text:
Alabama Senate passes near-total ban on abortion
If it is signed into law, proponents are hoping it will force the Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade.
By KIM CHANDLERAssociated Press
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama's Senate passed a near-total ban on abortion Tuesday, sending what would be the nation's most stringent abortion ban to the state's Republican governor.
The Republican-dominated Alabama Senate voted 25-6 for the bill that would make performing an abortion at any stage of pregnancy a felony punishable by up to 99 years or life in prison. The only exception would be when the woman's health is at serious risk.
The measure now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey, who has not said whether she supports the measure.
Supporters said the bill is intentionally designed to conflict with the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationally. They hope to spark a court case that might prompt the justices to revisit abortion rights.
"The question for me – for us – is: When is a person a person?" Republican Sen. Clyde Chambliss said as debate began on the proposed ban.
Senators rejected an attempt to add an exception for rape and incest. The amendment was voted down 21-11, with four Republicans joining Democrats in the seeking the amendment.
"You don't care anything about babies having babies in this state, being raped and incest," Democratic Sen. Bobby Singleton said angrily after the amendment's defeat. "You just aborted the state of Alabama with your rhetoric with this bill."
The bill's sponsor and other supporters had argued exemptions would weaken their hope of creating a vehicle to challenge Roe.
Emboldened by conservative justices who have joined the Supreme Court, abortion opponents in several states are seeking to challenge abortion access. Kentucky, Mississippi, Ohio and Georgia have approved bans on abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which can occur in about the sixth week of pregnancy.
The Alabama bill goes further by seeking to outlaw abortion outright.
"Our bill says that baby in the womb is a person," Republican Rep. Terri Collins, the bill's sponsor, said Monday.
There would be no punishment for the woman receiving the abortion, only for the abortion provider.
The text of the bill likens abortion to history's greatest atrocities, including the Holocaust.
Democrats, who hold a mere eight seats in the 35-member Senate, criticized the proposed abortion ban as a mixture of political grandstanding, an attempt to control women and a waste of taxpayer dollars.
"You don't have to provide for that child. You don't have to do anything for that child, yet you want to make that decision for that woman," Democratic Sen. Vivian Davis Figures said. "It should be that woman's choice."
The debate became emotional at times as Singleton pointed out and named rape victims watching the debate from the Senate viewing gallery.
Singleton said doctors who perform abortions could serve more prison time, under the proposed ban, than the women's rapists.
"This is nothing but a political game and women are the pawns," Staci Fox, CEO and President of Planned Parenthood Southeast. "Let's be honest, banning abortion does not stop abortion. It stops safe and legal abortion."
A crowd of about 50 people held a rally outside the Alabama Statehouse, chanting, "Whose choice? Our choice."
Several women dressed as characters from the "The Handmaid's Tale," which depicts a dystopian future where fertile women are forced to breed.
If signed into law by Ivey, the bill would take effect in six months. Critics have promised a swift lawsuit. Randall Marshall, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama, said a complaint is being drafted to challenge the ban.
Ivey has not publicly said whether she will sign the bill.
"The governor intends to withhold comment until it makes its way to her desk for signature," deputy press secretary Lori Jhons wrote in an email prior to Tuesday night's vote.
San Francisco bans municipal use of face recognition technology
Today in History: The first stewardess goes on duty in 1930
Maine regulators vote to investigate CMP's winter disconnect notices
Thousands without power in Freeport area
Teen charged with burglarizing marijuana business
Spike in pedestrian fatalities spurs action
House action means Maine candidates can't use nicknames on the ballot

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Look what I found buzzing around in our garden!
I tried to catch it, but it was too busy exploring our garden.
And before I knew it, it flew away!
I've been very busy sewing this week, but at this stage there is not too much that I can share with you. I have completed two of my blocks for the Modern Block Bee. I have made a birthday present and I have hatched some plans for things that I want to make.
All will be revealed soon, I promise!
In the meantime, why not pop over here and here and enjoy all the crafty goodness!
this little bee is cute !
That is really cute! bet there are some little people interested in this wee guy!
Awww he's so cute, shame he got away!
Oh my what a cute bee!
That is so cute. What a lovely bee.
Very cute and nice to see on such a snowy day.


text:
Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
John R. Vender, Jason Miller, Andy Rekito, Dennis E. McDonnell
Hemostatic options available to the surgeon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were limited. The surgical ligature was limited in value to the neurological surgeon because of the unique structural composition of brain tissue as well as the approaches and operating angles used in this type of surgery. In this manuscript the authors review the options available and the evolution of surgical hemostatic techniques and electrosurgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the impact of these methods on the surgical management of tumors of the brain and its coverings.
Neurosurgical focus
https://doi.org/10.3171/foc.2005.18.4.4
10.3171/foc.2005.18.4.4
Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
Hemostatic Techniques Medicine & Life Sciences 100%
Electrosurgery Medicine & Life Sciences 87%
Hemostasis Medicine & Life Sciences 58%
Brain Neoplasms Medicine & Life Sciences 54%
Ligation Medicine & Life Sciences 51%
Vender, J. R., Miller, J., Rekito, A., & McDonnell, D. E. (2005). Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Neurosurgical focus, 18(4), e3. https://doi.org/10.3171/foc.2005.18.4.4
Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. / Vender, John R.; Miller, Jason; Rekito, Andy; McDonnell, Dennis E.
In: Neurosurgical focus, Vol. 18, No. 4, 15.04.2005, p. e3.
Vender, JR, Miller, J, Rekito, A & McDonnell, DE 2005, 'Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.', Neurosurgical focus, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. e3. https://doi.org/10.3171/foc.2005.18.4.4
Vender JR, Miller J, Rekito A, McDonnell DE. Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Neurosurgical focus. 2005 Apr 15;18(4):e3. https://doi.org/10.3171/foc.2005.18.4.4
Vender, John R. ; Miller, Jason ; Rekito, Andy ; McDonnell, Dennis E. / Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In: Neurosurgical focus. 2005 ; Vol. 18, No. 4. pp. e3.
@article{ae15f435f33c47a08054cd5e4ade3d93,
title = "Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.",
abstract = "Hemostatic options available to the surgeon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were limited. The surgical ligature was limited in value to the neurological surgeon because of the unique structural composition of brain tissue as well as the approaches and operating angles used in this type of surgery. In this manuscript the authors review the options available and the evolution of surgical hemostatic techniques and electrosurgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the impact of these methods on the surgical management of tumors of the brain and its coverings.",
author = "Vender, {John R.} and Jason Miller and Andy Rekito and McDonnell, {Dennis E.}",
doi = "10.3171/foc.2005.18.4.4",
pages = "e3",
journal = "Neurosurgical Focus",
publisher = "American Association of Neurological Surgeons",
T1 - Effect of hemostasis and electrosurgery on the development and evolution of brain tumor surgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
AU - Vender, John R.
AU - Miller, Jason
AU - Rekito, Andy
AU - McDonnell, Dennis E.
N2 - Hemostatic options available to the surgeon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were limited. The surgical ligature was limited in value to the neurological surgeon because of the unique structural composition of brain tissue as well as the approaches and operating angles used in this type of surgery. In this manuscript the authors review the options available and the evolution of surgical hemostatic techniques and electrosurgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the impact of these methods on the surgical management of tumors of the brain and its coverings.
AB - Hemostatic options available to the surgeon in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were limited. The surgical ligature was limited in value to the neurological surgeon because of the unique structural composition of brain tissue as well as the approaches and operating angles used in this type of surgery. In this manuscript the authors review the options available and the evolution of surgical hemostatic techniques and electrosurgery in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the impact of these methods on the surgical management of tumors of the brain and its coverings.
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Modern transportation for both goods and people is heavily (93%) dependent on petroleum-based fuels. Most planes, ships, cars, trucks and motorcycles use oil and their numbers are growing.
Oil is a fossil fuel and therefore a finite resource. We have already used most of the easily accessible reserves and are therefore increasingly dependent on more problematic sources such as oil from conflict regions, tar sands, deep sea and arctic oil. This exacerbates the negative environmental impact of the oil industry.
The other obvious reason why using fossil fuels in transportation is unsustainable, are the emissions when they are used. Transportation is responsible for around 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate disruption. According to the scientific consensus more than half of the total global proven oil reserves have to stay in the ground to stay within the 2 degrees temperature rise as agreed in the Paris Climate agreement. These reserves should therefore be considered stranded assets.
Health and safety is another issue for road transport. Accidents with heavy trucks on highways negatively impact safety for people in cars. Fossil fueled trucks, cars and motorcycles cause air pollution and negatively impact safety for pedestrians and bicycles.
The sustainable solutions we look for concentrate on avoidance of transport, low or zero footprint transportation alternatives, innovative use of renewable energy in vehicles, ways that optimize the existing infrastructures and initiatives that improve health and safety.
Click here to view our Transportation solutions.


We made a lot of personalized boomerangs for our customers, that were used as gifts for various occasions. Several photos of those boomerangs I would like to share here.
1. Valentines day gift – personalized boomerang "Aztec".


text:
package org.jetbrains.jps.incremental.scala

import java.io.File

import org.jetbrains.jps.incremental.messages.BuildMessage.Kind
import org.jetbrains.jps.service.JpsServiceManager

import scala.collection.JavaConversions._

abstract class LogFilterService {
  def shouldLog(kind: Kind,
                text: String,
                source: Option[File],
                line: Option[Long],
                column: Option[Long]): Boolean
}

object LogFilter extends LogFilterService {
  private val filters: Seq[LogFilterService] = JpsServiceManager.getInstance
          .getExtensions(classOf[LogFilterService]).toSeq

  override def shouldLog(kind: Kind,
                         text: String,
                         source: Option[File],
                         line: Option[Long],
                         column: Option[Long]): Boolean = {
    // We want to run shouldLog on all filters not just retrun fast
    val res = filters.map(_.shouldLog(kind, text, source, line, column))

    !res.contains(false)
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: How to change Excel Pivot table column to text format for vlookup purposes I have a column in my data that is ID numbers, basically. Made a pivot table out of the data.
I'm trying to do a vlookup into the pivot that ignores the first number in the data like so:
=vlookup("*"&A1,pivot table columns,2,false)

But I get N/A because the *&A1 is considered text, which I cannot change, and the pivot table data is considered to be numbers. I've tried going to the original data and changing the formatting to text and refreshing, I've tried formatting the cells where the data appears and I've tried going into field options and changed the number formatting to text. None of it worked.
Anyone know an easy way to get this to work?

A: Force your ID number to be treated as text in the source data.
To do this reliably:

*

*select the column in your data source with ID number

*Data->Text-To-Columns

*Next

*Next

*Choose Text

*Finish

*Refresh the Pivot.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
May the year 2010 bring for you happiness, success and be filled with peace, hope & togetherness of your family & friends... Wishing you a... HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Historical Timeline of Golf - 4 of 4 - 1956 to 2004
1956 - The current yardage guides for par are adopted by the USGA.
1961 - Gary Player becomes the first foreign player to win The Masters.
1961 - Charlie Sifford becomes the first black golfer to play in a PGA co-sponsored tournament in the south.
1962 - Jack Nicklaus wins his first professional tournament, the U.S. Open.
1963 - Arnold Palmer becomes the first professional to earn over $100,000 in official prize money one year.
1972 - Spalding introduces the first two-piece ball, the Top-Flite.
1973 - The graphite shaft is invented.
1974 - The Tournament Players Championship is inaugurated.
1976 - The USGA institutes the Overall Distance Standard- golf balls that fly more than 280 yards during a standard test are banned.
1979 - The Ryder Cup is reformatted to add European continent players.
1980 - Tom Watson is the first golfer to earn $500,000 in prize money in a single season.
1980- The Senior PGA Tour is born with four official events.
1985 - The USGA introduces the Slope System to allow golfers to adjust their handicaps to allow for the relative difficulty of a golf course compared to players own ability.
1986 - Jack Nicklaus wins his 18th and final professional major, The Masters. This is his 20th overall.
1988 - Curtis Strange becomes the first player to win over $1,000,000 in a single season.
1990 - The Ben Hogan Tour is launched as a minor league PGA Tour. Now called The Nationwide Tour.
1991 -Oversized metal woods are introduced, with Callaway Golf's Big Bertha quickly establishing itself as the dominant brand.
1993 - An ownership group led by Joe Gibbs and Arnold Palmer announce plans for The Golf Channel, a 24- hour, 365 –day cable service
1994 - Tiger Woods becomes the youngest man to ever win the U.S. Amateur, at age 18.
1996 - In September Tiger Woods turns professional and plays in his first PGA Tour event as a pro in Milwaukee, WI.
1997 - In his first major championship as a professional, Tiger Woods becomes the youngest-ever Masters Champion at 21 years 3 months, while setting the 72 hole scoring record of 270 (18 under par)
2000 - Tiger Woods records lowest 72 hole score in relation to par at minus 12 and his margin of victory of 15 strokes is the largest ever in any major. He also has $9,188,321 in official earning during the year
2004 - Michelle Wie at age 14 becomes the youngest female to play in a PGA Tour event. She misses the cut by only one stroke.
Tom Dale Retains CGCS Certification
Congratulations to Tom Dale, Golf Course Superintendent at The Links at Brigantine for having completed his recertification and retaining the designation as of Certified Golf Course Superintendent.
Certification is achieved through the GCSAA which offers golf course superintendents a professional certification program enabling them to be recognized for their superior levels of achievement in golf course management. The professional designation (CGCS) Certified Golf Course Superintendent is bestowed upon those who voluntarily meet the stringent requirements. This designation is the most widely recognized in the golf industry and the highest level of recognition to be achieved. Only 25% of GCSAA Class A members are certified golf course superintendents.
"Achieving certification is a great accomplishment but having maintained certification since 1990 is a true testament to Tom's dedication to our industry" commented Tyler Minamyer, IGM Regional Manager.
From the entire IGM team, congratulations Tom!
December Anniversaries
We would like to recognize the following team members who have demonstrated their continued commitment to excellence and have reached important milestones with IGM.
Alan Jackson - Superintendent - IGM at Polo Grounds
Chuck Carnite - Equipment Tech - IGM at ViewPoint
Stanley Doughman - Equipment Tech - IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Douglas Kirkland - Irrigation Tech - IGM at Savannahs
Thanks to each of you for your efforts in making IGM the leader in the golf maintenance industry. Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Members of the IGM Team with November birthdays:
Robert Tramel - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Savannahs
Sean Gillen - Assistant Superintedent - IGM at Sandridge
Francis Gilbert - Assistant Superintedent - IGM Country Creek
David Kepperling - Irrigation Tech - IGM at Cler Brook
Emiliano Del Rosal - Crew Foreman - IGM at Brays Island
Gary Glisson - Equipment Tech - IGM at Four Lakes
Francisco Larios-Hernandez - Crew Leader - IGM at Bray Island
Nicholas MacArthur - Assisant Superintendent - IGM at SilverStone
William Dabney - Superintendent - IGM at Cler Brook
David Kiesow - Superintendent - IGM at Tarpon Springs
Paul Illgen - Superintendent - IGM at Highland Lakes
Greg Plotner - Vice President - IGM Corporate
We wish each of you a very Happy Birthday!
Congratulations to Nick & Carly MacArthur
Congratulations to Nick & Carly MacArthur on the birth of their daughter. Chloe Grace was born on November 30, 2009 at 11:26am weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces and 19" long.
Nick is Assistant Superintendent for IGM at SilverStone in Las Vegas, Nevada.
1905 - The first dimple-pattern for golf balls is patented by William Taylor in England
1906 - Goodrich introduces a golf ball with a rubber core filled with compressed air. The "Pneu-matic" proves quite lively, but also prone to explode in warm weather, often in a golfer's pocket. The ball is eventually discontinued; at this time the Haskell ball achieves a dominance of the golf ball market.
1916 - The PGA Of America is founded by 82 charter members and the PGA Championship is inaugurated. Jim Barnes is first champion.
1922 - The Walker Cup Match is instituted. Two direct descendants of the cup Founder George Herbert Walker would become President of the United States- his grandson George H. W. Bush, 41st President, and his great grandson George W. Bush, 43rd President.
1924 - The USGA legalizes steel shafted clubs.
1927 - The inaugural Ryder Cup Matches are played between Britain and the U.S.
1931 - The USGA increases the minimum size of the ball from 1.62" to 1.68" and decreases the maximum weight from 1.62 ounces to 1.55 ounces. This ball, labeled the "balloon ball" is universally despised and eventually the USGA raises the weight back to 1.62 ounces.
1934 - The first Masters is played. Horton Smith is first champion.
1934 - The official U.S. PGA Tour is created.
1938 - The Palm Beach Invitational becomes the first tournament to make a contribution to charity.
1938 - The 14-club rule is instituted.
1945 - Byron Nelson wins 18 tournaments in calendar year to set the all time PGA record. Nelson wins 11 straight events during the year.
1946 - U.S. Women's Open is instituted. Patty Berg is first winner.
1947 - Golf is televised for the first time, in a local St. Louis telecast of U.S. Open.
1948 - The U.S. Junior Amateur is instituted. Ken Venturi loses to Dean Lind in the first final.
1950 - The Ladies Professional Golfers Association is founded. (LPGA)
1954 - The U.S. Open is nationally televised for the first time.
We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
During this time as we look to those things that we all most thankful for, it is important not to forget the men and women of the US Armed Forces both past and present. On this day of thanks be sure to let those who have served or are serving our country know how thankful we are for them.
November Anniversaries
Dustin Plemons – Superintendent – IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
William Dabney – Superintendent – IGM at Cler Brook
David Souder – Equipment Tech – IGM at Sandridge
Robert Johnson – Equipment Tech – IGM at Pine Lakes
David Bair – Irrigation Tech – IGM at Heritage Greens
Roger Heckel – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Tarpon Springs
Emiliano Del Rosal – Crew Foreman – IGM at Brays Island
November Birthdays
Andy Fowler - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Waynesville
Lonnie Smith - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Martin Bojorquez - Irrigation Tech - IGM at Date Palm
Wayne Deese - Irrigation Tech - IGM at Sandridge
Martin Contreras - Crew Foreman - IGM at SilverStone
Jeff Miller - Superintendent - IGM at Waynesville
Scott Merritt - Superintendent - IGM at ViewPoint
Chester Guzek - Superintendent - IGM at Lake of the Woods
Dustin Plemons - Superintendent - IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Jim Moller - Superintendent - IGM at Habitat
Aaron Warstler - Superintendent - IGM at Terraverde
Steve Gano - Vice President - IGM Corporate
1810 - Earliest recorded reference to a women's competition at Musselburgh.
1826 - Hickory imported from America is used in making golf shafts.
1848 - The invention of the "guttie", the gutta-percha ball. It flies farther than previous balls and is much less expensive. It contributes greatly to the expansion of the game.
1859 - The first Amateur Championship is won by George Condie of Perth.
1861 - The Open Championship is born. Commonly referred to as The British Open. It is won by Old Tom Morris.
1867 - The Ladies' Golf Club at St. Andrews is founded. The first golf club for women.
1884 - The Oakhurst Golf Club is founded at White Sulphur Springs, W.V. The first hole at The Homestead survives from this course and is the oldest golf hole in America.
1894 - The United States Golf Association is formed (USGA). The governing body of golf in the United States.
1895 - The U.S. Amateur Championship is instituted. The first U.S. Open is held the following day. Horace Rawlins is the champion.
1898 - The term "birdie" is coined at Atlantic C.C. from " a bird of a hole"
1899 - The Western Open is first played at Glenview C.C., the first tournament that would evolve into the PGA Tour.
IGM's Robert Diebold Represents SNGCSA at GCSAA Chapter Delegates Meeting
On October 10th & 11th, the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America held its 17th Annual Chapter Delegates meeting in Lawrence, Kansas. In attendance was Robert Diebold, IGM's West Coast Regional Manager. Robert was selected to represent the Southern Nevada GCSA by the other members of the Association's Board of Directors in which he currently serves. The meeting covered a wide range of topics, including the state of the golf economy, association governance, golf's relationship with the environment and membership growth and retention.
"Being a part of the SNGCSA board and attending the delegates meeting are terrific experiences. Each of us in the turf industry should take time to participate with our local and national professional associations. Our contributions will help to advance the image of our profession and to grow our industry." commented Robert.
Steve Gano, IGM Vice President went on to add "IGM supports and encourages all of our team members to be active with their local associations, civic groups and charities. We are not only a part of the golf industry but also a part of each of the communities in which we operate."
Some interesting facts about the US golf industry shared from the meeting:
Golf is played by more that 28 million people
The industry provides more than 2 million jobs with a total wage of over 61 billion dollars
The total direct economic impact of golf is 76 billion dollars with an indirect impact of 195 billion dollars
The golf industry is larger than the motion picture industry, performing arts and spectator sports as well as the newspaper industry
For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, please contact the IGM Business Development Office at 800-413-5500 or on the web at www.igminc.net.
1354 - The first recorded reference to "chole", the probable antecedent to golf.
1452 - King James II of Scotland bans the playing of the game, along with soccer, because it is keeping his subjects from archery practice.
1502 - With the signing of the Treaty of Glasgow between England and Scotland, the ban on golf is lifted.
1552 - First recorded evidence of golf at St. Andrews. Considered by most the "Cradle of Golf."
1567 - Mary, Queen of Scots is the first known female golfer.
1659 - Golf is banned from the streets of Albany, N.Y. the first reference to golf in America.
1744 - The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers is formed, playing at Leith Links. It is the first golf club.
1754 - The first codified Rules of Golf published by St. Andrews Golfers.
1759 - Earliest reference to stroke play at St. Andrews. Previously all play was match.
1768 - The Golf House at Leith is erected. It is the first golf clubhouse.
1786 - The South Carolina Golf Club is formed in Charleston, the first golf club outside of the United Kingdom.
Chester Guzek & Matt Sobotka Take 2nd Straight Joe Saylor Title
Chester Guzek and Matt Sobotka of IGM at Lake of the Woods successfully defended their title of Overall Gross Champions at the 5th Annual Joe Saylor Memorial Golf Tournament. Against a full field of 124 players at The Foundry Golf Club in Powhatan, Virginia they shot an impressive 7 under, 65.
Sponsored in part by IGM, the event benefited the US Marine Corp Toys for Tots program. In addition to the entry fee, each participant brought a toy to donate to the drive. For more information about Toys for Tots please visit http://www.toysfortots.org/.
The tournament is put on in honor of Joe Saylor. Joe was a great servant to golf and his profession as a Superintendent in the Hampton Roads/Tidewater Virgina area for nearly 40 years.
Bobby Jacoby - 25 Years & Counting
In a time when a triplex can have a longer tenure at a course than a Golf Course Superintendent, the benchmark set by Bobby Jacoby is something very few will ever achieve. Bobby has reached the 25 year mark with Highland Fairways Country Club.
Bobby was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. His interest golf started when he was six or seven, shagging balls at the golf course across the street from where he grew up. He joined the team at Highland Fairways as the grow in superintendent in 1985 and has since led the course through housing development, hurricanes and every agronomic challenge you can imagine.
Bobby joined the IGM Team in 1999 and continued to lead the course maintenance operation. Bobby attributes his ability to keep up with the changing industry by "reading, reading, reading, going to seminars and discussion groups".
He is truly an asset to Highland Fairways and to the IGM Team. Congratulations Bobby!
IGM at Brays Island Plantation Completes First Step in Audubon Certification
IGM at Brays Island Plantation has received certification in Environmental Planning from the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses (ACSP), an international program administered by Audubon International designed to help landowners preserve and enhance the environmental quality of their property. The plan was developed by Tray Maltby, Golf Course Superintendent, and Bruce Lampright, Brays Island's Naturalist. Both are also recognized for their efforts to plan for environmental stewardship.
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses provides an advisory service to help existing golf courses develop effective conservation and wildlife enhancement programs. This worldwide effort is coordinated by Audubon International and is sponsored in part by the United States Golf Association.
"The open space of a golf course is utilized not only by golfers, but is habitat for a variety of wildlife species," explained Jim Sluiter, Staff Ecologist for Audubon International. "We welcome IGM at Brays Island Plantation's commitment to the environment and to managing the golf course with wildlife in mind."
By joining and participating in the ACSP, IGM at Brays Island Plantation will be involved in projects that enhance habitat for wildlife and preserve natural resources for the benefit of the local community. These projects may include: placing nesting boxes for cavity-nesting birds such as bluebirds and swallows, utilizing integrated pest management techniques, conserving water, and maintaining food and cover for wildlife.
"The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program benefits both people and wildlife," said Sluiter. "It's a great way for the managers of developed properties and environmental organizations to work together to become better stewards of land and natural resources."
After the environmental plan is approved, properties in the program may apply for certification in Wildlife and Habitat Management, Chemical Use Reduction and Safety, Water Conservation, Water Quality Management, and Outreach and Education by demonstrating that they have met minimum requirements for each category. For more information on golf and the environment, visit www.golfandenvironment.org.
About Audubon International
Audubon International is an environmental organization dedicated to educating, assisting, and inspiring millions of people from all walks of life to protect and sustain the land, water, wildlife, and natural resources around them. In addition to businesses, Audubon International also provides programs for golf courses, schools, communities, and new developments. For more information, contact Audubon International, 46 Rarick Rd., Selkirk, NY 12158, USA, (518) 767-9051, e-mail them via the Internet at acsp@auduboninternational.org, or visit their website at www.auduboninternational.org.
Playing Par with Jack Frost
By Charles B. White
Director, Southeastern Region, USGA Green Section
As winter begins, the golfer lays aside his clubs for a time and settles down to watch football. But, loving the game, our minds quickly return to golf, and our bodies avidly follow. Thus we encounter an age-old problem: morning delays to allow the frost to clear or enable the green surface to thaw. Often a confrontation arises between the golf professional and/or the superintendent on one side and club members on the other. Consider the problems of playing greens in the winter when frost or freezing occurs, and why play must be delayed, or even prevented, for a period of time.
Everyone knows frost must clear off the grass before play can begin, but few people know why. Frost on the grass blades tells us that the water inside the leaves is frozen. Remember that water is the primary component of plant tissue. When this water is frozen, traffic on the turf causes the ice crystals in the cells to puncture through the cell walls, killing the plant tissue. Little damage is done to the crowns (growing points) or roots if only a light frost appears; however, when the frost is heavy, cell disruption may occur at the crown, thus killing the entire plant. Frost damage symptoms include white to light tan leaves where traffic has passed. The simplest approach is to avoid traffic until the frost melts.
Another dangerous situation exists when the soil is completely frozen to the surface but the grass blades have thawed. Provided there is no frost or ice on the grass under this condition, then limited foot traffic creates little damage, if any.
At these times, heavy traffic or golf carts should be restricted from greens, tees and even fairways. This is the most favorable winter conditions, because when the soil is frozen it does not allow as much penetration of compaction and spikes, thus preventing damage to the grass roots. Since the blades are not frozen, they retain the resiliency needed to withstand light foot traffic.
Traffic damage on frozen turf areas usually occurs during periods of freezing or thawing. The most devastating situation occurs when the grass blades and the upper one-half to one inch of soil has thawed, but the ground beneath their level remains frozen. Traffic will create a shearing action of the roots, rhizomes, and crown tissues at this time. This is comparable to cutting the plant tissue from the underlying root system with a sod cutter. Complete kill of leaves, crowns, and rhizomes can occur if the temperatures soon drop below 20° F. Symptoms from this severe injury include whitish to dark brown leaves that may mat on the surface.
Once temperatures allow thawing to a depth of three to four inches, the probability of turf damage declines since about 75 percent of the root system is in the upper four inches of soil. Frequently soil probing is the only positive way to effectively monitor the freezing level. Traffic should be adjusted accordingly.
Many letters and articles are published every year in an attempt to educate golfers to the potential problems of playing on frozen or partially frozen turfgrass areas. Golf course superintendents or club officials should educate golfers in the fall regarding the problems with playing frozen greens so the golfers themselves have a better understanding of the damage that occurs when traffic is imposed on frozen or partially frozen turf. In most cases, informing golfers of suspended play due to frozen greens is inadequate and sounds more like an excuse than a reason. However, if care is taken to educate members through a seminar, newsletter in the golf shop, or a handout distributed directly, it will help members understand exactly what happens when foot traffic is placed on frozen and partially frozen putting surfaces, and it also informs them of winter traffic damage to the turf in general.
If the golf course superintendents and other club officials make a concentrated effort to educate their membership as to why traffic is not allowed on the golf course on particular winter days, they will gain support and will eliminate the current Saturday morning standoffs at the pro shop and the descriptive name-calling sessions which inevitably arise.
Reprinted from the USGA Green Section Record
1984 Sept/Oct Vol 22(5): 8
Brian Certo Joins IGM Team
Brian Certo has joined the IGM Team as Assistant Golf Course Superintendent for IGM at Heritage Greens in Naples, Florida.
After fifteen years in the construction industry, Brain took the initial steps of a career change on a path to become a Golf Course Superintendent. He returned to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from the State University of New York at Delhi's Turf Management program. He achieved honors every semester and following an internship at Quail West in Naples, Florida, he accepted a position as the Assistant Superintendent at Riverfront Golf Course in Suffolk, Virginia. Brian career growth took him on to a private, Top 100 Jack Nicholas Signature course in Charlotte, North Carolina then to Collier's Reserve Country Club in Naples, Florida before joining IGM.
"We are excited about having Brian on the team and expect that his experience and enthusiasm will be great assets to our operation" said Brian Kinney, Golf Course Superintendent for IGM at Heritage Greens.
Links at Brigantine Beach Staffer Jeremy Williams Scores Ace
Jeremy Williams, a member of the maintenance staff at The Links at Brigantine Beach recorded his first ace on September 17, 2009. The former member of the Atlantic City High School Golf Team made the shot on the 143 yard number 7 using a 9 iron. Two club members and Golf Course Superintendent Tom Dale were on hand the witness the event.
Tom Dale laughed while recalling the shot, "I had just gotten finished telling the members that he was a very good golfer. He proved it!"
IGM Expands Again in the Southeast
CHAMPIONSGATE, Fla.; October 13, 2009 - International Golf Maintenance, a world leader in golf course maintenance has added The Sebastian Municipal Golf Course to its portfolio in the southeastern United States. "We are very pleased to welcome the City of Sebastian to the IGM family", said Greg Plotner, Executive Vice President of IGM. "We look forward to enhancing the enjoyment of the local residents, and ensure the golf course is a source of pride for the entire community."
This 18 hole, municipal course is located on Florida's east coat, in beautiful Sebastian, Florida. "We are excited about joining IGM, they share our passion for delivering the highest quality golf maintenance services" said Greg Gardner, Director of Golf.
As the nation's leading golf course maintenance company and the agronomic subsidiary of Meadowbrook Golf, IGM contracts with golf courses and country clubs to handle all aspects of turf and grounds maintenance. From personnel to equipment issues, IGM develops maintenance programs that incorporate all the resources necessary to meet the agronomic needs of the customers' facilities – many times at a savings compared with historical spending.
For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, please contact Jennifer Bogucki, Public Relations Manager at (800) 413-5500. Additional information, including an electronic version of this release may also be obtained via the internet by visiting IGM's website at http://www.igminc.net.
Blackthorn Earns US Commerce Association Award
WASHINGTON D.C., June 8, 2009 - City Of South Bend has been selected for the 2009 Best of South Bend Award in the Public Golf Courses category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).
The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2009 USCA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.
About Blackthorn:
Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA, the Blackthorn Golf Club opened in August of 1994. The 18-hole course in South Bend, IN has a 7136-yard layout with four sets of tees which offer a strategic test for golfers of all abilities. For more information about the course, visit http://www.blackthorngolf.com/.
October Anniversaries
John Filbert III – Equipment Technician – IGM at Sandridge
Todd Hugill – Superintendent – IGM at Widows Walk
Juan Villegas – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Mystic Dunes
Winfield Yount – Superintendent – IGM at Sandridge
David Kepperling – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Cler Brook
Tommy Coffey – Superintendent – IGM at Grand Palms
Martin Suarez – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Silver Lakes
Art Hampton – Dir of Maintenance – IGM at ChampionsGate
Homer Ramsier – Equipment Technician – IGM at North Palm Beach
Joda Brown – Superintendent – IGM at Country Wood
Shane McGuire – Superintendent – IGM at North Palm Beach
Daryl Morris – Equipment Technician – IGM at North Palm Beach
Timothy Millett – Crew Foreman – IGM at King's Point
October Birthdays
Members of the IGM Team with October birthdays:
Stanley Doughman – Equipment Tech – IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Steve Adams – Superintendent – IGM at King's Grant
Otis Griffin – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Highland Lakes
Richard Chandler – Equipment Technician – IGM at Highland Lakes
John Lecour – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Habitat
Kenton Kiley – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Sandridge
Clemente Lopes – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Silverstone
Robert Diebold – Regional Manager – West Coast
John Weathers – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Mystic Dunes
Alan Jackson – Superintendent – IGM at Polo Grounds
Andres Lugo – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Silverstone
Martin Soria – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Laura Liffiton – Administrative Assistant – IGM Corporate Office
USGA Green Section Southeast Regional Update
A Matter of Respect
By Chris Hartwiger and Patrick O'Brien , USGA SE Region Agronomists
What do David Duval and Patrick O'Brien have in common? They both were faced with a plugged and unplayable lie in a bunker during the final round of a major championship. For David, the setting was the U.S. Open at Bethpage. For Patrick, it was the Brunswick Invitational. How should these situations be interpreted? Are these golfers the victim of the wrong sand, poor maintenance, or substandard design? Or are bad lies part of the game? These questions are brought up regularly on USGA Turfgrass Advisory Service visits. We have encountered course officials and golfers who at one time or another have eagerly argued each of the scenarios above. This regional update will sort out some facts, state our position, and provide some information to answer this question.
What is a Bunker?
According to the USGA Rules of Golf, a bunker "is a hazard consisting of a prepared area of ground, often a hollow, from which turf or soil has been removed and replaced with sand or the like."
Although this definition is straightforward, golfers sometimes are confused with regard to the definition of a hazard. We have been told many times by golfers and course officials that in a properly maintained hazard, in this case a bunker, there would never be any plugged lies. In fact, we are told that every time a ball enters this hazard, the lie should be consistent.
Let's begin to sort out these claims by going straight to the dictionary and see the first two definitions of hazard.
Hazard [haz-erd] - noun
1. an unavoidable danger or risk, even though often foreseeable.
2. something causing unavoidable danger, peril, risk, or difficulty.
Overall, it appears this hazard in golf is not a happy place to be.
Does design influence playability?
Yes, it is generally accepted that flat bottom bunkers wash out less frequently and severely. Maintaining a firm surface is easier in a flat bottom bunker. However, difficult lies are possible in flat bottom bunkers in the areas where the grass and sand meet. Bunkers with flashed faces will wash out more frequently, but balls are more likely to roll to a low spot away from the edge. Any time sand washes out and must be replaced with fresh sand, it will be softer than sand that has not been washed out.
Does the type of sand impact playability?
Yes, sand impacts playability; however, there is no sand that will satisfy all the people all of the time. There is no bunker sand that comes with a guarantee of no bad lies.
Does maintenance affect playability?
Yes, although there is a misconception among many golfers that bunkers can be "consistent", nothing could be further from the truth. Bunkers are influenced by sun, rain, position in relation to the sun, degree to which they wash in a rain, how golfers enter and exit, etc. This implies that the bunkers can be maintained in a consistent fashion by using the same method to groom all of them, but the outcome of golf shots hit into a bunker can vary not only from bunker to bunker, but even from within the same bunker.
David Duval and Patrick O'Brien sure got bad breaks. Unfortunately, the buck must stop with them. The Rules of Golf provided a solution for their difficulties, as unpalatable as that may have been. They were not the victim of bad design, bad maintenance, or the wrong type of sand. They both were playing an outdoor game that requires all of us to play the course as we find it. Bunkers were never intended to be targets for golf shots, nor are there any promises as to what type of lie will result. In fact, the Rules of Golf declare that they are hazards, and we now know that hazards are generally associated with risk, peril, or danger. We continue to advocate that no matter how we manipulate maintenance practices, sand types, and designs, there will continue to be good lies in bunkers and bad ones, too.
Source: Patrick O'Brien or patobrien@usga.org and Chris Hartwiger or chartwiger@usga.org.
Mystic Dunes to Raise Funds for American Cancer Society
Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club will raise funds for the American Cancer Society by hosting its 5th annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic on Friday, October 9, 2009
"We are proud of our company's commitment to community service, and we invite our friends, neighbors and community partners to join us for a fun day of golf and camaraderie in support of this great cause that touches the lives of so many," said Roger Farwell, President and CEO of Tempus Resorts International, parent company of Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club.
The tournament will feature a four-person scramble format. Registration will begin at 12:00 noon and the scramble starts at 1:00 p.m. A reception including a silent and live auction will round out the day. Tournament fees are $95 per player or $350 per foursome, with proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Mystic Dunes Golf Club is located at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club, 7900 Mystic Dunes Lane, Celebration, FL 34747. Pre-registration for the tournament is required and can be done by visiting www.mysticdunesgolf.com or by calling 407-787-5678 or 866-311-1234.
A limited number of hole sponsorships are available. Hole sponsors receive sign recognition on 1 of 18 holes during the event, positioning on all LeaderBoard presentations throughout the day, and the option to place a promotional item in the tee gift bag. Companies interested in becoming a hole sponsor may contact Keith Bielski at 407-787-5639 or bielskik@tempusresorts.net.
About Mystic Dunes Golf Club
Maintained by IGM, Mystic Dunes Golf Club, a high-end daily fee course, is open to the public and is located at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida, which is owned and operated by Tempus Resorts International, Ltd. Designed by Champions Tour player and NBC Golf Analyst Gary Koch, this premier Central Florida course is a par 71, 7,012-yard golfer's dream. The course is ranked a 4 ½-star facility among Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play", has been honored as a Course of Distinction among Golfweek's "Best Resort Courses", and is ranked #2 among "Orlando's Top 5 Golf Courses" by TravelGolf.com. Tee times can be booked online at www.mysticdunesgolf.com or by calling the pro shop at (866) 311-1234 or (407) 787-5678.
Why aerify?
It's a perfect, sunny morning and you've just reached the first green in regulation. You feel great and you know you're within birdie range. Then, you see them, those little holes in the green. Arrrgh! They've just aerified the course, and it's going to ruin your round, right?
Well, maybe not. Consider the fact that PGA Tour legend Tom Watson shot a sizzling record 58 at his then-home course, Kansas City Country Club, just days after the greens had been aerified.
Consider also that aerification is merely a short-term disruption that has long-term benefits for the course. When you see them, remember that without those little holes, the greens would eventually die.
Like so many things, the quality of a good putting green is more than skin deep. In fact, the condition of a green has a lot to do with what goes on below the surface. In order to keep grass growing at 3/16-inch you have to have deep, healthy roots. Good roots demand oxygen. In good soil, they get the oxygen from tiny pockets of air trapped between soil and sand particles.
Over time, the traffic from golfers' feet (as well as heavy mowing equipment) tends to compact the soil under the putting green - particularly when the soil contains a lot of clay. When soil becomes compacted, the air pockets on which the roots depend are crushed, and the roots are essentially left gasping for air. Without oxygen, the grass plants will wither and die.
Aerification is a mechanical process that creates more air space in the soil and promotes deeper rooting, thus helping the grass plants stay healthy. In most cases, it's done by removing 1/2-inch cores (those plugs you sometimes see near a green or in fairways). The spaces are then filled with sand "topdressing" that helps the soil retain air space and makes it easier for roots to grow downward.
Other aerification techniques use machines with "tines" or knives that simply poke holes through the soil profile. A newer technique even uses ultra high-pressure water that's injected through the soil profile to create small holes that relieve some compaction but heal quickly.
The bottom line is that aerification is a necessary practice. But before you curse the superintendent for ruining your day, just think of Tom Watson.
Source: http://www.gcsaa.org/solutions/facts/aerify.aspx
September Anniversaries
Daniel Wikiera - Technician - IGM at Mystic Dunes
Bill Sheer - Superintendent - IGM at Mystic Dunes
Henry Oertel - Equipment Technician - IGM at The Ledges
Timothy Farr - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Country Wood
Enrique Castellanos - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Silverstone
Edward Taylor - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Grand Palms
Raul Sanchez - Crew Leader - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
Jose Benitez-Macias - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
Todd Yandell - Equipment Technician - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
Matt Sobotka - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Lakes of the Woods
Brad Batchelor - Superintendent - IGM at Bear Valley Springs
Larry Haley - Equipment Technician - IGM at Brays Island
Tray Maltby - Superintendent - IGM at Brays Island
Clemente Lopes - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Silverstone
Mike Kuhn - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Brays Island
Ricardo Pascual - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Brays Island
Roel Figueroa-Solis - Crew Leader - IGM at Brays Island
Wayne White - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Silver Lakes
September Birthdays
Members of the IGM Team with September birthdays:
Bobby Reyes - Superintendent - IGM at Date Palm
Duane Simpson - Landscape Supervisor - IGM at ViewPoint
Jim Smarz - Crew Leader - IGM at ChampionsGate
David Bair - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Heritage Greens
Christopher Monserrate - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Grand Palms
Melanie Mark - Regional Manager - SE Florida
Order Over Disorder by Jim McLoughlin
Special thanks to Jim McLoughlin for allowing us to share his article from his Career Corner Blog on Turfnet.com.
The prevailing myth that disorderly maintenance facilities and sloppy offices are justified because of the hectic unpredictable nature of the work golf course superintendents engage in every day is the kind of thinking that could cost you your job.
This is a dangerous myth because the vast majority of those responsible for employing and monitoring superintendents' work are successful private sector managers requiring well-organized work environments 24/7 throughout their day jobs who will instinctively think less of superintendents who tolerate disorder.
Don't Give Them An Excuse
Through my 25-plus years of visiting America's golf course maintenance facilities, I have seen the good, the indifferent and the bad in about equal proportions. Accordingly, I am concerned in this fiscally driven era for the job security of superintendents who marginalize facility order to whatever degree because – like being pregnant – you are either organized, or you are not and you will be judged more so now than ever before in this light in the coming year or so.
"Your employers will be entitled to conclude that your crew is likely to adopt the same indifferent commitment to excellence that you exhibit throughout your maintenance facility to their daily work assignments…"
My concern for the job security of superintendents who tolerate disorder centers around three themes: first, knowing that loosely managed maintenance facilities will always offend a segment of the people charged with the responsibility of judging your work; second, realizing that your employers will be entitled to conclude that your crew is likely to adopt the same indifferent commitment to excellence that you exhibit throughout your maintenance facility to their daily work assignments; and finally – understanding that disorder undermines crew pride in their work. Orderliness grows pride and all the good things associated with it.
You never want to give your employers another reason to take a deeper look into the prevailing question of day; i.e., whether they can justify your salary in today's already difficult economy that everyone, including the President, advises will continue to decline for at least two more years? Accordingly, now is the time to hunker down "every which way" organization-wise to get ahead of the survival curve before circumstances deny you this opportunity.
"The organizational quality of your maintenance facility will be judged across the board at the "weakest link" level of the following three maintenance facility elements: the grounds immediate surrounding the building(s), within the equipment storage building itself and your personal office…"
The above-mentioned "every which way" concept references your need to present order over disorder throughout each of the following three elements of your maintenance facility: the grounds immediate surrounding the building(s), within the equipment storage building itself and your personal office. Borrowing from the often-used "chain" analogy – the organizational quality of your maintenance facility will be judged across the board at the "weakest link" level of
the three facility elements listed immediately above.
In this instance, one strike and you're out.
Article shared with permission from Career Corner with Jim McLoughlin: http://turfnet.com/career
URL to article: http://turfnet.com/career/index.php/2009/08/job-securing-tip-3-order-over-disorder/
Waynesville Inn Hosts Porsche Car Show & Events
When you think about a weekend in the mountains of Western North Carolina at the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa, you might imagine great golf, relaxing at the spa, incredible scenery and a beautiful sunset. On July 24th and 25th you would gotten all that and a collection of fast, sleek Porsche sports cars.
The two day event featured a car show on the first fairway of the historic Donald Ross designed golf course. The show included competition race cars and personnel from The Racers Group as well as various driving tours, wine tastings and golf events. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefited Sarge's Animal Rescue Foundation.
About Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa
Visiting this historic mountain lodge is like stepping back in time, yet with all the modern amenities. Pristine mountain views are the focal point of many of our 115 rooms. While staying at our mountain retreat you won't need your car, as we have a choice of two fine and uniquely different restaurants available - only steps from your room. Like to play golf? You will have 27-holes of championship golf designed by the legendary Scottish architect Donald Ross, rated 4-stars by Golf Digest. For more information about the Waynesville Inn Golf Resort and Spa please visit www.TheWaynesvilleInn.com and see for yourself this "diamond in the rough" in Western North Carolina.
IGM Maintained Mystic Dunes to Host Patriot Day Event
Mystic Dunes Golf Club has announced plans to participate in the third annual Patriot Golf Day campaign, September 4-7, 2009. Golfers will be asked to donate a minimum of $1 to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation® to provide post secondary educational scholarships for children and spouses of military service men and women killed or disabled while serving our great nation.
"It's easy for our guests to donate to this great cause. We simply ask golfers to add an extra dollar to their greens fee," said Mystic Dunes Director of Golf Rick Smith.
The club will also accept donations to the Folds of Honor Foundation from the general public. Monetary donations can be made at the Mystic Dunes Clubhouse, located at 7850 Shadow Tree Lane, Celebration, FL 34747.
Patriot Golf Day, the primary fund-raiser for the Folds of Honor Foundation, was created by Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and USGA member from Broken Arrow, Okla. Patriot Golf Day is jointly supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association and also receives support from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and from many of the country's leading golf manufacturers and media outlets. Over the past 2 years nearly 3 million dollar has been raised.
Mystic Dunes Golf Club, a high-end daily fee course, is open to the public and is located at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida, which is owned and operated by Tempus Resorts International, Ltd. Designed by Champions Tour player and NBC Golf Analyst Gary Koch, this premier Central Florida course is a par 71, 7,012-yard golfer's dream. The course is ranked a 4 ½-star facility among Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play", has been honored as a Course of Distinction among Golfweek's "Best Resort Courses", and is ranked #2 among "Orlando's Top 5 Golf Courses" by TravelGolf.com. Tee times can be booked online at www.mysticdunesgolf.com or by calling the pro shop at (866) 311-1234 or (407) 787-5678.
IGM's Melanie Mark Recertified as CGCS
Congratulations to Melanie Mark, IGM's East Florida Regional Manager for having completed her recertification and retaining the designation as of Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Melanie has also received special recognition for her designation as our company's most attractive certified golf course superintendent.
"Melanie exemplifies the kind of hard work and dedication needed to achieve and maintain the turf industries' most prestigious designation. She is truly an asset to our team" commented Greg Plotner, IGM Executive Vice President.
From the entire IGM team, congratulations Mel!
IGM Maintained Mystic Dunes to Host Kickoff Golf Classic
Mystic Dunes would like to invite golfers to kickoff the football season at the "Kickoff Golf Classic" on August 29th, 2009 to celebrate the beginning of another great football season. This fun, two-man team scramble golf tournament is sure to offer some exciting plays. Bring your clubs, teammate, and favorite team gear while Mystic Dunes supplies all the football fun!
Registration for the two-man scramble will begin at 7:00 a.m. followed by an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. Price includes an awards banquet and tailgate party with all your favorites!
A portion of the tournament's proceeds will benefit United Way, the nation's largest nonprofit. Since 1973, the National Football League (NFL) has partnered with United Way, and today it is the most visible and longest running charitable collaboration of its kind.
Tournament fees are $55 per player (if paying individually) or $100 per two-some (if one joint payment) plus tax. The deadline for entry is Thursday, August 27, 2009. For more information or to register for the tournament, please contact Keith Bielski at 407-787-5639 or visit the Mystic Dunes Web site at http://www.mysticdunesgolf.com/email/kickoff_09/.
About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 46 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. that advance the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: LIVEUNITED.org.
Mystic Dunes Golf Club, a high-end daily fee course, is open to the public and is located at Mystic Dunes Resort & Golf Club in Celebration, Florida, which is owned and operated by Tempus Resorts International, Ltd. Designed by Champions Tour player and NBC Golf Analyst Gary Koch, this premier Central Florida course is a par 71, 7,012-yard golfer's dream. The course is ranked a 4 ½-star facility among Golf Digest's "Best Places to Play", has been honored as a Course of Distinction among Golfweek's "Best Resort Courses", and is ranked #2 among "Orlando's Top 5 Golf Courses" by TravelGolf.com. Tee times can be booked online at www.mysticdunesgolf.com or by calling the pro shop at 866-311-1234 or 407-787-5678.
IGM at The Habitat Recognized for Environmental Excellence
We are pleased to announce that The Habitat, managed by IGM, has retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International Program. Golf Course Superintendent Jim Moller led the effort to maintain sanctuary status on the course.
A round of golf at The Habitat will yield many encounters with nature such as the Sandhill Cranes shown here crossing a bridge on the back nine. As advertised, The Habitat truly is "Where nature and golf join in harmony".
The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, endorsed by the United States Golf Association, provides information and guidance to help golf courses preserve and enhance wildlife habitat, and protect natural resources. Golf courses from the United States, Africa, Australia, Canada, Central America, Europe, Mexico, and Southeast Asia have achieved certification in the program. For more information on golf and the environment, visit http://www.golfandenvironment.org/.
August Milestones
James Moller – Superintendent – IGM at Habitat
David Kiesow – Superintendent – IGM at Tarpon Springs
Maurice Miyo – Superintendent – IGM at Savannahs
Martin Bojorquez – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Date Palm
Steve Adams – Superintendent – IGM at King's Point
Daniel Chavez – Equipment Technician – IGM at Country Creek
Richard McQuillen – Equipment Technician – IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Donald Bookwalter – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at ChampionsGate
Jim Smarz – Crew Foreman – IGM at ChampionsGate
August Birthdays
Members of the IGM team with August birthdays:
Robert Lendak - Equipment Technician - IGM at Silver Lakes
David Fletcher - Equipment Technician - IGM at Tarpon Springs
Dennis Welch - Equipment Technician - IGM at Country Wood
Jesus Salinas - Equipment Technician - IGM at Mirror Lakes
Chuck Carnite - Equipment Technician - IGM at ViewPoint
Edward Bakle - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Mirror Lakes
Michael Heckenstaller - Assistant Superintendent - IGM at Habitat
Robert Cassese - Irrigation Technician - IGM at Silver Dollar
Terry Peacock - Crew Foreman - IGM at Lake Henry
IGM's Brad Rook Recertified as CGCS
Congratulations to Brad Rook, Director of Agronomy for IGM at Silver Lakes Country Club for having completed his recertification and retaining the designation as of Certified Golf Course Superintendent. Brad was first certified on July 19th, 1994 and this is the second recertification he has completed.
"Achieving and maintaining such a high level of expertise in this field is truly something to be proud of" commented Steve Gano, IGM VP of Operations. The rest of us at IGM agree. Great job Brad!
Attention IGM Staff Members
Do you have a special event or a staff member accomplishment that should be recognized? An innovative idea or insight that should be shared with our other Superintendents? Want to share your Audubon and environmental stewardship success stories? Maybe just a suggestion about information that would be helpful to your own operation. Then let's put in on this blog.
Please be on the lookout for information and think about things that you might like to share. Any suggestions/information can be sent to tminamyer@igminc.net. Thanks in advance for your participation!
Ridgewood Lakes to Host Duramed Futures Tour Qualifying School
Meadowbrook Golf managed, Ridgewood Lakes Golf & Country Club has been selected to be one of four Polk County, Florida courses to host this year's Duramed Futures Tour Qualifying School. The event will be held from November 2nd to 6th.
The Duramed Future Tour is the developmental tour of the LPGA and features some world's best golfers and had more than 500 players who have gone on to the LPGA. Alumnae of the tour include Christie Kerr, Karrie Webb, Grace Park, Christina Kim and Lorena Ochoa to name just a few.
"It's exciting to have been selected to be a host for event like this. This will be a great opportunity to showcase the great condition and terrific layout of the course" commented Golf Course Superintendent Dustin Plemons.
IGM Superintendent Tray Maltby Connects Golf Maintenance with Nature
Golf and the environment go hand in hand. Each of the IGM Golf Course Superintendents takes their role as stewards of the environment very seriously.
Recently, IGM Superintendent Tray Maltby had an opportunity to share how our team works to provide great course conditions while still maintaining our commitment to the conservation of our natural resources.
During a tour of the golf course with the Nature Group at Brays Island Plantation, Tray was able to share how utilizing techniques such as Integrated Pest Management (IPM) are important. He also outlined with the group the process involved with having the course certified in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP). The course was recently enrolled in the program by IGM as part of our commitment to have all of our maintained properties participate in and complete the program.
Bruce Lampright the Naturalist for Brays Island organized the tour and has been a huge supporter of the golf course initiatives and the ACSP program. Bruce explained one the goals of this process, "With participation in the ACSP we hope to change the perception of our owners and guests that a golf course can coexist with and support nature. Educated property owners will soon come to realize what a rich sanctuary for plants and animals a golf course can become."
Tray went on to add, "With the help of Bruce and others at the plantation, we are currently working to complete the Audubon Site Assessment. It is helping us to identify what areas we are achieving our goals and also where our efforts should be focused in the future. Brays Island is a preserve by design and helping to ensure that it continues to be one is a very rewarding feeling for all of us".
About Brays Island Plantation
Brays Island Plantation is a private 5,500 acre plantation with only 325 home sites and 3,500 acres set aside as a nature and hunting preserve, Brays Island is committed to protecting the surrounding environment while maintaining the sporting lifestyle of a traditional Lowcountry plantation. Amenities include world class horseback riding, hunting, shooting sports, fishing and a Ron Garl designed links style golf course.
Golf Ventures & Golf Ventures West - Keeping IGM Current with Products & Technology
Staying on top of the turf industry's latest products and newest technology is no small task. It is however necesary in order to provide the best possible golf course conditions at the most competative cost. IGM has a distinct advantage in this area with the support of our industry leading supply partners Golf Ventures and Golf Ventures West.
Since its inception in 1986, GV has been Florida's one-stop maintenance supply company for the golf course industry. Golf Ventures joined the Meadowbrook family in 1998 and has the industry advantage and leadership to be the premier provider and partner for the Meadowbrook Golf/IGM properties. Golf Ventures expanded West into California, Arizona, Nevada and Baha in 2004 and quickly became the leader in the turf grass maintenance industry again with premier partners Helena and Jacobsen.
Golf Ventures product lines include, Helena Plant Protectants and Fertilizers, Jacobsen Equipment and Allied Products (A Textron Company), Turfseed, Inc., Par Aide, Standard and Landmark Accessories, Grigg Brothers, PSA+, Nutramax, Emerald Isle. Fox Valley Paints, Contract Services and several other high quality agronomic Specialty Product lines.
To see what sets our maintenance, management and supply team apart from the others, contact the IGM Business Development Office at 800-413-5500 or on the web at http://www.igminc.net/, http://www.golfventuresonline.com/ or http://www.gvwest.com/.
IGM & Blackthorn Golf Club - Teamwork Leads to Golfweek Honor
Golfweek has published their 2009 Top 50 Municipal Golf Courses Listing, naming IGM maintained golf course, Blackthorn Golf Club.
Golfweek's Best Municipal Courses list features the nation's top 50 government owned golf courses that truly possess the highest standard for public golf. "It is very rewarding to have Blackthorn named in Golfweek Magazine's 2009 top municipal courses listing," said IGM's Executive Vice President, Greg Plotner. "I congratulate all of those who performed at the exceptionally high level required to receive such an accolade. It's an honor to be recognized in the same category with the top rate golf clubs that also made this year's list."
To produce the Golfweek's Best Municipal Courses list, a nationwide team of more than 475 evaluators rated the layouts on the basis of 10 criteria - including routing, conditioning, variety and memorability of holes.
Designed by Dr. Michael Hurdzan, ASGCA, the Blackthorn Golf Club opened in August of 1994. The 18-hole course in South Bend, IN has a 7136-yard layout with four sets of tees which offer a strategic test for golfers of all abilities.
"IGM's extensive experience contributed to the successful execution of our bunker project, and we are extremely pleased with the top-quality agronomic support that IGM continually provides to our club" -Rick Reid, General Manager, Blackthorn Golf Club.
For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, please contact the IGM Business Development Office at 800-413-5500 or on the web at http://www.igminc.net/.
IGM Maintains Golf Week's Top Municipal Golf Course - North Palm Beach Country Club
Golfweek's Best Municipal Courses list features the nation's top 50 government owned golf courses that truly boast a higher standard for public golf. "We are very proud to have North Palm Beach named in Golfweek Magazine's 2009 top municipal courses listing," said IGM's Executive Vice President, Greg Plotner. "My praise and recognition goes to all of those who worked hard to receive such a prestigious honor. It's truly special to be included in the same category as the other great golf clubs that also made the list."
About North Palm Beach Country Club:
The North Palm Beach Country Club consists of an 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus "Signature" Course. NPBCC is only the third "Signature" municipal golf course designed by Nicklaus – a renovation which was completed in 2006. Aside from the improved playability, the Nicklaus redesign included a new irrigation system, total re-grassing of all the playing surfaces, new greens and improved fairway surface drainage. The facility also has a lighted driving range, putting green, golf shop, and a well-appointed locker room facility.
"To help maintain the "Nicklaus Standard," we turned to IGM. Since assuming the maintenance responsibilities in the fall of 2007, the condition of the golf course has helped achieve a level of conditioning never seen before at North Palm Beach Country Club. We live in the land of high-end private clubs, and we now have a municipal course that is maintained at an equivalent level. With IGM and our superintendent Shane McGuire at the helm, we know we are in good hands." - Mike Gray, General Manager, North Palm Beach Country Club
July Milestones
Melanie Mark – Regional Manager – Southeast Florida
Linda Piney – Administrative Assistant – IGM at ChampionsGate
Richard Jacobs – Superintendent – IGM at Mirror Lakes
Robert Lendak – Equipment Technician – IGM at Silver Lakes
Alexis Padilla – Crew Foreman – IGM at ChampionsGate
Greg Hunter – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Tarpon Springs
Duane Simpson – Landscape Foreman – IGM at ViewPoint
Eric Santana – Irrigation Technician – IGM at SilverStone
Scott Merritt – Superintendent – IGM at ViewPoint
Guadalupe Duran – Equipment Technician – IGM at ViewPoint
Fred Lewis – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Heritage Greens
Francisco Olivares – Equipment Technician – IGM at SilverStone
Tanner Couch – Equipment Technician – IGM at ChampionsGate
Jerry Wheelis – Equipment Technician – IGM at Lake Henry
Terry Peacock – Crew Foreman – IGM at Lake Henry
Joseph Elacqua – Equipment Technician – IGM at Silver Dollar
Jason Farr – Superintendent – IGM at Lake Henry
Baremd Greyling – Irrigation Technician – IGM at ChampionsGate
July Birthdays
Members of the IGM Team with July birthdays:
Larry Haley – Equipment Technician – IGM at Brays Island
Dayton Simpson – Superintendent – IGM at Pine Lakes
Robert Johnston – Equipment Technician – IGM at Pine Lakes
Oscar Lopez – Irrigation Technician – IGM at ViewPoint
Brad Batchelor – Superintendent – IGM at Bear Valley Springs
IGM Superintendent Chester Guzek Wins Tollie Quinn Title
Chester Guzek, Golf Course Superintendent for IGM at Lake of the Woods earned the VGCSA Tollie Quinn title in convincing fashion. Chester shot a 3-under, 69 to win by 5 shots.
In addition to gift certificates and the trophy, Chester earned a spot on the VGCSA team which will participate at the GCSAA National Championship to be held this year in Palm Spring, California.
This event, held at Spring Creek in Gordonsville, VA is in honor of Mr. Tollie Quinn whose contributions to the turf industry in Virginia were many and included the establishment of the turf curriculum at Virginia Tech..
IGM Team Completes Bunker Renovation
The first phase of bunker renovations has been completed at IGM maintained Bear Valley Springs. The IGM special project crew led by Golf Course Superintendent Brad Batchelor and Regional Manager Robert Diebold has completed the work which included removal of existing sand, restoration of the bunkers to their original size and shape, installation of drainage and new top quality sand. "Brad and the entire team did a great job. The project is thus far is a huge success." commented Robert. "We are really looking forward to resuming work on the bunkers later this year". The second phase of this three year project is set to begin winter of 2009.
"WOW!! What a difference! I almost forgot what a real bunker is supposed to be like. The crew you sent is incredible. We really appreciate all the hard work!" commented Duane Gore, Director of Golf. Bear Valley Springs is a gated community nestled in the foothills and mountains just west of Tehachapi, California. Amenities include horseback riding, golf, tennis, swimming, fishing, a shooting range, camp grounds, workout facility and more.
Golf Course Lightning Safety
It always seems to happen when you are having the round of your life. The sky darkens, the wind picks up and the thunder begins to roll across the golf course.
The temptation always exists in these circumstances to convince yourself and your playing partners that there is enough time to finish your round, or at least a few more holes. If you play on instead of seeking shelter, your great round could become the last round of your life.
Every year more people are killed or injured by lightning than by tornadoes, floods or hurricanes. In fact, it's estimated that in the United States, as many as 300 people are killed by lightning each year.
Because they are generally open areas with scattered individual trees, golf courses are dangerous places during a thunderstorm. A lightning bolt will take the shortest route between the cloud and the ground, which means that a golfer standing in the middle of a fairway or huddled under a tree is a prime target for a strike.
However, there are several safety measures you can take to avoid being hit by lightning:
- Seek shelter at the first sign of a thunderstorm. If the course's warning system sounds, cover.
- If possible, get off the golf course or go to a designated lightning shelter.
- Do not stand under a lone tree. This is where most people are injured or killed.
- Stay away from water.
- Stay away from your golf clubs.
- If your shoes have metal spikes, take them off.
- Move away from your golf cart.
- If stranded in the open, go to a low place such as a ravine or valley.
If a player in your group is struck by lightning, the person is no longer carrying any electrical current, so you can apply first aid immediately. The golfer will be burned and have received a severe electrical shock.
People who have been apparently "killed" by lightning can be revived if quick action is taken. If you must make a choice, treat those who are not breathing first -- those who are unconscious but still breathing will probably come out of it on their own.
First aid should be rendered to those not breathing within four to six minutes to prevent irrevocable brain damage. Mouth-to mouth resuscitation should be administered once every five seconds to adults and once every three seconds to infants and small children.
However, if the victim is not breathing and has no pulse, cardiopulmonary resuscitation is necessary, but should be administered only by persons with proper training. You should also check for burns along the extremities and around areas in contact with metal, give first aid for shock and then send for help.
Source: http://www.gcsaa.org/solutions/facts/lightning.aspx
IGM Assists in Course Improvement
Planning and execution of capital improvement projects are just another area of expertise in the IGM portfolio.
The IGM Team at Sandridge Golf Club in Vero Beach, Florida recently completed a much needed irrigation installation project. The overall scope included installation of new lateral lines to supply sixteen new Rain Bird heads.
"It was quite a challenge trenching in the sugar sand. We fought trench cave-ins constantly." explained Sean Gillen, IGM Assistant Superintendent. He went on to say of the great team effort, "Our team worked very well in very hot temperatures and high humidity to complete the project in just two days."
Regional Manager Melanie Mark, CGCS is proud of the staff also. "They did a great job in difficult conditions. With the overall goal of improving course conditions with the most effective use of the course's resources in mind, the project is a huge success".
For more information on IGM and the professional golf course services offered, the IGM Business Developement Office at 800-413-5500 or visit us on the web at http://www.igminc.net/.
Fixing Divots - It's Every Player Responsibility
If you play golf, you create divots -- it's part of the game. However, if you create divots, you should also repair them -- that's part of the etiquette of the game. Repairing your divots ensures that the golfers who follow you have the same level playing surface you had when you started your round.
A number of different methods are used to repair divots, and each of them is designed to make sure that the type of grass growing around the divot fills in as quickly as possible.
Some courses ask that you simply replace your divot. In this case, you should replace it in the same direction that it came out and firmly tamp it down.
On courses whose tees and fairways feature actively growing bermudagrass, you will often be asked not to replace the divot, but rather to fill the hole with sand the course provides. In this situation, fill the divot and then tamp down the sand so it is level with the surrounding area.
At some courses in the North that feature ryegrass and in the South where dormant bermudagrasses are overseeded, you may be asked to fill the divot with a sand/seed mixture. Again, it is important to tamp the sand down so the seed will germinate.
Be sure to ask about the local procedure and follow it when you are playing at a new course. Do your part to keep good conditions for the next player or for your next round.
Source: www.gcsaa.org/solutions/divots
Blackthorn to Host College Football HOF Enshrinement Tournament
Meadowbrook Golf managed Blackthorn Golf Club is proud to be hosting the annual College Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Golf Scramble. For those who might like to participate in the July 17th event, registration is at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Each foursome paired with a Hall of Famer or sports celebrity. For more information or to reserve a spot, call 574) 235-5743 or visit http://www.collegefootball.org/.
IGM Maintained Waynesville Inn Rolls Out New Logo
Following the recent rebranding of the IGM maintained Waynesville Inn Golf Resort & Spa; the new logo has made its way out onto the course and new flags are currently waving on the 27 hole mountain retreat.
Working with its supply partner Golf Ventures, IGM is working to update all of the course accessories as part of the overall course improvement program begun in March.
"Most players don't yet see the impact of the agronomic programs we have put in place to improve the course but everyone notices the new flags. It's a small thing but it's a sign that change is happening" commented Jeff Miller, IGM's Director of Golf Maintenance.
June Milestones
Angel Alcala – Crew Foreman – IGM at Silver Lakes
Brad Rook – Director of Maint – IGM at Silver Lakes
Jay Ferguson – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Pine Lakes
Aaron Warstler – Superintendent – IGM at Terraverde
Lonnie Smith – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Ridgewood Lakes
Orlando Rivera – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at The Ledges
Laura Liffiton – Administrative Assistant – IGM Corporate
William Myers – Equipment Technician – IGM at Cler Brook
Robert Cassese – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Silver Dollar
1 Year of Service
Bernabe Matias - Equipment Technician – IGM at ChampionsGate
June Birthdays
Members of the IGM Team with June birthdays:
Dean Lindquist – Technician – IGM at Heritage Greens
Brad Rook – Director of Maintenance – IGM at Silver Lakes
Joe Carranza – Equipment Technician – IGM at Date Palm
Kent Crouch – Superintendent – IGM at Hunting Hills
Timothy Farr – Irrigation Technician – IGM at Country Wood
Mike Fontaine – Superintendent – IGM at The Ledges
Daryl Morris – Equipment Technician – IGM at Savannahs
Chris Eckart – Superintendent – IGM at Spessard Holland
Kenneth Parker – Equipment Technician – IGM at Habitat
Art Hampton – Superintendent – IGM at ChampionsGate
Aaron Parker – Equip Technician – IGM at Spessard Holland
Wayne White – Assistant Superintendent – IGM at Silver Lakes
David Weaver – Equipment Technician – IGM at SilverStone
IGM's Robert Diebold Represents SNGCSA at GCSAA Ch...
Chester Guzek & Matt Sobotka Take 2nd Straight Joe...
IGM at Brays Island Plantation Completes First Ste...
Links at Brigantine Beach Staffer Jeremy Williams ...
Mystic Dunes to Raise Funds for American Cancer So...
IGM Maintained Mystic Dunes to Host Kickoff Golf C...
IGM at The Habitat Recognized for Environmental Ex...
Ridgewood Lakes to Host Duramed Futures Tour Quali...
IGM Superintendent Tray Maltby Connects Golf Maint...
Golf Ventures & Golf Ventures West - Keeping IGM C...
IGM & Blackthorn Golf Club - Teamwork Leads to Gol...
IGM Maintains Golf Week's Top Municipal Golf Cours...
IGM Superintendent Chester Guzek Wins Tollie Quinn...
Blackthorn to Host College Football HOF Enshrineme...


October 16, 2012 by Shareef Ayyad. Average Reading Time: about 2 minutes.
This website redesign not only came with the challenges of building a user experience for an international audience, but also involved multiple stakeholders across many departments.
Website analytics and user interviews indicated that students looking to enrol in a course cared less about internal faculty structure and department labelling, and more about the student experience and the faculty's links with industry. A student zone was proposed (and later rejected), which would feature an array of interviews, case studies, videos, and image galleries, that documented life as a student at Kingston University, and gave career advice and job placement listings.
Early wireframes that attempted to appease all stakeholder requests served as a starting point for the prioritisation of content. In a sense, they acted like a "brain dump" which encouraged conversation between the parties involved.
Later wireframes saw a layout with sparser content, therefore reducing cognitive overload. A hero image/slideshow was introduced at the top left, with hot topics links beside it – both of which cater to the high number of content that needed to be promoted on the home page.
To begin to experiment with a visual language, the wireframes were skinned using Adobe Illustrator. Soft greys, charcoal and light blue were identified as being common in modern architecture and minimalist product design, so these became the colour palette. Soft gradients were used to delineate blocks of content, as opposed to using lined borders, to try and mimic the curves of contemporary architecture.
The Illustrator mockup was converted into a Flash prototype to help test navigation options. A second horizontal navigation was considered, located directly below the main navigation, but the prototype proved this was less appealing and at times was lost in the interface. Instead, the content of the page (links and large buttons) allowed users to drill deeper into the website, i.e. a content-before-navigation approach was adopted. The super breadcrumb proved enough of a sign post for users to know where they were in the site, and gave a way for them to jump back to parent pages.
A quantitative content audit was performed to document all the existing website content into a single spreadsheet, which then allowed for a qualitative audit which assessed every page according to how well it delivered on business goals and user needs. I was very pleased to eventually reduce the template variations to only four, making the site more learnable and memorable for its users.
Note: This website no longer exists online due to the merging of the Engineering, Science and Computing faculties, but you can find a copy here for the purposes of this case study.


text:
Diego García Corrales (October 12, 1961 – March 31, 2001) was a long-distance athlete from Spain, who finished in 9th position (2:14.56) in the men's marathon at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Four years later, when Atlanta, United States hosted the Games, he ended up in 53rd place, clocking 2:22:11. He was born in Azkoitia, Gipuzkoa and died in Azpeitia.

Achievements

References
  Spanish Olympic Committee
  sports-reference

1961 births
2001 deaths
Spanish male long-distance runners
Olympic athletes of Spain
Athletes (track and field) at the 1992 Summer Olympics
Athletes (track and field) at the 1996 Summer Olympics
European Athletics Championships medalists

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
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Using a novel panel dataset of Egyptian governorates for the period 1992–2007, we investigate the effects of aggregate and sectoral foreign direct investment (FDI) on Egypt's economic growth. We distinguish between FDI in the manufacturing, agriculture and service sector. The similarity of governorates in terms of institutional characteristics like culture, language and legal framework and the consistency of the data collection process enables an effective estimation of the effect of FDI on Egypt's economic growth. Employing General Methods of Moments (GMM) panel estimations, we find that neither aggregate nor sectoral FDI has an unconditional effect on economic growth. We also reject human capital as a channel of absorptive capacity, but reveal an interesting effect of FDI in the service sector on economic growth in interaction with domestic private investment (DPI). Service FDI promotes economic growth only if the host governorate has a minimum threshold of DPI to absorb foreign knowledge and technology.
Hanafy, Shima'A and Marktanner, Marcus, "Sectoral FDI, absorptive capacity and economic growth – empirical evidence from Egyptian governorates" (2018). Faculty Publications. 4240.


Garik Sadovy '12 at the summit of Mt. Shasta during a summer research project in California.
"This impressive Scholars class represents the best and brightest; they are the future environmental and tribal leaders in this country. The Udall Foundation is thrilled to help them advance their education," said Terrence L. Bracy, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Udall Foundation.
A 14-member independent review committee selected this year's group of Scholars on the basis of commitment to careers in the environment, health care or tribal public policy; leadership potential; and academic achievement. This highly qualified class of Udall Scholars was selected from 510 candidates nominated by 231 colleges and universities. Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 for the Scholar's junior or senior year. Since the first awards in 1996, the Udall Foundation has awarded 1,234 scholarships. In August, the 2011 Udall Scholars will assemble in Tucson, Arizona, to receive their awards and meet with policymakers and community leaders in environmental fields, tribal health care, and governance.
Last summer, Sadovy received a Park Enrichment Grant for a research project where he helped create a model to determine environmental factors on the fisher population in northern California. He worked with graduate student Robert Swiers, under the guidance of Dr. Roger Powell, professor emeritus in the Department of Biology. The research study, which was begun in 2006, is a conglomerate of several different projects that study the life history and population dynamics of fishers. The fisher is poised to go on the endangered species list, and this listing could cause restrictions on timber harvest by government regulatory agencies, so loggers are especially interested in practices that encourage fisher preservation.
Sadovy was previously involved in a research project on the NC State campus with Dr. Yaroslava Yingling in the Department of Materials Engineering involvingDNA thin films. He also spent time in Poland as part of a team researching RNAphotocrosslinking under the direction of Dr. Stefan Franzen at Uniwersytet Adama Mickiewicza in the city of Poznan.
In his spare time, Sadovy enjoys singing and has performed at Carnegie Hall with the choir Resounding Harmony. The group's performance was part of an event entitled Sing for the Cure – a joint project involving Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Turtle Creek Chorale.
"I am driven by a vision of a tenable future for my generation – a world where infrastructure revolves around biologically grown materials, where businesses invest in natural resources and biotechnology funds profitable environmental preservation efforts, where energy alternatives are integrated with society, and where our culture's idea of happiness is not predicated on conspicuous consumption," Sadovy says.
Sadovy is currently preparing to spend a year in Indonesia where he will combine his studies in materials engineering with sustainable development research. Afterwards, he plans to begin his Ph.D. in geography and environment at Oxford University where he will expand on his work in Indonesia. Ultimately, Sadovy intends to pursue a career with the Environmental Protection Agency or World Resources Institute as a consultant for strategy in sustainable development, particularly in the areas of biological infrastructure materials, investment driven biodiversity preservation, and non-toxic, environmentally compatible technology.
The Udall Foundation is an independent federal agency that was established by Congress in 1992 to provide federally funded scholarships for college students intending to pursue careers related to the environment, as well as to Native American students pursuing tribal policy or health care careers.
Garik Sadovy '12 and a group of runners at the starting line of the 2011 Krispy Kreme Challenge.