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If the jury believe from the evidence aforesaid that the petr being the slave of the deft and residing with her in Maryland and by her consent employed by the sd. Pendleton as his servant was in the year 1834 carried by the sd I. P. Pendleton from said state to the state of Va without the consent or authority either [illegible] or subsequent of the deft[?]. Then it is lawful for the deft to [illegible] said petitioner & carry him back to Maryland at any time and the deft does not lose her title to the petitioner by any delay in exercising that right.
If the jury believe from the evidence that the petitioner having become involved in a breach of the peace in the State of Maryland in company with I. Purnell Pendleton a citizen of said state, and to avoid the consequences thereof the said Pendleton fled to Va. carrying the petitioner with him, & there remained with Petitioner and employing him as his servant during two[?] years and upwards but never abandoned his residence in Myd and always entertained the purpose of returning to Maryland when he could not do so with safety and did not return the petitioner to Myd, only because he was afraid of the consequences thereof to the petitioner unless accompanied by said Pendleton & said Pendleton at the end of said time returned to sent the petitioner to the City of Washington & afterwards returned himself to Myd. That such acts of the said Pendleton, altho the jury should believe they were with the consent of the deft, the petitioner is not entitled do not entitle the Petr to his freedom.
There was not [illegible] presented to the Court and they did not give or refuse it.
If the jury believe from the evidence that sa I. P. Pendleton during his continuance in Virginia as aforesaid, only remained there as a sojourner and not with the view of making it his domicil that then he did not thereby acquire a residence in Va. or lose his previous residence in Maryland.


This Empire 30 inch Stacked Aged Oak gas log set is electronic ignition by White Mountain Hearth. The set is vent free and requires no vent or chimney. Most gas log sets have a defined burn patter making them look unnatural but with the slope glaze burner we offer you will get the most realistic burn pattern offered today. The flame is never the same like a real wood fire would be because it is always dancing around. The stacked aged oak logs have been redesigned to look real and that was done by taking actual wood and creating a mold to come up with the design. The controls are also hidden so that you do not see knobs and switches in the front. This set comes with a battery operated electronic pilot light and a variable thermostat remote control that will allow you to turn the pilot light on and off, set a room temperature and also adjust the flame height.


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Business Management, Consumables - Paper
Manistique Papers and FutureMark Paper Folded into Umbrella Group
WESTPORT, CT—Sept. 28, 2012—FutureMark Paper Group has been launched as the umbrella group for the two recycled paper producers that previously operated as Manistique Papers and FutureMark Paper. The combined organization is now the leading North American provider of responsibly made high-recycled paper for books, magazines, catalogs, retail inserts, business papers, commercial printing applications and packaging.
FutureMark Paper Group aligns the executive management, business development, marketing and operational functions of FutureMark Paper and Manistique Papers. Its uncoated recycled papers will be made at that FutureMark Manistique facility, while the FutureMark Alsip facility will produce the group's coated recycled papers. Industry veteran Steve Silver will serve as FutureMark Paper Group's President and CEO, overseeing both manufacturing facilities.
"In addition to sharing a senior management team and board of advisors, our two recycled mills share a strong history of innovation," says Silver. "Combining the unique production capabilities of these two mills creates a platform for faster growth and enables us to achieve operational synergies that otherwise wouldn't be possible. We're joining forces at a great time in the market to take advantage of the momentum behind environmental paper."
Combining capabilities for improved performance
FutureMark Paper Group is strategically aligning the talents of its Manistique and Alsip teams to accelerate product development, spark innovation and enhance the business value it delivers to customers.
• By cross-pollinating best practices in operations, predictive maintenance and new technology between the two mills, FutureMark Paper Group will accelerate development of high-quality products and lower the environmental impact of its manufacturing activities.
• Sales and marketing resources are now realigned to better serve the group's green customer base with a unified brand and complementary products.
• The group is optimizing paper transportation routes between its two manufacturing facilities and their suppliers and customers to speed delivery and decrease its transportation footprint.
The Week That Was (7/8/2019)
Ennis Acquires The Flesh Co., Impressions Direct
PrintStar Acquires Sorrento Mesa Printing
The Target Report: Print Publishing in Turmoil
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Ricoh Announces Acquisition of DocuWare

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You Don't Have to Wait to Make Money on Microgrids
source: http://feeds.greentechmedia.com/~r/GTM_Solar/~3/dPPvfIEzdW0/you-dont-have-to-wait-to-make-money-on-microgrids
It may be neither a widespread phenomenon nor easy to achieve, but people can actually make money on microgrids today.
The localized, islandable networks of interconnected loads and energy resources have long eluded commercialization, in part because they are hard to commoditize and extract revenue from. The model of microgrids as service, though, has started to yield success, as three companies attested at GTM's Grid Edge World Forum conference Wednesday.
Under the microgrid-as-service model, the customer doesn't have to foot the bill for all of the expensive pieces that go into the system. Instead, a provider does that and extracts regular payments for the services desired.
Multiple value streams make it easier to pencil out, but one in particular stands out.
"Transmission and distribution deferral for us on microgrids is going to be huge," said Jason Handley, director of smart grid technology and operations at Duke Energy. "Right now that's our only regulatory mechanism to actually get projects approved."
He was referring to microgrids within his company's service territory, where Duke has three operational systems. The T&D deferral mechanism made it possible to move forward with a recently built DC-only microgrid, which installed solar and zinc-air batteries at a remote mountaintop communications tower.
The localized generation will allow the utility to save money that would have gone to maintaining a lengthy feeder through the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The same calculus applies to line upgrades to handle more current.
"If you have a very long distribution line and it's only overloaded by a small amount, it makes a lot more sense to put in an energy storage system to get rid of those few peaks during the year," said Kristen Anand, senior sales and applications engineer at storage vendor Younicos.
Younicos helped serve that role with a storage system outside Denver, which additionally provides a Panasonic operations center with 24/7 resilience and integrates distributed PV generation onto the feeder.
Outside of its regulated territory, Duke has developed two microgrids in partnership with Schneider Electric, which provide resilient power to Schneider's Boston campus and a public safety complex in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Schneider assembles the customer, the software and the equipment, while Duke puts the weight of its name behind the financing and operations and maintenance over a long-term PPA.
"We're helping each other leverage our strengths," Handley said.
Down the road, microgrids offer a new source of revenue the utility can draw on as the power business moves away from per-kilowatt-hour revenue, he added.
Microgrids offer a special value for a utility like Duke, which controls distribution and generation. If an outage occurs on a section of grid with a microgrid in it, Duke could potentially isolate the faulty wire and power the isolated segment from the microgrid.
The methods of paying for that would need to be figured out with regulators. It would be even more complicated to monetize for a third-party provider.
Over in Texas, Enchanted Rock has built up 130 megawatts of contracted, natural-gas-driven microgrids. That scale has helped the company overcome the challenges of this product, which often vary considerably from case to case.
Enchanted Rock has leveraged its scale to negotiate more favorable prices with upstream suppliers, allowing it to bring down installed costs, said Founding Partner and Managing Director Thomas McAndrew.
Managing several microgrids in a given region makes it more economical to deliver rapid response servicing for the systems, he added.
"It looks more like FedEx routing than maintenance on a power plant," McAndrew said.
Enchanted Rock's experience shows that, when the value proposition is right, microgrids can make financial sense right now without subsidies.
"If the industry is going to rely on subsidies and incentives, it's not a scalable industry and it will go away," he said. "Our focus has always been on making the microgrids financeable without subsidies…and if you do get some type of subsidy on top of it, that's gravy."
Policy incentives for solar exist throughout the nation, and energy storage incentives are popping up in a handful of states.
Microgrids can incorporate either of those assets, but microgrid-specific incentives haven't yet materialized. That means the industry can chart a course without them, potentially avoiding the boom-and-bust pattern that accompanies reliance on government disbursements.
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Blue Biofuels Achieves Over 99% Conversion of Cellulose


Image Title: Concrete Toppings For Swimming Pool Deck Coatings Using A With Regard To Resurfacing Design 0. Filename: concrete-toppings-for-swimming-pool-deck-coatings-using-a-with-regard-to-resurfacing-design-0.jpg. Image Dimension: 500 x 259 pixels. Images Format: jpg/jpeg. Publisher/Author: keamanetushin. Uploaded Date: Monday - June 18th. 2018 00:18:04 AM. Category: Architecture. Image Source: dornob.com.
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Embossing Folder - Folk Ornaments Embossing folders will add texture and dimension to your projects to make them unique and interesting. They are to be used in any of the tabletop die-cutting machines on the market including the Cuttlebug, Bigshot and the BigKick. So simple and easy and Fun! to use.


With the appointment of former double Commonwealth Games Gold medallist & three times Olympian, David Carry, to British Swimming's Board of Directors, Scottish Swimming must announce Carry's departure from its own Board of Directors.
"It has been a great pleasure and privilege to have been on the Scottish Swimming Board for the last four years. I have learned a great deal and this has been a huge support in my transition from athlete to business career.
"I'm proud of the work the Board has achieved, providing the leadership and stability for our sport in Scotland. Some of the highlights have been; enhancing the high Performance Centre environments in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling, developing a strong commercial partnership with Scottish Water and of course capitalising on the excitement from Glasgow 2014.
"David has made a great contribution to the Board and the direction of Scottish Swimming in a relatively short period of time. While we are sorry to see him go, we recognise that this is a great opportunity for him to further influence our sport on a National level.
Carry will step down from Scottish Swimming's Board with immediate effect with his role on the British Swimming Board starting on 3rd February.


Ensuring that you attract a potential quality hire is fundamental to both your recruiting success and the success of your company long term.
Text interviews? While the idea may seem a little crazy to some, others are using the change in technology to their advantage. Maybe you can as well!
Hiring analytics can help you learn from past mistakes, plan for the future, and make the most of your hiring process. Don't believe us? Check out why.
Passive applicants are underrated, plain and simple. It's time to broaden your search for top talent to include this underutilized pool.
Don't let your emotions cost you top talent.
Employee turnover. On top of being a hassle, it could be costing you millions. Are you taking the right steps to prevent loss? Let us help.
Do You Have a Social Media Strategy for Applicants?
If you don't have a social media strategy in place, you could be missing top applicants? Let us help you get started.


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5 Best Ways To Use Google Translate In Business
Last updated -Friday, January 31, 2020
Google Translate has been a popular service offered by Google Inc. and used by more than 200 million users daily. The tool is free and integrates 80 different languages. Using the simple interface, users can effortlessly translate words, sentences and even complete web pages to any of the supported languages.
Basic tips to use of Google Translate
Apart from being a seriously useful tool, Google Translate can also be entertaining and quite fun to use. There are several ways in which you can use Google Translate. At the core, it is a transistor application that presents considerable advantages. The best thing about the tool is its ease of use. The choice of language is fairly complete and with several features, it takes care of most language services. Lots of business always prefers to use social media to improve online business but somewhere Google Translate is also have very important role to improve business.
The interface for Google Translate presents two adjacent text boxes. The one on the left hand side asks for the input (the source language) and the right hand box provides the result. You may choose to translate into any language from the language tab. Similarly, you can ask Google to detect the source language in case you aren't quite sure about it.
1. Using audio: Google Translate also presents a highly effective tool that actually helps you learn the pronunciation of any foreign text. The symbol 'A' next to the translation will present an audio version of the output.
2. Multiple languages: Webmasters can seriously profit from this feature. Google Translate will help you translate complete documents in multiple languages, helping you reach maximum audience.
Google translate for Business Use
Google Translate is offered both as a free and a paid version. The paid version presents a pragmatic interface with the latest technology that presents much accurate results. The paid API of Google Translate supports more than 50+ language transition (2500 language pairs and more) and without any usage restriction. So what could be the benefits?
1. Attracting Global Visitors
With more than 60 different languages, Google Translate has been used by many businesses to reach a global audience in their language. This makes global communications and presenting a foreign version of your site. Apart from translation, Google Translate also helps in customization and improvement of resulting web pages. You may also invite other editors to improve the translation.
2. Global Market Finder to reach customers
The Global Market Finder helps businesses search for new market opportunities overseas. The tool integrates data from various locations in the globe and helps business compare costs and the profitability of operations. It has been helping several businesses entering new potential markets.
3. Call and Chat with Clients via Google Translate Bot
Google Chat also comes integrates with instant translation, helping you chat in a foreign language with clients overseas. You can use this to understand what the person in the other end is saying and reply in your own language and Google takes care of the translation. For businesses, the Google Translate Bot presents a great way to reach out within markets that were previously inaccessible because of lingual differences.
How Google Translate Bot Works?
Translator Bot will translate your message into another language which your other end can understand. These Google Translate bots are actually named using two-letter language abbreviations which is formatted as "[from language]2[to language]@bot.talk.google.com". For example, if you write 'Hello' to en2es@bot.talk.google.com (English to Spanish), then it will respond with 'Hola.'
Here is the table of Google Translate Bot Combinations
Note: Don't forget to write: "@bot.talk.google.com"
How to set Google Translate Bot?
Step 1: Send Chat Request
First of all you need to send chat request using formatted Google Translate Bot ID according to your requirements on Google Talk. E.g. Here I want to translate English language to Spanish language so I send my Chat request to "en2es@bot.talk.google.com" in Google Talk.
Step 2: Start Chatting with Google Translate Bot
Once you send the chat request in GTalk then it will give Instant approval and also appears in your chat friends list. Click on it and start translation in different languages using chat. Productive & easy isn't it?
4. Google Goggles Translate for Business Visitors
If you have already used Google Goggles, you would know the proficiency of the tool. Using the platform, businesses and clients can easily recognize texts and products from a different part of the world and get all the information connected to it. It is just about taking a picture and a world of information comes alive.
5. Google Translator Toolkit
Google Translator Toolkit is offered as a web based application that helps you edit the translations and organize work in glossaries and memories. The tool allows the users to upload and save a translated MS Word / HTML / RTF / OpenOffice.org document and saved in the Google Drive. There are plenty of productive mobile apps available in the market but when it comes to do global business then Google Translate is best suited application for business.
"Language can be a major disadvantage while working with non-English speaking clients. It is unfortunate, but true. At aMarketForce we use Google chat bots and Google translator to communicate with our non-English speaking clients. Embracing dynamic technology at workplaces not only increases productivity, it fosters a closer relationship with global clients." – Reshma Nigam (CEO of aMarketForce)
When it comes to a business, all the above advantages can mean a lot. Google Translate is also available on mobile and smart device platforms, letting users do more on the go. This Toolkit ensures that no language is alien and you can communicate with anyone in any part of the globe.
Conclusion – While Google Translate offers great many advantages, it also needs to be used judiciously. The chances of wrong translations cannot be completely ruled out as everything is done mechanically. Google Translate is not right all the time and you should always be aware of the risks.
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Cliffannie Forrester will soon graduate from the High School of Art and Design, but that's not even the biggest milestone in her life.
The day she accepts her diploma, the 18-year-old Brooklyn native will have a piece of art on display in The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Her piece, "Uganda," has been selected as winner of P.S. Art, a competition that displays the art work of students across the New York school district at The Met and gives them scholarships.
Forrester found her inspiration for the painting when she traveled to Uganda two years ago with her friend.
As she was scanning through her photos recently, she discovered one of a young girl. She told BuzzFeed that her teacher suggested she paint it.
When Forrester shared that she won the competition on Twitter, her painting went viral.
In addition to seeing her work in the famous museum, her art will be shown on digital screens in Times Square this week.
She told BuzzFeed that the reception of her work has been "supportive and overwhelming."


One advantage of being a consultant is that you always have to keep track of how you're spending your time. Now, that might not necessarily seem to be a positive aspect of consulting life, but I'm going to make the case to you that it is.
Ask yourself the following questions. What did you accomplish today at work? How about during the past week? Month? Year? I'll bet you would have to sit down and seriously think about this. Even then, you would probably miss a fair amount due to the sheer volume of different activities at most companies (that is, unless you work on an assembly line).
Knowing your accomplishments is important when annual review time comes around. Managers can't keep track of what all of their direct reports have done over a twelve month period. If you don't have the details then your salary increase could hinge on what your manager can remember from the past few months.
Keeping a work diary (activity record, time log, or whatever you want to call it) is easy to begin, but requires increasing amounts of discipline to maintain, depending on how often you want to update it. I would recommend a minimum of monthly updates for the long term, but weekly is better since you have less information to forget.
Besides noting your accomplishments for the week, you should also include issues that came up that you couldn't resolve and your plans for next week. Link everything according which of your annual goals to which they best relate. Reviewing this over time will provide great perspective on your progress towards meeting your goals.
A time log is just one tool to help you to Think Like a Consultant. Try it for a few months and share your results with us.


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7 ways IT leaders derail their careers
State CIO shares insights on the importance of strategic IT governance
IT as a product: Rethinking IT service delivery
Reskilling IT for the AI era
How AI is reshaping IT operations
IDG Contributor Network Want to Join?
Transforming IT for Business Success
By Phil Weinzimer, star Advisor, President, CIO | PT
Opinions expressed by ICN authors are their own.
Provides insights, challenges, and advice to help CIOs transform IT for business success
State of PA takes on digital transformation initiative to improve citizen services
An interview with John MacMillan, Deputy Secretary for Information Technology and CIO for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on the need to improve citizen services in PA.
I recently attended the PA TechCon event in Harrisburg, PA where John MacMillan, Deputy Secretary for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, opened the session with a motivating talk about the need to improve citizen services.
Listening to MacMillan speak about the importance of focusing on the needs of citizens reminded me of a business executive speaking to his staff rather than a CIO whose three-decade career has provided him expertise in areas including application development, system integration, data center operations and facility management, as well as knowledge of statewide programs including public health, education, transportation, rehabilitation/corrections, youth services, tax collection and enterprise ERP.
By the end of his talk I knew I had to meet him. And I did. We scheduled some time to speak about his digital transformation initiative and following is an excerpt from our conversation.
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What is driving PA to focus on improving services to its citizens and why is this important for the future of PA?
John MacMillan: We have a Governor in Pennsylvania, Tom Wolf, who is a true believer in transformation and continuous improvement. Before he was Governor, he saved his family's company from bankruptcy. He had to change the entire business model to compete in today's global economy and he had to get employees to buy into the changes. We are currently transforming how we are structured to deliver human resources and information technology services. They're internal functions that significantly impact our ability to serve the public. A lot of other states have gone in the direction of shared services or, like us, are working on it right now. We had previously done a great deal of consolidation in technology infrastructure, such as data centers and telecommunications, as well as ad hoc consolidations of HR and IT organizations. What we had not yet tackled fully were organizing employees to support common business automation opportunities, streamlining funding and associating governance processes and teams with resolving conflicting investment decisions.
To the extent we can reduce the costs of administrative functions like HR and IT, there is more money available to deliver programs and services to the public, such as fixing roads, improving schools, fighting the opioid epidemic and so on.
What is the objective, scope and timeline of the transformation program?
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JM: We want to transition to a full shared service delivery center model, governance process and financial model to achieve operational efficiencies and allow agencies to better focus resources on delivering programs and services to Pennsylvania.
The service delivery model is based on the principle that organizing into groups allows IT and HR employees to serve agencies with similar or integrated business processes. We call these groups "delivery centers."
In terms of scope, we are talking about $1 billion in total IT spend and about 2,400 IT and HR staff. We used a highly collaborative and employee-driven approach. Over 100 employees were involved to plan and design the new delivery center model. We felt strongly about giving our employees a voice in the future model as a way to make them feel invested in its success.
We began planning the transformation in January 2017 and continue to implement in phases. With the consolidation phase complete, we are now focused on standardization and optimization within the delivery centers. While the transformation is targeted for completion in 2020, activities associated with optimization will be continuous and ongoing.
What changes in organizational structure and roles of IT personnel are required for the transformation program to succeed?
JM: The first change occurred in July 2017, when HR and IT employees who worked for individual state agencies all became employees of the Office of Administration and were grouped into delivery centers based on their previous agencies. We had to transition complement, change reporting relationships and select leadership for the six delivery centers supporting state agencies. We also had to reassign personnel into new roles within the enterprise delivery center.
The delivery center concept pools staff and expertise to support agencies. This required a shift in mindset for IT employees who were accustomed to developing solutions for a single agency or individual business units within an agency. An equally important shift in mindset also needed to occur within the departments and business areas served by IT. We are helping to encourage this change in thinking through shared decision-making on investments and priorities through the strategic planning and governance processes.
We also implemented matrixed employee relationships for cybersecurity and technology operations. Although these employees are embedded in the delivery centers, they report to our enterprise security and technology officers rather than the delivery center CIO. For us, this approach strikes the appropriate balance between standardization and flexibility. However, it was also a new concept for many of our employees to understand.
What are the challenges required for IT / agency personnel to start thinking about improving citizen services?
JM: We faced many of the same challenges you see in other large transition and transformation projects, including limited financial resources, resistance to change and limited experience in executing a transformation of this size and complexity. We also had to contend with complex funding models for business and IT services and numerous federal regulations that influence system design and delivery. That is why we chose an approach that relies on the knowledge and experience of our own employees for what could be accomplished.
We also used industry standards to help guide the thinking for reorganizing staff to better serve groups of agencies. We developed performance metrics that demonstrate the value of IT to citizens and its contribution to business outcomes. The metrics will be phased-in based on maturity and ability to automate reporting.
The technology marketplace will also influence the solutions, products and services available to us and other states. Going forward, we want to use business-driven procurements and innovation concepts to enhance the capabilities in our IT portfolio.
What technology changes need to be made to the Infrastructure in order to improve citizen service?
JM: The new delivery model gives us the opportunity to further optimize spending through technology convergence. Our application portfolio contains a significant number of custom and "one-off" systems and we are taking an incremental, methodical approach to reduce them. This approach is based a few guiding principles: align opportunities, reduce business risk, establish better capabilities, develop on similar technology and increase the use of common components while still respecting valid uniqueness.
As online business services become more integrated, the underpinning data, applications and technology architectures must necessarily become integrated. Cloud-based technologies and industry dynamics will influence our decision-making processes and activities. We know that traditional service delivery models must be integrated with cloud-based approaches.
The need to protect citizen and business data in our systems and operate within regulatory requirements and controls are additional factors that will continue to influence our decision-making processes and activities.
What training programs have you (or are you planning) to help IT personnel THINK differently?
JM: As mentioned before, the Governor is a big proponent of continuous improvement, so much so that he established a team within the Governor's Office to work on this goal. One of the key activities of this office is training employees and managers in lean methodologies. In the past, there was sometimes the tendency to build IT solutions around what were inherently inefficient processes. So, what we want to do going forward is make sure the underlying business processes have been streamlined and optimized before we develop an IT solution to support them. We are also focused on process standardization from a COTS perspective; changing the business process to align to the solutions available in the marketplace. We also continue to train our IT employees on industry standard governance and service management processes. We have also started to train employees on concepts related to design thinking and human centered design. Again, it is about getting the business process right first, then implementing a solution to support it. Future training efforts will focus on leading organizational change.
What are your successes to date? What would you do differently in the future to improve the success?
JM: We are just over a year into the new delivery model and there is a lot to be proud of.
We have implemented an industry standard governance framework for shared decision making, organizational structures and communications. As a result, we have much more clarity now on how decisions are made and who has decision rights and accountability for how IT is used.
The matrix organization structure for cybersecurity and technology operations has helped drive efficiencies, mitigate risks and more evenly allocate resources. We continue to adopt industry standard-based IT processes for managing services: consistent processes to manage change and resolve issues leads to improved customer outcomes.
The new delivery model has also helped to eliminate "haves" and "have-nots." In the past, different agencies invested various levels of resources into IT, which resulted in inconsistent capabilities and quality of service to the public. By grouping IT and HR together, the agencies benefit from larger pools of skills to resolve incidents in operational environments and support projects.
The shared decision-making process is fostering more cross-agency collaboration. Business, IT, HR and budget resources are now part of the structures that execute governance process activities.
We are uncovering new opportunities to streamline spending and make decisions that benefit the group. We are reducing investments in technology through improved sharing of solutions and complimentary spending. We also expanded the use of solution-oriented Centers of Excellence. For example, we were able to enhance of an existing grants management solution to support multiple agencies and avoid new purchases. We have established consistent organizational structures and, where possible, we have developed common service management roles and responsibilities for IT professionals. Our goal is to improve career mobility by making it easier for employees to transfer or be promoted to positions across delivery centers. It also supports recruiting and retaining people who are focused on delivering excellence.
We have generated about 26 million dollars of savings. While saving money is a core component to the transformation program, increasing value is equally important.
What has been your communication strategy both internal to IT / agency personnel as well as citizens/businesses?
JM: At its core, this is a project involving people – our employees, our customers and ultimately, the public we serve. Employees are the foundation and we made a concerted effort to engage them throughout the process. As I mentioned, many employees were part of the discussions and planning efforts for the new design. Beyond that, we wanted to be as transparent to employees as possible about what was happening and help them to understand why we were doing it. On a more personal level, we needed to provide reassurance that there would be a role for them in the new organization. We held town hall meetings, we created a resource account for questions, we prepared managers with talking points and answers to questions and so on.
We also engaged regularly with the senior leadership of the agencies and many of their key program areas. We spent time educating external suppliers so that they understand the direction in which we are heading. We are now working on our first annual report to highlight some of the key milestones and achievements of the past year.
While we have accomplished a great deal in a short time, I think the best is still yet to come. We plan to mature the delivery model, integrate previously siloed functions and employees and identify new opportunities to improve. It is a really an exciting time to work in IT in the commonwealth.
This article is published as part of the IDG Contributor Network. Want to Join?
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CIO resumes: 6 best practices and 4 strong examples
4 KPIs IT should ditch (and what to measure instead)
6 practices of influential IT leaders
Vertical Industries
Phil Weinzimer is president of Strategere Consulting and works with clients to develop business and IT strategies that focus on achieving business outcomes. He has written two books, the most recent, The Strategic CIO: Changing the Dynamics of the Business Enterprise. , focuses on how strategic CIOs leverage information and technolog for competitive advantage. Additionally, he writes articles on strategic IT, including one for CIO Magazine, co-authored a Harvard Case Study, conducts video interview series for Sarder TV-IT Strategtic Thought Leaders-and for Accelerating IT Success-The Strategic CIO: Managing in the 21st Century, as well as speaks at CIO events on IT Strategy and How Strategic CIOs are Changing the Dynamics of the Business Enterprise.


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All Images Credit Disney
Here's What's New on Disney+ This Month
Posted by: Krysten Swensen May 1, 2022
April showers have brought May flowers — and a ton of great new content to Disney+! While you're no longer going to be snowed in without anything to do, sometimes cuddling up on the couch and binging on some great TV is just what you need. Fans of Disney will have a ton of great television shows and movies to watch this month, with new offerings from the Star Wars universe, as well as a highly-anticipated reboot of a classic Disney Channel show. Let's take a look at all the great options coming to Disney+ this month!
Credit: Disney
Disney Gallery: The Book of Boba Fett
"Disney Gallery: The Book of Boba Fett" explores the behind-the-scenes story of the legendary bounty hunter's return to Tatooine with mercenary Fennec Shand, seeking to claim the territory once run by Jabba the Hutt. In this insightful new special, filmmakers, cast and crew reveal never-before-seen footage, groundbreaking technology and the practical effects that brought it all to life.
Moon Knight – Episode 6 – Season Finale
The series follows Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift-shop employee, who becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life. Steven discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As Steven/Marc's enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt.
Credit: Marvel
Life Below Zero – Season 18
When bears, wolves and foxes are your only neighbours, life can be pretty lonely. Add minus-60-degree days and a constant battle for the most basic necessities, and you have the daily challenges of people who live in remote corners of Alaska. This series takes viewers deep into an Alaskan winter to meet tough, resilient residents as they try to stay one step ahead of storms and man-eating beasts to survive the season. When the closest neighbour is more than 300 miles away, these Alaskans subsist solely on what is hunted and foraged. They catch fish for currency in bartering for supplies, or use their packs of sled dogs for transportation. Also highlighted is a time of year not always part of what viewers see in Alaska: spring! Ice is breaking, animals are waking, and residents face new tests before deep cold returns.
Credit: National Geographic
Brought to the screen by the Academy Award- and Emmy-winning teams behind "The Lord of the Rings," "The Amazing Race" and "Queer Eye," "The Quest" is a ground-breaking, immersive, hybrid competition series that drops eight real-life teenagers (Paladins) into the fantastic, fictional world of Everealm, where they must save a Kingdom by fulfilling an ancient prophecy. Throughout the eight-episode series, these heroes are immersed in a fantasy world come to life complete with a castle, royals, ethereal Fates, all forms of mystical creatures and a Sorceress intent on destruction and power.
Marvel Studios: Assembled – The Making of Moon Knight
Join the likes of Oscar Isaac and Ethan Hawke as they reveal how Marvel Studios' Moon Knight was painstakingly brought to life. Through insightful interviews with cast and crew, along with immersive footage from the set, ASSEMBLED pulls back the curtain on this groundbreaking series. Additionally, The Making of Moon Knight incorporates a candid "roundtable discussion" with the series' directors.
Just Like Me – Seasons 1 & 2
Tommy and his friends are five YouTubers who regularly meet up in a juice bar on a boat. On the boat they collaborate and share their ideas, and together they help each other to grow their followers and develop their talents.
Mira, Royal Detective – Season 2
Appointed to the role of royal detective by the queen of Jalpur, a resourceful commoner named Mira sets out on mystery-solving adventures along with her friend Prince Neel, creative cousin Priya, and comical mongoose sidekicks Mikku and Chikku.
Something Bit Me! – Season 1
The filmmaker sheds light on the stories of individuals who have been bitten by various animals in the wild, resulting in several health issues.
The Chicken Squad – Season 1
Three young chicken siblings and their retired search and rescue dog mentor, Captain Tully, work together on problem-solving adventures in their backyard to help their animal friends.
The Wizard of Paws – Season 2
The Wizard of Paws is an American reality show on BYU TV that follows Sterling, Virginia-based animal orthotist Derrick Campana as he creates prosthetic limbs for pets and sanctuary animals.
Credit: BYU TV
Sneakerella
Set in the avant-garde street-sneaker subculture of New York City, "Sneakerella" is a high-energy, music-driven movie that puts a contemporary twist on the "Cinderella" fairy tale.
El is an aspiring sneaker designer from Queens who works as a stock boy in the shoe store that once belonged to his late mother. He hides his artistic talent from his overburdened stepfather and two mean-spirited stepbrothers who constantly thwart any opportunity that comes his way. When El meets Kira King, the fiercely independent daughter of legendary basketball star and sneaker tycoon Darius King, sparks fly as the two bond over their mutual affinity for sneakers. With a little nudge from his best friend and a sprinkle of Fairy Godfather magic, El finds the courage to use his talent to pursue his dream of becoming a 'legit' sneaker designer in the industry. El is now ready to lace up and dream big.
I Cavalieri Di Castelcorvo – Season 1
The small town of Castelcorvo is not as rested as it seems and just a bunch of brave knight can keep it safe. Four kids – Giulia, Riccardo, Betta and Matteo – will have to solve mysterious enigmas and face their greatest fears.
Alice's Wonderland Bakery – Season 1
Alice embarks on magical recipe adventures with her best pals, who join her in the bakery to whip up whimsical cakes and treats for friends and neighbours with enchanted kitchen tools and ingredients to help them.
Secrets of the Zoo – Season 5
One of the largest and most popular zoos in the US, Ohio's renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and its conservation park The Wilds, houses more than 10,000 animals on 12,000 acres. It's also the part-time home of beloved wildlife guru Jack Hanna, the zoo's director emeritus. Now, Nat Geo Wild is taking viewers inside the grounds and allowing them to experience what visitors can't: compelling, heartwarming stories, and behind-the-scenes moments and adventures. `Secrets of the Zoo' introduces both the animals and the legions of workers who create unforgettable connections between people and wildlife.
Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers
In "Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers," Chip and Dale are living amongst cartoons and humans in modern-day Los Angeles, but their lives are quite different now. It has been decades since their successful television series was canceled, and Chip (voice of Mulaney) has succumbed to a life of suburban domesticity as an insurance salesman. Dale (voice of Sandberg), meanwhile, has had CGI surgery and works the nostalgia convention circuit, desperate to relive his glory days. When a former cast mate mysteriously disappears, Chip and Dale must repair their broken friendship and take on their Rescue Rangers detective personas once again to save their friend's life.
Shook
Shook is a Disney Channel scripted single-camera narrative series that centers around Mia, a 15-year-old, who yearns to dance professionally but is hindered by daily obligations to her little sister, Skylar, and their single mom, a registered nurse.
Gigantosaurus – Season 3
"Gigantosaurus: is based on Jonny Duddle's bestselling book of the same name. Directed by award-winning director Olivier Lelardoux, the series takes preschoolers on exciting, comedy-filled adventures as they dare to be themselves and explore the world beyond their nests. In every episode, the curious young dinosaurs explore the mystery of "Gigantosaurus" – the biggest, fiercest dinosaur of all. They embark on a quest, facing their individual fears and working together to solve a problem. As the inquisitive Mazu, playful Tiny, timid Bill, and courageous Rocky aim to learn more about Gigantosaurus, they discover they each have something to learn from him, too!
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi – Part I & II
Obi-Wan Kenobi begins 10 years after the dramatic events of "Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith" where Obi-Wan Kenobi faced his greatest defeat—the downfall and corruption of his best friend and Jedi apprentice, Anakin Skywalker, who turned to the dark side as evil Sith Lord Darth Vader.
We Feed People
From Director Ron Howard and producers Brian Grazer and Imagine Documentaries, "We Feed People" spotlights chef José Andrés and his nonprofit World Central Kitchen's incredible mission and evolution over 12 years, from being a scrappy group of grassroots volunteers to becoming one of the most highly regarded humanitarian aid organizations in the disaster relief sector. As the world's most prominent food-focused first responders, Andrés and the World Central Kitchen team have snapped into action, combating hunger in the wake of crisis by serving over 60 million meals to date.
The film takes an in-depth look at World Central Kitchen's collaborations with local chefs to feed affected people and first responders, which has instilled an extraordinary sense of hope in these communities. From the frontlines of a crisis to the backrooms of the kitchen, the film examines the restoration of community and the activation of change—one meal at a time.
Few teams in professional sports history elicit such a wide range of emotions as the Detroit Pistons of the late 1980s and early '90s. For some, the team was heroic — made up of gritty, hard-nosed players who didn't back down from anyone. And for others, it was exactly that trait — the willingness to do seemingly anything to win — that made them the "Bad Boys," the team fans loved to hate.
No drama is complete without compelling characters, and the Bad Boys Pistons had a full cast. Viewers will see the many factors that drove one of the best — and most complex — players in NBA history: Isiah Thomas, a lethal combination of sweetness on the outside and toughness within. In addition, the team was characterized by the toughness of Bill Laimbeer and Rick Mahorn; the quiet intensity of Joe Dumars; the savvy and fearlessness of a young Dennis Rodman; the comic relief provided by John Salley; and the mixture of grit, professionalism and style possessed by coach Chuck Daly.
Sandwiched between the Lakers' and Celtics' dominance of the 1980s and the Bulls' run in the 1990s, the Pistons' two titles in 1989 and '90 are often viewed as a transitional period in NBA history, rather than a dynamic championship era in its own right. But for anyone who experienced the Bad Boys in action, they more than carved out their own identity, both in the league and in American popular culture. Now, viewers will finally get the untold story behind one of the most unique championship teams in NBA history.
Credit: ESPN
Hubble's Cosmic Journey
Since its launch in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has captured thousands of stunning images of space, revolutionized our understanding of the universe and become a global icon. To mark its 25th anniversary, National Geographic Channel tells the definitive story of NASA's most successful science project ever, in Hubble's Cosmic Journey, narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson.
Mission Pluto
At this moment, three billion miles away, NASA spacecraft New Horizons speeds through the outer solar system at ten times the speed of a bullet. It is headed where no spacecraft has ever gone before: the last great, uncharted realm of our solar system called The Third Zone. There it will intercept the last unexplored world, the ninth planet, Pluto. No-one yet knows what Pluto really looks like, but one thing is certain: it looks set to revolutionize planetary science forever, because it could answer some of the biggest questions about how our solar system evolved and, ultimately, how the earth was formed.
D. Wade: Life Unexpected
For a decade, Dwyane Wade intimately documented his life and career with a film crew. The result is a remarkably candid portrait of one of the greatest NBA players of all-time.
And there you have it! When Disney says that Disney+ has something for everyone, they really mean it. From Marvel to Star Wars, classic reboots and twists on new tales, you'll be sure to find something new to love this month on Disney+.
Krysten Swensen
Previous: Snack Your Way Through EPCOT!
Next: Walt Disney's untimely death led to a company cover-up and to new policies in its films
About Krysten Swensen
A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!
Will Hollywood Studios' Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Still Be Aerosmith Themed When It Reopens?


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Test Reports Garry Springgay
Every once in a while, a product comes along that's truly innovative and could represent the future of the category.
In my opinion, such a product is the VXi Series of amplifiers from JL Audio. By teaming up with microprocessor manufacturer AKM, they have brought to market a series of amplifiers that combine powerful DSP processing with JL's NexD2 Class-D technology. For this review, JL Audio sent us a sample of the new VX700/5i - a five-channel amp that can easily drive an entire audio system.
The VX700/5i is built into a relatively small chassis, measuring only 250 mm long, 168 mm wide, and 54 mm high. With this small of a footprint, it will be easy to find an appropriate mounting location, but despite its size, the VX700/5i packs some serious power. Rated at 75 x 4 + 180 x 1 into four ohms, or 100 x 4 + 300 x 1 into two ohms, the amp will satisfy even enthusiastic listeners. If you need more power, however, there is a VX1000/5i as well…
Connections are typical classy JL fare. The speaker outputs and signal input connections are accomplished via multi-pin connectors that lock into place once connected. The pigtails are covered in a braided sheath, and the printed heat shrink is used to ID the individual connections. Power is connected by a heavy-duty three-terminal block that accepts up to four-gauge power wire, which then plugs into the amp.
The VX700/5i is equipped with JL's differential-balanced inputs, which dramatically reduce the chance of unwanted noise entering the system. This innovative circuit measures the center pin of the RCA connection relative to the RCA shield. Because both the center conductor and the shield see high impedance to ground at the input, a ground loop cannot be formed, but the real beauty of this system is that it works with balanced or unbalanced signal sources, making this input architecture compatible with all standard car and marine audio equipment. No special cables are required, unlike the fully balanced connections used in professional audio. It also allows the inputs of the amplifier to be compatible with a very wide voltage range of input signals, from as low as 200mV to as much as 16 volts! An optical Toslink connection is also provided to allow direct connection to S/PDIF digital sources up to 24 bit/192 kHz.
Unlike its competition, there are no adjustment controls on the amp whatsoever. All of the signal routing, level control, and frequency shaping is done via JL Audio's clever and intuitive T?N DSP software. The software is free to download and play with, and there are apps for iOS and PC computers, as well as iOS and Android tablets and phones, with an optional Bluetooth communicator. DSP software can be complex and intimidating, but I found the T?N software to be intuitive and easy to use and understand.
To try and thoroughly review the T?N software functionality would take a review or two all by itself, but I will do my best to give you an idea of the vast range of capabilities available here:
Once downloaded and installed, the T?N software provides "Basic," "Advanced," or "Expert" levels of tuning.
Signal routing is easy with intuitive graphics in the software. You can basically route any input to any output or multiple outputs. Muting of individual or all channels.
Gain is fully adjustable, complete with clip indicators.
Channels can be linked together to simplify adjustments common to multiple channels.
Crossover filtering accommodates all-pass, high-pass, low-pass and bandpass configurations. Selectable slopes and various alignments are included, from 6 to 48 dB/octave in 6-dB increments.
Depending on the tuning mode selected, you can have a 10-band graphic EQ, or a fully Parametric version. Phase/Polarity control
Individual channel delay in 0.01 millisecond increments.
The NexD2 Class-D topology permits the use of surface-mount DirectFET devices for a smaller footprint, better efficiency, and less radiated noise. Additionally, the NexD2 circuitry allows for improved capacitor placement and shorter circuit paths inside the amp. With this much power and such a small footprint, JL Audio's exclusive Advanced Rollback Thermal Protection is employed to monitor the amplifier's thermal condition and adjust the operation to eliminate unwanted thermal shutdowns that could interrupt your music.
For my listening test, I set up the amplifier using the T?N software with the final configuration much as I'd set up a conventional amplifier. The goal was to listen to the amplifier's musicality, not to play with the DSP. I set the main channels to 50 Hz high pass, with a Butterworth alignment and second order (-12 dB/oct) slopes. The subwoofer channel was set to 80 Hz low pass, at -24 dB/oct.
As usual, when evaluating the sonics of a DSP-powered product, one of the first things I do is listen for an audible noise floor. I'm happy to say that the VX700/5i is nice and quiet between tracks and during silent passages. To get started, I began my listening with a true test for any amp running a full system: the Atlanta Symphony playing Introit and Kyrie from Requiem Opus 48. This track is an excellent test for how well an amplifier can reproduce complex choral voices and a full symphony orchestra at the same time. The JL Audio amplifier performs very well, and the result is an incredibly satisfying listening experience. I moved on to more current, but equally difficult tunes, like the soft passages and sense of space in the Cowboy Junkies' Trinity Sessions, recorded with the band standing around a microphone in The Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto, Canada. The recording captured the ambience of the room, and the VX700/5i reproduced it with excellent realism. The listening evaluation process continued, listening for any telltale signs of a Class-D design, such as high frequency harshness or added high frequency noise. I found nothing at all to complain about, which is to say, the JL Audio amp proves to be natural and realistic sounding, with plenty of power to handle high dynamics and the ability to be very quiet when it's supposed to be. All in all, this is a very good sounding amplifier, regardless of topology.
On the unforgiving Cogent Audio Labs test bench, the VX700/5i exceeds the published power specifications. Backing up my listening experience, the signal-to-noise performance is very good for a DSP-powered Class-D amplifier, and in fact better than some analog amps I've measured. This is a serious accomplishment and my hat's off to the engineering team. Wideband frequency response is also excellent, with the amp rolling off gently well beyond the upper limit of audibility. The bench testing proved that the five-channel amp can be driven by virtually any source unit or OEM amp in existence and has excellent thermal performance thanks to the high efficiency design, while the clever Advanced Rollback scheme allows the amp to continue to play when others would simply shut off.
With all the technology and capability built into the JL Audio VX700/5i, plus the fact that you only need one of them for your whole system, this is likely to be a very popular amplifier. Add in the ability to interface into virtually any OEM, aftermarket, or digital source, as well as the ability to be tuned and configured to perfection, this really could be the beginning of a whole new era in car audio.
The following power measurements were obtained as follows:
(100 HZ @ 1.0% THD+N - Battery voltages shown, +/- 0.1V)
MEASURED PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS
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Mosconi Gladen PRO 5/30 Amplifier Review


We are grateful to our generous sponsors who helped make this event possible.
Joshua Gimbel, Board Chair, Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation, presents Daniel Bader,President and CEO of Bader Philanthropies, with Unified Voice. This art piece came to life when the Recharge & Renew Group, who all enjoy history, wanted to learn how letter sounds and Hieroglyphics became language. It became a group collage of feelings, thoughts, and individual special quotes.
President/CEO of Ovation Communities, Mike Sattell, speaks on the legacy of Helen Daniels Bader and her passion for helping those with Alzheimer's disease.
Marylyn Scheuer of Chabad-Lubavitch of Wisconsin and William Komisar of Clifton Larson Allen take a moment to pose for a photo.
Joshua Gimbel (right), Jewish Home and Care Center Foundation Board Chair, catches up with David Gruber before the start of the luncheon.
The event drew a sold-out crowd of 300 guests.


Each passenger is responsible for providing Princess Cruises® with complete and accurate immigration information. Passports are recommended but not required for US Citizens. US citizens traveling on U.S. roundtrip or "closed-loop" voyages may travel with an original certified birth certificate presented together with a valid government-issued photo identification.
Government fees and taxes are also included in your cruise fare. Other items are not included in the cruise fare including, but not limited to: gratuities for onboard staff, alcoholic and some non-alcoholic drinks, spa and salon services, laundry, shore excursions, travel insurance, and purchases made in the onboard stores.
Gratuity is $12 per person for mini-suites and suites, and $11.50 per passenger in all other staterooms per day (including children). Since this is a 4-night sailing the cost is $48 for mini-suites and suites, and $46 pp for all other categories.
Does Princess Cruises provide transfer services from the airport?
Yes. Roundtrip transfer from FLL is $38 per person, and $48 pp from MIA.
Is transportation included in the cruise fare?
Transportation is not included in the cruise fare. You should speak with a representative from your church to find out if chartered service or group air is available.
You may use Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) or Miami International Airport (MIA). Fort Lauderdale is closest to the pier. Group transfers can be arranged to minimize the cost of transfer from the airport to Port Everglades.
What is the bedding configuration for triple and quad staterooms?
Third and fourth guests will be accommodated with upper beds (like a bunk bed), rollaway, or sofa bed. Please be aware that staterooms are the same size, whether the room is a double, triple or quad.
Can my spouse and/or children attend?
Space is limited for the cruise; therefore we are requesting only ladies register and attend the cruise. ONE Conference will not include any special activities for children or teens.
Are children and teen programs available on the ship?
Yes, children and teen programs are available for children age 3 (potty trained) and older. Please see your church's representative for a review of the programming offered for children and teens.
Are rates discounted for children or seniors?
No, the rates shown are the rates for all participants, regardless of age.
Are there any age restrictions for children or teens?
Yes, children over six (6) months of age at the date of sailing will be accepted. Passengers under the age of 21 years must travel in a stateroom with a passenger 21 years or older who shall assume responsibility for their care during the cruise. Each passenger agrees and warrants that he/she will supervise any passenger in his/her care at all times to ensure all policies, along with all other rules of the Carrier and ship, are strictly adhered to by all passengers under their supervision.
I don't have a roommate; can I still attend the cruise?
We will be happy to assist you in identifying a roommate. If you desire to travel as a single, rates are available; however the rates are double the price shown for double occupancy.
What happens if my roommate cancels, can I still go on the cruise?
Yes you can, however you will need to replace your roommate or pay the difference to change your stateroom to a single.
Yes, the initial deposit of $50 is nonrefundable and non transferable. Staterooms not paid in full by August 3, 2014 will be cancelled. Staterooms cancelled after August 3, will incur additional penalties.
What are the methods of payment for the cruise?
The initial deposit of $50 is only payable by cash, check, or money order. After the initial deposit, credit cards may be accepted. To make a credit card payment you can call 205.425.4735 or 205.626.9338. Payments can be mailed to PO Box 361281, Birmingham, AL 35236.
Can I use cash onboard the ship?
One of the best things about cruising with Princess is the convenience of being able to sign for all your expenses and have them charged to your stateroom. When you check-in for your cruise, you'll receive a Cruise Card (a personal identification card). The Cruise Card is used to access your personal shipboard account to which all purchases are charged. An itemized statement will be delivered to your stateroom prior to disembarkation. By providing your credit card in advance, you are automatically registered for Express Check-Out. There is no need to visit the Passenger Services/Purser's Desk to settle your account. Princess accepts U.S., Canadian, British and Euro currencies, and traveler's checks. Express/Optima®, Diners Club/Carte Blanche®, Discover® Network, the JCB Card®, MasterCard® and Visa® are also accepted. Those paying by traveler's checks or cash will be required to leave a cash deposit with the Purser's staff at the beginning of the cruise.
Can I travel if I am pregnant?
Pregnant women are not allowed to sail if they are entering the 24th week of their pregnancy by the last day of the cruise. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician's letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery (EDD) calculated from both Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and ultrasound (if performed). We strongly recommend you review your health insurance coverage before cruising. Many policies, including Medicare, will not pay for services or hospitalization outside of the country or for emergency evacuation.
Are there any provisions for clients with disabilities?
Princess makes every effort to accommodate passengers with disabilities, but you can ensure a successful trip by working with them in advance. Please notify the travel agent of your wheelchair usage, special needs, and/or service animal before your voyage. Notices and requests must be made in writing and faxed to the Princess Access office at 661-284-4408 at least 30 days prior to sailing. All Princess ships have wheelchair-accessible staterooms, but we highly recommend collapsible wheelchairs, as the widths of the stateroom doors vary. You may bring your own, or you can pre-reserve a wheelchair and have it and other medical equipment delivered to the ship by contacting Special Needs at Sea at 800-513-4515 (outside the US 954-585-0575) or by visiting specialneedsatsea.com. Alternatively, you can contact CareVacations at 877-478-7827 or cruiseshipassist.com. Some areas on some ships are not wheelchair accessible.
Passengers utilizing mobility devices with batteries are advised that the batteries must be a dry cell type, and must be stored and recharged in the stateroom. Mobility devices of any kind, like any other items, may not be left outside the stateroom. Because of staffing limitations, we recommend you be accompanied by someone who is physically able to assist you both onboard and onshore.
The goal of Princess Cruises is to provide a safe comfortable cruise experience for all passengers. If you will be using a mobility device during your sailing we strongly recommend you travel with a person physically fit to assist with your needs both onboard and ashore.
Embarking and disembarking can be challenging for those with limited mobility. Many major ports of call provide easy access for wheelchairs and scooters. However due to various conditions; steepness of the gangway, weather, shore-side facilities, tidal and sea conditions, passengers using mobility devices may be required to transfer to a stair climber or be precluded from going ashore. Princess staff will make every effort to assist but are not allowed to individually physically lift more than 50 pounds (22 kg).
The decision to allow any passenger to board a tender or disembark the vessel will be made by the Captain on the basis of the safety and welfare of all involved and is final. If passengers are unable to tender or disembark because of circumstances outlined above there will be no refund or credit for missed ports. While Princess recognizes your disappointment the safety of both passengers and crew takes precedence.
© Copyright 2013 ONE Together in Covenant Women's Conference. All Rights Reserved.


MVDC has statutory duties on planning set out in The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.
For the purpose of planning applications and representations on those applications the source of the personal data is you, or any third party or planning agent that you have employed to make your application or representation.
MVDC staff involved in the administration and management of the public register and associated Development Management function.
In addition, your information may be shared with third parties for the purposes of detecting or preventing crime.
The personal data you have supplied with your planning application will be retained on the public register indefinitely in order to meet our statutory obligation under The Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015. Letters of representation and any personal information contained therein will be destroyed after 4 years in accordance with the Openness of Local Government Bodies Regulations 2014.
There is no statutory obligation on you to provide any personal data about you, however failure to provide the correct details on your application will result in the Council being unable to validate, register and determine your application.
Furthermore, failure to provide a name and address with your representation will mean that the Council cannot take your comments into account.


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WOMEN'S BASKETBALL : Last-Second Shot Beats USC
By LONNIE WHITE
Necole Tunsil of Iowa wasn't sure if she got her last-second three-point shot up in time and replays showed that she didn't, but it counted anyway as the No. 2 Hawkeyes escaped with a 50-49 victory over USC Thursday night in the championship game of the USC Christmas tournament at the Lyon Center.
Tunsil's shot came after a missed free throw by USC's Nicky McCrimmon with five seconds remaining. Tunsil dribbled down the sideline and launched a desperation bank shot over USC's Lisa Leslie at the buzzer.
Official Tom Dubas disallowed the shot but was overruled by official Larry Shepard, who said that Tunsil jumped from behind the three-point line and released the ball before the buzzer.
USC Coach Cheryl Miller was upset that the officials did not check replays as they had at halftime when they took away a basket by USC's Juleah Woods that left the Trojans' lead at 21-17.
According to Carter Rankin, Pacific 10 Conference supervisor of officials, the first-half shot was reviewed because it was an error by the timekeeper, but the shot at end of the game was a judgment call.
Tina Thompson led USC (6-1) in scoring with 16 points and Leslie added 12. Iowa is 7-0.
In the consolation game, Kina Brown scored 23 points to lead Western Michigan (6-2) to an 89-79 victory over Houston (5-5).


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Hong-Kong Based Exchange OKEx Plans to Move to Malta
Nick Chong | Apr 15, 2018 | 16:00
OKEx, one of the largest exchanges in the world, has announced plans to move to the European island, Malta. This announcement came quickly after a similar announcement made by Binance, one of OKEx's main competitors.
In an attempt to gain an understanding of the political climate around cryptocurrencies in Malta, OKEx's executives met with the Maltese government. While many EU countries are taking a standoff-ish, if not downright hostile, approach to cryptocurrency, Malta – which aims to become a 'global pioneer' for cryptocurrency – has proven to be extremely welcoming to crypto and blockchain businesses.
OKEx Is Expanding To Malta Given Country's Comprehensive Blockchain Initiatives.https://t.co/CrE4wEPOuq pic.twitter.com/nMfKFl4N1g
— OKEx (@OKEx_) April 12, 2018
Currently, OKEx only offers crypto to crypto trading along with a futures market. OKEx is currently based in Hong Kong, which has probably made it difficult for the exchange to obtain the required licenses to allow for a fiat gateway to be opened in collaboration with banking systems. However, some suspect that with the move to Malta, that the exchange will open fiat to crypto trading, which will become an essential part of any successful exchange in the near future.
OKEx CEO Chris Lee stated:
We look forward to working with the Malta government as it is forward thinking and shares many of our same values: the most important of which are protection of traders and the general public, compliance with Anti Money Laundering and Know Your Customer standards, and recognition of the innovation and importance of continued development in the Blockchain ecosystem.
Malta – a Global Pioneer for All Things Crypto
Since the rise of the cryptocurrency industry, Malta has been continually open to accepting companies who are looking for a bit more wiggle room with regard to regulations. As a result of this, Malta has established itself as the crypto and blockchain 'go to' locale as more startups and exchanges flock to the country.
Earlier in 2018, Malta's government announced their plans for a new segment of the government called the Digital Innovation Authority which aims to provide full legitimacy for blockchain and cryptocurrency companies alike.
It is unlikely that Malta will be averse to any legitimate cryptocurrency or blockchain company in the future as their policy plans indicate that they are willing to keep cryptocurrency rules minimal.
OKEx Chief Risk Officer and Head of Government Relations noted:
Malta's Virtual Financial Asset Act is a solid foundation for the industry and the government to work together in fostering the nascent blockchain/digital asset industry. More specifically, Malta's sound risk-based approach will help cultivate a responsible, compliant, and healthy ecosystem.
Do you think that the cryptocurrency and related technology industry will flourish in Malta? If not, where else? Let us know in the comments!
Images Courtesy of AdobeStock, iStockPhoto
Tags: Bitcoin Exchange, bitcoin regulation, Cryptocurrency, Cryptocurrency Exchange, OKEx, regulation
How This Solution Could Unlock Massive Adoption For Ethereum


Our clients expect us to identify the best individuals to fill permanent roles within their business. To do this we proactively source top performers across the UK and Europe, certain assignment are run confidentially (without reference to the data subject) and we do also run advertising campaigns to source suitable individuals. We will always initiate contact with you via phone or email to ensure you are interested in a role before submitting your details / CV / personal data to a client.
To do our role effectively we need to research systems, online databases and other information sources and talk to many individuals. Due to the nature of our role we are required to process personal data quickly, confidentially and often without reference to the data subject. We process such data in accordance with the Data Protection Laws, regularly using our legitimate interest where it is not possible or feasible to speak directly with the data subject.
We collect information from candidates through research, directly when you submit your CV to an advert or when you send this to us via email or post. We also collect information from you when you speak with a Ntice Search employee.
To determine if we should get in touch with you to discuss a role.
If we believe you are suitable for a specific role, we will reach out to you to discuss the role – via email or phone.
We will discuss the role with you, if you are interested in the role we will ask for a copy of your CV which we will then share with our client.
If successful, you might be shortlisted for an interview with our client.
We will use client data to perform our recruitment services to you and other legitimate business purposes such as marketing.
We may invite you to become a candidate in respect of the provision of our recruitment services.
If you respond to a job advert or we contact you to discuss a role, you will be asked to submit additional personal data. This includes information such as, education current and past career history and CV. Your CV may contain employment history, education, professional qualifications, memberships, details of papers written, references and referees, amongst other things.
We may also collect personal data from third-party databases and other public sources.
As well as basic contact information we will also collect information about your role and other information provided to us by your organisation. We will use client data to perform our recruitment services to you and other legitimate business purposes such as marketing.
Our aim is to safeguard your privacy whilst providing an excellent service to our candidates and clients. Collecting personal data is necessary in order for us to identify the best individuals for every role we work. We protect your personal data, from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification or disclosure. Please note we do our utmost to safeguard your data, but no system can ever declare that they are 100% failproof and we cannot be held responsible for unauthorised or unintended access that is beyond our reasonable control.
If you are looking for work, or even just wanting to put some feelers out into the market place, please give one of our consultants a call. Get on to a head-hunters radar and let the good jobs find you.
Remember – to be found by a head-hunter you need to have a presence on the web. The easiest way to be found is to have a presence on a reputable networking site. If you are approached by a head-hunter, be open to talking, it costs you nothing to have a chat and who knows what doors that conversation may open.


Women's World Banking is proud to announce a call for applications for its Leadership and Diversity for Innovation Program, which brings together a senior executive (female or male) and a woman leader or high-potential woman (selected by the senior executive) from up to 20 top-performing institutions committed to financial inclusion from around the world. Over the course of 12 months, these two cohorts join a number of in-person and remote trainings designed to achieve personal transformation and leadership impact at the institutional level. Each team will identify and solve a real-time challenge facing their institution, such as growing the business responsibly, better serving existing clients, reaching new market segments, or creating inclusive workplaces to attract and retain diverse talent. Participants will leave the program with the tools necessary to deliver the strategic business initiative identified at the outset of the program and with a peer network to support them.
The senior executive track enhances critical management and leadership skills required to sustain institutional performance and provides tangible tools to promote and sustain institutional-level innovation for serving women as internal and external clients.
The women leader or high-potential women track is designed to help participants focus on individual development to best contribute to the organization by honing and using their personal leadership style and skills including visioning, negotiation, managing difficult conversations and strategic relationship-building to achieve impact. The program supports women leaders to take the next step in their career advancement and helps organizations to create a diverse pipeline of future talent.
Dates: The Leadership and Diversity for Innovation Program is a year-long program with multiple in-person and remote touch points. Applicants must commit to full participation in all programmatic components over a one-year period.
Eligibility: Please note that only Women's World Banking network members, associates, partners and other top-performing institutions committed to financial inclusion with a focus on the women's market, are eligible to apply. Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for participation in the Program. Participating institutions must be interested in or committed to serving the un and underbanked segment with a focus on women.
Program Costs: The 2016 program cost for each institution including tuition, accommodations, breakfast and lunch, and course materials is US$6000. Institutions are also responsible for all travel and incidental expenses incurred (ground transportation, visas, insurance, additional meals, etc.). Limited scholarships may be available.
Once your application has been approved, you will be sent an information package on course registration and content.
Cancellation Policy: Once your application has been accepted, Women's World Banking will issue an invoice. Payment is due within 30 days of the invoice date in order to retain your place. Cancellations must be submitted in writing up to 30 days prior to the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations received less than 30 days prior to the start of the Executive Forum will be subject to full payment.
This application must be fully completed by the senior executive requesting admission to the program before review by the Admissions Committee. Please answer NA where data is not available.
Each participating senior executive is required at a later date to nominate a woman leader or high-potential woman from his or her organization. Please see details below.
The Committee will review all applications and will notify applicants of decisions. Once your application has been approved, you will be sent additional information to register for the course.
The application should take no more than 30 minutes to complete.


"...This certainly ranks as one of the most important discoveries in science in the last 300 years..." Peter Lindemann, D.Sc.
"...The double oscillator is also the best mechanical analogy of the alternating current, even better than Tesla's analogy..." prof. Velimir Abramovic, Ph.D.
"...It is estimated that the input of gravity in the performance of biphase oscillator is around 80%..." academician prof. Bratislav Tosic, Ph.D.
The Secret of Free Energy from the Pendulum by Jovan Marjanovic, M.Sc.
Theory of Gravity Machines by Jovan Marjanovic, M.Sc.
Keys of Understanding Gravity Machines of Veljko Milkovic by Jovan Marjanovic, M.Sc.
The goal of this work is of to clarify some issues concerning two inventions of Serbian inventor Veljko Milkovic. The first invention is two-stage mechanical oscillator and second one is inertial propulsion cart.
Mechanical Feedback Loop Problems and Possible Solutions for the Two-Stage Oscillator by Jovan Marjanovic, M.Sc.
The goal of this work is to share findings and problems in an attempt to close mechanical feedback loop for two stage mechanical oscillator of Veljko Milkovic. This work is a continuation of the work Keys of Understanding Gravity Machines of Veljko Milkovic with some additional insights after several attempts to finish the mechanical feedback loop.
In this document I will show that Mr. Milkovic's two stage oscillator may be viewed as a damped parametric oscillator, and that pumping of energy from the driving, swinging pendulum is not a precedent in the world of physics, but rather, an expected effect due to a well-known phenomenon called parametric excitation, parametric resonance or parametric pumping. Consequently, a ready-set of modeling tools should be applicable to properly model the device.
Two-Stage and Three-Stage Oscillator as a Compressor by Zoran Markovic, Ph.D.
The Physics of the Two-Stage Pendulum Oscillator by prof. Colin Gauld, Ph.D.
Analysis of the influence of the centrifugal force during operation of the two-stage mechanical oscillator by Jovan Bebic, M.Sc.
Angular Momentum, Parametric Oscillator and Over Unity by Jovan Marjanovic, M.Sc.
The goal of this work is to present mathematical and experimental proof of getting energy surplus or over-unity energy out of gravitational field by using pendulum as parametric oscillator.
Basic Principles of Construction for Over Unity Electro Motors and Generators by Jovan Marjanovic, M.Sc.
The Case in Electro-Magnetism Where Newton's Third Law is Not Valid and Getting an Energy Surplus in an Electro Generator by Jovan Marjanovic, M.Sc.
The Mechanical Engine: A Re-Evolution of Bessler's Wheel by Peter Lindemann, D.Sc.
Common problems with mathematical models and Lagrange's equations for two-stage oscillators by Jovan Marjanovic, M.Sc.
This paper will discuss two basic problems with mathematical models of the two stage mechanical oscillator of Veljko Milkovic; problem with dynamical usage of input energy and problems with soft connection between members of the system.
Modeling and simulation of a double pendulum with pad by Bojan Petkovic, M.Sc.
Oscillation of the lever caused by the swinging of the pendulum by academician prof. Bratislav Tosic, Ph.D.
Commission members of the SAIN Academy, on the basis of the submitted documentation and following a successful demonstration, reached a conclusion on the Two-Stage Oscillator.
The goal of this work is to answer two basic questions: how to construct an efficient two-stage oscillator and how to measure the quotient of efficiency of the constructed oscillator.


At present serving the six largest US integrated health techniques, Infor options enhance operational efficiency and facilitate the extremely transactional relationships throughout health plans, providers, brokers, and members. With monetary administration and enterprise intelligence instruments that help development and agility within the quickly changing healthcare landscape, health plans can compile benchmark information important to providers, cut back administrative prices, decide product profitability, and help carry new merchandise to market sooner.
Gov. Phil Scott of Vermont, who received election in November whilst Hillary Clinton carried his state by greater than 20 proportion points, stated the bill might cripple the health care system in Vermont. Surgical procedures ~ maintain observe of surgeon's identify, dates, cause and outcomes of any surgeries. This mentor-led course assists college students in completing their research, compiling findings/conclusions in making ready their dissertation for supply and protection.
Enthusiasm for regional economic collaboration continues to develop, evident from the specific objective of the ASEAN Free Commerce Area to extend the area's aggressive benefit as a manufacturing base geared in direction of the world market. ASEAN leaders have identified healthcare as a priority sector for area-wide integration. From an economic perspective, opening of healthcare markets promises substantial financial features. On the similar time, however, this course of may also intensify existing challenges in promotion of equitable access to healthcare within nations. It could also result in undesirable outcomes whereby only the higher-off will receive benefits from the liberalization of trade coverage in health.


I recently figured out a neat trick for getting a YouTube video to show up on Page 1 of Google search results. We all know that YouTube = Google, so that makes this technique even more powerful than if it was done with some random video site that may be shut down or Google may someday decide to ignore.
This trick used to work great before the YouTube blog was changed to a Blogger platform. Now there's a "NOFOLLOW" attribute on the comment hyperlinks, so it's arguable how effective this is anymore. But if you want to try it…give 'er! Report back if it seems to work.
Create a YouTube profile, if you haven't already.
Upload a video that's been keyword-optimized for the Google search phrase you're targeting. This means the title of the video should be your long-tail keyword. Like "make money online fast".
Create a Blogger profile (Frank's is just an example), if you haven't already. Add a backlink in the "About Me" section which goes to your YouTube profile URL. Again, use the keyword you're targetting.
Find a story to comment on.
For the "Comment As" field select "Google Account".
Write a respectful, relevant comment.
The Blog page has PR of 9…that's HUGE!
Wait for your video to appear in Google search results.
← Content vs Backlinks – Both sites are live!
any idea how long it takes for google to recognize your video in there search results?
Great advice, leaving comments is a very effective way to build links and relationships. I didn't even know that there was a youtube blog. We are leaving for a world trip in a few months and will be posting a lot of videos. I will definitely be using your advice. Thanks.
Thanks mike, I see that.
Well I believe the idea still works, you just need to comment via an OpenID account which has a link to your YouTube video on your public profile.


text:
Duckpool Cottage, Woodford, Bude, Cornwall, EX23 9JN01288 331368info@soundwaves-sw.co.ukRegistered Charity No: 1167138
History of SWSW
Instrument Loan Scheme (ILS)
SWSW Perryman/Bolitho Award
School Music Workshops
Patrons:
Dr Rosie Richardson
Duncan Honeybourne
We are very sorry to announce that our Patron, The Lady George of St Tudy, passed away in March 2017. She will be sadly missed
Trustees and Committee:
Janet (Jen) Ash: Chairman
Clare Monro: Vice Chairman
Rowly Pillman: Trustee and Acting Treasurer
NOTE: The Charity always welcomes new Trustees and Patrons. Anyone wishing to become a Trustees or a Patron should contact the Chairman, Janet Ash on 01288 331368
Music Therapists:
Mike Hewitt James Tucker Lucy Collings Pettit
Administrators:
Samantha Kendrick: Secretary to SWSW
David and Ruth Puddick: ILS Co-ordinators
Mrs Heather Bolitho
Mr Tim Browning
Mrs Lucy Burrows
Mr Martin Cole
Mrs Ruth Compton
Mr John Goacher
Mr Hugh Monro
Mr Rowly Pillman
Mrs Jessica Rance
Mrs Barbara Simpson
Mrs Jacki Stephens
Mr and Mrs Alan Swann
Mrs Richard Wellby
Personal and Corporate Membership:
Supporters of SWSW can become Personal Members through a donation for as little as £12 per year, although if you can spare any more, it would be very gratefully received. You can download a membership form here:
SWSW membership form
Corporate membership costs £50 per year
Copyright Sound Waves South West Registered Charity No: 1167138 | Designed, built & hosted by twdesigns
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Mike qualified as a Clinical Music Therapist at the Roehampton Institute, London in 1994. He has over 15 years of experience of working as a Clinical Music Therapist for the British National Health Service as well as in Education – Mainstream and Special Schools – for Charities, Social Services and Privately in the UK, as well as working for 1 year with the elderly in Australia. He has worked with all ages, from pre-school children through to the elderly, and in a variety of settings – he has particular experience of working with and real empathy with those with autism and learning disabilities. Mike moved to Cornwall in 2002 and formally joined the SWSW team in 2003 – he currently works for the Charity in 4 schools in North Cornwall. In June 2010 Mike took a one year sabbatical to work for The Music Therapy Trust India as the course tutor in Delhi. In his time there Mike delivered workshops and lectures in Mumbai and Kathmandu (Nepal) to doctors, psychologists, creative practitioners, care professionals, parents and musicians. Mike continued his clinical Music Therapy work too for an Autism charity in Delhi as well as running and participating in musical activities for street children and learning disabled adults. Mike was pleased to come back to Cornwall and to bring his greatly enhanced skills and experiences to benefit our local children and adults. He also composes, sings, plays the saxophone and keyboard and has played in various local bands as well as singing tenor in a chamber choir.
James qualified as a Music Therapist in 2013 after completing an MA at the University of the West of England, Bristol. He received an ecletic training and worked with adults and children who had a range of complex needs. From an early age he has nurtured his passion for music by writing songs and performing his own material ata number of local venues. He gained a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Plymouth University in 2010. During his study at university, he discovered that he would like to use his musical skill to support and enrich the lives of others. James' thesis was on music therapy and dementia. He has a special interest in this field and currently works at a residential care home, undertaking individual and group work with the elderly.
Lucy Pettit qualified as a Music Therapist in 2012 after completing an MA in Music Therapy at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Since qualifying, Lucy has worked in the NHS with children and young people with autistic spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses, and emotional, social and behavioural difficulties in a variety of settings including specialist communication provisions, mainstream schools, and a child and family centre. Lucy Collings Pettit graduated with a BA (Hons) in Music from the University of Southampton in 2008 and worked with adults with autism and learning disabilities for two years in Exeter before training as a Music Therapist. She is an accomplished flautist and pianist. Lucy has a special interest in working with children and young people, and currently works as part of the SWSW team providing a music therapy service at Pathfield School in Barnstaple.