text: Table of contents Key Task: Monitor Enterprise Applications (Enterprise Summary) The Enterprise Summary dashboard displays a quick summary of the performance of all applications in your enterprise, including their popularity, user experience, and health. For example, you can immediately see the usage of applications on the ground, rather than the applications which people should use, and whether users spend time waiting for it to respond, all with zero configuration. Check if people use applications which are not part of your official portfolio (known as Shadow IT), which may not be allowed by your company policy. The Enterprise Summary dashboard Field Description Applications View the list of applications (desktop, web and mobile) running on your monitored devices, and key information about their performance. For more information, see the step below. Departments / Business Locations / Regions / Operating Systems / Device Types Assess the business impact of poor performance by viewing the parts of your organization which are worst hit. Quickly view those with the lowest performance, poorest activity scores, or the heaviest users of applications. Select a category from the drop-down menu: departments, business locations, regions, device types or operating systems. For more information, see the step below. Usage At a glance, you can view a spacial map showing how and where people use an application. Choose from the drop-down to see the departments which use this application, the business locations where it is run, the proportion of different type of devices, browser versions, and the range of operating systems. For more information, see the step below. Health Events View the recent number of application health events for all applications over the timeframe. A health event for an application occurs if it crashes, or for web applications, if it encounters a web error (like if the requested page is not found). You can also view the application events for just a single user, or a single application, or a single location, by selecting that element in the sections at the top of the page. For more information, see the step below. Note Use the Monitor Location dashboard to view a summary of the performance of all applications in a certain business location. In other words, get the Enterprise Summary dashboard filtered by Location by opening the Monitor Location dashboard. ProcedureStep 1 Open a browser and sign in to Aternity. Step 2 To access this dashboard: Select Main Menu > Monitor > Enterprise Summary. Access the dashboard by typing its name in the search box in the top bar. Access the Enterprise Summary dashboard Step 3 View the user experience (UXI) across your organization The summary bar of the Enterprise Summary dashboard Field Description User Experience Index The User Experience Index (UXI) is a value (0-5) which measures the overall performance and health of applications, based on the number of crashes per hour out of the total usage time, the percentage hang time out of the total usage time, and the percentage wait time out of the total usage time. For web applications, it also uses the percentage of web page errors out of all page loads, and the average page load time. This index is an absolute (not relative) measurement, since it does not use baselines which may vary between applications or locations. However, it is cumulative, not a spot measurement, as each reading relies on and contains those which came beforehand. Absolute measures allow Aternity to accurately use a single consistent dimension across several attributes. For example, it can display this index for a single user on a single application, or many users on a single application, or many users on many applications. Definition of user experience index (UXI) Step 4 View the applications (Windows, web and mobile) running on monitored devices in the Applications section, along with their usage time, wait time, and UXI. By default this list displays the top 10 most used applications, with the highest usage time. Change the Top value to see more. For an even broader list, change the Usage Level menu set at the top of the screen. To find applications with a specific name, enter it in the section's Search field. View a summary of all applications and their performance Field Description Type Displays the type of application: Windows desktop (), web application () which you run in a web browser, or monitored mobile app (), which has been integrated with Aternity monitoring. Name Displays the name of the monitored application, as it appears throughout the system. You can customize it when you add it as a managed application. Tip Web Browsing is an umbrella term for all web browsing in your organization on sites which are not white listed or where the web server is not inside the enterprise network or VPN (intranet). To white list a site, add it as a managed application. An internet browser is both a container of web applications and a desktop application in its own right. You can monitor a browser's performance by viewing its launch times and recent crashes in Monitor Application, and its memory and CPU consumption in the Analyze Process Resources dashboard. Usage Time The usage time of an application is the total time it is running, in the foreground, and being used. This includes the wait time, the time a user spends waiting for the application to respond. For web applications, the usage time is when both the browser window and the application's tab are in the foreground. Activity Score (For managed applications only) Displays the overall activity score for this application, calculated by condensing all the activity statuses into a single value. Use this for acute (recent) problems in performance. Aggregating many end user activities into a single score and status The Activity Score can be a blank circle with no score if it is not a managed application, or if Aternity did not receive any reports of activities during the dashboard's timeframe. Activity Volume (For managed applications only) Displays the number of times someone performed this activity during the timeframe, thereby adding weight to the impact of this problem. If the same user performs the same activity twice, it counts as two. For further information, you can drill down to: The Analyze Applications dashboard, to correlate performance with any details of the usage of applications, including viewing the list of users who are working with this application. The Commonalities Analysis dashboard for an application, to find a common thread in a seemingly random problem. The Monitor Application dashboard, to view all relevant details about an application's performance. The Troubleshoot Application dashboard, to resolve performance issues of a single application. Step 5 In the Departments section view the parts of your organization worst hit by poor performance of this application. Select the category to view, like Regions or Business Locations, and choose the sort order. You can display up to 99 items in this section. View the sections of your organization worst hit by poor application performance Field Description Top Select the number of entries to display in this section of the dashboard. Category View the various parts of your organization impacted by poor application performance. Select a category from the drop-down menu: Departments, Business Locations, Regions, Browsers, Device Types, or Operating Systems. Sort Order Select to quickly sort this list according to any of the columns. Name Displays the list of items in this category, like the list of departments, or operating systems. Usage Time View the heaviest users of an application (usage time) in this category. Activity Score (For managed applications only) Displays the overall activity score for this application, calculated by condensing all the activity statuses into a single value. The Activity Score can be a blank circle with no score if it is not a managed application, or if Aternity did not receive any reports of activities during the dashboard's timeframe. Step 6 In the Health Events section, view the recent number of application health events for all applications over the timeframe. A health event for an application occurs if it crashes, or for web applications, if it encounters a web error (like if the requested page is not found). View the recent application health events for this application It shows the number of application health events as the following categories: Field Description Application Crash (dark blue) Displays the number of times an application crashed, where its Windows process ended abruptly, or when an application froze, with (Not Responding) in the Windows Task Manager, and then the user manually closed the program (selected Close the program or End Task). Browser Crash (blue) Displays the number of times when the browser's Windows process ended abruptly. Depending on the browser configuration, this could be a single tab or all tabs in the browser. HTTP error (sky blue) Displays the number of HTTP errors over the given timeframe. Web errors are errors experienced by applications which receive an error as a response to their HTTP request for a page load, like HTTP 40x errors (like Error 404 Page Not Found), and 50x errors (like unauthorized access messages) for the whole page (not a missing element like an image). For further information, you can drill down to: The Analyze Applications dashboard, to correlate performance with any details of the usage of applications, including viewing the list of users who are working with this application. The Mobile App Crashes dashboard, to view crashes grouped by the type of exception, and the worst performing apps, devices, or locations. The Device Health dashboard, to troubleshoot hardware, system, and application issues. Step 7 View a special map of the proportion of people who use different device types, work from different locations, departments, from different operating systems, and so on. For example, if you see that your company's most important application runs on Windows 8 Enterprise, you might consider upgrading to a newer OS. Check the proportion of departments or locations which run applications For further information, you can select Analyze to drill down to the Analyze Applications dashboard filtered by Business Locations, or select Show Users to see the same dashboard filtered by Usernames. Step 8 You can view the data in this dashboard for one or more applications, locations, or departments by selecting those elements and viewing the other sections in the dashboard. You can also combine filters by selecting an element from each section. For example, to see if Sales is experiencing problems with email, select the email application from the Applications list, then select the department from the Departments list. Select a filed in one section to isolate its performance in the other sections Step 9 You can limit the display of the dashboard using the menus at the top of the window. Field Description Usage Level Select to limit or widen the number of applications displayed in this dashboard: High (default) displays only the top 10% of applications with the most usage time, or if that is less than 30 applications, it displays the 30 most used applications. High and Medium displays only the top 20% of applications with the most usage time, or if that is less than 60 applications, it displays the 60 most used applications. Managed Applications displays only managed applications in this dashboard. All Applications displays the full list of applications in this dashboard. Timeframe You can change the start time of the data displayed in the dashboard in the Timeframe menu in the top right corner of the screen. This menu impacts all tabs available in this view. You can access data in this dashboard (retention) going back up to 14 days. This dashboard's data refreshes every five minutes. Step 10 (Optional) Export the dashboard data to Excel, Image or PDF file. a Select Download. For simple dashboards, at the bottom right of the screen. For advanced dashboards, on the top tool bar. Download a dashboard Note In Analyze dashboards, make sure you scroll down the dashboard until the end of the data. Otherwise, you might not see the Download button. b Select the required option depending on where you exporting the dashboard. To download as Excel file, select Crosstab To download as an image file, select Image To download as PDF file, select PDF To download as PowerPoint file, select PowerPoint Note Make sure you have data on a sheet. If the sheet is empty, the Crosstab menu is unavailable. c For PDF and PowerPoint only, define additional settings. d Select Download to start the process or Cancel to cancel. Open the file from your Downloads folder or from any other predefined destination for file downloads. Parent topic Monitor Your EnterpriseRelated tasksKey Task: Monitor Enterprise ApplicationsMonitor My Enterprise for Legacy Agents (Performance)View the Geographical Distribution of Sites and UsersKey Task: Monitor Enterprise Applications in a Certain Business Location SavePDF Selected topic Selected topic and subtopics All content Related Links


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- Home
- How to...
- Mealtime
- Region
- Ingredients
- Crumpet facts
- Making your own
- Crumpet awards
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We've been amazed at the range of countries from which people have accessed Crumpetman. From Brazil to Bulgaria, from Morocco to Mauritius, and from Venezuela to Vietnam: the world loves crumpets!
No surprises for the top two, but who'd have imagined China, The Ukraine and Russia showing such a keen interest in crumpets? It is of course possible that the Russians were trying to influence the results of the Great Crumpet Taste-Off, but, if so, they were sorely disappointed. We were expecting crumpet-loving countries such as Ireland, Canada, Australia to come to the fore, but were also quite surprised at the number of visitors from Germany and France. New Zealand, you should be ashamed of yourselves.

subset: commoncrawl


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The national flag carrier, the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has signed, on 30th October 2002 at Islamabad, an agreement with Boeings, USA, for purchase of eight new Boeing 777 planes, comprising three Boeing 777-200ER, two Boeing 777-200LR and three Boeing 777-300ER, for use on its long haul routes. The deliveries are said to start in December 2003 and would continue through 2008.
The new aircraft are expected to help the PIA to earn more with better and competitive service. The initiation of the modernisation plan is a big step in the right direction. All this has been achieved through continued moral and financial support of the government.
The PIA management claims to have performed well and brought the airline back to profitability through a number of remedial measures. However, in spite of the optimism, the airline is not yet fully out of troubled waters.
There are a number of difficult challenges ahead such as consolidation of profitability, strengthening of financial position, arranging of suitable financing at reasonable costs for financing the new planes, and other important areas having strong bearing on the airline's operations.
The airline industry in general is not doing very well and this phenomenon can also affect PIA to some degrees. Realizing the conditions at present obtaining in PIA and the need for continuation of operational reforms, the government has already extended the service contracts of the top PIA bosses. This should encourage them to work single-mindedly for continued improvement of the airline position. In the context of meeting the challenges successfully by PIA, this paper offers a few suggestions to the PIA high-ups and the government for consideration.
Profitability: The airline management, on the basis of un-audited accounts for the past few months, has been claiming turning the airline operations profitable. The data released for the period January-September 2002 show a pretax profit of Rs1.4 billion. The management claims would stand validated, particularly by the shareholders and by the existing and prospective creditors, after the audited accounts for the year 2002 confirm profitable operations. Being at the fag end of 2002, this should not be difficult provided the management maintains high overall operational performance along with continuation of the reforms process.
The auditors might be approached with the request to finalize the audit for the year 2002 within 2-3 months of 2003. April 2001, when the present management took over the airline, it was on the verge of financial collapse. The new management assessed the resources and initiated the reforms process. The measures reportedly included cutting measures, executing efficient revenue generation plans and re-adjustment and re-scheduling flights. It may be noted that, the airline's revenue generation dropped after 9/11. Moreover, denial of flying over Indian airspace affected its flight frequency causing a serious cut in revenue. On the other hand, return of several airlines from Pakistan provided some space to the airline.
On overall basis, the airline operations, though profitable, need to be further improved. Other areas needing particular attention are increasing revenue from freight and rationalizing expenses on aircraft fuel and oil, salary and wages, landing and handling charges, maintenance and overhaul and the financial charges. Perhaps it is about time that the cost and utility of the services procured from out-sources is also reassessed.
Financial position: The financial position of the airline, as reflected in the audited accounts for the year 2001, is rather weak. Current assets are only Rs11.343 billion as against the current liabilities of Rs28.484 billion. Accumulated losses are shown at Rs12.859 billion. The auditors also have observations on some of the important aspects of the airline. In such a situation, the management task of rehabilitating the airline is not at all easy.
Restoring the financial health might take a number of years. However, the financial health could be restored in the next two years with continued profitable operations and substantial government support. It may be noted that due to present weak profitability and financial position, it will be difficult for the airline to raise loans for fleet modernisation at reasonable rates and fees. Every creditor will seek premium over the normal rates due to the weak balance sheet of the airline.
In order to improve its borrowing position, it is felt that the management must act extra hard to bring out the annual report 2002, with clean report from the auditors and also showing amicable relations with existing creditors. It is felt that the financial support announced by the government, if suitably reflected in the airline's annual accounts 2002, will give more confidence to the creditors as to the viability of the airline. A strong balance sheet and good cash generation capability reflected by the audited accounts 2002, would surely make substantial difference in the attitude of the creditors as well as in the final cost of fresh borrowings needed for fleet modernisation.
The management might consider getting the airline rated by reputed rating agencies. With better rating, the airline might be able to raise large loan (and equity funds) at reasonable rates and in the desired amounts. For this purpose, the rating agency may require the audited annual report 2002.
Agreement with Boeings: As stated earlier the airline has signed an agreement with Boeings for purchase of eight new Boeing 777 planes. Deliveries are expected to start in December 2003 and completed by 2008. It is to the credit of the present management of PIA that it took first practical step for replacement of some of the aging planes. However, the real task has just begun.
PIA may have to remain in constant liaison with Boeings as to the physical progress for building the planes as per the agreed specifications and delivery schedule. Tied to this is the task of mobilizing suitable funds to pay to Boeings for the new planes as per the agreed schedule of payments. Both these activities are important for the success of the fleet modernisation plan. The management may like to consider appointing full time teams of dedicated officers to properly handle the assignments spread over the next about ten years.
Smaller planes: Marking induction of another Boeing 747-300 aircraft acquired from Cathy Pacific to the airline's fleet a few days ago, the managing director told newsmen that this addition would give a new look to the national carrier and that these aircraft would be operated on the US and European routes. It was also said that the airline's modernisation plan will be taking shape with the arrival of first new Boeing 777 aircraft in December 2003, being first of the eight new 777 aircraft acquired under a purchase agreement recently signed by PIA with the Boeing Company. The newsmen were informed that the airline would replace smaller aircraft like Fokkers with induction of about seven ATRs aircraft by June 2003 to be acquired on 'dry lease'. PIA will also acquire four A300-600 Airbus, some 8-10 year old, on lease to replace existing aging airbuses. The entire fleet of 11 Fokkers would be grounded by December 2003.
Like the bigger planes, selection / procurement of the smaller planes on attractive terms is not easy. It is hoped that the experience gained earlier for the bigger planes has been fully used for selection of the smaller planes and the finalization of the lease arrangements in a transparent manner. One would wish that the airline had opted for acquiring at least some of the smaller planes that were brand new.
The replacement of the smaller planes is particularly important to facilitate travel to the northern areas, coastal cities as well as the cities in the interior of the country. These routes might not be the most profitable but these are important for providing relief to the people from the far-flung areas, with poor alternate means of transport.
Financing the fleet modernisation: PIA probably has been in touch with various creditors for financing part of the cost of larger aircraft for the long haul to USA and EU countries. Exim Bank, as per practice, first agrees in principle to consider the deal up to 85 per cent of the total amount involved in purchases from USA. Now the airline is expected to move its application with the Exim Bank (EB) seeking around $350 million for the purchase of first three Boeing 777-200ER, of which delivery will start by December 2003.
Additional foreign funding from the EB or other sources shall have to be arranged in due course for financing remaining two sets of aeroplanes for which orders have been already booked with Boeings.
Exim Bank has standard charges for providing insurance and repayment guarantee to Boeings, all charges being to the account of PIA. Now, it is up to the airline to decide whether to avail loan from EB or other sources; and in what combination. Main interest cost, guarantee/insurance commission, fees payable to the financial advisors, travel and other costs involved, etc. all add up to form the financing cost. Comparison of the overall financing cost from various sources and other factors such as time and place for negotiations of loan terms including credit agreement, complexity of the documentation, security, arbitration matters, etc are must in such deals. The airline shall have to do lot of homework to be able to get the best deal.
Pakistan is lucky to have accumulated foreign exchange reserves of nearly $10 billion at this point. The State Bank of Pakistan is looking for profitable venues to invest part of these reserves. It is felt that the SBP might consider extending a credit line to a local bank such as the National Bank of Pakistan with a view to finance large acquisitions such as the purchase of Boeing planes by the airline under the fleet modernisation plan approved by the government.
It should be a straight long-term loan by the NBP to the airline under terms and conditions to be determined in consultation with the SBP. Perhaps the airline and the country both would be better off in the long run through this arrangement.
The airline has also recently mandated the UBL, Citigroup and the IDB to arrange $150 million that may be utilised to pay the first tranche of advance payment to Boeings towards the purchase price of eight new Boeing 777 aircraft. The structure of the facility as reported in the press appears somewhat complicated. It will be one-year facility of $ 85 million to be replaced by a three-year facility of $150 million.
The three-year facility of $150 million will be in the form of an 'Ijra' facility, based on Islamic mode of financing. In the $ 85 million facility, the UBL and the Citibank/Saudi American Bank have underwritten $45 million and $40 million, respectively. The Islamic Development Bank has agreed to underwrite $ 70 million in the three-year facility. Reportedly, it is the first time that IDB has formed a partnership with a local and foreign bank based in Pakistan. This is also the first major deal for the United Bank after its privatisation.
The airline has made substantial investments in some hotel properties and other non-core businesses. It might consider raising some of the needed funds through disposal of some of such investments. This should reduce the amount to be borrowed and thus there may be savings in the overall servicing of the debt.
Sometime ago it was in the press that the government, while approving the fleet modenisation plan, had agreed to extend $150 million to the airline as part of its equity. Use of this $150 million from the government seems much better option for making advance payments to Boeings for the eight planes booked recently as compared to the borrowings from the UBL and other banks as mentioned above.
Borrowing at reasonable rates and costs is as difficult as the procurement of used planes, if not more. Keeping in view the needs and the timing of funds, borrowing plan is developed. PIA may decide to handle all financing activities in-house through its dedicated team or might decide to engage experienced bankers through a mandate to raise the needed funds. In either case, lot of work will be required to be handled within the airline.
In connection with the mandate, reputed and experienced creditors are contacted for indicative bids or expression of interest in helping raise the required funds. The creditors are then short-listed, with whom serious negotiations are held for the mandate. Knowledge of the creditor practices and policies comes handy in such situations. The higher authorities should clear final draft of the mandate before it is signed and the banks are given the go-ahead. It is felt that the above is a transparent and proper way for raising large resources. Presumably, PIA has followed a proper process in the award of the present mandate to UBL and others.
Government support: The government has shown full confidence in the new management by providing financial and policy support, facilitating issuance of TFC's of Rs15.4 billion to repay overdue liabilities and repayment of bridge loans, relief of mark-up on restructured debts/TFC's by way of equity contribution and additional equity of $150 million spread over a period of three years for fleet modernisation.
The above is a major relief. The ball is now in the court of the PIA management and staff to rehabilitate the airline to its past glory. The airline, instead of borrowing from the local banks, should have prevailed upon the government to contribute equity of $150 million in one go now so that PIA could make advance payments to Boeings for eight new planes. This approach could have allowed PIA management sufficient time to appoint suitable staff and bring on board its specialized team to mobilize funds for fleet modernisation spread over the next decade. On open-sky policy, the airline might take up with the government if the foreign airlines are currently taking undue advantage of the situation and if PIA is not getting reciprocal treatment from the foreign countries.
Competition: The DG, the CAA at the time of first test flight PK-385 on 5th November 2002 at the new Allama Iqbal International Airport reportedly stated that Lufthansa, Swiss Air, British Airways and airlines from the Central Asian States have shown interest to start their operations from Lahore.
This means more competition and challenges to airline employees and the management. The airline at the moment badly needs the new planes. On fair competition, it can be said that PIA management and the staff have the will and the experience to fight it out with the competitors and one should not be worried much on this account.


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As I've written recently, here, pianist-composer Joel Forrester creates music — tender, sensuous, surprising — always rewarding, never pre-cooked. I've been delighting in his recorded work for a decade now, but haven't stirred myself to see him perform in a long time. But I did just that last Saturday, May 27, 2017, at his solo recital (12:30 – 3:30) at Cafe Loup , 105 W 13th St, New York (very close to the #1 train), (212) 255-4746. (And at the risk of sounding like a Yelp review, service — thank you, Byron! — was solicitous, and the food was fresh and nicely presented.)
The musical experiences Joel offered that afternoon were, to me, deeper than simple music. It felt as if he was a repertory company: each performance seemed its own small world — balancing on its own axis — and then gave way to the next. A gritty blues was followed by a romantic lament, then a rollicking saunter through an unknown landscape, then a dance from a traveling carnival . . . as you will hear for yourself.
Joel is always balancing strong rhythms and subtle melodies, creating his own shapes and changing those created by others. The range of his inspirations is amazingly broad: in the course of the afternoon's recital for an admiring audience, he evoked and improvised on the blues and boogie woogie, Billie Holiday, George Gershwin, Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Cole Porter, Meade Lux Lewis, James Joyce, hymns, the Beatles, and Sam Cooke.
STAGGER JOEL (his variations on an ancient folk blues with a similar name):
GG'S BLUES (paying affectionate tribute to Gershwin's RHAPSODY):
IN THE RING (a bubbling dance):
BILLIE'S SOLITUDE (for Lady Day and Duke):
IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY (FOR THE MOMENT) (musing on Parisian weather):
CARAVAN (Juan Tizol reminding us that the journey, not the destination, matters):
WHITE BLUES (a title explained by Joel, as prelude):
SKIRMISH (with variant titles explained by the composer):
YOU SEND ME (Forrester meets Sam Cooke):
BACK IN BED (implicitly a paean to domestic bliss):
FATE (half-heard melodies care of Meade Lux Lewis):
There's more to come from this afternoon at Cafe Loup, and more from Joel in his many guises, all restorative. He has many and various gigs: visit here.
May your happiness increase!


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I have an application which is doing a lot of file operations.Its doing a lots of file read and write operations(lot of small files). We have found that some of the files are getting mixed up randomly. Output of file1 is going to file2 and so on. There is no concurrency issue from code that we have verified. Its working in all other platforms expect AIX.
In Solaris we faced this issue, but after enabling directio this issue is resolved.
In AIX we tried to enable dio, still this problem persists.
- Architecture : Power 6;
- 8 core with SMT on
- Storage : SAN
- FileSystem : JFS2
Thanks Nikesh PL


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Scottish Citizenship Register
- Target:
- Men, women, and children born in Scotland
- Region:
- Website:
- www.simplyscottish.com
Nationality - n - the status of belonging to a particular nation by origin, birth, or naturalization.
Citizen - n - a person owing loyalty to and entitled by birth or naturalization to the protection of a nation.
Scottish citizens in Scotland and around the world are joining their voices in defense of their nationality. The Scottish Citizenship Register is a powerful declaration, a way for citizens of Scotland to uphold and protect Scottish nationality and the rights of Scotland's people.
Welcome to the Scottish Citizenship Register at SimplyScottish.com, the only project of its kind on the internet. Here, citizens of Scotland, either born or naturalized, can publicly declare their rightful and proper nationality, thereby refusing the labels of "UK national", "British citizen", and/or any potential equivalent.
Join hundreds of supporters, including ministers in the Welsh Government, members of Plaid Cymru and the Scottish National Party, members of Scottish local government, songwriters, webmasters, authors, athletes, professors, activists, and more!
Add yourself to the register today.
The Citizen's Creed
I refuse to be called "British national", "citizen of the United Kingdom", or anything similar or comparable. I am a citizen of Scotland and choose to uphold my national rights. I renounce any form of "British nationality" any government may force upon me and uphold my Scottish nationality.
You can further help this campaign by sponsoring it
The Scottish Citizenship Register petition to Men, women, and children born in Scotland was written by Andrew McDiarmid and is in the category Patriotism at GoPetition.


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Cover Obsession #4
I think I see a trend or two in here... but just to be sure.
Take a look.
See what I see?
Similarities, trends, alike-ness?
That's what I'm obsessing over!
It seems that white, light blue, grey, and soft colors are on demand right now.
How can someone NOT obsess when presented with all these gorgeous covers?!
Now, check the next 2 covers.
I sense another trend in the horizon.
The Lost Girl by Sangu Mandanna
I'm obsessing over the effect.
Faceless, check.
Long hair, check.
Creepy, check.
While others might have found it confusing or not likable. Me?
I'm sold! I'd buy this book by the cover alone!!
And that line at the top?
C'mon, obsess along with moi.
Disharmony by Leah Giarratano -The Telling #1
Obsessing...yet again...
Faceless, check.
Long hair, check.
Darkness...oh the darkness. How a dangerous but irresistible thing. Right?
Dearly Beloved by Lia Habel -Gone With the Respiration #2-
I really liked the cover for book 1 but this one?
I'm obsessing over dark and necklace and her looking downwards.
I don't think I need to tell you the reasons of my obsession now...
This is undescribably amazing and awesome and gorgeous and beautiful but mysterious and promising and cryptic... I can already tell this book will-hopefully-rock my socks :D
Any book covers you're currently OBSESSING over?


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TUSTIN, Calif., Jan. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — All Green Electronics Recycling announces its new national headquarters' grand opening on January 13, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – a Green Carpet Event – followed by a free, three-day electronics recycling event aimed at giving back to the local community in Orange County. Both are open to the public and are located at: 15561 Del Amo Ave. in Tustin.
All Green Electronics Recycling is California's largest electronics waste collector and it is excited to unveil its new headquarters to the general public and to celebrate with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and more.
"We are particularly excited about the promising new job opportunities available for California residents," says Arman Sadeghi, CEO, All Green Electronics Recycling.
All Green is growing at jaw-dropping rates. While many companies continue to cut back and lay off valuable employees, All Green has hired a new person every 4.1 days since its incorporation and is predicted to hire another 100 employees in the next six months.
In addition to new jobs, many local non-profits and schools will also benefit. All Green is creating community partnerships and setting up collection events while donating a percentage of the proceeds from the recycled electronics.
Rather than allowing old televisions or computers to end up at the dump, All Green provides the public with a way of recycling their old working or non-working electronics safely and responsibly – for free. In fact, those with at least 10 computers, monitors and televisions can go to: http://www.allgreenrecycling.com to schedule a free pick up in many areas.
About All Green Electronics Recycling:
Founded two years ago, All Green Electronics Recycling is a full-service electronics recycler and collector. It offers pick-up services as well as hundreds of convenient drop-off locations, nationwide. Currently, it collects more than two million pounds of electronics per month.
Unlike many of its competitors, the company sorts and separates all e-waste within their warehouse and does not ship anything overseas for processing. It also ensures that any electronics placed in its care will never find its way into a landfill.
All Green already has a recycling facility in Sacramento and is set to expand its New York operations within 60 days.
For more information; to check out the Electronics Recycling Carbon Footprint Calculator; or to locate a facility in your area, visit: www.allgreenrecycling.com .
For more information contact:
Theresa Maloney, All Green Electronics Recycling, 800-780-0347, firstname.lastname@example.com .
News issued by: All Green Electronics Recycling
Original Image: https://send2pressnewswire.com/image/11-0103-allgreen_72dpi.jpg
# # #
Original Story ID: (6588) :: 2011-01-0107-004
Original Keywords: dispose of e-waste, ceo Arman Sadeghi, recycling, green, ewaste, eco, environment, california newswire, news, tustin, orange county business, grand opening, All Green Electronics Recycling event, Electronics Recycling Carbon Footprint Calculator All Green Electronics Recycling Tustin California TUSTIN, Calif.
Alternate Headline: All Green Electronics Recycling announces its new national headquarters in Orange County Calif.
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News Source: All Green Electronics Recycling


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But when I do, it's my ankle.
At ice skating class things were going pretty well. For the most part, what I need is to develop both my balance and my confidence in my balance that I'm not always half afraid of my feet going out from under me and ending up in a painful drop on the ice. (It's a lot worse at my age than when I was 18.)
I was doing a new technique today, "slaloms". Doing pretty well actually. Only I was paying too much attention to the new technique and not enough on making sure I had sufficient room to stop comfortably (still rather weak on my stops) before I ran out of ice. So I see I'm getting close to the wall and I try and stop short. Only I lean back a little too much and…
Boom. It wouldn't have been too bad only my right leg was folded under me and I landed my weight on my ankle.
Yeah, I was done for the day. Got some redness and swelling. And I'm sitting at home now with ice on it. Hoping it's just a minor twisting of the ankle and not a full-on sprain (although the swelling suggests otherwise). If it's not significantly better by tomorrow morning I'll go in to have my doctor look at it. I can stay mostly off my feet until then.
What would really, really suck is for it to be a serious sprain putting me out of action for several weeks. I paid for eight weeks of classes. So far, I've gotten two of them. Hate to not be able to take the other six because of an injury.


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This newsitem has been supplied by PSV.nl
The PSV took their final training session one day ahead of the crucial UEFA Champions League clash against Arsenal on the pitch of the Eindhoven Philips Stadium. The players practised, among other things, finishing on target. Some fans watched the training session and they saw how PSV head coach Guus Hiddink distributed the bibs among his players. Guus Hiddink answered questions from journalists after the training at the customary pre-match press conference. Arsenal do not avail themselves of the opportunity to train on the pitch of the Eindhoven Philips Stadium. Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger will organize a press conference at 18. 15 hrs local time. Meanwhile the tension in and around the stadium is building up. All tickets have been sold; there is huge media interest from Dutch press representatives and their foreign colleagues and the sponsor images and official logos are presented according to the UEFA guidelines.


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Unpacking the story that is seldom what we see
One of the greatest parts of any Thanksgiving gathering for my clan is the chance to eavesdrop unabashedly on a crazy number of conversations taking place in every corner of the house when you've got 25 or so relatives and a few of their friends crammed together for a feast.
It's like a cross between platonic speed dating and your third-cousin-on-your-mother's-side's wedding, where you catch up briefly on the big events in each other's lives.
We're quite the mix, so these precious conversations are a chance to see vicariously encounters we'd likely never have ourselves. My extended family includes the lead singer in a rock band, a retired career National Guardsman, a second grade teacher, a couple of master mechanics, a retired woman who used to facilitate military training exercises, an afterschool program manager, a concessionaire, an IT guy, a property manager and a bunch of others with jobs that are every bit as engrossing, but harder to explain. You never know who you'll find among the friends. We've hosted law enforcement, healthcare workers and a movie stuntman skier, among others.
We're also colorful. Our gatherings always include whites and Native Americans and often African Americans and Hispanics. We're also a (mostly) jovial mix of varying degrees of conservatism and liberalism and libertarianism, with some middle-of-the-roaders floating from room to room. I even have a couple of relatives who keep their political leanings entirely under wraps. They are currently my most beloved kin.
But my favorite conversations involve the hotel maid, because she reminds me that I should behave better, always, with everyone I meet. Showing someone a little respect doesn't cost much, and it matters.
Not long ago, I asked her about work, and she regaled me with the story of a hotel guest with whom she had quite a lengthy conversation about local sightseeing. Then the woman switched the topic to the details of how she'd like the room cleaned. As she gave instructions, she began to speak more slowly. And a few sentences in, she asked, "Would it help if I spoke to you in Spanish?"
Actually, it wouldn't, as the hotel maid is not Hispanic, as she noted with a smile that was mostly sincere. "She and I probably speak Spanish about equally well." Not to mention that they'd been talking for some time perfectly well in English. That the woman would assume her race based on her occupation or hair color was irritating.
It reminds me of the day we tried to figure out why my daughter, then a junior in high school, had been placed in advanced conversational Spanish. It turned out her counselor saw a girl with brown hair and brown eyes and assumed we spoke Spanish at home. Some of us do, but at the level you speak when you're busily trying to master the difference between preterite and imperative verb conjugations, ala second-year Spanish. It's not our native tongue. And speaking of native, people make assumptions about my husband, too. He's a Native American who was adopted by a Missouri farm boy and a German immigrant when he was a tot. Who could guess his story correctly? Or mine? Or yours?
But my favorite hotel maid tale is a recent one. She tapped on the guest's door and was told to come in. When the two middle-aged women staying there saw her, they started gathering their credit cards and money. More bizarre, they discussed her aloud while they did it — in front of her.
"Relax. I don't think she looks like she steals."
"You can never tell. I'll feel better if I remove the temptation."
Your choice, but do it quietly. And if you're going to make unfair assumptions based on your perceptions of someone — we all do it, sometimes on different issues and our own bizarre criteria — do have the decency to mute the narration.
Lois M. Collins, Deseret News
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com, Twitter: Loisco


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Tuesday, 13 December 2016
Kanopy Streaming - Amazing Videos for your Classroom
UWCSEA East recently got a Patron-Driven subscription to Kanopy Streaming - and what a treasure trove it is! (UWC Community, click here; everyone else, try this link). If you have never heard of it before, let me tell you a little about it.
Kanopy began selling DVDs to universities in Australia, but has moved with the times to deliver a video streaming service to education providers worldwide, including Harvard, Princeton, Stanford and Yale. They have over 26,000 videos available currently, which are added to regularly.
So why should you care?
It is no secret how much students love learning through film. Kanopy has an incredible range of documentaries available: from BBC's Shakespeare Collection or its Planet Earth Series, through to Gravitas's Food Choices: How Our Diet Affects the Planet, there is - quite literally - something for everyone.
A lot of the content is more suited to older audiences, but there is plenty in there to support Elementary learners. We'd encourage Elementary teachers to search Kanopy for a subject/unit they have upcoming, and preview the content before use with students.
One of the features that we love is the ability to clip and share a section of a video, so students don't necessarily watch the whole video, but a pre-selected segment that most closely relates to what they are learning.
help section on the Kanopy website.
If you are a UWCSEA Teacher who wants to watch at home, follow this guide put together by the librarians.
If you would like further information about Kanopy, just contact one of the DLCs, or have a chat to our friendly Librarians!
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Monday, 12 December 2016
Digital Bytes - 12th December, 2016 - Holiday Edition
Santa Tracker
Santa Tracker is a fantastic site by Google. In advent calendar style, each day a new activity gets uncovered. Present Bounce is a neat game, but there are also opportunities to learn about traditions and translations from other countries. Younger children will enjoy Santa Selfie, a Toca Boca style game where you give Santa a haircut. Santa Tracker will work on laptops or iPads, so give it a go!
2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Awesome Young (and old) Makers
@DianaLRedina has put together a great roundup of holiday gifts for all budgets on her blog Renovated Learning. She has suggestions for the robot obsessed, future engineers, crafty ones, and a helpful list of Maker-inspired books to read too.
Our personal favourite: Austin Kleon's Steal Like an Artist.
Escape the Room - Christmas Edition
This is a great problem solving challenge similar to BreakoutEDU, but in Digital form. In Christmas Fix, you have to explore a number of rooms and look for clues and items that you can collect to help you solve the mystery, fix the clock and save Christmas. This game runs on flash, so won't work on an iPad. Game will start after the advertisement runs.
Monday, 5 December 2016
Hour of Code in Grade 1
The resources around Computer Science Education Week and Hour of Code are just begging to be used. There are so many developmentally appropriate entry points for every age level - it's a no-brainer!
In Grade 1, we began with an unplugged activity. As a class, we created a code to use, and in pairs, they took turns being the coder (who created the code) and the robot (who carried out the code). It was great to see them role-play being the robot, and carry out the instructions the coder had left for them on whiteboards.
Following that, we got our iPads and explored Course 1, Stage 4 of code.org's amazing resource for 4-6-year-olds. To say they enjoyed the Angry Birds Maze activity would be an understatement! Many of them reached Stage 7 in only a very short window of time, so it was impressive to see their computational thinking skills strengthen!
Below is a short video of our exploration with Coding. We would love to hear what you are up to with Coding in the Early Years. Please leave us a comment below.
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Labels: coding, digital, Grade 1, Hour of code, iPad
Digital Bytes - Dec 5th, 2016
DK Find Out
DK Find Out is a fantastic site for kids to look for age-appropriate information. There are articles, diagrams, videos, fun facts and quizzes.
Like the DK books, the website is visually rich and students can use a combination of text, images and video to learn more.
How Should Reading be Taught in a Digital Era?
Writer Liana Heiton states that the nature of reading has changed significantly in the past decade, however questions whether teaching practices have developed alongside. In the article How Should Reading be Taught in a Digital Era, she explores different online reading options and finishes with a quote from Katherine Hale: "But reading isn't just reading print text anymore. Reading is reading the world."
YouTube Kids
Learning something new often involves watching a video these days and our go to video site is YouTube.
YouTube kids is a free app which allows kids to search and find videos and not have to worry about advertising or inappropriate content/links.
Friday, 2 December 2016
Friendly Friday Advice: make your holiday great, with Goodreads
Faculties who read together...learn together.
My quick Friendly Friday advice is about using the hidden Listopia feature inside of your Goodreads account:
If you aren't following Katie and Stuart on Goodreads--it is a wonderful idea to do so, they've curated shelves to keep your 'to-read' tally healthy.
Posted by Unknown at 14:47 No comments:
Thursday, 1 December 2016
Ideas for Shared iPads
How lucky are we? We recently added 6 iPads to each G3-5 class, augmenting their existing 1:1 Macbook Air laptops.
Planning for valuable use of shared devices requires some creative thinking, particularly when you are used to 1:1 devices. That said, the small number of devices provides a great opportunity to differentiate for powerful learning, maximise small-group rotations and engage in collaborative activities.
Together with some of our wonderful Digital Literacy Mentors (Mike & Jocelyn), Dave and I developed some ideas about how to best manage shared devices and use them effectively to support learning.
We hope you find these tips for shared devices useful.
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1.) The product is the star of the present in the Numis Community opportunity. (GCI" and the proposed GCI transaction"), the capitalization of the QVC Group following the proposed acquisition, the continuation of Liberty Interactive's stock repurchase program, the realization of estimated synergies and benefits from the proposed acquisition and the proposed GCI transaction, business strategies, market potential, future financial prospects, new service and product offerings, the renaming of Liberty Interactive and other matters that aren't historic info.
Janney Montgomery analyst Terry McEvoy noticed in WWD: If he Diller has a freer hand, possibly he can take dwelling procuring to the following stage." Analysts anticipated Diller to proceed to improve programming at HSN and to develop the true worth of the company.
In 1998, House Shopping Network launched a Spanish-language service Residence Purchasing en Español on the Univision-owned Galavision cable community. Simply as you're hoping to make big bucks with an appearance on HSN or QVC, they too wish to make money off of your product.
Promoting housewares, electronics, fashions, jewelry, and other products to private-computer users, the service was the first to use full-coloration pictures relatively than drawings of merchandise. Although the 2 brands obtained their begin selling items by way of their TV channels, each have centered in recent years on on-line and cellular shopping to draw a youthful demographic.
The two finest-recognized dwelling-purchasing TELEVISION networks in America, QVC and Residence Buying Network, agreed to merge Thursday, forming a brand new retail juggernaut as a part of an all-stock deal valued at about $2.1 billion. Executives on Thursday highlighted the potential for cost financial savings, complementary but not wholly overlapping customers, their power in video and the bigger reach the two will have.


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Life after 9/11: Perspectives from 4 AustraliansBy Matt Liddy
In the immediate aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, ABC News Online published emails from a number of Australians living in New York and Washington. Ten years on, four of those people reflect on life in the US after 9/11.
Stephen Brown
In 2001, Stephen Brown wrote:
I am an Australian, Professor of Finance at NYU-Stern School of Business in New York, located in Greenwich Village, New York.
When the disaster occurred early this morning, I was teaching my regular 8:00am class in the basement of the school, and so I did not hear anything until I came back to my office at 9:15.
When I came back to my office... there was a frantic call from my wife on Staten Island, a ferry ride away from lower Manhattan. She was very concerned, and I immediately rushed out to the street to see the World Trade Centre, the very symbol of the financial centre of New York City, up in flames, something of the appearance of a terrible Roman candle.
I rushed north eight blocks to Xavier, where my son is attending high school. The cadet corps had come into its own this morning, and everything was in a state of calm.
The principal assured the anxious parents that the school was actually the safest place for the boys at that point, and to wait an hour or two before attempting to take them home. I did as I was told.
Later that morning I was heading south with my son and his friend from Staten Island.
In front of us was a monstrous cloud of smoke and ash covering the entire financial district.
We had been told that the ferry was operating, and all we had to do was find a way down to the ferry terminal on the lower tip of Manhattan Island.
But, walking through SoHo and coming to Chinatown, the road was covered in a fine ash and police barricades were erected to stop people travelling south.
Walking through Chinatown, we found a street open to the south-east towards the East River. People were rushing in that direction, and we followed them to the river.
By that time, we had learned that there were in fact no ferries going to Staten Island, the boats being used for the more urgent task of transporting the wounded to hospital.
My son observed people heading towards a pier, and the police officer on duty explained that the private tugboat company in New York harbour had volunteered to take people off Manhattan Island, and a small group of us were soon heading across New York harbour back to Staten Island.
What was most striking about this experience was that in one of the noisiest and most aggressive cities in the world, an absolute calm prevails.
There is a state of shock and a knowledge of terrible loss yes, but a loss shared. Everybody has come out to help in this emergency, people are being turned away from blood donation centres. This crisis, terrible as it is, shows New York in its best light.
Looking back 10 years later, Stephen writes:
There is not a day that passes when, commuting by ferry to Manhattan from Staten Island, I do not look out and notice the absence of the twin towers of the World Trade Centre.
New York is now a very different place than it was just 10 years ago.
What was the financial centre is now becoming a residential district. This change had its roots five to ten years prior to 9/11 but the events of that day were the final impetus.
New York is and will be the centre of global finance, but is less tied to the bricks and mortar of the Financial District.
I think about what was lost but also what has been gained. On that terrible day New Yorkers stood together, and that sense of community which I am told was evident in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor has persisted to this day.
New York is a kinder and gentler place. People are much more civil to each other on the subway and on the street, and New York has become a much more pleasant place to live and to work.
However, memories of that day persist. My son was so enthusiastic about the idea of attending high school in Manhattan 10 years ago only to experience the horror of 9/11 on the first week of classes.
He did well in high school and at university, but has now turned his back on Manhattan and is attending graduate school at the University of Melbourne.
Kirsten Tydings
In 2001, Kirsten Tydings wrote:
I'm proud to be an Australian today. I have been living in the DC metro area since October 2000 and married a US citizen this June. I work for a satellite company and just got to work yesterday as the events began to unfold.
Firstly, my co-workers and I watched the First Trade Centre tower burn (on live internet link-ups), thinking that it was some kind of freak accident, to be totally shocked that within minutes the second tower was hit and then minutes later the Pentagon just miles from us was hit.
We subsequently heard many rumours, of bombs in cars in front of other areas in DC, in train stations and of another hijacked plane that was possibly en route to Washington DC.
Our CEO decided at that time it was best for all personnel to go home as it would be safer for individuals to be in residential areas and everyone wanted to be with their family at such a tragic time.
A state of emergency was called and it was chaos, the traffic jams were bad and all the cell phone networks were down; for two hours I could not reach my husband, who also works in the Metro area, but thankfully there were no other attacks on DC.
The atmosphere in the DC area yesterday was incredible. I no longer have any naive idea that I live in a world that is safe or at peace and as events unfolded on the networks yesterday, the sorrow that has overcome this nation is incredible.
I went down to the supermarket last night and so many people were standing hugging and offering each other comfort, churches were full, and I have never felt so safe and united with the people here.
It's a funny coincidence that our Prime Minister was in DC at the same time, and I was very proud to see him in the House this morning, where he received a standing ovation for his pledge of support.
It was wonderful to get to work this morning and have so many emails from family and friends back home in Australia and to realise how united we all are in this tragedy.
I have been passing on our country's reaction to my family and friends here in America (as unfortunately it doesn't really make any headlines), and it is a comfort to many to know that America has many strong allies amidst this shocking attack from an unidentified enemy.
Truly the saddest thing we have heard is that in some countries people are celebrating these attacks. So many people in my office and my husband and his family have friends that are missing or known dead, yesterday was so surreal and today we woke up and realised it wasn't a bad dream, and all the reality and stories of how it has affected families and communities come in.
There is already so much talk of how this will change everyday life here in the States, and air travel is still grounded, but it is commonly agreed that once it re-commences it is unlikely to be as easy as it was.
We're all back at work but still glued to the news channels as more and more information unfolds and hopefully more survivors are found.
The death toll at the Pentagon is still not known and is estimated between 100 and 800.
Everyone is trying to be positive and wanting to get back to business as soon as possible but it will be a long rebuild, structurally and emotionally.
Looking back 10 years later, Kirsten writes:
My observations as an Australian living in the DC area in the 10 years since 9/11 would be that there is a much stronger patriotism in the US and more awareness that their world view is not shared by other nations and strongly opposed by many.
As a citizen of an ally country I'm often told how fabulous our military service people are in Iraq/Afghanistan etc. but questioned as to what most Aussies think of the war/fight against terrorism.
I usually reply that our opinions on the subject are as diverse as those in the US - with many believing we should not have troops in other countries and others feeling there should be an escalation of military efforts.
Although most of us have gone back to our usual routines, there is an element of fear that underlies our daily lives that I don't believe existed before.
We had an earthquake recently in the area - it did not cause any major damage but everyone felt shaking for approximately 45 seconds. Many people, including myself, thought perhaps it was possibly a plane crashing or a bomb somewhere until it was reported it was an earthquake, which are unusual in this region.
With regard to my dealings with American bureaucracies during this time it has definitely become more frustrating than ever to deal with the INS (Immigration and Naturalisation Service) and I personally find it annoying that I am treated with the same suspicion as any foreigner, although I am an Australian citizen and our country is one of the US's closest allies in foreign policy and operations.
I have been blessed with two little dual citizens since 9/11 and the paperwork for all that should have earned me a law degree.
Going home to visit family in Australia was already challenging before 9/11 but now with the ever increasing security measures at airports I have to allow for at least four hours between my domestic US flight and boarding time for the international flight to Australia.
Security personnel in LAX do not care if you have just arrived from a 14-hour flight from Australia and are trying to make a connection (even if you have two little kids with you - thanks mate!).
Of course these measures are generally accepted as necessary and we expect delays due to security to become more common and invasive and continue to expand.
Government buildings are now strictly monitored and even the Australian embassy in DC - which was apparently open to Aussies to stroll in and borrow books from the library or purchase Aussie food from the shop prior to 9/11 - is now closed to us unless for passport/visa appointments or if you have an appointment with a staff member.
At the end of the day I have to give the Yanks credit for their spirit in dealing with the tragedy of 9/11 and their belief in freedom and good intentions for countries where injustice is extreme.
I certainly don't have any answers for how best to achieve world peace and what role the US should play but do find it interesting that in some recent situations where the US did not lead peacekeeping efforts many criticised them for not being involved, so it's like they're damned if they do and damned if they don't.
Elizabeth Schorn
In 2001, Elizabeth Schorn (then Elizabeth Jee) wrote:
I was in Greenwich Village at the time of the incident.
I stepped out for my morning coffee break a little past 9am. The streets were crowded but eerily quiet. They were all staring south at the World Trade Centre towering above 9th Street and University Place (New York University) at Greenwich Village. The location is a short 5 to 10 mins walk to the WTC. The view of the towers is clear, up-close and unobstructed.
I heard from a young lady that a plane had crashed into a building. I thought - "impossible" - because this was restricted airspace.
I was horrified to see a gigantic black hole in the north tower. It was engulfed in thick black smoke. The south tower's side was raging with fire. It was bright orange. The latter was hit only seconds before I walked out of my building. People were in a daze. It was surreal.
I said to myself, "I am witnessing an event that will change world politics forever", and ran to get a disposable camera from a crowded photo shop nearby.
People in the streets were calm, I think more in a state of shock. Nobody was panicking. It was so quiet, I heard an elderly woman some metres away sobbing for her daughter, who worked in the building. Occasionally you heard a suit gone crazy, walking down the street shouting gibberish, unable to deal with his emotions.
I walked around in circles completely numb. I took pictures of the two buildings in ruins. I called my partner, who works at Morgan Stanley. He was watching the horror from the 34th floor of his office near Times Square. He was desperately trying to absorb the fate of all the people in the World Trade towers, including 3,500 Morgan Stanley staff. He had just heard that a co-worker got evacuated by climbing 81 flights of stairs.
Then I heard a rumble and a chorus of 'gasp' which echoed the entire street. The south tower disintegrates and crumbles before my eyes and all I see is a massive cloud of dust. I knew that it was a matter of time before the second tower came down too. Many people crowded into delis and stores to watch the news on mini-screen TVs. Trucks and cars stopped and played the news on the radio for all to hear. Sirens blared in the background and soon the military moved in.
About 20 minutes later, people were beginning to walk away from the scene thinking New York was left with only one tower. Then another 'gasp'. Nobody screamed. It was sheer silent terror. The second building shattered. I saw debris flying everywhere. It completely disappeared. People weeped. Every person on the streets was on their cell (phone), trying to contact their loved ones. Unfortunately phone lines were so jammed it was impossible to make a call from both cells and payphones.
I heard the city was closed off. My friends who were out of town had no way of getting out of Manhattan. So we walked to St Vincent's Hospital near the scene of the wreckage to donate blood. People lined up for blocks. I lined up for over two hours. Delis, grocery stores, pizzerias and restaurants donated water, juice, food and candies for (those) donating. Even residents open their homes for use of bathrooms and food. People were good. Their hearts were open and it really touched me to see how a city this big can get together and work as one in times of trouble.
The subway was shut off and I resorted to walking 80 blocks to my home. The city was evacuated. It got extremely crowded in midtown and traffic stood still. People walked around the cars and on the road. It felt like the end of the world.
I came home six hours after walking out for my coffee break. The world had changed. My life was altered and I was covered in sweat, smelled like dust and ash and was completely dazed. My family waited by the phone all night to hear from me. My email was bombarded with concerns from friends in Sydney. The phone lines were jammed so it took me some time before reaching them in Australia.
It's 11:30pm now. Manhattan is very quiet. It feels haunted. A lot of people are not doing so good here today. The constant helicopter and fighter jets hovering over Manhattan is unnerving.
Terrorism is something that's on everybody's mind here every day. Ironically it's one thing we were so sure it wasn't going to happen soon - or at least on this scale.
Looking back 10 years later, Elizabeth writes:
"I don't know... a plane hit some building."
It was shortly before 9am on September 11, 2001 when a fellow student walked into class and vacuously uttered those unforgettable words. I ran outside and watched the second tower blazing in colossal flame and couldn't take my eyes off this massive smouldering hole in the tower next to it.
And 10 years on, I can vividly recall the cataclysmic, unimaginable hell unfold, and feeling just baffled how anyone could describe a plane crashing into a building so devoid of emotion.
It's hard to believe it's been 10 years. Although it's four days away, I am reminded far too soon thanks to my local deli (a tourist trap by Central Park) deciding to adorn its front windows with cheesy 9/11 souvenirs - which I find distasteful; and my last minute agreeing to sharing a reflective follow up to an account I gave on 9/11.
My memories of September 11, 2001 are vivid and fragmented. I recall the deadening silence when time stood still as the towers collapsed into what sounded like a muffled implosion, followed by hysteria on the streets.
I recall walking in the direction of Ground Zero after hearing that hospitals needed blood donors, only to be turned away when it became apparent that ambulances were not returning with survivors. I have no idea what time I got home but it was dark and it took hours. And that God-awful smell, the whole island was covered in toxic fume for weeks.
The days that followed were difficult but characterised by a sense of unity and collective purpose.
Although the city was covered with "missing" posters of loved ones, it was a poignant reminder of why we couldn't crumble to our knees. Occasionally there were moments that sent you back, like the time when my husband (then boyfriend) randomly reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card of a college friend he had run into at a bar few weeks earlier. His office was located on the floor where the only means of an exit was going to the roof.
Since 9/11, I think many New Yorkers, including myself, have become reticent. I sensed that the normalisation process occurred much too quickly without a script to guide many of us how to go about our routine life. We were simply told to pick up and most importantly, to live. And in the past 10 years I've run into people who shared survival stories with far-reaching psychological consequences.
As for me, I've no doubt I've been affected at some point or another. It was with heavy heart that I taught preschool music to some of the 9/11 children; and later on during my years in commercial real estate I overheard heart-wrenching stories from brokers who represented major institutional companies in the WTC towers.
There was a brief period when I suffered significant anxiety attacks during turbulent flights.
But on a positive note, and as a direct result of 9/11, my boyfriend and I got married. We were neither ready but when he proposed he said something along the lines of, "I'm not going to wait and wonder what could have been."
We also shared this anti-routine and anti-planned view of life after 9/11. We played in a band together, I've travelled alone to parts of world I never dreamed of, and we frequently took unplanned ski trips whenever we felt it was an opportunity we couldn't miss out on. And when I felt the time was right, I made a purposeful choice and finished my degree at Columbia University.
On this 10-year anniversary of September 11, 2001, I wish for zero tolerance on political rhetoric and focus on bringing light to families of loved ones and victims who perished on America's darkest day.
Gail Cram
In 2001, Gail Cram wrote:
I am an Australian citizen currently living in the Washington area.
I work in DC about two blocks from the White House; my husband works in the Pentagon.
I spent a horrific three or more hours yesterday waiting to hear if he was found. What was hard was that I could not get any phone calls out of the DC area.
Eventually late yesterday I managed to get a call through to Australia to let our families know that we were all safe.
Yesterday CNN were broadcasting every rumour they heard. We sat surrounding the news broadcasts believing the reports that the State Department had been bombed, that there was a fire on the National Mall, that there had been a explosion at Capitol Hill - along with the pictures of the Pentagon and New York.
These reports were broadcast all over the world, so when I did get in touch with family in Australia they thought I was in the middle of a war zone. One would think that if they saw the F16s doing the patrols of the skies.
I am just glad we are all safe and well.
Looking back 10 years later, Gail writes:
It is very hard to believe that 10 years has passed since that day in 2001.
Ironically as I drove past the Pentagon that fateful morning on my way to work, I was thinking - gee what an absolutely beautiful day it is.
I was contemplating the day ahead; we were planning on attending a ceremony later in the afternoon at the only Australian soldier's grave at Arlington National Cemetery, a ceremony which John Howard was going to attend. It was going to be a great chance for our two children aged 11 and 10, to possibly meet the prime minister.
I had only just driven past the Pentagon when I first heard on the radio that there was a plane crash in New York. Little was I to know then how that day was going to change the world, and the utter devastation that would unfold.
It was incredibly admirable seeing the way the American people reacted to this tragedy, the patriotism and resolve that they showed. After September 11 nearly every house was proudly flying an American flag. There was an immense sense of patriotism that invigorated the people, even those of us who were not Americans. We went out and bought an American flag to fly proudly beside our Australian flag.
The day after 9/11, my boss had informed us that we could make our own decision as to whether we should come into work that day. His opinion was that we should continue 'business as usual' and show the terrorists that we were not going to lay down, but if we wanted to take the day off then that was fine.
I decided to take my boss's lead and go to work. The train was not running as its route went underneath the Pentagon, which at that time was still burning, so I decided to drive into DC. On a normal commute day it could take an hour if you left a little later, but on that day it took me three hours one way. When I did get into work, it was like a war zone - there were military Humvees with soldiers on the roof with what I assumed to be loaded machine guns cruising the streets, soldiers with weapons on each street corner in central DC, and a lot of businesses closed up.
When I reflect back now, I actually don't think of 9/11 as the scariest incident of our posting in the USA. It was the weeks that followed that brought even more drawn-out terror.
If you remember the few weeks post 9/11, the anthrax attacks were a time of great concern. There wasn't a day that went past that the Hazmat team were not locking down a building in our locality in DC. There were numerous deaths at the local postal facility, and the local television network next door to our building was in total lockdown after some deaths at their New York newsroom.
In the weeks that followed the anthrax attacks, the Washington sniper started randomly killing people on the street, at petrol stations, and even children leaving school. There were innocent pedestrians shot and killed in all directions from our house, and after a boy was shot leaving school, I seriously contemplated packing up and leaving - moving back to Australia where I knew it would be safe.
Whilst 9/11 was just one day, the anthrax and sniper tragedies went on for weeks without a resolution, dragging out the terror they had introduced into everyone's lives. I found myself trying to combat the threat by dropping our children off at school instead of them catching the bus, and buying petrol from the Pentagon service station - where there was a Humvee with a soldier and loaded machine gun on its roof.
As has been often quoted, that day changed the world we live in. Since then when we fly we have all cursed the security at the airport, the long lines to go through the x-ray machines, the body scanners and the additional explosive checks. Then we remember why they are in place - 9/11.
Every anniversary I touch base with the colleagues I was working with on that day. There has been on ongoing camaraderie between us for all of these years.


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What To Say To Trump Supporters Now
When Donald Trump was merely a candidate running for president, many of his supporters and opponents alike insisted that there was nothing to be afraid of — that Trump would never actually do the things he promised to do. But Trump has been president for a week now, and he has already unleashed chaos both domestically and globally. If you have family members, friends, or other people in your community who voted Trump into office and who are now celebrating his executive orders on everything from Obamacare and immigration, you may be searching for the right way to respond. What can you say to Trump supporters who still think the president has the right idea?
After the "alternative facts" debacle, it may no longer be effective to launch into a series of facts about how carefully refugees are vetted, for example, or how much money undocumented immigrants pay in taxes each year. You should still try, of course, but don't be surprised if the response you receive is something along the lines of "you've been brainwashed by the liberal media."
But in light of the events of the past few days, during which Trump's seven-country Muslim ban resulted in refugees, immigrants with valid visas, and even permanent permanents being detained and deported from airports, we cannot afford to stay silent.
First, start by asking the Trump supporter/s in your life why they voted for him. Ask them what they expected him to do, and listen to what they have to say. This applies in particular to white people and others in positions of privilege; it cannot and should not always be marginalized people's responsibility to make space for Trump supporters' feelings. So, try to get a sense of why these people voted for Trump in the first place, and focus on the big picture. What can Trump do for them that motivates them to justify his recent behavior?
What I have found is this: While you must be able to back up everything you say with facts and data, empathy must also be an important part of the discussion. I know, however, that this can be difficult for many of us. For instance, my own Indian-American community is certainly not exempt from problematic behavior, and when I've confronted Trump supporters in my life, I am often keen to point out specific instances where they're wrong. But unfortunately, and perhaps obviously, that isn't usually productive.
Instead, I've found that creating a sense of empathy and understanding through personal narratives is the most effective way to move forward. These kinds of conversations should make people uncomfortable and unsettle their privilege while also making them think more critically about their points of view.
Start out by telling your Trump-supporting friends and family why these issues matter to you. Be as personal as you can. Share stories with them about your friends, roommates, and colleagues who come from different backgrounds — without tokenizing them — that they cannot simply dismiss as "liberal propaganda."
Then, get more specific about what has been happening in the past few days. You can show them copies of the recently signed executive orders, since those are official documents. Then, ask them how they would feel if they were not able to access health care when they needed it most. Ask them how they would feel if they left the country only to be barred from entry upon their return. And if they laud Trump for keeping them safe, ask them what they are so afraid of.
If they say they are worried about terrorism, point out that nobody from the seven countries mentioned in Trump's executive order has committed an act of terror against Americans. If they are worried about the economy, make it clear that employers might be exploitative but that jobs can't be "stolen."
But if their support for Trump's recent actions lies in explicit bigotry, the most critical thing to do is to expose them to difference. Talk about the clinic doctor who was sent back to Saudi Arabia. Tell them about the families that have been separated. Explain that there are students who can't come back to the States to resume their work. You might also want to mention Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, who can't even come support his own film at the Oscars.
When talking about these issues, it is vital that we humanize those who are most affected. It is much less likely that someone would celebrate Trump and his actions if they actually knew people whose lives and livelihoods were being targeted. Give them faces and stories to associate with recent headlines. Make it clear that their decision to support Trump has already had tangible, devastating consequences for many communities.
Ultimately, try to find some sort of common ground; they likely want to survive and have a better life as much as the refugees and immigrants who have been prevented from entering the country.
Next time you find yourself in a discussion with someone who feels differently, remember that empathy is such an important component of these conversations. And we must have these difficult and uncomfortable conversations, because we cannot afford to be complacent.


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Brewers 7, Rockies 3: Freddy Peralta sets franchise record with 13 strikeouts in debut
DENVER – It didn't take long for Freddy Peralta to cement his place in Milwaukee Brewers lore.
Peralta made his major-league debut one to remember Sunday afternoon by striking out 13 Colorado hitters in only 5⅔ innings, the most strikeouts by a rookie pitcher in franchise history, first game or otherwise.
The Brewers' offense bounced back from a Saturday shutout to support Peralta in a 7-3 victory over the Rockies at Coors Field, Milwaukee's third win in the four-game series.
Getting called up from the minors only because starter Chase Anderson became ill Saturday night and couldn't pitch, Peralta took full advantage and dominated Colorado's hitters in a venue known for being rough on pitchers. He allowed only one hit, a one-out single by David Dahl in the sixth, before being removed when he got to 98 pitches.
Peralta gave an indication his first start would be special when he struck out five of the first six hitters he faced. In two separate innings, he struck out Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez and Trevor Story, the Nos. 4-6 hitters in Colorado's lineup.
BOX SCORE:Brewers 7, Rockies 3
RELATED: Peralta's debut was so amazing it had many involved teary-eyed
RELATED: Freddy Peralta's story told through social media
RELATED: A look back at Steve Woodard's 1997 debut for Brewers
NOTES:Brewers have used 22 different pitchers
MLB:Live scoreboard, box scores, standings, statistics
The slightly built right-hander surpassed the mark of 12 strikeouts by Steve Woodard over eight innings in his Brewers debut on July 28, 1997, against Toronto. Peralta was only the fifth pitcher since 1908 to strike out at least 13 batters in his major-league debut.
Peralta turned in his gem with his parents, Pedro and Octavia, watching from the stands, seeing him pitch professionally for the first time. They had traveled from the Dominican Republic to watch him pitch Saturday night for nearby Class AAA Colorado Springs but he was scratched from that assignment when Anderson became ill.
The Brewers failed to score in the first inning after Christian Yelich led off with a double, with the next three hitters striking out. But they jumped on Rockies starter Jon Gray for three runs in the second inning.
Tyler Saladino, making his first start since coming up from the minors, doubled in the first run on a booming drive that skipped over the center-field fence. With two down, Yelich stroked an opposite-field hit through the left side to knock in two more runs and make it 3-0.
The Brewers' lead jumped to 4-0 in the third when Travis Shaw slugged the team's longest home run of the season, a 452-foot drive to right-center. It grew to 7-0 when Jesus Aguilar smacked a three-run homer in the sixth off reliever Harrison Musgrave.
CAIN GETS DAY OFF: Lorenzo Cain was given the day off by manager Craig Counsell, forcing him to come up with a new leadoff hitter. He chose Yelich, who had batted exclusively in the No. 2 hole in his previous 28 games. Counsell then put Aguilar in the two-hole, the first time he batted that high in the order this season.
CLUTCH HITTING MOSTLY ABSENT: The Brewers went 10-for-22 with runners in scoring position in the first two games of the series but have been woeful for the most part in that department. After going 0-for-11 Saturday night in a 4-0 shutout, they dropped to a .214 batting average with RISP for the season, third-worst mark in the majors entering Sunday. Only Texas (.205) and the Chicago White Sox (.211) were worse in the clutch. The Brewers struggled again in that department, going 3-for-17.
QUICK RETURN FOR LOPEZ: Reliever Jorge Lopez, who was sent down to Colorado Springs on Thursday, was recalled Saturday night without ever throwing a pitch for the Sky Sox. Lopez traveled to Denver with the Brewers and rejoined Colorado Springs when the team returned home Saturday. Lopez was only there a few hours before reporting back to the Brewers. He did not have to stay down the requisite 10 days because Chase Anderson went on the DL.
MAMA'S BOYS: The Brewers boosted their record on Mother's Day to 33-19 (.635), best in the majors. They have some work to do on Father's Day, however. Their 19-32 record (.373) on that day is the second-worst in the majors behind Texas (21-38, .356).
IT WAS A DAY FOR Ks: While Peralta was putting himself in the Brewers' record book with his strikeout total, Milwaukee's hitters were doing some major whiffing of their own. Gray struck out 10 in 5⅓ innings, and the Brewers finished with 15 strikeouts, including four by Ryan Braun.
This year: 24-17
Last year: 23-18
Monday: Brewers at Diamondbacks, 8:40 p.m. Milwaukee RHP Junior Guerra (2-3, 3.09) vs. Arizona LHP Patrick Corbin (4-0, 2.12). TV: FS Wisconsin. Radio: AM-620.


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On the beautiful, small island, total size of 60 000 m2, is situated small old castle which spreads on 2 floors of net area 140 m2. Castle is placed on private plot of 1 850 m2. This private land and castle are for sale. Rest of the island is owned by the state.
The upper, main floor, spreads on 110 m2 of living space, 5 meters high, with additional 2 terraces on the left and right side of the object, each approximately 100m2 large, which can be used and equiped as additional area, like BBQ, summer kitchen, and all of them could be covered with beautiful wooden pergolas.
In the basement area, which is situated below main floor, is currently part of the old castle, approximately 30 m2, and it is possible to completely dig out and enlarge the entire level, up to the layout borders of the upper level, including area below the terraces, which would give additional approximately 300 m2, with 3-5 windows. It is also possible to connect floors with the inner staircase.
On the north part of the castle, separate from the building itself, it is possible to make a ground object (by existing project) with 4 bedrooms on total living area of 100-150 m2.


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The Franklin Hiawatha encampment is drowning in a sea of donations. Even though winter is approaching the camp is receiving boxes filled with summer clothes: flip flops, sandals, cotton tees, summer dresses - every day. That is not an exaggeration. It happens every day. Every. Day.
Food is the other item the camp receives far too much of. Don't get me wrong: hot meals or bagged lunches are welcome - but many foodstuffs received are not useful and end up being thrown in the trash. In the past 10 days the camp - which has no kitchen, no refrigeration, and no storage secure from rodents and raccoons - has received 25 cases of quarts of heavy cream, 6 cases of potato salad a week past its freshness date, case upon case of romaine lettuce, cases and cases of brown speckled bananas, literally thousands of plain hamburger buns and much much much more. It's completely overwhelming
The trash that piles up every day must be picked up by residents and volunteers, bagged when possible (piles of rotting food are hard to bag), and placed in the receptacles the generous souls at Public Works empty every day. But these days the receptacles are always full to overflowing which results in piles of trash around each receptacle - like the pile pictured below. Much - perhaps most - of this trash is food that cannot be used and inappropriate clothing that has been dropped off directly at the camp. Public Works employees and camp volunteers must rake or shovel this trash directly into the back of the dumpster trucks. Lets face it folks: it's gross.
Please think hard before bringing donations to the camp. Is it winter wear only? Can the food be consumed without cooking? Will the raw foods you bring attract pests?
Too many piles of trash surrounding the receptacles at the encampment create a public health hazard. Please help us keep the camp safe. When in doubt visit the Franklin Hiawatha Camp website and if you don't find the information you need send us an email. We know you want to help - and we appreciate it! But sometimes there CAN be too much of a good thing.
Clothes, clothes, and more clothes continue to be dropped at the encampment every day, despite calls to limit items to winter wear and bring to the drop centers listed on the website.
One of the trash piles around a receptacle on a Monday morning. Mondays are the toughest as lots of individuals and groups visit the camp on Sundays. Public works employees had to shovel this into the truck by hand as the bin was full and we ran out of contractor bags. It's hard to tell in the photograph, but much of this is clothing dropped directly at the camp that no one claimed. Unclaimed items must be thrown away daily due to lack of storage.
I wish this photograph wasn't blurry. This amazing woman comes to the camp and helps clean every day. Here she is holding up a high heeled summer sandal - just one of many clothing articles that have to be thrown away. Remember there is no storage at the camp - and folks needs boots, not sandals and flip flops.
About half of what was bagged and boxed on a recent Camp Clean Up. Residents and volunteers work hard to keep the camp clean and safe. You can sign up to participate in a Camp Clean Up on the website. Clean Ups happen every Saturday at 2:00 PM.
Posted by Camille


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(More random thoughts of varying degrees of import on a Thursday evening.)
Paul is coming to DC this weekend to tend bar at his old stomping ground, Wonderland (or is it The Looking Glass Lounge? He used to work them both). If you're in DC and are looking for where the party is on Saturday and/or Sunday night, click on either name and you'll find it. He and I may or may not connect, as his schedule is pretty tight. One round trip ticket here for a weekend, and the trip more than pays for itself, since he can make more in DC than an entire week down in Atlanta. (Are we surprised that Washington is where the big money is?) That's how he spends his breaks from school.
There are rare moments between a father and a son, where the latter is positioned to provide timely wisdom for the former. Once he had a falling out with someone, and this guy he couldn't particularly stand told him: "Does this person have anything you value, anything to which you aspire?" Paul had to say no. "F@#$ him, then, you don't need him." Rather pithy advice, but lately I needed to be reminded of that.
"Kids say the darndest things," even once they are grown. Here's something he posted on his Tumblr page:
"Here's some crazy $#@t: I just read that some of the bloodiest skirmishes in the Civil War's Battle of Atlanta were fought right outside my new apartment."
Wait til I tell him about Sherman's March!


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Work Hard, Be Kind, and Amazing Things Will Happen
When you found a startup, you try to find the best people. Those who can join the mission to execute on an initial dream; those whose joining is an affirmation that makes you feel like "yeah this could work;" and those who serve as ambassadors for the magic you hope to bring into the world.
Entrepreneurship is hard. Most startups fail. The only thing you can really control is the people you get to work with, and the impact on each other that you will make.
When I learned that Area 1 Security had been recognized as one of the best places to work in the San Francisco Bay Area, I felt an enormous amount of pride. I am really grateful for the little pieces of themselves that each member of our team has given over the past three years.
Area 1 Security hires for intelligence and grit, but we also hire for kindness. It's a team that hangs together, because it is our nature.
I've always benefitted from the kindness and generosity of others. That's something I've wanted everyone on my team to feel also.
Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get; but "if you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen." There's no "method" for being authentic. But I'm very proud to work with a team that loves working together, and loves doing things a little differently.