text:
Additional Information
|Size(L x W x H)
|1ft.9in. x 1ft. 5in.
|1 Outlet(s)
|1 Adult Supervision Required
|• Snow Cone Cups for 50 servings provided. If you need more than 50 servings we can add additional supplies of 50 or more.
|• The two syrup(18oz bottles) flavors included are Strawberry and Blue Raspberry.
|• Requires Four 10 lbs bags of ice for each set of 50 servings.
Product Description
Customer Reviews
Items 1 to 10 of 13 total
- 1
- 2
I selected your company because you are about five minutes from my home and I could pick up the equipment that I was renting. The snow cone machine was so clean that it looked brand new! My employees (in a very hot manufacturing plant) were thrilled with the treat. I'll definitely use you again.
From the first phone call to book the rental until the delivery and pick up everyone was very professional and courteous. I would recommend Sky High Party Rentals to all of my friends.
The Delivery Service was excellent. They were extremely helpful, and responsive!
I was very happy with the rental experience. The website is amazing. Compared to other local rental offerings I searched for, this was the most professional and easy to navigate site. It had detailed info, pictures, prices, and an easy means to book the reservation. This is really what sold me on the service. I was planning an event on a large corporate campus and everything went fantastic. The equipment was top quality and the delivery drivers were very professional and helpful. I would definitely order from Sky High Party Rentals again. Thanks! The event drop off drivers were great. They called in the morning to let me know they were close and confirm the drop off location. They unloaded the equipment, taught me how to use everything, and even told me I was given some extra supplies to make sure I didn't run out. I was very happy with their service. My only critique was lack of communication regarding the drop off and pick up planning details. According to the online form I expected a call the day before to confirm drop off details. My event was at a corporate campus so I was a little nervous about specific directions or getting delayed, etc. I didn't hear anything the evening prior to my event so I sent an email and then got a call from the drivers in the morning. The drop off experience was great. After the event, I waited a little bit after the scheduled pick up time then called the office to check on the status. I was told the drivers are out but may be running a little late. I later had to leave the event. I didn't get a call about the pick up but the next day the equipment was gone so I assume everything went ok. Everything went smooth, I just wish I got communication prior to the event to go over any specific concerns for drop off planning and a call or confirmation about the pick up. This is only minor feedback. I am very happy with everything and my event went great. Thanks again!
Husband and i rented tables and chairs, a snowcone machine, popcorn machine, also a moonwalk for our baby girls 3rd birthday. They delivery was great, they got to my house and set up before the party. The bounce house was very clean. Everything worked and was very clean. We will rent from them again
Keep doing what you are doing! Thanks again, my son had the best time!!
My daughter, Shardonnay Wooten referred me and I was extremely satisfied with the rentals as well as the punctual service.
I was very pleased with the ease of rental, love the choices, and prices were good. I think the snow cone syrup bottles could be a little bit bigger. I think the positioning of water slide could have been a little different to allow more air from blower into unit. But next time we'll get it right!! Looking forward to more rentals!!
Thanks guys! I'm looking forward to using you for our next event.
|1-4 Hrs
|6 Hrs
|Next Morning
|2 Days
3 Days
|5 Days
|1 Week
|2 Weeks
We provide 2 flavors of syrup, typically strawberry and blue raspberry, and 50 snow cone cups.
No, ice is not included.
You will need at least 3 to 4 10-pound bags of ice per 50 snow cones. We recommend you store the ice you are not using in a large ice chest until it is needed.
Yes, for an additional $25/hr., we can supply attendants to monitor and operate the snow cone machine for the duration of your event.
We usually recommend orders be made at least 2 weeks prior to your event in order to guarantee availability of your desired item. However, we have limited inventory on some items, and they are often booked several months in advance. Bottom line: if you really want a specific item, reserve it early as possible.
You may make a reservation through our website 24 hours a day. There is an availability calendar on each product page to find out if that item is available for the date you have in mind. You can also make a reservation by calling (281) 606-5867.
- Bastrop, TX
- Addison, TX
- Arlington, TX
- Balch Springs, TX
- Belt Junction, TX
- Carrollton, TX
- De Soto, TX
- DeSoto, TX
- Duncanville, TX
- Ederville, TX
- Edgecliff Village, TX
- Everman, TX
- Farmers Branch, TX
- Forest Hill, TX
- Garland, TX
- Grand Prairie, TX
- Haltom City, TX
- Handley, TX
- Irving, TX
- Kennedale, TX
- Lancaster, TX
- Lindberg, TX
- Melody Hills, TX
- Mesquite, TX
- Moselle, TX
- Plano, TX
- Richardson, TX
- Richland Hills, TX
- River Oaks, TX
- Rowlett, TX
- Sansom Park, TX
- Sansom Park, TX
- Tate Springs, TX
- University Park, TX
- Waco, TX
- Westover Hills, TX
- Westworth, TX


text:
Our Favorite Food This Week: Island Burger
Location: Typhoon Lagoon – Leaning Palms
Cost: $10.49
Welcome to this week's Favorite Food Friday where we share our favorite foods with our friends. Bring out the horns, Bring out the drums, (clearing my throat) – It's official I have a new favorite Burger at Walt Disney World….. the Island Burger. The Island Burger can be found at the Leaning Palms at Typhoon Lagoon. Our burger was cooked just right and had more of a charcoal flavor than any burger I have had on property. To top it off there was Monterey Jack cheese, Barbecue Pork, and Pineapple. Yes Pineapple folks, to carry over that sweet kick you get from the BBQ sauce. Oh my this was oh so good, loved it, and wanted to go back for another. The burger also comes with your choice of Apple Slices or French Fries. So, tell me your favorite burger on property, then I have to do a research trip to compare…..
As we sit here tonight watching the weather closely, stay safe fellow Floridians.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A smart and thought-provoking blogger I have recently come across, Perry Metzger, who seems to hail from the anarcho-capitalist bit of the libertarian intellectual universe, does not like the way this blog has supported the military ouster of Saddam Hussein. Now, of course another certain Perry (de Havilland) of this parish thinks rather differently.
Metzger asks how it is that folk who are so ardently opposed to the State can possibly countenance the use of force, including appropriation of wealth via taxation, to topple another regime deemed to be dangerous. Well, it is actually quite easy to answer that question in my view. First of all, not all libertarians believe a free society can exist without a minimal state, including one with the ability to provide external and internal security, which may include the need to take out violent and hostile foreign regimes.
Second, the supposedly sacred libertarian principle that thou shalt not initiate force against another is not very useful when it comes to judging whether regime X or Y poses your country a particular threat or not, and whether action of a Bush-style pre-emptive sort is justified and perhaps even more important, whether it is prudent. Good people will and do differ a lot about that.
Such disagreements cannot in my view be arbitrated solely by referring to abstract moral principles – although principles are of course crucial – but have to be also judged on events, by weighing up the possible consequences of an action or taking no action. In fact, taking no action and adopting a purely reactive approach to defence will also have consequences, not all of them necessarily good ones. There is no easy way to say which approach will always be better. So even two ardent libertarians who read a situation in the Middle East, say, could differ on fine points and end up having precisely the sort of heated debates we get in the comments sections.
I have changed my mind on so many aspects of the current war in Iraq that my head will probably explode at some point. At one point I felt the whole affair was a dumb mistake and we would have been better off leaving Saddam in his palaces and let things run on awhile. But regardless of what I thought about facts on the ground and the news reports I read, I honestly do not feel that appeals to higher tenets of libertarian theory really ever decisively swayed my mind about the particulars one way or the other.


text:
"Thanks to the large number of producers in the region of Guebwiller, I've been able to develop a delicatessen boutique offering a selection of the best local products!"
Visit our boutique for items from our beautiful region of Alsace.
We place the emphasis on everything "Made in Alsace", which is why you're sure to find an authentic and original souvenir for a gift with a difference.
If you're visiting the region and want to take a small souvenir home for your family or friends, an original souvenir of Alsace that echoes the authenticity of the region.
Our range of products is rich and varied, to satisfy every budget and every taste:
You'll also find a wide range of books (Alsace cookbooks, hiking guides, books about the Hartmannswillerkopf, etc.), hand-painted Soufflenheim pottery, house linen, original souvenir items and our lovely postcards. We also propose
MOUNTAIN BIKING and HIKING trail guides to make your excursions as pleasant as possible.
They feature circuits suitable for all levels.
"For the more adventurous, we have produced a special IGN map of the Grand Ballon area which also covers the Petit Ballon, Markstein and Vieil-Armand sectors, all in one map!"
"Ideally, you should come and see for yourself. Come on, pay us a visit now...!" :) !"
I'm originally from Franche-Comté but fell in love with Alsace. As a mum, I love taking my children on excursions in this beautiful region. I know plenty of nice places that'll ensure your children enjoy their holiday as much as you do. In my spare time, I escape by listening to music or letting my imagination run wild thanks to my passion for creative arts. "Happiness is returning to childhood and marvelling at all those magical little things...See more topics writen by Virginie
Toute l'équipe de l'office de tourisme s'efforce de mettre à jour regulierement les infos présentes sur ce site internet, toutefois compte-tenu des changements récents nous vous invitons à vérifier les horaires d'ouvertures via plusieurs sources avant tout deplacement.


text:
Boats of the Year Spotlight #12
Posted by
Last Updated
TRIED, TRUE, AND A SIGHT TO BEHOLD. What more can one ask for in a boat but proven dependability and comfort, wrapped in a beautiful package? The final three company profiles in Boats of the Year 2018 present those very qualities in small, medium, and large options: lapstrake rowing hulls from Whitehall Rowing & Sail, a restored Boston Whaler from Yachting Solutions, and a 1997 flybridge cruiser from Wilbur Yachts ready for the next adventure.
Read more about these businesses in this installment from Boats of the Year 2018. Enjoy and dream until we see you again with Boats of the Year 2019, which will feature many more proven styles, modern innovations, and news from the marine industries.
Get your free copy of Boats of the Year 2018 here!
CLASSIC WHITEHALL SPIRIT ROWBOATS are floating works of art that provide reliability and pleasure for generations and include 16 models, all built with flawless fiberglass lapstrake hulls, impeccable teak woodwork, and custom bronze fittings.
SALLY FORTH, an extended flybridge cruiser built by Wilbur Yachts in 1997, has been described as perhaps the finest example of the Wilbur 34 ever.
THE LEGENDARY BOSTON WHALER is rugged and reliable, and when Yachting Solutions received the empty shell of an 18-foot Whaler, built in 1989, it was an obvious candidate for the firm's signature "Resto-Mod" approach.
Boats of the Year is produced jointly by Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors and USHarbors


text:
Carolyn Richards is an internationally buy Binance Coin known, award winning recording artist. Her Country Fun Show has been very well received wherever presented. Carolyn's cassettes get worn out by fans. They come back to buy a CD. Visit the links to the left to find out invest in Binance Coin more about Carolyn Richards and her Country Fun Shows.
Check the Spiritual Road pages to find out about Carolyn's Christian music ministry. She and her husband, Dave Butcher, have buy Binance Coin in Somalia traveled much of the USA singing and testifying at churches, gospel sings, and other venues.
Would you like a free MP3 of one of Carolyn's country songs? Just send an e-mail request with your name and address for our mailing list and receive an MP3 file of 'I Can't Tell Him Goodbye', an original song written by Carolyn Richards. You will then receive occasional notices, 3 or 4 per year, of Carolyn Richards news.


text:
Susan Meissner is a USA Today bestselling novelist with more than half a million books in print in fifteen languages. Her novels include The Last Year of the War, a Library Reads and Real Simple top pick, and As Bright as Heaven, starred review from Library Journal. She attended Point Loma Nazarene University and when she's not working on a book, she volunteers for Words Alive, a San Diego non-profit dedicated to helping at-risk youth foster a love for reading and writing.
How to Maintain Great Relationships in Your Writing Career
Writing is so very often a solo exercise but having a career as a writer is not. Building great interpersonal relationships with fellow writers, your agent, editor, readers, and the public will set you up to be seen and respected as a true professional who values other people more than status or opportunity. This workshop will show you what to do to nurture those relationships and more importantly, what to avoid doing.
1:1 Appointments
In order to make the most of your 1:1 appointment, we recommend that you carefully review the faculty members' areas of expertise, needs, and requests to identify those best suited for your goals as a writer.
Looking to acquire: As an author I don't acquire, but I can advise authors on historical fiction, general fiction, women's fiction, and literary fiction
Not interested in: Non-fiction
Not interested in: Non-fiction


text:
Beware of Frozen Sandwiches and Sushi
And yet another reason to avoid generic Midtown delis… the Wall Street Journal reports that a number of Midtown spots (like Cafe Metro and Bocca) are hoping to avoid getting bad letter grades from the DOH by keeping their prepared foods super super cold- leading to complains from some lunchers. Nice.
Posted by Zach Brooks at 3:15 pm, July 12th, 2010 under Asides.
0 Comments | RSS comments feed for this post


text:
Oracle CFO Safra Catz announces expansion outside Bucharest, reveals Romanian origins
Oracle Corporation, one of the largest IT groups in the world, is looking to further expand its operations in Romania and will start looking at locations outside Bucharest in order to do this, after it has reached almost 3,000 employees in Romania's capital city, according to Safra Catz, Oracle president and CFO.
She came to Romania for the third time for the inauguration of the new Oracle headquarters in Bucharest this week and also met with Romanian president Traian Basescu and prime-minister Victor Ponta.
"This is my third visit to Romania. As you know, my father is Romanian and my goal has always been to invest in Romania. When I first came here, in 2006, we had about 80 employees and I thought we would add a couple of hundred employees. We never imagined that we would reach almost 3,000 employees", Safra Catz said in a press conference in Bucharest.
The Romanian subsidiary is currently the fourth most important in the world for Oracle and the second largest in Europe, Catz told president Basescu on Monday, May 19.
"We started with an office, then we expanded to a new one, then a third one and now we moved to a new building but kept the old one across the street. We have a few hundred spots available and we expect to fill them in one year and then we will take some more space. We are starting to look outside Bucharest because we want to contribute to the economic development of other parts of Romania", Catz recalled.
She said that one of the key elements for the Oracle's expansion in Romania is the highly trained workforce. "We invest here because it's a good place to find highly trained employees. Romanians are well educated and most of all they are problem solvers. They try resolve things when others just stop. For us Romania is not just a place for low paying jobs. We have many employees who were recruited from Romania to take executive positions within the group and we have nearly all of our business lines present here", Oracle's president explained.
Oracle Romania, which is managed by Sorin Mindrutescu, saw its sales grow to over EUR 100 million in 2012. Some of the company's main clients in Romania are Romanian state authorities but also banks, such as Banca Transilvania.
Oracle Corporation had USD 37.9 billion sales in the last 12 months. The company has more than 122,000 employees worldwide and a market capitalization of USD 188 billion. Oracle's main shareholder is Larry Ellison, who is also the group's CEO.
Andrei Chirileasa, firstname.lastname@example.com
(photo source: Romania-Insider.com)


text:
I have a slow internet connection and I changed the setting in YouTube to "I have a slow connection and never play HD video". Even so, it starts loading the video in 360, so that every time I need to change it to 240. I tried setting even auto, but it keeps getting pauses.
Is there anyway to change it to 240 permanently?


text:
Susan is an amazing business woman and what you may not realize is that people come from all over the world to consult with her. Isn't it amazing that she's right here local to our Treasure Coast readers? You can learn all about Susan at her website.
View her video testimonial below


text:
In 2050, according to the Swiss research institute Prognos, Germany will have a population of 70.1 million, compared to 82.1 million today, reported the news magazine Focus.
The prognosis for Germany, with its low birthrate (1.4 children per woman on average) and increasing life expectancy (79.26 years), is a rapidly aging society, which brings along its own set of problems.
The number of people between the ages of 20 and 64 is expected to fall from just under 50 million today to 43.5 million by 2030. The number of people under 19 will shrink from 15.3 million in 2009 to 12.9 million in 2035. The average age in Germany in 2060 will be 49.3.
The predicted demographic developments will "dramatically increase" the problems already facing Germany's current model for financing its social system, according to Reiner Klingholz, director of the Berlin Institute for Population and Development.
The current system depends on working people paying into social welfare funds that support pension plans for retirees and welfare payments. As the number of retirees increases and the pool of employed people shrinks, the social services and pension coffers start emptying out.
Even if individual German women suddenly began having more babies, the absolute number of newborns will continue to sink, Klingholz said, since there will be fewer women of child-bearing age overall.
Providing a little cold comfort, he added that Germany and Europe are not alone with their demographic woes. A coming wave of retirees might well be expected in Europe, he said, but China can expect a "retiree tsunami."


text:
Below is a letter from the St. Paul's School administration to the school community addressing the Owen Labrie verdict:
By now you have likely learned of the verdicts in the trial of Owen Labrie '14. The trial has been deeply painful for all of us in the St. Paul's community, but especially for the young woman who has suffered through this nightmare. From the beginning – some 15 months ago – to the conclusion of the trial, she and her family have shown remarkable moral courage and strength. Her resolve and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of the truth have been inspiring to us and to many outside our School community.
In June of 2014, when we first learned about these disturbing events, and informed you of the arrest of Owen Labrie, we pledged that we would use this case and the issues raised by it to learn more about ourselves and to make our School better. We began more than a year ago by conducting a comprehensive review of the safety of our School environment and of our reporting procedures to ensure they continue to meet the highest standards. We also made policy changes and enhanced programming in several key areas to further support our students in making St. Paul's the healthiest residential learning environment possible. In addition, we invited independent experts and researchers to our campus to advise us on the best ways to strengthen the trust, respect and understanding that is so critical for a tight-knit, fully residential community like ours. More information about the speakers and the topic areas they covered can be accessed on the "From the Rector" page of our website under the "Focus on Healthy Community" section.
With advice and guidance from a team of public health professionals, we developed and began implementing additional programming to strengthen our community through enhanced education and prevention efforts in such areas as harassment, bullying, gender-based violence, and substance abuse. Our work continues as we strive to strengthen our Living in Community curriculum, develop new bystander intervention training for all students and heads of house, and conduct a review of School policies and practices surrounding student conduct and discipline. Our expectation is that these efforts will allow our faculty, staff, administration, and students to continue to be engaged in critical introspection with an eye to improving how we live together.
The topics raised by the trial have been an area of focus for the School for some time, and these same issues have been highlighted for the broader St. Paul's community through testimony in court and recently in the press. To the frustration of many, the public discussion of the trial over the past two weeks has inaccurately portrayed St. Paul's School and our culture. The allegations about our culture are not emblematic of our School or our values, our rules, or our student body, alumni, faculty, and staff.
Many terms, including "senior salute" and "score" that are part of the student vernacular, have been discussed as part of the trial. These terms, and the behaviors they suggest, have and will continue to be addressed by the School community. There is no place for inappropriate and hurtful behavior that disrespects any member of our School. Conduct that is damaging to the fabric of our community and inconsistent with our values has never been – and will not be – tolerated.
The Rector first heard about the "senior salute" in the spring of 2013. It is not a decades-old "tradition" as some have alleged. As you have learned throughout the trial, the phrase "senior salute" describes a wide range of behaviors. It was never understood to include the conduct engaged in by Owen Labrie. That behavior was never condoned by the School, and we took action when it surfaced. Owen Labrie was banned from the School and his Rector's Award was rescinded. We also revised the Student Handbook to state more explicitly that participation in any "game" of sexual conquest by any name or unauthorized possession of School keys or swipe cards would be grounds for expulsion.
During the last 15 months, we have continued to learn much about our School and the students it serves. We have learned that we must do more as a School community, students and adults alike, to support those who stand up for themselves when they feel they have been wronged. Our ongoing work will be even more difficult having witnessed the challenges of the trial, but it remains our responsibility to make our School the safest place possible.
We have been painfully reminded of the fact that social media can provide an adult-free space for negative student culture to form and perpetuate itself. We have learned that what was once termed "dating" or "courting" behavior has been inverted in some instances from our traditional sensibilities – sexual contact is now seen as the point of origin of many relationships, not a part of an emotionally developed relationship. These issues have highlighted some of the differences in educating students in the 21st century.
We need to continue to teach all our students about self-respect as well as respect for others. The lessons we have learned are critically important to our growth as a School community. The mark of our success in this area will be a School in which each child feels comfortable being him- or herself, a goal we have been pursuing and will likely continue to pursue forever.
The School has changed in a number of ways over its 159-year history, but it has never wavered in the expectations it has of its students – that they live honorably and respectfully and that they never forget to be kind. These are our core values – ones that will continue to guide us.
Michael G. Hirschfeld '85, P'14,'17
James M. Waterbury, Jr. '75, P'11
President, Board of Trustees


text:
The DUI lawyer is necessary for hiring to get least amount of possible outcomes through the legal system. These lawyers are specialized in DUI laws that provides best defense for your cases as much as possible. The DWI attorneys are handling many cases that lead to injury or death due to drunken driving. The DUI is driving under the influence it is one of the serious criminal offenses which is processed under the test of BAC to find amount of alcohol level in your blood. This test will be a serious situation for everyone because it is an easiest way to identify drunken drivers and charging penalties according to the situation.
Due to drunken driving issues there are 5 lakhs people got suffered from injury and death due to DUI related crashes and charging to pay billions of dollars per year for including medical, legal and some other costs. The best idea for this critical situation is to hire best DUI attorney for reducing your charges and getting some discovering ways with more effectively. The qualified lawyer's research shows if the person's alcohol level not exceeds the limit then it won't be charged with DUI's.
Seeking DUI lawyers for getting best solution
The most important thing is to choose honest DUI lawyer to your case with high reduction in charges. The good and decent lawyer is really helps people by spending more time in the court for your case as well as dealing appointments to the public. There are many good and legal lawyers available to handle these types of cases that brings more discovers under the law. The main motive is to get success in these cases and saving people's life by charging fewer amounts with DUI. Therefore these attorneys are experts to handle all types of legal cases and providing different services based on the situation.
The great tips to find experienced DUI lawyer is know about the charge for handling cases. According to his charge you can judge him whether he has experienced in the past for handle this case. Whenever you can hire lawyer you should mind your budget and then pick right specialist attorney. This is because not all the specialists are successful lawyers so you have to make some research before confirming the lawyers and ensure them to satisfy your goals. Rather if you are not comfortable with certain lawyer then you should find some other one who meets your satisfaction. If the person exceeds the limit i.e. more than 0.8 then need to pay DUI's penalty for certain occurrence.
Driving and driving – Blending of crashes
In recent days there are many people get injured or killed due to drunken driving. People think that they are perfectly alright to drive even after taking alcohol but it is such a bad opinion. Once the person take alcohol then it will plays on their brain and distracting their concentration to somewhere. It is quite difficult task to avoid this problem so they can use BAC testing approach with certain limit.


text:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
His mercies never come to an end;
They are new every morning;
great is Your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
What a promise we have
as we wake each day.
The Lord waits with us and for us;
His love has not left or diminished.
His mercies are replenished every night,
made specifically for us and this day.
Every part of me knows that it has been
His loving kindness that has kept me whole.
The Scriptures are alive with His mercy and love.
I can't count the times that Psalm 23 has
filled me with peace and hope
as I recite the promises that it holds.
Surely goodness, mercy, and unfailing love
shall follow me all the days of my life,
and through the length of my days
His presence shall be my dwelling place.
Lord, I receive Your mercy for this day.
I stand in the power of Your steadfast love.
Your presence will be my dwelling place.
Great is Your faithfulness!
Image: www.facebook.com/gigoncrosswalk
Image: www.facebook.com/gigoncrosswalk


text:
Aliyev's involvement in politics began in 1941, when he worked for the All-Union People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs (NKVD or secret police). He officially joined the Communist Party in 1945 and held a series of responsible posts in government and state security in NAR until 1949. From 1950 to 1964, he worked in the Azerbaijani Ministry of State Security (later renamed the KGB). In 1964, he became the deputy chairman, then in 1967–69, chairman of the Azerbaijani KGB. (Azerbaijan was, until 1991, one of the states of the USSR.) In 1969, he was named first secretary of the Azerbaijani Communist Party (ACP) Central Committee, where he was responsible for purging Azerbaijani nationalists from the government and overseeing state-directed economic development.
Aliyev assumed leading Soviet party posts in the 1970s. In 1971, he became a full member of the Soviet Communist Party Central Committee and in 1976 became a candidate member of the Politburo. He supported the Soviet intervention in Afghanistan in 1979. Because of these efforts, Soviet general secretary Leonid Brezhnev awarded him
several Orders of Lenin and other medals. In 1982, he became a full member of the Politburo, the ruling body of Soviet politics. From 1982 until 1987, he also served as deputy chairman of the Soviet Council of Ministers (equivalent to the vice prime minister).
Despite his support for the election of Mikhail Gorbachev as general secretary of the Communist Party in 1985, in 1987 Aliyev was accused of corruption, ousted from the Politburo, and relieved of his duties as party leader in Azerbaijan. Aliyev lived in Moscow as a private citizen under pension for the next three years.
Upon returning to Azerbaijan in July 1990, Aliyev received a rapturous welcome from kneeling crowds of up to 30,000 individuals. He was elected to the Azerbaijani and NAR Supreme Soviets two months later on a nationalist platform, receiving over 95% of the popular vote. In July 1991, Aliyev resigned his Communist Party membership and, after the abortive coup against Gorbachev, called for total independence for Azerbaijan. Noting that Mutalibov had supported the coup plotters, he denounced Mutalibov's bid for the Azerbaijani presidency and orchestrated a ban on presidential voting in NAR. In September 1991, he was named chairman of the Supreme Soviet of NAR (renamed the Supreme Majlis).
An abortive attempt by the Elchibey government to disarm Suret Huseynov's paramilitary forces in the town of Ganja precipitated the fall of his government and provided the opportunity for Aliyev to assume power. Huseynov, a corps commander in NK, had been fired by Elchibey and blamed for defeats in NK. Returning to his hometown of Ganja in 1993, Huseynov amassed forces and weaponry (obtained from the departing Russian military) that posed an increasing threat to the Elchibey government. In early June 1993, the government launched an attack aimed at defeating Huseynov's forces. This attack was easily repulsed and Huseynov began to march on the Azerbaijani capital of Baku, precipitating a government crisis. Elchibey endorsed Aliyev's election as the new legislative speaker, in effect conceding some power to his political nemesis in a futile bid to retain power. Threatened by Huseynov's approaching forces outside the capital, Elchibey fled Baku, returning to his home village in NAR.
Although Elchibey still claimed to be president of Azerbaijan, Aliyev announced that he was assuming responsibility and power as acting head of state, fulfilling his drive to regain political power. On 24 June, a bare quorum of legislators met and formally stripped Elchibey of his presidential powers, transferring them to Aliyev. A 29 August referendum overwhelmingly expressed lack of confidence in Elchibey's rule, opening the way for a new presidential election. This took place on 3 October 1993, with Aliyev winning almost 99% of the vote against two minor party candidates. Although there were some suppressed coup attempts, Aliyev held onto power until the October 1998 election, which he won with 76% of the vote. International observers reported that, although the voting was much improved over the 1993 election, there was still an unacceptable level of irregularities in the casting of ballots. Since the central election committee is made up entirely of Aliyev supporters, voting is under their control. The Council of Europe, after extending a conditional invitation to Azerbaijan to join its organization, could use the problematic election process as a reason to postpone consideration of Azerbaijan's bid for membership.


text: A winter engagement session is always risky. The weather can play mean tricks of being gorgeous and sunny one day, with a rainy cold overcast day the next. Luckily, Torryn and Richards engagement session at Jack London Square in Oakland wasn't rainy. It WAS cold however. But, with an onward march, the three of us took a walk and used many of Jack London's backdrops. The boats were my favorite. But then again, so are the palm trees! We ended up having the sun finally peak through the sky at the last minutes of their session. Although it was cold, we had a great time together. Here are a few of my favorites from the evening!


text:
Experts note that in recent years the number of people suffering from depression has increased several times. They associate this with the modern way of life, when a person faces a huge number of tasks and problems that need to be solved as soon as possible. In a situation where the day you need to answer a few dozen calls, send emails, agree on plans and schedules, panic attacks, and after them depression becomes the norm. But how to deal with them? How to return to normal life?
Depression: a problem more serious than it seems
Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a depressive triad. It includes a decrease in mood, disturbances in thinking (a pessimistic view of everything that is happening, a loss of the ability to feel joy, negative judgments), and motor restraint.
According to recent studies, the likelihood of developing depression during life ranges from 22 to 33%. But these figures do not reflect the real situation, because not all patients seek help from specialists. And many of those who decide to go to the reception, do it only after the development of secondary and associated disorders.
Depression is accompanied by reduced self-esteem, loss of taste for life, as well as interest in familiar activities, isolation. It often happens that a person experiencing a depressive state begins to abuse alcohol.
What causes depression?
As a rule, the most common causes of depression are acute psychological trauma or chronic stress. Depression resulting from psychological trauma is called reactive. They are triggered by divorce, death or severe illness of a loved one, disability or severe illness of the patient, dismissal, conflicts at work, retirement, bankruptcy, a sharp drop in material support, relocation, etc.
It happens that a depressive state comes after reaching a long-desired goal. In this case, the person loses interest in life, without setting himself other tasks.
Neurotic depression (depressive neurosis) develops on the background of chronic stress. In such cases, it is very difficult to establish the specific cause of the disorder – the patient either finds it difficult to name the traumatic event or perceives his life as a chain of failures and disappointments.
Another risk factor is brain damage and somatic diseases. Studies show that abnormalities are detected in 50% of stroke patients, in 60% of patients suffering from chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency, and in 15-25% of patients with a history of head injury. In TBI, depression is usually detected in the long-term period (several months or years after the injury).
Symptoms of depression
Symptoms of depression are divided into major and minor (additional). Depression is diagnosed when there are two main symptoms and three are additional.
Main symptoms:
- Depressed mood, which does not depend on external circumstances, lasting from two weeks or more.
- Persistent fatigue during the month.
- Anhedonia, which is manifested in the loss of interest from previously enjoyable activity.
Additional symptoms:
- pessimism;
- sense of worthlessness, anxiety, guilt or fear;
- inability to make decisions and focus;
- low self-esteem;
- thoughts of death or suicide;
- reduced or increased appetite;
- sleep disorders, manifested in insomnia or peresypani.
The diagnosis of depression is made when the duration of the symptoms, starting with a two-week period. However, the diagnosis is also established for a shorter period with severe symptoms.
How to treat depression?
Mild depressive disorders can respond quite well to psychotherapeutic treatment. In moderate and severe depression, the use of antidepressants and psychotherapy is more effective.
Xanax in the fight against depression is one of the most popular antidepressants. But the doctor must prescribe this drug, given the current state of the patient. Only a doctor can choose the correct dosage, because in each specific case it is individual. For example, for someone Xanax 1mg will be the best option and will not cause side effects, someone will need a stronger dose, and someone Xanax 2mg can cause an overdose.
Do not forget that you cannot mix Xanax and alcohol, as well as Xanax and other drugs.
In addition to outpatient treatment of mild to moderate depression, severe depressions are to be treated and monitored in the hospital setting.
Depression is a psychological disorder that affects many people. There are many reasons for this, so if you or your loved ones started having mental problems, mood swings, lost interest in life, then you should be alert and go to a specialist. Depression should not be underestimated. But thanks to modern medicine it is amenable to effective treatment. Do not self-medicate. Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary therapy and medication for depression (for example, Xanax). Take care of your health!
This article is solely educational, encyclopedic and informational functions. You must obtain the approval of your doctor before applying the tips and recommendations described in the article. Do not self-medicate!


text:
The "Internet of Things" holds great potential for a new wave of innovation and connectivity, and now it extends to your car. Automatic, a classic startup that was launched in a Berkeley dorm room, connects your iPhone to your car's onboard computer – and now, it also connects to any other Internet-enabled app or device. Do you have a smart home with an iPhone-enabled security and HVAC system? When you're headed home from work at the end of the day, your car can send a message to your house to say, "We're on the way, please turn up the heat and switch on the coffee pot."
Automatic just announced that they are integrating IFTTT ("If That Then This") technology, which allows consumers to do wonderful things. Besides sending an "I'm on my way" message to a device, or even sending an SMS to a person, your car can send an alert to nearby friends via social media, or send them an SMS when you are in the neighborhood.
Founder Ljuba Miljkovik described his start-up story. He and his co-founders Jerry and Pedro were graduate students at Berkeley, doing research about how people make transportation decisions. "Out of that work came the germ of understanding that people generally don't know very much about their driving patterns, their cars, or how much time they spend there." According to Ljuba, the average American spends about $8,000 a year on their car, with $3,000 of that being for fuel. The problem with the fuel component though, is that people tend to simply pay the price at the pump, and drive it until it's low again. "There's no decision-making made between fill-ups that could possibly influence how long you can go on a tank. That's where the opportunity really came about, in thinking about how people make transportation decisions, and realizing that there is not any useful information for people."
Ljuba and his classmates realized that there has, for several years, been a small online diagnostics port on almost every car, but it has been useful only to mechanics for very specific uses. Average consumers very seldom made use of it, though the data coming out of it could be very useful. Therein they found an opportunity. "We could connect this to bring all this information into your phone, into the cloud, and give you insight into driving, along with other things like engine diagnostics and performance, and other factors that the data coming out of that port can really illuminate." The result gives people insight into information they have never had access to before. "We live in a world where your door locks, lights, and thermostat can all be controlled from the Internet, but your car – the most expensive computer you will ever buy – is not connected to the Internet."
There are 250 million commercial cars on the road in America alone, and 15 million are being added every year. Most of those have no meaningful connection to the Internet. "There's a huge opportunity to get the 'connected car' to happen, without waiting for automakers to build it into new models of cars down the road." That is the premise of Automatic, a small, inexpensive, Internet-enabled device you place in the data port of virtually any automobile.
The device has three big advantages in improving convenience, information, and safety. The convenience factor is obvious – forget where you parked your car? Call your car from your iPhone and it will tell you where it is at. Information? It can tell you how your driving is, how you can improve performance and mileage, and track driving reports for business. The safety aspect is a big one. The Automatic can detect a crash and automatically alert emergency services, and even call emergency contacts while you are on the line.
The addition of IFTTT technology makes the Automatic incredibly powerful by triggering actions on the Internet, like automatically turning on the house lights when you drive up to your house. "Triggers" such as turning the ignition on or off, being in a specific area, or when the "check engine" light comes on will result in specific actions, such as turning on the house lights, sending an SMS message or posting to Facebook, or sending a message to a mechanic. There are several IFTTT "recipes" available, in the form of simple code snippets that can program the Automatic. These recipes range from "Log all of my trips to a Google spreadsheet" to "Send my parents a push notification when I reach my destination," or "Call my spouse immediately if I park in front of a Nevada brothel."
According to Ljuba, "There are so many moments in the driver experience that can be improved with a product that's connected to you all the time, like Automatic. Our goal really is to solve those problems for people, even the ones they may not think have solutions to them. I think that the driving feedback, and giving you a score about how efficient your habits are, is really just the start. People didn't know that driving habits were even a factor in fuel efficiency, and it turns out that they're an enormous factor. You can save hundreds of dollars a year by driving 65 on the freeway instead of 70. We make it easy for you to make those small changes that can have a huge impact. We're exploring other ways to do things just like that."FOLLOW NEWSORG.ORG ON SOCIAL MEDIA


text:
Wunderman Thompson USA
Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:32:42 GMT
Sports company PUMA has appointed advertising agency JWT New York as its lead creative agency. Effective immediately, JWT will assume a leadership position over all PUMA advertising and creative on a global basis, with reach across North America, Europe, Latin America, APAC and Middle East/Africa.
Over the last three months PUMA's new management team has created a unified brand platform and simplified mission: Forever Faster. The statement, a new tag line that will launch to consumers in 2014, reflects a 65-year history of making fast product designs for the fastest athletes on the planet.
JWT will work with PUMA to develop and define a fast-moving creative process poised to capitalize on culturally relevant sporting moments. The agency will immediately begin working on a project to re-ignite the brand heat, working with PUMA to define its new Forever Faster brand messaging before rolling out a new global brand campaign in the second half of 2014.
"In JWT, we have found an agile agency with a global reach that understands the PUMA brand and culture," said Björn Gulden, CEO of PUMA. "The team quickly proved that they could deliver on our new mission to become the Fastest Sports Brand in the World. Together we'll craft a more nimble creative structure that will allow us to support all of the company's sporting and lifestyle categories with a single consumer message and streamlined creative concept across territories."
The PUMA account will be led out of JWT's flagship headquarters in New York, with offices across the agency's network contributing regional insight and localization of the global brand campaign.
"PUMA is more than an advertising relationship for us; it's a true brand and business partnership," said Peter Sherman, CEO, JWT New York. "It will be a privilege to work with this team."
PUMA is the latest in a string of new business wins for JWT New York in the last three months, which includes a consolidation of Energizer brands and a creative assignment from Google.view more - CreativeWunderman Thompson USA, Fri, 13 Dec 2013 11:32:42 GMT


text:
Frauen is a calligraphic typeface designed in 2015 by Lucas Sharp. Sharp describes it as an "ode to German calligraphy." The family is available in two distinct versions—an upright roman and a more ornate script style. The two versions share a common x-height and weight which allows them to be mixed together interchangeably.
Get this curated collection of full-size, high-resolution screenshots to add to your personal inspiration library when you subscribe to my weekly type roundup newsletter.
*If you sign up for a Creative Cloud plan to access Adobe Fonts, I will receive a small commission. If you find Typewolf useful, then please use these links as a way to show your support. ♥


text:
Fallout: New Vegas Review
You say I was a currier tasked with taking some poker chip through the Wasteland but then along the way I got shot in the head? Some random robot dug me out of the ground? Wait, why did they even bother to bury me if they just wanted the chip? Oh well, thanks for patching me up doc!
The Good:
If you enjoyed Fallout 3 then you should know exactly what you're in for here. Fallout: New Vegas is more of the same, but is that a good or a bad thing? For players new to the series you shouldn't have any problem jumping right into the game because it does a good job of explaining exactly what you need to be doing and how to achieve your goals. So what's so darn good about this "New" Vegas? Exploration of course!
The Wasteland is a fun place to explore because you never know what could happen next. In one play through I ran into a correctional facility and since I chose to do the starting quests a certain way I was fired at on site. On a second play through I was allied with the facility and that's exactly what the game is about! You choose who you want to ally yourself with and play the game the way you want to play it. You can literally run through the entire game killing everything you run into and still complete the main story line. Of course, you could also pretend to be on someone's side only to backstab them later when something better comes along. How about going through the game never firing a single shot? It's your choice.
So how exactly do these factions work? Unlike in Fallout 3 where you were strictly on a Karma based system indicating whether your character was 'good' or 'evil', New Vegas improves on this by using a new reputation system that makes one of the many factions like or dislike you. There are many ways to raise or lower your standing with these factions which include doing quests for them to improve it or killing their members to reduce it.
There are 3 major factions in New Vegas which are trying to take control of the strip and you can choose to side with or betray any of them. You can also just choose to take over the strip yourself and eliminate every faction in the game. Along with the 3 major factions there are many "minor" factions, which include The Brotherhood of Steel, which you can also help out along the way. The game does a good job making you feel like your actions really help mold the virtual world around you.
The Bad:
The bugs! Within 48 hours of the release of New Vegas 2 patches were released that dealt with an enormous amount of bugs. Keep in mind that this game was developed by Obsidian which is a company that doesn't have the best track record for keeping their games up to date or even releasing them finished (see Kotor 2). Even with the already released patches, the game still suffers from major quest bugs including those that can and will be game breaking. In the game's defense however, Fallout 3 was also really buggy on its initial release. The only thing that bothers me is that 2 years later these issues should've been corrected especially since its running on the same engine.
If you can get past the bugs or at least wait for a patch that corrects them, there are still other issues to consider that include lacking voice overs and graphics, invisible walls in a game that's supposed to be wide open to the player, a repetitive music track due to the lack of songs available in the game, an ending that halts gameplay after the final mission (they didn't learn after Fallout 3) and last but not least (and my personal favorite) having many areas literally closed off to lower levels. So what happens when you wander into an area that you're not intended to explore until you're a higher level? 5-10 Deathclaws literally rip you to shreds. At least the bridge isn't broken right?
Fallout: New Vegas doesn't really do anything new or spectacular. It's more of what we've become accustomed to during our 2 years of playing Fallout 3 and that's not necessarily a bad thing. The bugs are what literally cripple New Vegas especially when they're so game breaking.
The PC version is by far the best running of the 3 versions available (PC, Xbox 360, and PS3). While it still has its fair share of bugs, you can expect higher FPS and less overall issues. The Xbox 360 version will be getting DLC earlier, but keep in mind the hundreds of mods that are already available through sites like http://www.newvegasnexus.com for the PC version.
So what's my verdict? The game has the potential to be just as good as Fallout 3 was and is, but it's going to need to be patched which could happen tomorrow, 2 years from now, or never.


text:
The Portsmouth Pirates Soccer Club program is offered in the fall and spring and is our core developmental program designed to help build individual player confidence, skills, team dynamics, and love of the game. Our U8 (spring only) and all U10 and older teams travel to compete in Super Liga, a Rhode Island youth soccer league, as well as tournaments. Our U6 and U8 (fall only) teams do not travel, but participate in our in-house training program that introduces the basic rules of the game and focuses on skill development through fun activity-based games and scrimmages.
The fall soccer season ranges from late August to early November. The spring soccer season ranges from late March to Mid June. Information about tryouts for our U10 and older teams are posted below. If you have any questions, please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
Fall 2022 Registration
Please contact your age-level coordinator if you have questions.
Annual tryouts for U10 and older teams will be held in late June and early July. Players registering for travel teams who did not attend tryouts will be placed on a waiting list. For more information about registration and fees, click here.
Age Division Overview for Competitive Soccer
There are no tryouts for the U6 and U8 divisions. The 2021 tryouts for U10 through U14 fall/spring sessions will be in early July. Tryouts for the U16 and U19 spring session are held in the late fall or winter (as needed). If you cannot not attend tryouts or have questions, please contact your the Age-Level Coordinator listed in the tryout schedule.
Guidelines for Club Soccer
For a detailed overview of the PYSA Competitive Soccer Program, including club operations, player and parent expectations, competition levels, and volunteer opportunities, click on the link below.
Travel Tournament Destinations and Dates
The PYSA competitive travel teams participate in at least one away tournament per season. Everyone participates in the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. The following tournaments are typically considered depending on age level and experience:
Natick (MA) Columbus Day Weekend Tournament - Early October
Barrington Invitational Tournament - Early November
Bridgewater (MA) Memorial Day Tournament - Late May
Portsmouth Invitational Tournament - Father's Day weekend in Mid June


text:
At Tarmac, Dr Bill's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of Spring
Last September, Tarmac's Cement business opened its new state of the art cement packing facility at Tunstead near Buxton (home of the iconic Opera House, the Devonshire Hospital, and other architectural gems), building on its capability to produce cement packed in plastic sacks or plastic tubs at the works. This was also combined with improved rail links for transportation of bulk cement, so six months on it seems like a good time to review the impact of this facility for customers.
Although it may appear counter-intuitive, packing cement in plastic rather than paper can actually be more sustainable. When cement packed in paper bags is stored on site, there is always a risk that our notoriously unpredictable weather may deliver a deluge of biblical proportions leading to soggy bottoms and spoiled cement. Independent studies have shown that the reduction in waste resulting from the use of weatherproof plastic packaging in place of paper makes a significant contribution to sustainable building, as less cement in total is purchased for any given job. Purchasing plastic packed cement is tantamount to taking out an insurance policy against bad weather.
Within the UK building materials market, plastic packaging of cement and other cement-containing products continues to evolve; from simple sacks to re-sealable plastic tubs and even smaller bags with integral carrying handles. The Tunstead packing facility therefore enhances the availability of these products and their benefits.
Another feature of the modern cement industry is the increased ability to deliver bulk materials via rail, in place of trucks and tankers. Like many bulk materials, large quantities of cement can be carried more efficiently in specialised trains than in individual trucks. The reduction in fuel consumption (per tonne of material), vehicle movements and emissions as a result of rail transport all contribute to industry targets for reducing the amount of CO2 associated with the production and use of cement. Last, but certainly not least, the generation of new jobs in a rural area is also a positive outcome.
So all in all, the new facility at Tunstead has improved the availability of sustainably packed cement, in the market place, and improved the efficiency of delivery, whilst also creating jobs. Looks like a clear example of 'Win – Win' to me!


text:
POS Intellect's cashier operations supervision capability is based on synchronizing the cash register information with video sequences captured by a camera pointed at the cash register.
As a result, watching the real time video stream or archived video, the operator sees the picture of the customer's checkout accompanied by subtitles. The subtitles include the receipt text and cash register operations that are not indicated on the receipt, such as cash drawer opening or manual product code input. This gives the operator the full picture of what is happening at the cash operation unit and helps detect common fraud incidents, including:
Titles search. POS-Intellect can search video archive by subtitles. This allows using text search to find all necessary receipts and related video sequences for a set period of time. Any text on the receipt can be the search criteria, including the product name, the word 'discount', the cashier's number, the receipt total and so on.
Slow and frame-by-frame playback. Analyzing video footage, the operator can manage the playback speed and watch separate video frames related to the ringing up of a particular product which helps ensure that important details are not missed.
Search presets and reporting. Receipt search can be carried out using preset queries or queries created by the user. Search results are then displayed as a list of receipts. The operator can choose to watch video footage with subtitles related to a particular receipt or to print out or save the receipt text and the snapshot corresponding to the selected receipt line. The system offers the following search presets:
Line highlighting. To draw the operator's attention to particular events the system can be set up to highlight the title lines that contain predetermined text. This can be the product name or the word 'cancelled'. This function facilitates real time video surveillance.
Configuration of Automatic System Response. POS Intellect allows to create the system's response scenarios for specific events. A warning window popping up is an example of such response. This function enables inputting new potentially hazardous events in the system and determining the system's response to them over time. This helps responding promptly to events maximizing efficiency of real time video surveillance for security purposes.
Cashier operations supervision


text: The Gibson Les Paul Studio Ebony The "No Frills" model in the Gibson USA Modern Collection offers the authentic Les Paul sound and extremely manoeuvrable handling, without any unnecessary optical gimmicks. The light mahogany body with Ultra Modern weight relief promises comfortable handling even during long recording sessions or gigs, while on the glued mahogany neck in the slim " Slim Taper " profile every riff or lick goes off by itself. Without denying their PAF genes, one on the Gibson n 490R Humbucker eck and a Gibson 498T Humbucker on the bridge provide powerful sounds that turn out to be all-rounders for blues, Rock , Pop or Metal . The pickups can also be split into Single coils via push/pull switches in the volume potentiometers . Last but not least, it Gibson Les Paul Studio has precise Grover Rotomatic tuners and the proven combination of Tune -O-Matic bridge and Stopbar tailpiece.


text:
Featured: Edinburg City Councilmember Gilbert Enríquez, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 22, 2019, for the 21-acre Janet Ogden Vackar Sports Complex, created through a partnership between the City of Edinburg and the Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District.
Photograph Courtesy CITY OF EDINBURG
Edinburg Councilmember Enríquez uses state public comment law to contend that he was "removed" from Edinburg EDC Board of Directors
By DAVID A. DÍAZ
[email protected]
In a unique use of the state's public comment law, Edinburg Councilmember Gilbert Enríquez on Tuesday, April 16, 2019, near the end of the regular meeting of the Edinburg City Council, revealed that he had been "removed" the previous day from the five-member Board of Directors of the city's Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.
On Monday, April 15, 2019, during an early afternoon special meeting of the City Council, Gilbert Enríquez was replaced by Sonia Enríquez, a licensed sales producer for the Roy Tijerina Insurance Agency of Edinburg.
Gilbert Enríquez and Sonia Enríquez – who goes by the name of Sonia Enríquez Lozano on her professional business card – do not have any family ties, the Edinburg city councilmember emphasized.
"I also want to wish the new appointee, Ms. Sonia Enríquez – she's not related to me, so I wanted to make sure everyone understands that – she's not related to me," Gilbert Enríquez said. "I want to wish her good luck, and hopefully that she does the right thing, she's an independent thinker, she asks questions, and most of all that she's transparent. I know she'll do well."
But Gilbert Enríquez said he had initially wanted to publicly thank people who had helped him serve on the Edinburg EDC Board of Directors, "but I wasn't allowed to" during the Monday, April 15, 2019, special meeting of the Edinburg City Council.
As a result, the council member resorted to signing up for the public comment section of the Tuesday, April 16, 2019 meeting to express his viewpoints.
In general, a public comment is an opportunity for any interested person to submit data, views, or arguments on a proposed rule. The opportunity for public comment is required by state law.
Mayor Richard Molina asked City Attorney Omar Ochoa whether Gilbert Enríquez was allowed to use the public comment section to address him, Mayor Pro Tem David Torres, and Councilmember Jorge Salinas. The fourth city councilmember, Homer Jasso, Jr., was not at either meeting, as he was excused on important business.
Molina, Torres, and Salinas, along with Edinburg school board trustee Miguel "Mike" Farias, and now Sonia Enríquez, serve on the Board of Directors for the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation.
Ochoa advised the mayor and city councilmembers that Gilbert Enríquez "is signed up to speak in the public comment section. As a general matter, that's not exactly proper. The public comment section is for the public to address the governing body. Members of the governing body who want to address each other are carried out through the Rules of Procedure. Just of the general matter, that's not the intent of the public comment section."
Councilmember Enríquez, who was still on the city council dais (the raised platform in the City Council Chamber at Edinburg City Hall), explained why he believed he was eligible to address the mayor and fellow councilmembers during the public comment section, which restricts members of a government board from responding
"Well, let me clarify. This has nothing to with anything on the agenda. I can understand that I'm a citizen as well of the City of Edinburg. I can understand if it was something that was being discussed on the agenda, and that would probably constitute, you know, a different trigger, a different law," Councilmember Enríquez said. "But if I'm not discussing anything that's on the agenda, I'm not speaking out of turn. I'm not of speaking out the agenda item.
"I had it researched. In my opinion, I'm allowed to do public comments. But if you feel that I'm not, well then I guess I would have to file a report on that, because I don't see how I'm not allowed to speak. I'm a resident of the City of Edinburg."
Councilmember Enríquez said his intention was not to put the city in a bad light.
"It's nothing, I'm not going to say anything negative. All I'm going to do is say 'thank you' publicly to the people that I wanted to say yesterday, when I was removed from the EDC, but I wasn't allowed to, so all I want to do is just thank the public, the people who have given me the opportunity, that's all I wanted to do," he promised. "It's nothing negative, but again, you don't want me to speak, that's fine. I won't speak."
Ochoa responded, "If I just may, just briefly, Mayor, it's just simply a matter of it's not the intent of the public comment section."
"Well, if you're telling me that I can't do it, is that what you're telling?" Councilmember Enríquez pressed the issue.
"No, I'm not telling you that," the city attorney replied. "I'm just reiterating that that's not the intent of the public comment section."
"Okay, so I can get up and speak," the city councilmember concluded, left his seat on the dais, and walked to the podium from which residents address the mayor and city councilmembers.
His comments follow:
"So, for the record, Gilbert Enríquez.
"I'm here since I was removed from the EDC yesterday, and not allowed to say a few comments.
"I want to publicly say right now that I wanted to extend a thanks to Ms. Nelda Ramírez, who while I was President of the EDC, she was very cooperative. She was very informative. She taught me a lot of the things that I needed to know about the EDC.
(Ramírez serves as Director of Finance and Contracts Administrator for the Edinburg EDC.)
"Since we transitioned to Mr. Joey Treviño, I want to thank him as well for the leadership he provided to the EDC while I was there as President and as a member, so I want to give him a thanks.
(Treviño serves as Executive Director for the Edinburg EDC.)
"I also want to wish the new appointee, Ms. Sonia Enríquez – she's not related to me, so I wanted to make sure everyone understands that – she's not related to me. I want to wish her good luck, and hopefully that she does the right thing, she's an independent thinker, she asks questions, and most of all that she's transparent. I know she'll do well. I don't know her, but from what I understand, she's very active in our community, especially our crime stoppers.
"I also want to thank the council for allowing me the opportunity to serve for the 16 months that I was there, and I hope I served you with integrity and ethics. So again, thank you very much. I appreciate it. Thank you."
According to her business card, which she handed out, it contains the following information about her:
Sonia Enríquez Lozano
License Sales Producer
Roy Tijerina Insurance Agency'
Allstate Insurance Company
1310 W. University Drive
Edinburg, Texas 78539
Office: 956/316-1040
Fax: 956/316-1662
Sonia Enríquez also maintains a public presence on Facebook at:
According to a news release, titled "Edinburg EDC Welcomes New Board Director Sonia Enríquez," following her appointment on Monday, April 15, 2019:
The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation is pleased to welcome Edinburg native Sonia Enríquez as the newest member of the Edinburg EDC Board of Directors.
Enríquez, an insurance agent by trade, brings a wealth of business, civic, and community experience to the EDC board, which oversees the economic, business, and workforce development for the City of Edinburg.
Enríquez was appointed as Director by the Edinburg City Council at a meeting held on Monday, April 15, 2019.
Aside from her professional experience as an insurance agent, Enríquez has devoted her time volunteering and remaining involved in her hometown community. Enríquez has been an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Edinburg, having served in leadership capacities as President, Vice-President, and even holds the regional leadership position as Lt. Governor for the Kiwanis International Division 11 – South Texas.
She has received numerous awards for her service including "Kiwanian of the Year," among other notable accolades. Under her leadership, the civic organization has championed worthy causes and organized community events, such as a Memorial Day flag ceremony, "Remember Those Who Served," and partnering with Doctor's Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) to host special events for children affected by cancer.
Enríquez is also a Key Club Advisor to local Edinburg high schools. Her heart is in her community, and her motto is, "We work together as a family to accomplish our goals."
A true community advocate, Enríquez also devotes her time to other organizations serving our Edinburg community including Mujeres Unidas, Walk out of Darkness Suicide Awareness, Team Mario Autism Awareness, Dustin Sekula Memorial Library Arte Events, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce Texas Cook'Em, Edinburg Fiesta, and Night of Lights, among other local nonprofit organizations and events. Enríquez serves as Treasurer for the Edinburg Crime Stoppers, is an elementary catechist teacher at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Edinburg, and is a member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
Most notably, Enríquez was honored in October 2018 with the city's first "Community Champion of the Year" award in recognition for her generous contributions of time, support, and inspiration to the Edinburg community.
Upon appointing Enríquez, Edinburg Mayor and EDC Board Director Richard Molina stated, "We are proud to have selected such a civic-minded member of our community who is attuned to the needs of our Edinburg community and who will contribute to the vision we have to ensure positive and appropriate growth in Edinburg."
Enríquez stated, "I appreciate the City Council's vote of confidence in me to serve as an EDC Board Member, and I am excited to get to work to bring more growth and opportunity for our Edinburg community!"
According to the Edinburg EDC website, in its "About Us" section:
As the fastest developing city in the Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg has everything your company needs to be successful. The Edinburg EDC provides assistance in site selection, relocation, and other services related to a new, expanding or relocating a business. Please contact us; we are ready to help.
Our Services
We connect you to the right people. Whether it is finding the right talent, necessary capital to grow your business, or connecting you to industry peers, EDC leverages its network of partners to help companies grow in our region. We'll serve as your advocate with local government agencies, facilitate introductions to industry trade associations, and other private organizations throughout our region.
We coordinate and conduct outreach to discuss issues affecting companies' ability to stay and grow in the region. We work with elected officials, universities, and other policymakers to facilitate your needs whether your concern is workforce, infrastructure, transportation, housing, or another issue.
We work through local, state, national, and international communication channels to elevate our region, leading industry sectors, and individual companies. Our regularly distributed publications showcase investment in the region and news in a wide spectrum of industries.
Business Retention
We serve local companies by assisting with expansion plans, programs to help retain business, and advocating for policies that enhance the region's economic competitiveness.
Business Expansion
We lead attraction efforts to bring new investment and new companies to the region. We market the region to highlight the incredible talent available and the quality of life that keeps them here. We collaborate with industry associations and economic development partners to develop cohesive approaches to regional issues.
Business Attraction
We see the big picture. Work with us to determine how your company can take advantage of the unique assets of this bi-national, bi-lingual, region.
For more on this and other Texas legislative news stories which affect the Rio Grande Valley metropolitan region, please log on to Titans of the Texas Legislature (TitansoftheTexasLegislature.com).


text:
As if the world wasn't already hyped enough over Pokémon Go, it looks like there may be another reason to push the excitement further: Google Cardboard. While far from a confirmation, the settings and licenses portion of the Pokémon Go app mentions Google Cardboard, possibly hinting at future VR plans.
The mention itself was first noted in the iOS version of the app by @PokeSteal on Twitter:
It's certainly no confirmation of future VR integration, but it does present and interesting prospect for the future of Pokémon Go. And given the success the game has already seen with its AR focus, it's likely that any future VR gameplay would prove to be quite the popular addition.
What do you think? Would you like to give Pokémon Go a shot in VR? Let us know in the comments!


text:
Phillies honoring Roy Halladay 10 years after his perfect game
It was only fitting that the Phillies are honoring pitcher Roy Halladay on the 10-year anniversary of his perfect game.
Halladay will have his No. 34 retired on May 29 in a ceremony before the Phillies game against the World Series champion Washington Nationals. It comes exactly 10 years after Halladay pitched a perfect game against the Marlins in Miami.
Halladay also pitched a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds in the NLDS that October at Citizens Bank Park.
Halladay was with the Phillies for four seasons, but he was a part of some of the franchise's most memorable moments.
In addition to the two no-hitters, Halladay won the Cy Young Award in 2010 after going 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA. He also led a deep rotation in 2011 to the most wins in team history as the Phillies finished 102-60 before losing in Game 5 of the NLDS to the St. Louis Cardinals. Halladay was 19-6 with a 2.35 ERA in 2011.
Halladay died on Nov. 7, 2017, when the private plane he was flying crashed into the Gulf of Mexico near his Florida home.
Halladay was inducted posthumously into baseball's Hall of Fame last summer. Even though Halladay spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Toronto Blue Jays, his family decided not to have a team logo on his plaque in the Hall of Fame to show his affinity for his time in Philadelphia.
That affinity was shared by Phillies fans.
Halladay went 55-29 with a 3.25 ERA in four seasons with the Phillies. In all, Halladay was 203-105 with a 3.38 ERA.
Halladay will join other Phillies' legends who have had their numbers retired in Richie Ashburn (1), Robin Roberts (36), Steve Carlton (32), Mike Schmidt (20), Jim Bunning (14) and Jackie Robinson (42).
A 6-foot-high No. 34 statue will also be unveiled at the third-base plaza.


text:
We've told you that Samsung has started rolling out updates to address the Exynos security vulnerabilities. These fixes have now reached the U.S. with Sprint and T-Mobile rolling out small updates for the Epic 4G Touch and Galaxy Note II, respectively.
Aside from fixing the "Exynos issue," the update Sprint Epic 4G Touch users will get also includes Sprint Connections Optimizer as part of the software version S:D710.10S.FL24. It will be rolling out over the next 30 days so don't panic if you don't see it just yet.
T-Mobile's Galaxy Note II got T889UVALL4 update that also includes "various bug fixes" which we hope will make the device even more stable (though we can't really be sure what's included). In any case, you should "push the button" the second your phablet informs you about the new software version waiting for download. Good luck. 😉
[Via: AndroidCentral]


text:
Zinc foods help to give you more testosterone as well as the many benefits of zinc. Foods high in zinc are usually animal meats or shellfish like oysters.
However, there are zinc rich foods that are plant based that can help with your daily zinc needs,
The average adult female requires about 8 mg. of zinc every day to meet her daily RDA of this essential nutrient and the average adult male requires 11 mg. of zinc.
Beautiful hair thrives on zinc!
The symptoms of a zinc deficiency are numerous as zinc is needed by your body to operate properly.
It's involved with many enzyme systems within your body. You will absorb 20 to 40% from zinc foods.
And the amount of zinc that you will be able to absorb depends on whether you eat foods that increase or decrease zinc absorption.
Phytates or phytic acid inhibits zinc absorption. Phytic acid is found abundantly in most legumes (soy included), most nuts, most seeds, and in a lot of grains.
Zinc foods like chocolate also contain phytic acid.
Reduction of phytic acid by sprouting, fermentation, or cooking will improve zinc absorption.
Too much fiber in your diet will also reduce zinc absorption.
Foods high in fiber are whole wheat grains, whole grains, almost all legumes, almost all nuts, seeds in particular, most vegetables, and even fruits.
Your zinc reserves can be depleted by drinking too much alcohol, pregnancy, low calorie diets, and being fanatically athletic.
And of course, a lack of zinc foods or a lack of protein in your diet can cause a deficiency.
Iron supplementation with meals and non heme iron in foods will compete with zinc for absorption into your body.
Raw Eastern Wild Oysters - 76 mg. per 6 medium oysters
Cooked Alaskan King Crab - 8.4 mg. per 4 oz. serving
Raw Grass Fed Ground Meat - 5.2 mg. per 4 oz. serving
Roasted Leg of Lamb - 5.2 mg. per 4 oz. serving
Cooked Spiny Lobster - 8 mg. per 4 oz. serving
Raw Wild Clams - 3.1 mg. per 1 cup serving (clams & liquid)
Raw Wild Blue Mussels - 3.0 mg. per 10 medium mussels
Roasted Pastured Dark Turkey Meat - 4.8 mg. per 4 oz. serving
Organic Swiss Cheese - 4.8 mg. per 4 oz. serving
Raw Grass Fed Beef Liver - 4.4 mg. per 4 oz. serving
Cooked Pork Chops - 3.6 mg. per 4 oz. serving
If you feel like storing up on extra zinc, you could devour a bunch of "sustainably-caught" oysters - raw oysters are powerful zinc foods!
Zinc foods like oysters that are very high in zinc could help to give your body the boost it needs to overcome symptoms of zinc deficiency.
And remember that it will only take about 1 good sized oyster a day to give your body its RDA of zinc as it's the best of the zinc foods.
Roasted Organic Duck Meat - 2.1 mg. per 3 oz. serving
Organic Duck Liver - 1.8 mg. per 2 oz. serving
Organic Dark Chicken Meat - 2.4 mg. per 4 oz. serving
Boiled Organic Chickpeas - 2.5 mg. per 1 cup serving
Boiled Organic Lentils - 2.5 mg. per 1 cup serving
Roasted Cashews - 1.6 mg. per 1 oz. serving
Organic Duck Eggs - 2.0 mg. per 2 duck eggs
Dried Organic Shiitake Mushrooms - 1.8 mg. per 6 mushrooms
Boiled Organic Green Peas - 1.9 mg. per 1 cup serving
70-85% Organic Dark Chocolate - 1.8 mg. per 2 oz. serving
Symptoms of zinc deficiency need to be corrected before they lead to more serious disorders or problems.
People who consume the SAD (Sad American Diet) or drink too much coffee may become deficient in zinc.
People who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets or do not consume enough zinc rich foods will probably suffer from symptoms of zinc deficiency.
However, if you consume too many zinc foods, you could experience abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and vomiting.
And did you know that hair loss can be associated with too little or too much zinc?
Consuming too many zinc foods for too long or taking a lot of zinc supplements could lead to problems like hair loss.
It's important that you get enough copper in your diet to offset too much zinc.
Zinc foods like grass fed liver, wild caught oysters, and organic chocolate will usually have a good amount of both copper and zinc.
Go to Foods that Contain Estrogen
Return to Aphrodisiac Foods


text:
Women go through the stress of looking beautiful every day while getting ready for the day. It's a difficult task for many women to step out without makeup as they don't feel confident about their looks. It is very important to have a healthy skin. A healthy looking skin makes one feel good about their looks. Every woman wants to have that perfect skin. But we often end up applying makeup to look beautiful without realizing that beauty comes naturally. There isn't too much you have to do to get a flawless skin. Here is some easy tip to achieve that natural glow in you always wanted to:
Wash your face twice
Skincare is very essential for looking good with zero makeup. It is always better to spend time and money on skincare rather than buying makeup. The very first step towards skincare is to find the right face wash for your skin type. And you should wash your face twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. However, it is not advisable to wash your face more than twice. Washing your face time and again makes the skin dry and irritable. It is always healthy to follow a skin regimen which should be repeated both in the morning and at night.
Also read: 15 Amazing Benefits and Facts of Green Coffee Beans
Do you moisturize regularly?
Moisturizing your face after washing is very important. Always buy the right kind of moisturizer for your skin type and prefer one with SPF. For night use, go in for a slightly richer moisturizer. If your skin is sensitive, go in for some gentle moisturizer. If your skin is prone to pimples, pick something gel based and avoid greasy moisturizers. For dry skin types, a heavy moisturizer is recommended which consists of Shea butter and aloe-vera.
Exfoliate your skin weekly
Exfoliation helps in removing dead cells from skin and makes the face look fresh and radiant. It gives your skin a healthy glow. If you find a skin wash with exfoliating particles you can use it every 2 to 3 days, for better results. However, people with sensitive skin can use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water. It is advisable to gently rub your face with the washcloth, in circular motion slowly. Therefore, never scrub the exfoliator too hard on your face as that can leave your skin dry.
Use a Toner to Smoothen your Skin
People generally tend to forget using toner but it can immensely help enhance your skin's appearance. The skin's natural pH balance is restored by a toner. Always go in for alcohol-free toners as they help improve your skin tone. Toners for oily skin help in removing extra oil and tighten the pores. Toners for dry skin help soothe irritation and lock in extra moisture.
Don't forget to remove your makeup
Women can't do without makeup while going to a party. But it is equally important to clean your makeup before getting in bed. Makeup that is left on overnight can clog the pores and lead to pimples. However, avoid using your regular face wash for removing makeup. Therefore, buy a makeup removing product such as a cream or a foaming cleanser. Also, use a special makeup remover to take off your eye makeup.
Get Rid of those Pimples
Pimples are one reason that women apply makeup. So to move out without any makeup it is important to get rid of those pimples first. To bid adieu to those pimples it is important to follow a rigorous skincare regimen. Pimples occur when the pores are blocked so, it is mandatory to remove bacteria from the skin. It is advisable to use products that target oily or acne-prone skin. Therefore, look for non-comedogenic moisturizers, sun blocks, and makeup. Hence, is all of this does not work, its time you should consult a good dermatologist for treatment.
Sunscreen is a must
Applying a sunscreen daily should be a habit. Never step out with wearing a sunblock. Even if it's not sunny outside it is important to apply a sunscreen as the UVA/UVB rays can anyway damage your skin. However, your skin tends to age prematurely because of sun damage and can even lead to skin cancer in extreme cases. Therefore, prefer buying a sunblock with SPF 30 or higher. Hence, it is better to have a sunscreen which also acts as a moisturizer.
Make your skin glow from inside out
It is one of the most important tips to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. Getting a proper sleep helps your skin look fresh and rejuvenated. Sleeping well also keeps dark circles at bay. Last but not the least, it is mandatory to drink at least 5-8 glasses of water every day. However, drinking enough water keeps the skin hydrated. Therefore, intake of water also helps purifies the skin and helps get rid of toxins.
Refrain from touching your face repeatedly
People generally have annoying habits and this is one of them. Touching your face time and again affects the quality of the skin. Moreover, the skin looks greasy and wrinkled if you keep touching your face. Therefore, avoid picking at spots, rubbing your forehead, or simply resting your chin on your hand. Hence, stop unnecessarily touching your face to enhance the skin's appearance.


text:
MPILO Central Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Mr Leonard Mabhandi, cheated death after his vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with another near the 10km peg along Gweru-Kwekwe highway, police said yesterday.
Mr Mabhandi, who was alone in his car, escaped with a cut on his left leg but his Jeep Cherokee is a write off after the crash that happened on Thursday around 6PM.
The driver of the Nissan X-Trail he collided with died on the spot while two other passengers are battling for life at Gweru Provincial Hospital.
Four other vehicles crashed into each other resulting in a pile up that blocked the highway for close to an hour.
Contacted for comment, Mr Mabhandi said the driver of the X-Trail was attempting to overtake four vehicles including a haulage truck.
"I was driving towards Kwekwe and as I was going up the fly-over just after Redcliff turnoff, I saw the vehicle coming towards me after it failed to overtake the haulage truck and other vehicles. There was little time for me to react and a head-on resulted," he said.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the accident.
"I can confirm the death of one person at Redcliff fly-over where a Gweru-bound vehicle failed to overtake a haulage truck resulting in a head on collision.
"The driver of the Nissan died on the spot while two other passengers were ferried to Kwekwe District Hospital where they were further referred to Gweru Hospital where they are said to be in critical condition," said Inspector Goko.
He said the accident could have been avoided.
"We want to urge motorists to exercise extreme caution on the roads and adhere to road rules and regulations. This is a result of human error and it can be avoided if people exercise caution," he said.
Redcliff turn-off has become a black spot and a cleansing ceremony was late last year conducted at the area to "rid it of accident-causing spirits."
— Chronicle


text:
The mandate for "Mary Poppins Returns" came straight from Oscar-winning production designer John Myhre ("Chicago," "Memoirs of a Geisha"): It had to look "London-y," but also "dipped in reality." That's because, unlike Walt Disney's idyllic world of 1910 in the original movie, the London here took place in 1934, the era of the Depression, or "The Slump," as the British called it.
"When I first heard the opening song, 'Underneath the Lovely London Sky,' I saw this as a love letter to London," said Myhre, but with a gritty twist in accordance with director Rob Marshall's vision of becoming much more colorful with the return of the beloved nanny (Emily Blunt).
Read More:Quirky Female Costuming Shapes 'The Favourite' and 'Mary Poppins Returns'
Jay Maidment
We glimpse London coming awake out of the fog, gliding by Parliament, Big Ben, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge, through some parks, before making our way to the familiar Cherry Tree Lane. "And we embraced London in the winter with the gray sky," added Myhre. "That became our real world and it was a nice contrast to the colorful adventures with Mary Poppins.
"And then our goal was, by the end of the movie, to have the Banks family more optimistic with that beautiful spring fair [sung to the joyful finale, 'Nowhere to Go But Up']."
courtesy of Disney
Myhre immersed himself in London of 1934, particularly paintings of the embankment and news footage of passersby. However, Marshall wanted the designers to put their own spin on "Poppins." The first thing was a slight alteration to the Banks neighborhood of Cherry Tree Lane.
"We wanted to bring down the scale," Myhre said. "It's not three-story, opulent, with lightly plastered facades. We made them two-story buildings, we brought in some brick, which was a little more middle class. It was our movie but still respectful to the original."
But because it was a clash of authenticity and fantasy, every set was a mixture of practical builds, special effects, stunt pieces, and the start of VFX enhancement. "That bathroom set had to be built eight feet off the ground so the kids and Mary could really slide into that bathtub, and for Mary to reach into the sink and pull out those lovely items," said Myhre.
Jay Maidment
One of the most daring and difficult sequences was the Topsy set featuring Mary's eccentric, bohemian cousin (played by Meryl Streep). They literally built an upside down room in Topsy's fix-it shop. "We wanted to create a big space where you could see all the things that people brought her that that they loved," Myhre said. "A torn painting, a statue with an arm knocked off, a musical instrument."
But the set needed to look interesting from both ceiling and floor perspectives, and functionally interactive during the boisterous "Turning Turtle" dance number. "So it all became about getting them down from the floor to the ceiling, and it had spinning chandeliers and ladders on book cases that roll, upside down spiral staircases, and banked walls of glass," the production designer said.
The two most challenging sequences to design were for the music hall inside the Royal Doulton bowl and the "Trip a Little Light Fantastic" showstopper atop a greenhouse. The first required experiments with scale and positioning for the animation and choreography, and the latter necessitated being able to cut from a street on location to a street built on stage and then back again.
Courtesy of Disney
"It was an interesting learning curve for a group of people that had only done live-action working with people who had only done animation," said Myhre about the music hall sequence. "It was all built and painted green, such as the carriage that they slide down in. Interaction with the actors was very important. Every time the animation team drew a new character, I would blow them up full size so we could have them on the stage the day we shot."
Meanwhile, all through the "Trip" number, it was not only difficult keeping up with the dancers, but also coping with the idea of having a dance sequence with bikes on top of the greenhouse. "So suddenly the greenhouse had to be built in such a say to accommodate the dancing, with the construction of a 200 x 250-foot stone dance floor that was springy," said Myhre.
Jay Maidment
Initially, they thought they were making a wonderful, little children's film. "And within a month, we started getting into it and it became the most complicated movie I ever made," Myhre said.
Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.


text:
Top 3 Ways to Improve Communication in the Workplace
A lot of misunderstandings stem from things getting lost in translation. When you've got a team of tens, hundreds, or even thousands of employees across an office, it's easy to lose sight of key objectives. So how do you make sure you and your team members are all on the same page? The answer is simple – communication.
You'll never get anywhere without actually talking about how to get there. In almost every part of life, maintaining success and happiness rely heavily on communication. Relationships cannot thrive without this openness, and the same goes for organizations both large and small. If you let communication slip through the cracks, your team's success will follow suit.
When I first started Hoopla, I quickly noticed a number of practices that worked really well in keeping our team engaged and on track. Granted, some worked better than others – so here's a list of my top 3 ways to improving communication in any workplace:
1. Encourage feedback
Communication is a two-way street. While you may be great at communicating tasks at hand to your team, make sure you're also listening and encouraging feedback on the information. It's important to involve your team members and let them in on the plan. The McKinsey Global Institute found that connecting with employees can increase productivity of employees by 20 to 25%.
To start, lead by example. Quick 5 minute stand-ups at the start of each day can bring an amazing amount of productivity. Initiate conversation with your team about items on their agendas and what they need from you to accomplish these tasks. Regular and efficient updates can clear any misunderstanding and keep your team on track. Once you create and reward open dialogue, your team will begin to see the merits in sharing their input and giving feedback.
2. Make objectives and goals visible
Set clearly defined goals and let employees know the direction of the company. This applies mostly to team leaders, but if your manager isn't communicating key objectives to you, make sure you have this talk. In a study by Cognisco, businesses with 100,000 employees are losing on average $62 million per year due to misunderstandings in the workplace. So – what better way to negate miscommunication than to publicly share company, team, and personal goals.
Here at Hoopla, we share our OKRs publicly on large TV screens throughout the office. A simple goal tracking system adopted by Intel and Google, OKRs map out your company's Objectives and Key Results. Through Hoopla's Google Sheets integration, we map custom metrics to track Goal Progress and Quota Achievement percentages, which are then auto-populated and fed in through the Hoopla TV for all to see (learn how).
I love the idea of knowing exactly where our company stands with reaching our goals, as well as realizing which metrics need just a little more work. Understanding key objectives and company progress helps teams and individuals better realize the steps necessary to reach these higher-level goals and stay motivated while doing so. It's extremely rewarding to see goals being met and real progress move on leaderboards displayed on the big screen. The best thing about this is – when goals are met, the whole office is notified through a Breaking News alert on every TV. High-fives are in order!
3. Eliminate emails!
Let's take away the company-wide email blasts and long threads of unread, forgotten messages. Emails are formal, take time to compose, and ultimately waste tons of valuable time.
We live in a world of fast technology and thrive off instant feedback. For me, Slack is a great tool for quick and easy communication. We use Slack at Hoopla to message individuals, teams, as well as the entire office. Slack makes it easy to send a quick message to a colleague via direct messaging, as well as open channels for a transparent view of all that's going on. We also use Hoopla TV to broadcast Slack messages and content with our new integration with Slack.
The constant flow of communication through Slack and Hoopla TV has definitely created a more inclusive and engaging environment – and the relay of information has never been quicker.
While better communication won't happen overnight, take small steps to make it happen. Start your day tomorrow with a 5-minute stand-up with your team or download Slack for your office. Growing clear communication between management and employees can have a powerful influence in creating a more open and engaging environment.
Thank you for reading – I hope this helped! Please feel free to share how your team keeps communication flowing in the comments section below.


text:
Welcome to the first stop on Ingrid Seymour's Blog Tour! Her book is a YA romance called The Guys Are Props Club. This book is a little different from the others on this site because it is recommended for ages 17 and older due to language and sexual situations.
Synopsis: Maddie Burch is determined to make it through college without falling victim to a creep like her first boyfriend. She has her job, school and The Guys Are Props Club to keep her mind and hormones in check.
The club was founded by Jessica, Maddie's best friend. It is a sisterhood of girls who have fallen prey to heartless jerks and who have vowed to turn the tables. Once a semester, Jessica requires members to "do onto others as they've done unto you." Setting the example, Jessica's next play is Sebastian Capello, a theater major with heartthrob looks and a flair for Latin dance, whose heart she plans to break the way hers was once broken.
But Sebastian is not a jerk. And what he wants is not a bombshell like Jessica, but a down-to-earth girl like Maddie – even if it causes a riff in the girl's friendship. Even if it means getting Maddie to break her personal vow.
Review: I enjoyed this book very much. The characters of Jessica, Maddie, and Sebastian are very real. Although I love the idea of a girls' power club, I would never join this club myself because I could not imagine leading a guy on then dumping him. The way the author portrays it, though, you are rooting for Jessica from page one. I even understand and am sympathetic toward Jessica. And Sebastian is gorgeous and sweet. All three characters change during the course of this novel. Their arcs are believable and draw you in right away.
The plot of the book was as predictable as most romances, but there were enough issues with Jessica and Sebastian's relationship that it kept me reading. The club itself was a mistake, something Maddie already knows when the book starts. She's reluctant to say anything to Jessica, though, because they are friends. Friendship causes people to overlook a lot of faults in each other.
So if you love a good romance, read this book. You won't be disappointed.
For more about the Blog Tour, go to Oops! I Read a Book Again!. On that site, a dozen blogs a day will be giving interviews, reviews, and guest posts from Ingrid Seymour. Follow along, then read the book!