the content of such external links. these links are provided to you for convenience purposes only and you access them at your own risk.
if you have questions regarding our privacy statement, please contact agrigrain via our contact us page.


text: Department of Communications is the most precedent educational core of both Faculty of Electrical Engineering and K.N. Toosi University of Technology. This department is active in traditional communications, optical communications, and telecommunication circuits and systems. Undoubtedly, faculty members and alumni of the Department of Communications of K.N. Toosi University of Technology have a key role in the development of communications and telecommunications science and technology in the country, national universities and higher education institutes as well as telecommunications industries.

lowercased: department of communications is the most precedent educational core of both faculty of electrical engineering and k.n. toosi university of technology. this department is active in traditional communications, optical communications, and telecommunication circuits and systems. undoubtedly, faculty members and alumni of the department of communications of k.n. toosi university of technology have a key role in the development of communications and telecommunications science and technology in the country, national universities and higher education institutes as well as telecommunications industries.


text:
Creating stories is my life. I have always been enthralled by the written word and there is nothing better than falling into a book and completely forgetting the world as I explored the one I was in.
Nick was always and forever will be my biggest fan. He was there for my first book publication, went to all my book signings, and had a huge impact on my second book. He is the main topic of my fourth book, The Puzzle Quests, Shimmer’s Eggs.
He also was a creative writer and loved to read as much as I did–probably more. An avid lover of the library, Nick always wanted to share his love of books.
When he passed, I longed to hear any story someone wanted to share about Nick. There were so many, and as it warmed my heart, it also broke it. He had so much to give, and I couldn’t understand why his life would be cut short.
After nine years, it’s hard to imagine there would still be stories that I hadn’t heard from when he was with us. Recently, I was in our bank talking to the manager. She wanted to help with Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation. I was very happy to hear that and looked forward to working together.
Then she shared a story. When Nick was in middle school, he volunteered to be a book buddy for his elementary school. Sharing his love of stories and reading to other kids was the perfect way to help others.
Her son, who is also named Nick was involved in this Book Buddy program. My Nick was his mentor and buddy. Nick also brought him some fun items to encourage reading. He and his mother never forgot it as the connection impacted them both.
Stories are precious. They connect people, they heal, entertain, and help us remember those who have gone before us.
I am grateful that she and so many others have shared their Nick stories with me. It reminds me that he is always here.
It has long been said that once you meet a De Tillio, you are never the same. When you are in a room with De Tillio women, you know there will be a lot of laughter, crazy antics, and outlandish conversation. My father and brother learned to go with the flow and be very flexible with four exuberant women in the house.
Today we got together to celebrate our fall birthdays, shop, and well…laugh. It doesn’t take much. And the funniest part is that no one else may understand what we are hysterically laughing about. It just happens, doesn’t stop, but can be quite contagious. We aren’t afraid to be the brunt of the joke, act ridiculously, or be plain old corny. See below.
Technically Stephanie (on the left) and I are the middle siblings, since Sal is the oldest, but I have always been considered the middling. It’s not easy having to balance the Stephanie’s sharp outbursts of comedic humor from the emotional volcano of Michele (on the right) when she passionately expresses her opinion or one of us has been wronged.
Having an older and younger sister has always meant that I had someone to look up to and take care of me and then someone I protected and babied. I am like the filling in the Oreo cookie. I can go it alone, but man it so much better all together!
I am grateful for the laughter, love, and silliness. Our family has been built on having a grand time no matter where we are or the circumstances. I love being a Cammarata, but I will always be a down home De Tillio gal!
Today I am grateful for taking the time to be with a special family. There was a Chairity fundraiser in memory of Nick Heald who passed away July 29, 2017.
There were so many amazingly crafted Adirondack style chairs made by those who love and miss this beautiful young man. Nick always made a similar chair for the South Glens Falls Marathon Dance that annually raises an incredible amount of money each year to help families in need and local foundations.
Events like these help the family, and I felt so much love as everyone united over a common cause. I was glad I went and thankful to everyone who treated me like family.
I am grateful that 17 years ago, Nick and Connor brought Colleen and me together. Our boys met on the bus and lived right around the corner from each other. In addition to playing together, Connor joined Nick in karate and our families bonded.
Colleen is a powerhouse of vitality, integrity, grit, and perseverance. Whatever she does, she does with intention and full-charged energy.
If you ever need someone in your corner and to cover your back, Colleen is the Charlie’s Angel of our tribe. She has always supported me in any crazy plan I come up with, loves with all her heart, and sees the good in others. She is one of the biggest supporters and volunteers behind Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation. When Nick was ill, Colleen took the initiative and started a fund knowing we would need financial support for his transplant. When we lost him, she came to the funeral home and helped us with all the arrangements. A sister of my heart, she has supported me in some of the hardest tasks in my life. We could not have done it without her. It takes a damn strong woman and friend to take on those tasks.
She stands true to what she believes in and is an inspiring warrior. She isn’t afraid to speak her truth and fight for others. For the past 10 months, Colleen has been battling her own fight against breast cancer. Colleen took this disease with a vengeance and intensity that she brings to every day of her life. She has shown that a positive attitude is one of the biggest healers.
Nick must have known I would need a tribe of amazing women to get me through life. Colleen is certainly one of them. For her 50th birthday, I wish her love, endless joy, and strength in her purpose.
I am grateful for sunflowers. Nine years ago I lost my boy. In my life, there has been no greater pain.
As sunflowers arrived at my door, I thought of Nick. Their upright and sturdy stems speak to strong bonds and loyalty. Nick was loyal to his family and friends. He stood for what he believed in, not worrying about any cost to himself. The strong bonds he held with people continue to this day, because his roots and values ran deep and he loved with all his heart.
The color of sunflowers are as vibrant as Nick’s smile.
He always smiled. Oh yes, he had his moments, but sunshine and love lit through him. He brought laughter, joy, and had the ability to make others smile.
Pictures of Nick–always have a smile or smirk.
Sunflowers provide nourishment, hope for continuing life. Nick physically isn’t here, but his spirit, his strength, his determination feeds my soul when days like today are so hard. The work we do in his name provides hope and emotional nourishment for other children who face cancer.
As the sunflower blooms it turns toward the sun. It rises to each new day–faces the positive, conveys warmth, and happiness. That is how I remember Nick. Always positive, seeing the good, sharing his arm personality, and being such a happy boy.
I strive to be like him in these ways. When I miss him, I raise my face and my heart to the sun. I feel his warmth and energy. He’s always with me, and I’m grateful he chose me as his mom.
For everyone who thinks of Nick and remembers him today, I hope your day is filled with love and sunflowers.
We are all raised with a certain perspective based on our parents’ influences, beliefs, and opinions. When we head out on our own and experience different situations our perspective can change. Sometimes a new way of looking at life is thrust upon us by opportunity, tragedy, loss, separation, relationships, the list is endless. Some are positive and some not so much. And we long for the time before our lives were flipped upside down.
My life, just like so many others, has been flipped upside down and it’s tough to handle especially this month. Tonight I am grateful I took the opportunity to try something new and literally change my perspective. Whether it’s aerial yoga (I think I grew an inch, but my head felt like it was going to explode) or traveling to a new place or going back to school, doing something different, switching your life upside down on your terms can open your mind to so much.
Tonight I needed something physical to get me out of my head. I needed to shake up my perspective that October is really difficult for me and have do something adventurous.
It was fun, and I’m grateful my sidekick was there with me. I’m not sure if this type of yoga is her thing as there was plenty of swinging through the air, but she was openminded enough to give it a try.
No matter what I do, I am grateful my perspective on life hinges on the hope that tomorrow will be better, the knowledge that I have a whole tribe who have my back, and I am strong enough to bend, but not break.
I am grateful to have boys who remind me to catch the moment and be in the present. Stephen continually reminds me to pay attention to what he is saying or what we are doing instead of trying to take photos or write down daily details. I can’t seem to help it. I have always been that way. In a way it’s a good thing. If your kids grew up with mine, there’s a great chance I have some awesome photos of your child.
It can be bad, because Stephen hates getting his photo taken. I may be at fault for that! I love capturing those moments, but it’s true they are never quite as pure or true as when they are happening. And when they are happening, my face is behind the camera. I miss the good stuff.
Take today. During a break in the rain, I took Zoey and Dakota out for a walk. I left my phone in the house (I know it’s a shocker!) and we strolled down the road. I was immediately in awe of the clouds. Some were laced along the sky while others were floating by like shreds of cotton balls. Flurries of birds flipped through the air. There were so many and they flew so erratically, they looked like black leaves just released from the trees.
And fall trees. They are my favorite. Deep red scarlet, burnt orange, buttery yellow, golden brown, bronze, and green hues. The brilliance reminds me of the beauty this world can hold. I was surrounded by it and knew it mattered. That moment, not the photo that I could have taken, but being in it right at that time and place.
You’ll notice there isn’t a photo for this post. It’s in my heart and my mind. I hope you take a moment to enjoy where you are right now.
By the way, in my dream the other night, Nick told me to put down my camera and take in the whole picture. Messages are all around and for that I am especially thankful.
I wake up and appreciate what I have.
There was nothing lazy about today, but being home to get caught up feels likes downtime to me. When I’m running around all week, all I look forward to is one day to sleep in and do stuff around the house.
I slept until the dogs made themselves known by barking at whatever noises freaked them out. That was fine, since I had a whole list of items I wanted to finish. The usual–laundry, vacuum the piles of dog hair, use my dishwasher that finally got fixed (woo hoo!), clear the dining room table, food shop, bills, etc. See, not so lazy of a day.
It was such a beautiful day out that I had to take the time to enjoy it and walk the dogs. Lauren who lives next door and Addy who lives across the street love walking the dogs with me. Today they were playing together (they are 7) and asked to walk the dogs. So we took a stroll, they basically ran with the dogs and talked. Not stressing about what needs to be done and spending time with the kids on the street makes it a lazy and wonderful day.
After food shopping, I made an orzo soup that was perfect for a day of chilling and catching up. My husband’s lazy day consisted of playing soccer, then cleaning up the yard and gardens, and prepping for winter. The soup was just what we needed to slow down.
Now that the bills are paid and there’s still some money left over (another woo hoo!), I’m going to chill out and read.
The upcoming week may be plum crazy, but today was plain lazy, and I’m grateful for both.
Stephen was born exactly two years and two weeks after Nick. We barely made it to the hospital or onto a bed before he shot out into the world. He hasn’t stopped since.
Nick always made Stephen laugh and was his best translator. Whenever we couldn’t understand what Stephen was saying Nick could tell us. Stephen never rolled or crawled. At 13 months, he actually walked in Disneyland just like in the commercials.
After that he was always on the run.
Yesterday Luke and I went to see Stephen to celebrate his birthday. I am thankful he still hugs his mom, although not when there are girls around that he wants to meet. That’s all right! I take the hugs when I can get them!
I am grateful Stephen has wonderful friends who are like brothers to him. They have grown up together and have always been there for each other. Stephen is loyal, kind, compassionate, and true to family.
He has a good heart, and I am so happy whenever I get to spend time with him. He is such a pleasure to talk. He has his own mind, opinions, and path. We talk about the world, music, school, philosophy, and dreams. Every milestone in his life has been intriguing as I see the man he is becoming. I am grateful he chose me to be his mom to raise him, instill good values, and allow him to go the way that is best for him.
He will always be my baby. His smile and the love in his eyes warm my heart.

lowercased:
creating stories is my life. i have always been enthralled by the written word and there is nothing better than falling into a book and completely forgetting the world as i explored the one i was in.
nick was always and forever will be my biggest fan. he was there for my first book publication, went to all my book signings, and had a huge impact on my second book. he is the main topic of my fourth book, the puzzle quests, shimmer’s eggs.
he also was a creative writer and loved to read as much as i did–probably more. an avid lover of the library, nick always wanted to share his love of books.
when he passed, i longed to hear any story someone wanted to share about nick. there were so many, and as it warmed my heart, it also broke it. he had so much to give, and i couldn’t understand why his life would be cut short.
after nine years, it’s hard to imagine there would still be stories that i hadn’t heard from when he was with us. recently, i was in our bank talking to the manager. she wanted to help with nick’s fight to be healed foundation. i was very happy to hear that and looked forward to working together.
then she shared a story. when nick was in middle school, he volunteered to be a book buddy for his elementary school. sharing his love of stories and reading to other kids was the perfect way to help others.
her son, who is also named nick was involved in this book buddy program. my nick was his mentor and buddy. nick also brought him some fun items to encourage reading. he and his mother never forgot it as the connection impacted them both.
stories are precious. they connect people, they heal, entertain, and help us remember those who have gone before us.
i am grateful that she and so many others have shared their nick stories with me. it reminds me that he is always here.
it has long been said that once you meet a de tillio, you are never the same. when you are in a room with de tillio women, you know there will be a lot of laughter, crazy antics, and outlandish conversation. my father and brother learned to go with the flow and be very flexible with four exuberant women in the house.
today we got together to celebrate our fall birthdays, shop, and well…laugh. it doesn’t take much. and the funniest part is that no one else may understand what we are hysterically laughing about. it just happens, doesn’t stop, but can be quite contagious. we aren’t afraid to be the brunt of the joke, act ridiculously, or be plain old corny. see below.
technically stephanie (on the left) and i are the middle siblings, since sal is the oldest, but i have always been considered the middling. it’s not easy having to balance the stephanie’s sharp outbursts of comedic humor from the emotional volcano of michele (on the right) when she passionately expresses her opinion or one of us has been wronged.
having an older and younger sister has always meant that i had someone to look up to and take care of me and then someone i protected and babied. i am like the filling in the oreo cookie. i can go it alone, but man it so much better all together!
i am grateful for the laughter, love, and silliness. our family has been built on having a grand time no matter where we are or the circumstances. i love being a cammarata, but i will always be a down home de tillio gal!
today i am grateful for taking the time to be with a special family. there was a chairity fundraiser in memory of nick heald who passed away july 29, 2017.
there were so many amazingly crafted adirondack style chairs made by those who love and miss this beautiful young man. nick always made a similar chair for the south glens falls marathon dance that annually raises an incredible amount of money each year to help families in need and local foundations.
events like these help the family, and i felt so much love as everyone united over a common cause. i was glad i went and thankful to everyone who treated me like family.
i am grateful that 17 years ago, nick and connor brought colleen and me together. our boys met on the bus and lived right around the corner from each other. in addition to playing together, connor joined nick in karate and our families bonded.
colleen is a powerhouse of vitality, integrity, grit, and perseverance. whatever she does, she does with intention and full-charged energy.
if you ever need someone in your corner and to cover your back, colleen is the charlie’s angel of our tribe. she has always supported me in any crazy plan i come up with, loves with all her heart, and sees the good in others. she is one of the biggest supporters and volunteers behind nick’s fight to be healed foundation. when nick was ill, colleen took the initiative and started a fund knowing we would need financial support for his transplant. when we lost him, she came to the funeral home and helped us with all the arrangements. a sister of my heart, she has supported me in some of the hardest tasks in my life. we could not have done it without her. it takes a damn strong woman and friend to take on those tasks.
she stands true to what she believes in and is an inspiring warrior. she isn’t afraid to speak her truth and fight for others. for the past 10 months, colleen has been battling her own fight against breast cancer. colleen took this disease with a vengeance and intensity that she brings to every day of her life. she has shown that a positive attitude is one of the biggest healers.
nick must have known i would need a tribe of amazing women to get me through life. colleen is certainly one of them. for her 50th birthday, i wish her love, endless joy, and strength in her purpose.
i am grateful for sunflowers. nine years ago i lost my boy. in my life, there has been no greater pain.
as sunflowers arrived at my door, i thought of nick. their upright and sturdy stems speak to strong bonds and loyalty. nick was loyal to his family and friends. he stood for what he believed in, not worrying about any cost to himself. the strong bonds he held with people continue to this day, because his roots and values ran deep and he loved with all his heart.
the color of sunflowers are as vibrant as nick’s smile.
he always smiled. oh yes, he had his moments, but sunshine and love lit through him. he brought laughter, joy, and had the ability to make others smile.
pictures of nick–always have a smile or smirk.
sunflowers provide nourishment, hope for continuing life. nick physically isn’t here, but his spirit, his strength, his determination feeds my soul when days like today are so hard. the work we do in his name provides hope and emotional nourishment for other children who face cancer.
as the sunflower blooms it turns toward the sun. it rises to each new day–faces the positive, conveys warmth, and happiness. that is how i remember nick. always positive, seeing the good, sharing his arm personality, and being such a happy boy.
i strive to be like him in these ways. when i miss him, i raise my face and my heart to the sun. i feel his warmth and energy. he’s always with me, and i’m grateful he chose me as his mom.
for everyone who thinks of nick and remembers him today, i hope your day is filled with love and sunflowers.
we are all raised with a certain perspective based on our parents’ influences, beliefs, and opinions. when we head out on our own and experience different situations our perspective can change. sometimes a new way of looking at life is thrust upon us by opportunity, tragedy, loss, separation, relationships, the list is endless. some are positive and some not so much. and we long for the time before our lives were flipped upside down.
my life, just like so many others, has been flipped upside down and it’s tough to handle especially this month. tonight i am grateful i took the opportunity to try something new and literally change my perspective. whether it’s aerial yoga (i think i grew an inch, but my head felt like it was going to explode) or traveling to a new place or going back to school, doing something different, switching your life upside down on your terms can open your mind to so much.
tonight i needed something physical to get me out of my head. i needed to shake up my perspective that october is really difficult for me and have do something adventurous.
it was fun, and i’m grateful my sidekick was there with me. i’m not sure if this type of yoga is her thing as there was plenty of swinging through the air, but she was openminded enough to give it a try.
no matter what i do, i am grateful my perspective on life hinges on the hope that tomorrow will be better, the knowledge that i have a whole tribe who have my back, and i am strong enough to bend, but not break.
i am grateful to have boys who remind me to catch the moment and be in the present. stephen continually reminds me to pay attention to what he is saying or what we are doing instead of trying to take photos or write down daily details. i can’t seem to help it. i have always been that way. in a way it’s a good thing. if your kids grew up with mine, there’s a great chance i have some awesome photos of your child.
it can be bad, because stephen hates getting his photo taken. i may be at fault for that! i love capturing those moments, but it’s true they are never quite as pure or true as when they are happening. and when they are happening, my face is behind the camera. i miss the good stuff.
take today. during a break in the rain, i took zoey and dakota out for a walk. i left my phone in the house (i know it’s a shocker!) and we strolled down the road. i was immediately in awe of the clouds. some were laced along the sky while others were floating by like shreds of cotton balls. flurries of birds flipped through the air. there were so many and they flew so erratically, they looked like black leaves just released from the trees.
and fall trees. they are my favorite. deep red scarlet, burnt orange, buttery yellow, golden brown, bronze, and green hues. the brilliance reminds me of the beauty this world can hold. i was surrounded by it and knew it mattered. that moment, not the photo that i could have taken, but being in it right at that time and place.
you’ll notice there isn’t a photo for this post. it’s in my heart and my mind. i hope you take a moment to enjoy where you are right now.
by the way, in my dream the other night, nick told me to put down my camera and take in the whole picture. messages are all around and for that i am especially thankful.
i wake up and appreciate what i have.
there was nothing lazy about today, but being home to get caught up feels likes downtime to me. when i’m running around all week, all i look forward to is one day to sleep in and do stuff around the house.
i slept until the dogs made themselves known by barking at whatever noises freaked them out. that was fine, since i had a whole list of items i wanted to finish. the usual–laundry, vacuum the piles of dog hair, use my dishwasher that finally got fixed (woo hoo!), clear the dining room table, food shop, bills, etc. see, not so lazy of a day.
it was such a beautiful day out that i had to take the time to enjoy it and walk the dogs. lauren who lives next door and addy who lives across the street love walking the dogs with me. today they were playing together (they are 7) and asked to walk the dogs. so we took a stroll, they basically ran with the dogs and talked. not stressing about what needs to be done and spending time with the kids on the street makes it a lazy and wonderful day.
after food shopping, i made an orzo soup that was perfect for a day of chilling and catching up. my husband’s lazy day consisted of playing soccer, then cleaning up the yard and gardens, and prepping for winter. the soup was just what we needed to slow down.
now that the bills are paid and there’s still some money left over (another woo hoo!), i’m going to chill out and read.
the upcoming week may be plum crazy, but today was plain lazy, and i’m grateful for both.
stephen was born exactly two years and two weeks after nick. we barely made it to the hospital or onto a bed before he shot out into the world. he hasn’t stopped since.
nick always made stephen laugh and was his best translator. whenever we couldn’t understand what stephen was saying nick could tell us. stephen never rolled or crawled. at 13 months, he actually walked in disneyland just like in the commercials.
after that he was always on the run.
yesterday luke and i went to see stephen to celebrate his birthday. i am thankful he still hugs his mom, although not when there are girls around that he wants to meet. that’s all right! i take the hugs when i can get them!
i am grateful stephen has wonderful friends who are like brothers to him. they have grown up together and have always been there for each other. stephen is loyal, kind, compassionate, and true to family.
he has a good heart, and i am so happy whenever i get to spend time with him. he is such a pleasure to talk. he has his own mind, opinions, and path. we talk about the world, music, school, philosophy, and dreams. every milestone in his life has been intriguing as i see the man he is becoming. i am grateful he chose me to be his mom to raise him, instill good values, and allow him to go the way that is best for him.
he will always be my baby. his smile and the love in his eyes warm my heart.


text:
The Maryland State Board of Education passed emergency regulations yesterday to address the issue of concussion prevention in students at public school.
A task force will be formed and make recommendations about how head injuries are identified and when students are taken out of a game or practice when a concussion is suspected.
School board members said they are prepared for “uncomfortable conversations” about how athletes practice and the way sports are played.
Maryland passed concussion legislation in May 2011, requiring school coaches to receive training in head injuries, players to be removed from play or practice when a concussion is suspected, and to be cleared by a medical professional to make a gradual return to play.
The Baltimore Sun has more details in their report about the session.

lowercased:
the maryland state board of education passed emergency regulations yesterday to address the issue of concussion prevention in students at public school.
a task force will be formed and make recommendations about how head injuries are identified and when students are taken out of a game or practice when a concussion is suspected.
school board members said they are prepared for “uncomfortable conversations” about how athletes practice and the way sports are played.
maryland passed concussion legislation in may 2011, requiring school coaches to receive training in head injuries, players to be removed from play or practice when a concussion is suspected, and to be cleared by a medical professional to make a gradual return to play.
the baltimore sun has more details in their report about the session.


text:
A major focus area for product leaders in 2019 will be delivering revenue growth while addressing regulatory obligations throughout the product lifecycle.
A key pain point is often product handovers to the next team, particularly in the lifecycle stages of shaping to scale & optimisation. Mistakes and inefficiencies arise when information and knowledge is inaccessible or hard to find.
The product scaling & optimisation teams are one of the most critical functions in business success – yet all too often, they fall from focus, ironically due to an obsession with rapid new product development - most of which are destined to fail.
This also means that the product handover process can always be improved and that even small improvements can make a big difference.
As the Hayne Royal Commission demonstrated starkly - failing to meet regulatory obligations comes at a great cost, both financially and reputationally.
How do you prevent the drop-off? Inefficiencies in handing over between the teams especially relating to regulatory obligations usually comes down to collaboration, documenting the right information, problem-solving culture and adoption of digital tools to do all this for you, seamlessly.
Although, the agile product owner and the regulatory team put a significant administrative effort into defining the product regulatory obligations at concept stage they often get lost as the handover process is flawed. Listed below are the common reasons why.
We’ve analysed the problem to isolate why business teams lose sight of regulatory obligations, and created an efficient and easy to use solution.
1. The regulatory obligations are defined at ideation & shaping stage, but then get lost.
The ideation and shaping teams often use tools like Jira and Trello for collaboration and workflow in new product development, however at the launch gate the teams are not using agile-like product lifecycle tools, and revert to sharing via email and using shared drives for document storage. This is highly frustrating and becomes a version control nightmare.
One of the most significant problems is that the rhythm of meetings between the regulatory team and product teams often only occurs in monthly governance meeting, or annually for product risk reviews. This means the collaboration doesn't foster problem solving or shared testing of assumptions around growth, risk or compliance.
Here we have the version control nightmare, and action tracking is common. The governance forum doesn't foster connection and problem-solving or open and constructive discussions on the assumptions around operational & non-financial product risk.
All too often, the handover from agile teams into scaling or product optimisation is in the form of a Lean Canvas. While the Lean Canvas is an essential tool for forming product concepts, it just provides the bare minimum and doesn't give enough insight to handover effectively.
A massive divide exists between the adoption of useful tools in the new product development world (agile) and the handover to lifecycle or shaping & optimisation teams.
So what’s the best fix?
We’d like to share some tips for helping to improve the handover and connection between shaping, scaling & optimisation - and for keeping regulatory obligations top of mind from product concept through to sunsetting.
The best way to remain connected is to adopt a digital tool that begins in an agile team and is used continuously throughout the product life cycle. The collaboration and problem solving that begin in innovation teams can then be captured and built upon. The back-story is captured in the digital tool and then becomes the place that houses the entire history of the product & its lifecycle covering market, competitor, product value, success metrics, regulatory obligations and product innovation plans. By sharing this in-depth knowledge and insight, the teams set themselves up for success. Along the way, it is essential not to neglect the regulatory and risk groups from the multi-disciplinary teams.
2. Complete an in-depth dive review quarterly - if not monthly.
A common pitfall among product teams is to review financials monthly and then only deep dive into operational & non-financial success metrics and risk annually. This type of cadence may give some sense of comfort on the health of a product, but it will not help with continuous improvement & optimisation of any launched product.
It's beneficial to ensure that the scaling & optimisation team create a new cadence to review products in a connected way, and continually deep diving into both playing & laggard drivers of product success. Ideally, take 90 minutes every 90 days to conduct a product audit to de-risk the handover from shaping to scale & optimisation. Doing this with a digital tool like Skyjed will save hours of reporting time and get product reviews done without manual effort, increase team activity and with less time on administration.
When a team is moving quickly through sprints, there is a risk that they will build one lot of features and move on to the next without documenting the deep insights that have emerged out of the agile culture and product analysis. As these teams are often formed around features, it can be difficult to capture the complete product commercial, operational, regulatory and non-financial drivers. It also means no-one owns the complete product insight and creates gaps in the handover which increases risk. At Skyjed we have designed the 40 drivers for you that cover the handover and what you need to monitor and the action plans at each stage. We recommend four drivers for shaping, 14 for scaling and all 40 for optimisation teams.
I'm ready to move my product or team onto the product optimisation & risk tool. What’s the next step?
While it’s tempting to focus on the new product development, don’t forget that scaling and optimising are critical areas to be re-shaped by digital tools. So, your searching for a digital tool to improve how you manage products and regulatory obligations post-launch?
Skyjed was designed ready with all tools to help your handover from shaping to scaling & product optimisation teams at your company with full confidence that you are monitoring regulatory obligations, please request our personalized demo.

lowercased:
a major focus area for product leaders in 2019 will be delivering revenue growth while addressing regulatory obligations throughout the product lifecycle.
a key pain point is often product handovers to the next team, particularly in the lifecycle stages of shaping to scale & optimisation. mistakes and inefficiencies arise when information and knowledge is inaccessible or hard to find.
the product scaling & optimisation teams are one of the most critical functions in business success – yet all too often, they fall from focus, ironically due to an obsession with rapid new product development - most of which are destined to fail.
this also means that the product handover process can always be improved and that even small improvements can make a big difference.
as the hayne royal commission demonstrated starkly - failing to meet regulatory obligations comes at a great cost, both financially and reputationally.
how do you prevent the drop-off? inefficiencies in handing over between the teams especially relating to regulatory obligations usually comes down to collaboration, documenting the right information, problem-solving culture and adoption of digital tools to do all this for you, seamlessly.
although, the agile product owner and the regulatory team put a significant administrative effort into defining the product regulatory obligations at concept stage they often get lost as the handover process is flawed. listed below are the common reasons why.
we’ve analysed the problem to isolate why business teams lose sight of regulatory obligations, and created an efficient and easy to use solution.
1. the regulatory obligations are defined at ideation & shaping stage, but then get lost.
the ideation and shaping teams often use tools like jira and trello for collaboration and workflow in new product development, however at the launch gate the teams are not using agile-like product lifecycle tools, and revert to sharing via email and using shared drives for document storage. this is highly frustrating and becomes a version control nightmare.
one of the most significant problems is that the rhythm of meetings between the regulatory team and product teams often only occurs in monthly governance meeting, or annually for product risk reviews. this means the collaboration doesn't foster problem solving or shared testing of assumptions around growth, risk or compliance.
here we have the version control nightmare, and action tracking is common. the governance forum doesn't foster connection and problem-solving or open and constructive discussions on the assumptions around operational & non-financial product risk.
all too often, the handover from agile teams into scaling or product optimisation is in the form of a lean canvas. while the lean canvas is an essential tool for forming product concepts, it just provides the bare minimum and doesn't give enough insight to handover effectively.
a massive divide exists between the adoption of useful tools in the new product development world (agile) and the handover to lifecycle or shaping & optimisation teams.
so what’s the best fix?
we’d like to share some tips for helping to improve the handover and connection between shaping, scaling & optimisation - and for keeping regulatory obligations top of mind from product concept through to sunsetting.
the best way to remain connected is to adopt a digital tool that begins in an agile team and is used continuously throughout the product life cycle. the collaboration and problem solving that begin in innovation teams can then be captured and built upon. the back-story is captured in the digital tool and then becomes the place that houses the entire history of the product & its lifecycle covering market, competitor, product value, success metrics, regulatory obligations and product innovation plans. by sharing this in-depth knowledge and insight, the teams set themselves up for success. along the way, it is essential not to neglect the regulatory and risk groups from the multi-disciplinary teams.
2. complete an in-depth dive review quarterly - if not monthly.
a common pitfall among product teams is to review financials monthly and then only deep dive into operational & non-financial success metrics and risk annually. this type of cadence may give some sense of comfort on the health of a product, but it will not help with continuous improvement & optimisation of any launched product.
it's beneficial to ensure that the scaling & optimisation team create a new cadence to review products in a connected way, and continually deep diving into both playing & laggard drivers of product success. ideally, take 90 minutes every 90 days to conduct a product audit to de-risk the handover from shaping to scale & optimisation. doing this with a digital tool like skyjed will save hours of reporting time and get product reviews done without manual effort, increase team activity and with less time on administration.
when a team is moving quickly through sprints, there is a risk that they will build one lot of features and move on to the next without documenting the deep insights that have emerged out of the agile culture and product analysis. as these teams are often formed around features, it can be difficult to capture the complete product commercial, operational, regulatory and non-financial drivers. it also means no-one owns the complete product insight and creates gaps in the handover which increases risk. at skyjed we have designed the 40 drivers for you that cover the handover and what you need to monitor and the action plans at each stage. we recommend four drivers for shaping, 14 for scaling and all 40 for optimisation teams.
i'm ready to move my product or team onto the product optimisation & risk tool. what’s the next step?
while it’s tempting to focus on the new product development, don’t forget that scaling and optimising are critical areas to be re-shaped by digital tools. so, your searching for a digital tool to improve how you manage products and regulatory obligations post-launch?
skyjed was designed ready with all tools to help your handover from shaping to scaling & product optimisation teams at your company with full confidence that you are monitoring regulatory obligations, please request our personalized demo.


text:
Films such as “National Treasure” love to play on conspiracy theories, and the Eye of Providence is a favourite that shows up time and again. But what does it actually mean, and is there any real conspiracy behind it?
What is this thing? You’ve probably seen this eye in a bunch of conspiracy theories and illuminati references. It’s the same eye you see on the back of a US dollar bill, and it’s even part of the Great Seal of the United States. No, not there: It’s actually on the other side. Yes, the seal has two sides. But this symbol’s meaning and creation actually have nothing to do with any of that.
But this symbol’s meaning and creation actually have nothing to do with any of that. It shows an eye, often surrounded by rays of light, enclosed by a triangle. Artists used it to represent the all-seeing eye of God. The three points of the triangle represent the Christian mythology of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The rays of light are stand-ins for holiness and divinity. One of the first known appearances of it is in this painting: the Supper of Emmaus painted for the Carthusians in 1525.
If you go even farther back in history, you can find an eye being used in ancient Egyptian times. For example, the “Eye of Horus” belongs to Horus, the sky god, often depicted as a falcon. It’s a falcon’s eye. Fast-forward to the founding of the United States, and it ended up on the back end of the Great Seal on top of a pyramid. Why?
Steven C. Bullock: The pyramid is a sign of strength and survival and long-lasting, and that’s showing that the new nation is going to survive and last a long time, and it’s built on 13 different steps meaning the 13 new states, the 13 former colonies.
It was a few years later that the Freemasons started using the eye. Some think it’s the masons’ way of projecting their own watchful power, but it’s actually the opposite.
Freemasons were reminding themselves to keep to their own strict moral standards, not push their values on the general public. Other conspiracies say the eye on the seal of the United States and the dollar bill means the government is always watching us. But again, its real meaning goes back to a higher power.
Steven C. Bullock: It’s supposed to represent America being watched over by God, America being created under God’s watchful eye.
So how did the symbol get so tarnished? Why is it tangled in so many conspiracy theories?
Joseph Uscinski: All symbols are easy for people to digest. Their easy on the brain, you know, whereas data and evidence is much tougher for us we have to digest it and think about it and come to new conclusions. Symbols can be very powerful. Here’s this symbol, it’s on the back of the dollar bill. You can attach a picture to it. And it’s much easier to do that than to say, “Well listen, we have free markets and we have democracy and both those things are incredibly messy and no one is really controlling it,” but if I give you a few symbols and attach a name to it, all of a sudden you have an evil villain that you can pin the blame on.
OK. But evil villains do exist … is it really such a stretch to believe others like them might be using symbols to signal their secret intentions?
Joseph Uscinski: There are all sorts of things that people see that they think are clues put out there. So the dollar bill, the way the roads are made in Washington, DC. There’s a painting in the airport in Colorado that people think is really an illuminati base because there’s a weird painting painted on the wall there. People think there are secret messages in the movies in the music. The truth is if you’re pulling off a grand conspiracy the idea is that you want to do this in secret, you don’t want to be caught, you don’t want to put out clues. It doesn’t make sense. None of this makes sense.
So instead of signifying an all-seeing power that watches over us all, and hints to greater and more sinister plans ahead, maybe the simpler explanation is true: It’s just a symbol.

lowercased:
films such as “national treasure” love to play on conspiracy theories, and the eye of providence is a favourite that shows up time and again. but what does it actually mean, and is there any real conspiracy behind it?
what is this thing? you’ve probably seen this eye in a bunch of conspiracy theories and illuminati references. it’s the same eye you see on the back of a us dollar bill, and it’s even part of the great seal of the united states. no, not there: it’s actually on the other side. yes, the seal has two sides. but this symbol’s meaning and creation actually have nothing to do with any of that.
but this symbol’s meaning and creation actually have nothing to do with any of that. it shows an eye, often surrounded by rays of light, enclosed by a triangle. artists used it to represent the all-seeing eye of god. the three points of the triangle represent the christian mythology of the father, son, and holy spirit. the rays of light are stand-ins for holiness and divinity. one of the first known appearances of it is in this painting: the supper of emmaus painted for the carthusians in 1525.
if you go even farther back in history, you can find an eye being used in ancient egyptian times. for example, the “eye of horus” belongs to horus, the sky god, often depicted as a falcon. it’s a falcon’s eye. fast-forward to the founding of the united states, and it ended up on the back end of the great seal on top of a pyramid. why?
steven c. bullock: the pyramid is a sign of strength and survival and long-lasting, and that’s showing that the new nation is going to survive and last a long time, and it’s built on 13 different steps meaning the 13 new states, the 13 former colonies.
it was a few years later that the freemasons started using the eye. some think it’s the masons’ way of projecting their own watchful power, but it’s actually the opposite.
freemasons were reminding themselves to keep to their own strict moral standards, not push their values on the general public. other conspiracies say the eye on the seal of the united states and the dollar bill means the government is always watching us. but again, its real meaning goes back to a higher power.
steven c. bullock: it’s supposed to represent america being watched over by god, america being created under god’s watchful eye.
so how did the symbol get so tarnished? why is it tangled in so many conspiracy theories?
joseph uscinski: all symbols are easy for people to digest. their easy on the brain, you know, whereas data and evidence is much tougher for us we have to digest it and think about it and come to new conclusions. symbols can be very powerful. here’s this symbol, it’s on the back of the dollar bill. you can attach a picture to it. and it’s much easier to do that than to say, “well listen, we have free markets and we have democracy and both those things are incredibly messy and no one is really controlling it,” but if i give you a few symbols and attach a name to it, all of a sudden you have an evil villain that you can pin the blame on.
ok. but evil villains do exist … is it really such a stretch to believe others like them might be using symbols to signal their secret intentions?
joseph uscinski: there are all sorts of things that people see that they think are clues put out there. so the dollar bill, the way the roads are made in washington, dc. there’s a painting in the airport in colorado that people think is really an illuminati base because there’s a weird painting painted on the wall there. people think there are secret messages in the movies in the music. the truth is if you’re pulling off a grand conspiracy the idea is that you want to do this in secret, you don’t want to be caught, you don’t want to put out clues. it doesn’t make sense. none of this makes sense.
so instead of signifying an all-seeing power that watches over us all, and hints to greater and more sinister plans ahead, maybe the simpler explanation is true: it’s just a symbol.


text:
In 1968, Bob Noyce and Gordon Moore founded Intel. Shortly after, the new company created the first single-chip microprocessor, which launched an information revolution that has transformed virtually every aspect of our lives.
Like most entrepreneurs, Intel’s founders had few resources when they started their company. For all practical purposes these resources were little more than phenomenal ideas, immense talent, and the courage to strike out on their own. Indeed, they faced significant challenges and risks.
Among other tasks, they had to convince prospective employees, suppliers, investors, and other stakeholders — those who have an interest in the company’s success — that Intel’s ideas and its strategy to implement them were financially attractive — that Intel could earn enough money to compensate them for the risks they were taking by investing in the new company.
When deciding whether to contribute resources, each stakeholder had to assess Intel’s financial condition: What other resources did Intel have? What cash could it generate from these resources? What promises had Intel made to others? For example, did the company already have loans it would have to repay?
By the end of this chapter, you’ll understand how Intel’s balance sheets likely helped potential stakeholders assess its financial condition during its start-up year, and how they continue to help its current stakeholders do so today. You’ll also learn why Intel’s recent balance sheets can tell us a great deal more about the company’s financial condition than its start-up balance sheets.
Finally, you’ll learn that Intel was in great financial condition at the end of 2009— well positioned to finance the research and development of new ideas, implement strategies to bring these ideas to market, weather temporary downturns in demand for its products, and seize new opportunities.
The Intel story emphasizes how balance sheets can help insiders and outsiders assess companies’ financial ability to execute their planned strategies, meet their financial obligations, and respond quickly to unforeseen opportunities and challenges.
We often think of balance sheets as pictures of a company’s financial position on a specific date. However, they tend to be fuzzy pictures. In fact, they are more like x-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound medical images than clear photographs. For instance, like medical images, Intel’s balance sheets only show us those aspects of the company’s financial condition that we can measure reliably: a good deal of information about its financial condition is missing or measured with varying degrees of imprecision.
Also like medical images, balance sheets must be interpreted in their broader context—in this case the company’s business (analogous to the patient’s medical history). Still, just as medical images help doctors make informed judgments about patients’ health, balance sheets, while imperfect, do help insiders and outsiders make informed assessments of companies’ financial condition. Finally, we often describe a firm’s financial condition in health terms: a highly successful company is strong, competitive, flexible, and adaptive. In contrast, the financial condition of a failing company is weak, sick, inflexible, or on life support.
Let’s introduce balance-sheet terms and concepts, then apply these to Intel and other companies.
Source: Intel Museum www.intel.com. Intel ® is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

lowercased:
in 1968, bob noyce and gordon moore founded intel. shortly after, the new company created the first single-chip microprocessor, which launched an information revolution that has transformed virtually every aspect of our lives.
like most entrepreneurs, intel’s founders had few resources when they started their company. for all practical purposes these resources were little more than phenomenal ideas, immense talent, and the courage to strike out on their own. indeed, they faced significant challenges and risks.
among other tasks, they had to convince prospective employees, suppliers, investors, and other stakeholders — those who have an interest in the company’s success — that intel’s ideas and its strategy to implement them were financially attractive — that intel could earn enough money to compensate them for the risks they were taking by investing in the new company.
when deciding whether to contribute resources, each stakeholder had to assess intel’s financial condition: what other resources did intel have? what cash could it generate from these resources? what promises had intel made to others? for example, did the company already have loans it would have to repay?
by the end of this chapter, you’ll understand how intel’s balance sheets likely helped potential stakeholders assess its financial condition during its start-up year, and how they continue to help its current stakeholders do so today. you’ll also learn why intel’s recent balance sheets can tell us a great deal more about the company’s financial condition than its start-up balance sheets.
finally, you’ll learn that intel was in great financial condition at the end of 2009— well positioned to finance the research and development of new ideas, implement strategies to bring these ideas to market, weather temporary downturns in demand for its products, and seize new opportunities.
the intel story emphasizes how balance sheets can help insiders and outsiders assess companies’ financial ability to execute their planned strategies, meet their financial obligations, and respond quickly to unforeseen opportunities and challenges.
we often think of balance sheets as pictures of a company’s financial position on a specific date. however, they tend to be fuzzy pictures. in fact, they are more like x-rays, mris, or ultrasound medical images than clear photographs. for instance, like medical images, intel’s balance sheets only show us those aspects of the company’s financial condition that we can measure reliably: a good deal of information about its financial condition is missing or measured with varying degrees of imprecision.
also like medical images, balance sheets must be interpreted in their broader context—in this case the company’s business (analogous to the patient’s medical history). still, just as medical images help doctors make informed judgments about patients’ health, balance sheets, while imperfect, do help insiders and outsiders make informed assessments of companies’ financial condition. finally, we often describe a firm’s financial condition in health terms: a highly successful company is strong, competitive, flexible, and adaptive. in contrast, the financial condition of a failing company is weak, sick, inflexible, or on life support.
let’s introduce balance-sheet terms and concepts, then apply these to intel and other companies.
source: intel museum www.intel.com. intel ® is a registered trademark of intel corporation.


text:
If you’re reading this out of sincere personal interest, and not general curiosity, chances are you’ve accomplished something great: you’ve qualified for the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, meaning you’re among the best at your particular discipline in your particular sport in the entire country.
And you’re a senior–meaning you are going out on a high note before entering the real world.
For some, just giving it your all will be enough to close out a memorable and hopefully fulfilling athletic career. For fewer, this meet will be a stepping stone toward a career in professional athletics.
But for those who fall outside of these two camps, who are surely done after NCAAs, but also can’t envision simply stepping off the track, this Bud’s for you.
Let’s take that high note, and bump it up to that eighth octave C8. These are the three key tenants of an unforgettable retirement.
If we’ve learned anything over the course of the last year of American history, it’s that substance means very little. It’s not what you do. To a small extent it’s more about how you do it and to an even greater extent, it’s what you say and project that people will remember.
As such, announcing your formal retirement from competitive racing by texting your parents won’t make a ripple.
Instead, upon crossing the finish line/wrapping up your field event, don’t stop running. In one fluid motion, grab your spikeless training shoe then head toward the nearest Hayward exit. Orient yourself toward the McKenzie River and hustle to a publicly accessible shore.
Tie your spikes together. Swing them above your head like a lasso. Let out a primal yip as you release your trusty spikes into the rapids of the river. Like a goddamn cartoon character, dust off your hands by clapping them together, put on your regular shoes, then walk back toward the track.
Notice how I used “toward” instead of “to” when describing your vector. That’s because you aren’t going back to the track.
The time to consume is upon you.
But I’m not talking about beer because binge drinking isn’t that cool and neither is alcoholism. I’m talking about gluttony as it pertains to solids. Go to the Burrito Boy at 510 East Broadway and open up a tab. If they say “you can’t open up a tab, because this is a take-out Mexican food restaurant,” go to the nearest ATM, pull out a $20 bill, return to the restaurant and place it on the counter while calmly asking “What can I get for twenty bones?” It should be a lot.
This is where you’ll truly ensure you live in infamy for perpetuity. Plenty of athletes have tossed their shoes in a body of water, and even more have eaten themselves to a good stomach-pumping. But I don’t know of a single documented case of an athlete penning their farewell to the sport via airplane exhaust.
Something as simple as “SMELL YA LATER, TRACK” should get your point across, but feel free to make the text really sing.
As an added bonus, you’ll be supporting local business. And there are actually way more Eugene-serving sky-writers than you’d expect, so be sure to pick the one who looks to be struggling the most.
You’ll want to make sure this part is arranged before your race so your manifesto is scrawled in the pollen-filled Eugene sky while you’re chucking your personal effects into the river and gorging yourself on bean and cheese burritos.
And it’s as simple as that. You may not win your race at NCAAs. But you’ll find yourself on the fast track to remembrance.

lowercased:
if you’re reading this out of sincere personal interest, and not general curiosity, chances are you’ve accomplished something great: you’ve qualified for the ncaa outdoor track & field championships, meaning you’re among the best at your particular discipline in your particular sport in the entire country.
and you’re a senior–meaning you are going out on a high note before entering the real world.
for some, just giving it your all will be enough to close out a memorable and hopefully fulfilling athletic career. for fewer, this meet will be a stepping stone toward a career in professional athletics.
but for those who fall outside of these two camps, who are surely done after ncaas, but also can’t envision simply stepping off the track, this bud’s for you.
let’s take that high note, and bump it up to that eighth octave c8. these are the three key tenants of an unforgettable retirement.
if we’ve learned anything over the course of the last year of american history, it’s that substance means very little. it’s not what you do. to a small extent it’s more about how you do it and to an even greater extent, it’s what you say and project that people will remember.
as such, announcing your formal retirement from competitive racing by texting your parents won’t make a ripple.
instead, upon crossing the finish line/wrapping up your field event, don’t stop running. in one fluid motion, grab your spikeless training shoe then head toward the nearest hayward exit. orient yourself toward the mckenzie river and hustle to a publicly accessible shore.
tie your spikes together. swing them above your head like a lasso. let out a primal yip as you release your trusty spikes into the rapids of the river. like a goddamn cartoon character, dust off your hands by clapping them together, put on your regular shoes, then walk back toward the track.
notice how i used “toward” instead of “to” when describing your vector. that’s because you aren’t going back to the track.
the time to consume is upon you.
but i’m not talking about beer because binge drinking isn’t that cool and neither is alcoholism. i’m talking about gluttony as it pertains to solids. go to the burrito boy at 510 east broadway and open up a tab. if they say “you can’t open up a tab, because this is a take-out mexican food restaurant,” go to the nearest atm, pull out a $20 bill, return to the restaurant and place it on the counter while calmly asking “what can i get for twenty bones?” it should be a lot.
this is where you’ll truly ensure you live in infamy for perpetuity. plenty of athletes have tossed their shoes in a body of water, and even more have eaten themselves to a good stomach-pumping. but i don’t know of a single documented case of an athlete penning their farewell to the sport via airplane exhaust.
something as simple as “smell ya later, track” should get your point across, but feel free to make the text really sing.
as an added bonus, you’ll be supporting local business. and there are actually way more eugene-serving sky-writers than you’d expect, so be sure to pick the one who looks to be struggling the most.
you’ll want to make sure this part is arranged before your race so your manifesto is scrawled in the pollen-filled eugene sky while you’re chucking your personal effects into the river and gorging yourself on bean and cheese burritos.
and it’s as simple as that. you may not win your race at ncaas. but you’ll find yourself on the fast track to remembrance.


text: Foshan Guanyu Group is one of the बेज रंग चमकता हुआ भूतल बाथरूम टाइल leading brands in China. It is the factory & supplier specializing in manufacturing बेज रंग चमकता हुआ भूतल बाथरूम टाइल. Offer high quality बेज रंग चमकता हुआ भूतल बाथरूम टाइल at a cheap wholesale price.

lowercased: foshan guanyu group is one of the बेज रंग चमकता हुआ भूतल बाथरूम टाइल leading brands in china. it is the factory & supplier specializing in manufacturing बेज रंग चमकता हुआ भूतल बाथरूम टाइल. offer high quality बेज रंग चमकता हुआ भूतल बाथरूम टाइल at a cheap wholesale price.


text:
Monroe Bridal is a reputable and trusted business committed to offering its customers high quality products and we recognise our obligation to ensure that suppliers are operating in a fair and ethical manner.
We demand that our suppliers provide an environment that protects employees human rights and dignity as well as their health and safety. To this end, we carry out inspections of our suppliers premises from time to time to evaluate working conditions and to monitor the treatment by the employers and management.
Monroe Bridal will never knowingly source products from countries which are in breach of the above principles. We also request our suppliers to apply the same principles when dealing with their suppliers.
As our business continues to grow, we understand and recognise the importance of doing everything we can to support the rights of the workers involved in the manufacture of our garments and other products.

lowercased:
monroe bridal is a reputable and trusted business committed to offering its customers high quality products and we recognise our obligation to ensure that suppliers are operating in a fair and ethical manner.
we demand that our suppliers provide an environment that protects employees human rights and dignity as well as their health and safety. to this end, we carry out inspections of our suppliers premises from time to time to evaluate working conditions and to monitor the treatment by the employers and management.
monroe bridal will never knowingly source products from countries which are in breach of the above principles. we also request our suppliers to apply the same principles when dealing with their suppliers.
as our business continues to grow, we understand and recognise the importance of doing everything we can to support the rights of the workers involved in the manufacture of our garments and other products.