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How to Systemize Your StudySee also: Study Skills
Between your last few years at high school and the end of college you will likely have somewhere between ten and twenty examination sessions.
Exams are a performance and one of the most important parts of any performance is preparation. Rather than reinvent the wheel every time exams come around, make sure you have a study system. This way you can reduce the amount of time getting prepared and spend that time studying instead.
Tweak your system as required, but let the system do a lot of the hard work for you.
A lot of your life is systemized already, even if you haven't thought about it in this way before. At school and college the courses are structured for you, all you have to do is show up. The same applies in a sports team or a job. The coach or the boss will organize and direct things and you make progress by following instructions and doing the work.
However many things in life require you to create your own structures and systems. Running your own business, training without a coach and exam revision are some of these things. This is difficult for many people and they crave the security of having someone else tell them what to do and when to do it.
Many students struggle with their exam preparation because they approach their revision with no structure and no system. Since no one has given it to them, they try to study with no structure at all. The alternative to this is to create your own structure and your own system. Then all you have to do is follow it.
The things in your life that you can systemize are limited only by your imagination but here are the key ones for study:
- Your note taking system
- Your weekly planning schedule
- Your revision timetable
- Your study methods
Note-Taking System
Preparing for examinations becomes a lot easier if you can take effective notes throughout the semester and organize them in an orderly and easily accessible fashion.
Review the possibilities, then choose something and stick with it for the entire semester. See how it goes and then review it for the next semester. If you get used to formatting and organizing everything in the same way it drastically cuts down the time needed to re-organize before exams.
First of all, choose your note taking app. You might prefer the traditional pen and paper but there are numerous other alternatives:
- Word: Not specifically a note taking app, but a lot of people use it because it is familiar. Files are organized and stored in nested folders on your hard drive.
- One Note: Sticking with Microsoft but this time going for their dedicated note taking app.
- Evernote: One of the most popular note taking apps in the world. It is not just used for study notes - but is incredibly effective for that purpose as well.
- Simplenote: An online note taking app that is cleaner than Evernote and clutter free.
Once you have decided what app to use, make sure you take the next step that most students won't. Determine a note taking format that you will use, rather than just taking notes on a blank page.
One common and effective option is the Cornell Note Taking System. This is a pre-set grid, with which you take notes, splitting up key points, details and a summary.
You can import a Cornell template into Evernote and make all your notes in this fashion.
There are plenty of other options, however Cornell with Evernote is a powerful combo.
Weekly Planning System
It is often said that we overestimate what we can get done it a day and underestimate what we can get done in a week.
For that reason many productivity experts recommend you run your life from a weekly plan rather than a daily plan.
This is a great idea for anybody looking to systemize their study. Things can come up on a daily basis that might knock your plans around a little bit, but within a week you should be easily able to accomplish all the tasks you have set for yourself.
To keep on top of all the things you need to do for your subjects or courses an app like Trello is a great option. Trello lets you create different boards, which are effectively categories, where you can keep a "to-do" list for everything.
You can mind dump everything onto Trello whenever a to-do item comes up. Visit Trello at the start of the week and decide what tasks you will accomplish that week.
Then extract them onto your weekly planner. Week Plan is an excellent app for this or you can just use Google Calendar or iCal.
If you can get into an effective weekly habit, it will save you the daily task of organizing your life and will help keep you on autopilot.
Revision Timetable
A revision timetable is something you should be looking to begin at least four weeks before your first examination. Since you have to sacrifice precious free time for study, a timetable is an effective way to make the best use of this time, as well as ensuring that you maintain a balance in life and do not burn out.
The first thing to do is to input all of your existing commitments into the timetable. Then take stock of what free time is available and schedule time for preparation and revision. This way you can figure out approximately how many hours you will have to study and split up your tasks accordingly.
Consider what has worked for you in the past. Do you have a particular time of day where you are most productive? Do you get more done on the weekends or in the evenings? If you know of a clear pattern then try and schedule most of your revision time in those high value areas. This is where your previous exam experience should help you tweak the system to improve your productivity.
A revision timetable is a system that is commonly used among students. The problem for most people is that they draw up the revision timetable but don't stick to it.
It helps to think of yourself as both an employee and a boss. The boss gives you the timetable and tells you that you need to show up, the employee then shows up because that is the expectation and responsibility. Be a good employee and respect yourself as a boss by sticking to your timetable.
You can use your calendar software to draw up a timetable or instead go for a specific timetabling app such as My Study Life.
Systemising Your Study Method
Once you have a revision timetable and are able to follow it effectively, the next question is what should you do with the time? This is something that you can experiment with and systemize based on trial and error.
Many students just aimlessly try and fill the time in their schedule and then congratulate themselves on how many hours of study they have completed.
A much more effective method is to set yourself a list of tasks that you would like completed and then systematically work through them.
These tasks might include things like:
- Reviewing study notes to see if anything has been missed during the course. Catch up on any gaps there are in your content.
- Take your semester's notes and reformat them into study notes, lists, flashcards and mind maps.
- Memorize key facts, concepts, information etc.
- Practice past papers or examples of questions you expect to get in the final paper.
Exactly how you approach this will be highly individual and dependent on the nature of your course and the way you learn. However the idea of coming up with a regular system you can follow and a checklist of tasks is applicable to everyone.
It is much more effective than merely committing hours for the sake of it, which can result in aimless wandering through the course material.
Knowing how far you are through your list of tasks helps you manage your time more effectively. It also helps with your confidence, because you can walk into the exam on the day knowing you were fully prepared.
Once you develop a system you can review it at the end of each exam session and tweak it for next time. That way every time you sit a new set of exams you are building on an established method.
Further Reading from Skills You Need
The Skills You Need Guide for Students
Develop the skills you need to make the most of your time as a student.
Our eBooks are ideal for students at all stages of education, school, college and university. They are full of easy-to-follow practical information that will help you to learn more effectively and get better grades.
About the Author
Thomas is passionate about helping students improve their study skills and productivity while at the same time managing stress levels. He believes that efficiency and serenity are the keys to peak academic performance.
Continue to:
Revision Skills
Revision Learning Styles
See Also:
Lifelong Learning | Research Methods
Essay Planning | Effective Reading


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Community Music
Why Drum?
By Morwen Two Feathers
Asked to write in response to the question, "Why drum?", I take time to reflect. I have been drumming for over seven years, have organized my life around it, have embraced the sacred task of making drumming accessible to others. Why do I do it? Why do I think it is good for others? As I consider my own motivations I find myself wondering how this question would be answered by others whose lives are intertwined with the energy of the drum. And so I embark on a thoroughly unscientific research project, talking with friends and acquaintances about what it means to live with the spirit of the drum.
One thing is clear: drumming captures the heart of most who encounter it. In the last few years, the popularity of drumming has spread, so that one can hardly go to any festival or gathering without hearing the pulse of drums, even if drums are not "on the program". Drum circles have sprung up across the country, in cities and small towns, meeting monthly or weekly, for men only or women only or open to all. People from all walks of life have embraced the drum as a fixture in their lives; participants in a recent Earth Drum Council event represented such occupations as computer programmer, postal worker, artist, nurse, blacksmith, social worker, massage therapist, theater tech, lawyer, doctor, secretary, and more. What is it about the drum that inspires, energizes, brings people together?
There are many levels to consider. First there's the simple fact that drumming is FUN. What child has not discovered this, banging with joyful abandon upon pots and pans, or tapping with pencils on desk or table top? (Sometimes I think the reason so many of us are so captivated by drumming is that our parents and teachers told us so many times as children to "stop that racket!" and now we can make all the noise we want.) Fun is an essential part of the human experience. In play we connect to the child within, and gain access to openness, wonder, and innocence that allows us to see the world new. In that state of mind and heart, we may claim the prerogative of children, to continue to grow.
Drumming also has powerful physiological effects. Most obviously, sustained drumming increases the heart rate and blood flow, resulting in the "high" common to any aerobic exercise. There are also more subtle effects. In an article in the drum newsletter "Reach Into the Pulse", Layne Redmond discusses the effect of drumming on the synchronization of the brain's two hemispheres. The process of drumming engages both the linear, rational left brain (in the learning of polyrhythmic parts and the analysis of how rhythms fit together) and the creative, intuitive right brain (in the entrainment of rhythm in the body and the appreciation of the music). The two brain hemispheres often emanate different wave frequencies; drumming, like deep meditation, brings them into synchronization, which is experienced as an opening of consciousness. Redmond writes, "Synchronized brain wave activity with very high amplitude alpha waves can create feelings of euphoria with a sense of expanded mental powers and flowing creativity... This may be the neurophysiological basis of what are called 'higher states of consciousness'."
Tom Bickford of Spiritcraft Drums conveys a related idea when I ask him why he drums. A drum builder, healer, and shaman, Tom says that shamanic journey drumming directly links humans with the vibration of the Earth by slowing the brain waves to around 8 cycles per second, the same frequency as the planet. "Drumming heals the human energy field, exactly like the laying on of hands," he says. "It energizes and clears the chakras. If your intention is for healing to happen when drumming, it will. Immersing oneself in the energy field of shamanic journey drumming is tremendously healing to all aspects of human beingness, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual." The bottom line, he says, is that drumming "makes you feel good. It opens you up to the heartbeat of Mother Earth. Why do I drum? So I can hang out with Mom."
Although shamanic journey drumming is different from the polyrhythmic drumming that has its origins in African cultures, the energetic impact on humans is the same: it induces an altered state (sometimes called "trance", sometimes "ecstacy") that opens the way for healing or transformation. This altered state is the realm of the shaman, the one who seeks the guidance of spirits to effect change. When people are drawn to the drum they intuitively feel its potential to change them, though they do not always consciously understand it.
Jimi Two Feathers, co-founder of Earth Drum Council, believes that drumming and dancing around the fire is the original, primal consciousness altering experience for human beings. "The nightclub of modern times is an attempt to duplicate that primal feeling," he says, "but there is no substitute. Humans walk, breathe, have a heartbeat -- we are basically rhythmic beings, and drumming taps into that. When you create that magical space around the fire where everyone has the same information, the same understanding of how the circle of energy works, then people become more at one with each other, more whole. The junk falls away, people become more honest on a soul level, and can unfold and fly. The drum circle has elements of entertaining and being entertained, but it's also the original church. In that space people can experience real transformation."
The healing and transformation created by drumming can be quite striking. Bob Bloom describes himself as "a drummer guy who does it because of the people it leads me to meet." After years of studying and then teaching African drumming, Bob is now working with the Rhythm for Life Foundation, focusing on bringing drumming to people with illness and disabilities, the elderly, and the very young. Bob gets intense pleasure from seeing the effect that playing with drums and percussion instruments has on people. His voice is animated as he describes giving an egg shaker to a man with cerebral palsy, who began to play it instantly and giggle with delight. In cases like this, the healing is not abstract or ethereal, but immediately observable.
Not everyone loves drums, though few are neutral; people either love them or hate them. I suspect that when people are repelled by the drum, they are afraid of that aforementioned potential for personal transformation, that is, change. Michael Wingfield, teacher and performer of the Afro-Caribbean percussive arts and an extraordinary drummer, tells a story of drumming in the street with friends when he was approached by an earnest young man, who beseeched him to stop drumming "because there are demons all around, called by the drums." After verifying that his drummer friends saw no demons, Michael turned to the man and gently admonished him to pray like hell. The demons are real; they feed on fear. Each of us must face our own personal demons, moving through our fear of change to expand into the realm of Higher Self. Michael's suggestion for how to do this: "Drum and drum often."
I see some themes coming up again and again. Drumming is enjoyable, it's fun, it feels good, it's a valuable form of self-expression, a catalyst for personal healing and transformation. But there's something else as well. Bob begins to touch on it when he talks about the variety of interesting people he has met through the drum. "There's a universal quality to it -- any group of people can come together around drumming, and it can have a positive impact on their lives." Drumming is a communal activity, it brings people together. As a participative art, it both builds community and expresses culture. Drumming, and its closely associated activity, dance, create a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. When people do it together, they tap into something much bigger than themselves, both as individuals and as a group.
The cultural aspect of drumming is important to Cornell Coley, an arts educator and consultant who promotes the arts in public education and produces performances of the traditional arts of the African diaspora. As a child, Cornell was attracted to drumming as a creative outlet, but the Western classical style of drumming he found in the public school system did not hold his interest for long, so he turned to dance. In college he spent his junior year in Ghana, and was exposed to a culture where music, drumming, dance, song, and instrument making were integrated into daily life. When he discovered Afro-Cuban and Brazilian dance, he came to recognize the creativity and complexity of the hand drumming that supports the dance, and began his journey of reintegrating the dance and drum that continues to this day. Now Cornell is committed to creating and producing work that combines folk art with modern performance art (especially dance), and sees drumming as an essential part of that process. The traditional folk arts, including traditional drumming, are a rich source of inspiration and creative material, and when these are combined with modern forms of expression such as modern dance, a new cultural milieu is created in which people have an opportunity to experience different aspects of themselves.
Earth Drum Council, too, was created with awareness of the web of community and culture that is formed when people drum and dance together. By providing a space where people learn rhythms, improvise and jam around the fire, and share from their hearts in council, EDC has fostered the creation of a new cultural community. This community values diversity, honesty, self-expression, and growth. Honoring the interconnection of all things, EDC consciously brings together many different drumming traditions with the intention of opening a space to experience the universal heartbeat. The drum becomes a tool to draw up the universal consciousness from deep within the soul. The energy that is raised in this space has the power to transform not only the participants but the world.
This transformation of the world through our individual and collective actions is essentially a shamanic undertaking. We recognize that when our actions are charged with the energy of ecstacy, their impact carries beyond the obvious or mundane effects that we can see. When we undertake the work of changing ourselves, understanding that we are woven into the web of all life, we enter the realm of the shaman, who travels between the worlds to heal the individual, the community, and the planet. What would the world be like if drumming were integrated into the everyday life of society? If the openness and intuitive knowing that are stimulated by the drum were the standard operating mode of our politicians, business people, teachers, bureaucrats? A glimpse of this potential is available to us now, as people from all walks of life join together to drum and dance their visions of a better world into reality.
Today, as more and more people are coming to understand the importance of transforming our culture's ways of being with each other and being on the planet, we are learning to value the power of ecstatic experience as a tool of transformation. Rhythm and movement, in the form of drumming and dance, are ancient technologies for raising energy, inducing the ecstatic experience, and weaving the web of community. These ancient ways are available to us right now. That's why I drum; how about you?
c. 1995, Morwen Two Feathers. A version of this article appeared in the September/October 1995 issue of Spirit of Change.
Morwen Two Feathers is a musician, teacher, writer, management consultant and mother who has been drumming for seven years. She is co-founder and director of
Earth Drum Council
, and since 1990 has worked to create opportunities for people from all walks of life to experience the power of the drum to build community and connect to spirit.

subset: commoncrawl


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Opinion: Testing Digital Advice Algorithms
The below opinion piece is in response to a recent submission by the Financial Planners Association in response to ASIC's Robo Advice Consultation Paper 254.
There should be a level playing field between digital advisers and human advisers. Whether it be advice industry bodies, financial institutions, fintech businesses, or financial advice software providers, every organisation with an interest in digital advice appears to agree with this statement. Or at least they claim to. However, once we delve deeper into some of the submissions, the hypocrisy reveals itself. Does everyone really want a level playing field? Or are some organisations trying to place unreasonable hurdles in front of fintech businesses, in order to protect their own competitive position?
One of the key areas of contention is how the person responsible for the advice (known as the Responsible Manager) should satisfy themselves that their advice is being produced as intended. Some organisations have recommended that digital advisers algorithms should be tested and verified externally, possibly by an actuary. On the surface this might seem reasonable. What is the harm in getting a highly skilled and qualified professional to provide an additional layer of verification? Being an actuary, you might think I would support this stance. Not at all. Lets look at the implications of this recommendation.
Firstly, requiring digital advisers to have their algorithms independently verified would be inconsistent with the treatment of human advisers. The fact is that human advisers have processes (that is, sets of rules) in place to make recommendations. In some cases, those processes are formal and documented. In other cases, the process resides in the advisers head. Either way, a process exists.
For example, a human adviser might classify their clients into 5 risk categories (eg high-growth, growth, balanced, cautious, conservative) based on responses to a questionnaire. Then they will recommend one of 5 model investment portfolios which corresponds to the risk classification. Similarly, the adviser might have a process to recommend a Transition to Retirement pension to working clients aged between 60 and 64. Furthermore, human advisers frequently use software such as XPlan, Coin, Provisio and Midwinter to prepare their advice. These software packages use algorithms.
In all these examples, there is no requirement for the process or algorithm to be independently verified. The only requirement is that the adviser and Responsible Manager can demonstrate that the advice (that is, the output) is reasonable and in the best interests of the client. The focus is the output, not the process that was taken to get there. And there is no requirement for external verification, whether that be to verify the process or the output.
So why should the rules be any different for digital advisers? The processes and rules that a digital adviser uses are no different from the processes and rules adopted by a human adviser. The only difference is that when a computer follows these rules, the result is always applied consistently. In contrast, when a human applies the same rules, inadvertent errors can be introduced. If anyone should be verified independently, it is the human adviser who is more prone to errors. But then we wouldnt have a level playing field.
Secondly, external verification is expensive. One of the great benefits of digital services is their ability to reduce the cost of providing financial advice, and therefore make good advice accessible to more Australians. As ASIC states in Consultation Paper 254, We believe that digital advice has the potential to offer a convenient and low-cost advice service to clients. Over 80% of Australians dont seek advice, and the high cost of advice (usually thousands of dollars per year) is one of the main reasons cited. External verification will increase the cost of digital advice for consumers. Whats more, it will make many early stage digital advice businesses non-viable, which will reduce competition and consumer choice. In addition, it will make digital advisers reluctant to improve their algorithms, which will reduce the quality of their advice.
Thirdly, external verification is slow. Every time a digital adviser wishes to change their algorithm it would need to be signed off externally. This could take weeks. The result will be less experimentation and innovation. Whats more, it will mean that digital advisers arent able to quickly respond to market and legislative changes, which will once again reduce the quality of their advice. For example lets suppose there is a sudden stock market crash. A digital advice business identifies that an algorithm change would be in their customers best interest. The employees work through the night to design, build and test and test the modifications. They are ready to implement their changes, but they have to wait for sign off which will take 2 weeks. What should the business do? Run with the existing sub-optimal algorithm (which is not in clients best interests)? Or stop providing advice altogether, which is also not a good outcome for their clients? To deliver the best possible advice, the digital advice business should have control over the advice they provide.
Finally, to require external verification would be inconsistent with situations where technology is used in the delivery of other financial services. Banks, insurance companies and fund managers deliver financial services to millions of customers every day. The services they deliver rely extensively on technology. Algorithms and software are typically used to identify customers, transfer money, charge interest and fees, calculate balances, issue statements, and contact customers.
Where technology is used in banking, insurance and funds management, it is expected that a testing framework should be in place. It is the Responsible Managers role to ensure that the testing framework is robust and fit-for-purpose. However, no external verification is required. Rather, it is recognised that the Responsible Manager is in the best position to determine whether testing and verification should be carried out internally or externally. Why should financial advice be treated differently?
Anyone who genuinely believes in a level playing field, wants to create more affordable advice for Australians, and understands how digital advice works, would strongly oppose a requirement for advice algorithms to be verified by external parties.
Greg Einfeld is Co-Founder of Plenty (http://www.plenty.com.au)


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Every once in awhile we'll give a little challenge for new dancers. (Think of it as fun homework.)
2. Make time to practice for fifteen minutes, three times this week.
Put on some music.
If you are alone and a follower, go over your footwork in place.
If you are alone and a leader, mime through the moves thinking of moving your body through the figures.
If you have no floor space, look over your notes (or your memories of things your teachers said) and watch YouTube swing dancing videos looking at other dancers and comparing what they do to your notes.


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The object you see hanging around my neck is a flint striker, which I use along with my magickal knife to start fires for ritual, cooking, dye pots etc. What started out as a somewhat mundane novelty (starting fires with a flint striker is pretty fun) became, over time, a more significantly magickal practice for me. Building the foundation for the fire with paper, kindling, and then firewood – ensuring the structure has good airflow to catch, then creating a small nest of dryer lint at the very center, striking the flint to create sparks – getting the angle and pressure just right to do so, waiting patiently for the lint to catch.. it's an incredibly meditative process. It has taught me about patience and the importance of good bones. It has taught me about energy exchange and transmutation. It has brought me to experiencing a stronger connection to my ancestors. And there is still more to learn from this humble skill. So now I adorn myself with this flint striker, and feel the true weight of it as a Tool of the Witch. ⚔
Blessed be,


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Donald Trump Finally Buys TV Ads, and Lots of Them
After months of waiting, Donald J. Trump has followed through on his promise to advertise, and advertise big, in early voting states in January.
Mr. Trump, the front-runner in many polls for the Republican presidential nomination, had promised to spend at least $2 million a week on advertising; he has already reserved $1,996,165 in ads through Jan. 12, according to Elizabeth Wilner, a senior vice president at Kantar Media/CMAG, which tracks TV advertising.
Several media buyers, some with rival campaigns and some independent contractors, called the television airtime substantial. Mr. Trump is not at saturation levels in many of the markets, but his level of ad buys are competitive with the other candidates.
And he is acting on his own; while other candidates such as Jeb Bush and Senator Marco Rubio are supported by "super PACs" advertising on their behalf, Mr. Trump has scorned help from outside groups after controversy surrounded a super PAC with ties to his campaign.
He reserved more than $1 million worth of air time in Iowa, with roughly $750,000 placed across seven broadcast markets and an additional $310,000 on 10 cable networks across the state.
In New Hampshire, Mr. Trump has reserved about $550,000 worth of air time on broadcast television, with the majority in the Boston market. Additionally, he reserved more than $300,000 on cable in New Hampshire, across more than 10 networks. And he is currently in the process of reserving more radio ads in the state as well.
Cable spending tends to be more targeted than broadcast spots and requires a level of sophistication. Dave Neal, the main strategist with Strategic Media Services, which placed Mr. Trump's spending, has been described by colleagues as a veteran of political niche buying. Mr. Trump's team appears to be buying week to week.
He has placed ads on Fox News, the obvious target for his main audience, but also on ESPN, the Food Network and the History Channel.
Until this point, Mr. Trump had been running one of the most nontraditional campaigns in modern history, relying almost exclusively on free news media and constantly surviving controversies that many political pundits proclaimed would put an end to his campaign. And the first ad that his campaign produced centers around his most controversial proposal: a temporary ban on foreign Muslims entering the country.
Either way, he faced skepticism about whether he would devote significant financial resources to advertising, and the $2 million in airtime buys could dispel those doubts for now. He said in an interview on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday that he felt "almost guilty" about how little had spent so far. According to the most recently available filings, as of the end of September, Mr. Trump had lent his campaign roughly $2 million, but it took in $4 million in donations.
Political ads serve as repetitive reinforcement of a campaign's message. And for all the focus on Mr. Trump's free time on cable television, it isn't the same as a controlled, 30-second spot delivered into people's homes.
Find out what you need to know about the 2016 presidential race today, and get politics news updates via Facebook, Twitter and the First Draft newsletter.


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"So how often do you have to take shots?"
"Does it hurt when you prick your finger?"
"Do you get annoyed when people ask you all sorts of diabetes questions?"
Just about every time I eat, no, and definitely not. Sometimes, I find myself getting bombarded with diabetes questions. Unlike my answers above, not every question leads to a succinct response.
For instance, I was on break with some co-workers earlier this week when they started asking me about sweets. We like to spoil each other every once in a blue moon by bringing treats into work to help us get through the tough days. So when my boss brought in some homemade blueberry muffins a few days ago, I caved and indulged in one. This led to someone saying, "I thought diabetics couldn't have anything sweet?"
This misconception has always bothered me. I started off by explaining how it's kind of a myth. I said that I don't like to deprive myself, so I will have desserts on occasion. However, I have to be diligent in how much insulin I take so that my blood sugar won't spike dramatically later. This simple round of Q&A led to a string of other questions, during which I was quizzed about the foods that I do and do not have often, and how I calculate my insulin dosages. My thirty five minute break turned into an exhausting affair in which I struggled to answer all the questions in a manner that didn't confuse or bore my co-workers. Furthermore, I was hindered by my usage of diabetic jargon that had to be defined to those who weren't familiar with terms like bolus or Humalog. It certainly isn't the kind of discussion to be had with someone who's in a rush or doesn't show any interest in what I'm saying.
But when it's all said and done, I would take long-winded conversations over silence any day when it comes to my diabetes. While it doesn't define who I am, it is a part of me and I think it's important that anyone who is in my life should have a basic understanding of what it means. As long as someone is willing to listen and learn from me, then I am happy to learn from them and answer the questions they may have. That's why I'd encourage diabetics to talk with others about what we have to deal with on a daily basis. It results in you and your friend becoming more comfortable with your diabetes and how you manage it. And when the time comes, they can even help you explain what it is to newcomers that you both may encounter. I know that my close friends who have known me for years (Kortney, Roshani, Chelsea, and others) have really helped me out in situations where I couldn't find the right words to answer a question very well. And from the start of our relationship, I've been open about my diabetes and my treatment of it with my boyfriend Patrick. As a result, he is relaxed when I take care of myself and even reminds me to do extra blood sugars checks from time to time.
And on this note, I find those endless lists of questions to be extremely helpful rather than tedious. In the long run, a few extra minutes of conversation has turned out to benefit me and those around me. Next time you find yourself engaged in a diabetic interview, consider being an active participant and maybe you'll discover how rewarding it can be.


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SIERRA NEVADA, madrid
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
This attractive hotel is conveniently located in the business district just a few minutes from the city's most important street. The centre of Madrid with its countless shopping and entertainment venues as well as various tourist sights is to be found just 20 minutes away and the Warner Bros movie park as well as the Nassica leisure centre can also be found in the vicinity.The establishment comprises a total of 72 accommodation units. A lift provides guests with easy access to the upper floors. Services such as a cloakroom and a safe make for a comfortable stay. Internet access (for a fee) and wireless internet access (for a fee) are available in the public areas. Gastronomic options include a restaurant, a café and a bar. Guests arriving by car can park their vehicles in the garage (for a fee) or car park. Other services include a laundry.All accommodation units feature air conditioning, central heating and a bathroom. The accommodation units each feature a double bed. A safe and a minibar also feature. Internet access, a telephone, a TV and wireless internet access are provided for guests' convenience. Each of the bathrooms features a shower, a bathtub and a hairdryer. The establishment offers the following bookable meals and board options: breakfast, lunch and dinner.The following credit cards are accepted at the establishment: American Express, VISA, Diners Club and MasterCard.


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Can a U.S. citizen try and stop getting the conditions removed on their spouse's Green Card if they decide that they don't want to be married to them anymore? Hi, I'm Jim Hacking immigration attorney practicing law here in St. Louis, Missouri. Our office spends a tremendous amount of time trying to get Green Cards for people and one of the main things that we work on are spouse-based Visas, so a lot of the times we're working with the U.S. citizen who wants to either bring their spouse here from overseas or to get their spouse a Green Card while they're here in the United States and to do that through a spouse-based marriage.
We have been involved in situations where the couple has just met and gotten married and they've decided to get the Green Card. We've gone ahead and done all the paperwork, obtained that Green Card for them and then some time passes by and the U.S. citizen comes to us and says, "I'm not so sure that I want to stay married to this person." Now in those situations, we would be conflicted out, so if we had handled the underlying marriage-based Visa and Green Card application, we can't get involved in a dispute between the husband and the wife or the spouses, so what happens then?
What we would do is we would refer them out to another immigration attorney. We generally do not get involved in trying to keep someone from keeping their Green Card. What is it exactly that I'm talking about? In a typical Green Card case, if the couple has been married for less than two years then the U.S. citizen, spouse and the immigrant have to file another form at the end of the two years or actually right before the end of the two year anniversary of the Green Card and they have to ask to get the conditions removed.
You're not given a permanent, permanent Green Card after a spouse-based Green Card is approved. You're given a conditional one which means after two years you have to demonstrate that you're still married, that you're still together. You have to show that you have a joined life together and that the two of your still have a legitimate marriage.
If the U.S. citizen doesn't want to play ball anymore, if they don't want to participate in that part of the process, it's possible for the non-citizen to keep their Green Card, but it's very, very difficult. Sometimes an angry U.S. citizen spouse calls us and says, "Hey, Jim can you help us or help me keep my spouse from getting that permanent Green Card." We don't get involved in that. We work too hard to get immigration benefits for people and we view it contrary to what we do here as helping U.S. citizens screw over their spouses and keep them from getting a Green Card.
Now there are certainly ways that a U.S. citizen can hurt the immigrant's chances of keeping the Green Card and the primary way for that is to file for divorce. The fact of the matter is that if you're divorced or going through a divorce and immigration finds out about it it's pretty much going to be a [inaudible 00:02:55] letter to get that Green Card conditions removed and for the beneficiary, the immigrant, to be able to stay in the United States.
While we don't get involved in that, that is one thing that we've had situations where the U.S. citizen has done that and the immigrant has come to us and asked us to try and help them to keep the Green Card. In those situations, there are steps that we can take if we can demonstrate that it was a valid marriage at the time of its inception, that the parties intended to live together as husband and wife and that things just didn't work out.
Now if the U.S. Citizen tries to stop that the immigrant's really going to have a hard time overcoming it. If the U.S. Citizen is willing to say, "Yeah, it was a legitimate marriage, but things just didn't work out and no I don't think the person should be deported," if we work on the case properly and develop the facts we might be able to keep that person here [inaudible 00:03:51] off a permanent residence status, but it's very, very difficult. It's not something that's easily done.
The long and the short of it is that conditional Green Card has to be renewed before the two years are up. You have to get those conditions removed and if the U.S. citizen spouse is not going to participate in that part of the process it's going to be very difficult to get those conditions removed. At the same time if you're the immigrant and they're not helping you, it's going to be really hard for you to stay in the United States. We don't advise people to try and mess with other people's immigration status. We think it's a mean and dirty trick and we don't help people that want to do that.
If you have questions about this, about your conditional Green Card or about getting the conditions removed or what has to happen, feel free to pick up the phone and give us a call, 314-961-8200 and we'll try to get you all squared away. Thanks a lot. Don't forget you can always email me [email protected] Thanks a lot.


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Reported in the Pothole category anonymously at 15:55, Mon 24 February 2020
Sent to Peterborough City Council 6 minutes later.
Council ref: 2018869.
The 'raised traffic calming red tarmac area' after the services roundabout travelling towards Crowland and adjacent to green road is breaking up badly and some large pot holes are starting to appear. It has been like this for a number of months but is now degrading very quickly.
Receive email when updates are left on this problem.
Thanks for making your report.
It will be passed on to the relevant department. We will endeavour to provide you with an update within 10 working days.
Posted by Peterborough City Council at 16:02, Mon 24 February 2020
The Peterborough City Council Highways team have assessed this issue as a high priority and aim to repair it urgently.
State changed to: Action scheduled
Posted by Peterborough City Council at 11:18, Tue 3 March 2020
The works regarding this report have been completed. Please be aware that this job may be a temporary fix.
State changed to: Fixed
Posted by Peterborough City Council at 14:58, Thu 5 March 2020
This report is now closed to updates.
You can make a new report in the same location.


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Article courtesy of: Wedding Planners in the City
Our refreshingly unique planning strategy enables us to assist at any stage of your wedding planning experience.
Editor's Note: for this Best Wedding Planners in Toronto Spotlight, we had the pleasure of interviewing Toronto wedding planner Leena, from Let's Party Consultants Inc..
Where have you been featured?
"One of the best wedding planners in Toronto"
-TorontoLife.com 2013 'Wedding Guide: the best Toronto wedding planners
Leena from Let's Party Consultants has been featured in: Global News, Toronto Life, Toronto International Film Festival, Wedding Bells, Breakfast Television, Canadian Living, National Post; Let's Party Consultants is also now referred by the Trump Hotel.
What types of weddings do you specialize in?
My specialty lies in customizing weddings to each couple's personal tastes. Whether it's a traditional wedding they are planning, or something unique, contemporary, or with a vintage flair, our specialty is to customize every aspect of their big day with a distinctive edge, and make it memorable in every way.
Why do couples love working with you?
Let's Party Consultants Inc. is an industry leader, with over 13 years of event planning experience. The core of our company lies in our customer service & attention to the finest of details. Our dedication to each event is unsurpassed. Each client is introduced to a simple and enjoyable planning strategy, ensuring a stress-free experience, and saving time & money. Each client reaps the benefit of a completely customized planning experience and a dedicated support team.
What do you love most about being a wedding planner?
The thing I love the most about being a wedding planner would have to be the fact that I am able to contribute to a bride's special day and alleviate the stressful moments! It's beautiful to know that the work I do lends to a better experience for a bride, both in the planning process as well as the actual wedding day itself. It's refreshing to have a job where no two weddings, and therefore no two days are alike. Every day brings with it a fresh, new experience.
How did you get started?
I had event management experience in other realms, but realized there wasn't much available to Torontonians when it came to specialized wedding planning. Thirteen years ago when I launched Let's Party, I recall wedding magazines having to create a new "Wedding Planner" category when I requested advertising space. The need was there, and I was confident that I could introduce this as a specialized service. A part-time hobby experience quickly developed into a flourishing full-time Wedding Planning Company.
What budget range do you cater to?
We work with all budgets
What typically happens at the beginning of the process when someone contacts you?
At the beginning of the process, we customize a package to suit the needs and budget of each couple. We then move to the assessment stage, to understand what kind of "wedding shoppers" they are, and where their priorities lie. A budget is then created, enveloping every category of service which is to be booked, and allocating dedicated funds to each. A critical path is laid out, and the referral process begins. Each step is a building block towards the big day, so the assessment stage is crucial in really getting to know each couple and creating a day that is reflective of who they are, laying a strong foundation for the plans that will continue to develop.
Client Testimonial
My wife and I hired Leena from Let's Party Consultants as our day-of-coordinator for our wedding this past summer. Working with her was simply fantastic! I am a wedding photographer and have been in the wedding industry for a decade. I was amazed by how much I didn't know about what it takes to make a wedding run smoothly behind the scenes. Not only did she take the time to get to know us and provide much more support prior to the wedding than we thought we had paid for, but at every meeting, we had one or two "aha" moments of major things we simply had not thought about. She was always quick with unique solutions to our wacky ideas and made sure all the details ended up exactly where they should. On the day of the wedding, everything ran extremely smoothly and on schedule. We really didn't even know she was there except when we needed her and she appeared like clockwork. I would definitely recommend her!
Client Testimonial 2
Thanks so much Leena… it really was a lot of fun and you really took the stress right out of everything! Everyone couldn't believe how calm I was & that's because of you. So thank you for that! The day truly was amazing and I'm so glad you were there to share it with us. I didn't even really consider hiring a planner until I met you. The things you opened my eyes to, and the professional yet honest approach you had to planning our wedding really blew me away. You have no idea how much your advice was appreciated, and your hard work was valued.
-Kelly & Dave
Client Testimonial 3
What can I say – from the day I met you I knew you were the best choice for us. I can't imagine how I would have planned this wedding without your guidance and your unwavering support. Every decision we made was an easy one, knowing we had you in our corner. Your attention to detail and your open communication with us made us completely feel at ease every step of the way. Thank you for making yourself so available to us. We never felt like clients, we always felt like we were sitting with a friend. I can't believe how much time you spent meeting with us, how many of my crazy emails you replied to at all hours of the day and night, and how lovely you were to work with. Thank you for all you did for us.
-Kate & Gian


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NMEA unveils standards update
The National Marine Electronics Association released a significantly updated version of NMEA 0183, its well-known standard that enables the interfacing of marine electronics.
Version 4.10 will improve boating safety and navigation through updates and expansions of electronic communications data "sentences" pertaining to a number of navigation and communications devices, including Galileo satellite receivers and Automatic Identification Systems, according to the NMEA.
The NMEA standard consists of sentences, the first word of which, called a data type, defines the interpretation of the rest of the sentence, according to the NMEA website. Each data type would have its own unique interpretation and is defined in the NMEA standard.
NMEA 0183 defines electrical requirements, data transmission protocol and timing, and specific sentence formats for a 4800-baud serial data bus.
Version 4.10 impacts shipboard, non-shipboard and land-based equipment as well as networks for maritime and other industry use. The standard has been expanded to include the new Galileo Global Navigation Satellite System, or GNSS. Many of the existing GNSS sentences were extended to accommodate Galileo and future GNSS improvements.


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Fish Creek Provincial Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Stretching 19 km from east to west, the park encompasses 13.5 square kilometers showcasing 3 of Alberta's natural environments: grasslands, parklands and foothills forest. FCP contains a diversity of habitats including wetlands, grasslands, spruce forests and riparian woodlands. Glacial melt waters originally carved out the Fish Creek valley and today the landscape continues to be shaped by the meandering flow of Fish Creek. The Park attracts more than 3 million visitors annually, from naturalists to history buffs, nature photographers, hikers, walkers, joggers, cyclists, and picnicking families. We're thinking the 3 million visitors must be the gross headcount, not the number of unique visitors, as the entire Calgary regional population is only just over 1 million. Since this is our fifth geobiking expedition if the Park this year, that means we've added a total of 20 to the 2009 visitor count!
During the three weeks since we last geobiked in the Park, some cache maintenance has been done by a couple of geocache hiders plus we managed to solve a few more puzzles. As a result, we had 4 target geocaches in mind for our ride today, starting with Xiii. This cache was disabled back in February, when the possibility of a ban on geocaches in Provincial Parks first came up. However, since Alberta Parks is now working on a policy that will continue to allow caching in the Parks, our local cache reviewer is prompting cache owners to get these caches back up and running. We solved the puzzle a few weeks back and when the cache was enabled this week, we knew we wanted to get out to find it this weekend. It was well hidden at a nice spot along the banks of the Bow River.
Our next goal was to find another puzzle cache by the same hider. We DNFd DateNite a few weeks ago and asked the owner to check on it. He kindly did, so we returned to search again. Determined not to leave with another DNF, we widened our search area and Mrs. GeoK finally spotted the well-hidden container about 10 meters from where our GPSr zero'd out.
We hoped to repeat our success at clearing a past DNF at "Littler Easy 2", which we DNFd twice at the start of the month. The cache owner put out a replacement container about a half hour after our last visit on May 10th and it was still in place, which meant for a quick find for Mr. GeoK.
Our last target was about 3.5 km south and west, up a long hill. The total elevation gain seemed like a lot more than the 50 meters recorded by the altimeter in our Garmin Map 60CSx; Mrs. GeoK's heart was really pumping by the time we arrived at the posted coordinates. The well-hidden bison tube container for "The Littler Not So Easy" took the two of us searching for just about 5 minutes before Mr. GeoK announced "I got it!" While Mr. GeoK signed the log, Mrs. GeoK decided we could probably ride to one more cache hidden south of the highway, as she noticed an underpass just past where we'd turned to pedal up the long hill.
We enjoyed coasting down to the pathway and then turned south to Rotary Natural Area Park where we soon left the paved road for a bumpy, gravel topped rough pathway. About 60 meters from the solved coordinates for the Hugs and Kisses cache we had to abandon our bikes and act like mountain goats on account of the very steep slope. Mr. GeoK made the find and after the signing the logbook headed back down the hill while Mrs. GeoK snapped this photo…
A few minutes later (about where the gravel pathway joined the road, Mr. GeoK noticed his GPSr wasn't on his handlebar mount. After checking his jacket pockets he concluded that he forgot it back at the cache, so he reprised his role as a mountain goat and successfully retrieved the unit.
We rode non-stop almost all the way back to the lot where our bike-rack equipped vehicle was parked. The one stop we made was to check out the owl family nesting in the Park. We managed to get a couple of decent photos…
Total riding distance for the day was just under 18 km, with 5 caches found in the Park and another 4 found while driving to / from the park for a total of 9 for the day.


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If you had unprotected sex, sometimes it might not bother you much but on other days, it can make you go weak in the knees.
While having protection during intercourse is an essential thing, there could be plenty of reasons why you have had an unprotected one.
Some of the reasons that could lead to unsafe sex include condom tears, ignorance, unpreparedness before engaging in sensual sessions, untimely intake of contraceptive pills, etc.
All this negligence could increase your chances of getting affected by sexually transmitted diseases etc. People are aware of the consequences, but still, they engage in such kinds of activities.
But, there are ways to avert such kinds of situations in life by taking a sensible decision at the right time.
Some of the things that you can do after an episode of unwanted sex are:
1. Go to the toilet right after having intercourse
Peeing soon after unprotected sex can help you prevent the risk of urinary tract infection. It flushes out any bacteria that you have been exposed to during sex. If you drink a lot of water, that also proves helpful.
Sometimes, bacteria get into your urethra which can lead to infection. It can even hurt you while peeing.
Females are more likely to get UTIs, this is why it is necessary to urinate immediately after having an episode of sex1.
Also Read: Do you know the best ways to Control Pregnancy
2. Take the morning after pill
It is also likely for you to think that if you do not experience any symptoms, you can't face any risk, which is not true. Not seeing any signs does not rule out the possibility of you getting pregnant.
So, it is essential to pop an emergency pill as soon as your act is completed. You can find all over-the-counter pills at an online pharmacy that can prevent an accidental pregnancy if you have had it within a few hours after spontaneous intercourse.
Depending on the strengths as well as capacity, you can take the pill within 48 hours of unprotected intercourse.
The most important role of pills is that it reverses any kind of hormonal reaction along with preventing a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterine wall if it gets formed.
3. Check for anything weird down there
If women find anything unusual like a change in discharge that includes a change in volume, consistency or colour, itchiness or pain, they should consult the doctor to avoid any kind of consequences.
Most Sexually Transmitted Infections are asymptomatic, but some complications like yeast infections, or UTIs can occur even from 24 hours to a week post the engagement.
Problems in men may be gonorrhoea, hepatitis B, herpes, etc. So, it is important to keep a check on your body.
4. Get an STI check after 2 weeks
It doesn't matter whether you have the symptoms or not, you should get an IUD, which is the most effective way to avoid pregnancy after unprotected sex.
5. Do a maternity test
It would be great to wait for at least two weeks after the unsafe sensual session to do a pregnancy test. You can also visit your doctor to find out about it. I
f you have made an appointment, make sure you do not wee just before it because you'll need to give a urine sample.
No matter which days you had unsafe sex, there is always a risk of infections or pregnancy, so it is important to take care of all those things in order to stay free of any tension later.
Share this with your friends and family to create awareness. Stay Fit Stay Healthy
Tags: What to do after unprotected sex, Pills to avoid pregnancy after 72 hours, Plan b pill


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Nasi lemak is one of those foods that has seen plenty of iterations in recent years. With more and more places around the island offering the delicious dish at various price points, we decided to find out if it's actually worth shelling out extra cash for a "better" quality dish.
Wan Xing Nasi Lemak and Economic Bee Hoon ($2.50)
Wan Xing is known for their cheap food – they have a couple of outlets, if we recall correctly – so it's no wonder their stall frequently sees snaking queues. The nasi lemak incorporates all the ingredients you would expect – from the spicy sambal to sunny side up – but you can add various dishes from their selection. The rice is supposed to have a green tinge but ours was quite faint. Taste-wise, it had a mild pandan flavour and wasn't particularly fragrant, but blended perfectly with the sambal, which, to be honest, tasted like most other sambals from the hawker centre. The peanut and ikan bilis mix was crunchy and salty, but relatively sparse. However, for the low price point, this dish was filling and rather delicious, something we would buy again if we were in the neighbourhood and craving nasi lemak.
Find it at 270 Queen Street, Albert Centre #01-62, Singapore 180270
The Coconut Club ($15)
The Coconut Club has been popular among the lunchtime crowd in the city for a while now, so we were curious to see how it held up against the low, low price of $2.50. This spot pays careful attention to the quality of their dishes – think using old crop Thai Jasmine Rice and coconuts from one specific plantation in Sabak Bernam to create fluffy, fragrant rice.
When the dish arrived at the table, it certainly looked impressive, from the colours to the amount of each component. We tried the rice and that was good, fluffy and not drenched in oil. We tried the homemade sambal and that was good too, a balance of sweet and spicy. But then we tried the chicken and forgot everything else; it was definitely the highlight of the dish. Unlike the generic fried chicken of the other two, the chicken here had a spicy, uniquely Asian flavour and featured a delightfully crunchy skin. Would we come back? Yes (after payday), if only to eat that crisp chicken skin again.
Find it at 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
Click here for more information on The Coconut Club.
Chatterbox (Mandarin Orchard Singapore) ($30)
Given the price tag, this must have been the best of the lot, right? We hoped it was, we wanted it to be! The excitement was real, but dampened a bit when the dish was laid before us. The sambal looked legitimately crafted and there was the addition of prawns, but the rest of the components looked like any nasi lemak joint out there. Nevermind, we thought, it's all in the taste. But while the tangy, spicy prawns did leave us satisfied and the otah was undeniably flavourful, neither the sambal nor the rice left us in gastronomic heaven. That's not to say it wasn't good, however, the dish as a whole was fragrant and recognisably 'nasi lemak', but lacked a real punch that would elevate it to legendary status. On the whole, it's a great place to bring someone you're looking to impress with classy local faves, or for people who prefer less spice and more subtle flavours.
Find it at 333 Orchard Road, Singapore 238867
Book a table at Chatterbox and earn 2X Chope-Dollars with code TASTYBLOG.
Ultimately, we're happy to keep our nasi lemak expenditure below $7 on the regular (why the odd number? Because we admit to having a soft spot for Qiji), but willing to fork out that extra bit of cash for The Coconut Club's hearty offering.
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They land in waves, silent and lethal. It starts with this crippling feeling in the arms, the shoulders, then the vice at the back of the neck. The throat is soon paralysed, breathing becomes a struggle.
Soon the only respite is sleep, assisted by Codeine. Their numbers are beyond mathematics: maleficent molecules to the end of the world… They need no rest.
But where do they come from? They resist everything, there is no treatment, only time.
The world smells and tastes different: one is inhabited, the alien bodies have taken charge. Their weapons, suffocation and pain, a diluted slow death.
Each morning begs the question: when will they withdraw? But they are in no hurry. The host, weakened into lethargy, is powerless, the flesh submissive.
Maybe, this time, they will stay?
Image: Rotavirus reconstruction, English Wikipedia user GrahamColm [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC BY 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons


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2 men plead guilty after stealing 74 guns from 3 area stores
Two Cincinnati men pleaded guilty in federal court Wednesday after stealing 74 firearms from three different gun stores in Ohio and Kentucky last year, officials said.
Ronqueize Head, 36, of Pleasant Ridge and Seronte Newby, 30, of Mount Auburn pleaded guilty to two counts of theft from a federal firearms licensee and one count of conspiracy to commit theft.
Department of Justice officials said Head, who was previously convicted of a felony, also admitted to possessing a stolen firearm.
On July 2, 2017, the pair kicked in the glass door of a Sharonville gun store and took 20 firearms, according to court documents.
On July 8, 2017, they struck a Florence, Kentucky gun store and took another 22 guns.
On July 16, 2017, the men used a crowbar to pry open the door of a Springboro gun store and took another 32 firearms.
The names of the gun stores were kept out of court records.
Conspiracy to commit theft is punishable by up to five years in prison. Theft from a federal firearms licensee, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a stolen firearm are each punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
A sentencing hearing before Judge Michael Barrett has not yet been scheduled.
More:Video: 50 guns stolen from Sharonville gun store, $10K reward offered
More:First month free: Subscribe to unlimited digital access to Cincinnati.com


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Powertech Encryption
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Powertech Encryption for IBM i protects sensitive data using strong encryption, tokenization, integrated key management, and auditing. Our complete encryption suite allows organizations to encrypt database fields, backups, and IFS files quickly and effectively with its intuitive screens and proven technology. Organizations around the world depend on Powertech Encryption to help secure confidential information data on IBM i (iSeries), as well as data from distributed systems, from both external hackers and unauthorized internal users.
Centralizes key management on a single server
Support for tokenization of data from various systems including IBM i, Windows, Linux, AIX, etc.
Provides remote connections to token functions via the secure HTTPS protocol
Auto-assign token identifiers from the token central server
Encrypts and stores tokenized data in physical DB2 files
Secure data by user profile, Group profile and/or authorization lists
Provides centralized audit logs and alert messages
Automatically encrypt sensitive database fields and columns using strong encryption AES or TDES without making changes to your application programs for data encryption. Access to data can be tightly controlled at the feld/user level and only authorized users will have the ability to decrypt data and gain access to the full or masked values. Decryption of any data can be fully audited in Powertech Encryption, which will log the user id, date, time, job information and key utilized.
Powertech Encryption includes a complete audit to meet the most stringent security requirements. Audit log entries are generated for various critical events. These audit log entries can be displayed and printed using various selection criteria, including a date/time range, user type, and audit type. Alert messages can also be sent to QSYSOPR, QAUDJRN, email and SYSLOG.
Powertech Encryption uses strong AES encryption to encrypt and decrypt files and folders on the integrated file system (IFS). All types of IFS stream files can be encrypted, including text, PDF, JPG, TIF, CSV and XLS files. Encryption of IFS files can be fully automatic for designated folders or can be managed by the user using Powertech Encryption commands that can be entered on the IBM i command line, placed in CL programs, embedded in BRMS and used in IBM i task schedulers.
Tokenization must be considered when sensitive data is stored on multiple systems in an organization. Tokenization is the process of replacing sensitive data with unique identification numbers (e.g. tokens) and storing the original data on a central server, usually in encrypted form. By centralizing sensitive data on a single system, segmentation can help counter hackers and reduce the scope of compliance audits, such as PCI.
Powertech Encryption includes an advanced Key Management system which resides natively on the IBM i and is seamlessly integrated with Powertech Encryption's policy controls, encryption functions and auditing facilities to provide a comprehensive data protection solution. Together with the integrated security on IBM i, organizations can strictly control access to Key maintenance/usage activities and meet compliance requirements. Powertech Encryption also provides interfaces for securely sharing Keys with other systems such as point-of-sale (POS) systems, Windows, Linux and AIX.
We remain at your disposal for more information


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Shown here is an original Schrader tire pressure gauge for the Model A Ford. This is a genuine Ford authorized accessory, part number A-18413-A2. The original price was $1.50 each including the leather cover.
Schrader made many similar tire gauges, but this is the official Ford authorized accessory and has the Ford script in oval, and also has a special indication of the recommended 35 psi pressure for the Model A. Don't leave home without one!


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Обучающие видео - 官話 Смотреть видеозаписи по языковому обучению
Hey Tracey, did you get my files?
Sorry going through a busy time in office. Yes I analyzed the solution.
It will require some resource, which I could not manage.
Sending you some dough today, you can allocate the resources to this project.
Perfect. Thanks a lot!
I will have them ready by tonight.


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Traditional Congregation offers the community the experience of Judaism's rich heritage of Torah learning and mitzvot in a welcoming synagogue environment, which respects our diversity of knowledge and practices.
Our Rabbi
Rabbi Seth D. Gordon
Shalom! My family and I arrived here in the summer of 2007 from New York and found that Traditional Congregation exceeded our expectations. Traditional Congregation is unlike any other in the St Louis area (and elsewhere) and I sincerely invite you to visit us so that you can see for yourself; and of course, I hope you will speak with me personally.
I have been a pulpit rabbi for 32 years – five years in Annapolis, Maryland;15 in Bethpage, Long Island (New York) and now 12 years in St Louis. My wife, Marian, and I were both raised in New Jersey and are graduates of Rutgers University. I earned my first rabbinical degree in 1987 and my studies included several years in New York and Jerusalem.
Our Staff
Marian Gordon
Executive Director
When Marian moved to St Louis in 2007, she was asked to "help out in the office at Traditional for a couple of months." A couple of months and 12 years later, she is the Executive Director and chief cheerleader for the congregation, and puts to good use the skills from her previous careers in magazine publishing, staff development training, and real estate sales. Marian is active with JPro St Louis, an organization dedicated to supporting all those who work in the St Louis Jewish community. She and her husband, Rabbi Seth Gordon, have five wonderful children, four terrific daughters-in-law and one terrific son-in-law, and the six most brilliant and beautiful grandchildren in the world.
Angela Tannenbaum
Administrative Assistant
Angela has felt a connection to Traditional Congregation ever since 1999, when she and her husband Zvi were married at the synagogue. She moved to St. Louis with her family in 2006 and joined the staff of Traditional Congregation in 2016. She has 6 children and 10 grandchildren. Angela has served on the executive committee of Tomchei Shabbos for 11 years. She can be contacted at email@example.com.
Our Board of Directors
Kenneth H. Bohm, President
Ellis Frohman, Financial VP
Mark Weinstein, Ritual VP
Marty Levy, Education Co-VP
Mindy Strauss, Education Co-VP
Chris Brown, Membership VP
Steven Puro, Administration VP
Steve Roufa, Building & Grounds Co-VP
Justin Zeid, Building & Grounds Co-VP
Dina Rinder, Youth VP
Ron Green, Fundraising VP
Barbara Levin, Treasurer
Mimi Levy, Secretary
Members at Large:
Maureen Brodsky
Stanley Estrin
Shelah Feldman
Bill Gold
Gary Golden
Stan Greenberg
Jack Heller
Sid Levin
Ari Levy
Carol Max
Florence Schachter
Lori Tesser
Past Presidents:
Phil Brick
Boaz Roth


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Spaniard himself cited club's owners for Reds' poor league finish.
Sir Alex Ferguson feels Rafael Benitez was responsible for Liverpool's decline in form last season.
Under the Spaniard's reign, Liverpool finished a disappointing seventh last term and new manager Roy Hodgson has a difficult task of steering the club back into the Champions League places.
Benitez suggested last season that the team's plight was down to the restricted funds he had to operate with, but Ferguson believes the slump at Anfield could be down to their former manager.
"I don't know if finishing seventh last season after being second behind us the year before had anything to do with the financial position," Ferguson told reporters.


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To Allure Children, Candy Boxes are made Exceptionally Attractive
Being the most loved and highly liked food product, the candies are packed and sold in the most beautiful and attractive packaging. The fact is that half the magic of the candies lies in the candy boxes. This is why; candy manufacturers and sellers prefer to pack and sell the candies of all kinds in most stylish, lucrative and the astonishing style.
As the candies are sold after their due display at the gift shops, shopping malls or other such places, the candy boxes are made exceptionally beautiful and stunning in order to attract the easy attention of children and the teens. As most of the candy boxes are disposed of after consuming the candies, packed in these boxes, these candy boxes are made with the disposable material. These candy boxes are commonly made with the food grade, lightweight and the extra fine paper card or cardboard. To make the candy boxes to become the center of attention, candy boxes are made with the colored, self-designed or textured cardboard.
Commonly, the candy boxes are made with the flip lid design while most of the candy boxes are made as the display boxes. These display boxes are cut with the windows cuts of different sizes and shapes in lid or sides of the boxes. These window cuts in the display like candy boxes are covered with the thin, clear and transparent synthetic Vinyl plastic sheet to protect the candies from the environmental hazards, such as dust, dirt, humidity, chemically fumes and other hazards.
To increase the looking wort of the candies and to make them more and more lucrative, the candy boxes are printed with the sharp, bright, sparkling and the glowing color schemes. These color schemes are used to print the images of the candies, sweets and other eatables, loved by the children.


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Back with his family after finishing military service, Umut finds it impossible to return to his old and 'normal' life after witnessing and being involved in the violence perpetrated in military operations in southeast Turkey. What is more, he neither finds his parents as he left them, nor can resume being the person they have missed.
A striking play about military service and war.
Original name: Nerde Kalmıştık?
World premiere: 27 December 2012
Production: Bulut Theatre
Autor: Ebru N. Celkan
Director: Mirza Metin
Performers: Ararat Mor, Bahar Selvi, Barış Gönenen, Cem Uslu, Ceren Kıran, Doğan Keçin, Engin Aydın, Fulya Aksular, Fatih Özkan, Mertcan Kayretli, Merve Engin, Sadi Celil Cengiz
Dramaturg: Duygu Çelik
Light Design: Alev Topal
Awards: Young Male Actor Jury Special Award - 18. Sadri Alişik Theatre Awards


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Deeply passionate about illustration and drawing, I think that during rough times, some people write, but I prefer to draw. I love illustrations because they are worth a thousand tears or a million smiles. To me, there is no better way to express feelings!
I love children illustration and scientific illustration, floral and animals as well.
I am currently working as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator, exporting my work to different industries in the United States.
I am also Selling my artwork as a product on Society6.


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We decided to have some fun with monitoring and analysis, and conducted a review of mainstream media content (Daily Newspapers, TV, Radio) and social media content (Blogs, Twitter, and Facebook) and produced an analysis of some popular Easter candies. Check out which sweets were the most talked about online, over at the CustomScoop blog.
Hope your Monday is a sweet one!


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They Should Include all the White Label SEO Efforts That the Agency Made in Detail!
Before you start a long-term white label SEO collaboration with an SEO agency, you need to make sure of 3 things. The first one is the quality of their services. The second one is your ability to market them. And the third one, also the most important one, is to make sure that the white label SEO reports that your potential partner will provide you with are of the highest quality. There are different types of information that they must include. And the first type should include the efforts of the agency.
• Services provided. On the reports, you must be able to clearly see the services provided by the agency. Both you and your clients must know what the agency did and how it did it. Only then, your clients can fully trust you can continue their partnership with you.
• Resources used. For each service, some types of resources will be used. So, a reliable agency will include a part or all of the resources used for your clients' SEO campaigns. For example, the articles or videos used.
• On-site optimizations. If there were optimizations made to the website, besides the new content used, they should mention in the reports. You must be able to see the reason for the modification as well as the results expected from that optimization.
• Off-site optimizations. A similar process should be used for off-site as well. Any backlinks that were optimized should be mentioned. But there should also be the new backlinks and the websites where they are placed.
The White Label SEO Reports Must Also Contain all the Results That Comes from Your Services!
The second part of the https://www.link-building-strategies.com/ white label SEO reports must contain the results produced by the agency's effort. Keep in mind that SEO is a long-term marketing method. So, the results will appear slowly. But they will continue to rise exponentially. This means that the more time passes and the more SEO efforts are made, the better the results that the reports will contain. You need to make sure that all your clients understand this, and you can even make use of this information to increase the length of the collaborations between you and your clients. There are 3 types of results that can be included in the reports.
• Rank comparison. The basic types of results that you will see in the reports of most agencies are the increase in the ranks of the website on the result pages. The first goal for any website is to reach the first page. And the second one is to rise to the top position. So, in the reports provided by your partner you need to see the comparison between the ranks that will show a clear increase for each keyword.
• The estimated increase in visitors. The increase in the ranks of your clients' website is not the only type of results that matters. A more important one is the increase in visitors on the website. Even if the ranks increase very fast, but you need to make sure that the number of visitors will increase as well. Only then you should be sure that your clients are satisfied. So, this information should be included in the white label SEO reports.
• Increase in the conversion rate. The last type of results that you can expect from a report is the information about the conversion rate of the visitors into leads and customers. But this information will appear only if your clients provide access to you and your partner to fully monitor their websites. Also, SEO is not the main factor that will affect the conversion rate of your clients. The industry, the prices, and the quality of their products are even more important than the optimizations made by the SEO agency.
Your White Label SEO Partner Must Ensure That Both You and Your Clients Understand the Reports!
Keep in mind that SEO is a vast and complex industry. So, if you or your clients can't understand the reports, then even if all the information mentioned above can be found, the reports will still be useless. There are several requirements that the https://www.link-building-strategies.com/white-label-seo/ white label SEO agency's reports must meet.
• As few technical terms as possible. There are many technical terms in the SEO industry, and many of them are not easy to understand. So, the reports must either avoid using these terms at all. Or, the terminology used should be clearly explained. But the first alternative is the recommended one. Only then you should be sure that your clients do not have problems understanding what they paid for. While you search for a partner, you need to make sure that you have the knowledge required to make the difference between a high-quality report and a low-quality one. This means that you need to learn the basics of SEO before you start a long-term white label SEO collaboration.
• Requires at most low-level knowledge. If the reports do not require not SEO knowledge at all to be understood, that will be ideal. But that is not entirely possible. So, you will need to explain all the reports to your clients and make sure that they understand everything. Or, you can try and make sure that all your clients gain the SEO basics knowledge needed to read and understand the reports.
• Easily customized with your company's information. Keep in mind that these are white label SEO reports. This means that no information about your partner must be included in them. Your partner can either send you the reports and let you customize them. Or, you can ask them to create them directly with the information about your company. In most cases, you are the one that decides this. But in either case, you need to make sure that your partner does not include its information on the reports.


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The Trip Back to Hometown with My Parents
The Trip Back to Hometown with My Parents
4K Server
The Trip Back to Hometown with My Parents (2016) Synopsis
My father is originally from Hai Phong city, the North of Vietnam. When he was a teenager, he was mad and left to move down South. Then he'd got fine and met my mother in Danang. We 8 brothers and sisters were born here I'm the youngest daughter . The war didn't let my father coming back to visit his parents And after the Liberation Day, the difficulties of a big family in a poor country didn't let my father make this trip In 1983, the first time after 30 years leaving the home town, he could come back At that time he learnt that my grandmother had passed away a long time before, and my grandfather was blind. Now my father is 81 years old. And although my father's not fine, he wants to come back to visit his family in Hai Phong to bring the ancestral altar to Da Nang. Because the altar should be put in the eldest son's place and the eldest son's children will continue to worship the ancestrals. The trip is done
September 14, 2021 at 11:49 PM


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13 Bikepacking Tips for Your Next Ride
It's time to jump on your bike and head out on an adventure. Bikepacking is a great way to explore new places, with the freedom to travel on roads, gravel or singletrack with everything you need strapped to your steed. If you're just getting into it, learn the basics, like what bike to ride and…Read more


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Eat Less Fast Food for Better Fertility, Study Says
Most of us enjoy a fast-food indulgence now and then, but too much of it could prolong the time it takes to conceive, according to a recent study published in Human Reproduction. If you're trying to conceive, replace your side of fries with a fruit cup, researchers say.
The study looked at the diets of about 5,600 women without children who lived in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland and found that women who ate fast food four or more times a week took about a month longer to get pregnant compared to those who never or rarely ate fast food, upping their infertility risk from 8 percent to 16 percent. Also, women who ate fruit less than one to three times a month took a half a month longer to become pregnant compared to those who consumed fruit three or more times a day.
Information on the father's diet was not collected so there is a chance that other factors might have affected the speed of fertility.
"Eating a good quality diet that includes fruit and minimizing fast food consumption improves fertility and reduces the time it takes to get pregnant," said Claire Roberts, a professor at the University of Adelaide's Robinson Research Institute in Australia and lead author of the study.
The data used in the study was collected between 2004 and 2011. Of the study participants, 94 percent had not received any fertility treatments. Previous to this study, research focused on the role diet plays in women diagnosed with or receiving treatment for infertility and the general population was not considered.
"Everyone—men and women—need to start preparing for a healthy pregnancy months...possibly years... before conceiving to optimize their health, the health of the pregnancy and the health of the child," said Serena Chen, M.D., a fertility specialist with Saint Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey, who was not involved in the study. She added that she was pleased to see more proof that preconception health has a critical effect on fertility.
- RELATED: 10+ Ways to Boost Your Fertility
Like fast food? Elizabeth Shaw, RDN, a California-based dietitian and author of Fertility Foods Cookbook+: 100 Recipes to Nourish Your Body, said she tries to encourage people to make nutrient-dense choices when dining out. For example, opt for a veggie burrito bowl with healthy fat from avocado, plant-based protein from beans and veggies.
Want to boost your fruit intake? Shaw recommends fruits rich in antioxidants such as blueberries, strawberries, oranges, and tangerines.


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Boletim Informativo nº 141 | Outubro 2010
Hungary races to raise dam to avert new toxic spill
Hungarian authorities raced to finish building an emergency dam by Tuesday to hold back a threatened second spill of toxic sludge, and hunted for clues to the causes of last week's deadly industrial spill.
A million cubic meters of red mud, a by-product of alumina production, burst out of a plant reservoir into villages and waterways in Hungary last Monday, killing seven people, injuring 123 and fouling rivers including a tributary of the Danube
"We hope to have the dam finished by Tuesday," Prime Minister Viktor Orban's spokesman told TV2 on Monday.
"We have 4,000 people and 300 machines working at the scene so we are doing our utmost to prevent another tragedy."
With the nearby town of Devecser, home to 5,400 people, still on alert and the village of Kolontar evacuated, the cause of the disaster -- described by the prime minister as Hungary's worst ecological catastrophe -- remained unclear.
While recovery crews scrambled to raise the emergency dam, police were talking to Zoltan Bakonyi, the head of MAL Zrt, which owns the burst reservoir.
Photo shows the damaged reservoir near an alumina plant, seen from the air in Kolontar, 150 km (93.2 miles) west of Budapest, October 9, 2010.
Credit: REUTERS/Laszlo Balogh


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Cessna's Citation X exceeded everyone's expectations in becoming the fastest jet in the private aircraft industry. During the first year of its debut, the Citation was awarded the Collier Trophy for advances it had made in aviation and aerospace technology. The cabin of the Citation X features a length of 25.2 feet, a width of 5.5 feet, and a height of 5.7 feet. These measurements allow passengers optimal room to move about the cabin, conduct business meetings, and relax.
The cabin also seats up to 9 passengers in large, comfortable executive style seating with full recline capabilities. The full galley accompanies catering trays and fine china all within arms reach. The large washroom is located behind sliding doors and is equipped with a vanity. The lavatory has ample room to double as a dressing room and holds a closet large enough to store garment bags. To prevent damage during flight, the baggage compartment is heated and pressurized, holding approximately 770 pounds of luggage within 82 cubic feet.
Charter a Citation X private jet:
Cabin Dimensions
- Height: 5.7
- Width: 5.5
- Length: 25.2
- Lavatory: Yes


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Click to download audio version
On Todays Episode of Let's Talk Bitcoin...
Christian Garcia is back with his latest correspondent from within hyperinflating Venezuela. This time he looks into controversial government "cryptocurrency": the Petro. See the full shownotes for his tipping information, the articles and links referenced during his report.
After the break, Stephanie Murphy, Andreas Antonopoulos and Adam B. Levine talk Schnorr Signatures, a seemingly non-controversial coming upgrade which will introduce major blockchain performance optimizations and enhanced privacy features.
Other Links mentioned during the episode:
Profile of Gabriel Jimenez on AP. Maduro's cryptocurrency 'genius' once pushed US sanctions https://apnews.com/67f2153648a648aca9f35d7f73966c4f
Brian's report on Reuters. Special Report: In Venezuela, new cryptocurrency is nowhere to be found https://www.reuters.com/article/us-cryptocurrency-venezuela-specialrepor/special-report-in-venezuela-new-cryptocurrency-is-nowhere-to-be-found-idUSKCN1LF15U
Armando Info's interview to Fedor Bogorodskiy (In Spanish and behind a paywall). El Petro es el hijo malquerido de dos rusos muy cercanos al escándalo. https://armando.info/Reportajes/Resume/2442https://armando.info/Reportajes/Resume/2442
The documents leaked by Maibor Petit (In Spanish). Maibort Petit: Superintendente de Criptoactivos entregó el absoluto control del Petro a Social US C.A. https://maibortpetit.wordpress.com/2018/09/10/maibort-petit-superintendente-de-criptoactivos-entrego-el-absoluto-control-del-petro-a-social-us-c-a/
Tip LTB correspondent Christian Garcia directly
Bitcoin: 1LzDGA7Xz1CMaBnBJC8W16YXFBhT3UVruL
Tip LTB:1FZGD64BA7B9GdwDhGGGF92amt9X6VH38K
or Via the Lightning Network at https://tipltb.tokenly.com/
This episode was sponsored by EasyDNS.com. It featured content from Christian Garcia, Stephanie Murphy, Andreas Antonopoulos and Adam B. Levine.
Original Image Credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/djandywdotcom/30666784353
Music for episode 378 was provided by Jared Rubens and General Fuzz, with editing by Adam Levine.
Email questions or comments to [email protected]
Views: 13,820


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From Arkansas Business:
Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., told a Monday meeting of the Little Rock Political Animals Club that she will oppose the Employee Free Choice Act.
"While I may not have been clear about my position in the past, I am stating today that I cannot support Employee Free Choice Act in its current form and I can't support efforts to bring it to Senate consideration in its current form," Lincoln said in a statement late Monday afternoon.
"I will consider alternatives that have the support of both business and labor but my pledge today is to focus my full attention on the priorities I have mentioned that affect every working family in Arkansas."
Hmmmmm….I wonder why Blanche would be against EFCA…….
Well, I'm stumped, kids. Let's go on.
The measure, better known as the "card check" bill, has been fought by business groups and championed by labor, after intense lobbying by both factions.
The bill would amend the National Labor Relations Act to allow certification of a union if a majority of workers signed cards naming the union as their representative.
Ricky Belk, secretary-treasurer of the Arkansas AFL-CIO, said Lincoln informed the union of her decision early Monday. Lincoln's decision did not come as a surprise, he said.
"My initial thought and response would be one of disappointment, because is is a right of workers that is needed," Belk said.
The Employee Free Choice Act would allow power to shift from corporations to workers, a shift that is needed considering the current economy, he said. About 80,000 Arkansans are members of unions, though not all are associated with the AFL-CIO, he said.
The National Federation of Independent Business, an opponent of the bill, commended Lincoln for her decision.
Lincoln has been closely watched for her decision on whether to support the measure. Observers have said her vote on the matter would have a significant impact on the 2010 election.
(Her full statement at link)
From The Hill:
The decision represents a bit of a turnaround for Lincoln, who voted to proceed to a debate on card check in 2007. The statement on Monday indicated she would not support efforts to bring it up for consideration.
"I consider both the labor and the business communities to be my friends. However, now that we need all hands on deck, including business and labor, to get our economy moving again, this issue is dividing us," Lincoln said in a statement. "While I may not have been clear about my position in the past, I am stating today that I cannot support Employee Free Choice Act in its current form and I can't support efforts to bring it to Senate consideration in its current form."
Card check failed to move in 2007 even with Lincoln's support on a procedural motion, because it could not come close to the 60 votes necessary to move forward under Senate rules. Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) was the only Republican to join Democrats in voting to move forward on the bill.
Specter announced his opposition two weeks ago, saying he would vote against cloture if EFCA came to the floor. Though the Democrats have 58 seats in the Senate and could still gain a 59th if Democrat Al Franken wins in Minnesota, the defections of Specter and Lincoln would leave them short of 60.
Like Specter, Lincoln suggested she could consider compromise legislation.
Lincoln is up for reelection in 2010 and her decision not to support EFCA could help her. Arkansas is home to the headquarters of Wal-Mart, a vocal EFCA opponent.
Business trade associations have lobbied against the bill, saying a provision eliminating the ability of management to demand a secret ballot election to form a union is un-American and would hurt the economy. Labor groups argue the current system gives too much power to management to delay or stop union votes. They state the card check bill would help the economy by making it easier for workers to organize and then negotiate for better wages and benefits.
Unions promised to continue to campaign for the bill despite Lincoln's opposition.
"Senator Lincoln's decision to stand with Big Business over working families at a time when CEOs make 344 times that of their average employee, and as jobs disappear by the minute, is disappointing at best. Yet we share Majority Leader [Harry] Reid's belief that our efforts to improve the working conditions and lives of millions of Americans through the Employee Free Choice Act will not be derailed," said Jon Youngdahl, political director for the Service Employees International Union.
Business advocates said Lincoln's plans to vote against the bill aid their efforts to stop the legislation.
"This makes opposition to cloture bipartisan. We hope this will encourage others to take a public stand against this increasingly radioactive bill," said Steven Law, general counsel for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.


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Established to achieve and maintain Poolesville's Sustainable Maryland certification, the overall mission of the Sustainable Poolesville Committee is to create a cleaner, safer, and healthier community. It promotes awareness of sustainability issues, identifies opportunities for the Town to cost-effectively reduce its environmental impact, and facilitates initiatives to capture these opportunities. We will accomplish our goals through a collaborative effort with our local government, schools, nonprofit and faith-based organizations, businesses, and residents.


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The Foundation for Healthy Communities Celebrates National Rural Health Day
Concord, NH – the Foundation for Healthy Communities joins the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and other state/national rural stakeholders in celebrating National Rural Health Day, Thursday, November 16, 2017.
NOSORH created National Rural Health Day as a way to showcase rural America; increase awareness of rural health-related issues; and promote the efforts of NOSORH, State Offices of Rural Health and others in addressing those issues.
Approximately 62 million people – nearly one in five Americans – live in rural and frontier communities throughout the United States. "These small towns, farming communities and frontier areas are wonderful places to live and work; they are places where neighbors know each other and work together," said NOSORH Director Teryl Eisinger. "The hospitals and providers serving these rural communities not only provide quality patient care, but they also help keep good jobs in rural America."
These communities also face unique healthcare needs. "Today more than ever, rural communities must tackle accessibility issues, a lack of healthcare providers, the needs of an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions, and larger percentages of un- and underinsured citizens," Eisinger said. "Meanwhile, rural hospitals are threatened with declining reimbursement rates and disproportionate funding levels that makes it challenging to serve their residents."
New Hampshire has thirteen Critical Access Hospitals throughout the state that support their communities by delivering high quality healthcare in very rural, underserved areas of the state. These hospitals are engaging in innovative programs like telehealth and electronic health records, that allow New Hampshire's rural health providers to coordinate care, stay connected with each other and urban tertiary care centers.
"Our critical access hospitals work tirelessly to address the barriers that their patients face in accessing the healthcare they need when they need it," says Greg Vasse, Program Director at the Foundation for Healthy Communities who runs the NH Critical Access Hospital Quality Improvement Network. "We collaborate with our State Office of Rural Health, rural healthcare providers and other rural health stakeholders to foster partnerships that improve the health status of the communities our critical access hospitals serve."
State Offices of Rural Health play a key role in addressing those needs. All 50 states maintain a State Office of Rural Health, each of which shares a similar mission: to foster relationships, disseminate information and provide technical assistance that improves access to, and the quality of, health care for its rural citizens. In the past year alone, State Offices of Rural Health collectively provided technical assistance to more than 28,000 rural communities.
Living & Working in Rural Communities - What's it Mean to Patients and Providers?
Pat Nestor, Retired Airforce Veteran, gets his care at Separe Memorial Hospital - click here to learn more about why he chooses to get his care from one of New Hampshire's Critical Access Hospitals.
Michael Watto, MD, Speare Memorial Hospital Primary Care and retired military physician for the United States Army, lives and practices in rural New Hampshire, serving the area's underserved patients, including his fellow Veterans - read his story here.