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Feb 14 2016
Flint and Steel Kit Review (http://www.flint-and-steel.com/)
Occasionally I'm approached by people wanting me to review their products. Before I have always declined due to the products not holding high enough quality or being too irrelevant for my site.
I was therefore happy to be approached by http://www.flint-and-steel.com/. They sent me their flint and steel set #4.1.1.
The Set
This particular set contains a forged steel striker, three flints, a box of charcloth, two rolls of string for tinder, how-to instructions and a leather container to put in your belt or by using the shoulder strap.
All the parts are very stylish and professionally made. Definitely an impressive gift or something to talk about at any outdoor event.
Use and Review
The instructions are straight forward, with both text and pictures. I knew the procedure from before, but I think the information will be good enough even for beginners.
The string for tinder is a bit time consuming to undo and buff up. I will probably keep that cordage for emergencies and use self gathered tinder for the most part.
Saying that, the fibres from the cordage caught fire from the charcloth really easily. The flint and steel gives very strong sparks and the charcloth caught on the first or second strike.
All in all, the set is very functional and of high quality. It can be used for many fires even without getting more charcloth or tinder. Definitely recommended!
Get my book "Traditional Trout Fishing: Fishing for Survival in the North (Volume 1)
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Thanks to Hazel Wolf Dad Matt Pressnall for sharing this opportunity with us!
Is your daughter in 3rd, 4th or 5th Grade this school year? If so, Girl Scout Troop 680 has a great opportunity for your daughter and her DAD! Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, including three yearly camping trips, community service projects, and environmental stewardship, girls and their Dads have a great time while learning and spending time together.
(KIRO did a great story about the troop that you can find online.)
Although Girl Scout Troop 680 is predominantly a father-daughter troop, we recognize that some fathers may not be able to participate in some or all meetings and activities, so many of our girls participate with their mothers or another adult family member. The troop is open to girls in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades from all schools in the NE cluster.
If you're interested in joining Troop 680 this fall, please contact Bruce Phillips at firstname.lastname@example.com. Membership is handled on a first-come, first-served basis. A waitlist will be established if there is more interest than capacity.
Sign up now to secure a spot. We look forward to seeing you and your daughter in Girl Scouts.


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Massage Parlor Reports
strip club posted a topic in SaskatoonMost erotic massage parlor workers in Saskatoon come from China, Philippines and Thailand. You can also find Saskatoon escorts, streetwalkers, body rubs, strippers & strip bars, ts & male escorts from WikiSexGuide: http://www.wikisexguide.com/wiki/Saskatoon


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Private equity players are set to benefit as China's private companies play a more important role in overseas acquisitions, said Linbo He, head of private equity at China Investment Corp., one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds.
Overseas mergers and acquisitions have long been dominated by Chinese state-owned enterprises given they have easy access to capital, are large in size and have resources and connections. But earlier this year Beiijing relaxed rules for private Chinese companies when they seek acquisitions abroad as the Asian country seeks to boost outbound investment………………………………………..Full Article: Source


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Camel bit, kicked and trampled American man to death ... over a can of soda
By RYAN GORMAN
An American man was savagely killed by a camel at the wildlife sanctuary he owned in Mexico – possibly over a bottle of soda.
Richard Mieski, either 60 or 70-years-old, and originally from Chicago, was kicked, bit and sat on Monday by an infuriated camel, according to the Associated Press. He was pronounced dead after workers pulled the animal off him using ropes.
"The camel kicked and bit him practically to death, and when he was almost dead, he sat on him," said Tulum Civil Defense official Alberto Canto. "Between the blows and the weight of the camel on top of him, he was asphyxiated."
The circumstances surrounding the camel's fit of rage are not clear, but Canto was told the animal did not get his daily dose of Coca-Cola.
"One version is that he would always give him a Coca Cola to drink, and apparently, that day he didn't give him the Coca Cola," Canto said.
Authorities reportedly seized more than a dozen spider monkeys, six deer, two emus, two llamas a wild boar and the camel while investigating the bizarre death.
They are to be "held by the manager of the facility in administrative custody," or allowed to remain in the park but not permitted to leave, according to the AP.
Authorities confirmed details of the man's death to the Daily Mail.
"When we arrived, the people who were there said the camel got out of its stable and attacked him," Antonio Gomez, a Tulum emergency services spokesman, told the paper. "It dragged him, climbed on top of him, was kicking him, biting him and sat on top of him."
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico did not immediately confirm the man's name, but employees posted a picture of Mileski and a statement to the sanctuary's Facebook page.
"Yesterday, on the 13th of October 2014, Richard lost his life caring for one of the animals that he has dedicated the last 15 year of his life to saving," said the statement. "Richard founded the Tulum Monkey Sanctuary on his ranch in order to help rescue an endangered species, the spider monkey, from extinction.
"But he did not limit himself to helping the monkeys, for his compassion ran the entire range of species from dogs to ducks and horses to javali," the statement continued. "Thank you Richard for all of those you have helped along your way. From those who have no voices to those of us who do."
The park does not have papers proving legal ownership of the animals, authorities said.
Tulum Monkey Sanctuary is located near a number of popular resort towns, including Playa del Carmen. The dozens of photo albums filled with park visitors over the years show it to be a popular destination.
Its immediate future, or that of the animals, is not known.
Also on AOL:
Related links:
Coyote found lodged in man's car bumper
Dead bear cub in Central Park likely hit by auto
Can you find the owl?


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Job Description
Block/Property Manager - Fareham
£20,000 - £26,000 PA + Car Allowance
Full time - Permanent - 09.00 to 17.30 - Monday to Friday
Are you an experienced Property Manager looking for a company within which you can truly excel?
Dynamite Recruitment are currently seeking an experienced Block/Property Manager for an outstanding property management company to work in the Fareham area.
The Property Manager will be responsible for dealing with the day to day management of a large portfolio of blocks of flats, communication from clients, leaseholders and contractors via telephone, email and letter, financial management, budgeting, major works projects, section 20 consultations, assisting with the preparation of accounts and various other duties.
The Role:
- Delivery of management services to a portfolio of residential, mixed-use buildings and estates.
- Daily liaison with the Client/Freeholder and Leaseholder
- Develop & Maintain accounts and relationships
The Ideal Candidate:
- Will have previous Block or Property Management experience.
- Must be passionate about the property industry.
- Will need to be articulate and well presented and ideally educated to Associate level of AIRPM, however this is not essential!
- Must have a high standard in written English and good working knowledge in Microsoft Office suite would be preferred.
- A driving licence is also essential!
For more information, please apply now or contact Tegan Sillett at Dynamite Recruitment!!
Key Words: "Estate Agent" or "Estate Agents" or "Property" or "Lettings" or "Lettings Agents" or "Property Agent" or "Block" or "Block Manager" or "Property Manager" or "Section 20" or "major works" or leasehold or freehold or flats or houses or "property management" or AIRPM or tenants.


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Ms. Jully Patel
Chief Executive Officer & Chief Financial Officer
Jully Patel studied Strategic Decision Making and Risk Management with specialization in Health Care at Stanford University. She brings 15+ years of experience as a Senior Manager to BPS Billing. Jully has led and directed complex projects internationally within cross-
Ms. Marcie LaRose, CPC-A
Senior Account Manager
Ms. LaRose has been in the healthcare industry since 2000. She has comprehensive billing experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings as well as rehabilitation services. Ms. LaRose's responsibilities include customer service, claim billing, claim denial resolution, and payment posting; in addition to office management of special project team members. She has achieved her Certified Professional Coder certification in 2015. Ms. LaRose's results oriented approach to medical billing ensures a timely and accurate claims revenue cycle.


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access your medical records
Home > Health Services > Children's Health
Children's Health
Help your child stay well at every stage of development - from infancy to young adulthood - with comprehensive children's health care at Avera.
Children of all ages benefit from the proven safety and effectiveness of immunizations. Give your child the boost he or she needs to stay healthy.Learn more.
Your family benefits from experienced Avera pediatric-care providers who specialize in areas such as:
Increase the odds of lifelong healthy vision by getting care early for your child's eyes, for example, if your infant or child experiences eye redness, discharge, misalignment, jiggling or sensitivity to light, or you notice squinting, trouble reading, a droopy eyelid or chronic closing of one eye. Count on Avera to treat pediatric eye disorders and provide exams that can rule out vision problems in children with suspected learning disabilities.
Protect your child's health with help from Avera's education and resources, including:
At Avera Children's Hospital — located in Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls, SD, — your family gains access to the same services you'd find at a freestanding children's hospital. Find all the care that your child needs in one location.
Your infant is in good hands at our Level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), designed especially for babies who were born at less than 32 weeks gestation or have special medical needs.
In addition to benefiting from onsite neonatal experts, you gain immediate access to offsite pediatric intensivists and neonatologists through Avera CareView, telemedicine technology that helps provide the fastest possible care.
Your young loved one gets timely, child-friendly care at Avera Emergency Departments across the Upper Midwest. Find in-house emergency doctors at numerous locations, or immediately available via telemedicine emergency. Avera McKennan's Emergency Department is known for fast door-to-doctor times, and while you're waiting, your child can enjoy a playroom. Private rooms help calm your family during a visit. After a traumatic injury or serious illness, Avera Careflight quickly transports your infant, child or adolescent to a hospital for potentially life-saving care.
If your child experiences a minor condition when your pediatrician isn't available, choose Avera urgent care services. Walk into an urgent care location for convenient, timely attention—days, nights and weekends.
Find a partner in helping your children grow up healthy and strong. Visit an Avera location offering pediatric care near you.
View More
1900 Grassland Drive
Suite 103
Mitchell, SD 57301
400 22nd Avenue
Brookings, SD 57006-2497
1521 Carlson Street
Marshall, MN 56258
1216 Ryan's Road
Suite 3
Worthington, MN 56187
101 South Front Street
Suite 1
Chamberlain, SD 57325
Avera is a health ministry rooted in the Gospel. Our mission is to make a positive impact in the lives and health of persons and communities by providing quality services guided by Christian values.
© 2022 Avera Health, Sioux Falls, SD. All Rights Reserved.


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Recently a teacher came to the Google Docs Help Forums to learn how to turn Google Forms Assessments off. The teacher was afraid students would copy the Assessment's URL to share with friends. I was glad when Lance a Google Doc's Product Expert friend reached out to me for help. The teacher learned two simple steps for maintaining assessment confidentiality.
First Make a Copy of Testing Template
- Open the Google Forms Assessment
- Click More Settings (3 Vertical Dots)
- Select "Make a Copy"
- Making a Copy allows the user to make a blank question bank template to be used for future assessments.
- Allows teachers to easily share individual forms with each class.
- Copies provide more control for turning an assessment on & off.
- Teacher has a choice of turning off one class or all
- Copies provide more control for turning an assessment on & off.
Turn Forms Assessment On & Off
- Open the Google Forms Assessment
- Click Responses Tab
- Toggle "Accepting Responses" to Left for OFF
- Toggle "Accepting Responses" to Right to Turn ON
- Teacher may turn Forms Assessment Off after Assessment is Completed
- If Student was absent teacher may turn the assessment on.
- Provides control for collecting deadline information


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Let's face it life is a challenge sometimes when it comes to matters of the heart. I sit her as I write this and my heart is full of gratitude and love for everything and I mean everything. Even the tough lessons that at the time really felt impossible. I've had many discussions with people who say they don't love someone anymore and all that. I agree there are reasons and valid ones to back away and perhaps protect oneself from people who are not kind or harmful to us. We definitely have to look after ourselves.
As an extreme empath I could never be unaware of the love I felt for someone even if I also had to keep them out of my life. Having to shut someone out is like a cross to bear sometimes. You may disagree with me of course and but in my humble experience I believe that if we go that deep we never stop loving someone if we truly loved them to begin with. Of course, that is what makes loving someone so hard in difficult situations. At some point we may have to learn to wish them the best and well we can love them from afar. I also realize that sometimes we feel we've lost that loving feeling and that's okay too. Then we sometimes learn our greatest lessons from those we love as well.
I say this because when we truly have released the pain and suffering we will realize the things we need to and true healing will have taken place.
With an astrological portrait runs deep and there is no escaping that. Learning to navigate a life with feelings that run deep or as an extreme empath is essential for inner peace and joy. In order to do that sometimes the change is on the outside and sometimes more importantly inner change is needed. This is what I Love about evolutionary astrology. For me astrology is more about how we evolve and grow as souls to our greatest potential. I know that there is a fascination with intuition and 'seeing' the future and sure I had this as a young teen. I can tell you although I believe the skill of developing this is essential, it is actually not about the 'seeing' of events. I have had premonitions and known of things to happen before they did many times in my life and I feel that this was a small part of it all.
When we begin to really grow into who we are we experience a peace and joy we have never known even if life was good already. Even better if life was difficult. There are no accidents in the birth chart we are born with and they are all beautiful because a natal chart is the picture of our soul potential. My intuition and astrology were helpful when I went through what seemed like endless challenges. Now, I still find it helpful to look at the design of my soul picture to keep- enjoying this life.
No matter where you are in this life at this time please know that you can always create a better more meaningful life if that is what you desire. Much Love,
Stay in touch with me and subscribe to my newsletter. Pop up window subscription gives you a free meditation. Find me on social media through Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as Cynthia Rose Medium. Of course if I can help in any way with my services or classes you can book online or call Brendan for help.


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The need for a sounder living is increasing in the early years. This need is primarily sustained by the unmanageable way of life brought on by illness that surrounds human presence. Unhealthy way of life can too be caused by an unhealthy diet that we consume now. If you are watchful, you can find that various individuals around you, such as your associates or family members, are now concerned in healthy diets and regular physical exercises simply to sustain a steady living. Go for Neolife Vitamins to have the Best vitamins and supplements.
Bad way of life can too be managed hazardous active ingredients that you produce into your body automatically. You may not know that you are having in these devastating aspects because they can not be seen by the naked eye. Metal aspects can be violent to the body when taken in. Harmful metals can be breathed as they can be present in the environment and while doing so, the food that we consume. Today pesticide can be existing in veggies and fruits because of pesticide appeal in their growing.
What should you make to battle the concerns of bad way of life today? How do you battle the hazardous results of these undiscovered opponents of the body?
One way to fight violent living and disastrous aspects are through consumption of health supplements or food supplement. People are now inclined to take in vitamins and supplements to counter the destructive results of hidden opponents. How can health supplements assist your body? Here are indicates how health supplements can acquire you:
Turbo Charging the Body Immune System
Health supplements can promote your body immune system. Food supplements, for instance, can help in proper metabolism of calories. It can too enhance the vigour level of the body. Health supplements can have your body immune system much better than ever, so begin using them instantly. In addition, it can similarly assist in the appropriate usage of body enzymes and controlling of hormones to fight kinds of unnoticed enemies, such as bacteria and infections that can take into your body.
Eliminating Serious Particles
Supplements can too help in snuffing out damaging particles in cells. Consumption of supplements can make your body at bay from deadly forces of free radicals. Consumption of supplements can help percentage body works by managing metabolism and getting rid of waste items.
Cleansing the Body
Some Other functional function of health supplements is body cleaning. Some people cleanse themselves by not consuming for a long point of time. This is not prompted because it can hinder your body organs, therefore, getting more body illness. The supplement can clean your body without performing an appetite strike! It can also enhance your state of mind as it sets off the development of excellent hormones.
Offered what you have checked out, you have found that health supplements can develop your body. Start consuming in vitamins today for you to have a revitalizing body at its best point. To make things swifter in making a sounder living, begin doing exercises and healthy well-balanced diet. You need to be specific in selecting your supplement. You need to consult your diet professional or physician with concerns to the right one for your body.


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Big Sean Shares His 'Imagination' in New Web Series
Big Sean launches his new web series leading up to the release of his sophomore album Hall of Fame on December 18. In the first episode, the G.O.O.D. Music rapper speaks on how his imagination helped him reach his goals.
From admiring 2Pac's Rolex and Master P's money to wanting to start a label like Roc-A-Fella, Sean takes you on his journey to realizing his dreams. He shares his success with the woman he loves most, his mother, and rubs shoulders with people he looked up to including his mentor Kanye West, Ma$e, and Mannie Fresh.
"I wanted [to] invite people into my life and what I got going on, what I believe in and share my key beliefs of what I feel got me where I am now and where I'm going," he tweeted. "Each episode will touch on different beliefs from imagination to family to what I eat, etc."
Go inside Sean's "Imagination" below.


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Storytelling. We know it works. We know it's vital. But we often don't know where to begin. The truth is that storytelling is at the core of most successful brand efforts today. Whether it's content marketing, advertising or word-of-mouth, brand storytelling can have a huge impact on a company's bottom line and consumer affection. So powerful is storytelling, we led a strategic session at ICBA to help community bankers tap into their brand's potential through storytelling. The truth is that a brand's story is intrinsically linked to a brand's identity. Your story illuminates who you are. So why aren't we telling better brand stories? We should be.
While it's true that storytelling has been part of our lives since childhood, we're not all necessarily equipped with a writer's wit and wisdom. The good news is that you don't have to become a celebrated author to create a captivating tale. At this year's Emma Marketing United Conference, Global Marketing Communications Expert, Kindra Hall, laid out the core tenets of strategic storytelling. She believes that "the irresistible power of strategic storytelling will build stronger relationships, increase engagement rates, and amplify your marketing ROI." Sounds great! Let's roll up our sleeves and get started. Below are our five fundamentals to crafting a compelling brand narrative.
"Tell me the facts and I'll learn. Tell me the truth and I'll believe. But tell me a story and it will live in my heart forever."
- Native American Proverb
The best brands have a very clear-eyed vision of who they are and who their customers are. As a brand, not only are you thinking about what you want to say to an audience, but you are self-reflective about what kind of brand you are today and what you want to be in the future. The best brands live out their purpose, core values and mission on a daily basis and encourage their employees to strive to be the best embodiment of their brand in every interaction and every experience. Defining your brand in these terms is never a one-and-done scenario. As our culture experts advise, "To affect cultural change, sustainment has to be baked in to the process from the outset" and an ongoing iterative brand process.
We believe that brands have relationships with people the way people have relationships with people. And those relationships are built on stories – the ones we tell each other to become better friends – about who we are, where we come from, and why we do what we do. Brands are no different. Anyone can sell a product or service, but what makes a brand special is that they do what they do with heart. The best brands care about their customers and community and have their own special way of showing it. Your brand story should capture that heart at core of what you do, and in return, your customers will want to build a relationship with you. Caring is contagious, after all.
Authenticity matters more than ever today. Everyone can spot a faker from a mile away. That's why it's critical to be authentic, especially if you're a brand. With corporate crises coming from every corner, uber-skeptical consumers today generally don't trust big companies, so the only way to win hearts and minds is by being truly you. Your business processes should be transparent and upfront – don't hide anything – and if you make a mistake, own it and make it right. Don't pump yourself up to be more than you really are when what you are is already good. As Dr. Seuss says, "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."
Brand stories shouldn't feel like homework assignments. Your brand stories should have a pull – some spark that keeps people engaged. Using narrative devices like humor, surprise, and heart can carry the consumer through the arc of your story. One glance at social media shows you what people respond to. Everyone wants to see the clumsy dog have food hit his face or children amazed by a returning soldier parent. That doesn't mean you have to invent stories – in fact, you shouldn't (see authenticity above). All you have to do is take a look around you, and you'll realize there are stories everywhere. Employees have them. Customers have them. Your brand has them. Use them.
Brand stories don't just rely on a dose of inspiration and a dash of creativity. Story structure is the glue that holds it all together. In any story, people want a protagonist, some tension and a resolution. That means every brand story should have a beginning, a middle and an end. You won't necessarily tell your whole brand story in every installment, but each chapter should flow out of your central brand thesis at its core. Use the arc of the story to carry your audience from beginning to end and reaffirm your brand's meaning, value and personality throughout each episode. If done right, you'll encourage story enthusiasts to remember, return and refer their friends.
We're so inspired by storytelling, we'll be sharing Adrenaline's story in an upcoming perspective piece. To learn more about making the most of your brand, contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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A daily selection of the best content published on WordPress, collected for you by humans who love to read.
Poetry • Medicine • Life
An Exploration of Thought for the Mindful
Where writers gather
Author Aspiring
A place where words come alive
Thoughts and Perspectives From the Mind of a Common Girl
Now we see through a glass, darkly
This is Not Going to Turn Out Well
Heroines needed. Capes optional.
Humane socialism
A counterintuitive support site for writer's block
Science That Works For Us
From Batting to Book Reviews - and everything in between
For those who enjoy fiction
A Poet's Place | Wolff Poetry Literary Magazine is Publishing Poetry Submitted by Published & Emerging Writers,
Flash Fiction using Photo Prompts


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Donating Mobile Phones for the Elderly
Early this year I wrote about recycling mobile phones for donation to senior citizens. After several minutes of surfing the web I came across a few projects tha aim to provide emergency mobile phones to senior citizens. I decided to dedicate another post to this worthy cause and raise awareness for the needs of the elderly.
Millions of mobile phones are produced each year. However, this booming industry also results in old mobile phones. Out dated handsets often end up in the trash or to recycling programs. Seniors are perfect recipients of old or out dated handsets since they do not demand a lot from a phone. The simpler the better. These senior friendly mobile phones are mainly used for emergencies and provide a sense of freedom and security.
Here are a few organizations and websites that provide mobile phone for seniors. They also cater to the needs of disabled, battered women's shelters and others.
- Cell Phones for Life
- 911CellPhone Bank
- American Cell Phone Drive
- Emergency Phone
- SOC Services
- ReCellular
- Pace Butler
- Your Center
One can really make a difference by donating a mobile phone for seniors, charity and other organizations. You can help to eliminate waste and help seniors at the same times.
That's it for this post. Tune in for more news, info, phones and services for the elderly.
Labels: cell phones for seniors, cellphones for seniors, donate phone for seniors, donating mobile phones for seniors, mobile phone for senior citizens, senior-friendly cell phone


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Ken Anders Barrie Criminal Court LawyerMr. Anders Is Commited To Providing His Aurora Clients With The Personal Attention Each Client Deserves.
Ken Anders has strived for more than 30 years to meet the needs and assist through aggressive legal means clients who have been charged with criminal offences ranging from murder to shoplifting.
Ken Anders is your Barrie Criminal Court Lawyer!
If you are checking out websites hoping to find a tough, experienced lawyer in Barrie who will be fair when it comes to fees. You have just found that lawyer!
Ken Anders, Barrie Criminal Defence Lawyer specializing in; Criminal Charges, Domestic Charges, Drug Charges, Drunk Driving Defense (dui charges)
Our Barrie Office
109 bayfield st. suite 201
Email: email@example.com
Tel: (416) 518-1288


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|Jan D.
|Re: Crashes of GNU Emacs 23
|Thu, 7 Jul 2005 11:41:56 +0200
What you need to do is start emacs under gdb in the Emacs source directory.Doesn't work so fine ...From within stable GNU Emacs 22.0.50 I get in the *gud-emacs* buffer:I don't think Jan is saying start gdb "in Emacs".
No, sorry if I was unclear. From what I see the gdb session is not started in the Emacs src directory. Do something like this:
% cd emacs/src % gdb emacs ... Breakpoint 1 at 0x814814c: file emacs.c, line 461. Breakpoint 2 at 0x811bf10: file xterm.c, line 7795. (gdb)The last two lines indicate that the breakpoints in .gdbinit has been set correctly. Then just run emacs:
(gdb) r and call (x-synchronize t) in Emacs (it will make Emacs much slower). When the breakpoint in x_error_quitter is hit, then do a stack trace.You can also step a couple of times in x_error_quitter (n command in gdb) until you come to this line:
x_connection_closed (display, buf1); There you just (gdb) p buf1 so we can see that it is the same error. Jan D.
|[Prev in Thread]
|Current Thread
|[Next in Thread]


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After an intense week of social networking that ended with a conference, (Distilled in New Orleans) I think I finally have a better understanding of what I should be doing. It's taken a long path to get me here; I thought I'd share it with you, our readers, in the hopes that you'll gain some usefulness.
Sometimes, I think about hiring someone else to do my social networking – some social media guru who can turn each tweet into gold. According to the analytics, according to the numbers, I'm doing it wrong.
A WTF Moment…
For instance, when you're unfollowed by over 300 people in a week, it's a big hit to the ego. This happened, although I haven't changed anything. I engage with my followers, share great links, and continue to add great people to my Twitter and Facebook lists.
Now, around Level343, everyone can attest social is a big topic for me. This is one reason we love to include various social networking blogs. Every so often, we even send them out as guest posts. I've been an avid troller of top Twitter analyzers, in fact.
Now, let me be really honest and quite opinionated; none of us get it. I don't' care if it's a paid or free tool, not one of these things has been truly able to capture how well we're doing with our social networks. How can I tell?
Signs of Movement, Authority and Influence…
- We often receive wonderful emails from our readers.
- We close new clients on a monthly basis.
- At conferences, people recognise me and talk about the impact we've had on their lives and work.
- In short, there's been a lot of positive movement and recognition as authorities in certain areas of the online marketing industry.
And yet… and yet, I look at Klout, Twitalyzer, the top respected analytics (or at least the ones everyone says they use), and my accounts suck. Not only do they suck, but also they tell a tale of miserable failing.
To Hell With the Numbers
What I've noticed is the RT's you get, how many new followers per week, how many FollowFridays you're mentioned on – they don't matter. I don't care what the numbers show. Why?
The metrics by which they're choosing to grade me are not of value to me.
Let's take influence, as an example. What does it really mean for these programs? Not too much in the grand scheme of things. A better measure of influence for us seems to be things like:
- Amount of incoming traffic – Is it going up?
- Amount of visitors – Are there more return than new? If yes, good.
- Comments – Are readers commenting and engaging?
- Engagement – Are followers responding in conversation?
- Clients – Do we have any?
- Potential Clients – Are people contacting us for work?
See, we put out approximately 15 – 20 pieces of content a month. We get excellent returns for those pieces, especially when you consider how many writers work on our blog. Depending on where they're posted, we get anywhere from 30 – 300 RTs, 40+ comments, lots of good link love and meet wonderful people who read and like them.
The Big Picture
This may not seem like a lot to some people, but we have to look at the big picture. The big picture is a 2000% growth or more in all areas of our site over the eight, nine months. It's working with the type of clients we're looking for – the ones who respect our opinions and expertise. It's people coming to us for thoughts about XYZ or asking us how to do ABC.
This isn't braggadocio; far from it. This is simply pointing out that, no matter what the Twitalyzers or Klouts or InfluenceXYZPrograms say, we're doing something right. Could I buy followers off eBay? Could I manipulate or otherwise game these systems to artificially hike my scores? Could I fake these results? We all know the answer to these questions.
The Total Answer, Bright Light, Shining Lightbulb of Understanding
Thinking about all this, it hit me. I could fake those results and get the numbers I really want to see. Not only that, but nobody would know the difference! How can these signals continue to be as important as they've been knowing that?
So what's the real answer, then, if it isn't numbers?
Well, as much as we use social strategy as a way to get numbers, we need to change what we look at. We're building a community, not just a way to funnel money to our site. If you really want to build a brand, as I wanted to do when I first started engaging through social media, you have to have a face.
People have to know who you are to be able to really like what you say.
Real influence is changing. For example, You'd think the New York Post is influential wouldn't you? Yet, for every 45 articles they put out, they might get one link back (or one citation). Other places, you can post two articles to get a link. Some places, a single article can get tons of links, in the form of quotes, citations, or ongoing conversation about the article.
What's Important to You?
As a CEO, brand strategist, etc., what's important to you? Is it having high numbers? Do you want blind influence, or do you want people who actually engage with you, come to you for help, or merely to say hi? To me, this is more powerful than numbers can ever be.
So, it finally comes down to building a community instead of faking one. You can have a ton of fake storefronts to make something look like a huge town (metaphorically speaking), but a stiff wind can blow it over, right? Think about your favorite influence measurement tool – could it withstand a rough smack?
In other words, if you lost 300 people in one week, what would happen to your numbers? Would you freak out if your numbers dropped dramatically?
We need to find other ways to measure how we're doing in social. How can you really measure if what you're doing is working? Can you really trust these numbers – should you?
Let's finish this article up with this: look for other ways to find out how you're doing. Don't forget about the people who follow, read, and learn to respect you. They aren't just numbers. They're your business cheerleaders.
What do you think? What signals should we really be using to measure our social standing?


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To Power Asia, Wholesale Electric Settlement Systems are Critical
Two key benefits of new wholesale electric settlement systems are open data and transparent revenue streams.
Energy demand is projected to almost double in the Asia and Pacific by 2030. ADB has estimated the region will need to invest $14.7 trillion in power infrastructure between 2016 and 2030 to meet demand.
We will be seeing a lot of ribbon-cutting ceremonies for power plants, solar parks, and transmission lines over the next 15 years. This is good news, as 700 million people across developing Asia are still waiting for access to energy.
Integrating the output from new infrastructure into existing energy systems and making existing systems more efficient is a critical piece of the access to energy puzzle. Despite their obvious importance, the role of wholesale electric settlement systems is sometimes overlooked as an instrument of reform during energy market restructuring processes.
Wholesale electric settlement systems are responsible for coordination among all the wholesale parties involved in getting power onto the factory floor or into your home, from the generators that produce the power, to the transmission companies that move it at high voltage, and the distribution companies that retail it to their factories, businesses and small customers.
Many developing countries have opaque settlement systems and payment discipline problems of various types that knock on throughout the economy. There is no magic bullet that will solve payment discipline problems, besides perhaps political will, but wholesale settlement systems play an outsize role generally in promoting efficiency throughout the wholesale electricity sector by encouraging transparency and accountability.
A modern settlement system, at a physical level, consists of a secure database system for storing data, an application layer that sits on top of that database and hosts settlement applications, and a series of business processes that constitute the system. They are assembled from modular parts and processes.
Modern electric settlement systems affect 4 key areas
There is rarely sufficient standardization to allow for off-the-shelf software, as wholesale electric systems are generally too different between countries, so settlement systems are highly customized.
To work efficiently, modern settlement systems need to integrate with a number of different organizations and data sources.
- Reference data. The nature of the settlement is informed by market rules and contracts. These have to be captured in a static data repository and will serve as a reference for how the settlement is intended to operate.
- Instruction set. Generators and distribution companies are instructed by the system operator. The instructions that guide the system have to be codified and shared with the settlement operator. The instructions will help the settlement operator form an expectation of energy supplied and consumed.
- Metering data. Once power starts flowing, the metering service provider will record the actual production and consumption of energy by generators and distribution companies, and transfer that record to the settlement operator.
- Statements, invoices, and financial transfers. The settlement operator will use all this information—the reference data, the expected supply and demand, and the metered supply and demand—to determine the payments to generators and the charges to demand. Invoices are then issued and monies transferred between parties.
In terms of workflow, that all sounds clear enough. But in Pakistan, the difficulties arise when it comes to coordinating data transfers from the metering provider (the National Transmission Dispatch Company) and the system operator (the National Power Control Center), to the designated settlement operator, namely the Central Power Purchase Agency, and then constructing custom applications that allow for settlement.
Institutions are often reluctant to share data with or rely on outside parties over which they have no formal authority. Installing a new settlement system is definitely "work in the weeds", but if successful there are many positive outcomes. Two key benefits are open data and transparent revenue streams.
Open data, transparent revenue streams are 2 key benefits of new wholesale electric settlement systems
First, a modern settlement system is far more accessible than manual methods. Financial flows are more easily seen and reports on issues far more easily constructed. The data becomes open and accessible to management and the regulator.
A host of problems, such as payment discipline, can be exposed to disinfecting rays of sunshine. Data transparency does not solve problems on its own, but it makes them easier to solve.
Second, transparent revenue streams make it easier to build associated projects such as transmission lines and generation projects. All of these physical projects lead to increases in efficiency and load served. The settlement system helps ensure that those increases in load served or operational efficiency are captured and monetized, creating a benign feedback loop between projects, loans, and repayment schedules.
Other parties, such as the settlement operator and independent power producers, also have a vested interest in a stable revenue stream to fund their obligations. Ideally, new and modern infrastructure like power plants and transmission lines should be paired with modern business processes to capture and monetize the increase in efficiency and load served.
In Pakistan, a number of settlement changes broadly in line with the ones mentioned above, have been proposed. The environment is now ripe following previous institutional reform efforts, in particular the separation of the market/settlement operator, the Central Power Purchase Agency Guarantee (CPPAG), from the NTDC.
Set up as an independent institution with an independent revenue source based on MWh served, and separated from the main state bureaucracy, it gained a sense of purpose and institutional agency that is not always present. The CPPAG is fertile ground, now it just needs modern processes to take root and grow.


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'Tis the season to buy things, so we thought you may be interested to know what CNet's top holiday picks were for this year: Under $50 - Amazon Echo Dot; Under $75 - Roku Streaming Stick Plus; Under $100 - Amazon Fire HD 8; Under $250 - Google Home Hub. Now that you have some ideas to get your shopping done, we draw your attention to your business continuity plan.
Every banker knows that a well thought out and constructed business continuity plan (BCP) must be in place to protect the bank, should something unforeseen occur. But, when a power outage or worse happens, necessitating you to enact your plan, that is when you truly realize how prepared you are.
Since one of our client banks found this out recently and shared the information with us, we thought it was worth sharing too. To start, we note that what happened to this bank is unlikely, but that is exactly what you need to plan for.
The bank in question was impacted when their core provider had some sort of outage. That affected the core's wire transfer capabilities, which in turn meant the bank couldn't initiate wires through their normal method.
Given that business clients of theirs still needed to get things done, wire transfers needed to be processed. Unfortunately, no one knew how long the outage would last.
Luckily, our International Services team was able to help this bank out with things like performing OFAC checks and sending time-sensitive wires, so it all worked out; customers were happy once again.
This event highlighted for the bank that it was very heavily reliant on a single provider, in this case their core, for many critical services. Since most community banks these days are remotely connected to their core, this risk is part of banking. However, if a bank's core or wire system goes down, that bank is likely more heavily impacted than if the bank had chosen options to spread out this risk.
Key learnings from this event include:
- As your bank grows, be sure to adjust all of the elements of your BCP, including key contacts, points of communication and scheduled training.
- Use key vendors as part of your contingency plan. As this example shows, they can provide you with backup services seamlessly.
- Make sure passwords and digital certificates are all up to date with vendors to ensure a smooth transition to a backup. Time is of the essence during a crisis, so set a reminder to ensure testing occurs before it is needed.
- Examiners need to know that liquidity won't be an issue, if a crisis happens. So, be sure to have a Fed Funds line of credit to fall back on too.
- Practice your BCP regularly and be sure you have an enterprise-wide business continuity testing policy established by the board that sets expectations to follow in implementing testing strategies and test plans. Testing can be as simple as doing a tabletop activity and documenting any issues that surfaced.


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Mr Nigel Parsley is HM Senior Coroner for Suffolk.
He is assisted in his duties by:
- Area Coroner: Mrs Jacqueline Devonish
- Assistant Coroners: Dr Dan Sharpstone, Mr Tim Deeming, Mr Peter Taheri , Mrs Catherine Wood
You can use the tabs below to find out more about the role of the Coroner in Suffolk.
What is a Coroner?
Coroners are:
- judicial office holders
- independent and appointed directly by the Crown
- responsible for investigating deaths in Suffolk to find out how, when and where they occurred
- qualified with substantial experience as a lawyer or doctor (or sometimes both)
Assistant Coroners are part-time appointments, which the post holders combine with other professional duties.
What does a Coroner do?
The Coroner will investigate a death if:
- it was violent, unnatural or suspicious
- the cause of death is unknown
- the person died in prison, police custody or any type of state detention
Investigating a death may be as simple as consulting with the doctor who last treated the person who has died, or a post-mortem examination may be needed.
In some cases, an inquest may be opened, which is a judicial inquiry into the death.
A case takes place in the Coroner Court. The Coroner Court rooms are at Beacon House, Ipswich.
Main court room
Small court room
What is a Coroner's Officer?
The Coroner has a team of officers. They liaise on his behalf with bereaved relatives, police, doctors, mortuary staff, hospital bereavement staff and funeral directors.
Coroner's Officers are the people you will speak to when you get in touch with the office.
If an inquest is opened into your relative's death, one particular officer will take responsibility for the case. They will then be your ongoing point of contact.
Contact the Coroner Court and officesThe Coroners Court and officesBeacon HouseWhitehouse RoadIpswichIP1 5PB
Telephone: 0345 607 2040
- Open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4pm
- Closed weekends and bank holidays
Visiting Beacon House
- Directions, parking and accessibility (PDF, 336KB)
- Public transport on suffolkonboard.com
For information about reporting a death, please refer to reporting deaths to the Coroner.
For general enquiries, please email the Coroner's administration team:
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Telephone: 0345 607 2040, dial option 3
Information for visitors
The Coroner's court is wheelchair accessible.
We operate an 'Appointment only' policy for visitors to the Coroner's Office.
We regret we cannot accept visitors without a pre-arranged appointment.
Appointments can be made by calling 0345 6072040
The phone line is only available between 09:30am and 4:00pm.
This policy does not apply to Inquest hearings held in our public courts which are open to all.
Comments and compliments
Download the Coroner Service complaints and compliments policy (PDF, 187KB).
Privacy notice
Further information
GOV.UK has a short guide to coroner services and coroner investigations.
Easy read resource
What does a Coroner do and what is an inquest? (PDF, 614KB)
Bereavement support
A list of organisations offering support and advice for adults and children on coping with a death.
Helps to reduce the amount of direct mail sent to the address of a person who has died.
Bereaved by Suicide Service
Losing a loved one to suicide is an extremely traumatic experience. Bereaved by Suicide Service aims to ease the distress and improve the wellbeing of those in Suffolk
(with the exception of the Waveney area) and Colchester and Tendring who have been bereaved by suicide. They provide emotional support, practical help and signposting to other organisations.
A registered charity whose volunteers give emotional and practical support to families and other witnesses attending inquests.
Suffolk Coroner's Service works with the charity to ensure families feel supported through the inquest process.
Provides support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies.
Provides free and independent advice to bereaved people following a death in state care or detention in England and Wales.
Offers confidential bereavement support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child.
Free and impartial money advice, including information about paying for a funeral.


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One of Button's favorite words is eat! He says it in Thai "mum, mum, mum" and just recently he has proudly started shouting "EAT!" while motioning to his mouth. But the fact remains that no matter what language he is saying it in and, pretty much no matter what he is actually consuming, the boy loves his food!
When we first started researching this wonderful way to become a family we read everything we could get our hands on. Even though there are a lot of great books out there, nothing was as informative or touching as the blogs we found by adoptees, biological parents, and adoptive families. So we are writing this blog now in hopes of returning the favor. We hope that if you are dear to us you will enjoy keeping up with our adventures. If you are someone out there involved in a part of the adoption triad we hope you will find information and comfort here and provide us with some of your own!
If you would like to get in touch with us we can be reached at: email@example.com
Feel free to stop by anytime. We're happy to share our family story.
Take care,
Brian and Rosemary
Monday, April 19, 2010
Button Eats
One of Button's favorite words is eat! He says it in Thai "mum, mum, mum" and just recently he has proudly started shouting "EAT!" while motioning to his mouth. But the fact remains that no matter what language he is saying it in and, pretty much no matter what he is actually consuming, the boy loves his food!
8 comments:
- April said...
wow!! he sounds like a rock star in the food department!
It's funny, Grace stopped eating Thai food completely while we traveled. Once she had fries and spaghetti in our hotel room she wouldn't touch all of the favorites her foster mom told us she had. When we got home it even took a while for her to eat rice and soup but she did after a while. I think it was a control thing for her while we were in Thailand.
Thanks for an update on your little guy!
- April 19, 2010 at 9:52 PM
- Jessica said...
Wow! What a little foodie he is becoming already. It makes me laugh to picture him eating grits. Mainlny because grits is such a regional dish. I guess it's kind of like jok though, right?
Now you've got me hungry for jalapeno cheese grits!
- April 19, 2010 at 11:11 PM
- rosemary said...
I know! it did strike me as odd the first time I made grits for him. But he loves them. I'm originally from Georgia and i could eat grits every day so if Daddy makes breakfast he gets oatmeal but if i make it he gets grits. I also make really amazing shrimp and grits for dinner and he LOVES that! He is a big shrimp fan.
- April 20, 2010 at 1:28 PM
- Wendy said...
"Mum, Mum" was Lily's favorite word (high pitched tonal accent on the second "mum") when she came home from Thailand, and we used to joke that if we didn't watch her carefully enough all we'd find left of our three dogs would be bones in the corner of the house. I have to say, they certainly feed kids well in Thailand--especially those Holt kids! Lily came home chubby and a champion, eclectic eater. Sounds like Button is following suite.
- April 20, 2010 at 4:53 PM
- Mireille said...
Wow, I am impressed that he even eats brussels sprouts, that is an acquired taste. I love it when kids eat well, are not picky or fussy!! My girls eat almost everything and I let them try everything at least a few times before they can say they don't like it!
- April 21, 2010 at 4:58 AM
- Maci Miller said...
Hey, that is so great that he is eating like a champ! I'm impressed with the brussels sprouts as well. Ruby eats most any fruit or vegetable, but we haven't tried that one. (She's not a big fan of mushrooms or avocados though). It's so great to hear that he is doing well and healthy and eating healthy foods. Hurray to you for keeping him on on the good stuff!
- April 21, 2010 at 9:50 PM
- Silver Strands said...
I'm also an adoptive parent ... my little guy just turned 17! They grow up so fast ... Button is darling!
- April 24, 2010 at 5:21 PM
- mKla said...
He would love Hawaiian farmer's markets, as you know!
I am so glad to hear he's such a great eater, because it just does a Mama's heart good. Mainly, though, I just adore that photo of him!! :)
- April 26, 2010 at 3:00 PM


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"There is no reason why all hotels should not move to this ASAP. It's probably one of the BEST technologies to come to the front desk in the past ten years."
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 25, 2013
MIS Computer announced this week that another leader in the high tech hotel industry has purchased HeadsUp FD for its front desk, concierge and PBX, which marks the thirteenth in the current phase of properties which include locations in New York, Mexico City, Trinidad, Waikiki, Indianapolis and several others who have already added the proximity badge PC access solution to their front desk environment.
HeadsUp FD is a computer access solution which uses proximity badges and RFID (radio frequency identification) readers to securely access a computer without manually typing a user name or password.
"We are honored to have HeadsUp FD at these high visibility properties by such a trend setter and innovator when it comes to technology in the hospitality industry," said Neal Berz, President and Chief Executive Officer of MIS Computer. "Our HeadsUp FD solution enables hotels to enhance the quality of guest service giving front desk agents more heads up time with their guests, improve agent satisfaction and workflow efficiencies, and facilitate agent compliance with security and privacy regulations such as PCI-DSS. Our customers also report that it helps them decrease security risks associated with 'piggy-backing' (two agents sharing the same computer session), replacing the need to manually log in and log out multiple times per day with an easier and more convenient, secure tap of the badge for quick access to their own unique user session."
Even with new and advanced processes aimed at simplifying PCI-DSS compliance such as those described in a recent article in Hotel Management Magazine, measures still need to be put in place which allow users to quickly and conveniently access and secure shared computers.
Peggy Clark, VP of Sales and Marketing for HeadsUp FD, says, "Maintaining data privacy and security compliance is a critical issue for organizations of all types and sizes. Cost and complexity should not impede security or convenience. Solutions like HeadsUp FD have long been viewed as options only for large enterprise organizations both from a budgetary and technical perspective. This is no longer the case. HeadsUp FD fits the bill for our customers ranging from small independently owned properties, all the way up to large enterprise organizations given its simplicity to deploy, scalability and affordability. Whether an organization has one property, three or three thousand, HeadsUp FD can scale and grow with an organization of any size."
The HeadsUp FD solution was born out of the healthcare IT industry as a sign-on solution for doctors and nurses accessing an EHR system. HeadsUp FD was officially launched by MIS Computer in 2012 is currently available worldwide.
About MIS Computer/HeadsUp FD
Founded in 1982, MIS Computer is a global reseller of software, hardware and networking equipment, delivering innovative technical solutions and support for the hospitality industry, gaming, healthcare, education and other corporate accounts. For more information on HeadsUp FD's proven security compliance and workflow solution, visit: http://www.headsupfd.com


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In this book, I help you discover leadership ingredients that will re-energize you, help you build teams, find margin, and pursue purpose like never before. This resource will help you build a healthy outlook on finances, biblical stewardship, how to set and measure goals, and even how to triage an unhealthy church.
In 2011 James Boyd and his wife, Tracy, moved their family from Michigan to Naples, Florida to take the helm of a dwindling congregation struggling under the weight of financial deficit. Armed with faith, prayer, generosity—and a good dose of proven business experience—James restructured the internal workings of the organization in accordance with sound finance and business principles.
Today Grow Church is a vital, healthy congregation making dynamic impact not only in its southwest Florida community but also beyond the borders of the state and nation.
As James has made his church-health strategy available to other pastors and church leaders in recent years, each has experienced the same compelling results. Now, in his book, How to Grow a Healthy Church, James Boyd reveals practical steps in taking a church from instability to vibrant health, including:
Whether you are the pastor or leader of an existing church or God has called you to start a church, the practical information in this book will guide you to making sound decisions that, combined with faith, will enable you to establish and grow a healthy church.
Over the years I've consulted with hundreds of pastors who feel stuck. They want to grow their churches, but they feel stuck and don't know where to turn. I can say with confidence, in knowing James Boyd and watching what has transpired at Grow Church, what you have in this book is an indispensable tool to that very end. The research of "Christianity Today" revealed 85% of what is taught in seminary is never used. That means two-and-a-half years out of three years of study is virtually useless. Often pastors' training helps us theologically but leaves out many of the tools to effectively accomplish what we want: to expand His kingdom. In How to Grow a Healthy Church James Boyd shows pastors the essential tools such as vision casting, empowering leadership, structure for success, stewardship, establishing a working culture, and many more vital keys beyond just the weekend. Read this book to help you expand your part of God's kingdom.
How to Grow a Healthy Church is not just another book, but a manual for success in leading the local church. From the first time I met Pastors James and Tracy Boyd and visited Grow Church, I understood there is something special there. I've been pastoring for forty years, and every time I enter a church, I'm interested in finding out what makes it tick and how the presence of the Lord is experienced. Grow Church has a unique experience that is so comforting, encouraging, and friendly. There are so many great churches, but there are so few tools for a local pastor to learn from so that they can grow their churches. This book will help you develop the most important concepts that can take your church to another level in the "behind-the-scenes" aspect of church. It presents church systems, strategy, and processes in a simple, bite-size fashion for immediate implementation. You will absolutely find helpful tools that will change the dynamics of your church. Enjoy this book and get ready to take some notes for your personal application in church leadership.
Over more than twenty-six years, we have had many wonderful men and women of God minister to our church in Medellin, Colombia, but James Boyd made a different type of impact. He never preached. He never took an offering. He just got down into the engine room of our decision- making process, our relationships, our finances, and our lives. He asked the hard questions. Prior to James's first visit, we were already a growing church focused on healthy relationships, but we did not have healthy systems. Like a grease monkey with a big toolbox from his church and international business experience, James handed us a few tools as if to say, "You'd better use these," and then he walked us through the changes, encouraging us every step of the way. We did as James directed, and our church has since flourished in health, finances, and spirituality. I often refer to James Boyd as "Solomon in a pickup truck," and say that his book could be titled Growing a Healthy Church for Dummies. In it, James breaks up the clumps of confusion and gives clear blueprints any church can follow. It is a "must" for all pastors in training, and for those who think they are trained. I'd love to see this book in all seminaries, but that would be asking them to teach very practical and useful classes. I once had lunch with a pastor in Central America whose church numbered twenty thousand. I asked him how it felt to pastor such a growing church. The expression on his face turned sour and he said, "It is so, so hard." I asked for the check and decided right there I only wanted to hang out with pastors who love God, their wives, and the ministry. James Boyd is such a man. He is certainly a man with whom you would like to have lunch too. Enjoy this book over several sandwiches.
Over the past forty years I have served ministries in many ways. I have been a speaker, helper, worker, and giver, but my most frustrating function in the local church was serving on the church board. Pastors always want to pray about things, which is a nice way of saying, "I don't want to make any decisions." I think it's their way of not admitting lack of knowledge, which seems to be a missing ingredient in the church. Accepting the gift of administration requires a submission to best practices—this statement is, in essence, the content of Pastor James's book. Proverbs implores us to get wisdom, and above all else get understanding. Today's churches are important business organizations, and they must operate as such. Allow the Holy spirit to complete the work He has brought to your Christian community by receiving the information in this book. Life will go easier for you if you do.
My path to Grow Church came through an unusual connection with the founding pastor of a legit megachurch in Medellin, Colombia. I was so intrigued by his glowing report that I began to attend Grow Church while visiting my home in Naples. I was immediately impressed by the operational fluidity of the service. From arrival to departure, a rare combination of efficiency and sensitivity made me feel right at home. As I became acquainted with Pastors James and Tracy Boyd, I began to fully appreciate how their individual pedigrees have led to the success of Grow Church. James with an impressive business background, forged in part while working as an executive in Japan, and Tracy as a seasoned orator and natural leader. How to Grow a Healthy Church will help any church of any size navigate the complexities, peculiarities, and idiosyncrasies of development. Leadership, accountability, culture, and stewardship are all pillars of sustainability for any successful institution, and all are eloquently and thoroughly addressed in this book. I have twice witnessed the quantifiable success of this book. First, with the amazing turn- around of the mega church in Medellin, and then with my own home church in Raleigh, North Carolina, after having connected their leadership team with the executive team at Grow Church. So, enjoy the read and expect to grow!
Pastor James Boyd expertly explores principles and topics rarely talked about in church, bringing his wealth of business experience to dynamic church leadership. Diving deep into the behind-the- scenes running of a successful church, James shows that without these principles, the body is without a spine, prone to swaying whichever way the wind is blowing. This book gives necessary ingredients to growing a healthy church, from reaching the unchurched and unsaved, to systems and processes that support long-term growth. As leaders and pastors, we are tempted to think our Bible school training is all we need and that we are the experts. James's revelations, methods, strategy, and approaches towards church growth and establishing healthy cultures have been pivotal for us and the church we lead. We have seen wonderful growth as we have listened, learned, and implemented many of these principles. If you long to see growth in your church, then this book is for you. We believe you will see phenomenal fruit come as you learn and apply James's principles, partnering with God, who brings the increase for His glory.
Pastor James Boyd of Grow Church in Naples, Florida, has written a much-needed book, How to Grow a Healthy Church, to help pastors navigate budgeting, systems, accountability, culture, and many other topics not covered in most seminary or Bible schools. I recommend this book and the online website resource to every pastor and church in America who desires to make an impact with the Great Commission in their city.
As a tenured professor for twenty-seven years and interim Dean of the School of Divinity for two years, I am aware of the curriculum and training most graduates do not receive in seminary but is critical to their calling and success. Pastor James Boyd has closed that gap in this practical and substantive description of budgeting, systems, accountability, culture, and other must-have topics. The game changer here is that Pastor James has proven the pages of this book in the dynamic story of Grow Church, which I have visited, followed, and studied. In addition, I have consulted with him internationally and watched him bring major shifts in church networks who have demonstrated the cross-cultural effectiveness of this book. Pastor James has transferred his extraordinary success in the business community into the church and kingdom with biblical foundations and a love for Jesus. This book belongs in the hands of every church leadership team that will not quit on reaching our culture, and in the hands of every Bible school and seminary student who wants to be fully prepared for what he or she will face for the future of the church.
Pastor James Boyd has been blessed in the pulpit as well as in private business. With his unique background, he shares experience from the business sector in a very pragmatic manner that will benefit any pastor whose church is struggling. Not only has Pastor James led a church with less than fifty members to become a megachurch with a multi-million-dollar annual budget, but he has also guided other churches into getting their financials in order. This book could easily have been titled Everything You Wanted to Know but Weren't Taught in Seminary because it successfully fills that void. It will be a key book in every pastor's library.
I met James Boyd soon after he returned from his first visit to Medellin, Columbia. At that time, he did not yet know the church he helped in Medellin was part of a very large organization, Mission South America, of which I was a founding board member at its inception in the early 1980s. The ministry now has more than sixty churches worldwide. As I gave James the history of Mission South America, I quickly realized God's gifting of business and ministry in James was exactly what was needed for Mission South America. I contacted our board president, Dr. Joseph Umidi, and told him about James. Shortly after the two men met to discuss the ministry, we offered James the position of Vice-President of Mission South America, which he accepted. James has since worked with our apostolic team on the ministry's vision, organization, and financial matters. We have experienced firsthand his ability to identify problems and quickly develop solutions that are often overlooked. The book you now hold in your hands contains many such solutions to common issues churches and ministries face, as well as practical tools and proven processes that will ensure an organization's optimal health and longevity. 5 People, including pastors and their staffs, don't like changes. But when changes based on God's wisdom and direction are made in love, the results can be astounding. It has been my pleasure to get to know James Boyd as a pastor and friend. I testify that he is an extremely talented man who has been called to the Christian community at the direction of the Holy Spirit.
James Boyd has been blessed with a unique set of abilities and passions that have made him into a particularly valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their church management. He has the creativity and drive of an entrepreneur, the attention to detail and problem-solving proficiency of an engineer, and the compassion, authenticity, and communication skill of a pastor-teacher. As you read this book, you will come to understand that church leadership is more complex than you may have realized. And yet, with the strategies and processes laid out within these pages, along with the assured guidance of the Holy Spirit, you too can build or transform your church into a significant force to advance the kingdom of God here on earth.
The title of this book, How to Grow a Healthy Church, is certainly appropriate as it is just the thing James and Tracy Boyd have accomplished with Grow Church in Naples, Florida. There is a fresh and friendly culture with a congregation involved in the dynamics of church life. I could probably say it's the only church of its kind that I know. I highly recommend this book. It will inspire and challenge the reader, as well as be a great tool for pastors and church planters. The consistent, healthy growth of Grow Church certainly displays the credibility of this book.
How to Grow a Healthy Church
[stuff they don't teach in seminary]
Chapter Review
• With God, Nothing Is Impossible
• Called to Bi-Vocational Ministry
• First Things First
• Schooled in the World, Schooled in the Word
• Prayer
• Generosity
• Margin
• The "You First" Principle of Relational Leadership
• Leader: Lead by Example!
• Grow Church Culture
• Grow Church Language Culture
• Grow Church Cultural Phrases
• By-Laws for a Healthy Church
• Executive Leadership
• Overseers
• Trustees
• Pastors and Directors
• Directors
• Accountable to the Vision: The Big 4
• The Financial Blame Game
• The Priorities of Money
• The Blessing of Obedience
• Establish a Personal Budget
• Establish a Healthy Financial Goal
• Debt: Friend or Foe?
• Stewardship Is Hard Work
• Focus on the Wildly Important Goal (WIG)
• Act on Lead Measures
• Keep a Compelling Scorecard
• Create a Cadence of Accountability
• The 10-3-1 Process
• Working the WIG
• Setting Departmental Measures
• Giving
• Savings
• Employees and Services
• Ministry Operations and Building
• Preparing Our Annual Budget
• Establishing Line-Item Managers
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Requisitions
• Director Data Access for Future Success
• Staff Budget Controls
• Meetings and Communications
• Step One: Collect Data
• Step Two: Color-Coded Breakdown
• Step Three: A Critical Review
• Step Four: Church Focus
• Step Five: Spotlight Top Priorities
• Step Six: Evaluate, Encourage, Challenge
• Step One: Assemble Your Numbers in Color
• Step Two: Do the Math
• Step Three: Review Salaries and
Make Necessary Changes
• Step Four: Break Down the Budget
to Ministry Areas
• Step Five: Assemble the Church Calendar
• Step Six: How to Answer Questions
That Don't Have Definitive Answers
• Step Seven: Establish a Process Flow
for First-Time Visitors
• Determining Your Church's First-Year Budget
• Fundraising
• Participation and Partnership
• Continue to Cast Vision
• Legacy Team
• Interest Group Meetings
• First-Year Budget Breakdown
(not including startup budget)
• Savings
• Employees and Services
• Operations and Building
• Startup Budget Breakdown
• Building Teams of Volunteers


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Indoor Volleyball
Indoor Volleyball
The concept for NSI Training was born after the success of skills training put on by a local Orange County indoor volleyball club. A good technical systems repeated regularly over extended periods of time is irreplaceable for the development of youth athletes. The same skills training from the club is now the system used for all NSI Indoor Volleyball Training. All indoor skills follow the exact formula used by the US National team.
Club Owners and the former Mexican National Team coach organized and will oversee all the curriculum for NSI Indoor Volleyball Training
Coming Soon to Irvine and Tustin first!
15s match pic
killpic zoomed in
Boys Team Pic


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We took part again in the Girls who code (Chicas Programadoras in Spanish), an initiative that aims to introduce girls into the IT world and fight the gender gap of that industry.
It is well known that there is a big gender gap in the software industry. A study published by the National Center for Women & Technology revealed that 75% of computing occupations are held by men, while women represent a small part of the IT world.
What is more, girls are choosing less and less careers related to technology. To confront this, some IT organizations decided to conceive a program to encourage girls to get to know more about the technology world.
Content related: How important is the role of women in software development?
The Girls who code club (Chicas Programadoras in Spanish), is a good example of this. It is a free program created in 2016, devised by technology companies like Hexacta, and sponsored by the Chamber of Software and Information Technology Companies (CESSI, for its Spanish acronym), to face a growing problem: Currently, only 11% of students in computing careers in Argentina are women.
The program consists of activities and talks for girls in high school who are interested in learning programming and development, no matter their previous IT knowledge. At the end, the group is able to develop apps and solutions that tackle their interests.
"What we want for them is to find in the club a playful space where they feel represented and can get closer to technology. This is not a course or a theoretical class, but a recreational space where they will learn programming and will end up making applications for a mobile phone or a web page", claims Juan Navarro, founding partner of Hexacta.
These learning practices are carried out by women who work in the field of technology, who not only open new knowledge doors and train the girls on programming but also spread their enthusiasm for IT and its transformative potential.
"One of the Hexacta's most outstanding practices consists of promoting technology in young people; considering there is a lack of information about these careers and that mostly boys sign up to study Computer Science, this is of great importance to our company because it gives us the chance to give professional advice to girls and instill in them that the world of programming can be not only interesting and rewarding but also fun", highlights Navarro.
Hexacta expressed its commitment for the second time in a row to this project by helping organize club meetings and by encouraging the participation of some of the company's professionals as mentors in the clubs.
"We hope that girls can see and discover all the potential that software development has nowadays while we stimulate their talent and empower them to create and innovate in new projects", finishes the executive.
So far this year, Hexacta has participated in over 50 meetings of the Girls who code club, benefiting dozens of students from different schools in Argentina since the initiative started. In the near future, the program is expected to open doors in several Argentine cities.
Learn more about Chicas Programadoras (Girls who code) here.
Photos: Chicas Programadoras website.
Comments? Contact us for more information. We'll quickly get back to you with the information you need.


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PAUSE Her meets the Influencer and Photographer Nat Winter, otherwise known to you by her Instagram handle: @natwinter_
Meet the team
Styling & Creative Direction: Samantha Ria
Photographer: Jack Alexander
Videographer: Noah Sapon
Hair Stylist: Kayleigh Jane
MUA: Mario Brooksbank
Influencer: Nat Winter
Interview by Johnson Gold.
So tell me about you. What are you doing at the moment, career-wise? What's keeping you busy?
N: Well I'm firstly a photographer, that's what I started doing; I did it at university and at college. Then, through my photography, I'd get sent things to shoot, and one person asked me if I could shoot it on myself and that's how I got into the whole influencer side of things and it really went crazy from there. It took over my photography because there's just so much work!
When did that start?
N: I'd say about three years ago, like 2016. That's when I first started getting jobs in the influencer space, and then the last couple of years it really took over and I feel like people forgot I was a photographer! So now, since the beginning of this year, I've really been trying to push my photography more. I've got representation, and they represent me as a photographer and as an influencer.
On the content creator side, which brands have you collaborated with?
N: Definitely Nike is one of my favourites, because I love trainers and I love Nike. Who else? I've just done quite a lot. I feel like all my favourite ones include trainers because I love trainers. I just feel like they really finish off every outfit. I feel like I base all of my outfits around trainers, I pick trainers first then pick my outfit around them.
Have you ever considered doing modelling?
N: Not really, I get a bit nervous and I'm not that comfortable with doing proper modelling kind of stuff. When I just take my normal pictures, my mum just takes them so it's easier for me.
In terms of photography, what kind of style are you into?
N: I love shooting on film, like 35mm film, that's my kind of thing. I also love editorial kind of stuff. My favourite shoot I've done was for Gaffer magazine. That was really good, I loved it and it was really fun. They got all the teams together and had a set designer that I got to work with, so that was really fun because it had all the elements to put it all together. I really love shooting on location; I think the location is a big thing to my images. I don't really do much studio stuff, I just like pairing it all together and making it whole.
You grew up in Kent. How has Kent influenced your style?
N: I don't know, I feel like my whole childhood and teenage-hood, I wasn't always massively into fashion. It wasn't until I started Uni in Greenwich that I really started getting into fashion. I guess it was coming into London and seeing it all.
What kind of things did you have to come to London for?
N: So to see exhibitions and stuff like that, with all my uni friends. They'd take me to Brick Lane because a lot of them were from London anyway so I got to know London more and all the trendy places to go shopping.
How would you compare London to where you live?
N: London obviously is just crazy, shops everywhere. My local town only has a New Look and Primark, and everything else is just charity shops, but I love charity shops.
With London being more in your face and creative, how did you tap into it?
N: I've always liked taking pictures, even when I was little, I'd want to take my camera and take my mum's picture. I was quite young when I got my first digital camera and I used to take pictures of everything, then went onto taking pictures at college. At first I used to take pictures of trees and then I realised it was fashion photography that I liked and it just grew from there. Influencing is fun, and there's good money in it and there's lots of jobs but I want to stay true to what I originally loved and love doing it, I feel like they go hand-in-hand together.
If I were to go into your wardrobe, what would I find?
N: A lot of comfy stuff! I just love being comfy so a lot of tracksuit bottoms, a lot of jumpers. I love big baggy tracksuit bottoms with like a cute little crop top and a big coat. I have loads of puffer jackets. I have so many sunglasses, I feel like I'm a hoarder for sunglasses and trainers. A lot of accessories and jewellery.
How do you manage all your clothes? Because it sounds like you have a lot.
N: I mean it is quite hard but I have like a normal wardrobe for all the stuff that I love and then stuff I get gifted. I give a lot to my sisters and my mum because she takes my pictures. Sometimes she's like 'Oh can I have that?' So I give her a lot of stuff.
In terms of social media, what do you love about it and what do you hate about it?
N: I love that it's so easy to show what you want to do, and I feel like my whole career has started from Instagram. I feel like the success I've had with my photography is through Instagram, just posting all my little shoots I was doing through uni and people seeing it. It really just grew from there thanks to social media. But I do hate that it can be a bit much, so it can be a lot of pressure at times, feeling like your living your life thinking about what you're going to post, or whatever you're doing, you'll be feeling like 'I need to post it'. It can be a bit annoying.
How do you balance both? To live and enjoy your travelling but knowing that you still want to get some content.
N: I feel like I do just relax and enjoy, but still I do try and get a quick little bit of content.
In the future, where do you see yourself? Say in three years time?
N: I'll be hoping that I'd have more regular photography things going on because it's my passion but I really like all the stuff I'm doing now, so more of that I guess. I think in three years I'd like to be having a good balance of both of those paths.


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The Eleven TV Shows That (Probably) Won't Survive the Season
Word comes today that NBC has canceled its first-year veterinary sitcom
Monkey Hospital Ape ER Dr. Doolittle's Wonderful, Blunderful ICU Animal Practice after weeks of poor ratings. What other shows are in danger? Let's take a look.
Up All Night — Earning dismal ratings (it hovers around a 1.0 in the Nielsens and last week clocked in at under 3 million viewers), this once-promising, now faltering show will probably not last the season. And maybe won't even last until Christmas. It doesn't help that a weird second-season creative retooling — involving an unexplained new brother character and the cancellation of Ava's talk show — has been met with plenty of criticism. I don't think many people dislike Maya Rudolph, Will Arnett, and Christina Applegate, but the show is a bit too soft to compete with the rest of NBC's mostly sharp Thursday night lineup. We'd like to see pretty much everyone in the cast employed somewhere, this just wasn't the show.
Guys With Kids — This lame, dated-seeming sitcom is performing slightly better than Up All Night, but it has nothing else behind it. Unndiscussed and ignored, it seems like dead weight for a network that can't really afford any dead weight.
Chicago Fire — The big fancy fireman show, about an army of hunks fightin' blazes in Milwaukee, I mean Chicago, had a decent start last week, but Wednesday night's broadcast was down 20% from its premiere, which might not bode well for its future chances. This show also suffers from a lack of buzz, though its hunk quotient may keep it solvent enough in the 18-49 demographic to keep it keepin' on for a little while. Still, we don't see it having enough strength to earn another season by spring renewal time.
666 Park Avenue — Somewhat surprisingly, this much-hyped Sunday night supernatural soap has been a complete disappointment for ABC, which has been trying to rebuild its once-biggest night after the loss of the dearly departed Desperate Housewives/Grey's Anatomy bloc. It made sense to match the silliness of Once Upon a Time's magic and Revenge's wickedness up with 666's odd combo of those two qualities, but for whatever reason, maybe it was all too silly, it just didn't work. 666 Park Ave loses about half of its already slightly dwindling Revenge lead-in and hasn't shown any signs of picking up. The Drake ought to be closed for good by midseason.
Last Resort — Another high-profile failure for the Alphabet. This Andre Braugher/Scott Speedman (poor Ben...) action drama had high hopes behind it, but was something of a dud right out of the gate. Itt was too high-concept, or lacked star-power, or its quadrants were all messed up, or who knows. The point is, it's super expensive and super unpopular (though it does better in DVR and On Demand) and probably will whimper and die somewhere around midseason, just like 666. Bad, bold-lettered letdowns for ABC.
Also, sitcoms Suburgatory and The Neighbors are sort of unknown quantities at this point. The weirdo alien comedy The Neighbors does surprisingly OK but might be bumped to make room for something bigger by the time the next upfronts roll around, and Suburgatory opened its second season on a soft note last night. If ABC has bigger plans in the works, it too might suffer.
Vegas — On its own, Dennis Quaid's high-profile turd (excuse us, but it is really, really bad) isn't doing terribly in the ratings. But factor in its plum post-NCIS/NCIS: LA time slot, and it's doing real bad. And it's no surprise: the show is a bizarre mash-up of CBS' typical corny, rah-rah procedural and a period gangster tale. They do not synthesize well and the whole thing ends up sounding and looking cheesier'n a Dutchman's pantry. Quaid, Chiklis, and Carrie-Anne Moss can't be cheap, either. As the network probably doesn't want to publicly shame Quaid too loudly, this thing has quiet cancellation at the end of the season written all over it.
Partners — An equally terrible show, for vastly different reasons, this sitcom from the creators of Will & Grace is performing fairly poorly in the ratings (by CBS sitcom standards, anyway) and has the added un-benefit of being abjectly awful. It was a semi-noble, GLAAD-appeasing effort on CBS' part to add some gays to their roster, but this wasn't the right show to use as diversification tool. Though Partners has significantly higher numbers than, say, most comedies on NBC, we're talking the Eye here, the big leagues. Just-OK doesn't cut it there.
Some professional prognosticators believe that The Good Wife could be on the bubble, which is a terrible thought. But the truth is the show has been floundering in the ratings, especially in 18-49ers, and potentially could be in serious danger by season's end. Say it ain't so, Kalinda!
The Mob Doctor — Though we keep pleading with you guys, you are just not watching this actually kinda entertaining medical/mob mashup. It's been a loser all season, so much so that it's surprising it hasn't already been axed. There's probably nothing that can be done to save the show at this point, not even adding a monkey. We all know how that flies these days. It's a shame, really. Hopefully this strong cast will find gainful employment elsewhere. Oh and, Zach Gillford (who's looking at his second failed show in as many years), if you need a place to crash, you know where we are.
Ben & Kate — This show isn't in near as much danger as most of the other series on this list, but it's the weakest and least-hyped of Fox's suddenly strong comedy lineup, so could lose a spot on next year's roster in favor of something a bit more promising.
Remarkably, everything else on Fox's slate is in pretty good shape for now. The Mindy Project needs to hold on pretty tight to its numbers to earn another full season, but it seems like Fox likes the show, so we're sure the network will give it lots of help to ensure its survival. Oh, and The X-Factor isn't doing great, but it's reality, so operates differently.
Hart of Dixie — Since The CW's ratings standards are so different than other networks, it's hard to tell with any certainty what's going happen with any given show, but seeing as this show's second season renewal was something of a miracle, and that it hasn't improved much since its fall premiere, we don't see this thing limping along much longer. It's too bad, it's one of the network's only shows about actual, honest-to-goodness adults.
Emily Owens, M.D. — This'd be another actual adults show on the network, and given its less than auspicious debut earlier this week, we'd say it's equally in trouble, if not more so. It's a charming little thing, but it doesn't have much energy behind it, and despite often low ratings, CW shows can live or die by their buzz. In a season of CW surprises — modern-gothic superhero/monster tales Arrow and Beauty and the Beast are remarkably faring decently — this quiet show's likely quiet demise is, sadly, not come as much of a shock.
Those are the shows that seem to be on the cancellation radar right now. For the really fervent ratings followers among you, TV By the Numbers has a handy cancellation index thingie that they update each week. The rest of us will have to watch from a distance, looking in dismay (or joy, in some cases) as our DVRs tells us there are no new episodes of that show scheduled to record.


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Mental health and substance use disorders are a growing global burden that is responsible for one out of every ten lost years of health. Additionally, people living with HIV experience higher rates of common mental health conditions, such as depression, which can pose a threat to the success of treatment programs and contribute to decreased antiretroviral therapy adherence.
In South Africa, I-TECH works with local partners and the National Department of Health to integrate mental health services into routine primary and chronic care as a way to increase access to care, ensure treatment adherence, and improve patient engagement.


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Feb 14, 2019. The General Dynamics saga is going on . I take advantage of this correction to place my new order.
Big resistance at 175 (OTM Call) but not big supports . Under strike 167.5 premiums are really scarce.I am a little bit over my standard deviation but the first strike under 1std is 165 and return is really low. Anyway in case of assignation I am available to own it.
There is activity around 167.5 I think overthere I will place my CSP.
Conclusion : Sold 1 Weekly GD Cash Secured Put , strike 167.5@48 Expiry Feb 22, Weekly return 0.28% AROI 13%