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Special Reports > Exclusives
Doctors Back Away From 'Quick Fix' for Heavy Periods
— Concerns raised over improper patient selection, treatment failure
by Kristina Fiore and Shannon Firth, MedPage Today Staff February 26, 2020
This is the second story in a series by MedPage Today on endometrial ablation for heavy menstrual bleeding. The first story focused on complications reported to the FDA's Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database. Here, we look into physicians' evolving attitudes toward the procedure.
Linda Bradley, MD, the medical director of the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), the medical society at the forefront of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in the U.S., no longer performs endometrial ablation.
"I stopped ... over personal concerns about treatment failures," Bradley, who practices at the Cleveland Clinic, told MedPage Today. "I think there are better ways to manage abnormal bleeding for the majority of patients."
Bradley is not alone. Several other physicians told MedPage Today they no longer do endometrial ablation, or they perform it only selectively. Ali Ghomi, MD, of Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, does no more than five ablations each year. Arthur McCausland, MD, a retired ob/gyn in Sacramento, said he stopped doing full ablations in the early 1990s after a family friend developed severe labor-like pain after the procedure and needed a hysterectomy. Diana Bitner, MD, rarely does the procedure.
"When endometrial ablation first came out, we all thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. A month later, patients didn't bleed, they were happy," Bitner told MedPage Today. "Then six, eight months later, they're failing."
The potential for ablation failure -- severe pain resulting from endometrial regrowth and blood trapped under scar tissue -- is one of the main reasons for avoiding the procedure, the doctors said. They've also raised concerns about operative complications from a procedure that's touted as less-than-minimally invasive, including perforation, sepsis, and even death, as a MedPage Today analysis of the FDA's device adverse event reporting database found.
Endometrial ablation appears to be safe and effective for many women, and other physicians have told MedPage Today they still perform the procedure and it helps many of their patients. Others believe it may be overused and that patients aren't always selected appropriately. The procedure pays well, and some physicians have taken tens of thousands of dollars from Hologic for NovaSure, the market leader.
"I think we've become more complacent when it comes to performing these procedures in recent years because of the notion that it's least-invasive [and] can be done in an office setting, and doesn't have that much downside," Ghomi said. "I think we have to revisit ... the nature of the procedure" and its potential for adverse effects.
Treating Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Some 10 million women in the U.S. suffer from menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, according to the CDC.
If there's no other underlying cause, such as polyps or fibroids, national and international treatment guidelines recommend a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (IUD) as first-line therapy. Tranexamic acid and oral contraceptives are other appropriate early treatments, according to guidance from both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.K.'s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
If those don't work, ACOG's guidelines advise surgical options, including endometrial ablation. But that guidance has a specific caution for the procedure.
"Endometrial ablation, although readily available in most centers, should be considered only if other treatments have been ineffective or are contraindicated, and it should be performed only when a woman does not have plans for future childbearing and when the possibility of endometrial or uterine cancer has been reliably ruled out as the cause of the acute abnormal uterine bleeding," the ACOG guidance states.
Endometrial ablation has been seen as a way to reduce the number of hysterectomies in the U.S. -- a procedure that has also come under scrutiny for being overdone, and one that carries more risks than ablation.
Ronald Sancetta, MD, an ob/gyn in private practice in Miami, said his hysterectomy rate dropped by 95% after he started offering ablation.
"You can eliminate the need for hysterectomy in many cases," Sancetta said. "You don't have the risks or dangers of hysterectomy." But he also told MedPage Today that he stopped using NovaSure after seeing too many failures and switched to a different system.
Ghomi runs the robotic hysterectomy program at his hospital in Buffalo, but he agrees a major surgery shouldn't be a first-line treatment for heavy bleeding.
In randomized trials comparing an IUD with endometrial ablation and hysterectomy, "the procedure that always wins is IUD insertion," Ghomi said.
"It's reversible, it can be removed without difficulty," he said. "It's being underutilized."
"I think my colleagues, as a whole, have become more liberal in recent years offering endometrial ablation, and in pushing the envelope in terms of selection criteria," Ghomi said. "As a result, we're seeing more post-ablation syndrome."
Patient Selection
Post-ablation syndrome describes the symptoms of pain or a return to heavy bleeding that often leads to hysterectomy, as MedPage Today reported in an earlier story in this series.
NovaSure, the most commonly used endometrial ablation device, which is estimated to have at least 60% of the endometrial ablation market, is indicated for premenopausal women with menorrhagia "due to benign causes for whom childbearing is complete."
Contraindications in the device's Instructions for Use (IFU) -- the equivalent of a drug label -- include pregnancy or a desire to become pregnant, endometrial cancer, anatomic conditions such as classical cesarean section or transmural myomectomy, genital or urinary tract infection, IUD implantation, small uterine cavity, and active pelvic inflammatory disease.
In addition to these "absolute" contraindications, Ghomi said, doctors are starting to learn that there are "soft" ones as well, such as younger age, polyps, fibroids, painful periods, and any type of cesarean section.
Some doctors might still perform the procedure in these circumstances, and that's when complications such as post-ablation syndrome or perforations at the time of surgery are more likely to occur, he said.
Hologic spokesperson Marcia Goff said the company continuously assesses the "appropriateness of all our product IFUs based on clinical trial data and reports from healthcare providers and patients" and any changes are approved by regulatory authorities.
"Based on our nearly 20 years of experience with NovaSure in the field, we believe its IFU is appropriate," Goff said.
Still, Ghomi says his ideal candidate for endometrial ablation would have the following characteristics:
At least 45 years old
Normal sized uterus without any pathology (i.e., normal uterine biopsy and Pap smear)
No polyps or fibroids on ultrasound
No history of C-section or tubal ligation
No history of endometriosis or pain
No painful periods
"I think the problem we're facing now is that type of candidate is probably less than 1% of the patients that do receive endometrial ablation," Ghomi said.
Earl Elowsky, MD, an ob/gyn in Tawas City, Michigan, said some "physicians and patients are too cavalier" about endometrial ablation and the procedure is "not perfect and certainly not the solution for everyone."
"But they work in a large number of people and are significantly safer than hysterectomy," he said. "As with anything else, you have to select people carefully and counsel them thoroughly and appropriately."
As for guidance about patient selection for the physician doing a NovaSure procedure, the label states that there are many causes for menorrhagia and that physicians should consult the medical literature before performing any ablation procedure.
Ablation for 'Nuisance' Bleeding
Sue Ferrier didn't have heavy menstrual bleeding when she was referred for a NovaSure procedure in 2011.
After months of frustration with a "brownish, very light" discharge, Ferrier, now 54, of Burks Falls in Ontario, Canada, reached out to her primary care doctor. The discharge was merely "a nuisance," she said, but one that was affecting her life and her marriage.
Her doctor ran some tests and found no infection and "nothing rare," and so she referred Ferrier to an ob/gyn practice to have an ablation.
Ferrier wasn't on board immediately. She was otherwise healthy, wasn't in any pain, and wondered whether undergoing a procedure made sense.
At the ob/gyn clinic, Ferrier said she wasn't told much about the ablation beyond that it would burn the lining of her uterus and either totally eliminate her period and the discharge or at least diminish it.
She was told there would be a degree of risk, as there is with any procedure, Ferrier said.
"I don't remember a whole lot of negative [talk] or I probably wouldn't have gone for it. I'm a little bit of a fearful person to begin with," she said. But she eventually convinced herself not to "overthink it, it's a 90-second procedure. Its rates of success are, you know, way, way up there. So, let's go for it."
She underwent NovaSure ablation in October 2011 and was told that it "went off without a hitch, no problem," and was "one of the easiest" procedures her ob/gyn had ever done.
About three days later, she woke up "moaning in pain" and told her husband she needed to go to the hospital. Although she lives less than 15 minutes from the emergency room, by the time she arrived, she had no memory of what happened. She relies on her husband's memory instead.
He told her about her blood pressure "bombing out," her sky-high heart rate, and being transferred to another hospital for an emergency hysterectomy. She had sepsis severe enough to require a medically-induced coma.
She went home 10 days later, but within a week began to feel sick again. Doctors found an abscess, which Ferrier opted to let drain on its own, but she was soon back at the hospital as she continued to get weak.
Her subsequent 12-day hospital stay was "brutal," she said.
"I was ready to pass on. I had very little desire to fight. I was exhausted. I was sick."
Doctors gave her the strongest medicines they had and were even nervous to finally send her home in December 2011 in time for her youngest son's birthday.
Ferrier says she has lingering consequences from her ordeal. She can't read more than a short chapter of a book without losing focus. She used to manage her family's finances, but now has trouble with math. She can't work because under any form of time pressure, "my mind goes blank." She's currently on disability and her son, who works in construction, gives her some small jobs to do that aren't time-sensitive.
She gets anxious any time she gets sick: "If I lose my appetite to any degree, I panic."
Ferrier does puzzles to try to improve her attention span, lifts weights and, during warmer weather, rides her bicycle to improve her strength.
"In case anything hits again," she said, "I'll be a little stronger."
Neither her primary care doctor nor the ob/gyn practice where she had the ablation returned MedPage Today's request for comment.
It's difficult to assess individual consent discussions, but like Ferrier, other women interviewed by MedPage Today who suffered complications said they felt the risks were given short shrift by their physicians.
Michelle Louie, MD, an ob/gyn at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, is a referral provider who treats only tough gynecologic cases. She says many patients come to her with endometrial ablation failures.
"I've seen people who have failed who might not have been counseled about the temporary nature of the procedure," Louie told MedPage Today.
Louie rarely offers an ablation, but when she does, she says she's upfront about its risks and the likelihood that it's a temporary solution. She doesn't offer it to younger women, especially those in their 20s or 30s, because of concerns about failure and post-ablation syndrome.
"Studies done for this device were probably not followed up long enough to truly evaluate what happens to younger women," she said.
She counsels them about the "high likelihood that they will require another procedure when endometrial ablation has reached the end of its effectiveness."
For example, she might recommend it to a patient who has young kids and can't commit to a hysterectomy now, but may be able to have the surgery a few years down the line. Or if a patient with a history of tubal ligation really wants endometrial ablation, she'll discuss the possibility of post-ablation tubal sterilization syndrome.
"If they understand that, if they're making a fully informed choice, I think ablation can be appropriate," Louie said. "It's not that you can't offer it, but you have to be thoughtful about making sure patients really understand these finer points."
"I would never counsel my patient to have a temporary procedure unless she's really aware and totally at peace with that," Louie added. "She would acknowledge that it's temporary, and that that's what she wants at the time."
Not all doctors describe ablation as a temporary procedure. Denise Sweeney, MD, an ob/gyn in Roseville, California, said she offers ablation to patients who are certain they're done having children. While she does encourage an IUD first, she said many don't want hormones, so ablation becomes a good option.
She said she cautions all her patients about post-ablation syndrome, especially those with adenomyosis, as "ablation can make them worse. But even if they have adenomyosis, a lot of them choose to try ablation hoping it will be good enough so they don't have to get a hysterectomy."
Sweeney, who uses NovaSure with most ablations, said she was surprised to read about high follow-up hysterectomy rates and that hers are very low.
Physicians who look to the patient counseling section of the NovaSure label would learn that they should discuss the risks and benefits of ablation as well as treatment alternatives. They'll also find information about the dangers of getting pregnant following an ablation; common post-procedure complications like discharge, cramping, nausea, vomiting, and signs of perforation that should be reported immediately.
There's nothing in that section about the risk that the procedure simply won't work. Elsewhere in the document, in a section titled "clinical observations," a table shows a 6.3% rate of hysterectomy within three years of the procedure. Other studies, however, put rates for subsequent hysterectomy much higher, at 20% or more. One Kaiser Permanente study in 2008 showed a 40% likelihood of needing a subsequent hysterectomy through 8 years of follow-up among ablation patients under 40.
When asked about potential financial incentives to perform endometrial ablation, Louie said she hopes that most providers "offer what they believe are the right options for this patient. If this were my mom, my sister, my best friend, what would I advise?"
"But is there a gain to doing endometrial ablation and if it fails, doing hysterectomy? You know this is generally safe, and that there's a backup if it fails," she mused.
Reimbursement for endometrial ablation -- which is touted as a quick fix that can be done right in a doctor's office -- is high. According to data provided by FAIR Health, a service that uses private insurance claims data to help patients better understand the cost of their healthcare, the average allowed in-network amount paid to physicians for two procedure codes frequently used for endometrial ablation was $1,057 and $1,678 , respectively.
In the case of NovaSure, there can be additional financial incentive from Hologic. According to the federal Open Payments database, Hologic has spent $306,000 on 3,282 doctors since 2013 for NovaSure programs.
Well over half of that went to a single physician: Cindy Basinski, MD, in private practice in Evansville, Indiana, who made over $175,000 from Hologic for NovaSure from 2016 to 2018.
Basinski told MedPage Today the money was for a campaign with actress Aisha Tyler about heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as for physician education about heavy menstrual bleeding, including speaking on panels and at national meetings.
In a career of about 20 years, Basinski's website says she has performed "nearly 3,000 in-office endometrial ablations such as NovaSure" -- a figure that other ob/gyns characterized as high. Basinski said that she focuses on gynecologic surgery and doesn't deliver babies or do other routine gynecologic work.
Basinski said she discusses the risks and benefits of all options when a patient comes to see her for heavy menstrual bleeding, whether it's oral contraception, having an IUD inserted, endometrial ablation, or hysterectomy.
She notes that hormonal therapy may fail for half of women, and an IUD can also carry complications like perforation, she said. She and the patient also take into account insurance coverage and costs.
"Women are good at choosing what they want," Basinski said. "If they made that decision to use that product, they accept that risk."
When it comes to ablation, she estimates the success rate at about 80%, and she tells younger women there's a higher chance of needing another procedure if they choose ablation.
"The longer you have to rely on an ablation, the more chance it has to fail for you," she said. "If it fails, they may say, I got 8 great years of this ablation and I'm super happy about that. But for 8 of 10, I've solved their problem."
Unfortunately, no post-marketing data have been published for NovaSure (the FDA required a post-marketing study for one competing device focusing on an issue specific to that product). Hologic sponsored a study comparing NovaSure with a competitor called Minerva for success rates, adverse events, and patient satisfaction. NovaSure ended up the winner, but the paper stirred controversy in April 2018 when Minerva Surgical demanded (unsuccessfully) that it be retracted because of "material misleading statements" about the nature of the study, according to a report by STAT.
Hologic also funded a 10-year literature review that looked at publicly available data on safety and efficacy: a mix of prospective studies, single-arm NovaSure trials, and trials comparing NovaSure with other second-generation devices. It found NovaSure generally superior for short-term outcomes such as amenorrhea in the first year, but didn't address longer-term durability or safety. Notably, although Hologic provided "editorial and indirect financial support" for the study, the company didn't share its internal data with the author.
"That's the problem with medicine," Basinski said. "We don't have good data for everything we do. But we don't have that for lots of things in our lives."
Basinski had a NovaSure endometrial ablation herself when she was 37, and hasn't had a period in the 13 years since; nor has she experienced endometrial ablation failure. NovaSure "was a great option for me," she said, and she discusses her experience in a promotional video.
Regarding physician payments, Hologic spokesperson Goff said the company "works with independent physicians to conduct clinical trials of our products, to educate other healthcare providers on the proper use of our products, and to inform future research and development efforts. And like all medical device companies, we compensate these physicians for their valuable time."
"If we didn't work with clinicians in this way," Goff added, "we would not be able to develop new medical devices, and products already on the market might not be used properly."
The debate over whether endometrial ablation is being used properly is likely to continue, as "medicine is an art as well as a science," AAGL's Bradley said. "We have our opinions about what we see in the patients ... we've taken care of how that may cloud how we look at things."
Cheryl Clark contributed reporting for this story.


Gorgeous half sheet movie poster from this John Wayne western classic. Not only spectacular artwork featuring the most memorable scene (Duke carrying the infant), but this Style A half sheet is practically extinct with only this style A half sheet to have surfaced on the market in the past several years. We can't promise another one will never surface, but based on our research, no other has ever been sold. Very good condition. Has been linen backed. Shows signs of where the fold lines once were. But still looks fantastic. And the chances you will find another in this lifetime are quite low.
3 Godfathers (MGM, 1948). Half Sheet (22" X 28") Style A. Western.
Starring John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz, Harry Carey Jr., Ward Bond, Mae Marsh, Mildred Natwick, Jane Darwell, Guy Kibbee, Dorothy Ford, Ben Johnson, and Charles Halton. Directed by John Ford. A partially restored poster that may be slightly brittle due to age, show some paper loss or staining, very minor tape stains, edge and fold wear, pinholes, and tears. Restoration has addressed some of these issues, however, there is some cracking in the airbrushed borders, as well as the lower section of the vertical fold. Please see full-color, enlargeable image below for more details. Very Good on Linen.


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Mason man works with organization to research new habitats for endangered tree
Daein Ballard of Mason has planted two dozen Torreya Taxifolia, a critically endangered tree, on his property in Mason, as part of a research effort to find areas where the plant might be able to thrive. Staff photo by Ashley Saari— '; }
There are about only 500 torreya taxifolia trees remaining in their native Florida. As the climate continues to change, finding out where it may live best is critical to its future. '; }
LEFT: A tree fence protects the torreya taxifolia from deer on Daein Ballard's Mason property. His work in saving the species is part of a nationwide effort to find the right climate where it may someday thrive. '; }
Daein Ballard of Mason has planted two dozen torreya taxifolia, a critically endangered tree, on his property in Mason, as part of research to find areas of the country where the plant might be able to thrive. While most of the trees are only a few inches high, this one planted in 2012, is up to his thigh. Staff photos by Ashley Saari '; }
By ASHLEY SAARI
Monadnock Ledger-Transcript
Published: 6/9/2021 4:23:36 PM
Hidden away on a property in Mason, about two dozen seedlings of torreyataxifolia are quietly growing, watched over by Daein Ballard.
They may be the only specimen of their kind in New Hampshire.
Torreya taxifolia, sometimes called "stinking cedar," is a type of evergreen tree only found in a very limited population in Florida. The critically endangered plant isn't doing well in its native habitat, with only about 500 specimens left in the wild. People like Ballard are working to try to change that statistic.
Ballard is generally interested in conservation and preservation of struggling tree species. On his own property, he has several mature chestnut trees he's seen grow to maturity, produce chestnuts for only a single year, and then die from the strain of reproducing under blighted conditions. He heard about the plight of the torreya taxifolia completely by chance, he said, while looking online for information about other species under threat.
Ballard is now part of a group called "Torreya Guardians" that is studying how the tree grows in various climates, trying to gather information on where it might be able to survive and thrive. Though far, far north of its typical habitat, Ballard has been planting seedlings and seeds of stinking cedar in various soil and sun conditions on his property, to see how it takes.
So far, since starting the project in 2014, he said the results have been about 50/50 whether the trees survive.
"It can definitely survive here, but they may not thrive," Ballard said. "They're growing more slowly than they are in the south. It's probably too far north for them here."
That's OK, he said – at the moment, his results are just a data point for where these trees might do well, and where they might not. And, Ballard said, the success or failure of torreya taxifolia might inform how the process works with other endangered plants.
"The torreya is just an extreme example of this phenomenon. Trees are in the worst position of anything else when the temperature is warming or the climate changing. Because while they can and do move ranges, it happens over centuries. They can only move as fast as they can germinate and grow."
Plant ranges do change, as animals or wind carry seeds outside of the usual habitat, and – if conditions are hospitable – plants take root. It's just a slow process, and habitat may be changing too quickly for some species to adapt. Humans can step in and try to help expand the range or settle a population in a completely new habitat, which is what the Torreya Guardians are experimenting with the stinking cedar. Ballard said the cedar is a good test case for human assisted migration because it has such a small, niche environment where it grows in the wild.
"It's a prime example of a tree in a habitat that is no longer suited for it," Ballard said. "But a lot of trees are starting to have that problem. There are a lot of trees no longer in their ideal habitat."
In his back yard, Ballard has his most impressive specimen – a tree which was pot as far back as 2012, and has grown to Ballard's mid-thigh. Most of his attempts, Ballard said, haven't had the chance to grow so large, despite his best efforts.
Several trees – some only a few inches tall – are scattered about his property, surrounded by a tree fence to fend off the deer. The 20 surviving saplings represent about half of the ones Ballard originally put into the ground. He said he's also planted as many as 100 seeds he's procured from other members of the Torreya Guardians who have more mature trees growing on their own private properties, but between ants, slugs, and deer destroying the seeds or sprouts, only about five have found any success in sprouting.
Ballard said his trees may not provide much more than a single data point in a larger picture for the survival of the torreya taxifolia. But he said, who knows? These trees may still be here in 100 years, long after he's gone.
"Trees grow slower than us and live a lot longer than us. So who's to say? Maybe the climate in New Hampshire 100 years from now will be better for them. It's a long game."
Ashley Saari can be reached at 924-7172, ext. 244, or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She's on Twitter @AshleySaariMLT.
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Death cafe set for Feb. 5 in Peterborough
Death Cafe Monadnock will meet Sunday, Feb. 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Riverstone Studio, 374 Union St. in PeterboroughDeath cafes are agenda...
Off the Highway: Jarvis Coffin – Where have you gone, David Crosby?
David Crosby died last week. I liked his music. I respect that he was a two-time inductee to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as part of The Byrds...
Plymouth State honors local students
Carly Kimball of Bennington, Avery Opland of Antrim and Natalie Tremblay of Peterborough were named to the Plymouth State University dean's list...
The Greenfield Beat: Jesseca Timmons – Latest on the Meetinghouse
The Seven Hills Foundation, which purchased Crotched Mountain School, is now hiring in multiple areas, and some positions include housing on the...
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New Lexus LC 500 Convertible 2020 review
Does the new Lexus LC 500 Convertible increase the luxury sports car's appeal?
More than anything, the LC 500 Convertible proves that as well as rock-solid reliability and an outstanding dealer network, Lexus has finally learned how to deliver a car that can stir emotions. That achievement might well mean that in the long run, the LC Convertible has significance way beyond its sales figures.
The Lexus LC has worked wonders for the Japanese brand, its design boosting the wider image of Toyota's luxury division and raising interest in its more mainstream offerings. Now, three years after the coupé's arrival, it's time for it to gain an important new model line, in the form of the LC Convertible.
Unlike the coupé, which is available as a V8 petrol and a V6 hybrid, the convertible comes as a pure-petrol LC 500 only.
Best convertibles and cabriolets 2021
The raw specs on the V8 aren't at all bad. This 5.0-litre Atkinson-cycle motor produces 457bhp and 530Nm of torque, all of which is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 10-speed automatic transmission. That's enough for a 0-62mph time of exactly five seconds and a top speed of 167mph.
The fabric hood is neat and does nothing to detract from the LC's striking lines. Indeed, once the roof is lowered – a process that takes 15 seconds and which can be performed at speeds of up to 31mph – the look is arguably even cleaner and more sophisticated, with an imposing rear deck.
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Those attracted by Lexus's reputation for bulletproof reliability, meanwhile, will be pleased to learn that the company tested the roof mechanism through 18,000 open and closing cycles – an estimated 24 years of use – before a minor problem occurred.
The fixed-roof LC has always been half-sports car, half-GT, but with the extra weight and the ability to open up the cabin, the Convertible gives up all pretence of being anything other than a long-distance tourer.
If that sounds negative, it's not meant to. The LC 500 rides well and steers faithfully. But regardless of whether you've opened the lid or not, it's not massively enthusiastic about sudden direction changes. And the 10-speed automatic transmission can occasionally be found juggling ratios.
The engine is a gloriously smooth and, when you want it to be, extremely sonorous motor. Indeed, if anything, Lexus has done rather too good a job of soundproofing the fabric roof, because the engine sounds a little too restrained from the closed cabin.
That changes when you open the interior to the elements. Suddenly you're aware of an enjoyable growl at low revs, of pops and bangs in the car's sportier modes and, beyond around 4,000rpm, a proper roar. There's a bit of wind rush in the cabin at speed, but not enough to stop you squeezing the throttle, if only to hear the exhaust note.
The LC's interior is trimmed in a pleasing mix of fine-grade leather and solid-feeling metal switches. It's not an ergonomic masterpiece – the presence of the clunky, frustrating touchpad infotainment control sees to that – but it does feel special.
This is a 2+2, though, rather than a proper four-seat convertible. And while the Convertible doesn't take much of a hit on boot space compared with the coupé, the capacity is still nothing special, at just 149 litres.
Model: Lexus LC 500 Convertible Sport Plus Pack
Engine: 5.0-litre V8 petrol
Transmission: 10-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
CO2: 275g/km


Reinvigorating the power and confidence of an established and highly professional regional law firm, now offering a more refreshing approach.
The Brown & Vautier wordmark is accompanied by a fox icon, representing the heritage and provenance of the brand. Their more accessible proposition places the law firm right there when you need them: approachable, accessible & affordable, now and in the future.


Brent and Doris Curyea enjoy breakfast with a friend at the Eagles Lodge in Kimball on Saturday. The breakfast, which included hot cakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy as well as beverages, was given in honor of mothers. Mothers were treated to breakfast free of charge and others in attendance were asked for a free will offering. It was the third consecutive year that the Eagles have held the Mother's Day breakfast.


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Overview of Harpenden
The town of Harpenden is located West of Stansted Airport a distance of around 38 miles a journey that would take around an hour by taxi via the A120, A414 and A1. It is located in Hertfordshire and has a population of 29,881 according to the 2001 Census.
The towns history can be traced back to before the Romans when Belgic farmers inhabited the land. Up until the 13th Century the area consisted of woodland, small hamlets and farmsteads. Edward the Confessor had granted Westminster Abbey the manor of Wheathampstead in 1060 and Harpenden village being within its boundaries. The area is home to 'Nomansland Common' where the Second Battle of St Albans was fought, the first annually contested steeplechase in England was held and a favourite haunt of the highwaywoman known as Lady Katherine Ferrers. The town was well known for its straw-weaving industry and was also one of the rural towns used to evacuate children from London in the Second World War.
As a busy commuter town it has good connections into London and is in close proximity to the neighbouring towns of Luton and St Albans. There is plenty on offer for visitors including a busy town centre which retains many of its 17th and 18th Century buildings, shops, pubs and restaurants. Some other attractions include Harpenden Common and the Railway Museum.
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Harpenden House Hotel
18 Southdown Road, Harpenden, AL5 1PE
Premier Inn Luton South
London Rd, St. Albans, AL3 8HT
Ramada Hemel Hempstead
Hemel Hempstead Rd, St. Albans, AL3 7AF
St. Michaels Manor Hotel
Fishpool St, St. Albans, AL3 4RY
St. Albans Hotel
3 Manor Rd, St. Albans, AL1 3ST
23-25 Holywell Hill, St. Albans, AL1 1EZ
Holiday Inn Hemel Hempstead
Breakspear Way, Hemel Hempstead, HP2 4UA


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John Jenkins to leave Vanderbilt, enter the NBA Draft
By Rob DausterApr 9, 2012, 6:16 PM EDT
John Jenkins will be foregoing his final year of eligibility as he will enter his name into consideration for the NBA Draft, per a release from the school.
"This was a very difficult decision for my family and I to make, but I am ready to dedicate myself fully to achieving my dream of playing in the NBA," said Jenkins. "The last three years have been the time of my life, and I will always cherish my time at Vanderbilt and the relationships I have made along the way."
This decision doesn't come as much of a surprise. Jenkins, along with seniors Jeff Taylor and Festus Ezeli, shocked the nation when they jointly decided to return to school for another chance at postseason glory.
And depending on how you look at it, the season was a success. While it is difficult to be satisfied with a 25-11 season and a 10-6 finish in a down year in the SEC, Vanderbilt not only shook off their NCAA tournament demons by advancing to the round of 32, they won the SEC tournament with a come-from-behind victory against national champion Kentucky.
On a personal level, Jenkins had plenty of success the last two years. He's led the SEC in scoring the last two seasons and tied former-Commodore Shan Foster's record for 134 3-pointers in a single season.
Draft Express currently projects Jenkins as the second pick of the second round.
Rob Dauster is the editor of the college basketball website Ballin' is a Habit. You can find him on twitter @robdauster.


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Tag Archives: soon
Obama's 'Mistakes': Way Too Early to Judge By Joe Klein
Opt-Ed by Joe Klein
Time—Over the past few weeks, Barack Obama has been criticized for the following: He didn't go to Berlin for the 20th anniversary of the Wall's coming down. He didn't make a forceful enough statement on the 30th anniversary of the U.S. diplomats' being taken hostage in Iran. He didn't show sufficient mournfulness, at first, when the Fort Hood shootings took place, and he was namby-pamby about the possibility that the shootings were an act of jihad. He has spent too little time focusing on unemployment. He bowed too deeply before the Japanese Emperor. He allowed the Chinese to block the broadcast of his Shanghai town-hall meeting. He allowed the Chinese President to bar questions at their joint press conference (a moment memorably satirized by Saturday Night Live). He didn't come back with any diplomatic victories from Asia. He allowed Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the other 9/11 plotters to be tried in the U.S. criminal-justice system rather than by the military. He has dithered too long on Afghanistan. He has devoted too much attention to — and given congressional Democrats too much control over — health care reform, an issue that is peripheral to a majority of Americans.
And all this has led to a dangerous slippage in the polls, it is said, a sense that his presidential authority is ebbing.
As a fully licensed pundit, I have the authority to weigh in here … but I demur. Oh, I could sling opinions about every one of the events cited above — some were unfortunate — but it would matter only if I could discern a pattern that illuminates Obama's presidency. The most obvious pattern, however, is the media's tendency to get overwrought about almost anything. Why, for example, is the 20th anniversary of the Berlin Wall demolition so crucial that it requires a President's presence? Which recent U.S. President has gotten the Chinese to agree to anything big? (In fact, Obama has secured significant diplomatic cooperation from the Chinese on North Korea, Afghanistan and Pakistan.) Was his deep bow indicative of anything other than his physical fitness? (My midsection, sadly, prevents the appearance of obsequiousness in such circumstances.)
Stepping back a bit, I do see a metapattern that extends over the 40 years since Richard Nixon's Southern strategy began the drift toward more ideological political parties: Democrats have tough first years in the presidency. Of the past seven Presidents, the two Bushes rank at the top in popularity after one year, while Obama and Bill Clinton rank at the bottom, with Jimmy Carter close by. There is a reason for that. Democrats come to office eager to govern the heck out of the country. They take on impossible issues, like budget-balancing and health care reform. They run into roadblocks — from their own unruly ranks as well as from Republicans. They get lost in the details. A tax cut is much easier to explain than a tax increase. A foreign policy based in bluster — railing against an "axis of evil" — is easier to sell than a foreign policy based in nuance. Of course, external events count a lot: the ratings of Bushes I and II were bolstered, respectively, by the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the flattening of the World Trade Center. Reagan's rating — 53% and headed south — was dampened by a deepening recession.
Filed under Bad Journalism, Barack Obama, Bill O'Reilly, Blogging, Change, CNN, Colbert Report, Conservative, Creepy right-wing antics, Dylan Ratagan, Ed Schultz, Fox News, Glenn Beck, Health Care Reform, Jake Tapper, Jon Stewart's The Daily Show, Lou Dobbs, Media and Entertainment, MSNBC, News, Norah O'Donnell, Politics, Pres. Barack Obama, Presidents, Rachel Maddow, Republicans, Sean Hannity, Television, The Ed Show, The Morning Meeting w/Dylan Ratagan, The O'Reilly Factor, The Rachel Maddow Show, Uncategorized, United States
Tagged as Barack, cable, conservatives, Democrats, joe, klein, mistakes, News, obama, president, pundits, Republicans, soon, time, too


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Zvonik je katoliški književni in družbeni mesečnik ob hrvaščini ki izda Katoliška družba za kulturu, zgodovinu in duhovnost »Ivan Antunović« v Subotici. Časopis izhaja redno z dne septembra 1994. Poimenovan je po zvoniku frančiškane cerkve z 13. stoletja v Baču.

Revija je dobitnik nagrado »Pro urbe« mestne skupščine Subotice v letu 2003. ter priznanja Hrvaške družbe katoliških novinarji leta 2015.

Zunanje povezave
 Spletna izdaja

Hrvaški časopisi

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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The Legendary Irakere in London es un álbum de jazz de Irakere grabado en vivo en el Ronnie Scott's Club en octubre de 1987. Fue producido por Pete King y Chris Lewis. Fue publicado por Jazz House Records en 1992 y por Milan Jazz en 1994.

Intérpretes
Jesús "Chucho" Valdés: Piano.
Oscar Valdés: Percusión y voz.
Enrique Pla: Batería y percusión.
Carlos Emilio Morales: Guitarra.
Carlos del Puerto: Bajo y coros.
José Luis Cortés: Saxo barítono y soprano; flauta.*
Carlos Averhoff: Saxo tenor y flauta.
German Velazco: Saxo alto y soprano; flauta
Jorge Varona: Trompeta y Flugelhorn.
Juan Mungía: Trompeta y Flugelhorn.
Adalberto Hernández: ingeniero de sonido.

Lista de temas
 Bailando así (5:46). Compositor, C. Valdés.

 Johana (9:50). Compositor, C. Valdés.

 Estela va a estallar (Stella by starlight)(9:29). Compositor, Washington - Young.

Las Margaritas (7:45). Compositor, C. Valdés.

 Lo que va a pasar (7:12). Compositor, C. Valdés.

 The duke (16:54). Compositor, Dave Brubeck.

Irakere


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Birthdays Spotlight Style & Fashion The 1970's The 1980's The 1990's
Gianni Versace was born on this day in 1946
December 2, 2020 December 3, 2020 Pop Expresso	1 Comment 1946, 80's, 90's, Fashion, Gianni Versace, Italy
He was one of the fashion Industries biggest stars
Giovanni Maria "Gianni" Versace was born on December 2nd 1946 in Reggio Calabria, Italy, where he grew up with his brother Santo and his sister Donatella. His designs had a distinct influence on Mythological themes as well as glamour and decadence which is still carried on in the house today. When you think of Versace you think of gold, bold colors, bronzed skin and luxury. His clothes were mystical and most importantly they were skilfully made to complement and transform the woman wearing them. They were decadent yet tasteful and partially responsible for the glamour that existed in the 90's fashion scene. Gianni Versace became the first designer to fully embrace the importance of contemporary culture. Celebrities knew his extravagant creations would make a memorable entrance and they flocked to him. He became the designer of choice for stars like Madonna, Princess Diana, Elton John and Tina Turner. Versace not only dressed celebrities, he created them. Versace singlehandedly created the supermodel, making household names of largely unknown runway models like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington. When Versace moved to Miami's South Beach in the early 1990's the fashion world followed him. According to his sister Donatella, Gianni was walking with her along South Beach and he stopped in front of an apartment building at 10 o'clock in the evening telling her "I want this house." A few days later the fabled Casa Casuarina mansion was his and life in South Beach changed dramatically. Casa Casuarina, named after a Somerset Maugham short-story collection, began to influence the designer's collections. The house and its contents became the basis for the entire Versace Home collection. For the rest of Gianni Versace's life, Casa Casuarina became a fashion hub, attracting the best and brightest from the worlds of music, fashion, and film. They were some of the first designers to be recognized as celebrities and they thrived in it. Gianni Versace's death was one of the most gruesome in pop culture history. He was shot and killed on July 15th, 1997 in front of his home in Miami by Andrew Cunanan, a serial killer who had killed 4 others before Versace and then himself eight days later.
It had been suggested that Cunanan was obsessed with Versace, stalking him for months and learning his behavioral patterns in order to catch and kill him. His funeral was a star-studded show attended by dear friends such as Princess Diana, Naomi Campbell and Elton John, all of who wept bitterly in throughout the service in the Milan Cathedral. Ever since many films and documentaries have been made dedicated to his life and most popularly his murder. Recently, "American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace" the series based on Versace's murder premiered on January 17, 2018 on FX. Gianni Versace was a fashion legend whose legacy will live on forever. The work he created is breathtaking, so in the spirit of the tribute that Donatella started, we are going to present our own favorite Gianni Versace photos to remember and celebrate a greatly talented individual.
By Ken Warren, 2017/18
Watch the trailer for the series "American Crime Story Season 2: The Assassination of Gianni Versace"
Videofashion Vault: Look back at Gianni Versace
Barry Gibb was born this day in 1946
One of music's most prolific songwriters, the popular Bee Gees member is the last survivor…
Influential drummer Mitch Mitchell was born on this day in 1946
He thundered the Rock scene during the late 1960's as the drummer for The Jimi…
The unique Greek singer and performer Demis Roussos was born on this day in 1946
Demis Roussos achieved the peak of his popularity during the 1970's with songs such as…
The influential director, screenwriter, producer and actor David Lynch was born on this day in 1946
The influential director, screenwriter, producer and actor David Lynch turn 74 today. Lynch's films include "Eraserhead",…
Brad Pitt was born on this day in 1963
Brad Pitt is one of the most famous and talented contemporary actors, he has starred…
Sterling Morrison was born on this day in 1942
He was one of the core members of The Velvet Underground, alternating between guitar and…
Betty Everett was born on this day in 1939
Betty Everett is mostly remembered for her million-selling hit "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in…
10 Cool Fashion Ads From the 60's
Check these 10 Cool European Fashion Ads From the 60's
10 Cool Fashion Ads & Images From 1993
Check these 1993 fashion ads and images
Gloria Swanson was born on this day in 1899
Gloria Swanson was born on March 27, 1899, in a small house in Chicago, Illinois.…
Gerry Rafferty was born 73 years ago today
Gerry Rafferty penned and popularized memorable Rock hits such as "Stuck In The Middle With…
Billy Ocean was born on this day in 1950
Turning 70 today, Billy Ocean had a string of Pop hits during the 1980's including…
Actress Joan Crawford was born on this day in 1905
Joan Crawford was an Oscar-winning actress, dancer, and executive. She was known for films like…
Steve McQueen was born on this day in 1930
"The King of Cool" Steve McQueen was one of the most popular and successful film…
Percy Sledge was born 80 years ago today
The singer of "When A Man Loves A Woman" Percy Sledge had one of the…
The iconic country music singer Dolly Parton was born on this day in 1946
Dolly Parton singer, songwriter, and actress was born in Tennessee, 74 years ago today. She…
Buddy Holly was born 81 Years ago today
Looking back at the life and music of Buddy Holly, one of Rock's most influential…
Actor Ted Lange was born on this day in 1948
Ted Lange is best known for his role as 'nice guy' bartender Isaac on TV's…
Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia was born on this day in 1975
At the age of only 22 in 1997, she rose to international stardom with the…
← Pop Princess Britney Spears turns 39 today
"Good Will Hunting" Celebrates 23rd Anniversary Today →
The creative Peter Gabriel was born on this day in 1950
February 13, 2020 February 13, 2020 Pop Expresso 0
Coolio blends Rap and Pop music fans together in 1995 with "Gangsta's Paradise"
September 9, 2020 September 9, 2020 Pop Expresso 0
Celebrate Eric Clapton's 75th Birthday with his Top 10 Songs
March 30, 2020 March 30, 2020 Pop Expresso 0


More than 100 contestants, a lot of handmade and natural obstacles and a big crowd that enjoyed a day of fast riders, high jumps and even a BMX demo made this edition at Sunday 30-10-'16 a blast!
Missed it… no problem, see you next year in Nijmegen for the 2017 edition!!
Head over to the Facebook page of JCDN to stay up-to-date.
Scroll down to see the pictures of this year's edition.


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Hillary Clinton Rejects Jason Segel's Casting Suggestion, Remains Coolest Person on the Planet
By Julie Miller
Earlier this month, we noted Hillary Clinton's sudden surge in coolness after the Secretary of State spent a night dancing and drinking beer at a bar in Colombia, where she was attending an international summit. (President Obama, who attended the same summit but was not pictured in blurry bar photos the next day, we theorized, had faked an illness so that he could catch up on Mad Men and aimless Wikipedia searches in his hotel room.) But just how is Hillary Clinton accelerating her awesomeness this week? By coolly rejecting tenuous casting offers for popular prime-time television shows.
On last night's Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Jason Segel appeared to promote his new comedy The Five-Year Engagement. But before discussing the movie, the comedic actor excitedly dove into an anecdote about how, according to Segel, the stateswoman recently got in touch with him to turn down a role that she was never officially offered on his CBS sitcom, How I Met Your Mother.
"Every time I'm on the red carpet and [reporter ask me], 'Who is the mother going to be?' I always say Hillary Clinton, just as a joke. And then I got a letter in the mail that was like, 'I appreciate your request but I must say that I am very busy doing politics. If the opportunity ever arise, I would be happy to do something together. —Hillary Clinton.' [Laughing.] I got a rejection letter from Hillary Clinton."
That's right. If you make a snide joke about casting Hillary Clinton on the red carpet, she will allegedly locate her coolest stationery, find your address, and personally reject your fake casting offer. (Not to mention create an entertaining anecdote that topic-bombs the late-night-talk-show segment you were supposed to dedicate to your upcoming movie.) Point: Hillary Clinton. At this rate, Clinton will either inspire her own Chuck Norris–style satirical factoids, start quoting Tupac Shakur on Capitol Hill, or spur her own Ryan Gosling–style meme, which she will respond to in the coolest fashion possible. Oh wait.
Julie Miller is a senior feature writer at Vanity Fair.


The Charles M. Russell Wetland Management District (District) consists of Hailstone NWR and three other unstaffed satellite refuges, and five Waterfowl Production Areas (WPAs). Habitat is similar across the District so all refuges and WPAs are discussed in combination below, with certain areas covered in more detail where appropriate.
Uplands in the District are vast expanses of mixed-grass prairie, sagebrush-mixed grass prairie, greasewood-mixed grass prairie, three fields of disturbed grasslands replanted to dense nesting cover (DNC), and a unique 225-acre ponderosa pine forest.
Nearly all District units are mixed-grass prairie with a sparse over story of sagebrush or a combination of sagebrush and greasewood. Sagebrush is more dominant and the plants are taller on the Yellow Water Unit and North Unit of Lake Mason Refuge. These areas are described as sagebrush- mixed grass prairie. Due to saline soil types at Grass Lake Refuge, greasewood is the dominant shrub making it a greasewood-mixed grass prairie habitat.
Whether grass, sagebrush, or greasewood dominates a site, the plant species are similar. Common grasses are western wheatgrass, bluebunch wheatgrass, green needlegrass, needle and thread, prairie junegrass, blue grama, and threadleaf sedge. Introduced grasses such as crested wheatgrass and smooth brome have intermingled with native species in many areas. Introduced annual grasses include cheatgrass and Japanese brome. Common native forbs are phlox, salisify, fringed sagewort, western yarrow, and American vetch. The most dominant nonnative plants are typically yellow sweetclover and dandelion. Common shrubs include big sagebrush, greasewood, saltbush, and rubber rabbitbrush. Other common plants are prickly pear cactus and dense clubmoss.
Some refuge and WPA properties contained croplands when they were purchased. These fields were converted to DNC. These areas are referred to as disturbed grasslands and were seeded to a seed mixture of cool-season wheatgrasses and legumes. The predominant wheatgrass species were intermediate, tall, pubescent, and western. The legumes were alfalfa and yellow sweetclover. These species were chosen based on research that showed they are attractive and beneficial to nesting waterfowl. The productivity and vigor of a DNC seeding is about 15 years. Most of the DNC fields throughout the District are past this lifespan.
The War Horse Unit of War Horse NWR has a unique plant community-soil association, a 225-acre ponderosa pine forest on fragile acidic shale soils. The ponderosa pine have slow growth rates, are short in statue, and grow in dense stands, with mostly bare shale soils under the trees. Ground cover is sparse and consists of creeping juniper and grass. This plant community also occurs on adjacent private property and public land administered by the BLM. In 1992, the BLM designated an 817 acre Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) to research and protect this plant community.
The District has natural and managed wetlands varying from freshwater to moderately saline wetlands and a cottonwood riparian area along the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River.
Four wetland classes are found in the District: temporary, seasonal, semi-permanent, and permanent.
■ Temporary wetlands provide isolation for breeding pairs of waterfowl. The rapid warming of these shallow wetlands in the spring supply a food source of aquatic insects early in the nesting period.
■ Seasonal wetlands are a major source of insect protein for laying female ducks early in the breeding season, and provide isolation for waterfowl pairs and sites for overwater nests. During wet years, seasonal wetlands are very attractive as breeding habitat and molting areas. They usually receive considerable use by spring-migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, but normally are dry by fall.
■ Semi-permanent wetlands supply most of the needs of common prairie-nesting waterfowl and their broods. They are the last to become ice-free in the spring and, therefore, are not an early source of invertebrate foods for waterfowl and shorebirds. In addition, semi-permanent wetlands are the main habitat for staging and fall migrating waterfowl.
■ Permanent wetlands remain flooded throughout the year. Due to year-round flooding, permanent wetlands support a diverse, but usually not abundant, population of invertebrates. Submerged aquatic plants may occur if adequate water clarity exists. These wetlands are important in mid- to late summer when other wetlands may dry up and when ducks are molting their flight feathers.
Wetlands are dependent on annual precipitation, surface runoff, and size of their watershed to fill them. Wetlands with large watersheds tend to receive water more frequently. Water levels are generally the highest in the spring, drop throughout the summer, leaving broad exposed mudflats, and may be dry by fall.
Wetland vegetation refers to plants that grow in water or in soils that are saturated for most of the growing season. Emergent plants are those rooted in the bottom and having foliage that grows partially or entirely above the water surface. Some emergent plants found on the District are hardstem bulrush, alkali bulrush, and common cattail. Other plants that occur along the shores of lakes and marshes include foxtail barley, goosefoot, and saltgrass. Submergent plants are those that root in the bottom but do not emerge above the surface of the water, except some that have floating leaves. Common submergent plants include parrot feather, widgeongrass, and sago pondweed. Many wetland plants have broad salt tolerances and can be found in freshwater and saline wetlands; however, species richness for both emergents and submergents decreases as salinity increases.
According to Montana's Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Conservation Strategy, riparian areas support the greatest concentration of plants and animals yet make up only 4 percent of Montana's land cover. Plant species and composition in riparian areas is influenced largely by water quality, water permanence, and soils.
Only the Clark's Fork WPA contains broadleaf riparian habitat where 1.5 miles of the Clark's Fork of the Yellowstone River forms its east boundary. This riparian site is classified as a narrowleaf cottonwood and red-osier dogwood community type which is described as "characterized by an over story of cottonwoods above a dense and diverse stand of shrubs and herbaceous plants. Red-osier dogwood is the diagnostic shrub for this type. Other shrub species found are western snowberry, woods rose, and sandbar willow. Grasses include redtop, common timothy, and Kentucky bluegrass. The dominant forb is American licorice". Some of the more common invasive plants found in riparian areas are Russian olive, Canada thistle, Russian knapweed, whitetop, and leafy spurge.
Riparian habitat consisting of grasses and sedges is also present along Cedar Creek on Grass Lake NWR and Jones Creek on the North Unit. These riparian areas provide important areas for many birds, providing nesting and breeding habitat for migratory songbirds, and foraging and brood-rearing habitat for greater sage grouse.
Hailstone Reservoir was historically a natural wetland. An earthen dam was constructed in 1939 by the Works Project Administration that increased this wetland to the 649-acre Hailstone Reservoir. Over the years salts accumulated in the reservoir and surrounding soil due to natural evaporation. In 2011, the earthen dam was removed to once again create a more natural flow through system.


The well-publicized scrap between Canada's Auditor General and the Clerk of the Privy Council questioning if the climate of the public sector is broken got my interest. Research shows that a culture that supports new thinking is crucial for innovation. I do not know if the culture is broken, but there are weaknesses.
While Canada's CIO (and now Deputy Minister) Alex Benay is a great cheerleader for digital change, I still can't renew my passport online (CBC Report). In 2014, I renewed my Kiwi passport while living in Melbourne. I only needed a digital photo from Australia Post. I input my details, uploaded my photo, and pressed "enter." Two days later it left New Zealand by courier to arrive in Melbourne overnight. Last year, I met Darryl Carpenter who led this transformation as part of New Zealand Shared Services. His said the goal is to renew passports within 36 hours.
Having lived and worked in public service in New Zealand, I can confirm it has a culture of ideas.
Creating a culture open to new ideas starts with a foundation of trust. This is the strongest predictor for innovation as trust is the lubricant for ideas to flow freely through an organization to solve its challenges. To nurture trust, many Governments have embraced innovation strategies.
Having worked on strategies in various countries, it is important to translate vision statements into objectives which cascade to staff and manager programs. I was privy to several strategies in Singapore when it launched a national public service innovation skills program. I wrote an innovation guide that went to 20,000 staff and managers. There are lessons from this work; innovation does not happen without effective internal communication strategies to make it meaningful to staff.
"There is no overall picture of the innovation system, what it includes, what it involves, what is happening, or how it is performing.
There is no overriding sense of what the intent driving the system is.
The behaviours and norms for supporting innovation are not well established or explicit.
1.The vision of innovation was not translated into clear and compelling strategies and programs.
2.There is too little communication to give staff and managers a personal understanding of innovation and what it means to be innovative on the job.
I will expand on other issues in this article.
1.Public service innovation: creating innovative solutions to innovate systems, practices and service delivery.
2.Building capacity and skills to innovate: the capacity of staff to invent solutions for challenges in terms of innovation skills training, models, and tools.
Innovating new services: the product is new or improved public services.
Innovating policy development: the product is policy reflective of where society is heading.
Innovating technical solutions: the product is highly technical solutions from Canada's 16,000 scientists, engineers, architects, and researchers.
Innovating management programs to improve effectiveness: internal programs to build the skills of staff to collaborate and solve the challenges of their jobs, and to modernize management processes.
Most of the focus today is on service and policy products. Personal observations suggest too little focus on innovating management programs. No government seems to include scientists in their innovation strategies.
For the second challenge of building skills and capacity, I see too little focus on establishing learning frameworks for innovation skills across the public service. All departments should create a high-quality capacity to educate their own staff and managers.
For example, I worked on an innovation team at New Zealand Post to improve internal and external services. We saw that we could never create the volume of ideas needed to solve the diverse challenges of a big organization. Staff and managers needed the skills to create their own solutions, and opportunities to use these skills.
"New ideas this week." People introduce a problem they solved or an idea they implemented. Discussions can extend to insights and lessons learned in the process.
"I face a problem; I need your ideas." People could explain a problem they face. Others then offer ideas, insights or observations. Often this discussion leads to a stronger definition of the original problem.
I was part of many idea meetings. With experience, these meetings were a valuable source of ideas at the team level.
Communication: what do staff need to know?
A senior executive recently asked me, "How is being innovative different to what I am doing now?" This is a good question that must be answered by the internal communication strategies.
1.What does it means to be innovative on the job?
2.How is this different to what I am doing now?
3.How can I make a difference?
Internal staff communication is always a foundation for building culture for change and innovation. Key messages can start with "what are six things all staff need to know?" This gives content writers themes for articles, blogs, guides, team briefs, posters, and events. In Canada, there is simply not enough high quality content focused on staff at all levels of the public sector.
Research on problem-solving shows that we often ignore a problem until it becomes a crisis or it is "established" as a problem worth solving. The notion of "establishing" a problem recognizes that a problem is important to solve.
There is no overall picture of the innovation system, what it includes, what it involves, what is happening, nor how it is performing.
The expected role to be played by individuals and organisations is not clear.
These statements provide the ideal starting place to shape solutions.
New Zealand, South Africa and Singapore gave staff innovation guides and toolkits. Australian public servants can join a Community of Practice and learn from a website. The innovation guide I wrote in Singapore went to 20,000 staff. I later wrote innovation guides for Singapore Ministry of Defence, Bank of Canada Currency, and contributed to others in New Zealand.
All governments face a growing number of diverse challenges. The shift to digital services and the need to continually improve internal services demand a growing capacity to solve these challenges. Digital change is not a single problem. A solution such as passport renewal results from solutions to hundreds of problems. Communication is a key to shape a culture based on trust that can harness the expertise of public servants to meet these challenges.
Ed Bernacki has lived and worked in various countries specializing in innovation programs and the communication of innovation to staff, managers and stakeholders. His focus is on the problem solvers and innovators in our organizations. He is a specialist in analogue innovation. He invented a new generation of idea journals to help staff be more innovative on the job.


The biggest lesson I've learned is to be confident and clear in your vision.
In 1999, I was thirteen years old and using the internet to talk to boys over the newly released MSN Messenger. Michael Cammarata, also thirteen, was using the internet to make his first million. Introduced to the world of StarCraft by a neighbor, Cammarata began building related websites and programming software – before convincing his older brother (on whom he had "information") to give him two thousand dollars so he could purchase a dedicated server and start a hosting business. Over the next few years, Cammarata moved from hosting to online advertising and had created $85 million in revenue by his mid-twenties. He ultimately settled in the natural space as the cofounder and CEO of Schmidt's Naturals, one of the world's fastest growing wellness brands.
Based on his career trajectory, the serial entrepreneur and angel investor isn't someone you'd imagine others would've doubted. However, Cammarata recalls his mom crying after being advised by one of his teachers to "start saving" as Cammarata would likely never be independent. In our interview for The Failure Factor, he shares how after being diagnosed with dyslexia, he was repeatedly told he'd "never amount to anything."
Megan Bruneau: As a child, you were diagnosed with dyslexia and repeatedly told you'd never amount to anything. Many people in that position would feel defeated, yet you used it as ammunition for your success. Looking back, what do you believe was at the root of your confidence and persistence despite your diagnosis?
Michael Cammarata: My family was my rock, hands down. I was lucky to have a strong support system growing up. As you can imagine, having a learning challenge makes everything even harder than it already is as a kid – particularly making friends and fitting in. My family motivated me to do things differently: they encouraged me to reject the traditional way of learning and to be innovative. My Mom never stopped looking for different schools and the right teachers that would help me learn in the way that I needed to excel. Having that unwavering support set the foundation for my confidence to ultimately overcome dyslexia and thrive in the business world.
Bruneau: As a millionaire business owner by thirteen who began serial investing not long afterward, you've lived a very unconventional life. What challenges did this pose personally and professionally and what are some of the most valuable lessons you've learned along the way?
Cammarata: At the time, being so young, everyone assumed that I was a "one hit wonder" entrepreneur. They assumed I had 'beginner's luck," and perhaps not unfairly because one success does not guarantee all future successes. But once I proved that I could walk the walk – holding my own in strategy discussions, market projections, and forward-thinking visions, eyebrows raised quickly. The biggest lesson I've learned is to be confident and clear in your vision. That undeniable assurance in yourself and the product/person/idea can make all the difference in your personal and business growth.
Bruneau: As an investor, what's a mistake you see organizational leaders making today, and what do you recommend to they do to change this behavior?
Cammarata: Investors and entrepreneurs tend to think about their business in a vacuum, unilaterally. Not out of the box with a new and innovative lens… it can be uncomfortable for sure. But it's important to look beyond "what's now" and start to think "what's next." Be two, or better yet, three steps ahead.
Secondly, a lot of entrepreneurs think they, and they alone, know what's best for their customers without asking them. Especially now, it's so easy to engage with core consumers for direct feedback. At Schmidt's, we listen and respond to our customers in real time, which allows us to build deeper relationships. There are companies that have missed this mark: Blockbuster, for example, didn't address their customer pain point and essentially ignored Netflix to their own detriment. I'm intrigued to see how Netflix will respond to coming threats from Disney and cable companies.
Bruneau: On the podcast, you say, "You're born and you die, so what are you going to do during this time?" What's your advice for someone who seeks to be an impact-driven entrepreneur but can't figure out what their "thing" is?
Cammarata: Take a good look in the mirror and ask yourself, "What do I care about and how will I be remembered?" It's not enough anymore to just be a good business person, or smart entrepreneur (here's where that "what's next" mentality comes into play). Looking back, even from a young age I used to garden and help my family grow the fruits and veggies we ate, which I now credit to my passion for sustainable living and products, ultimately investing in ways that we can take care of our planet. As an adult, I've become obsessed with health & wellness and innovative products. Converging these two passions has guided me in my entrepreneurial ventures and investments, especially in Schmidt's. We've succeeded in creating natural products that actually work and have gone mainstream. With Unilever we are able to scale rapidly around the world and provide access to effective plant-based products to billions of people. As companies, we have a responsibility to magnify the voice and demands of our customers. Most recently, Schmidt's was a strong supporter of the CA Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act that passed. It's these types of actions and initiatives that make the difference. It's doubly rewarding to have a thriving business that people love while also making an impact on the world.
Bruneau: You're skeptical of anyone who comes to you with a five or ten-year business plan. Why is this, and what do you recommend instead? How do you assess potential in the leaders you ultimately support?
Let me be clear, long-term business plans are very different from having a vision for "what's next" for your brand. "What's next" leverages innovation and disruptive thinking… five, ten-year business plans are setting you up for disappointment. There's just so much uncertainty in the market of what will shift and what consumers will want, it's almost impossible to plan that far in advance.
Honestly, business plans and detailed strategies are not what I look for in supporting leaders and entrepreneurs of the future. First, is the idea itself – Is it completely new to the market? Is it different? Is it the very best? You also have to look at the leader of the company and person(s) working behind-the-scenes. Are they empowering their employees and team members? Are they open to new ideas? My biggest fear is supporting and investing in the wrong leaders. My methodology is: detrain, empower and give guidance. These are all tactics I use and how I assess my investments and partnerships.
Bruneau: You're a big proponent of getting user feedback from social media. In your experience, what are some of the "traps" to look out for in gathering information on social media, and what do you recommend for best practices?
Cammarata: It's all about the consumer. Utilizing social media and other digital platforms is a direct line to your audience, how they feel, what they want. I call this… focus group at your fingertips. For example, we asked our Schmidt's fans via social what scents they were interested in – an alarming response for both rose and vanilla came back to us as the top two scents. We combined those in one deo stick formula, Rose + Vanilla, ultimately becoming one of our best-selling products and signature line scents.
As helpful as these tools can be, it's equally important to be wary of competitor sabotage. Competitors can generate negative product reviews and use bots and fake profiles to start combative narratives among other brand fans.
Bruneau: What's something you're struggling with personally or professionally currently, and what's your journey to improvement?
Cammarata: I've recently become the new parent of a rambunctious Siberian Husky puppy named Rico. My patience is being tested in ways I've never experienced before. Follow my journey on Instagram at @rico.the.doggo1.
Bruneau: Any other advice you want to share around failure, resilience, leadership or life in general?
2) You'll only be as good as the people you surround yourself with.
3) Always recognize and empower your employees.
4) Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
Business and life can throw some curve balls. As long as you approach your challenges and failures with an open mind, willingness to change, and a strong team or support system , you will overcome.


text:
Wikis and YouTube Videos have fundamentally changed gaming
By Zoe Hawkins
I remember the very first time I encountered a game guide. My brother had been playing Mega Man, and it became clear that certain levels were easier with specific guns you'd unlock from beating one boss or another. He found a friend who had a guide, and we learned the exact best order to take on the different bosses, getting through the game with the best gun to take on each level.
As I grew up, there were times I'd be stuck on games. Back in the days of playing on NES and SNES in the US, there was the Nintendo Hotline. If you were stuck, you could call the 900 number and get help through a level. Of course, you paid for this service, and my mom was quite reasonable, I like to think. She said my brother and I could rack up a phone bill of up to $10, but anything over that and we had to pay the full amount. We never had to pay.
It was something of a badge of honour to complete a game without any help. Gaming was somehow mysterious. You didn't know how to beat certain levels, or that there were ideal paths through games. You might miss Easter eggs or key elements, or are stuck in a game for hours because you missed the hint a few rooms back. But we still talked about beating a game instead of completing it, because it wasn't simply an endurance test, but a true sign of your superior mental acuity and reflexes.
Back when Final Fantasy XII was released, it was the first time I used an online guide. Technically, I still refused to use it. But I let my then boyfriend (now husband) look up the quests for me so that I knew where to go if I wanted to complete the full range of side missions available. In a way, it felt like cheating. I wasn't doing all the hard work myself, but with such a large game, it seemed like a minor aspect to look up.
Now, it seems gaming has completely changed. I am hooked on Stardew Valley. I simply adore it, playing it again now on PS4 after clocking over 100 hours on it through Steam. But my gameplay is very different. I always play with my phone nearby, loaded up with the Stardew Valley Wiki. This way, I know which gifts are best for the different characters around town, or what to bring to the special events for the best results. I've even looked up what are the best uses for my kegs and preserve jars so that I know exactly how to maximize my profits (spoiler: it's all about the coffee, beer and wine, just like real life).
It doesn't seem like cheating somehow, though. Games are so much more complicated than they once were, and I'm old and distracted by a toddler now. I don't have time to remember what each character said to me about what gifts their friends liked, and it's not like the in-game bios update with all the information clearly laid out for me.
But it all came into focus for me recently while watching a chat unfold in a gaming group I'm a part of. A couple of people were ragging on one of the players, as they do on a regular basis, for being bad a particular game. The game is still in beta, so everyone was playing it for the first time. But they were teasing him for not knowing how to manage the map, or control aspects of the gameplay. Yes, they apparently told him where to go and what to do, but it was as if he had no idea what was going on. Because he didn't. He loaded up the game and joined his friends to play online, only to be laughed at. When he pointed out that he had no idea what was going on, the response was how even people who hadn't played knew what was happening thanks to watching YouTube videos.
I realized that this is how many people I know play games. Watch the video of someone beating a boss in Bloodborne, and then try to do it yourself. Learn the pace of a game by watching a Monster Hunter World stream, and then play your own copy of the game with a better grasp of what to do.
I'm not criticizing people who do this. How can I when I'm playing a game like Stardew Valley with a wiki on hand? But I can't help but feel like we've lost something as gamers, and made gaming even less accessible. Games are no longer challenges to be beaten, but experiences to be completed. We don't get to discover new worlds and gameplay ourselves, but watch others and then replicate their achievements. And maybe it's okay to live vicariously through YouTubers, to pretend we had the skill or understanding to play the way they do. For some, it's the best way to experience exclusive titles on platforms they don't own, to enjoy the spectator value of a game.
Chatting to a non-gamer friend recently about games she's enjoying and which ones are easy to pick up and play compared to others, I realise that gaming is increasingly nuanced and complicated. It's gotten to a completely new level, where even hardcore gamers watch other people to learn how to beat a raid or read a Wiki to learn the best way to play their favourite game. I can't help but feel like we are setting up gaming to become even more exclusive, filled with even more gatekeepers. I can't help but wonder if we aren't losing a key aspect of gaming when we no longer discover, explore, and overcome through our own grit and determination.
While I like to think that this is mainly an issue in multiplayer games, where players expect each to come to a raid or fight having done their homework, I see it more and more in single player games as well. Except with Nintendo titles. It seems like players are more than willing to discover Breath of the Wild or Mario Odyssey themselves, and maybe that's why the Switch is so popular with older gamers. Maybe Nintendo has found the secret to keeping the joy of exploration and discovery alive, while the more "hardcore" systems are taking gamers on a different kind of journey. Neither is better or worse than the other, but it has fundamentally changed what we expect from games and gamers.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Critical Hit as an organisation.
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Zoe Hawkins
Wielding my lasso of truth, I am the combination of nerd passion and grammar nazi. I delve into all things awesome and geek-tastic. You can read more of my words over at www.borngeek.co.za, or just follow me on all the social networks to get the true range of my sarcasm and wit.
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text:
* void setAlpha(min:number, max:number, rate:number, ease:function, yoyo:boolean)

## Parameters
| Paramter | Type | Description |
| ------------- | ------------- | -------------|
| min | number | The minimum value for this range. |
| max | number | The maximum value for this range. |
| rate | number | The rate (in ms) at which the particles will change in alpha from min to max, or set to zero to pick a random alpha between the two. |
| ease | function | If you've set a rate > 0 this is the easing formula applied between the min and max values. |
| yoyo | boolean | If you've set a rate > 0 you can set if the ease will yoyo or not (i.e. ease back to its original values) |

## Description
A more compact way of setting the alpha constraints of the particles.
The rate parameter, if set to a value above zero, lets you set the speed at which the Particle change in alpha from min to max.
If rate is zero, which is the default, the particle won't change alpha - instead it will pick a random alpha between min and max on emit.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub