text:
Birding Axarquia
With the Axarquia Birder
Lagua Dulce & Piedra with the Wainwrights
Wednesday 4 March
It looks as if I was not the only one to take the lady wife out for a birding day (my report follows) as an email from John and Jenny Wainwright outlines their exploits over at the Laguna Dulce and Fuente de Piedra. Enjoy John's comment about "... as we progressed towards Loja the fog got thicker and it wasn´t until we actually got to towards Antequera that it lifted... because guess where we were heading. Yes, via Salar to Huertor Tajar!!!!! Looks like we both managed to catch up with newly-arrive Yellow Wagtails of the Spanish persuasion (Blue-headed) Lavandera Boyera Motacilla flava iberiae.
Still hundreds of Common Cranes Grus grus at Fuente de Piedra (PHOTO: John Wainwright)
Lagunas Piedra and Dulce 4th March
A beautiful Spring day with a light breeze.
As we left Salar for the A92, we saw Barn Swallows, House Martins, Collared Doves, House Sparrows and Spotless Starlings, as we progressed towards Loja the fog got thicker and it wasn´t until we actually got to towards Antequera that it lifted.
On arriving at Piedra, the flooded meadow was alive with Black-tailed Godwits and Shovelers, with a few Common Coots, Moorhens, White Wagtails, Teal, Black-winged Stilts, Cattle Egrets and a single Common Sandpiper. On the opposite side of the road looking towards the boardwalk we spotted Yellow Wagtails, Meadow Pipits, Teal and Shovelers, in the small trees here we could hear the Chiffchaffs singing, also small flocks of Linnets were seen.
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)
Moving onto the boardwalk more Yellow Wagtails, Little Ringed Plovers, Black-tailed Godwits, Goldfinches and a few Barn Swallows were noted overhead as were two Ravens. Over the fields (where the Stone Curlews are normally situated-not today though) we found Jackdaws, a Common Kestrel and a Buzzard.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava iberiae (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)
Along the stream to the scrape we saw more Yellow Wagtails (all of the Blue-headed variety), a Green Sandpiper was seen along the far bank of the scrape and by the rushes in the scrape a Redshank was feeding alongside Black-winged Stilts, and along the mud flats here we saw another five Little Ringed Plovers and a Moorhen.
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)
From the mirador at the centre all we could see were rafts of Gulls, mainly Yellow-legged and Lesser Black-backed and in the stone wall here, two separate nests of the Polistes gallicus (one of the paper wasps species). A nice surprise was the Short-toed Eagle that circled over us but disappeared from view as it caught a thermal.
Round to the lagunetta,here was Shoveler paradise, everywhere one looked, especially on the foreshore, but in the reeds, on the islands, and the right-hand end of the lagunetta was swamped with them. We did however manage to find several Pochard, a male White-headed Duck, Teal, Mallard, Common Coots, Moorhens, Little Grebe, twenty adult and two juvenile Greater Flamingos, a Little Egret and a raft of Black-headed Gulls with a few Yellow-legged as well. While on the rough ground to our front good numbers of Jackdaws, more Moorhens, and White Wagtails were noted, and in the small bushes, Sardinian and Cetti´s Warblers were seen. Only three Barn Swallows were seen here and in and around the hide we spotted Painted Lady, Large and Small Whites and Clouded Yellow butterflies. At the open hide the Marsh Frogs were in good voice, but, the only thing different here were two Spanish Sparrows.
Paper Wasps Polistes gallicus (PHOTO: John Wainwright)
Back to the car and off to the Mirador del Cantarranas, en route a Black Kite soaring low over the olive groves, Corn Buntings, Serins, and in the fields just prior to the mirador three separate groups, totalling some one hundred and fifty, Common Cranes were seen and while we watched them, more small groups were coming in from the laguna (I wondered if they were getting ready to leave??). And then two more Ravens flew over.
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra (PHOTO: John Wainwright)
Up to the mirador itself where three Marsh Harriers were quartering the area with another sitting on a fence post to the right of the hide, naturally as they flew round the ducks and gulls were milling round until the Marsh Harriers decide to settle. It was while the Black-headed Gulls where flying around that I noticed a very dark bird amongst them, it turned out to be a Glossy Ibis. This landed just to the left of the reed beds and it was joined by a Spoonbill and five Purple Swamphens. Also about were Grey Herons, Lapwings, five Avocets, two juvenile Greater Flamingos and in the field at the back of the waters we watched three Brown Hares leaping about and boxing . In the bushes here we saw Great Tits, Sardinian Warblers, Goldfinches and in the area Crested Larks were also noted. Onwards to Dulce....
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (top centre) and Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (front) (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)
Laguna Dulce:
On arrival a small number of Spanish birders were about including one of the ex-wardens of Guadlahorce (Antonio,we hadn´t seen him for four years or more), who was leading them. He pointed out the large group of Red-crested Pochards, as well as three Wigeon along the reeds at the back of the laguna. The raft of Common Coots were still about as were Common Pochard, Shovelers, Mallard, Gadwall and Teal. To our left on the foreshore a Common Snipe was feeding; this flew off, but only into shelter to settle down. Also about were Lapwings, more Greater Flamingos and Black-winged Stilts. In the reed to our front Goldfinches, Cetti´s and Sardinian Warblers, Blackcaps and House Sparrows were also noted.
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita (PHOTO: Jenny Wainwright)
On our return journey a Southern Grey Shrike was spotted atop a telegraph pole and as passed under the new railway bridge at Antequera a Golden Eagle graced us with its presence coming from the direction of the "Chiefs Head", a fitting end to a good days birding.
Great report John and jenny with some fabulous sightings. I only wish I could say the same about my day almost on your doorstep - but we did see an Osprey.
Check out the accompanying website at http://www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com for the latest sightings, photographs and additional information.
Posted by Bob Wright - The Axarquia Birder at 00:29
Previous Blogs
Archived blogs published before December 2012 are still available to view on the original Birding Axarquia blog. Simply CLICK HERE to be taken to the site.
Birding Axarquia with Bob Wright is an introduction to the birds to be found in the Axarquia region of the Costa del Sol, Spain and the surrounding area. All are invited to comment upon entries and forward their own contribution(s). This site also, until further notice, incorporates the activities of the Axarquia Bird Club.
Axarquia Bird Group Visits:
All meetings are on a Thursday morning unless specifically stated otherwise. Meeting times 9.30 unless otherwise stated.
2020 Visits:
THURSDAY 16 January: Guadalhorce, Malaga
Meet at the entrance track opposite the football ground leading up to the river for a 9.30 start. Expected finish between 1 and 1.30pm. As usual, you may prefer to park near the church or primary school then walk to the meeting point.
THURSDAY 20 February: To be announced
Birding Holidays
Birding the Odiel and Donana National Park. Now might be the time to think of taking a short break in a de-luxe apartment in Punta Umbria which gives easy access to both the Odiel Marshes and the Donana National Park. You might even take the short drive over the Portuguese border to the great birding sites around Castro Marim.
Take a look at this special offer which is excellent value for money, especially if you want to combine your birding with a holiday.
www.birdinghuelva.weebly.com
Apartamentos Costaluz
Luxury Birdwatching
At least four individuals to be seen at the Guadalhorce during the winter months
Birding Axarquia and Photograph Album
Into birding?
The new web site is now up and running and tries to cover all things birding. News & Events, Photos of the Month, Photograph Album by Species, Link to this Birding Axarquia blog, Links, Lists and much more. So, for all things on the local birding scene, BOOKMARK this new site at:
www.birdingaxarquia.weebly.com
Visitors to Site:
From November 2009 till
Visitors since 1 January 2013
http://www.onlinecasinozeitung.com/
Fatbirder's Top 500 Sites
About Bob Wright
Occupation: Retired
Location: Mezquitilla, Axarquia (Malaga)
I retired at the end of 1998 having been a primary school headteacher for thirty years. After a couple of years undertaking some consultancy/ training work with headteachers, I moved to the Axarquia area of the Costa del Sol in Spain. After 13 years living on a mountain top near Velez Malaga overlooking Lake Vinuela to the north and the sea to the south we moved down to the coast at Mezquitilla and now have the beach within 20 metres of our rented property.
I have been a birder for over fifty years and before leaving GB I was a qualified "Ringer" for the BTO, undertaking most of my studies in Staffordshire, Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire. All three counties being well away from the coast, it is not surprising that my main field of interest were those "Little Brown Jobs" (often referred to as LBJs), with a special emphasis on roost work in the autumns and winters and early morning visits to favoured sites, such as Charwelton on the Banbury road from Daventry where, in June and July, it was possible to catch and ring well over an hundred birds and still be home by just after nine am to take the family shopping!
Always an interest in classical music, I have also sung in operettas and one appearance in a "grand opera" (Aida). Most of the former was with the Stamford Gilbert & Sullivan Players where I had the good fortune to appear, rather than star, in all save "Utopia".
historical and nature visits
Never on a Sunday, a Sunday - but sometimes!
Guadalhorce, Malaga
When a quiet day goes mad
Return of the Nightingale
Cabo de Gata Week-end
Ventas de Zafarraya & El Robledal
Donana Summary
Last day in Donana with Spanish Imperial Eagle
Rio Velez, Torre del Mar
More from the Donana and Odiel
Still in the Donana
Donana with John & Jenny Wainwright
Fuente de Piedra and Laguna Dulce
Huetor Tajar
Andalucia Bird Society
Have you joined yet? Visit the website for more details
Member of SEO


2 Mission to the Land of the Three Rivers (1933-1952) In 1035, St. Bernard of Menthon built a hospice on the Mont Joux, the most ancient pass through the Alps.
Mission to the Land of the Three Rivers (1933-1952) In 1035, St. Bernard of Menthon built a hospice on the Mont Joux, the most ancient pass through the Alps.
The hospice was run by a congregation of canons, with the aim of assisting mountain travellers and providing shelter.
In the 16th century the hospice, together with the pass, were named Great St. Bernard.
The hospice's fame was also due to the dogs used in mountain rescues, named after this patron saint of mountaineers and climbers.
Between 1933 and 1952, the canons of the Great St. Bernard sent 4 missions to Yunnan province.
Their area extends from north to south, confined between the natural barriers of the Yangtze river, the Salween river and the Mekong river, from Yanjing (known in Tibetan as Yerkalo) to Weixi.
The views offered by the three rivers, separated by mountains reaching heights of more than 4,500 meters, are breathtaking and unique.
During the mission's twenty years in Yunnan the canons took over the French M.E.P.'s mission stations.
They built a shelter, began the construction of a hospice on the peak of Latsa and opened many schools, in particular Hualuoba school.
Most notably, the canons were able to enter an almost impenetrable universe of diverse ethnicities, religions, customs and traditions.
At the Canons of the Great St. Bernard's archives in Martigny, ample materials with extraordinary documentative and anthropological value were unearthed.
This exhibition was the result of an extensive research financed by CASCC (Center for Advanced Studies on Contemporary China).


text:
Kirima steht für:

 Kirima (Uganda), eine Stadt im Distrikt Rukungiri in Uganda
 die alternative Schreibweise von Quirima, einem Landkreis in Angola

Kirima ist der Familienname folgender Personen:

 Nicodemus Kirima (1936–2007), kenianischer Geistlicher, römisch-katholischer Erzbischof von Nyeri

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


I think he was reffering to the black NSX with the chrome wheels...and if i remember correctly they were either HRE or iForge.
Builtb18c5, what does that monster run in quarter? 0-60, and so on?
My favorite NSX is my NSX!
narcissist lol..... awesome pics man.
i've been drooling over this thing for months now but i cant find anything about it. anybody know the story on this car?
anyone see the thread wehre they took an Nsx and turned it into a ferarri?
yeah that was pretty lame.
You can still buy 93 here too.
Sorry these are the only pics I have and Im not sure if they've been posted I didnt check the whole thread. Apologizing in advance for not resizing. Enjoy!

Quote, originally posted by The Tech-1 »

Sorry these are the only pics I have and Im not sure if they've been posted I didnt check the whole thread. Apologizing in advance for not resizing. Enjoy!
Quick Reply: Your Favorite NSX!!!


THREE of Ireland's top dance artists unite to present Maria Maria Maria at Dance Limerick next week.
Oona Doherty, Emma Fitzgerald, and Maria Nilsson Waller have joined forces to bring three solo works to the John's Square based dance organisation next Tuesday, November 29 at 8pm.
The powerful performances explore the personal, the universal, the idiosyncratic and the mundane in a series of startling portraits of contemporary Ireland. The three diverse works, spanning the poetic to the punk, are connected by their charismatic and powerful performers, female choreographers who have won acclaim.
Produced by Firkin Crane in Cork, in partnership with Dance Limerick, this production is part of a tour which also includes Cork, Ballina, Galway and Belfast.
Jenny Traynor, director of Dance Limerick, said: "We're delighted to welcome these outstanding dance artists to Dance Limerick.
"We know Maria Nilsson Waller and Emma Fitzgerald from their exciting performances here previously, and I'm particularly pleased that they will be joined by Oona Doherty, who was recently selected as an Aerowaves Artist 2017, reflecting the esteem in which she's held not just in Ireland but on the European stage. Limerick audiences are in for an extraordinary evening of dance".
Oona Doherty portrays the the streets of her native Belfast in Lazarus and the Birds of Paradise, Emma Fitzgerald's new work Rest is a darkly humorous and biographical that combines story-telling, song and dance, while Maria Nilsson Waller, a multi-talented choreographer, who also composes and designs many of her own performance works, presents Prime.


This course is not a history of Ethics nor will we talk about Hippocrates. Instead, this course is designed to assist the busy practitioner with the ethical issues that come up in the office on a daily basis. From referral relationships to the patient/doctor privilege, this course will guide you in creating your medical ethical principles and put them into practice for the safety of you and your patients. This course is approved for 4 units for NCCAOM, the California Acupuncture Board, and Florida's CE Broker.
Great review course. I enjoyed all the examples and case studies. Thank you so much!


Happy New Year!!! Bit late, but I think this is the first newsletter contribution I have made this year?!
Many avid supporters, at least 35 boats worth of crews, sailing this iconic event gathered over this past weekend at Midmar Dam to participate and enjoy this event. Some travelled in for the day, whilst others took up accommodation in the Parks Board, others brought tents and campers to stay at the club.
The entry this year was not as good as has been the case of recent preceding years, for what I reason I cannot for sure state, but perhaps the weather forecast of little wind may have played a role?
The start was scheduled for 09:00, but Race Officer Rob Bell was kind enough to postpone the start on the water, as in reality, the fleet was battling to cross the dam to get to the start in literally no wind. The start eventually got the fleet "racing" off at around 09:40, everyone drifted apart then the majority converged all at the same time, some 45- 50 minutes later, at the first mark, where chaos ensued. Some were able to manage this tanglement of drifting boats well, getting away down the second leg into small patches of wind, never again to be caught. It took a good hour and half to just do the half lap to the course back to the club and gate/ change over marks. Many at this point opted to do their first skipper/crew change over, one of four required in the event.
The wind improved over the course of the day with trapezing possible in the mid to late afternoon. The handicap cut-off was at 17:00 and a further 18:00 cut-off for boats racing in fleets on scratch.
The team Patrick Harris/Jeremy Kriek and Campbell Alexander/Sarah Matter won the event overall on Jeremy's Flying Fifteen "Figjam".
RNYC juniors from Durban High School, Taine Steytler /Kyle Schefermann and Cameron with brother Josh Crickmore were the first/highest placed juniors in the fleet, sailing on Taine's Halcat "Cat-a-Tak".
Gavin/Geetje and Neil/Linda Wadsworth's were the highest place catamaran on Gavin's Dart 18 "Nemo".
By all reports, this was a well organised and enjoyed event, where HMYC provided great entertainment with a live band, good food and great bar service.
The Woza Friday scheduled for the 16thFebruary was cancelled as a results of the above Midmar 9 Hour as many of our sailors and other supporters of this event were also sailing the 9 Hour.
The very next Woza is in 2 weeks' time on 2nd March. Phil will contact you regarding the planned onshore festivities associated with this event.


text:
You said this superbly.
http://www.virginspussys.com/cgi-bin/ucj/c.cgi?url=https://www.viagraonlinemsn.com/ http://www.vestsj-jagt.dk/index.php/tools/packages/easy_news/rss?redirect_url=https://www.viagraonlinebuymsn.com/
viagra for women viagra 100mg]
cialis online buy cialis online
http://wiki.odm.lt/index.php/User:ArethaFep88 http://jaqlib.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/User:KristeenGlenelg
Fantastic knowledge. Many thanks!
http://inzerce.rubikovo.name/go.php?url=https://www.viagraforsalemsn.com/ http://blog.nisi.ro/redirect.php?url=https://www.viagraforsalemsn.com/
generic viagra buy viagra]
cialis 20mg cialis 20 mg
http://www.indicwiki.org/index.php?title=User:JacobGott910 https://parsedev.ir/?option=com_k2&view=itemlist&task=user&id=79411
Thanks! Loads of tips!
http://livemothertube.com/cgi-bin/crtr/out.cgi?id=486&url=https://www.cialisonlinemsn.com/ http://www.rczakladna.sk/guestbook/go.php?url=https://www.cialisonlinebuymsn.com/
viagra generic generic viagra 100mg]
cheap cialis cialis online
https://wiki.abh.pt/index.php?title=A_Weird_Std-_Another_Canada_Pharmacy_Miracle http://wiki.doyosi.com/index.php?title=User:AbbieGurner0911
http://www.sawt-atlas.com/topamazigh/go.php?url=https://www.genericonlineviagrarx.com/ http://www.uniworkers.com/datenbank/url.php?url=https://www.genericonlineviagrarx.com/
cheap viagra viagra generic]
cialis generic cialis online
https://greg.cbdeboer.com/index.php/Buy_Your_Canada_Drug_Conveniently_From_A_Canadian_Pharmacy_Online http://www.js3a.com/go/14-startling-must-read-look-prescription-drug-prices-and-americas-uninsured
Regards. I like this!
http://www.gxroll.com/link.php?url=https://www.viagraonlinemsn.com/ http://hiyakesalon-portal.info/rank.php?mode=link&id=423&url=https://www.genericonlineviagrarx.com/
viagra generic viagra 100mg]
cialis 20 mg cheap cialis
https://greatplainsmakerspace.com/wiki/index.php/User:MollieStLeon555 https://wikitwitch.tv/User:JudyAsche3207
CleanDuSsy
Our company is a team with fifteen years of experience in cleansing. Our job is based on 3 standard principles: quality, efficiency, and also interest to the customer. The employees of our firm are a strong team of young as well as energised experts with comprehensive experience in large enterprises.
- The most versatile cleaning plan with the right to choose any type of choices;
- Practical rates, which include all the prices of equipment, supply, and consumables;
- The fixed price for the whole term of the signed agreement, without splitting the last expense
- A trusted and also accountable companion that has basically no turnover of workers, which contributes to the coherence of the team when working.
Modern top quality cleaning with the use of advanced modern technologies, unique tools as well as tools is a comprehensive remedy to the troubles associated with the buying, washing, and also cleaning of rooms.
Workers of our firm have actually been operating in this field for a very long time, so they have specific expertise and skills to work with different chemical reagents, which are part of any type of methods to create a premium result. Additionally, experts are extremely mindful in handling client building and will not enable it to be damaged. Additionally, we are exceptionally meticulous regarding the order, so all things after completion of the cleansing will be put on the same locations. We invite you to accept us.
Molly maid prices Manhattan - maid service uptown
Really loads of good tips.
http://www.chickenhead.com/includes/redirect.asp?url=https://www.viagraforsalemsn.com/ http://www.visit-tel-aviv.co.il/redir.asp?url=https://www.genericonlineviagrarx.com/
viagra for sale uk viagra for sale uk]
generic cialis cialis online
http://articles.manhattanagency.com.tr/article.php?id=8813 http://www.ancientsofia.bg/en/node/168006
Wow lots of very good material.
http://bastionsb.ru/?goto=https://www.viagraonlinemsn.com/ http://fis.com/fis/shared/redirect.asp?banner=6158&url=https://www.viagraonlinebuymsn.com/
viagra generic cheap viagra]
cialis 20mg buy cialis online
http://playartifact.site/406425-heartgard-plus-is-the-medication-previously-treat-heartworms-in http://www.surgerygonewrong.co.uk/UserProfile/tabid/12406/UserID/6125168/language/en-US/Default.aspx
You have made your point very well!!
http://finance.earthlink.net/track?id=1050954&add=1&url=https://www.viagraonlinebuymsn.com/ http://www.dreamflier.net/blog/go.asp?url=https://www.cialisonlinebuymsn.com/
viagra generic viagra without a doctor prescription]
cialis 20mg cialis 20 mg
http://ktro.co.kr/index.php?mid=board&document_srl=713944 https://textimager.hucompute.org/corpus2wiki/index.php/User:BrittnyStickler

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: pgfplots: axis tick overlayed by graph As you can see, the "20" number is overlayed by the pink line: how can avoid this?
This is my MWE
\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage{pgfplots}
\pgfplotsset{compat=newest}
\pgfplotsset{
  every mark/.append style={mark size=0.5pt},
  grid, grid style={dashed, draw=gray!10},
  legend image with text/.style={
        legend image code/.code={%
            \node[anchor=center] at (0.3cm,0cm) {#1};
        }
    },
}
\begin{document}
\begin{tikzpicture}
  \begin{axis}[
  legend pos=outer north east,
  legend cell align={left},
  grid, grid style=dashed,
  ymin=-6,ymax=6,
  xmax=55,xmin=0,
  ytick={-5,-4,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,4,5},
  xtick={5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50},
  extra y ticks={0},
            width=14cm,
            height=7.5cm,
  axis lines = middle,
  set layers,
  x label style={at={(1,0.5)},right},
  y label style={at={(0,1)},above},
  xlabel={$x$},ylabel={$y$},
  style={thick}
               ]
        \addplot+[only marks, mark=*,blue] table[x=A,y=C,col sep=comma] {potAF-BF.csv};
        \draw[pink,thick] (0,0.00059252) -- (16,-0.008131576);
        \draw[pink,thick] (17,-0.008676832) -- (18,-4.45194);
        \draw[pink,thick] (18,-4.45194) -- (19,-2.21057);
        \draw[pink,thick] (19,-2.21057) -- (20,0);
        \draw[pink,thick] (20,0) -- (22,4.51354);
        \draw[pink,thick] (22,4.51354) -- (23,0.00827042);
        \draw[pink,thick] (24,0.00784436) -- (50,-0.0032332);
    \end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

Link to the .csv file: https://www.transfernow.net/HgcaSv082020

A: You can use the axis on top=true option like this:
\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage{pgfplots}
\pgfplotsset{compat=newest}
\pgfplotsset{
  every mark/.append style={mark size=0.5pt},
  grid, grid style={dashed, draw=gray!10},
  legend image with text/.style={
        legend image code/.code={%
            \node[anchor=center] at (0.3cm,0cm) {#1};
        }
    },
}
\begin{document}
\begin{tikzpicture}
  \begin{axis}[
  axis on top=true,
  legend pos=outer north east,
  legend cell align={left},
  grid, grid style=dashed,
  ymin=-6,ymax=6,
  xmax=55,xmin=0,
  ytick={-5,-4,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,4,5},
  xtick={5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50},
  extra y ticks={0},
            width=14cm,
            height=7.5cm,
  axis lines = middle,
  set layers,
  x label style={at={(1,0.5)},right},
  y label style={at={(0,1)},above},
  xlabel={$x$},ylabel={$y$},
  style={thick}
               ]
%        \addplot+[only marks, mark=*,blue] table[x=A,y=C,col sep=comma] {potAF-BF.csv};
        \draw[pink,thick] (0,0.00059252) -- (16,-0.008131576);
        \draw[pink,thick] (17,-0.008676832) -- (18,-4.45194);
        \draw[pink,thick] (18,-4.45194) -- (19,-2.21057);
        \draw[pink,thick] (19,-2.21057) -- (20,0);
        \draw[pink,thick] (20,0) -- (22,4.51354);
        \draw[pink,thick] (22,4.51354) -- (23,0.00827042);
        \draw[pink,thick] (24,0.00784436) -- (50,-0.0032332);
    \end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

A: Just use extra x ticks with a dedicated style extra x tick style that shifts it to the right.
 extra x ticks={20},
 extra x tick style={xshift=6pt},

\documentclass[12pt]{article}
\usepackage{pgfplots}
\pgfplotsset{compat=newest}
\pgfplotsset{
  every mark/.append style={mark size=0.5pt},
  grid, grid style={dashed, draw=gray!10},
  legend image with text/.style={
        legend image code/.code={%
            \node[anchor=center] at (0.3cm,0cm) {#1};
        }
    },
}
\begin{document}
\begin{tikzpicture}
  \begin{axis}[
  legend pos=outer north east,
  legend cell align={left},
  grid, grid style=dashed,
  ymin=-6,ymax=6,
  xmax=55,xmin=0,
  ytick={-5,-4,-3,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,4,5},
  xtick={5,10,15,25,30,35,40,45,50},
  extra x ticks={20},
  extra x tick style={xshift=6pt},
  extra y ticks={0},
            width=14cm,
            height=7.5cm,
  axis lines = middle,
  set layers,
  x label style={at={(1,0.5)},right},
  y label style={at={(0,1)},above},
  xlabel={$x$},ylabel={$y$},
  style={thick}
               ]
        \addplot+[only marks, mark=*,blue] table[x=A,y=C,col sep=comma] {potAF-BF.csv};
        \draw[pink,thick] (0,0.00059252) -- (16,-0.008131576);
        \draw[pink,thick] (17,-0.008676832) -- (18,-4.45194);
        \draw[pink,thick] (18,-4.45194) -- (19,-2.21057);
        \draw[pink,thick] (19,-2.21057) -- (20,0);
        \draw[pink,thick] (20,0) -- (22,4.51354);
        \draw[pink,thick] (22,4.51354) -- (23,0.00827042);
        \draw[pink,thick] (24,0.00784436) -- (50,-0.0032332);
    \end{axis}
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{document}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


At Royal Dumpster, we strive to bring you the best service at the best price available. We have a wide selection of dumpster sizes in stock in Ashland, KS, with flexible & timley pickup and delivery. Give us a call today for all your dumpster rental and roll off needs.
When you possess a business you must think away from box in all the aspects of operating your business, whether it's tiny factor like working with the trash or perhaps major factor like controlling projects. Should you own a significant business looking generate significant tons of waste which makes that you simply cat with hot timbers when you have ten other things around the plate.
You might want to replace that broken home or all of the old opportunities in your home. The actual baseboards may need to replaced at the same time. The flooring in your old home could need replacing and also some of the solid wood floors. By using these a big project you know that you need to rent a dumpster.
Last but not least, the construction group can don the completing touches of the new base board and creating throughout the overall house. Your house is going to look like a showplace as soon as everything is finished. Not only is the best new lounge and home stunning, but it is clean and very cozy for you you. You have made your dreams become a reality in the home you intend to live in.
Getting a dumpster service to help you to clean out that big, aged garage packed with who-knows-what is a good idea. Though many people do not realize it, you ought not use a standard garage pickup as a way to get rid of the debris as well as old objects you've stored in this area. You may encounter fines or perhaps limitations determined by what you have included in this. Rather, it is a good idea to employ a company to lower off dumpsters on the home to be able to work through the mess as you need to as well as toss absent what you need to along the way. There are a number of advantages to accomplishing this.
Reduction of waste production although one of the best approaches to get good results, this is not always doable, solid waste generation becomes inevitable using projects just like construction, property renovation, property clean up as well as commercial removal. This waste has to be thrown away effectively so as to reduce influence of air pollution on the atmosphere. Dumpster rental is the best as well as affordable choice to dispose the trash in environment friendly way. These 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland, KS firms at American Samoa will sell all the a candidate trash in environmental welcoming manner and lower the space active by the waste in the dumps. All your waste will be washed up on lightning quickness cost effectively using 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland, KS in American Samoa, so waste bin rental represents a key position in reducing the end results of air pollution on the atmosphere, hence becomes inevitable in the Island just like American Samoa to be able to preserve the ecological balance of the Area.
On finishing of the project you will find a very clear photo about the kind of waste thrown away into the dumpster therefore, check with the property owner if they are gonna accept the trash thrown away by you due to the fact some firms restrict themselves to recyclable trash.
Renting a dumpster service for your trash removal is the easiest way to get rid of unnecessary items. A lot of companies offer a customer the simple option of coming to your home and having your waste away. Although this is a convenient option, many want a variety of alternatives to choose from. Residential 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland, KSs provide not only this factor to their customers, but also include the wonderful attribute of giving you your own personal dumpster making sure that one can clear out their extra trash in their own tempo.
Most well-respected and professional building companies maintain a tidy site. Even property owners with their initially demo work ahead of these will try and organize the yard to be able to move around without having stepping on old Two by fours with nails running trough these, or old and pointed pieces of material, etc. Also, construction trash is a real risk to safety to any family members or worker. This is where any roll away dumpster comes in incredibly handy.
You want a 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland when you are redecorating your first residence. Whether it be redecorating your kitchen to update it or to enlarge an active bathroom, any dumpster will definitely be needed.
Once you arrange any dumpster for rent, you ultimately choose the day and time that you'd like to have it delivered outside of your property. Make sure that you have a very clear region to put it in addition to a clear area surrounding it. You wish to make sure that you will get to it effortlessly. Arrange to have it there before you start to ensure that you chose the right measurement, that you have place for it, and you may get started.
A new dumpster is an United states term which means a garbage rubbish bin. This garbage rubbish bin is cell and can consequently be migrated around. The main function of any dumpster is holding trash momentarily of time before it is emptied in a garbage truck that comes around probably two times a 7 days depending on your own agreement. These kinds of dumpsters are used for disposal many kinds connected with waste material and as well recycling reasons. Apartments, colleges, businesses, practices and professional sites have got dumpsters to store throw away. Front loading-trucks, that have large prongs are widely-used to empty these kind of dumpsters. They have hydraulics used for lifting the dumpsters and then turn them to vacant its material in the vehicles hopper.
Remaining dedicated to one rental firm would be the finest decision manufactured. This is because when you're a regular consumer, you are more likely to get discounts and particular treatments. When searching for one, ensure that it is a dependable company that provides limitless providers. It therefore possesses to be professional enough with a logo. A brand logo is used to differentiate between good and bad firms. It should present timely providers without flight delays hence needs to have created a very good reputation. The best way customers are taken care of is what is used to judge the company's name. Virtually no 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland company incorporates a right to use the clientele. The prices have become competitive and may be inexpensive to anyone. If you want to find the most affordable price, it really is better to get a community owned or operated rental rather than a privately owned rental. Community primarily based ones will usually provide the perfect for the contemporary society and also offer back to the same contemporary society. There is always delight in viewing your price being used for your benefit of your area.
Removing trash from the residence of a obsessive hoarder is no straightforward task-it not only involves a great deal of real labor, but it is also a extremely tough emotional problem for the hoarder, their family, and anyone who has any kind of interest in the constant maintenance of the property in question. For these particular major trash removal employment, especially those beneath time constraints, might be necessary in order to speed up the method and give up homeowners additional expenses such as dumping expenses and the propane used to travel load following load connected with trash to the transfer place.
Legal and Environmental Liability! Dumpster rentals in the user facet may seem as simple as placing a get in touch with, having a dumpster sent and throwing all your disposals from it to be hauled away. Nevertheless, there are legal issues attached to appropriate disposal involving certain supplies which connect into environment issues. A new 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland, KS customer as well as demolition consumer should be made aware of these issues by means of careful assessment so as to reduce a firm's liability which experts claim keeps a firm's overhead down and provides for prompt fall off, pick up and disposal of the dumpster and it's items. A win-win for that customer paying the 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland, KS fee along with the disposal small business for creating lasting interactions with clients and fingertips partners.
Typically, roll away from dumpsters are booked out depending on the amount of junk they can keep in terms of inside cubic yards, however heavier supplies will make the dumpster reach the edge long before it becomes completely crammed. The actual volume of weight which can be put into any container is determined by the size of the bin you want, so below is an outline from the standard spin off pot rental sizes, and their maximum weight allowances.
You will need to just visit the website and an order ideal sized dumpster; the dumpster will be sent to your door action at the chosen time. You will end up given guidance in picking the right sized dumpster if needed. After getting rid of the trash into the dumpster, the 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland, KS firm will take the responsibility of delivering the trash to the spot where is ecologically recycled.
These types of roll away from dumpsters are probably the most widely used size utilized amongst home-owners. They are just the thing for getting rid of excessive trash immediately after dealing with a number of general preservation on a residence, especially when redecorating or sorting through room inside the attic.
If you notice one that delivers what you need and possesses good evaluations and their pricing is right, refer to them as up and make an appointment. Which is all there is certainly to it when you really need to find a 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland, KS firm.
What if this for the residence renovation can be tight and also you need to drill down in the nooks and crannies for an extra number of dollars? Possess the staff already been complaining about all of the junk and locations and sharpened boards having nails and ancient home appliances strewn all around the yard? Renting a neighborhood dumpster, at the best possible price, is a wonderful option. An important feature about it is -- they are usually available in some different sizes and so there's no throw away of room, or insufficient it! If you are undertaking a basement as well as garage clean out or structure job, the 15 cubic yard next day dumpster could be just what you'll need.
A small measured dumpster will carry two tons of debris intended for smaller assignments such as renovating a bathroom or even a roof having one stratum of shingles on.
Don't purchase any greater than you actually need. The majority of people think that greater is better on the subject of their junk 20 Yard Dumpster Rentals in Ashland, KS, and in some ways they're right. When you've got an enormous ol' dumpster you are never going to exhaust space. A new 30 yard dumpster is going to cost you more than a 20 yard dumpster, nevertheless, and there's no sensation in spending money on dumpster space you are never going to utilize.


text:
6 reasons brands are choosing in-housing
Ben Bushby, People Manager at digital agency Organic, discusses the six Cs - the reasons why brands are increasingly moving their marketing functions in-house.
In-housing is such a hot topic at the moment. Every brand seems to be talking internally about these changes, and their HR and digital leaders are coming together to work out how they can bring their digital marketing in-house.
But why is it such a popular trend? In short, brands are realising that bringing some or all of their marketing in-house can be more effective than outsourcing to an agency.
As with most trends, it's taken a couple of key players - such as Unilever, Sky and Lego - to conduct their own successful trials. Followed by coverage in the media showcasing the positive results, things have spiraled from there.
While in-housing gathers pace, brands are seeing more intertwined benefits. Taking this on board, Organic has created the top six reasons (our 'Six Cs') to in-house.
1. Control
The general consensus is that the current wave of in-housing stems from brands not having control over their ad buying, paid media and programmatic outputs. Accenture Interactive's Amir Malik noted that there has been billions of dollars spent on ad placements that were never seen by a consumer. This has made brands want to take back control.
And on top of that, sharing data with agencies in this post-GDPR world could cause some controversy - nobody wants to be the next Cambridge Analytica now, do they?
In a recent survey conducted by Digiday and Bannerflow, 87% of brands agreed they were concerned with the transparency of media agencies. Which is understandable if you felt substantial budgets are being wasted on what is effectively non-existent advertising.
3. Consistency
While the in-house trend may have started with media planning, the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has reported that there have also been large spikes in other specialty services being brought in-house, such as Content Marketing, Data Analytics, and Video Production. Having everything in one place helps to deliver consistency.
It raises the question; will some brands insource all of their digital marketing in the future?
4. Cost
While cost is an important factor to consider, in-housing shouldn't be the vehicle that facilitates a race to the bottom. Quality first, right?
That said, Unilever has reported global savings of over $500 million in its first full year of extensive in-housing. They believe that it works because agency teams can work in a more agile way with marketing teams, while producing better quality work, at a faster pace. This plays to the marketers' priorities.
5. Care
Unilever has also reported that bringing its operations in-house has led them to become more efficient and productive. You'd like to expect better results, as internal teams are more likely to buy into the brand if it's something they care about and understand.
6. Clarity
In-housing can provide marketing teams with data and metrics to make informed long-term decisions. By removing the agency layer, for media buying in particular, it gives the brand more opportunity to understand ad spend and performance.
7. Cons
OK, so it appears as though there's actually a seventh C, because it's not all rosy when it comes to in-housing.
In the Bannerflow report, it's noted that a lack of internal skills and resources are the biggest concerns for brands in-housing from an agency. To set up for success, you have to first find the talent - something that's not entirely straightforward if reports of a global talent crunch are believed. Not having the right and readily available talent can put brands off.
What about external agencies?
The one thing that can't possibly be replicated in-house is the creative freshness that external perspective brings. Digital agencies must innovate to compete so they can bring something to the table - mostly in the form of a strategic partnership. Even with the success of their in-housing experiment, Unilever has said that they still "really value those external relationships."
The main thing to consider is that in-housing is still in its infancy and so things will evolve. There are some that believe it's just a passing phase, but it's likely that a hybrid model of the two is the future, and brands may need assistance from agencies to actually move in-house.
Features Articles
The rise of in-housing is an opportunity, not a threat
Here's how you can avoid the post-pitch dip
Big brand marketers should take on the startup challenge


Working with Alpine Wedding Photography was such a pleasant experience. The environment created was very calming on a very hectic day. The value of having two photographers to capture every moment was priceless. Everything we experienced was beautifully documented. They created so many creative and interesting shots, but also included the classics. They used light and angles to create truly remarkable photos. Their poise and professionalism during the event really showed through in our photos. Alpine Wedding Photography really exceeded our expectations!
Alpine Wedding Photography is stupendous. Not only did they ease my mind during the chaos of planning a wedding with their patience, calm nature and professionalism, the photographs were more amazing than we could of ever imagined. They thought of everything! Their creativity and vision gave us photographs that will make the memories last years beyond our wedding day.
Alpine Wedding Photography are very sharp while at the same time sensitive photographers. They knew how to be at the right place at the right time throughout our wedding, reception and preparations. When we got our photos back we were amazed at how they had captured the significant moments and people's reactions to those moments simultaneously. They did not miss a single thing!
We absolutely love our wedding pictures. I have honestly looked at them everyday since the wedding. Alpine Wedding Photography was so wonderful to work with and truly captured every moment from getting ready to getting down on the dance floor. From portraits to artistic shots, my husband and I are just so impressed with the pictures of our special day and very pleased we chose them.
We interviewed several photographers before deciding to work with Alpine Wedding Photography because we were not only looking for professionals who would take fantastic, innovative pictures but also friendly people who we would like to have at our wedding. They really went above and beyond for us. They responded to our request for a photo booth even though they hadn't worked with one before and created a fabulous booth that was a hit with all of our guests. They were extremely easy to work with and made us feel comfortable, showed up early and stayed late, and took all kinds of creative shots that we never would have thought of. The pictures are amazing and really capture the spirit of the day. Alpine Wedding Photography is the best combination of flexible, fun, professional, and talented and we would definitely recommend them to anyone.
It was really important to both my husband and me that our wedding photographers were able to take pictures that weren't staged or cliché. After meeting with Alpine Wedding Photography, we knew that the vision for wedding day photography was to capture candid and unique moments. Having two photographers work with us on such a special day was an added bonus. I actually don't like having my photo taken yet their presence was never intrusive. In fact by the end of the day they felt like old friends. I have heard that our wedding photos are the most beautiful photos friends, co-workers and family have ever seen. Alpine Wedding Photography managed to take the most important day of our lives and tell our story in pictures. I am so grateful that we were able to have them capture so many priceless memories. They are a truly gifted.
Alpine Wedding Photography did an amazing job at capturing every moment of our special day! I never had to worry that they were going to miss anything, especially since there were two of them. I had guests at the wedding comment that they were literally running from spot to spot to make sure that they were covering everything. They were also very aware of the site surroundings and took a good variety of photos from serious to fun and casual while capturing the essence of our mountain wedding. I never had to worry for a moment about the photography which helped make my wedding day so relaxing and special. We have more than a thousand pictures to remember our incredible wedding in Telluride and we owe it all to Alpine Wedding Photography!
From my first meeting with Alpine Wedding Photography, it was obvious that I wanted them to be our photographers. The photography was one of the most important decisions for us in having a destination wedding in Telluride. I immediately felt at ease with them--they were professional, yet fun. I didn't have to worry about the various venues we had that day and being in so many places at once. They were able to get amazing photos, along with all of the "details" I had worked so hard on. My goal was to have pictures that I could share with family and friends who weren't there to give them a sense of the "atmosphere and emotion" of our wedding. Alpine Wedding Photography definitely accomplished this. They were more than willing to let me voice what I wanted, and at the same time showed their expertise in getting incredible shots. They truly captured our happiness and the beauty of Telluride.


text:
Edcel Lagman's Private Hell
BLISSED OUT: Sen. Pia Cayetano and Lagman enjoy their moment shortly after the RH bill became law (PDI Photo/ Raffy Lerma)
By: Leila Salaverria Philippine Daily Inquirer / 08:31 PM March 02, 2013
His detractors in the debate over the controversial Reproductive Health bill might have mentally consigned him to hell for his fiery defense of the measure that would provide poor couples access to contraceptives, and offer sex education to adolescents in public schools.
But unknown to even his allies in supporting the bill, Albay Representative Edcel Lagman was already in hell during the plenary sessions.
And all because a freak accident had severed the ligament on his right knee in April last year.
Lagman had borrowed his daughter Larah's car to go to a meeting, but since the car's seat was lower than he was used to, the congressman entered it at an awkward angle. Suddenly, he felt his right knee burst "like a firework."
Throughout the protracted amendments period, he endured the extreme pain in his leg. But that did not stop him from staunchly defending a bill that he had inherited from his daughter Kristel.
Lagman, the RH bill's author in three congresses, had embraced the measure after his daughter, former Albay Rep. Krisel Lagman-Luistro (now Tabaco mayor), along with Aurora Rep. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, championed it in the legislature 13 years ago.
During deliberations, the congressman's left leg twitched from cramps as he vigorously defended the bill, but he was reluctant to complain lest the bill's critics find an excuse to further defer the already painfully slow process.
"I can risk the cramps overwhelming me but never the critics of the RH bill succeeding in further delaying the legislative process," he said.
Lagman even chose to forego an immediate knee replacement surgery last year as he did not want to be absent from the RH bill deliberations. Instead, the surgery had been scheduled after the elections.
He now walks with a cane, so as not to overburden his left leg while he allows his right limb some rest. This has left him with both legs in pain.
But then again, the Albay lawmaker is used to adversity.
Thanks to his long and fiercely loyal association with former President Gloria Arroyo, Lagman might never make it to the list of most admired public officials in recent times.
As party mates in the Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats party, the two quickly became allies, with Lagman stolidly parrying issues against Arroyo. Most of them didn't hold water, he said, citing the election cheating scandal brought on by the "Hello, Garci" tapes that tended to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the Arroyo presidency.
"I think the results of the elections had been validated by the Comelec count," Lagman said. "And the election protest was dismissed because of the untimely demise of (her election rival) Fernando Poe, Jr., so legally there was no anchor for questioning that legitimacy," he added.
He was no friend either to the Aquino administration in its early years, having led the House in junking the Aquino-initiated Truth Commission that would have gone after the infractions of the Arroyo administration.
But though Lagman was a steadfast Arroyo ally, that did not get him anywhere when it came to his advocacy of the Reproductive Health bill.
These days, his relationship with his former ally can be described as tepid at best.
They are "civil at a distance," he said of Arroyo. He greets her via text during her birthday, and she sent him flowers when his mother passed away.
Despite the cold shoulder, he had forged on with the debates on the controversial bill and helped midwife its eventual passage in January this year.
For that, he has been described as the father of the RH law by advocates of reproductive health, and not just because his crusade was also that of a father taking on a daughter's cause.
Said fellow RH bill author Senator Pia Cayetano: "Not to belittle the contribution of other male RH advocates—there were many of them—but it's the most fitting description of the man who sacrificed so much time, hard work and patience to see this bill through."
In doing so, the 70-year-old father of seven and grandfather of 14 earned the enmity of the influential Catholic Church. Like other pro-RH legislators, he soon found himself the target of regular attacks from the pulpit for supporting the bill.
His crusade might have affected his daughter Larah's plan to have three priests co-officiate a thanksgiving Mass at the Mayon Skyline Park after her church wedding in Bicol was derailed because of their support for the bill, Lagman said. The priests were instructed not to be part of the thanksgiving ceremony, and two of them backed out, while the third held his ground, he recounted.
But it would take more than attacks from men of the cloth and the political opposition to get Lagman, hailed by fellow advocates as relentless, to back down from battle, a family trait perhaps since two of his brothers had paid dearly for similar activist politics.
The personal is political, he believes, adding that his own big family was part of the reason he supported the RH bill. The law is not against children or big families, he stressed; it was for bringing wanted children into the world.
Lagman himself has seven children (Krisel, Greco, Larah, Mahar, Mark, Karina and Andre) with wife Cielo, who he knew from childhood and with whom romance blossomed when they were in UP. They have 14 grandchildren, with a 15th due later this year.
Lagman is the eldest in a brood of five born to Cecilia, a public school teacher, and Pedro Eduardo, a prosecutor.
She was a feminist, he said of his mother. She had wanted to be represented as well in the name of their firstborn, so Eduardo and Cecilia became "Edcel."
A product of the public school system, Lagman graduated with honors and earned his political science and law degrees from the University of the Philippines. The managing editor of the Philippine Collegian was an activist in college who joined protest rallies against the Vietnam War.
His brothers Hermon, a labor lawyer, and Filemon or "Popoy," a well-known labor leader, might have gotten their start in activism from him, he said.
Hermon was a "gentle but steadfast advocate for labor rights," Lagman recalled, while Popoy was "an uncompromising militant." The Lagman brothers have similar causes, but believed in pursuing them through different means, he said. He and Hermon used the existing legal structure, while Popoy went underground with the Left.
When martial law was imposed in 1972, Lagman was just starting his law practice.
He could not openly join his brothers then because he had a growing family, Lagman said. Instead, he lawyered for martial law detainees and other victims of the Marcos regime.
His brothers' foray into activism would end in tragedy.
Hermon disappeared in 1977 and remains missing, while Popoy was assassinated in 2001, when he had left the underground movement, giving rise to speculations that he had been felled by his former comrades in the Left.
But Lagman's family believes there was no reason for the Left to target him since he had never abandoned the movement. Popoy might have joined the parliamentary struggle, but he had kept his close affinity with the objectives of his former comrades, the Albay congressman said.
The loss of two sons and the elusive resolution of their cases, had been very painful for his mother, Lagman said, but being the strong-willed woman that she was, Cecilia put up the Families of Victims of Involuntary Disappearance (FIND) to help other families similarly affected by martial law. She remained active in the group until she passed away last year at 92.
After martial law, Lagman joined politics, believing that fair elections would now be possible. He had nurtured this dream since high school, when he saw that it took so long for the government to reconstruct the crumbling infrastructure in Albay, which lies along the typhoon path.
But he was a virtual stranger to his hometown by that time, since his family had moved to Caloocan when he was in high school. Many of the old people who knew him as a boy had died, and the younger generation was unaware of him.
To solve that, he convinced his old teachers and the woman who employed him as a newsboy to get onstage during his campaign to attest to his being a true son of Albay.
He won as Albay representative in 1987, completed three terms and was succeeded by daughter Krisel, a nurse by profession. In 2004, she opted out of a third term because of a scholarship abroad, prompting the elder Lagman to return to Congress.
In Congress, Lagman actively pursued the RH bill that had been languishing for years. Despite his uncompromising stand on the bill, opponents found him a worthy foe who did not drag them down the gutter.
"He has always been a thorough and well prepared proponent of the advocacies and bills he has. It was always a battle of wits. We never had a shouting match or ad hominem arguments. We always stuck to the issues," conceded staunch RH bill critic and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.
Fellow advocates commended Lagman for his patience and tenacity.
Elizabeth Angsioco of the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines marvelled at his tireless response to questions about the bill, even if the queries were illogical, impertinent, or insulting. At the same time, he was straightforward and never sugar-coated things.
"He responded to questions and comments in a manner that befits a legislator," she added.
Gabriela Representative Luz Ilagan, saw Lagman as a good example for his colleagues.
"Confronting the myriad objections and challenging the conscientious and not so conscientious objectors with amazing self-control were lessons not found in textbooks," Ilagan said.
Cayetano recalled how she and Lagman gravitated toward each other when the RH bill was inching toward the finish line to ensure its victory.
"Rep. Edcel was always calm, confident and composed, but when the bill finally passed (the) bicam (committee), I saw him break into a rare, wide smile. That's when I realized we've won this chapter in the fight for RH rights," she said.
Now on his last term in the House, Lagman has pushed for other controversial measures, among them the debt cap bill to limit the country's debt service of foreign commercial loans (which did not pass), and the abolition of the death penalty (which passed).
Out of Congress, Lagman plans to return to his first love—law practice, exclusively representing workers and unions. He also plans to find more time for such uncharacteristic pursuits as collecting paintings and antiques.
"As I tell people, you don't live by bread alone," he explained.
An inveterate bargain hunter, he is particularly proud of getting valuable art and paintings at a good price, including a Hugo Yonzon find from an appliance store, and a Federico Alcuaz in an antiques shop, a skill he learned as a young boy who did the marketing for the family.
He even scores antique pieces from one of his favorite haunts, Annabel's restaurant in Quezon City, where he managed to convince the owner to sell him some décor.
The importance of persistence is one of the lessons he learned from his mother, Lagman said, a lesson that has served him well in politics and one he will definitely use again.
Because he is not through with politics just yet, Lagman said. "You can retire from an elective public office, but you cannot retire from politics itself," he added. •
Edcel LagmanHealthRH lawSunday Inquirer Magazine
dmorcoso
Living my 'weaboo' dream in Japan
HeadlinesSunday Inquirer MagazineTo Be You
In the footsteps of Magellan
ColumnsSunday Inquirer Magazine
My Back Pages Adventures in the Rag Trade
Is it Real or Just a Hoax?
Sunday Inquirer Magazine
Previous The Kawit mass shooting: Who is Ronald Bae?
Next The life cycle of a champ


At the New York Kids Club, almost all of my employees are young — proud, badge-wearing members of Generation Y. Gen-Y is very unique, in that praise is something which is lavished upon their young, impressionable egos. Praise is applied liberally and repeated as needed, all day, everyday. Consequently, praise is something that young people have come to expect (and deserve, when they perform well!).
Without trying to carbon date myself here, my own Gen-X was much more reserved in terms of praise. No news meant good news. So I, like many other Gen-X employers, had to learn how to interact and inspire my young Gen. Y team members. And expecting them to conform to my own "generation standards" was, as I have found, counterproductive. As I always say: in business, you have to be the river, not the rock. I realized very early on with the NY Kids Club that I needed to show the young people I work with that I can be savvy; I can be flexible enough to adapt to their needs. Nothing makes a business happier than happy employees!
Some time ago, I noticed when working with Gen-Y specimens that if I mentioned the traditional term "annual-review," almost all bright eyes would immediately glaze over, as if to say: "Seriously? I only get a shot at a raise once a year?" To Gen-Y, a year is like a decade, and the term "annual review" is completely antiquated. And so that got me thinking…how could I do better for them?
Then, I realized: These young people, many of whom have just graduated college or are currently pursuing graduate degrees, are used to receiving feedback on their performances on a regular basis. That's the structure they have been brought up with throughout their entire scholastic careers. I had to find some way to keep up that continuity and comfort zone, while still treating new team members with the respect they deserve as young, responsible adults.
And so the solution to this predicament emerged quite organically in the form of Semester End Reports; a report card, New-York-Kids-Club style! In this "report card," we include marks for ten distinct categories which fall into three "grades": Below Expectations, Meets Expectations and Exceeds Expectations.
Any grade that falls into the category of "Meeting Expectations" is accompanied by a comment from the employee's direct supervisor, and a plan of action on how s/he can expect to move into the Exceeds Expectations category. Each "Meets Expectations" also has a dollar-amount raise attached to it, which really gets the fires going in young people — after all, dollar signs speak loud-and-clear to everyone! An employee's "grades" determine the percentage raise which they are entitled to. So then the message on the airwaves becomes: Keep up your GPA and you will definitely get that scholarship.
With the program we have implemented, it becomes up to the individual to test their own drive and ambition. We are happy to give our employees as many opportunities to score raises as possible. That's why we issue these Semester End Reports three times a year — Fall, Spring and Summer — consistent with the scholastic year. We give our employees every chance to determine their own destinies at the company, and we also let them do the math as to how much more money they could potentially be earning!
If someone Exceeds Expectations in every single category, s/he is eligible for a promotion to a salaried managerial position, with paid vacation and all the other perks that come along with joining the management team.
In truth, in the age we live in–fast times, fast changes, fast lives–I am thrilled to see people at the Kids Club gain earning power and climb up the ranks, because it means they have been with us for a while. Many people in their twenties change professions at the turn of a dime. The age of slaving away for twenty years until you earn your gold watch is gone. We want to give young people every chance for growth that we can. Be good to us, and we'll be good to you. We can be "the river." Flow with us downstream, and we will take you to some amazing new places.
This past Friday night, I was honored with a Stevie's Award for Women in Business. The Stevie's Award ceremony is fashioned somewhat after the Oscars, in that there are about 50 categories, which range anywhere from Best Blog to Best Website to Best Entrepreneur.
…Yes, it went to Yours Truly.
I gave a speech and accepted my award. I was really thrilled.
When the initial excitement died down over the weekend, I got to thinking it over. I was so honored to have won the award for Best Mentor, but I have to admit that the people whom I mentor—the team members at my company—are really the winners. They are the greatest "mentorees," if you will, because they absorb everything like sponges, they become smarter and savvier as much on their own as they do under my mentorship. In many ways, they have taught me just as much as or MORE than I have taught them.
So I concluded that if I am really going to accept this Stevie's Award for Best Mentor, and if I am to learn to be proud of it, I need to rise to the occasion. I need to be worthy of my award. I have to take it to the next level.
I have recently been in contact with a wonderful organization called Student Sponsor Partners (SSP), which offers assistance to "at-risk" children. These are children whose families are living below the poverty line, whose grades are below average, who often come from single-parent homes.
SSP accepts 400 children per year into their program, and, through donor support, places children they consider "at risk" in private schools in and around New York City, to encourage them in a fresh new environment, to inspire them to reach for the stars. I n addition, SSP also assigns each child a mentor, with whom they meet on a periodic basis throughout the year.
We would become actively involved in these children's lives, I told them. We would meet them on a monthly basis and we would talk to them and listen to them. We would take them out for social time, to a ballgame or to the park. We would be dedicated to having a positive impact on their lives.
The response was tremendous. All six locations were emphatically, hands-down, IN! We snapped into action and mapped out spreadsheets and schedules, and special events we will take the children to. On days off from school, the children will spend time with us at the New York Kids Club and might even become our special summer interns!
NOW, I can be a proud owner of my Stevie's Award. The fact that I took my award for Best Mentor seriously, that I have found success in inspiring my team to become mentors to others, gives me a sense of pride I can hardly even describe.
Yes, I have been tooting my own horn relentlessly in this post, I don't deny it. I wholeheartedly admit it! But I am not without a cause. I'm not just tooting for the sake of tooting. I'm tooting in hopes that others will join the band!
In some ways, being a good company leader is analogous to being a good parent. You must be strong and encouraging, attentive and yet authoritative. And both roles share another commonality: the need to learn when to let go.
I used to think that being a good leader meant being a one-woman show. In the early days of the New York Kids Club, I was determined to fill the roles of director, producer, cast and crew – all on my own!
Unbeknownst to me, I was going through a strange form of denial. Why was I so resistant to delegating?
There is no one else to delegate these tasks to.
I don't know whether I can trust someone else to do this.
I know I can do this better myself.
I am the only person who knows how to do this.
I don't want to give up this project because I like doing it.
I don't have time to show anyone else how to do this.
These excuses, though they make total sense to the mind using them, can often yield negative results — feelings of being constantly overwhelmed, decreased productivity, miscommunications with staff members — all which can lead to the suffering of work quality or general dissatisfaction with one's job.
Overcoming the "one-woman-show" attitude doesn't happen overnight. It is a work-in-constant-progress.
1. There is no one else to delegate these tasks to.
2. I don't know whether I can trust someone else to do this.
These are the most crucial demons to exorcise when starting out on the Road to Delegation. I caution that in either finding new or trusting current team members with added responsibilities, you do need to be mindful with what you are entrusting – and to whom. For instance, it may not be wise to delegate a responsibility concerning the business bank account numbers to an employee whom you sense might be leaving the company. Be mindful, but not paranoid. If you have reason to be that concerned about compromising your sensitive information, then you may not be working with the right people to begin with.
3. I know I can do this better myself.
Chalk this one up to ego. If you trust people enough to work for your company, you must accept that their styles will invariably differ from your own. And so they should! You should want a diverse team of intelligent, creative people! Your success at a task doesn't necessarily mean that your way is the only right way, or vice versa. Be prepared to accept these differences and celebrate them!
4. I am the only person who knows how to do this.
If that's really true, it can't possible be good, in any context. What if you are sick and can't come in to accomplish this special task that only you know how to accomplish? What if you are finally able to take that vacation you deserve? If you or one of your staff members is that set on being the only one possessed of certain knowledge or skills, then the problem likely runs deeper than the task at hand.
5. I don't want to give up this project because I like doing it.
If you enjoy doing a task so much, then why be selfish? Give the gift of fun to a team member so s/he will be able to join in and share in such a positive experience. Being part of a team means sharing the tears and the laughs. Why would anyone want to withhold a great joke? To keep it from getting passed on?
6. I don't have time to show anyone else how to do this.
The reason you don't have time to show someone else how to do it is because you never took the time to show someone else how to do it! The more time you spend training team members, the more freedom you will have to delegate responsibilities. The more time invested showing someone else how you accomplish a set task, the more time you will eventually earn for yourself! And the more energy you will have to conquer each new day.
Tightening Purse Strings – Adding Value!
Every business tackles downswing differently. Some businesses slash prices, others cut budgets and yet others start laying off personnel. But one thing everyone shares is worry.
In my view, tightening the purse strings on the consumer's part doesn't automatically have to mean the kiss of death for business owners. What the current economic downturn does mean for business owners, large and small, is that they may find themselves under increased pressure to retain their current clientele. Slashing prices is one way to stay competitive in the game when clients are forced to tighten up their own spending budgets. ADDED VALUE is the route I personally prefer to take at the New York Kids Club; giving clients MORE during times when they have LESS spending flexibility.
Last week, I sent out a newsletter to all of our New York Kids Club families, for the sole purpose of relating understanding and compassion to them, on behalf of myself and my team. I also detailed what savings and added value packages the New York Kids Club is offering throughout the Fall and Winter.
The response to my letter was immediate and tremendous. We received an overwhelming outpouring of support from New York Kids Club families — letters thanking us for facing the problem head-on; expressing gratitude that we are doing what we can to treat our clients with care and respect; letting us know that they value the efforts we are putting forth; assuring us that with the added value we are providing, they will be able to stay on with the Kids club, despite the economic ebb.
Above all, based on the incredible response we received, it gave me such great pride to realize that the New York Kids Club, a successful business, nevertheless still remains true to its core values. One of our main objectives at the New York Kids Club has always been to foster a community within our clientele. To see that component of the original vision come alive right before my eyes – to be able to draw upon the strength of an entire community that bands together in better times and worse – truly inspires me.
In the weeks leading up to the Grand Opening of my very first New York Kids Club location, I had stuck floor-to-ceiling signs up in the windows of our new space that read: "New York Kids Club Coming Soon!" But I knew that wouldn't be enough to generate a buzz in the neighborhood. It was the first location, so no one could be expected to even know who we were, let alone to be excited about us!
So I had to find other ways of generating publicity. I enlisted the help of my brother and several others, and I set a personal goal for myself: I was going to tell 50 people a day about the New York Kids Club, in any setting, it didn't matter. 50 people a day.
I told the man in Harry's Shoe Store. I told the lady at the nail salon. I told people on the playground. People at the meat counter. People at the street fairs. People on the bus.
I talked up a storm. I handed out flyers and pamphlets. I fielded questions. I struck up random conversations. I told and sold the New York Kids Club on anyone willing to listen to me. Short of shouting from the rooftops or renting a blimp, I was EVERYWHERE.
But funnily enough, no one asked me.
Then the calls started coming. The NY Kids Club didn't even have a phone system yet, only an answering machine. I would listen to the messages and return the calls. I gave the spiel and sold it hard. I took pre-orders. I swiped credit cards. I filled the classes.
Come Opening Day, the New York Kids Club had generated enough revenue to cover all costs of the construction which had gone into preparing the space. It was an incredible relief to know that I had survived the mine field of getting my business up and running.
I never underestimate the power of advertising or the power of internet marketing. I am a full advocate of jumping on the bandwagon and adapting to new marketing platforms. But I firmly believe that the best, certainly the most personal form of reaching out to customers has always been – and always will be – by word of mouth. And not only is it possibly the best form of advertising, but it's also FREE!
Now I should mention that it's not all wine and roses. There is a definite downside to setting ablaze the type of wildfire that spreads by word of mouth. But that's another story, for another day.
I have a very good friend who is an accomplished concert pianist. She once told me that she never pushes her two children into the music world, because she feels that if they do find their way into music, it needs to be their own decision, by their own accord. She won't even teach them!
In listening to my friend's perspective, two things grew abundantly clear: One, my friend holds a wonderfully kind and understanding approach to what some may consider a very "sensitive" parenting issue. And two, I realized that I AM THE COMPLETE AND UTTER POLAR OPPOSITE.
I am always pushing my four children into business, and I am not afraid to admit it! But before I get myself written off as the "pushy-mom" stereotype, I would like to clarify that I do draw a very distinct line between "advising" and "investing" in my children's business ventures.
I won't lie. The day they came to me about opening their First Lemonade Stand, I could hardly contain my excitement. We sat down to discuss the idea, and worked together to draw up a rough business plan.
I argued that we live on a quiet side street in New York. How much profitable patronage could they expect to attract with such low visibility? After huddled discussion, the four of them concluded that 86th Street at the entrance to Central Park was prime real estate. I agreed.
Next, we discussed products. There were a number of things they wanted to sell – lemonade, rice krispy treats, brownies, cookies. I convinced them to start out with two main products, both for inventory purposes and in the interest of maintaining top-shelf quality. Appeal gradually to customers, build interest before expanding. They decided on lemonade and cookies to start.
"Great! Let's get started!" they said.
My disgruntled children finally found an investor in their young, hip uncle, who immediately said he would loan them the money – interest free.
With a budget in tow and supplies on the way, they defined their roles – cooking, manning the booth, advertising – their workflow, and a timetable.
In a very short period of time, they had racked up $140 plus in profits, and The First Lemonade Stand went on to be a profitable first venture. I also took great pride as a mother and as an entrepreneur that I had been able to provide a good Business 101 course for them.
The final lesson in this series came to light in an organic fashion. 3 out of 5 buyers would ask the kids at their stand what the money was for. Was it for the Cancer Society? The Red Cross? Their college funds, perhaps?
Prior to starting my own businesses, I held several different positions with several different companies, under varying styles of leadership. One stylistic trait that all of my former bosses and superiors shared was that NO NEWS MEANT GOOD NEWS. "News" meant trouble, so if you hardly ever spoke with The Boss, it meant you were doing fine.
Interaction with The Boss was generally brief and occurrences were sparse, to the point where on several occasions I had to wonder whether s/he even knew my name. There were no high-fives. No "good job"s. One boss (who, ironically, was my only female employer) said outright that "Lunch is for losers!" just before she suggested that bananas were the "best food to bring" because you could chew quietly and still man the phones.
It was hard to take the extreme absurdities seriously, of course, but these experiences did later contribute, even involuntarily, to the shaping of my own personal manifesto as an employer.
Employee praise did not come naturally to me at first. It was another Rock/River type of situation, and it took time for me to become enlightened by my staff. As an employer, I felt it was my responsibility to try and understand how to keep employees happy and excited about their jobs.
It all started evolving one day with the creation of a brand-new position at the New York Kids Club: The "Confetti Manager," whose role was to shower confetti on an employee's desk, three times in a single day. We started personally congratulating employees who would arrive on-time to the office, shedding a positive light on punctuality, as opposed to a negative gradient on lateness.
Also, when new employees joined the team, a common question I would always receive was, "When are employee reviews?" (a.k.a. "When can I get a raise?") And I truly hated delivering disappointment, watching face after face drop when I would reply that reviews were conducted on an annual basis.
I realized that we had to do better than that. We had to provide our employees with INCENTIVE.
So, we instituted a new program that made all of our employees eligible for raises every seventeen weeks, based on a point system and reviews submitted by their peers. Award ceremonies were put in place. Dinners at my home. Plaques. High-fives. "Good Job"s. Pleasant notes. More confetti!
Almost immediately, we started to notice a change in the moods and levels of enthusiasm from our employees. The culture of our company morphed rapidly. We do not encourage competition for coveted "rewards," but we do encourage maximizing personal potential.
Even when we deliver criticism, we try to soften the blow by giving a type-written note with feedback and suggestions, but we make it clear that our notes should not be misconstrued in any way. "It is not personal," we make sure to say, "it's business." While this may seem tedious to some, saying it directly yields amazing results and puts employees at ease. As with so many other things in life, a little extra effort goes a long way.
While the explicit details of our "raise system" remain a well-kept secret along with our other strategies for reinventing employee recognition, the principle is the same across theboard, no matter what industry or field you might be in. The superior quality of your product or service is only as good as the team members who are selling it for you.
Team members want to feel opportunity. Recognition. Inspiration. Incentive. Community. And if you want them to do well for you, you must realize that at the very least they deserve all of the above, and probably much more.