text:
Annual Corporate Resolutions and Why They're Important
David van Moorsel April 7, 2019
Created OnApril 07, 2019
byDavid van Moorsel
Corporations are required by law to hold annual meetings of the shareholders (or pass written resolutions instead), and to keep the corporation's records up to date.
Besides ensuring that the corporation complies with the law, there are several reasons why it's important to pass annual resolutions of the directors and shareholders and keep a corporation's minute book up to date:
Avoid the Requirement of Audited Financial Statements
By law, the shareholders of a corporation (whether they hold voting or non-voting shares), are entitled to receive audited financial statements of the corporation each and every year.
Obtaining audited financial statements can be a significant expense for a small private corporation, and most small business owners believe that the additional protection provided by the formal audit is not worth the extra expense.
If the requirement for an audit is not waived in writing by the shareholders EACH YEAR, a shareholder could claim at a later date that the financial statements of the corporation should have been audited, rather than provided on a less stringent Notice to Reader or other review basis. This means that the corporation may be required to go back and have it's financial statements audited for several years (which could easily cost tens of thousands of dollars).
We've witnessed this being used by disgruntled shareholders as a negotiation tactic on several occasions. They state that they will demand to receive audited financial statements for the past 5-10 years if they don't get what they want. This may seem unfair, but if the requirement for audited financial statements hasn't been waived each year, they are within their rights to request this, and courts will almost certainly require it if push comes to shove.
By passing appropriate resolutions of the shareholders each year, and providing in such resolutions that each shareholder waives the requirement for audited financial statements, this significant expense can be avoided.
Ensuring that Directors are Properly Appointed
In some jurisdictions, directors of a corporation are limited to serving for a limited number of years unless re-appointed by the shareholders. Re-appointing and confirming the directors in each year is a prudent step to ensure that the directors of the corporation are properly appointed and have the authority to bind the corporation.
Maintaining Value and Ability to Sell the Corporation
A corporation's minute book is something that banks, investors and purchasers of shares of the corporation will likely want to review prior to agreeing to any transaction.
Having an incomplete minute book is often a sign that the corporation has not taken care of important details and may result in a bank, investor or purchaser backing away from a potential deal.
Avoiding Issues that Cannot be Rectified
It may not be possible to obtain the necessary signatures at a later date due to a shareholder or director's death, incapacity, or a dispute with other shareholders of the corporation, making it impossible to bring the corporation's records up to date and in compliance with the law. Again, this can cause issues when it comes time to sell the business.
Identifying Potential Issues Early
Requiring shareholders and directors to approve decisions of the corporation on a yearly basis gives them the opportunity to raise any issues or concerns they may have with the business and the way it's operated.
If they sign the resolutions without objection, it's evidence that they had not issues or concerns with the way that the corporation was being operated at the time of signing. If they're presented with the resolutions and refuse to sign, their concerns can be addressed in a timely manner.
In our experience, it's best to address issues or potential issues head on, rather than letting them fester and grow into a bigger problem.
Our corporate law services (which are included for one year with our Premium and All In incorporation packages), include preparing annual resolutions of the directors and shareholders of the corporation.
Full details of our corporate law services will be contained in a Registered Office Agreement to be signed at the time of incorporation.
Corporation Basics
Pros and Cons of Incorporation
Shareholders, Directors & Officers
About Officers
About Directors
About Shareholders
Types and Alternatives
Federal vs. Provincial Incorporation
Named vs. Numbered Corporation
Inc. vs. Ltd. vs. Corp.
Alternatives to Incorporating
Records address
Corporate minute book
Annual Corporate Resolutions and Why They're Important
Incorporation Documents
What are Articles of Incorporation?
Setting Up Your Corporation
Issuing Shares
Common vs. Preferred shares
Voting vs. Non-voting shares
Choosing a Name
Tips for choosing a business name
Corporate Name Protection vs. Registered Trademarks
What is a numbered corporation?
What are the basic requirements of corporate names?
What are some other name restrictions?
Corporate law services
Do I need a physical minute book?
What is a corporate seal?
Where to Incorporate
Extra-provincial registration
What is a fiscal year end?
Appointing or waiving the requirement for an auditor
Should I Appoint a Law Firm as the Registered Office for my Business?
Should I Appoint a Law Firm as the Records Address for my Business?
Running a Corporation
Important Steps After Incorporating
Annual Corporate Maintenance Requirements
Hiring Professional Help
The Importance of Legal Advice
6 Key Questions to Ask Before Incorporating a Business
How Much Does it Cost to Incorporate in Alberta? Compare the Prices.
Is incorporation right for your business?
Click the button below for a free consultation with an Alberta business lawyer to find out. Request a Call
The information on this website is general in nature and is not intended to constitute legal advice. Providing legal advice requires a formal retainer and a review of your particular fact situation. If you'd like legal advice from a lawyer, incorporate with us or click here to request a consultation with an Alberta business lawyer.
Thinking of starting a business in Alberta or incorporating an existing one? Before you pick a service provider, check out our incorporation price guide to find the best value. https://t.co/Y6PeBObdcl #Incorporate #Startup #Business #Alberta #YQL #YYC #YEG
— allincorporated (@allincorp_ca) June 6, 2018
Starting a business often begins with making a difficult choice. Should you keep doing what you're doing and ignore your dreams, or take a risk by going for more. Chasing dreams is hard, but there's no better way to avoid regret.#Startup #GoForIt pic.twitter.com/LsnjJ3uuES
Thinking about incorporating but not sure if it's the best form of business ownership for you? Learn more about the alternatives by checking out our latest article.https://t.co/hP6v9Jbuba
— allincorporated (@allincorp_ca) February 26, 2019
© 2019 David G. van Moorsel Professional Corporation
Save $250 or more on Annual Corporate Maintenance Services from All In Business Law
When you choose our Premium or All In incorporation package.


text:
The Bekantan Savior is Amalia Rezeki
20.32 News No comments
Amalia Rezeki Founder Of SBI foundation
The days of this young woman are spent educating prospective "unsung fighters" since 2014. Her goal is to get good deeds by sharing knowledge with students.
Amalia Rezeki, lecturer at the Faculty of Biology at the Lambung Mangkurat University (ULM), does not want to waste even her spare time.
Time for her is a capital given by Allah Subhanahu wa Taala (glorified and exalted be He) that its benefits has multiplied through her love for others, the environment, and other living things, such as bekantan.
As a biology lecturer, Amalia Rezeki's love for proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) has no doubt. Most of her life is dedicated to preserving and protecting the long-nosed animal which is an icon of South Kalimantan.
She is the first woman in Indonesia who has dedicated herself sincerely and consistently since five years to protect the proboscis monkey from extinction.
In supporting this effort Amalia founded the Indonesian Bekantan Friends Foundation (SBI), with a mission to save proboscis monkey (Save Bekantan). This effort is inseparable from guidance from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry through the South Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).
The dedication to the preservation of proboscis monkey is not an appreciation, but a form of responsibility as a citizen, science, and faith as the vicegerent of the earth and for the sustainability of future generations.
"As a key species, saving bekantan for us is saving the planet," said Amalia Rezeki, who is also a final semester student at the environmental doctoral program of ULM.
First in the world
The recipient of the 2015 She Can Award in the field of Bekantan rescue turned out to not only set up a rescue center, but also built a proboscis monkey research station and wetland ecosystem in the Curiak Island - Barito Kuala. For this she collaborated with her almamater college.
This simple research station was inaugurated by ULM Rector Prof. Dr. H. Sutarto Hadi, M.Si, M.Sc. and Prof. Timothy Roberts Killgour from the University of New Castle Australia in 2018.
Previously, the single daughter and her friends built a Bekantan research laboratory which is now an internship for veterinary students from various universities not only from within the country, but also from abroad.
On the other hand Amalia realized that saving proboscis monkeys could not only protect it as an animal, but the importance of preserving the habitat and carrying capacity area for its survival.
For this reason, since 2014, she has carried out the Rambai (Sonneratia caseolaris) Mangrove Forest Restoration movement by releasing land that was once the habitat of proboscis monkeys and then changed its function to reforest.
This effort received support from various stakeholders. Thousands of rambai trees which are the main food and stands of proboscis habitat, she planted with his friends and students as well as the local community.
In this area she also founded the world's first Rambai Mangrove Center (MRC). The area that is not so wide is made as mangrove houses, as information centers and mangrove rambai nurseries.
In addition, there is a mangrove arboretum which is a pilot area for typical wetland plants. For her efforts she received much appreciation from universities abroad.
Every year there are several foreign universities that send students to learn about the conservation of proboscis monkeys and wetland ecosystems.
Amalia's struggle in preserving proboscis monkey was apparently not spared from various obstacles and trials. Weakening efforts from parties who are not happy with this business often occur, not only threatening the mind, but also physically.
Perseverance and patience that keeps her from protecting the proboscis monkey from extinction. "Tears can be exhausted by this tyranny, but our sweat will not stop dripping wet the body in an effort to save proboscis monkey and planet earth," said Amalia with teary eyes.
Her sincerity and patience yielded results that should be grateful for together. The fruit of her struggle with the team at SBI, is now starting to grow a real concern, both from the government and the community.
Proboscis Monkey Conservation
Now people are starting to take care of proboscis monkeys and their habitat. Likewise, the regional government began issuing regulations for saving bekantan, including developing sustainable tourism based on bekantan as a vehicle for recreation and education.
For her tireless efforts to preserve the proboscis monkey, the biology education lecturer and the SBI team on Foresters Day 2019 received an award from the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry through the South Kalimantan BKSDA which was handed over by the Governor of South Kalimantan H. Sahbirin Noor as a conservationist for bekantan.
Sumber : Antara News
Watch Bekantan Swimm For Their Supper In Rare Vide...
Proboscis Monkey Conservation Seminar
Ketua Sahabat Bekantan Amel Beri Kuliah Umum di Ne...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


What is Winstrol 50mg ?
What is the usage of Winstrol 50mg in bodybuilding?
Winstrol is also Known as Winny among the users.
Dosage of Winny Orals 10mg 20mg and 50mg dosage of injectable winstrol comes in 50mg 75mg and 100mg.
Underground labs abuse the drug by making it much more potent by adding some hazardous Chemical which can leads to various side effects that can ruin someone's life.
Half Life of Winny Orals is between 8-9 hours and half life of injectable is between 12-14 hour.
For most Users, it's a less expensive other option to anavar and obviously it's more accessible on the underground market.
This makes winstrol a best cutting steroid available.


text:
How Long Must You Go to School to Be a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner?
Written by Ashley Miller
1 What Do I Need to Major in to Become a Paramedic?
2 How Long to Earn an Ultrasound Degree?
3 I Am a High-School Graduate: How Do I Pursue Becoming an MRI Technician?
4 What Classes in College Must You Take to Become a Nurse?
Mental health nurse practitioners, also referred to as psychiatric nurse practitioners, are advanced practice nurses who provide many of the same services as psychiatrists. They conduct psychiatric evaluations, prescribe psychotropic medication to treat psychiatric symptoms and offer other forms of treatment, such as psychotherapy, according to the American Psychiatric Nurses Association. Mental health nurse practitioners must have either a master's or doctoral degree in nursing, requiring several years of post-secondary education.
The first step to becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner is obtaining a bachelor's degree, which generally takes four years of full-time study. It's advisable and typical, though not always required, to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Schools such as Columbia University's School of Nursing will consider applicants with bachelor's degrees in non-nursing fields. If your bachelor's degree is in a non-nursing field, you will need to complete additional education to qualify as an RN.
Qualifying as a Registered Nurse
To be eligible for admission to graduate programs in psychiatric nursing, you will need to be an RN. To qaulify, you need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination or NCLEX-RN. If you have earned a bachelor's degree in nursing, you are already eligible to take the examination, but if your bachelor's degree is in another field, you need to first complete an appropriate course of education, such as an associate degree in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Associate degree programs and diplomas in nursing usually take between two and three years to complete.
Graduate Degree Options
After you have obtained the RN credential, one year of work experience is often required for acceptance to graduate school in nursing. You may then apply to graduate degree programs with a focus on psychiatry. You will choose between a Master of Science in Nursing degree concentrating on psychiatric nursing, or a Doctor of Nursing Practice in psychiatric nursing. MSN programs require two years of full-time study. It is not necessary to complete an MSN before applying to DNP programs, which require two years if you have already earned an MSN. If not, the DNP will take an additional three years of study.
Obtaining board certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center is the final step to becoming a certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. To become board certified and receive the PMHNP-BC credential, you must have a current and active RN license, have a graduate degree from an accredited adult psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner program in which you have completed 500 supervised clinical hours of experience, show proof that you have completed the required graduate coursework and pass the board certification examination.
American Psychiatric Nurses Association: About Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurses (PMHNs)
Discover Nursing: Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Columbia University School of Nursing: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook: How to Become a Registered Nurse
University of Tennessee Health Science Center: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing
American Nurses Credentialing Center: Adult Psychiatric–Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Eligibility Criteria
Ashley Miller is a licensed social worker, psychotherapist, certified Reiki practitioner, yoga enthusiast and aromatherapist. She has also worked as an employee assistance program counselor and a substance-abuse professional. Miller holds a Master of Social Work and has extensive training in mental health diagnosis, as well as child and adolescent psychotherapy. She also has a bachelor's degree in music.
Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
B.S. in Health Science vs. R.N.
Getting a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. After an MSW
College Courses Required for a Social Work Degree
Two-Year Online Radiology Tech Schools
Difference Between BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences & Doctor of Pharmacy
Necessary Education After High School to Become a Pediatrician
How Many Years of College Are Required to Be an Orthopedic Surgeon?
Do I Need a GED or a High School Diploma to Enroll in Ivy Tech?
Schools for Becoming a Certified Lab Assistant
The Schools for a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Hospice & Palliative Care


text:
V. Anamika (b. 12 March 1976) is a Contemporary Artist born in Neelankarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, a student of S. Dhanapal, an eminent artist of India. She received her master's degree in Fine Arts (Painting and Print Making) in 1999 from Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai. She undertook a course on Care of museum objects at Government Museum in 2005. In 2006, she went to Scotland as a visiting artist scholar to learn Japanese wood-block printing at Edinburgh printmaker's studio.

Awards

She is a recipient of The 55th National exhibition of art Lalit Kala Akademi Award  (2014)., Audi Ritz icon Award,Chennai.(2011), Charles Wallace India Trust Award (2010–11). She earned a Visiting scholarship to the UK to learn Enameling art at University of the West of England.  She has also received a Visiting Artist Award for printmaking residency(1997) at Edinburgh printmakers studio. Apart from these international accolades she has received many National and State recognitions like 6th All India Fine Arts Exhibition (1995), Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath - Karnataka, Lalit Kala Akademi Scholarship for Young Artist(2001)., All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society Collaborating with Lalit Kala Akademi (1997)., Regional Art Exhibition  Chitra Kala Samsed (1996), Machilapatnam, Andhra Pradesh., Arrikamedu Art Academy 4th South Zone Level Art Exhibition Committee, Pondicherry(1996) and the Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu Award (1995, 1997, 1998).

Exhibitions Participated

Invited show
 2013 - ArtBengaluru, ArtChutney.com  Bangalore.
 2012 - Reginonal Art Exhibition, Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai.
 2010 - Silver Anniversary show,  Association of British Scholars , Chennai.
 2010 - 'The Madras Canvas',  Forum Art Gallery  ICC Kuala Lumpur.
 2010 - "Sangamam Art Festival Confluence" (Chennai Art Initiative), Dakshinchitra, Chennai.
 2007 - She India" Noble Sage Gallery, London
 2007 - Dalating Path, a French-indo collaborative project, apparao art gallery, Chennai
 2005 - women@rt at Forum art gallery, Chennai

Solo shows

 2010 - ', at Focus Art Gallery, Chennai
 2007 - 'Transfer', Alliance France, Chennai
 2006 - 'Tune in 96.6', Alliance France, Chennai
 2005 - 'Sum Of Infinity', Alliance France, Chennai
 1999 - 'Sum Of Infinity', Lalit Kala Academi, Chennai
 1999 - Whistle Stop Cafe, Chennai
 1997 - International Airport Authority of India, Chennai

Group Shows
 2013 - Madras Musings, Veda Art Gallery, Chennai.
 2010 - Chennai revisited, The Noble Sage Art Gallery, London.
 2007 -  Sumukha Art Gallery, Chennai
 2007 - art equalated,  India habitat centre, New Delhi
 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006 - National Exhibition of Art, Lalit Kala Akademi
 1997, 1999, 2000 & 2001 - International Exhibition of Miniprints, Spain
 1997 - Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu Young Artists Exhibition Collaborated with GCAC, Chennai
 1997 - All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society Collaborating with Lalit Kala Akademi, Chennai
 1995–2001 - Tamil Nadu Ovia Nunkalai Kuzhu Annual Exhibition of Arts, Chennai
 1997 - Zipzoom a four Man Show at Saga Art Gallery, Chennai.
 1996 - Maxmuller Bhavan, German Consulate, Chennai
 1996 - Regional Art Exhibition, Chitra Kala Samsed, Machilapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
 1996 - Arrikamedu Art Academy 4th South Zone Level Art Exhibition Committee, Pondicherry
 1995 - 6th All India Fine Arts Exhibition, Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath – Karnataka

References

External links
Going round in circles

1975 births
Indian women contemporary artists
Indian women painters
Living people
Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai alumni
Indian multimedia artists
New media artists
Indian contemporary painters
Artists from Chennai
21st-century Indian painters
20th-century Indian women artists
21st-century Indian women artists
Women artists from Tamil Nadu
Painters from Tamil Nadu

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Q: Get Value from JQuery Modal Dialog Submit to another Input Type I am so poor with JQuery & Javascript.
I have a two simple forms. One as primary form with an input type text & and a hyperlink. Another form as JQuery Modal Dialog with select option list.
All I want to do is:
If user click the hyperlink See Milk from the primary form, then will showing a JQuery Modal Dialog.
Then if the option list are selected from the Modal Dialog & click Submit, it should closing the Modal Dialog & showing the value on the input type at primary form.
Here is the HTML of Primary Form:

<form action="milk.php" id="milk_form">
  <input type="text" name="milk_input_name" id="milk_input_id" class="milk_input_class" value="">

  See Milk List
</form>

Here is the HTML of Modal Form:

<form action="milk.php" id="milk_form">
  <input type="text" name="milk_input_name" id="milk_input_id" class="milk_input_class" value="">

  See Milk List
</form>

A: Here is an Demo Code As per your requirement using JQuery UI.
JSFIDDLE
//HTML CODE
<form action="milk.php" id="milk_form">
  <input type="text" name="milk_input_name" id="milk_input_id" class="milk_input_class" value="">

  See Milk List
</form>

     <select id="myselect" name="Icecream Flavours">
                <option value="double chocolate">Double Chocolate</option>
                <option value="vanilla">Vanilla</option>
                <option value="strawberry">Strawberry</option>
                <option value="caramel">Caramel</option>
        </select>

//JQUERY
$(function() {
    var dialog = $("#dialog" ).dialog({
      autoOpen: false,
      height: 300,
      width: 350,
      modal: true,
      buttons: {
           "Create an account": addUser,
        Cancel: function() {
          dialog.dialog( "close" );
        }
      },
      close: function() {
       //Do Something
      }
    });

    $( "#milk_a_id" ).on( "click", function() {
      dialog.dialog( "open" );
    });

     function addUser(){
         var selectedItem = $("#myselect option:selected" ).text();
        $("#milk_input_id").val(selectedItem);
          dialog.dialog( "close" );
     }
  });

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Tag Archives: Design
Essay, Housing, Mark David Major, Professional, Satire, Urban Planning
PAPER | A Fair Proposal
For Providing Affordable Choice in Our Most Prosperous Cities
From Housing Prices Being Less of a Burden to Their Citizens
For Making Greenfield Sites Beneficial to the Public Good
Dr. Mark David Major, AICP, CNU-A
Undisclosed Location, USA
info@outlaw-urbanist.com
www.outlaw-urbanist.com
Every day brings another news article and/or more data about the affordable housing crisis in Western societies. The pungent perfume of Lotium Pour Homme drifts through the parks and streets of our most prosperous cities, which are crowded with men, women, and children in desperate need of human charity and/or physical shelter. These homeless and chronically poor, instead of being employed for their honest livelihood, are forced all the time to beg sustenance of family, friends, and strangers; or else queue long hours awaiting the welfare of the State; turn to thievery for want of work; re-enlist to fight for their dear, native country in Afghanistan and/or Iraq; or, egregiously sell their dignity to the Fourth Estate. All parties appear to agree about the deplorable conditions arising from the manifest lack of affordable choices in the housing markets of Western societies. Therefore, whoever could devise a fair, cheap, and easy method for readily available housing, thereby making more fair the socioeconomic conditions of our greatest cities, would deserve nothing less than his or her statue erected as the savior of Democratic Capitalism. However, our intention is far more than merely providing a fair solution to the housing crisis. The goal of our proposal is nothing less than the salvation of urbanism itself and the city as a physical artifact of our collective, human nature.
Many people have had different proposals – many discussed, some implemented, and others ignored – for solving this problem over the decades. Yet, the problem persists, even worsens to this day. This is because most solutions have been and are grossly mistaken in their approach to the problem. It is true, Keynesian economics does have some relevance to urban problems at the discrete scale; and what is Marxist economics but an extreme, all-encompassing version of Keynesian principles. However, our greatest cities, especially those in the United States such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Savannah, Chicago, and San Francisco, were the product of private industry, both individually and collectively, before the 20th century. What has the Keynesian-produced city become after the landmark period of 1926-1945 in Western societies? Milton Keynes, Orlando, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Phoenix to name but a few. These are not places but are the haphazard accumulation of more locations. They are blasphemous to the goals of sustainable urbanism and synergy of place. Fairness in housing is choices. The most abundant housing supply offers the most diverse of affordable choices under normal market conditions. We must pursue normality in our housing markets, not their continual perversion under Keynesian principles. This means private industry aggressively increasing supply.
Developable 'Greenfield' Sites: (top) Central Park in New York, New York; and, (bottom) Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California.
At the same time, I have been assured by the publicist of a knowing Canadian of everyone's acquaintance in New York, that thousands of acres of public parks and lands in our cities have enormous, untapped potential as 'greenfield' sites for private development to construct more housing supply in Western societies. The computations available to us strongly indicate the possibilities of 'greenfield' development might truly be without limit in resolving the affordable housing crisis by the provision of supply.
Detail-scale View: (left) Existing, and (right) Proposed affordable housing neighborhoods for Central Park area of New York.
Central Park lies in the heart of the most densely occupied, urban area of the United States: Manhattan Island in New York City. Central Park represents approximately 850 acres of raw land. It is readily available for the construction of affordable housing at the center of our greatest and most wealthy city, where there are an abundant quantity of enviable employment opportunities for our poorest citizens, while still leaving approximately 20% of that acreage (170 acres) untouched as 'pocket parks' in the newly created neighborhoods.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of housing units in the five boroughs of New York City was 798,144 in 2000 with an approximate average density of 54.3 dwelling units per acre (du/acre). Residential density in Manhattan appears slightly higher with about 72,033 people/square mile in Manhattan, which translates into approximately 112.6 people per acre. An average household size of 1.5 people indicates an approximate housing density of 75 du/acre. However, let us be conservative in our computations and proceed based on an average housing density of a mere 65 du/acre, approximately 15% above the average for the five boroughs but 15% below the greatest development potential for Central Park.
The City of New York could transfer 680 acres of Central Park into the ownership of private industry without cost, upon the condition that the construction of affordable housing within certain price point limits must commence within five years or else such lands will revert to public ownership in the future. This will represent a tremendous opportunity for private industry to profit on the land without having to bear the costs of its purchase. At an average housing density of 65 du/acre, this would provide for at least an additional 44,200 dwelling units in Manhattan.
With further implementation of this strategy on more 'greenfield' development sites of New York City, the number of additional, affordable housing units will, in fact, approach a doubling of the current housing stock of Manhattan. There are approximately 28,000 acres of municipal parks in the five boroughs of New York. There seems little doubt that some of this public land may already exist as 'pocket parks.' Let us proceed based on the idea that only 50% of this acreage (14,000 acres) truly constitutes potential 'greenfield' development sites to be turned over to private industry for the construction of affordable housing. At an average housing density of 54 du/acre, this would generate an additional 756,000 dwelling units in the bound of the City of New York, effectively doubling the capacity of existing housing stock associated with Manhattan and potentially reducing housing prices by a significant percentage across the entire metropolitan region.
Indeed, 130 square feet per person of recreation space for those living in the five boroughs seems redundant and excessive in a country where there are six acres of land for every single man, woman, and child. One might describe such space allocation as extravagant. It is akin to the false piety of persons who pray in public for the sake of demonstrating their piety for all to see and behold. Behold! We have so much space and money that we can willingly waste both in our cities and forsake affordable shelter for the neediest of fellow citizens!
It is true the property values of all existing homes in Manhattan and across the five boroughs would experience significant declines in price. As other municipalities pursue this strategy of 'greenfield' development for more affordable housing in Western societies, properties in such cities will similarly experience a significant decline in the face of a rapid and dramatic increase in the housing supply. It is likely such decreases in property values will prove only temporary as market forces slowly re-assert themselves over time in the absence of the previous restrictions on housing supply. Such a period might last two decades, and perhaps as little as one for our most attractive cities, e.g. New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Berlin, Toronto, and so on.
This very knowing Canadian of everyone's acquaintance in New York argues our most prosperous cities are populated by the most educated, politically progressive, high-minded, and enlightened of our citizens. Surely, such estimable citizens would be willing to temporarily sacrifice some amount of personal worth in the value of their homes/properties for the sake of a fair solution to our affordable housing problem. I am assured by numerous public proclamations about their most charitable nature on this matter and many others issues of similar nature.
It is also true that these new dwelling units in the heart of our most prosperous cities would only be affordable, in relative terms to nearby existing housing process, during the initial offering in sales to the general public. Eventually, the dynamics of the real estate market would reassert itself. This represents a tremendous wealth-generating opportunity for our most needy citizens through the mechanism of land appreciation. However, the initial injection of 44,200 additional dwelling units in Manhattan – and the potential increase of an additional 756,000 dwelling units in the five boroughs – would have a systematic effect across the housing market for the entire New York metropolitan region, effectively reducing the cost of housing in neighborhoods more peripheral to the five boroughs.
Nonetheless, the creation of affordable housing neighborhoods in the vacant lands of Central Park will perform a public good in another regard. It will finally end the suffering of the Upper East Side and Upper West Side residents in Manhattan, who have been long segregated from one another in social terms by physical barrier of Central Park itself. The new neighborhoods of the 'Upper Central Side' will forever bind residents of the Upper East and West Sides together in a new interconnectedness of brotherhood and charity.
It is also true that a 'greenfield' development strategy for some cities (e.g. unsuccessful ones such as St. Louis and Detroit) would be a fruitless gesture due to the number of public-owned lots arising from the wholesale demolition of historic housing stock over the previous seven decades. However, such municipalities may pursue a strategy founded on the same principles by the wholesale release of these public-owned lots to private industry with the same restriction imposed on the land in a 'greenfield' development strategy. Nonetheless, a 'greenfield' development strategy will also afford our most prosperous cities, especially those in North America, with an opportunity to further densify their housing and neighborhoods, thereby making public transportation alternatives such as rail transit more economically viable options in such cities over the long term.
Large-scale View: ( left) Existing, and (right) Proposed affordable housing neighborhoods for Golden Gate Park area of San Francisco, California.
Other municipalities of our most prosperous and expensive cities could elect to pursue this supply-side strategy for more affordable housing. For example, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California represents another potential 'greenfield' site of 810 acres (less 20% retained for 'pocket parks' of the total 1,013 acres). At a mere 50 du/acre, this could represent another 40,500 dwelling units introduced in short order to the San Francisco housing market. According to the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, they manage approximately 3,400 acres of parkland in San Francisco alone. Again, using conservative computations, this potentially translates into an additional 85,000 dwelling units with approximately half of that situated in the former Golden Gate Park.
Detail-scale View: (left) Existing, and (right) Proposed affordable housing neighborhoods for Golden Gate Park area of San Francisco, California.
In central London, the potential of 'greenfield' development sites for more affordable housing is significant in such places as Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park, Lee Valley Park, Richmond Park, and Hampstead Health, which alone could conservatively account for an additional 350,000 dwelling units in the London housing market.
Potential 'greenfield' development sites for affordable housing neighborhoods include Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens, Regent's Park, Lee Valley Park, Hampstead Health, and Richmond Park in London, United Kingdom.
Simultaneously, if every national bank and even all Federal, state, and local government agencies released all of the properties and housing units they owned on to the market, this would have an immediate effect of reducing cost by dramatically increasing the supply of housing and/or sites for housing. Indeed, for at least a decade now, perhaps even longer, our national banks, many headquartered in the Wall Street 'heart' of Manhattan, have desperately sought a means to make a more honest profit. Releasing all of the properties on their books will be an important step along their way to redemption in the eyes of our fellow citizens.
(With apologies to Jonathan Swift)
Download a printable PDF of this article here.
(Corrected PDF, 7:54 pm)
Bibliography and References
Population density and land area data compiled based on U.S. Census Bureau, Wikipedia, City of New York, City of San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department, and Greater London Authority.
Florida, Richard. 2016. "Mapping How America's Metro Areas Voted." CityLab, December 1, 2016, retrievable at http://www.citylab.com/politics/2016/12/mapping-how-americas-metro-areas-voted/508313/.
Major, M.D. 2017. The Syntax of City Space: American Urban Grids. New York: Routledge Books/Taylor & Francis Group, forthcoming in Fall 2017.
Swift, Jonathan. 1729. A Modest Proposal For preventing the Children of Poor People From being a Burthen to Their Parents or Country, and For making them Beneficial to the Publick.
Central Park, Manhattan: Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, retrievable here.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco: Photograph by Rich Prillinger, retrievable here.
New York, New York with Building Footprints: Originally available from schwarzplan.eu, retrievable here.
San Francisco, California with Building Footprints: Originally available from schwarzplan.eu, retrievable here.
London, United Kingdom with Building Footprints: Originally available from schwarzplan.eu, retrievable here.
A Modest ProposalAffordable HousingCaliforniaCentral ParkchoiceCitiesdemandDesigneconomicsessayfive boroughsGreenfieldHousingJonathan SwiftKeynesian economicsLondonMark David MajormarketsMarxist economicsNew York CityParksPlacemakingPlanningPoliticsReal EstateRecreationSan FranciscoSpacesupplysupply-side economicsThe Outlaw UrbanistUnited KingdomUrban DesignUrban PlanningUrbanism
Architecture, Art, Books, Education, Mark David Major, News, Philosophy, Photography, Professional, Urban Planning
NOW AVAILABLE | Kindle Version of Poor Richard Volume 3
March 2, 2017 Administrator
"This one book will do more for some readers than four years of higher education." – Andy Boenau, Foreword to Poor Richard, Yet Another Almanac for Architects and Planners
A version of Poor Richard, Yet Another Almanac for Architects and Planners (Volume 3) specifically tailored for Kindle devices is available for purchase from the Kindle Store. Be sure to check the online store in your country/currency (USA store available below).
Praise for the first two volumes of the Poor Richard series of almanacs for architects and planners by Mark David Major: "worthwhile" and "thought-provoking" "readers will love" Poor Richard in "following both Benjamin Franklin and Ambrose Bierce" (Planning Magazine and Portland Book Review).
Poor Richard, Yet Another Almanac for Architects and Planners (Volume 3) offers more common sense proverbs, astute observations, and general rules of thumbs about architecture, urban design, town planning, and much more in the third and final volume of the Poor Richard series. Author Mark David Major blends original ideas with adapted wisdom in an easy-to-read manner designed to spark deeper thought about hearth and home, streets and cities, and people and society. It is essential reading for anyone interested in the future of the built environment. Poor Richard's witticisms are often eloquent, sometimes biting, occasionally opaque in the absence of reflection, and always insightful. They offer a valuable resource for the entire year. A clarion call and warning for everyone involved in the creation of our built environments to embrace their better angels and reject the worse demons of human nature.
The clear message of Poor Richard, Yet Another Almanac for Architects and Planners (Volume 3), with foreword by Andy Boenau (author of Emerging Trends in Transportation Planning), is we can do better and we must do better for the built environment and our cities.
Poor Richard, Yet Another Almanac for Architects and Planners (Volume 3)
by Mark David Major
Foreword by Andy Boenau
Forum Books
ASIN: B06WLJV6YC
BISAC: Architecture/General
Purchase from Kindle Store here.
Andy BoenauArchitectureCitiescity planningDesignEducationKindleKindle StoreMark David MajorProfessionalProfessionalismTown PlanningUrbanUrban Design
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NOW AVAILABLE | New Kindle Version of Poor Richard | Volume 1
February 26, 2017 Administrator
A new version of Poor Richard, An Almanac for Architects and Planners (Volume 1) specifically tailored for Kindle devices is available for purchase from the Kindle Store. Be sure to check the online store in your country/currency (USA store available below).
Poor Richard, An Almanac for Architects and Planners (Volume 1) collects together commentary, proverbs, and witticisms that originally appeared via The Outlaw Urbanist. Drawing inspiration from American Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, as well as many others, author Mark David Major crafts anew a series of astute observations, common sense proverbs, and general rules of thumb for anyone interested in the architecture, urban design and planning of our cities. Often eloquent, occasionally biting, and always insightful, these witticisms offer a valuable resource for the entire year, daily reminders for everyone involved in the building of our cities of their better angels and warning them against the worse demons of human nature.
Poor Richard, An Almanac for Architects and Planners (Volume 1)
Foreword by Julia Starr Sanford
ASIN: B00Q1V5VLK
BISAC: Architecture/Planning
ArchitectureBooksDesignEnvironmentHome BuildersKindleKindle StoreMark David MajorOutlaw UrbanistPlanningPoor RichardReal EstateSmart GrowthSuburban SprawlThe Urban PatternUrbanUrban DesignUrban PlanningWalkability


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Often times you need more pulling power out of your tow rig and the factory ratios are not low enough to give you the power you need. Other times you find that when you upgraded your under sized stock tires to something a little bigger and with more style you find that your speedometer is off and the power band seems to have slipped – it's time to re-gear and reclaim your power. Revolution offers a full line of ratios for your 2 and 4 wheel drive trucks and SUVs. Revolution also offers a large number of ratios for your racing needs as well. Our performance gears are designed to handle higher horsepower and heavy loads. Whether you are correcting for larger tires, racing or just looking for more power, Revolution has the gear for you!


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Gateshead International Jazz Festival Stan Tracey Octet
Guy Barker (tpt), Mark Nightingale (tmb), Sammy Mayne (alt), Mornington Lockett (ten/sop), Simon Allen (ten), Stan Tracey (pno), Andy Cleyndert (bs), Clark Tracey (dms).
I've always thought the octet to be the ideal setting for Stan Tracey and tonight's concert didn't prove me wrong.
With a veritable A-team line-up on stage a crowded Hall Two audience showed their enthusiasm unreservedly and, deservedly so.
It was a game of two halves with the first set based around his Hong Kong Suite and the second the Amandia Suite.
Both were superb works showing the soloists off to perfection. All 3 saxes played their butt off but Mark Nightingale was slightly under-miked in the first set. He made up for it in the second.
Guy Barker played some nice things whilst Andy Cleyndert was a tower of strength on bass. On drums, Tracey fils drove things along without being over-bearing as well as soloing with his usual dexterity.
As for his dad, Stan played very little solowise but what he did came across as meaningful whilst his comping gave the soloists a cushion to blow on
The Amandia Suite was a rather strange idea being commissioned by NALGO to celebrate the union merging with UNISON. I'm led to believe NALGO Gruppenfuhrer at the time, Paul Bream, was behind the decision to approach Stan Tracey and it certainly paid off with some exciting ensembles, riveting solos and interesting themes.
The crowd demanded more and they got it in the form of a quick blast and a couple of choruses all round on Blue Monk
They won't come much better than this.
Earlier, Alyn Shipton had interviewed Stan on his life in jazz which included a long stint as the house pianist at Ronnie Scott's backing a wide range of visiting Americans. He also revealed that he had a lot of time and admiration for Acker Bilk which probably surprised a few people.
The Festival opened with a percussion ensemble - Principle 3 - doing some lively latin things.
They were popular and gave off good vibes for what was to follow.
Click here for weekend programme in full.


Houston Methodist Hospital has been consistently featured in U.S. News & World Report's 'Best Hospitals' list, and was recently named as one of only 20 hospitals on its prestigious Honor Roll.
Over the past 95 years, Houston Methodist Hospital has transformed from a humble 19-bed community hospital to a global leader in healthcare, treating thousands of international patients annually from more than 90 countries. As a leading member of the renowned Texas Medical Center – the largest medical center in the world – Houston Methodist's unique combination of research, innovation and patient care positions the organization to share its knowledge and experience globally.
Houston Methodist has been deeply engaged in the development of Valiant Clinic from the project's infancy, and will continue to actively manage the medical clinic's operations, ensuring the same commitment to unparalleled safety, quality, service and innovation that drives Houston Methodist is embedded in the philosophy and workings of Valiant Clinic.


Magritte wasn't just a mainstream surrealist, he was also capable of producing images of enormous tenderness and tactile humour. A series of photographs I produced - starting around 1970 - drew inspiration from the Belgian maestro and acted as a framework for my own experiments that were really rooted in pushing the boundaries of technical and visual illustration - with a camera.
I was prompted to post this image from my latest book FASHION ETCETERA, by the announcement of an exhibition in London featuring the work of a 20th century photographer and life adventurer, Marcel Mariën (also Belgian and also a surrealist with a penchant for using apples as subject matter) at the London Gallery Diemar / Noble Photography.
The thumbnail below shows the image in its book spread, the introduction to the final chapter of FASHION ETCETERA, Apple & Eve.
You are currently browsing the Sam Haskins Blog blog archives for June, 2009.


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Browse: Home / 2016 / April / 05 / Activism While Teaching
Activism While Teaching
Manhattanville Touchstone / April 5, 2016 / Leave a comment / ART & CULTURE, NEWS
By MARCUS HATTEN
Hephzibah Strmic-Pawl was not always expected to become a sociology professor. According to Strmic-Pawl's family, the Manhattanville College Assistant Professor of Sociology's decision to become an educator was totally unexpected.
"My family was like, 'where did she come from,'" said Strmic-Pawl.
Despite being an educator, Strmic-Pawl has found a passion for activism.
If you were to walk into her office, you might notice that social activism is not only what she considers to be an occupation, but a significant part of her life.
Strmic-Pawl's shelves are overfilled with sociology books, as well as books on equality and civil rights. There are a number of activism posters, which certainly bring her personality to the room.
Professor Strmic-Pawl, who is also known as Professor S.P., was born in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up in a moderately numbered family, having two brothers. Her father was a self-employed carpenter, while her mother was a high school English teacher.
While Strmic-Pawl is known for her knowledge of sociology, she is also open and honest about her personal life. She mentioned that her brothers were previously involved in gang activity, which resulted in them both being imprisoned.
"People are much more than what they do," said the professor.
According to her, growing up in the inner city and having to deal with her brothers going to jail taught her that people are not defined by the situations they end up in.
"I feel a deep surge of what's right and what's wrong," said Strmic-Pawl.
The professor also stated that no one should live comfortably while other people live through despair, poverty and oppression.
Strmic-Pawl also went on to speak about her own education. She said that she is shocked to learn that she hated school and never really even considered going to college.
"Several times my life could've gone a different way," said Strmic-Pawl. "I had bad experiences as a student myself."
She said that had it not been for her friends and family, she might have considered dropping out of school totally.
Currently, Professor Strmic-Pawl holds a doctorate degree and has found what she loves doing. She is also the Chairwoman of a Southern Sociology Society, Editor of Humanity & Society, a sociology journal, and she is currently working on a book, respectively.
Aside from her negative experiences, the professor also discussed her beliefs on the current state of education. According to her, the educational system in the United States needs to change. She mentioned that standardized testing is one area of the educational system that should end.
"We have to go back to a liberal arts education," said Strmic-Pawl. "Read what interests you, find what you like to do." As one of her undergraduate professors once told her and what she now tells her students is, "you have something to offer the world."
← A Bittersweet Farewell To President Jon Strauss
Castle Conversations Presents Big Names on Campus →


Your septic system has a few different ways to notify you if there is a problem. Be sure to regularly take notice of your alarm light, and if you hear an alarm near your system make sure to contact us immediately. (You may silence the alarm after reporting the problem.) Allowing a system in alarm mode to sit idle may cause further problems, so please contact us as soon as possible so that we may diagnose the cause for the alarm.
Indoor backups may require professional cleaning. If you are having problems with your septic tank, we will confirm the location, cause of the problem, and provide the best repair solution. A failing septic tank may need pumping as a temporary solution during the repair process. Contact us and we will respond within 48 hours.


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Q: Qt uploading texture thread I am using a QGLWidget for displaying a live Image Stream. Since uploading textures is an expensive operation I would like to avoid doing this on the GUI Thread. I have read here http://blog.qt.digia.com/blog/2011/06/03/threaded-opengl-in-4-8/ that it is possible to do this in from a different thread. Could anyone provide a short example how to do so? I am uncertain how to share the GL Context and how to make sure that there is no race condition.
This is what i currently have:
.h:
class ImageDisplay : public QGLWidget
{
    Q_OBJECT
public:
    ImageDisplay(QWidget* parent = 0);
    void paintGL();
    void resizeGL(int w, int h);

private:
    QRectF plane;
    GLuint texID;

public slots:
    void sl_update(spImageHolder_t _myImageShPtr);
};

.cpp:
ImageDisplay::ImageDisplay(QWidget *parent)
    : QGLWidget(parent)
    , plane(QPointF(0,1),QSizeF(1,1))
{
    QImage initImg(400,300,QImage::Format_Indexed8);
    resize(initImg.size());
    makeCurrent();
    texID = bindTexture ( initImg, GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL_LUMINANCE, QGLContext::NoBindOption );
}

void ImageDisplay::paintGL()
{
    makeCurrent();
    drawTexture ( plane, texID, GL_TEXTURE_2D );
}
void ImageDisplay::resizeGL(int w, int h)
{
    glViewport (0, 0, w, h);
    glMatrixMode (GL_PROJECTION);
    glLoadIdentity();
    glOrtho(0, 1,0,1,-1,1);
    glMatrixMode (GL_MODELVIEW);
}

void ImageDisplay::sl_update(spImageHolder_t _myImageShPtr) //slot
{
    QImage * imgPtr = _myImageShPtr->getImagePtr();
    if (NULLPTR != imgPtr)
    {
        deleteTexture(texID);
        texID = bindTexture( *imgPtr, GL_TEXTURE_2D, GL_LUMINANCE, QGLContext::NoBindOption );
    }
    updateGL();
}


text:
require 'test/unit'
require 'rexml/document'
require '_loadpath'
require 'openwsman'
require '_client'

class WsmanTest < Test::Unit::TestCase
  def test_client
#    Openwsman::debug = 1
    client = Client.open
    assert client
    options = Openwsman::ClientOptions.new
    assert options
    options.set_dump_request
    uri = "http://schemas.dmtf.org/wbem/wscim/1/cim-schema/2/CIM_ComputerSystem"
#    uri = "http://schemas.dmtf.org/wbem/wscim/1/cim-schema/2/CIM_HostedService"
#    uri = "http://schemas.dmtf.org/wbem/wscim/1/cim-schema/2/CIM_CommMechanismForManager"
#    uri = "http://schemas.dmtf.org/wbem/wscim/1/cim-schema/2/CIM_ManagedElement"
    result = client.get( options, uri )
    assert result
    puts result

  end
end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Photo ©Luca-Aless
From Keith Haring's mural to the Chiesa della Spina
Take a stroll through Pisa's treasures: look beyond the Leaning Tower
English version of an article by Ilaria Giannini
Coming to Pisa and visiting only Piazza dei Miracoli would be like going to a Michelin-starred restaurant and ordering only an appetizer. Go beyond the Leaning Tower, the Duomo and the monumental cemetery: the city has tons of lesser-known treasures worth visiting.
Chief among these treasures are the Keith Haring murals on the external walls of the church of Sant'Antonio Abate: "Tuttomondo" is one of the American artist's only works in Italy. Painted in 1989, it's a veritable explosion of vibrant colors, and its dancing figures symbolize world peace and harmony.
Pisa also boasts two leaning belltowers that most people don't know about. One of these is located at the church of San Nicola. It's worth noting for its distinct octagonal shape and for how it has gradually tilted over the centuries. Even more impressive is the church of San Michele degli Scalzi, in the Piagge area. The belltower here tilts conspicuously toward the Arno, making it quite a sight.
Keith Haring Mural
Anyone who wants to truly get to the heart of Pisan life should take a walk through Piazza delle Vettovaglie in the thick of the historic center, where a colorful and lively fruit and vegetable market takes place every day. This is also the perfect place to sample Pisan specialties, such as torta coi bischeri, also known as pilgrims' cake, made with rice, chocolate, raisins and candies; risotto made with white truffle from San Miniato; or the Pisan mucco, a type of beef bred exclusively in and around Pisa, cooked in sauce and seasoned with black pepper.
Don't forget to visit the Church of Santa Maria della Spina, a true gem of Gothic-era Pisa, built in 1230 along the banks of the Arno. It is a small oratory that's beautiful both inside and out. Andrea and Nino Pisano's famous Madonna della Rosa is also housed here.
Piazza delle Vettovaglie
National Museum of Saint Matthew
The areas right along the Arno are the most beautiful and appealing parts of the city, both during the day and at night, when the lights reflect on the water. Here you'll find Palazzo Blu, the city's most important exhibition space that always has something interesting on display.
Beyond Palazzo Blu, there is the Scotto Garden, which is a great place to take a relaxing break in a refreshing green space. Finally, don't miss the Museum of Saint Matthew, which houses works by artists like Masaccio, Beato Angelico, Benozzo Gozzoli and Domenico Ghirlandaio.
Church of Santa Maria della Spina in Pisa
Blue seas and pictures of the perfect nature of Tuscany
The Romans in Tuscany
The Age of the Grand Duchy in Tuscany
A walk along the via Lante in Vicopisano
5 things to do around Pisa in the summertime
5 unusual sites in Tuscany
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text:
Get a free audiobook
A Perilous Undertaking
Written by: Deanna Raybourn
Narrated by: Angele Masters
CDN$ 14.95/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
Or, Buy for CDN$ 37.04
A Treacherous Curse
London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can't resist the allure of an exotic mystery - particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker. His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.
A Dangerous Collaboration
Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell is whisked off to a remote island off the tip of Cornwall when her natural historian colleague Stoker's brother calls in a favor. On the pretext of wanting a companion to accompany him to Lord Malcolm Romilly's house party, Tiberius persuades Veronica to pose as his fiancée. But upon arriving, it becomes clear that the party is not as innocent as it had seemed. Every invited guest has a connection to Romilly's wife, Rosamund, who disappeared on her wedding day three years ago, and a dramatic dinner proves she is very much on her husband's mind.
A Curious Beginning
As the city prepares to celebrate Queen Victoria's golden jubilee, Veronica Speedwell is marking a milestone of her own. After burying her spinster aunt, the orphaned Veronica is free to resume her world travels in pursuit of scientific inquiry - and the occasional romantic dalliance. As familiar with hunting butterflies as she is fending off admirers, Veronica wields her butterfly net and a hatpin with equal aplomb, and with her last connection to England gone, she intends to embark upon the journey of a lifetime.
Listen to it twice!
By Jenny on 2017-10-07
Silent in the Grave
Narrated by: Ellen Archer
Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. These ominous words, slashed from the pages of a book of Psalms, are the last threat that the darling of London society, Sir Edward Grey, receives from his killer. Before he can show them to Nicholas Brisbane, the private inquiry agent he has retained for his protection, Sir Edward collapses and dies at his London home, in the presence of his wife, Julia, and a roomful of dinner guests.
The Hollow of Fear
The Lady Sherlock Series, Book 3
Written by: Sherry Thomas
Narrated by: Kate Reading
Under the cover of "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective", Charlotte Holmes puts her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. Aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, Charlotte draws those in need to her and makes it her business to know what other people don't. When the estranged wife of her dear friend Lord Ingram is discovered dead on his estate, all signs point to him as the murderer. With Scotland Yard closing in, Charlotte goes under disguise to find out the truth.
Listen and listen again
By Corrie on 2019-02-09
Silent in the Sanctuary
Fresh from a six-month sojourn in Italy, Lady Julia returns home to Sussex to find her father's estate crowded with family and friends: but dark deeds are afoot at the deconsecrated abbey, and a murderer roams the ancient cloisters.
Excellent book!
By S.L. on 2018-09-19
A Conspiracy in Belgravia
Being shunned by society gives Charlotte Holmes the time and freedom to put her extraordinary powers of deduction to good use. As "Sherlock Holmes, consulting detective", aided by the capable Mrs. Watson, she has had great success helping with all manner of inquiries, but she is not prepared for the new client who arrives at her Upper Baker Street office. Lady Ingram, wife of Charlotte's dear friend and benefactor, wants Sherlock Holmes to find her first love, who failed to show up at their annual rendezvous.
I was wary but ultimately a great read.
By Amazon Customer on 2018-01-28
Dark Road to Darjeeling
Lady Julia Grey travels through India, accompanied by her sister, Portia, her brother, Plum, and occasionally her husband - Brisbane. Along the way, Portia becomes convinced of a murder, and all four are pulled into the dark underbelly of 19th-century India....
Silent on the Moor
In Grimsgrave Hall, enigmatic Nicholas Brisbane has inherited a ruined estate, replete with uncanny tenants and one unwanted houseguest: Lady Julia Grey. Despite his admonitions to stay away, Lady Julia arrives in Yorkshire to find Brisbane as remote and maddeningly attractive as ever. Cloistered together, they share the moldering house with the proud but impoverished remnants of an ancient family: the sort that keeps their bloodline pure and their secrets close.
The Burning Issue of the Day
A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 5
Written by: T E Kinsey
Narrated by: Elizabeth Knowelden
January 1910. A journalist has been killed in a suspicious blaze. Everything points to a group of suffragettes, but the apparent culprit insists she is innocent. When Lady Hardcastle receives a letter from a suffragette requesting her urgent help, the retired spy turned sleuth knows only she stands between an accused young woman and the gallows. Evidence at the scene makes Lizzie Worrel's innocence difficult to believe, and with the police treating it as an open-and-shut case of arson, Lady Hardcastle faces a barrage of resistance as she tries to dig out the truth.
A Study in Scarlet Women
With her inquisitive mind, Charlotte Holmes has never felt comfortable with the demureness expected of the fairer sex in upper-class society. But even she never thought that she would become a social pariah, an outcast fending for herself on the mean streets of London. When the city is struck by a trio of unexpected deaths and suspicion falls on her sister and her father, Charlotte is desperate to find the true culprits and clear the family name.
A feminine twist
By Swissrose on 2018-09-14
A Picture of Murder
Late October 1909, and the season of ghouls and things that go bump in the night has descended on the village of Littleton Cotterell. Lady Hardcastle and her trusted lady's maid, Florence, find themselves hosting a colorful cast of actors whose spooky moving picture, The Witch's Downfall, is being shown to mark Halloween. But things take a macabre turn when the first night's screening ends with a mysterious murder, and the second night with another. One by one the actors turn up dead in ways that eerily echo their film.
Another brilliant Lady Hardcastle Mystery
By Sandra on 2018-11-07
The Dark Enquiry
A Lady Julia Grey Novel
Partners now in marriage and in trade, Lady Julia and Nicholas Brisbane have finally returned from abroad to set up housekeeping in London. But merging their respective collections of gadgets, pets, and servants leaves little room for the harried newlyweds themselves, let alone Brisbane's private enquiry business. Among the more unlikely clients: Julia's very proper brother, Lord Bellmont, who swears Brisbane to secrecy about his case.
Murder on Thames
Cherringham. A Cosy Crime Series - Mystery Shorts 1
Written by: Neil Richards, Matthew Costello
Narrated by: Neil Dudgeon
Cherringham - a quiet town in the Cotswolds. Nothing ever happens there, or so it seems - until one morning a woman's body is found in the river. A terrible accident, according to the police. But is this true? Sarah believes there must be more to it. In Jack, a former NYPD homicide detective, she finds a partner who is willing to start investigating with her. They soon find out that things are not as clear as the police want them to be ... This first - of many cases brings Sarah and Jack together in an unlikely partnership.
A Quiet Life in the Country
Lady Emily Hardcastle is an eccentric widow with a secret past. Florence Armstrong, her maid and confidante, is an expert in martial arts. The year is 1908 and they've just moved from London to the country, hoping for a quiet life. But it is not long before Lady Hardcastle is forced out of her self-imposed retirement. There's a dead body in the woods, and the police are on the wrong scent. Lady Hardcastle makes some enquiries of her own, and it seems she knows a surprising amount about crime investigation...
Charming murder mystery
A Dinner to Die For
Cherringham - A Cosy Crime Series: Mystery Shorts 28
Written by: Matthew Costello, Neil Richards
When a new restaurant with a starred American chef opens in Cherringham, it seems the Spotted Pig has a worthy rival. But a series of disturbing incidents turns that rivalry into something dangerous - perhaps even fatal. Jack and Sarah get involved and soon discover dark secrets about the new chef Anna... Can they uncover what is really happening before both restaurants go belly-up? Cherringham is a serial novel à la Charles Dickens, with a new audio episode released every two weeks.
The Body in the Dales
A Yorkshire Murder Mystery
Written by: J. R. Ellis
Narrated by: Michael Page
A body is discovered deep in a cave beneath the Yorkshire Dales. Leading the investigation into the mysterious death are experienced DCI Jim Oldroyd and his partner DS Carter, a newcomer from London. The deceased is Dave Atkins, well known throughout the village but not well liked. While there is no shortage of suspects, the details of the crime leave Oldroyd and Carter stumped. How did Atkins's body end up in such a remote section of the cave? Then someone with vital information turns up dead....
Good story well narrated<br />
By Patricia Vaz on 2019-05-21
A Cherringham Mystery 1
On the night of the school prom, a young teacher is found dead in the Thames in a drug-related accident. It seems - at first - to be another sign that Cherringham High is spiralling out of control. The new head however is convinced that the teacher's death is suspicious and quietly calls in Sarah Edwards. With her one-time detective partner, Jack Brennan, back in America, Sarah is at first reluctant to take on the case. But when she does get involved, it soon becomes clear that the tragic accident might really be a case of murder - and even Sarah herself could be in danger.
Veronica Speedwell returns in a brand new adventure from Deanna Raybourn, the New York Times best-selling author of the Lady Julia Grey mysteries.
Victorian adventuress and butterfly hunter Veronica Speedwell receives an invitation to visit the Curiosity Club, a ladies-only establishment for daring and intrepid women. There she meets the mysterious Lady Sundridge, who begs her to take on an impossible task - saving society art patron Miles Ramsforth from execution. Accused of the brutal murder of his artist mistress Artemisia, Ramsforth will face the hangman's noose in a week's time if Veronica cannot find the real killer. But Lady Sundridge is not all that she seems, and unmasking her true identity is only the first of the many secrets Veronica must uncover. Together with her natural historian colleague Stoker, Veronica races against time to find the true murderer - a ruthless villain who not only took Artemisia's life in cold blood but is happy to see Ramsforth hang for the crime. From a Bohemian artists' colony to a royal palace to a subterranean grotto with a decadent history, the investigation proves to be a very perilous undertaking indeed.
©2017 Deanna Raybourn (P)2017 Recorded Books
Gather 'Round the Sound
4.5 out of 5 stars 4.6 out of 5
Audible.ca reviews
Cynthia Johnson
great character development narration okay mystery
Again Angele was wonderful as the narrator. the character development and backstory continues to grow. I love the introduction of lady wellingtonia. I appreciate that Deanna alludes to things in previous book with out going into all the details, so that you have a general idea but it entices you to read the previous books because the history isn't rehashed every book. Again it has stolen glances and one or two near kisses between various characters to add a little romance spice. as long time Agatha fan I felt pretty certain of who was my principal suspect. So while they try to place a few red herrings to suggest other characters that are probable, in the long run I wasn't surprised by who it was and why.
Can't get enough!!
Love this series!!! I have Deanna's Julia Grey book one in my wish list!
This series is best read in order.
Angele Masters narration is marvelous!!
Veronica and Stoker are wonderful together!! They have such a wonderful relationship. If you like a good mystery with great characters and a series that adds more history of the main characters each book. This is for you.
Good ending no cliff hanger (thank goodness). Still I cannot wait for the next book!!
What sex? No where is anyone actually having sex.
What made the experience of listening to A Perilous Undertaking the most enjoyable?
Ms. Masters is pretty much spot on. She enunciates, pronounces words properly and has the perfect cadence to tell this type of story. I could tell the difference between characters. She reads very well and I enjoyed her. The story flows.
What other book might you compare A Perilous Undertaking to and why?
A Curious Beginning. To compare it to another author's story is not something I do. To me each author is a separate entity. Apples and oranges thing.
What does Angele Masters bring to the story that you wouldn't experience if you just read the book?
The story isn't convoluted, simple relationship story with a bit of mystery, 19th century humor. Not sure, due to my Veteran PTSD, I cannot read a book anymore. So I can't give my opinion.
chasing butterflies up a camels butt!
I don't understand the reviews about too much sex. No where in the story does anyone have sex. It is talked about and with some explicit descriptions. If you can't handle limited descriptions of sex, not the book for you
An Intriguing Mystery
In this second installment of the Veronica Speedwell mysteries I find that I have come to like her character better than in the first book. I only have one complaint: it was a bit much that with every new acquaintance Veronica made she had to prove to them how unaffected she is by their lack of convention or morality, and try to one-up them with her own immoral views I find it hard to believe that everyone she meets would try to shock her and then admire her for not reacting. Other than that I really enjoyed the story. I loved seeing how Veronica and Stoker's friendship has grown and how they well they complement each other. I also like a book where I am not able to figure out the murderer right away. Now if only miss Angele Masters could narrate a female character, besides Veronica, that does not have a shrill voice . . .
Maine Knitter
Another winner!
Veronica is my kind of hero! I love her attitude.
This second book in Raybourn's latest series continues the excitement and humor of the first. The dialogue between Veronica and Stoker is fabulous! Their interactions - whether in a mortuary or an opium den - make for an amazing adventure.
The narration was perfect. I hope Angele Masters remains the narrator for the following books. And I hope Deanna Raybourn is writing frantically.
A Very Enjoyable Undertaking
I thoroughly enjoyed this production. First of all, the narration was some of the best I've heard. Ms. Masters was able to capture each character well and have unique voices for them. The story itself was a pleasant surprise. I enjoyed the first in the series, A Curious Beginning, but I definitely think this is a stronger book. The characters and their relationships and motivations are well-drawn, and the mystery itself is interesting. It's also a very funny book, making it the total package as far as I'm concerned.
Zoe R.
I almost didn't get this 2nd book in the series because reviews were mixed. But if you like the first this is a great continuation of their journey. I hope there are more to come!
Kelli Leigh
Enthralling Storyline and Intersting Characters.
Would you listen to A Perilous Undertaking again? Why?
I don't generally listen to them more than once since my queue is always full of books to listen to.
What did you like best about this story?
I like the characters, they are very eccentric and although the main character can be an overbearing and bratty sometimes, (it's true) I like that Raybourn went "all in" with her main characters, sometimes verging on absurd, but it works. The dilaogue/banter between the characters is delicious to listen to and to read.
What about Angele Masters's performance did you like?
How she handled all of the often quick and witty (often with multiple voices and accents) dialogue--which is more challenging than paragraphs of prose. Very smoothe and clear. At first I wasn't sure how I fel about her gravelly Stoker, but after I got to know the character, it grew on me, and it fits. I look forward to the next book in the series, she really did a great job.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
I think some of the more tender moments when Veronica and Stoker both have their guards down, and we can see them forming a lasting connection. Especially since he's so rough and tumble it's nice to see his soft side. And for Veronica to be quiet for a moment. :)
Deanna Raybourn is one of my favorite authors and I think the great performances by the readers really enhance the stories and have really done justice to the books. Highly recommend!
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
Much More Sexual Than the First
Is there anything you would change about this book?
This book would be better with far less discussion of historic sex toys and orgies.
Master is an impressive narrator. She reads male and female voices so distinctly that it is easy to tell the different characters from each other. Beautiful work.
This book is not one I would share with my young teenagers. It was gorier and more prurient than the first novel. This is a plus for some readers, just not my thing.
Such a disappointment!
I love these characters, and loved the first book of the series. I even went so far as to preorder this sequel, something I have never done before. But I was sorely disappointed. The author, it seems, was absolutely consumed with a single topic while writing this episode: sex. The plot and subplots are about sex, in every imaginable form and several, quite frankly, better unimagined. This is not just the jealous-lover-turned murderer kind of sex. This book is obsessed with intercourse. While we hear about all these goings-on from our heroine in her adorably stilted and downright clinical perspective, still it all boils down to: sex. Lame.
bigdjunta
A partnership like Holmes and Watson....excelsior!
I absolutely love this series by Raybourn. The characters are well developed and the plot for each story is intricate, yet plausible.
Veronica and Stoker are a fantastic literary pairing. They are true friends, have real respect for one another, and a chemistry that will scorch you. Get this series. You won't be disappointed.


text:
Logistics & Warehousing (1)
Process Control & Optimization (PCO) (3)
Vehicle Telematics (1)
Predictive Maintenance (PdM) (1)
Machine Condition Monitoring (1)
Visual Quality Detection (1)
Devices & Equipment (3)
Sensors & Actuators (2)
Processors & Boards (1)
Platform as a Service (8)
System Integration (8)
Hardware Development (4)
PTC (8)
Transformation for IoT Business Model in Connected Industrial Vehicles
CNH Industrial wanted to put IoT-enabled viechles onto the market. Whether monitoring a single machine or integrating an entire fleet, operators are able to track the status, speed, and movement of machines and their performance and also receive alerts on issues that may require service by a qualified technician to improve uptime and overall effectiveness of the vehicle.
Carestream: Market Disruption and Improved Customer Relationships
Medical Imaging Healthcare imaging centers provide diagnostic imaging from computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), digital mammography and other advanced imaging systems to physicians in digital format as well as printed on radiographic film, tailored to the referring physician's requirements. The global market for diagnostic print services is mature and increasingly commoditized due to consolidation into a few large vendors that have heightened customer's sensitivity to total cost of ownership. Carestream sought a new and innovative way to improve the customers total cost of ownership through consumption based services that has resulted in the creation of a new business model that has disrupted this commoditized market and changed its dynamics in Carestream's favor. Healthcare Information Systems Carestream also had an opportunity to optimize critical maintenance and performance of its Healthcare Information Solutions (HCIS) portfolio, which simplifies clinical data management throughout different imaging departments. As the IT ecosystem expands from just back-end infrastructure to more bed-side diagnostics or patient facing, maintenance and system uptime becomes even critical to healthcare providers.
Providing Proactive Support with Intelligent Smart Services
"For us to maintain low costs and high customer satisfaction while providing improved response times, we need a better, faster way to resolve issues beyond dispatching onsite technicians," explains Mark Hessinger, Executive Director of Worldwide Service at Gerber Scientific. Gerber faces a continuous need to train new personnel as they are brought into the service organization. A change in strategy for service allows Gerber to build a stronger technical support organization and a more efficient process to bring new field service engineers up to speed. "We have a lot of tenured employees in North America and Europe," observes Hessinger. "In seven years, the loss of man years will accelerate, so we need to retain product knowledge before it becomes a greater issue and impacts our customers." Hessinger and his team realized that they needed a solution to remotely connect to their products and identify, diagnose, and resolve issues. Ideally this would happen before their customers even become aware of a problem, reducing the dispatch of onsite technicians or improving first-time fix rates when onsite visits are required. By collecting data from their products deployed in production, the company could begin addressing the aging workforce issue by capturing and retaining information. Collecting information on consumables and parts could automate consumable resupply, optimize spare parts inventory, and enable Gerber to provide true preventive maintenance. "We do not have mean time between failure data because we don't know how many hours our customers are actually using our products," says Hessinger. "Some customers use our products a few hours a day, while others use them 24/7. Obtaining actual usage data will help us better plan our spare parts and the consumables required for run times." Other capabilities identified to help build a business case for their initiative included minimizing product downtime, automating software patch distribution, offering value-added services, providing engineering with product usage data, and delivering remote training on product capabilities for distributors and new technicians.
Reducing Mean Time to Repair by 50 Percent with SmartConnect
Varian has a variety of medical instruments and cancer treatment systems that support today's leading-edge treatment modalities with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). These treatment systems are deployed at more than 1,000 hospitals and clinics worldwide. Traditionally, system and equipment problems have required one or more service technicians to diagnose and resolve issues at the hospital site, resulting in higher costs and lost patient treatment time. For a typical treatment device, the loss of one day's treatment time can result in 35 patients missing their treatments, which is something hospitals and patients cannot afford. Problem resolution can be complicated if incorrect or incomplete information has been provided by the operator, and also in cases where the problem cannot be recreated once the technician is on site. Operators of the Varian Acuity™ imaging system, an integrated simulator and verification tool for testing patient treatment plans, occasionally require expert assistance. Image quality optimization, solving operational problems, and tuning system performance can cost time and money for Varian and their customers.
Maximizing Clinical Availability and Performance with System Connectivity
For over 30 years Elekta has been responsible for introducing many market leading, critical technological advances in radiation oncology. Elekta's Linear Accelerators support a range of pre-configured and optional delivery techniques, providing the physician with the flexibility to tailor the treatment to suit the needs of each individual patient. Remote access was unavailable on complex devices and Elekta was unable to understand machine performance based on real data, which meant the company could not respond immediately to customer problems. This, in turn, meant that Elekta was unable to detect and solve problems on the spot, restricting the company to a reactive service model. A typical patient treatment schedule could require daily treatment for a period of 4-6 weeks, making machine uptime extremely important. Given the complexity of the device and the amount of data that would need to be collected, it was obvious that an automated solution was required. The infrastructure would need the ability to manage the data volume from the devices and also provide a platform that would scale in both size and complexity. "When a customer buys a service agreement, what they are buying is system uptime. They are buying the ability to consistently deliver treatment… patient to patient," says Martin Gilday, Vice President of Services at Elekta. "Service is not simply a single engineer with a trunk load of parts, but a full portfolio of technical expertise delivered via multiple channels...it's a big change in the way that you think about service." Elekta's success has been built upon innovative engineering, which led to a culture of in-house work. As the company matured and grew, it realized that this was not necessarily the most effective way of working. With the complexity of the product itself, internal engineering expertise would be crucial to solve the company's service challenges. While the product itself was unique, the methodologies and best practices of accessing and servicing the product were based on industry standards. When customers have service issues that need to be resolved, machine data must be collected and interpreted, and engineers need a deep level of skills and understanding. An integrated solution that brought the data, knowledge, and skills together in a highly connected environment was required. "Customers see connectivity as providing efficiency gains," says Bruce Fullerton, Vice President of Service and Support. "Their key performance indicators are based around how many customers they can treat in a given space of time."
Preserving Security and Operator Safety
To improve customer satisfaction by minimizing downtime of automated optical inspection machines while preserving security and safety.
Reducing Unscheduled Downtime and Customer Efficiency
Leica Microsystems attributes its success to providing innovative products and superior customer service. To extend its leadership position, the company began exploring a more proactive service approach for its line of confocal microscopes and tissue processors. The Leica Microsystems project team began searching for a global software that would allow for the shift from a reactive to proactive service company. Their initiative focused on downtime avoidance and the prediction of potential problems across the globe, targeting issue prevention. As a result, customers would not only benefit from minimal product downtime, but from faster service and increased productivity. To obtain approval and funding for the initiative, the team would need to prove to management that this service strategy shift would result in optimized instrument uptime and reduced costs of service.
Improving Instrument Recovery Time and Reducing Downtime
While in the midst of developing SYMPHONY®, a fully automated slide staining system for standard Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, Ventana realized that they required a remote service solution to ensure that customers received an exceptional level of service. However, with a tight timeline to develop and launch this new product, there was some reluctance to integrate additional software. "There was some internal reluctance toward implementing the remote service technology with our SYMPHONY instrument given the short timeframe," explains Greg Dameron, Director of Development at Ventana. "In fact, the executive team informed me that if the software would delay the SYMPHONY launch by even one day, then we would not implement it at all." The company began evaluating commercial remote service offerings, seeking a solution that would provide value to customers without disrupting system stability. "Our products are based on stability, so we needed the remote service technology to be stable as well," says Dameron. Ventana sought to reduce instrument downtime to fewer than 24 hours by remotely monitoring all field instrumentation on a 24/7 basis. This would enable the abilities to remotely diagnose and repair issues, provide "over-the-shoulder" troubleshooting and training for users, and track inventory to automatically replenish reagents in real time. "We felt strongly that delivering remote service would help us achieve a response time that we could not otherwise meet," says Dave Flaten, Vice President and General Manager of the Primary Staining business unit at Ventana. "We believed that it would become an integral part of the product line."


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As such, it became clear that designing 6-8 week cycles of learning would be advisable--both to give kids exposure to different kinds of experiences over the course of the year and to enable experimentation that we could learn from formatively and incorporate into design of the next 6-8 week iteration. I divided the year into five cycles, working around school vacations (when unfortunately, the school noted it couldn't be open.) Each cycle would culminate in a Field Trip Friday--an off-site experience connected to the content of the club that would serve as both an incentive for positive participation and an amplification of the club's theme--and a Community Celebration during which every student would perform or present projects in progress for parents and peers, making clear that each club should be production-oriented, that work should be regularly shared, and that families should be actively included in the celebrations.
I determined that a two-pronged staffing structure would be optimal--hiring Teaching Artists with deep expertise in their craft and experience working with middle school youth who would teach a 75 minute club twice a week along with "SONYC Coaches" who would be generalists and work with the kids for 2.5 hours each day throughout the week, developing deep relationships, providing continuity, and being a point of contact for families. I quickly crafted job descriptions for the SONYC Coaches and prayed to the gods of Idealist.org that there would still be (competent) people looking for after school jobs by this point in the summer. Meanwhile, I tapped into the wonderful HiveNYC network to identify high-quality organizations that might have teaching artists available to work with the school, holding my breath that the tight timeline (starting in three weeks!), the timeslots, and the budgetary constraints would be feasible. I was gratified that many made themselves available to explore, including Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, MakerState, The LAMP, and YMCA's MVP Teen Fitness Challenge, as well as some wonderful nonHive orgs like NYC Urban Debate League and Teachers and Writers Collaborative.
The most fortuitous find of all was Rozz Nash, founder of the Brooklyn Performing Arts Intensive who had lived just blocks from the school for many years and connected me to a cadre of wonderful, road-tested teaching artists. Despite having just relocated to Oakland with baby twins, Rozz moved mountains and made magic to develop a repertoire of possible programming with me (Hip Hop, Yoga, Voice, Drama, Martial Arts), to line up talented folks who could make the schedule work. and to be an all around dream liaison.
Despite the constraints of the program, there were some things I refused to compromise on. One was that there be an Activity Fair to kick off the program, entice students to join, and provide "ten minute tastes" of each Teaching Artist's offerings in small group rotations so that students could make informed choices about what they wanted to sign up for. Committed as I am to creating a "marketplace of middle class opportunities"--not shoehorning students into whatever program might be available--I wanted to ensure that 1) there was a wide variety to choose from (we ended up being able to offer 14 different options over the course of the week); 2) students would gain exposure to multiple kinds of clubs; and 3) students would get their preferences to the extent possible. I informed prospective Teaching Artists that we in fact couldn't make a solid commitment to hire them unless we had enough students sign up for their Club--a good way to ensure that they 'sold' the Club well to kids in their 10 minute tastes, and a good way of underscoring that kids were to be at the center.
I made cool posters (or as cool as I can make posters) to mount throughout the halls during the first day of school--and made sure to note that there would be pizza. And to pray. Thankfully, the poster-pizza-prayer combination seemed to do the trick. Given that our funding was contingent on getting 90 students to commit to attending school until 6:30 PM each day--adding 540 additional hours of learning time of their own volition, and given that there were only 116 students registered in total on the first day of school (numbers subsequently increased) meaning that we would have to attract more than 3/4 of all kids, and given that the school had not offered anything remotely akin to this before, I was very nervous about whether any students would show up at all. But come they did, in droves, and they were remarkably engaged throughout and well behaved in progressing through their 10 minute rotations. The energy throughout the Activity Fair was high (especially over eight hours into a rigorous day at a "no excuses" charter) and extremely positive. I had students fill out preference sheets ranking their top choices for each day as well as telling me a bit about the things they enjoy doing. While some question whether early adolescents really know what they enjoy, every single one of the 110 students who filled out a form listed at least a few things they enjoy doing (true, some entailed eating and sleeping but hey, it's a starting place.) And while some (including me) question whether middle school students would choose to commit 540 hours to an untested set of activities when they could otherwise be just hanging out, the students voted with their feet for this SONYC program.
And then the fun began--I hadn't quite realized how complex it would be to program 110 students into three clubs per cycle, prioritizing their preferences as well as ensuring that they had a rich mix of experiences over the course of the week (i.e. inclusive of arts, STEM, and movement) and that each club had a reasonable number of students with a balance of gender and grade span. Ideally, I'd have built an algorithm for this (or had my good and talented friends at Thoughtworks, where CityPathways is incubating, develop an algorithm) but I used a good old Excel spreadsheet and elbow grease. About 60 hours of elbow grease. It was akin to a five dimensional game of chess, and each adjustment had a ripple effect on everything else. It didn't help that new forms came in over the course of doing the programming, handwriting wasn't always clear, Teaching Artists' availability shifting entailing schedule reconfiguration, the (surprising) overabundance of students entailed creating two new clubs ASAP--and trying to figure out what students would be most interested in them though they hadn't been on the preference sheet. "Clubbed" was how *I* felt in trying to configure the clubs to optimize everything. But there's no satisfaction sweeter than getting all the puzzle pieces into place.
Except getting all the students into place. The first full day of programming arrived, which coincided with the very first day for the Program Director, the SONYC Coaches, and the Teaching Artists, making for a very challenging first day from a logistical standpoint. Figuring out how to pick up students from different classes at the end of the day and get them first into their Academic Enrichment class and then to their assigned clubs in different rooms and configurations was messy--but once they got into their clubs, it was marvelous. I felt so happy gazing into each room, seeing students on their feet (or in downward facing dog in yoga, or in ginga crouch in cooper, or banging on bucket drums in Rhythm and Dance, or huddled in groups making LED-fueled greeting cards in MakerState.) Consistent sleepless nights and Excel-induced eyestrain were all worth it.
Were this to be a full CityPathways prototype, after two cycles of exploration, students would start to "concentrate" in pathways of greatest interest to them, taking on progressive levels of challenge and responsibility and, when possible, increasing the amount of time they spend offsite. But the mandates of the SONYC program, combined with the length of the school day, combined with the Program Director's priorities, make this unlikely. Still, it's provided a tantalizing taste of what's possible for CPaths, and I look forward to future opportunities to prototype additional elements.
From yoga asanas to hip hop sequences to agile improv sketches to spoken word soliloquys to a hip rendition of "Hallelujah" to martial art displays, it was impressive to see how much the students had grown. And to know how much more seriously they'll take their "clubbing" in the next cycle now that they've had a taste of what it's like to perform publicly and be celebrated by peers and parents.
Kudos to the de Blasio administration for making this possible and to the staff and families of the school, and the SONYC Coaches and Teaching Artists, for making this work.


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