text:
4. Competitively Phased Structure of the Program
Phase I | Phase II | Phase III
The SBIR Program is a phased process, uniform throughout the Federal Government, of soliciting proposals and awarding funding agreements for R/R&D, production, services, or any combination, to meet stated agency needs or missions. Agencies must issue SBIR awards pursuant to competitive and merit-based selection procedures. Agencies may not use investment of venture capital or investment from hedge funds or private equity firms as a criterion for an SBIR award. Although matching funds are not required for Phase I or Phase II awards, agencies may require a small business to have matching funds for certain special awards (e.g., to reduce the gap between a Phase II and Phase III award). In order to stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation, including increasing commercialization of Federal R/R&D, the program must follow a uniform competitive process of the following three phases, unless an exception applies:
(a) Phase I.
Phase I involves a solicitation of contract proposals or grant applications to conduct feasibility-related experimental or theoretical R/R&D related to described agency requirements. These requirements, as defined by agency topics contained in a solicitation, may be general or narrow in scope, depending on the needs of the agency. The object of this phase is to determine the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the proposed effort and the quality of performance of the SBC with a relatively small agency investment before consideration of further Federal support in Phase II.
(1) Several different proposed solutions to a given problem may be funded.
(2) Proposals will be evaluated on a competitive basis. Agency criteria used to evaluate SBIR proposals must give consideration to the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the proposal along with its potential for commercialization. Considerations may also include program balance with respect to market or technological risk or critical agency requirements.
(3) Agency benchmarks for progress towards commercialization. Each agency must determine whether an applicant for a Phase I award that has won multiple prior SBIR awards meets the agency's benchmark requirements for progress towards commercialization before making a new Phase I award to that applicant. For the purpose of this requirement, applicants are assessed using their prior Phase I and Phase II SBIR and STTR awards across all SBIR agencies.
(i) Agencies must apply two benchmark rates addressing an applicant's progress towards commercialization�the Phase II Transition Rate Benchmark and the Commercialization Rate Benchmark.
(A) The Phase II Transition Rate Benchmark sets the minimum required number of Phase II awards the applicant must have received for a given number of Phase I awards received during the specified period. This Transition Rate Benchmark applies only to Phase I applicants that have received more than 20 Phase I awards over the time period used by the agency for the benchmark determination. (B) The agency Commercialization Rate Benchmark sets the minimum Phase III commercialization results that a Phase I applicant must have realized from its prior Phase II awards in order to be eligible to receive a new Phase I award from that agency. This benchmark requirement applies only to Phase I applicants that have received more than 15 Phase II awards over the time period used by the agency for the benchmark determination.
(ii) Consequence. If an awardee fails to meet either of the benchmarks, that awardee is not eligible for an SBIR Phase I award (and any Phase II award issued pursuant to paragraph (b)(1)(ii) below) for a period of one year from the time of the determination.
(iii) Timing of the determination and consequence period. The SBIR awardee Phase II transition rates and commercialization rates are calculated using the data in SBA's TechNet database. For the purpose of these benchmark requirements, awardee firms are assessed once a year, on June 1st, using their prior SBIR and STTR awards across all agencies. SBA makes this tabulation of awardee transition rates and commercialization rates available to the agencies. Each SBIR agency uses this tabulation to determine which companies do not meet that agency's benchmark rates and are therefore ineligible to receive new Phase 1 awards from that agency during the one-year period beginning on June 1st and ending on May 31st. SBA notifies these ineligible firms of the determination and the one year restriction on Phase I awards. Agencies must notify SBA of any applications denied because of the failure to meet the benchmarks.
(iv) Phase II Transition Rate Benchmark. Each agency must establish an SBA-approved Phase II Transition Rate Benchmark and applicable time period. The benchmark rates and time periods are posted at www.sbir.gov. Agencies must seek approval for any subsequent changes from SBA.
(A) The agency Phase II Transition Rate Benchmark establishes the number of Phase II awards a small businessconcern must have received for a given number of Phase I awards received over the past 5, 10 or 15 fiscal years, excluding the most recently completed fiscal year. Each agency selects both the rate to be applied and the length of time that the agency will use to evaluate whether a small business concern has met the Transition Rate Benchmark. The period over which Phase I awards are counted excludes the most recently completed fiscal year. The time period over which Phase II awards are counted includes the most recently completed fiscal year and excludes the first year of the time period evaluated for Phase I awards.
Example: On August 1, 2014, an SBC submits an application to an agency using a Transition Rate Benchmark of 0.25 and a 5-year time period. The June 1, 2014 TechNet Company Registry tabulation shows that the SBC received 24 Phase I awards during FY08-FY12. Since this SBC has received 20 or more Phase I awards during the 5-year period, the SBC is required to meet the Transition Rate Benchmark. The SBC received 8 Phase II awards in FY09-FY13 and therefore has a 5-year Phase II transition rate of 8/24 or 0.33 (# of Phase II awards in FY09-FY13/# of Phase I awards in FY08-FY12). Because the SBC meets or exceeds the agency Transition Rate Benchmark, it is considered for award through the usual proposal evaluation process.
Example 2: On September 1, 2014, an SBC is interested in applying for a Phase I award, knows it has received a number of Phase I awards in recent years, but is unsure if it is meeting the required Phase II transition rate. The company official logs onto the Company Registry at SBIR.gov to check its status and sees a flag saying it did not meet the required benchmark transition rate of 0.25 on June 1, 2014 and is therefore ineligible for a Phase I award through May 31, 2015. The company checks its records and sees that it received 30 Phase I awards during FY08-FY12 and 6 Phase II awards during FY09-FY13. Its transition rate is therefore 6/30 or 0.20 which is under the required rate of 0.25. The SBC does not apply for a new Phase I award through May 31, 2015 because it knows its application would be rejected.
Example 3: On September 1, 2014, an SBC official interested in applying for a Phase I award logs onto the Company Registry at SBIR.gov and sees the flag saying it did not meet the required benchmark transition rate of 0.25 on June 1, 2014 and is not eligible for a Phase I award through May 31, 2015. However, when the company checks its own records, it sees that it received 8 Phase II awards during FY09-FY13, not the 6 awards showing on the Web site. Its transition rate is therefore 8/30 or 0.26 which is above the required rate of 0.25. The company official therefore goes to SBIR.gov, clicks on the �Dispute Transition Rate� button, and enters the information about the discrepancy. SBA uses the information provided by the company and, working with the relevant agencies, identifies that two Phase II awards from FY09 had been inadvertently omitted. SBA updates and corrects the database and informs the firm that it is indeed eligible to receive SBIR Phase I awards.
(B) An SBC that has received more than 20 Phase I awards in the relevant time period can view its Phase II transition rate on the Company Registry page at SBIR.gov. Generally, the award data used to calculate an SBC's transition rate will be complete by the end of March each year. An SBC may view its SBIR/STTR award information on the Company Registry at any time. If an awardee believes its Phase II transition rate is calculated using incomplete award information, the awardee may dispute the rate using the link provided on the Company Registry, provide the additional award information, and request a reconsideration of its transition rate. Requests for reconsideration of a firm's transition rate received by SBA from April 1st through April 30th of each year will be considered for the June 1st transition rate assessment.
(C) Agencies must set the Phase II Transition Rate Benchmark as appropriate for their programs and industry sectors. When setting the Transition Rate Benchmark, agencies should consider that Phase I is designed and intended to explore high-risk, early-stage research ideas and, as a result, not all Phase I awards are expected to result in a Phase II award.
(v) Commercialization Rate Benchmark. By October 1, 2013, each agency will establish an SBA-approved Commercialization Rate Benchmark that establishes the level of Phase III commercialization results an SBC must have received from work it performed under prior Phase II awards, over the prior 5, 10 or 15 fiscal years, excluding the most recently completed two fiscal years. Agencies may define this benchmark:
(A) in financial terms, such as by using the ratio of the dollar value of revenues and additional investment resulting from prior Phase II awards relative to the dollar value of the Phase II awards received over the time period;
(B) in terms of the share of Phase II awards received over the time period that have resulted in the introduction of a product to market; or
(C) by other means such as using a commercialization scoring system that rates awardees on their past commercialization success.
(vi) Agencies must submit their Transition Rate Benchmark, Commercialization Rate Benchmark, and time periods to SBA for approval. SBA will publish the benchmarks and time periods, seek public comment, and maintain a table of the current requirements on www.sbir.gov. The benchmarks and time periods become effective when SBA posts the approved measures on www.sbir.gov. Agencies must submit any changes to the benchmarks or time periods to SBA for prior approval.
(vii) SBA maintains a system that records all Phase I, Phase II and Government Phase III awards, and other commercialization information; and calculates the Phase II transition rates for all Phase I awardees and the commercialization rates for all Phase II awardees.
(viii) If an applicant fails to meet an agency's benchmark, its name will appear on the list of companies made available to the agencies on June 1 of each year. An agency may not make a Phase I award to an applicant that does not meet the agency's benchmark.
(ix) If an awardee believes its determination was made in error, it may provide SBA with the pertinent award information and request a reassessment. To do so, awardees may use the link on the Company Registry at www.sbir.gov.
(4) Agencies may require the submission of a Phase II proposal as a deliverable item under Phase I.
(b) Phase II.
(1) The object of Phase II is to continue the R/R&D effort from the completed Phase I. Unless an exception set forth in paragraphs (i) or (ii) below applies, only SBIR Phase I awardees are eligible to participate in Phase II.
(i) A Federal agency may issue an SBIR Phase II award to an STTR Phase I awardee to further develop the work performed under the STTR Phase I award. The agency must base its decision upon the results of work performed under the Phase I award and the scientific and technical merit, and commercial potential of the Phase II proposal. The STTR Phase I awardee must meet the eligibility and program requirements of the SBIR Program in order to receive the SBIR Phase II award.
(ii) During fiscal years (FY) 2012 through 2017, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Education (DoEd) may issue a Phase II award to a small business concern that did not receive a Phase I award for that R/R&D. Prior to such an award, the heads of those agencies, or designees, must issue a written determination that the small business has demonstrated the scientific and technical merit and feasibility of the ideas that appear to have commercial potential. The determination must besubmitted to SBA prior to issuing the Phase II award.
(2) Funding must be based upon the results of work performed under a Phase I award and the scientific and technical merit, feasibility and commercial potential of the Phase II proposal. Phase II awards may not necessarily complete the total research and development that may be required to satisfy commercial or Federal needs beyond the SBIR Program. The Phase II funding agreement with the awardee may, at the discretion of the awarding agency, establish the procedures applicable to Phase III agreements. The Government is not obligated to fund any specific Phase II proposal.
(3) The SBIR Phase II award decision process requires, among other things, consideration of a proposal's commercial potential. Commercial potential includes the potential to transition the technology to private sector applications, Government applications, or Government contractor applications. Commercial potential in a Phase II proposal may be evidenced by:
(i) The SBC's record of successfully commercializing SBIR or other research;
(ii) The existence of Phase II funding commitments from private sector or other non-SBIR funding sources;
(iii) The existence of Phase III, follow-on commitments for the subject of the research; and
(iv) Other indicators of commercial potential of the idea.
(4) Agencies may not use an invitation, pre-screening, or pre- selection process for eligibility for Phase II. Agencies must note in each solicitation that all Phase I awardees may apply for a Phase II award and provide guidance on the procedure for doing so.
(5) A Phase II awardee may receive one additional, sequential Phase II award to continue the work of an initial Phase II award. The additional, sequential Phase II award has the same guideline amounts and limits as an initial Phase II award.
(6) Agencies may offer special SBIR awards, such as Phase IIB awards, that supplement or extend Phase II awards. For example, some agencies administer Phase IIB awards that differ from the base Phase II in that they require third party matching of the SBIR funds. Each such supplemental award must be linked to a base Phase II award (the initial Phase II, or the second sequential Phase II award). Any SBIR funds used for such special or supplementary awards are aggregated with the amount of the base Phase II to determine the size of that Phase II award. Therefore, while there is no limit on the number of such special/supplementary awards, there is a limit on the total amount of SBIR funds that can be administered through them�the amounts of these awards count towards the size of the initial Phase II or the sequential Phase II, each of which has a guideline amount of $1 million and a limit of $1.5 million. (Note that Phase IIB awards under the NIH SBIR program are administered as second, sequential Phase II awards, not supplemental awards. As such, they are base Phase II awards and subject to the Phase II guideline amounts and limits of $1 million and $1.5 million).
(7) A concern that has received a Phase I award from an agency may receive a subsequent Phase II award from another agency if each agency makes a written determination that the topics of the relevant awards are the same and both agencies report the awards to the SBA including a reference to the related Phase I award and initial Phase II award if applicable.
(8) Agencies may issue Phase II awards for testing and evaluation of products, services, or technologies for use in technical or weapons systems.
(c) Phase III.
SBIR Phase III refers to work that derives from, extends, or completes an effort made under prior SBIR funding agreements, but is funded by sources other than the SBIR Program. Phase III work is typically oriented towards commercialization of SBIR research or technology.
(1) Each of the following types of activity constitutes SBIR Phase III work:
(i) Commercial application (including testing and evaluation of products, services or technologies for use in technical or weapons systems) of SBIR-funded R/R&D financed by non-Federal sources of capital (Note: The guidance in this Policy Directive regarding SBIR Phase III pertains to the non-SBIR federally-funded work described in (ii) and (iii) below. It does not address private agreements an SBIR firm may make in the commercialization of its technology, except for a subcontract to a Federal contract that may be a Phase III.);
(ii) SBIR-derived products or services intended for use by the Federal Government, funded by non-SBIR sources of Federal funding;
(iii) Continuation of R/R&D that has been competitively selected using peer review or merit-based selection procedures, funded by non- SBIR Federal funding sources.
(2) A Phase III award is, by its nature, an SBIR award, has SBIR status, and must be accorded SBIR data rights. If an SBIR awardee receives a funding agreement (whether competed, sole sourced or a subcontract) for work that derives from, extends, or completes efforts made under prior SBIR funding agreements, then the funding agreement for the new work must have all SBIR Phase III status and data rights.
(3) The competition for SBIR Phase I and Phase II awards satisfies any competition requirement of the Armed Services Procurement Act, the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, and the Competition in Contracting Act. Therefore, an agency that wishes to fund an SBIR Phase III project is not required to conduct another competition in order to satisfy those statutory provisions. As a result, in conducting actions relative to a Phase III SBIR award, it is sufficient to state for purposes of a Justification and Approval pursuant to FAR 6.302-5, that the project is a SBIR Phase III award that is derived from, extends, or completes efforts made under prior SBIR funding agreements and is authorized under 10 U.S.C. 2304(b)(2) or 41 U.S.C. 3303(b).
(4) Phase III work may be for products, production, services, R/ R&D, or any such combination.
(5) There is no limit on the number, duration, type, or dollar value of Phase III awards made to a business concern. There is no limit on the time that may elapse between a Phase I or Phase II award and Phase III award, or between a Phase III award and any subsequent Phase III award. A Federal agency may enter into a Phase III SBIR agreement at any time with a Phase II awardee. Similarly, a Federal agency may enter into a Phase III SBIR agreement at any time with a Phase I awardee. A subcontract to a Federally-funded prime contract may be a Phase III award.
(6) The small business size limits for Phase I and Phase II awards do not apply to Phase III awards.
(7) To the greatest extent practicable, agencies or their Government-owned, contractor-operated facilities, Federally-funded research and development centers, or Government prime contractors that pursue R/R&D or production developed under the SBIR Program, shall issue Phase III awards relating to technology, including sole source awards, to the SBIR awardee that developed the technology. Agencies shall document how they provided this preference to the SBIR awardee that developed the technology. In fact, the Act requires SBA report all instances in which an agency pursues research, development, or production of a technology developed by an SBIR awardee, with a business concern or entity other than the one that developed the SBIR technology. (See section 4(c)(8) immediately below for agency notification to SBA prior to award of such a funding agreement and section 10(h)(4) regarding agency reporting of the issuance of such award.) SBA will report such instances, including those discovered independently by SBA, to Congress.
(8) Agencies, their Government-owned, contractor-operated facilities, or Federally-funded research and development centers, that intend to pursue R/R&D, production, services, or any combination thereof of a technology developed under an SBIR award, with an entity other than that SBIR awardee, must notify SBA in writing prior to such an award. This notification must include, at a minimum:
(i) The reasons why the follow-on funding agreement with the SBIR awardee is not practicable;
(ii) The identity of the entity with which the agency intends to make an award to perform research, development, or production; and
(iii) A description of the type of funding award under which the research, development, or production will be obtained. SBA may appeal an agency decision to pursue Phase III work with a business concern other than the SBIR awardee that developed the technology to the head of the contracting activity. If SBA decides to appeal the decision, it must file a notice of intent to appeal with the funding agreement officer no later than 5 business days after receiving the agency's notice of intent to make award. Upon receipt of SBA's notice of intent to appeal, the funding agreement officer must suspend further action on the acquisition until the head of the contracting activity issues a written decision on the appeal. The funding agreement officer may proceed with award if he or she determines in writing that the award must be made to protect the public interest. The funding agreement officer must include a statement of the facts justifying that determination and provide a copy of its determination to SBA. Within 30 days of receiving SBA's appeal, the head of the contracting activity must render a written decision setting forth the basis of his or her determination. During this period, the agency should consult with SBA and review any case-specific information SBA believes to be pertinent.


Infowars.com has an article naming The Powers That Be (TPTB) from various nations who attended this year's meeting of the Bilderberg Group, June 9-12, in St. Moritz, Switzerland.
The name that really really surprised me is Charlie Rose.
Charlie Rose? That Charlie Rose who has the interview show on PBS? Who'd have thought Rose is a power elite!
This entry was posted in Media and tagged Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, Microsoft. Bookmark the permalink.
Well, I posted this on Facebook and many of my friends are up in arms about the NWO and the Bildrbergs. It won't be long before I delete my Facebook account and go elsewhere while taking some people with me!
Facebook and LinkedIn are social media. Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are e-commerce companies. The Bilderbergs must be filling a nerd quota.


The easiest way to decorate any cake with as little effort as possible falls into the hands of marshmallow fondant. It's easy to make and can take a cake or cupcake from bland and boring to inspirational and decorative. It's easy to color and even easier to use. This versatile method of decorating is the perfect choice for any at-home baker that wants to add that professional touch to their baking. From rolling it out flat and covering your cakes to cutting out shapes to adorn your baking, this is always my go-to marshmallow fondant recipe with powdered sugar when my kids Birthdays are around the corner.
Unlike traditional fondant this fondant is much sweeter and doesn't dry out as fast making it the perfect choice for any weather or location!
Add the water to a large pot on low-med heat and add the marshmallows.
Stir constantly until all the marshmallows have melted and remove from the heat. If you are only making one color of fondant now is the time to add your choice of coloring, add enough to make it one shade darker than what you want. It will fade some after you add the icing sugar.
If you are using more than one color it is recommended that you wait until after it has been made.
Mix the color through until it's even.
Add one cup of icing sugar into the pot of melted marshmallow and mix through.
Dump the remaining 3 cups of icing sugar into a flat pile on the counter and pour the marshmallow onto the icing sugar. Begin to work the marshmallow into the icing sugar, constantly flipping it so it doesn't stick to your counter. Knead the fondant until it is no longer sticky to the touch. You can use butter on your hands to help it not stick to your hands during this process.
Once it's fully kneaded pat the outside with the icing sugar and cover with plastic wrap until you're ready to use it.
To add colors after you have made your fondant just cut a piece of the fondant off and poke a deep hole into the fondant. Add your food coloring to the hole and fold it in half, food coloring on the inside. Begin kneading the fondant until the color is even throughout.
You can use marshmallow fondant just like play-doh! Cover your work surface in icing sugar and roll it out thin to layer over your iced cakes for a professional touch or use it to sculpt characters to go on your cake or cupcakes.
Use a dab of water on the fondant pieces to make them stick together to create layered effects.


The fourth grade Poteau Pirates defeated Cedarville to win the championship of the Arkansas River Valley basketball league.
CATOOSA—Poteau held off a late rally by Miami to win, 56-54, Friday and advance to the 4A area consolation championship against Catoosa.
ROLAND—Roland swept both games from Poteau in NOAA play Friday night.


text:
package com.blackmoonit.androidbits.widget;

import android.content.Context;
import android.graphics.Canvas;
import android.graphics.Color;
import android.graphics.LinearGradient;
import android.graphics.Paint;
import android.graphics.Path;
import android.graphics.Shader;
import android.util.AttributeSet;
import android.util.DisplayMetrics;
import android.util.TypedValue;
import android.view.GestureDetector;
import android.view.MotionEvent;
import android.view.View;
import android.view.GestureDetector.SimpleOnGestureListener;

import com.blackmoonit.androidbits.utils.BitsColorUtils;

/**
 * View that adjusts the brightness of a given color rather than the hue.
 *
 * @author baracudda
 */
public class ColorBrightnessView extends View {
	private DisplayMetrics currDisplayMetrics = null;
	private int GRADIENT_WIDTH = 32;
	private int GRADIENT_HEIGHT = 200;
	private int THUMB_WIDTH = 12;
	private int VIEW_MARGIN = 4;
	private final int[] mColorSet = new int[] { 0xFFFFFFFF, Color.WHITE, 0xFF000000 };
	private float mBrightnessPos = 0.5f; //value [0-1]
	private Paint mGradientPainter;
	private Paint mThumbPainter;
	private Path mThumbWidget;
	private OnBrightnessChangedListener mChangeListener;

	public interface OnBrightnessChangedListener {
		void onBrightnessChanged(int aAdjustedColor);
	}

	public void setOnBrightnessChangedListener(OnBrightnessChangedListener aChangeListener) {
		mChangeListener = aChangeListener;
	}

	protected int dipsToPixels(int aDip) {
		float px;
		px = TypedValue.applyDimension(TypedValue.COMPLEX_UNIT_DIP, aDip, currDisplayMetrics);
		return Math.round(px);
	}

	public ColorBrightnessView(Context aContext, OnBrightnessChangedListener aChangeListener) {
		this(aContext,aChangeListener,Color.WHITE);
	}

	public ColorBrightnessView(Context aContext, OnBrightnessChangedListener aChangeListener, int aColor) {
		super(aContext);
		initalize(aColor);
		setOnBrightnessChangedListener(aChangeListener);
	}

	public ColorBrightnessView(Context aContext, AttributeSet aAttrSet) {
		super(aContext, aAttrSet);
		initalize(Color.WHITE);
	}

	private void initalize(int aColor) {
		currDisplayMetrics = getContext().getResources().getDisplayMetrics();
		GRADIENT_WIDTH = dipsToPixels(GRADIENT_WIDTH);
		GRADIENT_HEIGHT = dipsToPixels(GRADIENT_HEIGHT);
		THUMB_WIDTH = dipsToPixels(THUMB_WIDTH);

		mGradientPainter = new Paint(Paint.ANTI_ALIAS_FLAG);
		mGradientPainter.setStyle(Paint.Style.FILL_AND_STROKE);
		mGradientPainter.setStrokeWidth(1);

		mThumbPainter = new Paint(Paint.ANTI_ALIAS_FLAG);
		mThumbPainter.setStyle(Paint.Style.FILL_AND_STROKE);
		mThumbPainter.setColor(Color.WHITE);
		mThumbPainter.setStrokeWidth(2);

		mGestureDetector = new GestureDetector(new MyGestureDetector());
		setColor(aColor);
		setBrightness(mBrightnessPos);
	}

	protected void updateThumbWidget() {
		float theThumbPos = GRADIENT_HEIGHT*mBrightnessPos;
		int dY = THUMB_WIDTH/2;
		mThumbWidget = new Path();
		mThumbWidget.moveTo(THUMB_WIDTH,theThumbPos);
		mThumbWidget.lineTo(1,theThumbPos-dY);
		mThumbWidget.lineTo(1,theThumbPos+dY);
		mThumbWidget.lineTo(THUMB_WIDTH,theThumbPos);
		mThumbWidget.setLastPoint(THUMB_WIDTH,theThumbPos);
	}

	public int getColor() {
		return mColorSet[1];
	}

	public int setColor(int aColor) {
		mColorSet[1] = aColor;
		mGradientPainter.setColor(aColor);
		Shader theShader = new LinearGradient(0,0,0,GRADIENT_HEIGHT,mColorSet,null,Shader.TileMode.REPEAT);
		mGradientPainter.setShader(theShader);
		invalidate();
		return getBrightness();
	}

	public int getBrightness() {
		return BitsColorUtils.interpolateColor(mColorSet, mBrightnessPos);
	}

	public void setBrightness(float aBrightnessValue) {
		if (aBrightnessValue>=0 && aBrightnessValue<=1) {
			mBrightnessPos = aBrightnessValue;
			updateThumbWidget();
			invalidate();
			if (mChangeListener!=null) {
				mChangeListener.onBrightnessChanged(getBrightness());
			}
		}
	};

	@Override
	protected void onDraw(Canvas aCanvas) {
		aCanvas.drawRect(THUMB_WIDTH,0,THUMB_WIDTH+GRADIENT_WIDTH,GRADIENT_HEIGHT,mGradientPainter);
		aCanvas.drawPath(mThumbWidget,mThumbPainter);
	}

	@Override
	protected void onMeasure(int widthMeasureSpec, int heightMeasureSpec) {
		setMeasuredDimension(THUMB_WIDTH+GRADIENT_WIDTH+VIEW_MARGIN,GRADIENT_HEIGHT+VIEW_MARGIN);
	}

	@Override
	public boolean onTouchEvent(MotionEvent aEvent) {
		return (mGestureDetector.onTouchEvent(aEvent));
	}

	/*
	 * Gesture Handling
	 */
	GestureDetector mGestureDetector = null;

	private class MyGestureDetector extends SimpleOnGestureListener {

		@Override
		public boolean onSingleTapConfirmed(MotionEvent aEvent) {
			float theNewPos = aEvent.getY()/getHeight();
			//if tap is "near center" just auto-center it (can scroll for fine tuning)
			if (theNewPos>0.4f && theNewPos<0.6f)
				theNewPos = 0.5f;
			setBrightness(theNewPos);
			return true;
		}

		@Override
		public boolean onDown(MotionEvent e) {
			//needed for anything else to work
			return true;
		}

		@Override
		public boolean onScroll(MotionEvent e1, MotionEvent e2, float distanceX, float distanceY) {
			handleSwipe(distanceY,Math.abs(distanceY));
			return true;
		}

	}

	public void handleSwipe(float aDelta, float aVelocity) {
		float theBrightnessDelta = 0f;
		if (aVelocity<50)
			theBrightnessDelta = 0.01f;
		else if (aVelocity<100)
			theBrightnessDelta = 0.05f;
		else if (aVelocity<200)
			theBrightnessDelta = 0.10f;
		if (aDelta>0 && theBrightnessDelta!=0f)
			theBrightnessDelta = -theBrightnessDelta;
		if (theBrightnessDelta!=0f) {
			setBrightness(mBrightnessPos+theBrightnessDelta);
		}
	}

}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The annual ALAV golf tournament fundraiser, "Tee Off Fore Kids," drew more than 100 golfers and 25 volunteers to the AV Country Club on Monday, Aug. 26.
Reports ALAV Treasurer Denise German: "We had 104 players, around 25 volunteers and multiple sponsors. Kiwanis of Palmdale West did a fantastic job with helping us! Mary Reina, director of the Forensics Service Unit at AV Hospital, spoke at the event. Our Live Auction went very well with two trips, tickets for Angels Baseball team, tickets for L.A. Rams football, photo session and multiple silent auction items. We had opportunity baskets and a poker run along with the golf tournament.
Watch for an update including photos of our winners!
Some of our hole sitting volunteers, ready to head out on the course.
A great team of golfers: Nancy Wood, Judi Webb, Lynne Webb, Linda Schafer.
ALAV members donated some excellent opportunity baskets.
Westgate Building Material Corp. was a major sponsor of the tournament.
Live auction items drew spirited bidding.
Player prizes were provided by Kiwanis of Palmdale West.
Silent auction items were an important fundraising component.
Volunteers helped coordinate the poker run.


text:
Q: Banshee will not import media since 12.04 upgrade Installed Ubuntu 12.04 on  my AMD64 Desktop which has been happily importing media from my iPod 5th gen into Banshee with no problem all year. After installing 12.04 all Banshee does is remember ipod files and seems to treat it as a drive to play media from, but not import media to PC.
If I click on Import all that happens is that the file names get imported with their location on the iPod but no actual files get transferred as used to happen.
Is there a fix for this is should I just wait for a program update ?

A: You could just try a re-install something could of got messed up in the upgrade
sudo apt-get remove banshee
then
sudo apt-get install banshee
It might not help but at least you will definitely have the latest version.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Conservators Siobhan Lindsay and Harper Batsford, and volunteers John and Eunice Wilcox are currently working to conserve the Reception Room's original, monolithic gilded bronze gasolier (gas lighting fixture). The first step in this arduous process is the careful dismantling and labeling of each piece of this elaborate Rococco-inspired fixture, a total of 225 pieces in all! Throughout the fixture, there are elaborately cast grapes and grape leaves (a stylistic nod to the Bacchanalian references throughout the Reception Suite), acanthus leaves, and a myriad of other classical elements.
Once dismantled, the pieces are meticulously cleaned and soaked in an organic acid solution to remove gas fume residue and over 150 years of soot and grime from the original coal heating system. After they have been soaked, pieces are then thoroughly rinsed and dried in a low temperature oven to evaporate any residual moisture. The photo at left shows the dramatic before and after of this careful process, which was formulated by consultation with other conservation experts.
Check back soon for updates on the process and when you can visit the Mansion to see the conserved gasolier reinstalled!


Cut off time 11 AM. Eastern. Estimated ready date 05/01/2019 This time may not include special options, proofs or graphic design.
PMS Match ▪ N/A but close approximation possible with Full Color option.
Production Time ▪ 5 Working Days After Proof Approval, 3 day rush available on white and black.


text:
Trump questions if he wants to run in 2024 – according to 'exclusive' Republican ad
US politics Conservative radio host asked Trump if he'd run for president in 2024. Hear his reply 'You like me?' Randall Terry, a conservative radio host from California, had Trump call into his program on Tuesday. Photograph: Ted Soqui/TESTV/EPA
Uncovered footage from a Republican television advertisement shows a prime-time presidential debate, a hostile question, and a promise by Donald Trump in his own personal broadcast.
Randall Terry, a conservative radio host from California, had Trump call into his program on Tuesday in a live, one-on-one interview for his show. The then Republican presidential candidate is seen sitting in front of a Trump Tower building surrounded by busts of Thomas Jefferson and Theodore Roosevelt.
Trump calls Seth Meyers to mock audience members' 'Trump' names Read more
Terry began by asking if Trump would run for president in 2024 if he remained popular after his 2016 victory. Trump replied: "You like me? Let me tell you this, if it were like in Hollywood, like in the good old days when it was really what it was about, not what it is now, like in the '70s, you would be much happier."
Terry asked about the electoral college, which awarded the 2016 election to Trump. Trump joked: "I like the electoral college because even if I lose, at least I know that nobody can run to me and say that I owe them money."
Terry then asked if Trump might run as an independent if Republicans don't choose a candidate who he said stood for most of the core principles he believes in. Trump replied: "We have a lot of unity, and we're going to be all set and I'm going to have such a big, big win [for 2020]."
Todd Akin: 'People want Trump-style GOP leadership' Read more
Trump added: "But, Randall, in the meantime, it's been fun to campaign with you." The answer prompted laughter from listeners.
The commercial then aired in its entirety on Fox News Channel.
Republican operatives have told Reuters the ad is aimed at motivating Trump's base of white, working-class voters, though it is unlikely to sway swing voters who will likely only see or hear it if it is not included in a wider set of Trump-related campaign ads. The overall cost of the $1m project, which began in late 2018, is not clear.
Ads, according to the Democratic National Committee, target voters likely to be angry at Trump or close to the president, but are seldom seen by media outlets.
Tags boxing, influenza, politics, science and technology, television, vaccination and immunization
CNN travel doc about British colonialism heads to Africa
FOX on Tech: Shopping for an Old Car; Bad Holiday Gifting; Scary Movies for Your Kids
Shell details plans to end greenhouse gas emissions
TripAdvisor's top 'best nights out' revealed
Political Strategist Bogdan Medeiros And His Opinion On Trump, China And Why "We're Useless" As An Economic Power
Firefighters say City of London staffer set fire to clubhouse used as homeless shelter
This childhood dream has come true
Eight more people infected with deadly N. Korean bug
Will it be Serena or Sabalenka in the semifinals?
Formula 1: Marc Marquez wins in Germany, Romain Grosjean dings Haas in Austria
Parents' post-traumatic stress after Boston Marathon bombing

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
AMINDER DHALIWAL
Woman World
With her startling humor, it's no surprise that Aminder Dhaliwal's web comic Woman World has a devoted audience of more than 120,000 readers, updated biweekly with each installment earning an average of 25,000 likes. Now, readers everywhere will delight in the print edition as Dhaliwal seamlessly incorporates feminist philosophical concerns into a series of perfectly-paced strips that skewer perceived notions of femininity and contemporary cultural icons. D+Q's edition of Woman World will include new and previously unpublished material. When a birth defect wipes out the planet's entire population of men, Woman World rises out of society's ashes. Dhaliwal's infectiously funny instagram comic follows the rebuilding process, tracking a group of women who have rallied together under the flag of Beyonce's Thighs. Only Grandma remembers the distant past, a civilization of segway-riding mall cops, Blockbusters movie rental shops, and That's What She Said jokes. For the most part, Woman World's residents are focused on their struggles with unrequited love and anxiety, not to mention that whole survival of humanity thing. W...show more


text: FROM gentoo/stage3-amd64


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A number of leading sustainable mixed use developments have something more in common than meets the eye.
To those in the know, the $500 million Hamilton Harbour, the $800 million 300 George Street and the $590 million Southpoint projects are a few of the high profile developments that have engaged Floth Sustainable Building Consultants for ESD, mechanical, electrical, fire, hydraulic and vertical transportation engineering consultancy services.
Leighton Properties and Devine Ltd joint venture Hamilton Harbour in Brisbane, is a vibrant mixed use development consisting of two commercial office towers and three residential towers above a connected four storey basement.
The development provides a number of state of the art facilities such as a fully-equipped gymnasium, entertaining areas, a lap pool and lagoon style swimming pool, as well as providing a pedestrian boulevard, with a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafes and boutique stores.
To ensure the development was environmentally sustainable, Floth developed an Integrated Water Management Plan for the entire site, which was imperative to the overall success of the project.
As a result, the greywater collected from the residential towers is treated and reused for toilet flushing and heat rejection within commercial component of the towers, and is also used for landscape irrigation of the entire site, saving an average of 20,000 litres of potable water per day.
To optimise passive design and cost effectiveness, Floth incorporated naturally ventilated corridors and external access points to the fire stairs.
The natural ventilation eliminated the need for the installation of an air-conditioning unit to regulate the temperature throughout these areas.
This design solution combined with the access to the fire stairs (requiring the occupants to travel via an external balcony) also removed the requirement for stair pressurisation and lobby relief systems, resulting in significant cost, spatial and energy savings.
Floth's sustainable design expertise and experience guided the project team to successfully deliver the first two 4 Star Green Star Multi-Unit Residential Design v1 rated residential towers in Queensland and 5 star Green Star Office v3 Design and As Built ratings for the commercial tower.
Hamilton Harbour was also recently named the best mixed-use development in Australia at the Property Council of Australia's Innovation & Excellence Awards.
Southpoint is a Transport Orientated Development by Anthony John Group at South Bank in Brisbane and will incorporate a retail podium including a specialty supermarket, 23,500 square metre A-Grade commercial office tower, 200 apartment residential tower and mixed use residential/hotel tower.
The mixed use tower will accommodate 234 apartments and a 147 room Emporium branded boutique hotel including roof top pool, gym, health spa, boutique, restaurants, bars and conference facilities.
The project components are targeting a variety of leading sustainability rating schemes, including Green Star, NABERS, EarthCheck and NatHERS.
Innovative design features for the mixed use tower include an owned and operated hotel, central air-cooled chilled water plant with heat reclaim technology to provide air-conditioning with free corridor humidity control and heating, and free domestic hot water pre-heat for the entire building.
This strategy provides a high quality energy and water efficient solution with added benefits for the apartment body corporate, who no longer have the responsibility for the operation and maintenance of major plant and equipment.
The office tower has been chosen by Flight Centre to be its new global headquarters, and Floth is also appointed to guide the integrated fit out design of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fire and ESD services.
Located on the old Brisbane Supreme and District Court city block site, 300 George Street is an iconic mixed use development including a 14,000 square metre mixed use podium, 300 room five star world class hotel tower, 420 apartment luxury residential tower and a 30 storey 45,000 square metre PCA A-Grade office tower.
A primary aim of the development is to create a world-class mixed-use precinct incorporating practical and cost effective sustainable design and construction for the subtropics.
To-date, significant work has been undertaken by Floth to firmly establish leading practice sustainable and engineering services design, within the proposed development.
This article has been prepared in partnership with Floth and TheUrbanDeveloper.com team.


text:
About Us & Staff & FAQ
Memberships & Rates, Training Services Offered
263 Gretas Way Kernersville, NC 27284
Monday - Friday: 4pm - 9pm
LEARN MORE ABOUT US AND GET ANSWERS TO THE MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
At DXT, we take pride in providing quality year-round practice facilities and individualized training for baseball and softball student-athletes through our knowledgeable staff in a fun atmosphere. We offer student-athletes of all skill levels a chance to strengthen their skills and their love for the game.
PAUL BRANNON, Ed.D
(Co-Founder)
Paul played high school baseball at Kings Mountain Senior High School from 1988-1990. During his three years there, he was a three-time all conference performer, two-time all-state performer, and led his team to the 1989 NC 3A Baseball State Championship where he garnered MVP of the series. Paul also was named the 3A Athlete of the Year in 1989, Conference Player of the Year and the NC State Baseball Player of the Year in 1990. While in high school, Paul set numerous state records for home runs, RBIs, and was ranked 7th in the United States with 41 career homeruns at the time of his graduation from Kings Mountain. He still holds the NC single season record for homeruns as he hit 20 in 30 games during the 1989 season including a then state record of homeruns in 8 consecutive games.
After graduating from high school, Paul had signed a National Letter of Intent to play baseball at Wake Forest University, but he decided to forgo college after being selected in the 4th round of the 1990 June Amateur draft by the Seattle Mariners. Paul enjoyed a great first season in Rookie Ball and ended the season ranked the #8 prospect in the Complex Leagues by Baseball America. However, an elbow injury sustained during Instructional League that year plagued Paul for the rest of his time with the Mariners and he retired early in 1993.
Since that time, Paul has coached baseball at the youth, middle school, and high school levels as well as girl's fastpitch softball at the middle and high school level. His teams have experienced success at all levels and have always been very good offensive teams that can put runs on the board!
Beyond coaching and playing, Paul has experienced tremendous success in his career as an educator. He has been a teacher, assistant principal, middle and high school principal, and an assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. His postgraduate work in education includes a Master's in School Administration and Doctorate in Educational Leadership. It is this that makes him a unique coach that can assist perspective student-athletes in the educational and athletic arena simultaneously.
Paul lives in the Kernersville area with his wife, Tina and son, Brooks.
DAVID CARICO
David Carico was born in Winston Salem and graduated from South Stokes High School in 1989. David grew up playing soccer and baseball through Middle and High School, as well as playing left fullback in soccer. He graduated from Appalachian State University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. He worked for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company until joining his father at Triad Crane. In 2001, he began Carolina Hoist (crane business) in the Triad. Soon after, he began another successful business in the steel erection industry called Beam Heavers, Inc.
David has participated in sports his entire life. He coached teams within Kernersville Little League while his children were young. He then moved to being a coach of multiple travel ball teams (Kernersville Warriors, Surge, and the Carolina Diamond Dawgs) with his youngest son Michael Carico. He watched his son from the stands for the showcase team – The Carolina Rockies.
David recognizes the importance of creating a unique training environment to maximize athletic potential and help each athlete understand what he/she needs to do to get better. He focuses on an athlete's individual technique to improve their overall athletic efficiency, reducing the chance of injury while providing a positive mentoring relationship that helps the athlete learn what it takes to be successful.
David is married to Brenda Carico and they have four children – Zack, Lily, Madi and Michael. Brenda spent her early years with Wachovia Bank and has been the Financial Administrator/CFO of The Summit Church for the past ten years.
Amber was a softball standout at Starmount High School earning All-Conference, All-District, and All-State her senior year. She continued her career collegiately at Averett University and Montreat College. She graduated from Montreat with a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Science. She remains active in the softball community coaching a youth travel team. Amber provides hitting and pitching lessons.
Breanna Butcher
Breanna (Bre) played softball, volleyball, and ran indoor track at Walkertown High School earning All-Conference, All-Tournament, and MVP in softball all four years. She went on to play collegiately as a utility player for the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a minor in Spanish in 2021. While at UNCG, she was a part of three SoCon Regular Season Championships and two SoCon Tournament Championships, also making two NCAA regional appearances.
Bre is currently pursuing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Winston-Salem State University and remains active in the softball community through coaching at her high school. With many years of coaching and a variety of playing experience, Bre is well equipped to provide catching, hitting, and fielding instruction.
CARLEIGH NESTER
Carleigh was a softball and volleyball standout at East Forsyth High School where she was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame. She continued her softball career at Elon University as a Lefty-Briggs Scholarship recipient. Carleigh experienced much success during her four years at Elon leaving with five records. She is well equipped to teach hitting, fielding, base running and basic pitching mechanics.
CAYLA CECIL
Cayla is a graduate of Wesleyan Christian Academy where she received All State and All Conference honors all four years. Cayla was also named Conference Player of the Year her freshman, sophomore, and senior years. After high school, Cayla continued her softball pitching career at Tusculum University in Greenville, TN where she earned a degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction. Cayla remains active in the softball community and provides pitching lessons at DXT.
CHELSEA LEONARD
Chelsea was a softball standout at Central Davidson High School and went on to pitch collegiately at the University of Louisville. In 2012, she helped to guide the Cardinals to the Big East Tournament title and an NCAA Tournament berth. She recorded an 11-2 overall record and led the NCAA with 12 saves, which stands at third place on the all-time college softball record list.
Since graduating from Louisville with a degree in heath and human performance with a concentration in exercise science, Chelsea has served as the pitching coach for the University of Pittsburgh and Georgia Southern. In addition, she was an assistant coach at Bellarmine University and has worked numerous clinics across the country.
Chelsea is currently pursuing her doctorate in physical therapy.
Chris was drafted by the LA Dodgers in 2007 after graduating from Glenn High school. He played Triple A with the Dodgers and Chicago White Sox and played internationally. Chris is trained as a professional scout and versed in player development and evaluation. He is currently the USA Baseball hitting coach for the Pulaski River Turtles. Chris offers lessons in hitting and fielding.
GAGE WHITE
Gage is an Army Veteran and a graduate of Providence Grove High School where he was a four year letterman in varsity baseball. He continued his catching career at Pfieffer University and Guilford Technical Community College. Gage works with athletes of all ages specializing in catching and hitting.
GWEN JOHNSON
Gwen has 10 years of experience providing hitting and fielding lessons for fast pitch softball players throughout the Triad. She played college softball at Louisburg College and UNCG. Her hitting instruction includes, but is not limited to, a linear style of hitting with a rotational finish; however, this also depends on the kid, their strength and learning curve. Gwen is focused on helping each player reach their individual goals.
A Greensboro native and a 2002 graduate of Southern Guilford High School, Jake was a four year letterman at catcher for Coach Charlie Gamble. Smith received All-State, All-Area, and Conference Player of the year during his high school career.
He attended East Carolina University from 2002-2006 where he was named to the 2003 Conference USA All-Freshman team and a Louisville Slugger freshman All-American. Jake finished his college career with 29 homeruns and 135 RBIs, which ranks in the top 12 on ECU's all time charts.
In 2006, following his senior year at ECU, Jake received the Johnny Bench award, which is given to the nation's top catcher and went on to continue his baseball career after being selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 21st round. He went on to play three seasons with the A's, retiring due to a shoulder injury in 2009.
After a stellar baseball career, Coach Jake Smith is now involved in high school sports as head baseball coach for the Randleman Tigers.
Prior to his time with the Braves, Tim pitched for the University of Toledo from 1983-1985. He was an All-Mac 1st team selection and All-Regional First Team selection in 1984. During the 1984 Summer Cape Cod League, Tim played for the Falmouth Commodores where he made the All Star Team and pitched against the 1984 US Olympic Baseball Team.
Jeff has also served as the pitching coach for the University of Toledo during the 1989-1990 season. He then moved to NC and founded the Triad Bulls Showcase program serving as head coach as well. Jeff has provided pitching lessons for the past fifteen years.
JEREMY NEYRA
Jeremy Neyra, originally from Miami, Florida, is a former Division 1 shortstop that played at Hialeah High School where he was a 2-time All-State selection. From there, he went on to a successful junior college career and earned a scholarship to Missouri State University before transferring to High Point University.
While at High Point University, he was named to the All Big South team during his senior year. Jeremy has gone on to work with all ages of travel ball players from 9u to High School Showcase. He loves working with kids and seeing them improve. He specializes in working with infielders and hitters.
Kendall Kennedy
Kendall, originally from upstate NY, graduated from SUNY Cortland with a B.S. degree in Exercise Science. She was a member of the softball team as a left handed pitcher and utility player known as a slap and power hitter. She is attending High Point University in pursuit of her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Kendall remains active in the softball community and provides pitching lessons at DXT.
LEON HUNTER, JR.
Leon, originally from Raleigh, NC, is currently a relief pitcher in the Seattle Mariners organization. Before being drafted by the MLB, Leon played 4 years of baseball at NC A&T where he also received his bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. During the summer leading into his senior year season, Leon pitched in the Northwoods League where he held an era of 1.17 over the entirety of the season.
Leon was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2019 before being traded to the Mariners where he has earned the opportunity to pitch in Double A and Triple A. As Leon trains during this off season to achieve his goal of becoming a MLB pitcher, he also wants to give back to help young athletes achieve their goals. He teaches the fundamentals of pitching as well as mechanical delivery drills for baseball pitchers of all ages.
Mark Estes
Mark, originally from Mauldin, SC, is a recent graduate of Clemson University. Before Clemson, Mark attended Saint Joseph's Catholic School in Greenville, SC, where he won back-to-back state titles. Mark was named to the all-region and all-state team his junior and senior year. After high school, Mark walked on to the Clemson University baseball team as a catcher and graduated with a degree in Graphic Communications. At Clemson, Mark discovered his true passion and love for the game! He wants to give back to the game by using his knowledge and experiences to help young athletes achieve their goals the way his coaches helped him. Mark also has a popular TikTok account with over 30,000 followers. On his account, "@Markisboltron," Mark makes lighthearted baseball related content to show that baseball is meant to be fun!
Mark works with catchers and hitters. He focuses on working hard and developing a strong love for the game of baseball and softball.
Matt is a 23-year U.S. Army veteran and brings over 15 years of coaching experience to DXT. He has coached baseball at all levels ranging from youth to college, including serving as the Officer Representative (e.g., recruiting coordinator) for West Point Baseball. Matt is currently an assistant coach at Randleman High School and offers lessons in hitting, pitching and catching.
Mike brings over 30 years of coaching experience to DXT. He spent the better part of 14 years playing Semi-Pro baseball and has coached many high performing teams and players. In 2007, he coached the 13u Division 1 National Champions and has also served as an Assistant Coach for High Point Christian Academy.
FAQs – Get Your Answers Here, Email or Call Us
Info@TeamDXT.com / 336-310-4335
Who can use Diamond Xtreme Training?
Any youth or adult baseball/softball player. The facility can also be used for team practices, umpire training, coaches meetings, open gym, open hitting, evaluations and other uses for local youth associations.
Is this facility for traveling baseball/softball players only?
How does the membership cost compare to other cage rental opportunities?
Membership rates are less than the non-member rates. Members will also receive preferential placement in any camps/clinics offered.
Are there discounts available for families with more than one player?
Yes. Please contact us for more information.
What equipment will be available for member use at the facility?
The facility includes the artificial turf, the netting, a bucket of balls, an L-screen, batting tees, and limited use of pitching machines (must have training to use machines or if a staff member is available, they can assist). The player will need to supply their own gear including tennis shoes/turf shoes (no cleats), glove, bat (we will have a few old bats as well as demos for people to use), and any other materials they choose to work with that fits within the facility guidelines.
What type of training will be offered at the training center?
Lessons offered will include hitting, pitching, fielding, catching, arm care, performance sports training, subject specific academic tutoring, ACT/SAT prep, as well as college selection and post-secondary academic advising.
How often do you offer Camps or Clinics?
DXT offers Camps and Clinics throughout the year. We offer camps during the following times of the year: Summer Camps, Thanksgiving, and Winter Holidays. Check the website regularly for updates.
When are private lessons offered?
Private Lessons are offered during normal business hours. Please call to check the availability for specific instructors or take advantage of our online scheduling software located here.
How do I schedule a private lesson?
All private lessons are by appointment only and can be scheduled over the phone, at our website, or in the facility. Payment is expected prior to or at time of lesson.
Do you have to set up an appointment to hit balls off the machines?
No. Rounds of hitting off of our pitching machines are on a first come first serve basis. No reservations.
Can a team rent out cages?
Yes. We do rent out cages to teams. Must call in advance to reserve a date and time. We can also customize an indoor practice for you that includes: use of cages, pitching lanes, indoor practice field, and Athletic Republic sports performance instruction.
If I sign up for a membership do I have to sign a contract?
NO ANNUAL CONTRACTS required. All of our monthly memberships require just a 30-day written notice of cancellation.
follow us on social media for current updates.
Special Thanks to Our Partners:
Caudill's and Applied Telecom
Copyright ©2018 Diamond Xtreme Training, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
This website lovingly crafted by the fine folks at The Clever Robot Inc.


Adding final touches to series of artworks for a Paris exhibition, with another collection taking shape for viewing at Cape Town's Worldart Gallery, Marlise Keith finds herself in a creative whirlpool. Luckily she is in the habit of living like a sponge, constantly soaking up, storing and processing the details of her day-to-day experiences.
"I'm constantly shuffling things around in my head. The fact that I find it impossible to concentrate on one thing at a time, obviously works to my advantage. I seem to collect everything that crosses my path: colours, textures, smells, moods, feelings, faces, body language, or even a split-second judgement of something or somebody." For Keith, this is her point of departure. Her work originates from the "soak" that has become a way of life, allowing her to brood on whatever has fascinated her, until she can satify the urge to transform it into a work of art. As the content is being processed or recycled by means of free play and association, it becomes visible as a work of art in progress. Unexpected links are formed between seemingly disparate images, and new meanings are foregrounded according to Ms Keiths' personal sign system. Visual impressions seem to be entering into a dialogue as they grow and feed on each other, layering themselves into new streams of consiousness which in turn give rise to unexpected images and compositions.
Ink and gesso on board are the media used for a series of paintings that also hint at the art of drawing. From smaller pieces to unusually large works, they all promise to stimulate the imagination while offering an aesthetic experience. Viewers are cajoled into making multitude of interpretations while savouring beauty for its own sake. The content may be relevant and topical, inspired by the artist's strong awareness of contemporary experiences of womanhood – although Keith does not pose as a torch bearer for any particular cause. In other instances the work springs from a need to experiment and have fun, but most often these elements complement each other.
From 3 to 30 April, afficionados of high quality contemporary art may share Keith's fantasies when her latest Pandora's chest is openend at Worldart in Church Street. There's magic in the way Keith manages to coax viewers into suspending the bounds of their familiar contexts, persuading them to join her as she explores different ways of looking and understanding, and enjoying the trip. The exhibition is titled "Soak", and for good reason, indeed.


Demonstration: Two different sets of six lines read like a single uniform set of six lines; a single uniform set of six lines reads like two different sets of three lines — precisely as, on the Pentagram the combination of the three lower lines of the "Treble staff" with the three upper lines of the "Bass staff".
Conclusion: The range of notation has been extended, the addition of ledger lines has been reduced; the reading of the notes has been unified, the rules simplified. The structure of two levels grouped together in a single form, comprises the tone ranges of normal performance.


text:
Charles R. "Charlie" Olinger
February 23, 1937 — June 19, 2021
Charles R. ("Charlie") Olinger, age 84, passed away on June 19, 2021 in Avon, Indiana. He was born February 23, 1937 in Morristown to Sam and Agnes Olinger. He graduated from Shelbyville High School in 1955 and attended Rose Hulman University. Charlie married Mary Sue ("Susie") Smith in 1957 and she passed away in 1983. He married Shirley Schoonover Frame in 1984 and she survives. Charlie and his family lived in Muncie for several years before returning to Shelbyville in 1976 to take over the Olinger Insurance Agency from his father. He retired from the business in 2002. Charlie was an avid golfer, retiring to South Carolina where he was able to pursue his favorite pastime. Charlie leaves behind his wife Shirley, his children Lisa (Rex) Brueggeman of Indianapolis, Mike "Pete" Olinger of Shelbyville, and Scott (Heather) Olinger of Plainfield, and his stepchildren Debby (Rick) Bommarito of Indianapolis and David (Joyce) Frame of Dallas Texas. He also leaves behind a brother, Dr. Oren (MaryAnn) Olinger of Muncie. Charlie was preceded in death by a brother, Gerry Olinger, and great granddaughter Caroline Robison. Charlie was a loving grandfather to Eric Brueggeman, Kirsten Brueggeman, Tera Jones Ramos, Shelly Olinger, Cole (Moonstar) Olinger, Paige (Jeremy) Robison, Brynn Olinger, Samantha Olinger, Cassi (Nathan) Fuqua, Matt (Lexi) Bommarito, Rachel Frame and Justin Frame and great grandfather to Sophie Olinger. In addition to playing golf, Charlie was a fan of standardbred horse racing, owning a few horses during his lifetime. He was actively involved in the community, including serving as a member of the Shelbyville Plan Commission, the Shelby County Fair Board, and a member and past president of the Shelbyville High School Athletic Booster Club. Charlie was much loved and will be greatly missed by his family. Friends and family are invited to attend an open house to celebrate Charlie's life on Saturday, July 10 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Occasions Banquet Hall, 415 E. Hendricks Street, Shelbyville. Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the J. Kenneth Self Shelby County Boys & Girls Club, 710 S. Miller St., Shelbyville, Indiana 46176. Online condolences may be shared with Charlie's family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles R. "Charlie" Olinger, please visit our flower store.
Occasions Banquet Hall
127-08 Merrick Blvd, NY 11434


text:
Bei der Emergency Service Unit (andere Bezeichnungen: Emergency Services Squad (ESS) und Emergency Service Detail) handelt es sich um eine Notfalleinheit einiger Polizeien in den Vereinigten Staaten, vor allem an der Ostküste der Vereinigten Staaten. Sie wird bei Verkehrsunfällen, Gebäudeeinstürzen, Geiselnahmen und ähnlichen Situationen angefordert, in denen Spezialgerät und/oder spezielles Fachwissen gefragt sind. Die ESU umfasst zahlreiche Abteilungen wie etwa eine Diensthundestaffel (Canine Unit), Polizeitaucher, Notarztteams, Sprengstoffexperten, Technische Hilfe (Specialized Equipment Rescue) und einen Bereich Ausbildung.

Aufgaben
Während die Canine Unit (K9 Unit) mit Diensthunden bei der Suche nach vermissten Personen, flüchtigen Straftätern oder versteckten Drogen Unterstützung bietet, stellt der taktische Teil des ESU das Pendant zu den SWAT-Einheiten anderer Bundesstaaten dar. In dieser Einheit finden sich denn auch die bestausgebildeten Beamten des  New York City Police Departments.

Organisationen
Das größte (500 Mitarbeiter) ESU besteht beim New York Police Department (NYPD). In der Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department gibt es seit 1983 eine Emergency Services Unit. Weitere ESU sind Los Angeles County Sheriff-ESD, Yonkers Police ESU, Fairfield, NJ Police-ESU, Burlington, NJ Police, Union County, NJ Police-ESU, Kaufman County-ESU, Larimer County Sheriff-ESU, Hopewell Township-ESU, Austin-Travis Co. EMS-ESU, Edison EMS Emergency Services Unit, New Hampshire Health Emergency Services Unit und Los Angeles County Sheriff-ESD.

Organisation der Polizei (Vereinigte Staaten)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


UPDATE: The child is back with parents.
Rockford Police confirmed they are investigating a small child that was found in the area of Alpine and Harrison ave just before 1 PM today.
Around 2:45 pm today several emergency personnel were responding to an accident with multiple injuries in Rockford.
Multiple injuries are reported, at least 3 ambulances have been dispatched.
Fire at LKQ about noon in the car crusher.
That is near 601 Harrison ave in Rockford.
Matt M. saw the fire and tried to put it out when it first started. It became to large due to diesel fuel.


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Japan's factory output rose 1.4% in October
Mon, Nov 30, 2015 - 8:25 AM
Japan's factory output rose 1.4 per cent in October year on year, marking the second straight monthly rise, the government said on Monday.
[TOKYO] Japan's factory output rose 1.4 per cent in October from the previous month, marking the second straight monthly rise, the government said on Monday.
Increasing production of general machinery, transport equipment and electronic parts contributed to the data, according to the ministry of economy, trade and industry.
Looking ahead, the ministry expected production in November to rise 0.2 per cent, but fall 0.9 per cent in December.
Japan's production overall is making "one step forward and one step back," the ministry said.
The latest announcement came days after fresh data showed falling prices and weak household spending in October, despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's efforts to prop up the world's number three economy with aggressive monetary easing and generous fiscal spending.
Japan's Nov machinery orders post largest rise on record in relief for economy
Earlier this month, official figures showed that Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) shrank 0.2 per cent in the July-September period, or an annualised contraction of 0.8 per cent, marking the second straight quarterly decline.
Japan's factory output
japanese economy
industrial output


The recent discussion in the news media about the board certification of physicians offers us an opportunity to examine the true value of certification. In addition to providing a framework for ongoing learning, certification ensures patients that the doctor guiding their care has knowledge and competence in a specialty.
Once physiatrists are certified by the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPMR), they are automatically enrolled in the board's Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program. To maintain their certification, they must report their continuing medical education, participate in self-assessment activities, complete practice improvement projects and pass the MOC examination every 10 years.
Certification assures patients that their physicians have the knowledge, skills, professionalism and experience to provide superior care. Although there are challenges in developing a meaningful MOC program, certification by the ABPMR identifies physiatrists who keep up with new knowledge gained through research conducted at TIRR Memorial Hermann and other top rehabilitation hospitals.
Physicians are the stewards who ensure that these new discoveries translate into improved outcomes. I want to congratulate the physiatrists who recently passed the brain injury medicine certification test. These fifteen men and women have demonstrated their competence in this rapidly evolving subspecialty field.
Taking care of patients is our privilege and our responsibility. We owe it to them to keep up with new knowledge and bring it to the bedside as quickly as possible.


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The Dovecote-Granary: A Peaceful Retreat Among the Treetops
Architects: Tiago do Vale Architects
Project: The Dovecote-Granary
Project Team: Tiago do Vale, María Cainzos Osinde, with Maria João Araújo, Camille Martin, Eva Amor, Hugo Quintela
Location: Ponte de Lima, Portugal
Construction: José Amorim Lima, L.da
Footprint: 183 ft2 (17 m2)
Photography: João Morgado
Description by architect: The Dovecote-Granary is a place of serenity and introspection, where one can establish a strong connection with both nature and oneself. Without a conventional function the space is its own purpose: a treehouse-temple of sorts.
Its roots are humble, though unexpectedly pragmatic, creative and sophisticated in their design and solutions: a precious little jewel of vernacular Minho architecture.
Originally built in the late XIX century, its starting point were two traditional northern Portugal maize granaries standing over granite bases. A common roof united them under which there was a dovecote. Finally, the space between the two granaries was used to dry cereals, with two huge basculating panels controlling the ventilation.
This incredible design was an unusual but smart combination of three very common vernacular typologies (granary, dovecote, drying shed) that are still part of our collective memory. The execution, unfortunately, was not without its problems.
Built out of oak wood, the structure was under-dimensioned for the demands of that construction and, receiving no proper maintenance through an important part of its life, the wood rapidly decayed: though still kept standing by steel cables stretched from the adjacent trees it was unsalvageable.
The rotten wood pieces, nevertheless, allowed for the full documentation of the design and constructive techniques of the building as it was when last usable, opening the doors for a piece by piece reconstruction, in the same vein as the Ise Jingu rebuild every 20 years in Japan, but here at the scale of rural northern Portugal, preserving an interesting built vernacular document and using local artisan traditional knowledge to achieve it.
Times changed, though: there's no farming on the property anymore, so the rebuilt Dovecote-Granary will not serve its original functions in the foreseeable future. It won't have a specific use either: it will be what the nature of the space lends itself to be.
These circumstances implied not only reconstruction but also transformation, giving form to the theme of the project. The result is an element by element rebuild of the Dovecote-Granary, with an intricate redesign of all the subtle carpentry details and a limited set of surgical interventions that will allow for its safe and renewed use.
To fix the original structural fragility a small number of cross-members was inserted in strategic locations, reflecting solutions found in buildings of similar age, construction techniques and typology.
Two new foldable wood stairs lead inside both granaries and an interior staircase rises to the dovecote, finally making that magical space accessible.
This project matrix was of a strict reconstruction with the added requirement of the most minute intervention to render it usable, enabling the minimal necessary connections inside and out.
The Dovecote-Granary is now a sanctuary among the tree canopies, an iconic shape in the rural landscape of the Minho region, and the experience of the dancing leaf shadows, the gentle crossing breeze and the birds chirping in a late summer afternoon fully defines its new purpose, function and use.


LAURINDO ALMEIDA & BUD SHANK QUARTET 'The Brazilliance of .… Volumes 1 & 2' Vol.1 (1953) 14 tracks incl. Atabaque; Stairway to the Stars; Noctambulism; Speak Low; Blue Baiao ...;Vol.2 (aka 'Holiday in Brazil' 1958) 10 tracks incl. Simpatico; Little Blue; Mood Antigua; Carioca Hills … Jasmine JASCD 271 (77:31) World Pacific albums.
THE ANDREWS SISTERS 'Greatest Hits In Stereo' (1961) & 'Great Golden Hits' (1962) arr. & cond. by Billy Vaughan / Vic Schoen 28 tracks incl. I Can Dream, Can't I?; Pennsylvania Polka; Down in the Valley; The Shrine of St Cecilia; Rhumboogie; Rum and Coca Cola … Ti-Pi-Tin; Near You; Pistol Packin' Mama; Don't Fence Me In; Aurora; Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy … (Bonus tracks) I've Got to Pass Your House to Get to My House; One, Two, Three, Four; Sailor; Good Dreaming Sepia 1219(71:15) Original Dot recordings.
BING CROSBY 'A Southern Memoir' (1975) Orchestra cond. by Paul Smith 12 tracks incl. On The Alamo; Alabamy Bound; Caroline in the Morning; Georgia On My Mind; Sleepy Time Down South; Sailing Down The Chesapeake Bay; plus six alternative versions and Bing's South Texas Quail Hunting Medley: Galway Bay; Mack The Knife; Surrey With the Fringe on Top; The Pleasure of Your Company Universal 372 489-5 (56:40) OriginalIy issued on LP in the UK by Decca.
EILEEN FARRELL 'This Fling Called Love' (1961) w. Percy Faith & His Orchestra 12 tracks incl. Hello, Young Lovers; Out of This World; Where or When; The April Age; The Party's Over; The Faraway Part of Town …; Bonus tracks from 'Together With Love' (1962) w. André Previn, His piano and Orchestra 9 tracks incl. But Not For Me; Spring is Here; By My Self; Where I Wonder; Love is Here to Stay … Sepia 1222 (77:41) Original US Columbia recordings.
FRED KATZ (Cello) & HIS MUSIC 'Soul Cello' + '4-5-6 Trio' + 'And His Jammers' 2CDs 32 tracks incl. Country Gardens; Wayfaring Stranger; Time After Time; I'm Glad There Is You; Intermezzo; Come With Me … Sophisticated Lady; Isn't It Romantic; Delia; Perdido; I'm Getting Sentimental Over You … Imagination; Old Folks; Sometimes I'm Happy; Ruby, My Dear; Dexterity …Fresh Sound FSR-CD 744 (122:58) Three US Decca albums.


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Governor Carney Announces Family Services Cabinet Council Summer Initiative
Delaware Health and Social Services | Department of Labor | Department of Safety and Homeland Security | Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families | Governor John Carney | Office of the Governor | Date Posted: Thursday, June 22, 2017
The Summer Initiative will coordinate delivery of state services for families in Wilmington
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday announced the Family Services Cabinet Council's Summer Initiative, an interagency effort to improve the coordination of state services to better meet the needs of families in the city of Wilmington.
The FSCC Summer Initiative will bring together front-line staff from across Delaware's state agencies to better coordinate state services for Wilmington families – including programs that offer job training, early childhood education, substance abuse treatment, and quality, affordable housing.
"Too many Wilmington children and families deal with the effects of poverty, the trauma of violence in their neighborhoods and the challenges associated with navigating an economy in transition," said Governor Carney. "These issues permeate homes and classrooms every day, and it's our duty to stand up for these families. The Family Services Cabinet Council's Summer Initiative will make sure that government agencies are working together more efficiently and effectively on behalf of families in the city of Wilmington."
Agency staff gathered for an orientation and training at the Department of Health and Social Services in Wilmington on Thursday. Training will ensure that state employees, especially those serving families in Wilmington, understand and are aware of the wide range of state services available to their clients. Wilmington representatives also attended Thursday's training to improve coordination of city and state services.
"Sometimes, families in Wilmington who are in need of support have too many people knocking on their doors offering help. Through Governor Carney's leadership of the Family Services Cabinet Council, we want to change that so those supports are better integrated and better coordinated," said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. "Starting this summer, state outreach staff will call families, listen to their needs, and suggest services across state government that can help to meet those needs. Most importantly, they will coordinate with the state agencies so those services are delivered."
"Children who grow up in positive and healthy environments with nurturing families and mentors are much more likely to develop into caring adults who value their communities," said Josette Manning, Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families. "We recognize there are significant societal challenges in Wilmington and the well-being of our families is at stake. We stand ready with our fellow state agencies and the City to share resources and expertise, develop more creative programming, and work with the community to help prepare our families for a bright future."
"I am proud to serve on the Council with the other members. We look forward to the opportunity to improve the coordination and delivery of services to those who need it most," said Robert Coupe, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
"We must do our part to break this cycle," said Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of the Department of Labor. "Our team at the Delaware Department of Labor is pleased to be a part of this vital initiative and looks forward to coordinating the delivery of these valuable resources to deserving families."
Governor Carney reestablished the Family Services Cabinet Council as one of his first official acts as Governor, signaling the importance of coordinating crucial public and private services for youth and families in Wilmington and across Delaware.
The Council includes eight members of Governor Carney's Cabinet – the Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families; the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services; the Secretary of the Department of Education; the Secretary of the Department of Labor; the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security; the Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority; the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; and the Commissioner of the Department of Correction.
Governor Carney tasked the Council with implementing innovative tools and strategies for addressing a series of specific issues, including: breaking the school-to-prison pipeline; improving access to early childhood education; increasing the availability of affordable housing; improving access to substance abuse treatment; reducing recidivism in Delaware's correctional system; expanding job training opportunities; and reducing violence in Delaware's neighborhoods.
Related Topics: Cabinet, City of Wilmington, Delaware, Family Services Cabinet Council, Governor Carney, Governor John Carney, Governor'sCabinet, Wilmington


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A woman at the top
Marie-Elisabeth d'Ornano, Chairman of IECQ
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM, careers are still very much the prerogative of men. Electrotechnical standardization and conformity assessment are no exception. In recent years however, women have made dents in this long-standing tradition. Marie-Elisabeth d'Ornano, who became Chairman of IECQ, the IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components, on 1 January 2014, is such a woman and a good example for others to follow.
Marie-Elisabeth d'Ornano, Chairman, IECQ
Marie-Elisabeth d'Ornano has a Masters in Engineering from ENSEEIHT, the University for Electronical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, Hydraulics and Telecommunications in Paris, France, and a Masters in Management of Technology and Innovation from the University Dauphine, Paris, France.
After completing her studies, d'Ornano worked first for Electricité de France (EDF), the French public utility with worldwide activities, and then for the French branch of the Swiss companyASCOM, a leader in the telecommunications sector.
A world of opportunities
In 2005, she seized the opportunity to discover new areas of activities and joined LCIE Bureau Veritas France – the Bureau Veritas group is a world leader in testing, inspection and certification services. The first years at LCIE, she was responsible for the transportation, aeronautics and defense markets, working mainly in the organization's testing laboratories.
In 2012 she moved to the Certification department, with the task of establishing and developing new activities and a year later she became Deputy Director for Certification.
First woman to head an IEC CA System
2013 was a pivotal year for d'Ornano. On the one hand, she succeeded Michel Brénon, then LCIE Director of Certification, when he retired at the end of the year. On the other, she was appointed as Chairman of IECQ.
In both cases, Brénon played a major role. A key figure of IEC standardization and conformity assessment for more than 20 years, his two hats – LCIE Director of Certification and IECQ Vice-Chairman – made him a strong supporter of d'Ornano's candidacy for the IECQ chairmanship.
Although d'Ornano knew about the IEC Conformity Assessment (CA) Systems, in particular IECEE (IEC System of Conformity Assessment Schemes for Electrotechnical Equipment and Components) – she had used the CB Scheme in her previous positions – she soon discovered the singularity of IECQ, a System that she knew little about.
Times of change
Since the 2010s, the oldest IEC CA System – established in the early 1970s – had been undergoing massive changes after years of low activity. New operational documents, a restructuring of its Schemes and the addition of new ones, a revamped website and a proactive attitude towards the markets were the first steps in a campaign aimed at raising awareness and visibility in the electronics sector.
Finding the right solution
Her background in industry, testing and certification and her fresh approach – not marred by years of service in the System – was the perfect combination that the System needed to make headway. Leaving the purely technical side to the experts, she sees her role as a kind of facilitator. New ideas, proposals and technologies are brought to the tables and they are discussed with IECQ Executive Secretary Chris Agius and his team as well as with the members of the Management Committee with a view of finding new and better solutions.
For d'Ornano, there's seldom only one solution. Whatever the problem, it is important to see the global picture, bounce ideas off one another and figure out all the options that are available before actually making a decision that will benefit both the System and the markets. As part of her function as Chairman, she is building links between all stakeholders.
While she considers the Sydney-based IECQ Secretariat as the backbone of the System, she seizes every opportunity to make contacts within the electronics sector and to represent IECQ when she is traveling.
A strong believer in teamwork and the virtues of dialogue, she says she's lucky to be able to participate actively in the development and the evolution of the System.
Cooperation with IEC CA Systems
D'Ornano is also an advocate of cooperation between the IEC CA Systems to meet the demands made by industry and stakeholders. Today's world of fast-evolving technologies and complex systems often call for different and often innovative solutions.
Within the electronics sector, IECQ clearly doesn't have all the answers. One option would be to create new Schemes, or even new Systems, another is to take a step back and examine what's already available in all the IEC CA Systems and then select what is appropriate. This obviously requires some degree of cooperation. As she puts it: "We really have to sit down together and discuss what's feasible, how we can collaborate on specific issues.
Asked what the main challenge was for IECQ in the future, d'Ornano said: "Raising awareness and making the markets better understand what IECQ - and by extension all IEC CA Systems - is and can provide." There are still misunderstandings concerning certification vs standardization and regulations, there are misunderstandings about the different certification processes and how they can be "combined" when needed. "We sometimes have to be very innovative in terms of processes but the tools are there and we can come up with original solutions. We are the experts but we have to be good at communicating and explaining this to the markets and the stakeholders"
For more information on IECQ: www.iecq.org
IECQ is setting up a new Scheme for the certification of LED component parts, assemblies and modules
Chip on board (COB) LED light source (Photo: K-Bridge Electronics Co Ltd)
Find out more IECQ
IEC Quality Assessment System for Electronic Components
LCIE Bureau Veritas France
IECQ (92)


JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE – THE SPA 2014 TOM WILLIAMS MEMORIAL at WINGED DEER PARK didn't have any representatives from the JERSEY BOYS or BEATLES at the tournament but there were enough 60 and 65 DIVISION TEAMS to again make the event a success.
The TOM WILLIAMS MEMORIAL is fast becoming a refuge for 60 and 65 division teams looking for a good competitive 60/65 only event.
Celebrating it's 22nd year, the TOM WILLIAMS MEMORIAL drew 13 teams who battled it out for the four division crowns.
REALITY CHECK certainly got it's money's worth as they battled out of the loser's bracket to win the 60 GOLD DIVISION by beating BOYS OF SUMMER 22-16 in the "IF" game.
REALITY CHECK started bracket play beating CHARLOTTE SENIOR SPORTS 18-9 before losing 23-12 to BOYS OF SUMMER. They returned to their winning ways beating CHARLOTTE 21-6 in the loser's bracket finals and forced the "IF" game with a 21-16 victory against BOYS OF SUMMER.
FLIP DOW BONDING 60'S won the 60 SILVER bracket going 2-0 in bracket play beating TENNESSE SENIORS twice 22-9 and 23-8 in the championship game. The TENNESSEE earned their spot in the finals by beating TRI-CITIES 60;s 22-5 in the LOSER'S BRACKET finals.
SPORTS LETTERING outdistanced three others in the 65 SILVER GROUP to stand alone at the top of the podium.
The champs beat TRI-CITIES 70's 22-15 in the title game. Their other bracket wins were 16-14 over TRI-CITIES 65's and TRI-CITIES 70's 17-12.
TRI-CITIES 70's reached the title game by beating PATRICK HENRY 27-16 in the LOSER'S BRACKET FINALE.
LOST MOUNTAIN, GEORGIA – Despite having to move the SPA 2014 PEACH STATE CLASSIC from AL BISHOP'S COMPLEX (MARIETTA, GEORGIA) to LOST MOUNTAIN PARK at POWDER SPRINGS the tournament still bettered last year's total drawing THIRTY-SEVEN teams.
"We knew last year that the AL BISHOP COMPLEX where we usually hold the tournament would be under renovation in 2014, so we planned ahead to use POWDER SPRINGS," TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR ROBBIE FAUCETT said.
PLANNING is the key word for a FAUCETT - run tournament as he leaves nothing to chance. He usually starts his planning for the PEACH STATE CLASSIC six months ahead of time and that is why the tournament is always SPA'S highest attended tournament in the South.
It was no different this year as EIGHT DIVISION CHAMPS were crowned in the 50-thru-75 age brackets in the JUNE 26-29 tournament..
IBALZ SOFTBALL was focused in on the assignment at hand beating N.GA. OUTLAWS two out of three for the 50 AAA TITLE.
IBALZ SOFTBALL won 20-18, 18-19 and 23-15 in the deciding game for the championship.
There was a little more action in the 50-MAJOR BRACKET with seven teams battling it out for the the top spot.
In the end it was ATLANTA MONARCHS running the table with wins over TENNESSE COMETS 35-22, LANGSTON PAINTING REVENGE BAITS POWER FORCE 13-10, MONSTER SOFTBALL 29-27 and DOC C'S 26-13 in the title game.
SOUTHERN ELITE SOFTBALL and LIGHTHOUSE LOOKOUTS rounded out the field.
It took three games to decide the winner of the 50-MAJOR PLUS BRACKET in a two team battle between T.S.C. And ADIKTIV SPORTS. The teams split the first two games with T.S.C. winning 38-33 and ADIKTIVE SPORTS taking it's game 27-22.
In a scoring bonanza T.S.C edged ADIKTIV SPORTS 39-35 for the championship.
In a six-team battle for the 55-AAA title DAVID BOWEN SPORTING GOOD took no prisoners sweeping aside GEORGIA ALABAMA SNIORS (GAS) 20-19, DIXIE EXPRESS 23-21 and G.A.S. again, this time in the finals 23-9.
ATLANTA RECYCLING SOLUTION LLC, (BY) GRACE REDEEMED and DT EXPRESS were the other teas in the bracket.
The 60 AAA DIVISION saw 4:13 RIMFIRE go 3-0 in bracket play to best the other four teams in the group. RIMFIRE BEAT STRYKERS 28-14, ELITE 60'S 33-16 and 22-16 to claim the top spot.
Others in the bracket were BOYS OF SUMMER and T.A.G.
EDGE SOFTBALL downed COLUMBUS LX 34-20 and CAROLINA COBRA'S twice (29-25, 22-21) to take the three-team 60 MAJOR CROWN.
The 65 AAA BRACKET saw HUFFMAN ELECTRIC go undefeated in four bracket games to win the six-team division title.
HUFFMAN beat EXTREME HEAT (15-8), S.E. LEFTOVERS (23-14) and SPORTS LETTERING 65's twice (14-5, 21-14) to take home the top prize. Others in the field were TEAM ABC and TENNESSE R.V.
The 70 AAA went to SENIOR MOMENTS after they beat the GEORGIA NUGGETS 14-8 in the title determining "IF" game.
The NUGGETS forced the "IF" game coming out of the loser's bracket to defeat SENIOR MOMENTS 16-14.
Others participating in the six-team field were LEIDEN'S LEGENDS, SPORTS LETTERING 70'S, GEORGIA CLASSICS and CRIM'S BORDER STATES 70'S..


Campaigns and resources that provide weight-related messages may lead to unintended consequences. This resource considers obesity, overweight, and weight gain prevention public health messages in relation to eating disorders and disordered eating.
Effectiveness of a brief school-based body image intervention 'Dove Confident Me: Single Session' when delivered by teachers and researchers: Results from a cluster randomised controlled trial.
This study evaluated a 90-min single session school-based body image intervention (Dove Confident Me: Single Session), and investigated if delivery could be task-shifted to teachers.
BACKGROUND: Mental disorders often have their first onset during adolescence.


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Strong Fourth Quarter Leads Blazers Past Lakers At Staples Center
By Chad Doing Dec 29, 2020
----- Damian Lillard scores a game-high 31 points and Gary Trent Jr. added 28 points on 7-of-11 shooting from three-point range as the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 115-107 Monday night at Staples Center.
After playing just six minutes in Saturday's win over the Houston Rockets, Gary Trent Jr. made a statement Monday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Trent finished the night with 28 points on 7-of-11 shooting from three-point range. Trent powered a Blazers run to start the fourth quarter helping push their advantage to 98-91. Trent scored 11 in the quarter on 4-of-4 shooting including 3-of-3 from downtown.
The Lakers would recapture the lead on an 8-0 run at 99-98, but the Blazers quickly responded with a 10-2 run of their own to put the game away. The Lakers were never closer than five-points the rest of the way.
The Blazers got a major boost on the defensive end of the floor from both Robert Covington and Derrick Jones Jr. Covington worked hard to help limit Anthony Davis to just 14 shots on the night and Jones Jr. was tasked with defending Lebron James.
Terry Stotts was impressed with both.
"LeBron had 29," Stotts said, "and I thought Derek really did a good job with him and made him work for it. I thought Robert was outstanding guarding Anthony Davis.
"Those two, the defensive component that they gave us, especially in a matchup like tonight, was pretty obvious. Those two, they're great players and I think both Robert and Derek love the challenge of guarding those kind of guys."
James appeared to be irritated at times with the pressure he faced. Jones Jr. was asked whether or not he was frustrated after the game.
"I picked him up fullcourt every time," he said. "And that's what I'm gonna do to everybody. I don't care if I get under anybody's skin. That's what I'm here for. If you get mad, you better not show it because I'm gonna keep doing it."
Up next- The Blazers will meet the LA Clippers Wednesday night at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:00 PM.
Chad's Take- Gary Trent Jr. should never play six minutes in a game ever again.
About Portland Trail Blazers
Rip City Radio 620 is your home for Portland Trail Blazers basketball! Read More


Authors: Andrew L Egel Ph.D., Katherine C. Holman Ph.D., Christine H Barthold Ph.D.
By outlining the best practices found in today's classrooms, School Success for Kids With Autism describes how parents and teachers can work together to create nurturing, supportive, and effective classroom environments from preschool to high school.
This book covers topics such as understanding how schools define autism; helping students make transitions between teachers, schools, and grade levels; finding the best instructional strategies and supports for inclusive classrooms; helping kids with homework; selecting curriculum; and providing interventions in the home to help develop needed skills. With practical tools and advice from leaders in the field of autism education, this book is sure to give these students, their parents, and their teachers guidance for success.
Click here to view a sample PDF of School Success for Kids With Autism.
This informative volume will be appreciated not only by educators of children and teens with autism, but also by parents who are seeking to provide the optimal educational setting for the best possible outcomes.


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2020 Sustainability targets
Published 21st June, 2017 by Nadine Bloxsome
Constellium has reported an increase in used beverage cans recycling rate following the installation of a new furnace at its facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, US.
The company in its recently released 2016 Annual Business and Sustainability Performance Report said it adhered to the industry-led objectives and helped Europe to reach about 80% recycling rate target set for 2020.
Commenting on the progress Chairman of Constellium's Sustainability Council and President of Constellium's Packaging and Automotive Rolled Products business unit Arnaud Jouron said, "At Constellium, we're committed to integrating sustainability into the very heart of our business, where our efforts create value for our customers, our shareholders, our employees and the communities we proudly serve."
As per the report, Constellium's other sustainability objectives encompassing areas like Customer Satisfaction, Employee Engagement, Community Upliftment, and Sustainable Purchasing are also on track.
The company actively participated in finalising the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) certification program, which will be available in early 2018.