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Silence at work is like a noxious gas
Toxic silence looming over your workplace can hinder progress and productivity.
By Gregory Ciotti | May 28, 2015
Silence can seep throughout an organization, sabotaging motivation, enthusiasm, and comradery.
Hard language, harsh reality.
If you don't agree, it's because you haven't felt it looming. Silence allows small setbacks to snowball into bigger problems, makes level-headed folks skittish, and causes melancholy and disconnect. For every scenario, the dose makes the poison.
Related: The lost art of candor in the workplace
Why is so much at stake with communication? It's because great teams are composed of passionate people—people who value support for their contributions.
Appreciation matters, but it's often misunderstood.
Understanding Genuine Appreciation
You can never fully appreciate someone's work unless you're in the same field. You simply won't know enough about what they do.
But that's the reason you love working alongside your team; they can do things that you cannot. The diversity in talent is inspiring, exciting, and humbling. True appreciation is feeling understood and connected.
One relationship where this commonly crops-up is between "operations" and "creative deadlines" (or makers and managers). Silence can create misunderstanding where there shouldn't be.
Neither side is looking for pity, attention, sympathy, or needless flattery: "You're brilliant!" "No, you're brilliant!"
But makers want managers to understand the pressure of producing well-received, public-facing work. And managers want makers to understand what's at stake when the indefensible "I need more time!" excuse derails the entire process.
In reality, they both want the same thing: Empathy, not leniency.
Professional people want to be pushed. Anyone worth working with desires mutual success and wants to see the team succeed. Regardless of your role, appreciation comes from knowing a bit about each others' struggles and contributions.
You can't have this connection without communication, and that's why you shouldn't let things get too quiet.
Having Better Conversations
Resentment and friction is caused by misunderstanding and poor communication.
On the other hand, great communication leads to a positive dynamic. Both sides feel that their contributions are understood; both sides feel plugged-in and part of the outcome as a whole.
All of a sudden that hard-deadline has immediate context: "Hmm, that's a tight turnaround and a lot of pressure. And I always sweat the details, but they understand that, and they wouldn't ask unless they really needed it."
Related: Why good employees make bad decisions
Mutual understanding lays a strong foundation. There is no need to question intent, and anything left unsaid is assumed positive—all achieved by talking it through.
Here's what you could work on:
Starting more conversations
When you get busy it can feel like to-do lists are just dropping from the sky. But you won't get people to open-up if you don't seem receptive. It's a two-way street, so do your part to speak up.
Asking about teammates' challenges
"How is everything?" isn't enough; surface-level questions get appropriately shallow responses. Be curious about what people are up against, and show enough interest to check-in. Done well, these conversations are rewarding for both parties.
Giving and getting better context
Being informed means it's less likely you'll ever feel left out. But you also givecontext to other people, and part of communicating well is recognizing the thingsthey might like to know. You'll get better feedback by giving better feedback.
Scheduling water-cooler moments
Remote teams, this one is important. You don't have a regular spot at the lunch table. The concern isn't your physical distribution, it's the psychological distance and effort required to start conversations. Planned talks get put on the schedule, and that's important for consistency.
It's easy to feel like you're interrupting people with this stuff. It's easy to feel awkward when talking about your work, challenges, struggles, and uncertainty.
But it's better than the alternative. The silence creates confusion, which causes disconnect, which inevitably leads to friction. Friction with those you respect must be worked out, or it will eventually rear its ugly head through conflict.
You can't set up a Google Alert to tell you when communication is failing. You can't ship "more connectedness with my team" in Q2. It's an ongoing effort and one that will erode quickly if not maintained. Cringe if you have to, but make communication a priority, whatever it takes.
Better to break the silence than to let the silence break you.
Related: How to talk to your angriest customers
Copyright 2015 Entrepreneur Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
This article originally appeared on Entrepreneur.com . Minor edits have been done by the Entrepreneur.com.ph editor.
Photos from Flickr (Jemma D and Brian Talbot)
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See below for a frequently-updated, comprehensive list of upcoming running events in the local Sicklerville, NJ area. Races listed here include both walking and running events of various distances — from 1-milers, to 5Ks, to marathons, and everything else in between.
Complete list of running events in and near Sicklerville, NJ: Marathons, 1-milers, 5Ks, half-marathons, 10Ks, obstacle courses, walking events & more.
The ZIP Code 08081 is associated with the city of Sicklerville in Camden County in the state of New Jersey.


- Please reply when someone guesses the episode as soon as possible.
- If you guessed right and it is your turn to post a screen grab, please post another screen grab to keep this going.
- Don't get a screen grab from the same episode in a row. If the episode was from Cry Turmoil, don't post another Cry Turmoil screen grab.
- One guess per person for each grab in each post (as in don't go putting in three guesses in one reply).
- If it has been 3 days and no one guessed, then reveal the episode and post a new screen grab.
- Post images that do not have the episode title in the filename, or link directly to an image that includes the title in the url.
Since my DVDs are all packed up for the move and I can't confirm my suspicions of the episode, I'm going to have to blindly guess. "Night of the Dark Kat"?
Off the top of my head, I'm guessing Razor's Edge (for some reason it's reminding me of a Dark Kat episode).
I'm guessing Wrath of Dark Kat.
MoDaD wrote: Off the top of my head, I'm guessing Razor's Edge (for some reason it's reminding me of a Dark Kat episode).
Mwhahaha! MoDaD guessed it correctly!
This is from the hospital scene in the episode Razor's Edge where Razor goes to visit the two old citizens he thought he and T-Bone injured. They were watching what appeared to be a game show like the Wheel of Fortune and someone was going to win a lifetime supply of Hairball Eliminator.
MoDaD picks the next screengrab!
The first one is definitely Razor's Edge.
The second one...umm...Pastmaster Always Rings Twice?
Hrrrrm... this is citizens fleeing from some big doom coming... Volcanus Erupts? The animation quality is a clue too.
LowdogCraft wrote: The Deadly Pyramid?
EDIT: Got the wrong quote mixed up in my initial reply. Fixed now.


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AAA West Chester Car Care Insurance Travel Center
707 E Gay St, West Chester PA 19380
October 2021 by Maureen Kenzakowski
Changed my driver's license and car registration quickly and efficiently. Pleasant staff.
September 2021 by Will Martin
I brought a vehicle in to have two tires with slow air leaks patched/plugged. I had identified what appeared to be nails in both tires and told the AAA service shop where the leaks were. I asked how much it cost to perform this repair and was informed it was $29.99 per tire. This is twice as much as what I was quoted at other places, but it was local and I thought it would be a quality repair that would be backed up. The final invoice included a "Shop fee" of $4.80. I asked the clerk what the "Shop fee" covered. He stated that he didn't know and that everyone was charged this "Shop fee". It feels dishonest to me that AAA advertised and quoted a price for the repair, knows that they have this arbitrary "shop fee" and did not tell me about it ahead of time. While driving away from the facility, I noticed that the Tire warning light was on. It was NOT on when I brought the car in for the slow air leak. Thank you AAA for creating a problem that was not there when I brought the car in. Lastly, AAA decided it was within their right to replace the oil change sticker that was applied by my preferred shop for oil change service with their own sticker. I didn't ask them to do that and I did not want them to do that. A tip for you AAA, don't touch what you are not asked to touch. It's hard to give them 1 star. I'm not confident they did the work that I paid them to do correctly. Needless to say, I will never bring a car back to this service center, and I won't recommend them to anyone that I know. NOT a good shop.
August 2021 by Sandra Wurm
Went there to get finger printed for work. Signage not very good outside to know that this is where to go to have this service done
August 2021 by Rick
They have very customer centric employees. The auto service managers (Bernard and Hiram) are great to work with.
August 2021 by Bobbianna
Even when I had an appointment, it took them about 30 minutes to see me for my fingerprinting. However, they have very good service.
August 2021 by GMSJ
Great staff!Good service.
August 2021 by Lenore W.
I had a great experience at this location. Unexpectedly had to replace a tire, and discovered two unserviceable lug nuts (?). I am back on the road and much safer now thanks to Mr. Hiram Wheatley and his team.
July 2021 by Joshua W.
Steer clear of this facility. They could not complete the car service by the promised date and never called to tell me. They had ordered the wrong part, so I had to wait two additional days without a car. Again they didn't call to explain the part never arrived, so I called again and was told it would be two more days without a car. When I explained I needed the car for the following day, they did push to get it complete. Although when I inspected their work I found they did not do one of the services I had paid for. When I confronted the salesman, his response was, "well you wanted it done quickly." Yes, but don't charge me for a service you didn't even do! That left me wondering if there were other services that I paid for that were not actually done. I thought AAA was a reputable company, but this place left me wanting.
June 2021 by John McGeorge
It pains me to submit a one-star review, as I've generally had good experience here in the past. On Monday, I picked up my car and drove off. It didn't become apparent that at least one tire was loose until I was on 202. I tried calling and nobody picked up. Fortunately, I made it to Pep Boys in Exton, and they were good enough to tighten the lug nuts. When the mechanic handed me back my keys, he told me all four tires had been loose. When I did finally get ahold of the shop, they didn't seem particularly concerned that this had happened. When I called the main membership number, they apologized and said someone would be in touch. So, I said to myself that I'd give them a day before posting anything about it. And I verified what number they'd be calling from. It's now almost two full days, so I will post.
May 2021 by Laura S.
Always amazing care, honest, and timely and very Friendly staff. I am treated like family every time. Bernard is especially wonderful. He always remembers me and takes the time to ask me how I am doing and treats me like Family. He goes above and beyond for all the clients I see him interact with. I would recommend anyone to this AAA. I've been coming back for years now bc the service and care is always beyond exceptional.
May 2021 by James Mailey
Never ever go here. Went in for an oil change. The tech stood there with the car in the shop for atleadt 20 min just talking. Never tried to sell me wipers which streak severely. Bever topped off fluid like suppose to. I checked my oil level after the service and it is atleast a quart low. I recommend to never go here. Over an hour and half for an oil change and tire rotation. I had a 9 o clock appointment.
May 2021 by gburah bondo
Good customer service.Cassandra and Aimee are great
March 2021 by Rachel Orlando
Got a nail/screw in my tire on a Friday and no garages are open on the weekend. AAA saved my life squeezing me in on Saturday morning. Took a couple hours obviously as they had other cars already scheduled but was worth the wait as I had a long drive on Sunday. Thank you guys!!
March 2021 by Herman R.
Place still sucks. Having heard anything from regional headquarters on this issue. Unbelievable!!!
March 2021 by Kaila S.
I'm a 21yo female who was completely taken advantage of by the man at this location. I initially went in with my moms car for 2 new tires for $195 and was told that I would get a free alignment, which turned into 4 new tires and an alignment for $90. I was upset but paid the $540 that it ended up costing. The next day her car broke down on the highway and I called AAA to tow it. They told me that my radiator had a crack in it and leaked all the fluid out and that it would cost another 560 to fix, that they would order the part and do it the next day because the mechanic was "taking his time". I spoke with my parents and they told me to call them back immediately and and tell them not to work on the car because that quote was insane. 30 minutes had gone by by the time I called back and I was told that the part was already ordered and replaced and there was no way to undo it. On top of all of that the "repair" they had done didn't fix the car and I was quoted another $3200 to fix it. They honestly made me feel so beaten and defeated and still my car isn't drivable. I warn you if you're a young female or don't know much about cars you'll be taken advantage of. Be very cautious!!!
707 E Gay St, West Chester (610) 696-8100

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis caused
No Comments on Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis caused
Background Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis caused by a phlebovirus and transmitted by mosquitoes. 212 arbitrarily chosen villages (10.3% of most Gabonese villages). RVFV-specific IgG was within a complete of 145 people (3.3%) suggesting the wide blood flow of Rift Valley fever disease in Gabon. The seroprevalence was considerably higher in the lakes area than in forest and savannas areas, with respective prices of 8.3%, 2.9% and 2.2%. In the lakes area, RVFV-specific IgG was a lot more common in men than in females (respectively 12.8% and 3.8%) as well as the seroprevalence increased gradually with age group in males however, not in females. Conclusions/Significance Although RVFV was recommended to circulate at a higher level in Gabon fairly, zero outbreaks or isolated instances have already been documented in the united states even. The bigger prevalence in the lakes area may very well be powered by particular ecologic conditions beneficial to particular mosquito vector species. Males may be more at risk of infection than females because they spend more time farming and hunting outside the villages, where they may be more exposed to mosquito bites and infected animals. Further investigations are needed to determine the putative sylvan cycle of RVFV, including the mosquito species and the reservoir role of wild animals in the viral maintenance cycle. Author Summary Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a disease transmitted by a mosquito bite (genus of the family. RVFV infects both humans and livestock [1]. Crizotinib Although severe clinical cases can be observed, infection with RVF virus (RVFV) in humans is, in most cases, asymptomatic or causes a febrile illness without serious symptoms. Some patients may develop serious complications, including meningoencephalitis (about 1%), hemorrhagic disorders (1%) and ocular disorders (retinitis Gpc4 and uveitis in 12% and about 30% respectively in Saudi Arabia) [2], [3], [4], [5]. The case fatality rate varied widely between different epidemics but ranged between 1% to 13%. RVFV induces abortion and stillbirth in small domestic ruminants, and has a major socio-economic impact in African countries [6], [7]. RVFV is transmitted by mosquitoes, but humans can also be infected through direct contact with blood (aerosols) or tissues (placenta, stillborn) of infected animals [8], [9]. RVFV was first isolated in Kenya in 1930 [10] and is now known to be widespread in many African countries, especially in non-forested regions. Until the 1970s, RVF was mainly reported in southern and eastern Africa (mainly Kenya), where it was considered as an animal disease, despite sporadic human cases [11]. After the 1970s, explosive outbreaks occurred in human populations throughout Africa, and principally in Egypt (1977C78, 1997C98) [2], [12], [13], Senegal and Mauritania (1987C1988) [14], [15], [16], Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania, (1997C1998, 2006C2007) [17], [18], Chad (2004) [19], Sudan (2008) [20] and South Africa (2010) [21], and also in Crizotinib the Arabian Peninsula (2000C2001) [22], Mayotte and Madagascar (2007C2008) [23], [24], [25]. In east Africa, RVF outbreaks coincided with heavy rainfall and local flooding, which can lead to expansion of vector populations [26], [27]. RVFV has been detected in many wild animal species (ungulates in Kenya, bats in Guinea, small vertebrates in Senegal and South Africa), but it is not known whether they serve to maintain the virus in the ecosystem during inter-epidemic periods, or Crizotinib whether they contribute to amplifying outbreaks [28], [29], [30], [31]. Although the RVFV cycle in savannas regions is now better understood, possible sylvan cycles in forested regions have not been explored [32]. In forested central Africa countries, no RVF outbreaks have been described, although RVFV-specific antibodies have been detected in wild animals and humans living in forested areas of Central African Republic (CAR) [28], [29], [30], [33], [34], [35], [36] and RVFV has been isolated from humans and wild mosquitoes (and [38], in the Central African Crizotinib Republic and the detection of IgG in pygmies living in regions of.
← Background Cardiotonic steroids (CTS) are implicated in pathophysiology of uremic cardiomyopathy. → Transient CD154 blockade at the onset of Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced


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2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 To Debut With World's Most Powerful 4-Cylinder Engine
by Gaurav Davare
The new engine will debut in the A45, followed by the GLA, CLA45 and other future vehicles
Codenamed 'M139', the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine comes in a base and 'S' variant.
The 2020 A45 is an upcoming hot hatch which will get chassis and motor revisions.
The new engine will make 387PS and 412PS of power in two states of tune.
Both variants use a twin-turbocharger with a boost of 27.6psi for the base variant and 30.5psi for the 'S' variant.
The new engine debuts in the A45 in July, followed by the CLA45 and GLA45 later this year.
For those eagerly awaiting for a little more oomph in the upcoming 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45, here's some great news. Mercedes-AMG has finally announced the official engine specifications of the 2020 A45 that will replace the older M133 four-cylinder engine, and the mad hatters from Stuttgart are going all out.
The biggest change in the 2020 A45 is that it will be powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, designated M139. It will come in two variants. The base variant that redlines at 7,200rpm delivers 387PS of power and 480Nm of torque. The more powerful 'S' variant puts out 412PS of peak power along with 500 Nm of torque. The 'S' trim will also redline at 7,200rpm. With these performance figures on the 'S' variant, the A45 will sport the most powerful factory-made four-cylinder engine offered in a production vehicle.
Both variants use a twin turbocharger but the difference between the two is in the boost pressure. The base variant provides 27.6 psi of boost, whereas the 'S' variant produces 30.5 psi. Both engine variants will be mated with an eight-speed DCT transmission, coupled with an all-wheel-drive system.
Mercedes's aim with the introduction of this four-cylinder monster is to provide sportier power delivery with the A45. The older M133 engine used to deliver diesel-like flatline acceleration at around 2,000rpm. The new M139 engine on the A45 will generate peak torque at 5,200rpm while still producing a decent surge of acceleration at around 3,000rpm.
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG A45 is a hot-hatch that is set to compete with the likes of the Audi RS3 and the upcoming BMW M2 CS. With performance and exuberance at the centre of its design, the latest iteration of the A45 will get tweaks and enhancements along with adjustable dampers. It will also come with a quad-oval exit exhaust system. The new A Class will be 10mm longer than its predecessor and will get a new floor pan along with a refined body structure for better rigidity. The new A45 will also have a wider front track and will be fitted with 18-inch wheels as standard. 19-inch wheels will also be offered as an option.
After the launch of the AMG A45 in July, Mercedes will introduce its new powerhouse in other cars like the GLA45 and the CLA45 as well. While there is no word on when the new A45 will hit our roads, we surely cannot wait to drive this beast!
Gaurav | 1 month ago Hi Elliot, It's another technological masterclass from the Silver Arrows in their competition with BMW and Audi . It's unfortunate that we haven't been able to test it yet, but we can hardly wait to do	so if it hits our roads . ...Read More 0 Reply
Elliott | 1 month ago Another grand slam for the three-pointed star. Over 100HP from each cylinder. Now that's black magic. Keep your right foot under control and I'm willing to bet you'll get at least 30MPG. It's great competition	for the BMW M cars and Audi's S line cars. A 7200RPM redline should also be a barrel of laughs. Where does the line start? ...Read More 0 Reply
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Miranda teases 8 million+ on Facebook with new song and 'something else'
More than 8 million fans of Miranda Lambert keep up with her doin's on the country star's Facebook page. The page is updated frequently with news about her new music, tour and other appearances, and efforts for "Mutt Nation." On Monday, Lambert announced the release of a new song and added a teaser.
Miranda Lambert's Facebook page had this announcement:
"In case y'all missed the news, I've got a new song "It All Comes Out in the Wash" premiering this Thursday at 6am ET! And…I just may have something else up my sleeve for y'all that day too.."
Image from @MirandaLambert/Facebook
The page also featured a snip from the new song, and it looks to be another hit.
Lambert's music is among the most popular in my daughter's cover bank. Women love her music so much that when they group up at a show to request a Lambert song, I call them "Miranda girls." That happened Friday evening when Rebecca and Wes did a duo show at The Palace Saloon. Towards the end of the evening, a group of women gathered at the stage. Rebecca and Wes let the Miranda tunes loose and it was a sight to behold.
I've often called Lambert the queen of country music. Because she is.
Lambert's Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars tour brings her to Florida in November, with a show in Jacksonville scheduled for November 21. It'll be a sellout I am certain.
(Kay B. Day/July 16, 2019)
Author EdArtsSouthPosted on 07/16/2019 Categories Band Mom, Music Americana & CountryTags Miranda Lambert, Mutt Nation, Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars tour
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Area Events Listings for October 15th, 2014
By Super User / Local Events / Wednesday, 15 October 2014 04:00
Pleasure Island Calendar of Events for 2014
• October 17-19 - 8th Annual Pleasure Island Surf Fishing Challenge (910-352-0603)
• October 25 - Annual Carolina Beach Firefighters Association BBQ (910-458-8434)
• November 28 - Island of Lights Light Up Celebration at the Lake (910-458-5507)
• Nov 28 thru Dec 20 - 6th Annual Christmas by the Sea (Carolina Beach Boardwalk) (910-470-8666)
• December 5 - Island of Lights Christmas Parade (910-458-5507)
• December 12, 13 & 14 - Kure Beach Fantasy Christmas Show (910-279-0459)
• December 31 - Island of Lights New Year's Eve Countdown held in Kure Beach
For Chamber information please visit our website at
www.pleasureislandnc.org or E-Mail us at
6th Annual Salty Paws Festival October 18th
Join the fun at the 6th Annual Salty Paws Festival at Carolina Beach Lake Park on October 18, from 11 am to 4:30 pm. Bring your children and bring your pets!! This mixture of entertainment, education, and aid for rescued animals provides a unique opportunity for our community. The festival includes live music by Mystic River, a wine and beer garden, and a variety of foods. Everyone has a chance to win prizes with raffles, and pet owners can compete for cash prizes for pet costume and Bubba/Bubbette pet costume contests. Most importantly, rescue animal adoptions will be available as will microchipping for the discounted price of $30. Admission is $7 children under age 10 may attend without charge. ALL proceeds go to help in the care and medical needs of so many neglected and abused animals. The SALTY PAWS FESTIVAL is hosted by Saving Animals During Disasters, a 501c3 non-profit organization whose goal is to aid in the rescue and support of disaster affected animals. As we have learned, disasters can be natural as well as man made! The first five Salty Paws Festivals, which were held in October of 2009 through 2013 around the lake, were HUGE successes, drawing crowds of approximately 3000 people, 75 vendors and more pets than we could count! We're expecting an even larger turnout this year. The festival will have music, food, pet contests, pet adoptions, and lots of activities for adults, children and pets. For more information visit www.savinganimalsduringdisasters.org.
Kure Beach Community Center Halloween Dance October 25th
Our very first, much anticipated, Halloween Dance will be held Saturday, October 25. You are asked to come in your best Halloween "Costume." Costumes will be judged and First Place Winner will receive the "Prize" of the night. DJ Tony will lead our music with Line Dance, Beach, Slow, Ballroom, and is always ready to take requests for that "special song". The ghostly dance will begin at 7:00 pm and will end at 9:30 pm. Cost is $8.00 per person or $15.00 per couple. Refreshments will be served and a memorable night will be enjoyed by all. Come out in your finest costume and dance the night away. The Kure Beach Community Center is located at 118 N. 3 Id Avenue behind Big Daddy's Restaurant. Come on out and enjoy all the fun and music. It promises to be a ghoulish night!!!
Halloween Story Time by the Sea on Saturday, October 25th
Bring the young ones to Ocean Front Park on Saturday, October 25th at 11:00 am for a Halloween edition of Story Time by the Sea. Come dressed up in your favorite costume and join the Fairytale Princesses for Halloween themed stories, games, music, and fun. This event runs until 12:30 pm and is free to the public.
Cape Fear Museum Hosts Annual Science Spooktacular
WILMINGTON, N.C. – This fall Cape Fear Museum has Halloween down to a science, providing children and adults with an educational, fun and safe way to celebrate Halloween. Science Spooktacular offers interactive activities for "mad scientists" of all ages on Saturday, October 18 from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Museum members are allowed in at 5:30 p.m. Uncover the scientific principles behind "spooky" and mysterious events through hands-on activities stations throughout the Museum, such as:
Wearing your lab coat and safety goggles (provided), venture into the Mad Lab where you'll meet mad scientists from UNC Wilmington's Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (CESTEM) and Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE). Create a mini lava lamp, slime and pumpkin Oobleck. Find out what makes candy sour. Learn about mixtures with vampire punch and scarecrow crunch.
Create frozen shadows, examine artifacts from our creepy collections or build your own skeleton to take home. Experiment with pumpkin oscillators, melting blocks and much more in the Little Shop of Physics. Make a square bubble and a ghost dance. Examine "ghost eggs." See how light works in a two-way mirror.
Remember, it's not spooky, it's science! Admission is free for Museum members; $7.00 for non-members. Children five and under are free. Anyone who buys or renews a Museum membership that evening gets in free. Cape Fear Museum will close at 4:00 p.m. to begin setting up for the event. Science Spooktacular is sponsored by Time Warner Cable's Connect a Million Minds initiative. For more information about science activities in your town, visit connectamillionminds.com. Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, a New Hanover County Department, is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday; September - May. General admission is $8 for adults; $7 for seniors, military and students with valid ID, $5 for children 6-17; and free for children 5 and under. Museum members are admitted free. New Hanover County residents' free day is the first Sunday of each month.
The Museum is located at 814 Market Street in historic downtown Wilmington, N.C. More information: www.capefearmuseum.com.
Carolina Beach Parks & Rec Halloween Carnival Oct. 25th
The Carolina Beach Parks & Recreation Committee in conjunction with Carolina Beach Parks & Recreation Department would like to announce the Annual Halloween Carnival at Mike Chappell Park. This year the Carnival will be held on Saturday, October 25th from 3:00 - 5:30 pm. This event is for all little monsters and ghouls age 12 years and under. Costume Contest judging will begin promptly at 5:00 pm. There will be games, prizes, candy, costume contest, refreshments and fun! This is a FREE event with at least 2 canned food items per child to be donated to the Federal Point Help Center. If it rains, we will move our event into the Carolina Beach Recreation Center. Get your costumes ready and join us for the Halloween festivities. If you have any questions regarding the carnival please call the Recreation Center at 458-2977.
Island Arts and Entertainment Week kicks off Oct. 19
By: Mitchell Houska
Artful Living Group, Island Arts and Culture Alliance and Island Local have teamed up to bring you the first annual, Arts and Entertainment Week. The week kicks off on October 19th with "Art for the Island."
From 12:00 to 4:00pm join in the fun at Artful Living on Cape Fear Boulevard where Island Arts and Culture is building a pelican sculpture. Come be a part of the art and your local community at their public workshop. Also, at 3:30pm, the Cape Fear Dance Theater will perform "Pink Ribbon Memorial" as a street performance on Cape Fear Boulevard, to benefit the Pretty in Pink Foundation for breast cancer awareness. On the 23rd, from 11:00am to 4:00pm, Artful Living will host an In-Studio Day, with artist demos. All five of Artful Living Group's artist studios will be open to the public. On Friday the 24th, from 6:30 to 9:00pm, is "Celebration of the Arts," a dinner and art auction hosted by Island Arts and Culture Alliance at the Lazy Pirate, which is located at 701 North Lake Park Boulevard. Admission is $20.00 per person. There will be a DJ on-site and an auction of fine arts and crafts for the public. Come down and join in the fun all week long and support your local art community and culture. For more information about Arts and Entertainment Week and scheduled events, send an email to chris@ArtfulLivingGroup.com or call (610) 909-7643. Artful Living is located at 112 Cape Fear Boulevard.
Pumpkins, Pups and Produce!
Fall is here again and so are the pumpkins. The Veggie Wagon in Carolina Beach has everything pumpkin related you could ask for. They have a huge new selection of pumpkins for sale. They have traditional pumpkins, baby pumpkins and several different varieties of heirloom pumpkins. All of their pumpkins can be used for cooking purposes, while some are better than others. Their heirloom pumpkins are the best for making pumpkin treats and come in three different varieties; Blue Jarrahdale, which are blue in hue, Cinderella Red, a round, flatter redish-orange pumpkin and White Crystal Star, which, as the name suggests, are a white variety of pumpkin.
On the treats menu is their new Peanut Butter Brewnola bars. They have partnered up with Good Hops Brewing of Pleasure Island, and are using their spent grains that ordinarily would have been thrown away to create a delicious, one of a kind treat that is good to eat! They are made using local honey, peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, flax seed, barley, dried cranberries and more. Veggie Wagon has also created their very own version of roasted, seasoned pumpkin seeds, using their own blend of spices. They are an addictive and healthy treat that are great for the whole family.
Also on the menu for fall, is a wide variety of seasonal beers. They have several pumpkin beers, stouts and Oktoberfest beers available. You can bring in your own growler to have filled or if you don't have one, you can pick one up at the Veggie Wagon for a small deposit.
Don't forget to stop in for their wine tastings on Tuesday, from 5:00 to 7:00pm and their beer tasting on Thursdays, from 5:00 to 8:00pm. The Veggie Wagon is located at 608 South Lake Park Boulevard in Carolina Beach. For more information, call (910) 805-3014, follow them on Facebook or visit their website, at www.theveggiewagon.com.
2014 Island of Lights Annual Christmas Card & Ornament
PLEASURE ISLAND - The 2014 Island of Lights annual Christmas card and Ornament are now available in stores. You may purchase them at the Checkered Church Gift Shop (800 Saint Joseph Street), Island Tackle (801 N. lake Park Blvd), touche (201 N Lake Park Blvd), Jeannie's Jewels (1009 N Lake Park Blvd), Nautilus Arts & Frames (1009 N. Lake Park Blvd) and Carolina Beach Furniture (1021 N Lake Park Blvd).
This years theme is "Sand Castles" depicted on both card and ornament.
The cards are $10.00 for a pack of 12 cards are $10.00 and the ornament is $15.00, cash or checks accepted. More information about this years card artist , Jonnie Chardonn, will be featured soon in The Island Gazette. Mary Jo Madden continues to paint each and every ornament. She has created close to 5000 ornaments since we began in 2001.
Cape Fear Volunteer Center In Need of Immediate Support
The Cape Fear Volunteer Center is in need of donations of time, money and supplies for their Big Buddy Program.
The Big Buddy Program and its volunteers make a significant contribution to the youth of our community by improving themselves personally, in their homes, in school and their future in our community. Many of these children were "at risk". After our mentoring program, most leave the program to become positive community members and the new citizens of the Cape Fear region. Currently, there are more than 200 youth participants in the Big Buddy Program from New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties. If you decide to become a contributor to our the Big Buddy Program you will be recognized on our social media sites, in our e newsletter, you will receive recognition at the more than twenty events we hold each year, and in the many releases we provide to the media. The Cape Fear Volunteer Center works to recruit and train the volunteers who have served as mentors, motivators, role models and guides for 45 years and have helped over 2,300 children. To continue this history of success your support is vitally important. We need funding to support programming for Big and Little Buddies, to provide resources that our Case Managers can distribute as needed and provide professional services. You can be among the many who consider a gift or ongoing contribution to the Cape Fear Volunteer Center on behalf of the Big Buddy program. If you have services or supplies we can use please consider contributing them as well.
Finally, we would appreciate your support in recruiting Big Buddy volunteers from among your staff, and would gladly provide a presentation to your staff or organization. Also, if you know of any children who can benefit from our program, let us know. Additional information and forms to apply to become either a Big Buddy or Little Buddy are available on our website, capefearvolunteercenter.org. For additional information about the Big Buddy program, or to provide further details, please call Annie Anthony, Cape Fear Volunteer Center Director 910-392-8180 or cfvcdirector@gmail .com or 3600 South College Rd Suite E PMB 106. Wilmington, NC 28412
Support for NHC Bond Referendum for Education
Wilmington – The League of Women Voters of the Lower Cape Fear, a nonpartisan organization now in its 40th year of working to register, educate and empower area voters, has announced its support for the 2014 New Hanover County Bond Referendum for Education. "Public education is a cornerstone of our democracy," said Chris Abrons, League of Women Voters of the Lower Cape Fear President. "Without adequate and safe physical facilities that are properly equipped, we cannot carry out our civic responsibility to our children who will be the leaders of tomorrow. The demonstrated need is great, because of both aging facilities and significantly increased enrollment in our county schools."
"While reasonable people may differ about the proper way to fund school construction and related facilities improvements, a bond program is the structure we have available to us for the present," Abrons added. "The critical needs New Hanover County Schools face today can no longer wait without severely compromising our children's educations and their futures."
The League of Women Voters of the Lower Cape Fear urges all voters to inform themselves about this important issue by visiting www.nhcs.net/bond. After careful consideration, the League of Women Voters of the Lower Cape Fear endorses the Bond Referendum for Education and urges its passage. For more information about the League of Women Voters of the Lower Cape Fear, please visit lcflwv.org or facebook.com/LWVLCF.
Autumn Train Excursions Return To Our Most Popular Past Destinations November 1st
The N.C. Transportation Museum Foundation and the Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum are again sponsoring Autumn Train Excursions, day trips by rail to two great destinations. This year's excursions will return to some of the most popular past destinations. The "Virginia Autumn Special" departs for Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Nov. 1. The "Georgia Autumn Special" will head to Toccoa, Ga., Sunday, Nov 2.. Providing amazing views of the changing leaves and a rare journey by rail, getting there is truly half the fun.
Departing Spencer at 7 a.m., Saturday's "Virginia Autumn Special" will offer a second passenger pick-up at the Greensboro Amtrak Station at 8 a.m., allowing those living in the Triad a more convenient boarding opportunity.
Passing through the North Carolina cities of Thomasville, High Point and Reidsville, and the Virginia cities of Danville, Lynchburg and Oak Ridge, passengers will experience beautiful views of the Piedmont and rolling hills of North Carolina and the western part of Central Virginia offers spectacular views of the fall foliage, crossing the Dan River.
In Charlottesville, travelers will have nearly three hours to explore the historic downtown area. It is a short walk to the downtown outdoor mall, considered one of the finest urban parks in the country. Unique shopping and dining opportunities can be found in boutiques, specialty wine, coffee and tea shops and outdoor dining spots. Travelers may also enjoy relaxing walks under a lush, leafy tree canopy.
Departing Charlottesville at 3 p.m., the train will arrive back in Greensboro at 7 p.m. and in Spencer at 8 p.m.
Sunday, the Georgia Autumn Special will also depart from the N.C. Transportation Museum at 7:00 am with additional stop/pickup at the Spartanburg, SC Amtrak station at 9:00 am and will traverse what was once Southern Railway's main line, running from Washington, D.C. to Atlanta, Ga. Passengers will enjoy the gala fall colors of Carolinas' rolling foothills, before crossing the 100-foot Seneca River trestle spanning Lake Hartwell to arrive at Toccoa. Nestled into the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the historic town will be bustling with activity during the 38th annual Harvest Festival. Passengers will have approximately three hours to enjoy the festival, which features handmade, handcrafted and home-grown items from more than 200 vendors, as well as delicious regional foods, great entertainment on two stages, children and youth activities, buggy rides and much more.
Toccoa Falls, named for the Cherokee word "Toccoah" meaning beautiful, is a must see. Located on the campus of Toccoa College, the 186-foot falls are 26 feet taller than Niagara Falls. Shuttle buses will be making a continuous loop between downtown Toccoa and Toccoa Falls.
Departing Toccoa at 3 p.m., the Georgia Autumn Special will return to Spartanburg, SC at 5:45 pm and back to Spencer, NC at 8 p.m. Three seating classes are offered for these Autumn Train Excursions. Tourist class features the convenience and comforts of modern Amtrak cars. Each car has a center aisle with two adjustable seats and a wide window on each side. This seating area provides convenient access to the souvenir and cafe cars. Tourist class seating is $155 per person. Deluxe coach seating will be offered in vintage and Amtrak cars, featuring spacious seating with adjustable seat backs and leg rests, as well as large windows for better viewing. Lunch will be served in classic table and dining cars. Light snacks and beverages are also provided. Deluxe coach seating is $190 per person
First class passengers will be seated in restored, vintage lounge or parlor cars. Each car is configured differently with a variety of seating options. Compartment seating may be requested for small groups but is not guaranteed. Fare includes continental breakfast, newspapers, light snacks and dinner. First Class seating is $265 per person.
Additional for those wishing to eat on the train to provide more time for sightseeing, an optional Gourmet Boxed Lunch will be offered. Delivered to your seat, the $15 meal will be served in a souvenir lunch tote, including chicken salad on a croissant, pasta salad, fresh fruit, homemade pound cake and a drink. This option is only available in advance and can be purchased with your ticket. Served in a souvenir tote, the meal includes a half turkey wrap, pasta salad, tortilla chips and salsa, a cookie and drink. This option is $15 per person and available only in advance with ticket purchase. Travelers can also take home a souvenir T-shirt. Featuring the "Autumn Rails" logo, these T-shirts will be distributed with passenger boarding passes. T-shirts are $20 each and are available in green or rust. Photos of the T-shirt design are available at www.nctrans.org.
Tickets are on sale and now can be purchased by calling 704-636-2889 ext. 237 or visiting online at www.nctrans.org.
Federal Point Historic Preservation Society Upcoming Meetings And Events
• Sunday October 19 4:00-6:00 from downtown Wilmington $35.00 per person (Limited to 40 people so book early!) To reserve tickets call FPHPS at 910-458-0502. Join us aboard Wilmington Water Tours flagship The Wilmington. Our local ecological and maritime history will be narrated by Captain Doug Springer and Beverley Tetterton, who will be available to sign her new book Maritime Wilmington.
• October Meeting Monday, October 20, 2014 7:30 PM The Federal Point Historic Preservation Society will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, October 20, 7:30 pm at the Federal Point History Center, 1121-A North Lake Park Blvd., adjacent to Carolina Beach Town Hall.
This month's speaker will be our very own President, Elaine Henson. Elaine will present a history of our local beaches through pictures from her personal collection.
Elaine always has plenty of "inside stories" about our area's development so don't miss this fascinating program.
• Sunday October 19, 2014 History Cruise Fundraiser 4:00 – 6:00 pm - Join us for an informative and fun cruise along the Cape Fear River aboard The Wilmington. Leaving from the Wilmington Water Tours dock in downtown Wilmington, the trip will be narrated by Doug Springer with help from historian Beverly Tetterton who will have her new book Maritime Wilmington for purchase and signing.
Read: Ben Steelman's (StarNews) review of Beverley Tetterton's new book, Maritime Wilmington. Call 910-458-0502 to reserve tickets. $35.00 per person
• Monday October 20, 2014 Membership Meeting 7:30-9:00 pm. Local historian and author, Elaine Henson, will present an illustrated talk on the history of the "Cape Fear Beaches." Her book, Carolina Beach, shares the history of this seaside community through the postcards its visitors sent home. From the early hand-colored cards printed in Germany to the modern chrome cards of today, we see the people and places of Carolina Beach.
• Saturday November 1, 2014 5:30pm – 7:30pm The Society has been invited to sell refreshments at a benefit concert benefiting the Friends of Fort Fisher. From the North Carolina Mountains, the acoustic group, Balsam Range, presents a unique blend of bluegrass, gospel, folk and jazz.
The band's 2013 release, "Papertown" (YouTube) named for their hometown of Canton, NC, (which houses a paper mill), took the high honor at the 2013 International Bluegrass Music Association Awards.
The highly acclaimed project spent five consecutive months at the number one spot on the Bluegrass Unlimited National Bluegrass Survey chart. Balsam Range was also the recipient of an unprecedented six other International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA) nominations for 2013.
Recently, on October 2, 2014, Balsam Range won the 2014 IBMA Awards for Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year. Federal Point History Center will be selling refreshments for the Nov. 1, 2014 benefit concert. It will be held at the Odell Williamson Auditorium in Bolivia at 7 pm. Tickets are $30-35$.
Monday November 17, 2014 Membership Meeting 7:30 – 900 pm. LeRae Umfleet, of the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources will return to us with her program on "Women in World War One."
Watch a snippet of LeRae Umfleet (lead researcher for the North Carolina 1898 Race Riot Report) of her talking about how the 1898 massacre stopped the growth of the city of Wilmington.
Monday December 15, 2014 Holiday Potluck 6:30 – 9:00 pm.
1121 North Lake Park Blvd, Carolina Beach, NC - Adjacent to the Carolina Beach Town Hall.


Google just launched the Chrome 27 beta, and already it's talking about Chrome 28 - which will include the recently announced switch to Blink.
Blink is the new rendering engine that will replace WebKit across all of Google's operating systems and browsers.
Blink will arrive alongside Chrome 28 in about 10 weeks' time, Google revealed in a Q&A video, posted yesterday, that explains the company's decision to fork WebKit.
On Thursday, Google announced plans to fork the widely-adopted rendering engine WebKit and develop its own rendering engine, based on WebKit, called Blink.
Google software engineer Adam Barth wrote Thursday that Google believes that "having multiple rendering engines - similar to having multiple browsers - will spur innovation and over time improve the health of the entire open web ecosystem."
WebKit currently powers both Apple's Safari browser and Google Chrome, amounting to 40 percent of browser usage.
That's about to change obviously, and it's unclear what implications Google's Blink switch will have for the future of the web.
Barth did reveal Google's initial reasoning: "In the short term, Blink will bring little change for web developers," he wrote. "The bulk of the initial work will focus on internal architectural improvements and a simplification of the codebase.
Blink is supposed to replace WebKit in Chrome on all platforms, though Apple's iOS - a platform on which browsers are required by Apple to use WebKit - is conspicuously not mentioned in the video.


The mission of Motel Church is to reach working poor and transitional homeless individuals and families living in weekly motels with the hope that we have in Jesus Christ, while sharing a potluck breakfast with them.
Motel Church is a rewarding family-friendly way to make a difference in our community. Every week small groups, individuals and families from Saddleback Church bring church and breakfast to motels, within a short drive from your Saddleback campus.
When you sign up, we send you all the information of where you will be serving, when to be there, what to expect, and what to bring to contribute to the potluck breakfast we share with our motel neighbors. The morning you serve, an experienced on-site leader meets you at your motel for prayer and to direct the activities. Next, we set up to share breakfast and we lead a few songs of worship. Then, a speaker shares a short, message of hope from God's word and prayer, and it's time to pack up and head home.
Fast facts: Choose either a Saturday or Sunday morning, and in which county you want to serve. Typical serving time at your motel is just 9 - 11:15 am. This is an easy ministry to try, and your heart will be filled by the experience.


Total BS, lies and deflection. Trump f**ked this whole thing up and you blame the poor and elderly and disabled/hospitalized/people in care facilities in PR for their own deaths due to a hurricane that didn't need to be the cause of so many deaths.
Read up on why PR is so in debt, it was congress and Presidents and PR does not have statehood and they do not have a voice in congress.
Protectionism and exploitation at its worst.
Total BS, lies and deflection. Trump f**ked this whole thing up and you blame the poor and elderly and disable folks in PR for their own deaths due to a hurricane that didn't need to be the cause of so many deaths.
Why are you continuing to deflect.
Acknowledge the micro-aggression you committed!
f*#k off. You are the one that called me racist for NO good reason. If you need a safe space, find one.
See, He Man is a RACIST political hack! This fact is backed up by several years of racist comments and his constant push of communist propaganda.
He Man can't even address a viewpoint that contradicts his communist agenda!
He Man will never acknowledge facts that show that his narrative is false.
He Man is a fraud!
He Man is a communist agent pushing an agenda!
He Man should be permanently banned!
Why did all that food and water rot in containers.i do not agree with what trump said ! Would all of that stuff have helped save more lives?
2320 would have died anyway from their normal base death rate.
so about 650 can be attributed to the hurricane.
None of that is true. The studies are public and they do not say that ^.
They carefully accounted for natural death counts, the deaths are all above what should have occurred if the hurricane did not hit the island.
Hurricanes hit populated areas, people die, sh*t happens. You can't blame Trump for it.
Let me know why you stop playing the hypocrite and blame Obama for all the ills which came about because of his decision to bomb Libya.
And a lot of people died after Hurricane Katrina as well. One man is not responsible for all that. Help was sent and money was raised for Puerto Rico.
Bush got a lot of sh*t for mishandling the aftermath. Which he deserved.
This is even worse. Trump had no plan at all and now he's lying about it.
Not a racist not a communist, no history of racism in any of my posts ar LOP ever. You are just attacking me because I post the truth about Trump and you are his Russian bot protector.
I adressed that nonsense in post #42 on page 3.
"Most of those stockpiles were in the control of FEMA and the disaster relief agencies that so poorly handled the storm/disaster relief process and let those potentially life saving supplies to rot.


Investors are focusing on board composition to evaluate whether directors possess the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to oversee the business in line with the company's strategy. Disclosure of a board skills matrix can help investors make such evaluations and reassure them that the board has a robust process in place to assess the mix of skills and diversity it currently has and/or is looking to achieve.
The skills matrix typically represents a visual snapshot of experience and qualifications for the directors to be appointed at the upcoming annual meeting. Although director biographies include individual qualifications, the skills matrix is becoming more common and a more efficient tool to depict the overall expertise and help assess boards.
Morrow Sodali's latest Institutional Investor Survey shows that the board skills matrix is viewed as a key disclosure item by investors representing $18 trillion of assets under management – 78% of respondents – when voting on director elections.
It is not only useful for investors to determine whether the board comprises the necessary skills and expertise to deliver long-term value, but is also useful for companies when evaluating the merits of a new board member. Although the topic of diversity initially started with a focus on gender, the discussion has now evolved to an overarching belief that there should also be diversity of skills and expertise.
There is no doubt that the best examples of skills matrix disclosure are offered by US companies, which consider Securities and Exchange Commission requirements, and Australian companies, for which the corporate governance code has suggested disclosure of a skills matrix since 2014. In the same year, the Council of Institutional Investors surveyed its members for examples of what they considered best-in-class disclosure of director nominee qualifications and skills from 2013 US proxy statements, and why, and published a best practice market sample.
There is no standard for skills matrices and companies providing such disclosure use different forms, such as schematic tables, which name and list relevant director skills, and short narrative descriptions of each director's skills.
The board skills matrix can be used as an internal tool to integrate board evaluation and succession planning. Although disclosure of the board skills matrix is important to investors, as it offers better insight into board composition, it also represents an extremely useful internal tool for the board to determine its optimal structure.
A skills matrix helps to identify the current skills, knowledge, experience and competencies of the board, as well as any gaps in skills or competencies that could be addressed in future director appointments.
To be beneficial, the board skills matrix needs to result from a well-thought-out and regularly reviewed process, which is tailored to the unique circumstances of each company, considers both current needs and future scenarios, and is not executed as a mere compliance exercise.
A board skills matrix should be closely aligned with other governance information, and be fully integrated into renewal and rotation policies, board evaluation and succession planning. Producing a board skills matrix can also help boards assess their own effectiveness and identify areas for potential improvement.
The skills matrix can be standardised for each company since it is linked to the company type, business model, and strategic objectives. It is, therefore, a more complex process that relates to board evaluation, in that it is possible to identify potential skills gaps on the basis of companies' strategic choices that can eventually be filled during the process of appointing new directors.
In other words, the board must identify the key qualifications and experience essential for the company's business strategy and expected future business needs.
It follows that there are some expertise areas which tend to be represented on listed company boards, such as legal, governance, risk management, leadership, finance, and international experience.
There are also other core competencies which are closely linked to each company type (for example, climate change or environmental, social and corporate governance for energy and oil companies) and the issuer's specific goals.
Skills matrix disclosure requires companies to find an appropriate balance between providing valuable information to their investors and avoiding details that could be negatively perceived by the market.
Nevertheless, openness about gaps in desired skills can indicate the board proactively seeks to improve its composition and effectiveness. As such, discussion around board, committee and directors' skills matrices should be considered an important topic when engaging with investors.
A robust evaluation process can inform directors, give them a voice, and reassure a wide array of stakeholders that the board is representing their interests effectively. By providing early warning of constituents' concerns, the board evaluation process can also help directors and management understand and deal with problems before they reach the stage of open confrontation.
Board evaluation is best corporate governance practice. The existence of a robust process enabling the board to assess its own composition and effectiveness is seen as an indicator of good governance by investors.
Disclosure of the board evaluation process and its outcome helps to improve investor confidence in the company's ability to address efficiently issues relating to board composition and succession planning. It is therefore crucial that higher levels of disclosure beyond the bare minimum facilitate an identification of strengths and weaknesses within the board, as well as the definition of necessary steps for improving the quality of its composition or the quality of board debates.
The annual board evaluation has rapidly progressed beyond a pure compliance exercise, becoming a key barometer for shareholders in assessing board functioning and progress. Our Institutional Investor Survey shows that 85% of investors consider the disclosure of summary findings and recommendations to be crucial, and 78% consider the action steps and implementation timetable to be essential.
Because board evaluation is virtually unregulated, companies have a great deal of flexibility over the process and its disclosure. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find very low levels of disclosure on governance practices, or the use of generic definitions in the annual report, especially among non-blue-chip companies or in less-developed countries.
A well-designed evaluation process is an essential tool for the board to clarify roles and expectations, as well as to prompt ongoing improvements. Broadening the scope of the evaluation by incorporating the perspective of senior managers, who regularly interact with the board, as well as directors' peer reviews and board chair reviews can contribute to the quality of the review.
An adequate board evaluation process should necessarily include a review of board and committee composition and process, the interaction among board members and between CEO and chairman, and a robust analysis of the quality of the supporting material.
Discussion on how board skills and performance are reviewed and refreshed should be considered an important topic when engaging directly with investors. Indeed, BlackRock's priorities for 2017 are evidence of the growing importance of this topic among top institutional investors.


We appreciate you taking the time to look at our website. We hope that you now have a better understanding of Hammond Investment Management. Please feel free to contact us with any questions and we look forward to hearing from you. So why hire Hammond Investment Management?
Independence: Our independence allows to recommend the best path for the client. Whether that requires the client to buy, sell or hold. We recommend investments that we believe are the best for the client.
Commitment: We view the relationship with the client as a long-term partnership with the commitment of helping the client achieve their investment goals with a piece of mind.
Difference: Education & experience make the difference. The principal of the firm, Timothy P. Hammond, has a M.S. in Financial Markets & Trading from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a B.B.A. in Accounting from Loyola University of Chicago having also passed the Certified Public Accountants exam. Mr. Hammond has over two decades of experience in the investment and finance areas. For ten years he was a municipal finance director responsible for managing the municipality's investments and its police pension investments. Since 2000 he has been a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA*) managing investments for individuals, municipalities and public pensions.
Approach: The investment approach begins with clearly defined investment advisory agreement between the client and Hammond Investment Management. The agreement clearly states that above all else, that we will work as a Fiduciary for the client. Fees are clearly stated in the agreement and the investment plan that is discussed is implemented as part of the advisory agreement.
RIA: Since we are an independent RIA firm we are registered with the State of Illinois and are subject to the Illinois Securities Law of 1953. We have a fiduciary responsibility to act in our client's best interest at all times.


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The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides grants to states and territories to fund various supports that help family and informal caregivers care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible.
The Purpose of the Program and How it Works
Established in 2000, the NFCSP provides grants to states and territories, based on their share of the population age 70 and over, to fund a range of supports that assist family and informal caregivers to care for their loved ones at home for as long as possible. (Note: Authorizing legislation is Section 371 of the Older Americans Act of 1965, as amended, Title IIIE)
NFCSP grantees provide five types of services:
information to caregivers about available services
assistance to caregivers in gaining access to the services
individual counseling, organization of support groups, and caregiver training
supplemental services, on a limited basis
These services work in conjunction with other state and community-based services to provide a coordinated set of supports. Studies have shown that these services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress as well as enable caregivers to provide care longer, thereby avoiding or delaying the need for costly institutional care.
Eligible Program Participants
While the Aging Network has always been involved in meeting the needs of care recipients and caregivers, by creating the NFCSP, Congress explicitly recognized the important role that family caregivers occupy in our nation's long-term services and supports system. As of the 2016 Reauthorization of the Older Americans Act, the following specific populations of caregivers are eligible to receive services:
Adult family members or other informal caregivers age 18 and older providing care to individuals 60 years of age and older
Adult family members or other informal caregivers age 18 and older providing care to individuals of any age with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders
Older relatives (not parents) age 55 and older providing care to children under the age of 18; and
Older relatives, including parents, age 55 and older providing care to adults ages 18-59 with disabilities
Family caregivers present their unique needs and preferences for the types of programs and services they wish to receive at any given point in time. Further, available programs and services vary among states and communities. Fortunately, a number of national organizations and programs exist to inform and support program development and innovation. See resources and links below for additional information on research, technical assistance, and support for program development.
Data Show Extensive Services Provided to Caregivers
In FY 2014, the most recent year for which service data is available, more than 700,000 caregivers received services through the NFCSP. These services helped them to better manage caregiving responsibilities while ensuring their loved ones remained in the community for as long as possible. Service highlights include:
Access Assistance Services provided more than 1.3 million contacts to caregivers, helping them to locate services from a variety of private and voluntary agencies
Counseling and Training Services provided more than 100,000 caregivers with counseling, peer support groups, and training to help them cope with the stresses of caregiving
Respite Care Services were provided to more than 604,000 caregivers through nearly 6 million hours of temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities—at home or in an adult day care or institutional setting
Data from ACL's most recent national survey of caregivers of older adult clients shows that:
Older Americans Act (OAA) services, including those provided through the NFCSP, are effective in helping caregivers keep their loved ones at home
Nearly 42 percent of caregivers report they have been providing care for 2-5 years while approximately 27 percent of family caregivers have been providing care for 5-10 years
74 percent of caregivers of program clients report that services enabled them to provide care longer than would have been possible otherwise
88 percent of caregivers reported that services helped them to be a better caregiver; and
Nearly 62 percent of caregivers indicated that without the services they received, the care recipient would be living in a nursing home
To obtain more information about the services caregivers received, visit the AGing Integrated Database (AGID), an online query system based on AoA-related data files and surveys. It also includes population characteristics from the Census Bureau for comparison purposes. The system allows users to produce customized tables using a step-by-step process and then output results in print or spreadsheet form.
Funding for Family Caregiver Support Services
during the past four fiscal years is as follows:
Dollar Amount
FY 2013 $145,586,000
Additional Resources for Caregivers
Resources and Useful Links
Eldercare Locator
Are you a family caregiver in need of information or assistance? Are you interested in learning more about programs and services that may be of assistance to you or your loved one? The Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging, is the first step to finding resources for older adults in any U.S. community. Just one phone call or website visit provides an instant connection to resources. The service links visitors to state and local Area Agencies on Aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers.
Family Caregiver Alliance - National Center on Caregiving
Established in 2001 as a program of the Family Caregiver Alliance, the National Center on Caregiving (NCC) works to advance the development of high-quality, cost-effective policies and programs for caregivers in every U.S. state. Uniting research, public policy and services, the NCC serves as a central source of information on caregiving and long-term care issues for policy makers, service providers, media, funders, and family caregivers throughout the country.
National Alliance for Caregiving
Established in 1996, The National Alliance for Caregiving is a nonprofit coalition of national organizations focusing on issues of family caregiving. Alliance members include grassroots organizations, professional associations, service organizations, disease-specific organizations, a government agency, and corporations.
The Alliance was created to conduct research, analyze policy, develop national programs, increase public awareness of family caregiving issues, strengthen state and local caregiving coalitions, and represent the U.S. caregiving community internationally. Recognizing that family caregivers provide important societal and financial contributions toward maintaining the well-being of those they care for, the Alliance's mission is to be an objective national resource aimed at improving the quality of life for families and care recipients.
Caregiver Action Network is the nation's leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of older age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs to the families and friends of wounded soldiers. CAN is a nonprofit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers nationwide free of charge.
Generations United
Generations United (GU) is the national membership organization dedicated to improving the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational strategies, programs, and public policies. GU represents more than 100 national, state, and local organizations representing more than 70 million Americans. With its emphasis on public policy, advocacy and programming, GU has served as a resource for policymakers and the public on the economic, social, and personal imperatives of intergenerational cooperation.
The Brookdale Foundation Group—Relatives as Parents Program (RAPP)
Established in 1996 in response to a growing need for enhanced services and supports for grandparents raising grandchildren, The Brookdale Foundation Group established RAPP to encourage and promote the creation or expansion of services for grandparents and other relatives who are surrogate parents due to the absence of the parents. Currently, RAPP provides supportive services, primarily to relative caregivers caring for children outside the foster care system, through an extensive network of support groups.
This website was created by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cooperative Extension System. Caregivers and advocates can access a wide range of information and materials designed to help them learn about and provide supportive services to family and relative caregivers. Topics include disaster preparedness, military families, grandparents raising grandchildren, housing, and nutrition.
Last modified on 03/26/2019
Other ACL Sites
ElderJustice.acl.gov
LongTermCare.gov
OlderIndians.gov
Grants.gov
No Fear Act (on HHS.gov)
Plain Writing (on HHS.gov)
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Advancing independence, integration, and inclusion throughout life
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living


A set of banner illustrations used as part of the advertising campaign for Baker Street Quarter.
The banners measured 2.2 meters by 80 cm and they were displayed all over Baker Street Quarter's lamp posts.
The project brief was to encourage exploration of this tucked away yet vibrant neighbourhood promoting the use of the interactive BSQ map.


Photography is a common hobby for many graphic designers. As a visual communicator, photography plays an essential role in branding and communication. To take the perfect photo, it is imperative to understand its purpose and intended uses.
Employers sometimes look for graphic designers with a photography background and vice versa. A person who is skilled in both design and photography is often able to produce superior and unique work, with a strong vision and exceptional execution.
As a professional graphic designer, I have seen how photography has benefited my design work, and in turn, how my design skills have advanced my photographic abilities.
My interest in photography began from a very early age. I remember spending hours upon hours looking through my grandmother's photo albums repeatedly every time I visited her. I wanted to feel the essence of the past. I loved how every photo had a story behind it, truly worth 1000 words!
Being a highly creative person, I also had a great interest in design and art. While photography and art remained a constant hobby, I had ultimately decided to pursue my post-secondary education in the York Univerity/Sheridan College Specialized Honours Bachelors Program in Design.
After graduating and working professionally for publishing companies, private clubs and freelancing on the side, I began to grow a need for custom one-of-a-kind photos in my design work for my clients and in my career. I was tired of seeing the same stock photography being used everywhere. It seemed counterproductive to spend all that time searching for a perfect photo to complete your concept, when you can just take it yourself! The difference custom photography made in my work aesthetic was revolutionary and incomparable to any stock photo money can buy. That's when I decided to branch out my digital design business to also offer photography services to all my design clients, as well as a stand-alone service. While I knew I risked diluting my brand, it only made sense to combine all favorite media under one roof, especially since I had a talent in both. Custom photography within design plays a huge role in the success of a project and how well it appeals to the audience. And ultimately, design skills within photography allow the imagination to run more freely, often producing more original and stylized work. When you marry exceptional custom photography and clever design, you create a union that has the power to captivate, because it is something that has never been seen before.
In this article, we will explore why designers make such great photographers and why you should consider working with photographers who are also skilled graphic designers and vice versa.
Photography and design often go hand-in-hand. Composition, layout, lines, balance, rhythm and color are just some of the many principles that apply to both fields. Most post-secondary graphic design programs ensure to include photography skill development as part of the curriculum. Every graphic designer, whether they like it or not, needs to understand photography and be able to differentiate what makes a quality photo, how to take one, edit and use it in their work. Therefore, not only do graphic designers have the eye and knowledge of what it takes to get a good shot, they usually have underlying skills and experience that help ensure delivery of beautifully executed, on-point photos.
Composition and balance are two of the most important elements involved in good quality, wow-factor photos. For graphic designers, layout and balance are life, which means they are able to quickly see and capture a top-notch composition. Photography and design often share the same visual and artistic rules. The rule of thirds applies as much to photography as graphic design. A design background helps to have a better eye for how composition impacts overall storytelling. Having the ability and knowledge to work with photographic compositions usually makes for better design skills, and likewise, design and web composition skills make for improvement in photography. Furthermore, designers often work with photographs in their layouts, and many truly know quickly what type of photos look best for specific purposes and across necessary media.
Both design and photography rely on color theory. A good designer is very familiar with color theory and the impact of working with specific color schemes. Most professional graphic designers is also highly knowledgeable about image output. They understand what color profile to deliver for your specific uses to ensure image quality, color and vibrancy is never compromised, whether used for online purposes or one of the variety of printing methods available today.
Professional graphic designers have learned how to use a variety of industry standard software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and many other applications that allow image editing, manipulation, layout and graphic creation. Graphic designers are also educated and proficient at printing, image quality control, and other technological issues related to the design, as well as the photography field. These skills and experience allow graphic designers better editing control when working with photos. Graphic designers skilled in photo editing can literally manipulate anything within a photo to achieve exactly what is required. A great deal of photographers still lack the software and design skills to be able to do complex editing, layouts or photo manipulation.
Both, graphic designers and photographers, must able able to respectfully interact with clients and meet client needs to the best of their ability. Due to the nature of the work, professional graphic designers are often faced with the requirement to be exceptional communicators and planners. To achieve the concept and goal that their client wants there is often the need for a lot of back and forth communication, and most designers are well-trained to really listen to the client, ask the right questions to get to the core of the needs and requirements.
Photogtaphy is a big part of graphic design. While I am not claiming that every Graphic Designer is a great Photographer, I do believe that those who choose to pursue photography alongside their design career are certainly multi-talented individuals that deserve recognition and a chance to prove themselves.


The Reamker and its musical iconography - Site de soundsofangkor !
Here we explore Angkorian and post-Angkorian iconography featuring musical instruments in scenes illustrating the Reamker. Several Angkorian temples offer us an iconography in which musical instruments are staged: Baphuon, Angkor Wat, Banteay Samrè, Wat Baset (today at the Musée Guimet - Paris). It consists exclusively of martial orchestras composed of drums, horns, conches and cymbals. The most prestigious scenes are in Angkor Wat in the Northwest Pavilion (musicians of Hanuman's army) and in the west gallery, North Wing (Battle of Langka).
Post-Angkor iconography, too, has adapted its instruments to the fashion of each era. For example, the large fresco of the Silver Pagoda at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh depicts two palatine orchestras of the early 20th century: phleng siam (pin peat) and phleng kar (wedding band).
We make here a presentation at the same time thematic and chronological.
The iconography of the Baphuon is almost entirely devoted to the Reamker, but musical instruments are rare. Only two scenes show drums. On the other hand, it is the first appearance of a 'large shoulder carried drum'. On the other hand, we don't know if it is a barrel drum or a frame drum because it is presented, here and in all Angkorian iconography, from the front. This type of big drum is widely quoted in the various versions of the Reamker. On two of the scenes, we can also see short and long cylindrical drums.
This lintel comes from Wat Baset, a temple in the Battambang region. It is dated 11th-12th centuries. It is now visible at the Musée Guimet in Paris (ref MG18218).
He depicts several scenes: the alliance of Sugrîb with Ream and Laks, the fight of the two monkey brothers Sugrîb and Bâlî and death of the latter.
At the top of the general scene we can see two musical monkeys and three instruments. It is a unique case in all Angkorian iconography to see a character playing two instruments simultaneously. On the left, there is a goblet drum with its device for tensioning the skin by lacing. On the right, a cylindrical drum struck with a wand and a trumpet with a makara mouthpiece.
This scene belongs to the great bas-relief of the Battle of Langka of the west gallery, north wing, of Angkor Wat. The musicians are the monkeys of Hanuman's army thrown by Prince Ream to deliver Seda owned by Reap, King of Langka.
From right to left, we can see a pair of horns, a conch, a goblet drum, an hourglass drum with its carrying bow in the form of two crossed nagas, a small cylindrical drum and a 'large shoulder carried drum'.
The horns, conches and drums of wars are widely quoted in the various versions of the Reamker.
This scene, like the previous one, belongs to the great bas-relief of the Langka Battle of Angkor Wat. Its composition is unique in all Angkorian iconography. Here, the musicians of the king of Langka, Reap, are attacked by the monkeys of Hanuman's army. From left to right, there is a goblet drum, a small cylindrical drum and a large drum. What makes the scene unique? Look at the monkey on the right side: it grasps the big drum with his right hand to throw it in the air while its left hand grabs the hair of the drum-carrier. As for the two musicians on the left, they are also savagely attacked by monkeys.
This scene is located in the northwest corner pavilion of Angkor Wat. It is the richest in martial instruments and corroborates all the instrumental organology visible in Angkorian temples with such an iconography. It should be read from bottom to top and from right to left. This is one of the few scenes where two large drums are shown together. Others are visible in the north gallery of this same temple. They are carried by two monkeys while two drummers strike vehemently. Behind them are two horn players. Above, two small cylindrical drums struck with sticks followed by two long cylindrical drums struck with bare hands and two hourglass drums carried with a naga-crisscrossed-shaped's arch. The two snakeheads and the two tails are clearly visible above the musicians' heads. The arches are equipped with three rows of bells. At the third level, two conch players, two goblet drummers held between the legs and two cymbalists. We will notice the staging of hourglass drummers facing each other.
Above the musicians is the war logistics with coconut and banana bearers.
A pediment of the Banteay Samrè temple shows a battle scene accompanied by an orchestra of which only a few things remain. In the lower right, a tambourine monkey strikes a large drum whose skin is decorated. We recognize behind his left arm the posterior carrier. Under his right arm, another drummer whose instrument has disappeared. Above the big drum, a trumpet player.
The most beautiful frescoes of the Reamker are those of the silver pagoda in Phnom Penh, within the walls of the Royal Palace, painted between 1898 and 1903 by order of King Norodom and under the direction of the Okhna Tepnimit Mak, one the best masters of the Khmer pictorial tradition. One of the scenes depicts the crossing of the inland channel separating southern India from Langka Island. We can see here two monkeys carrying a barrel drum struck by the posterior carriers.
A very beautiful scene, unfortunately today very damaged by the humidity, puts in scene two orchestras. She portrays Isur proceeding to the marriage of Ream and Seda on Mount Kailash.
In this unusual wedding ceremony, there is a phleng Siam orchestra (a name used at the time for the pin peat) played by women and a phleng kar orchestra (now called phleng kar boran) also in the hands of the women. The orchestra consists of a lute (chapei dang veng) whose sound box is not visible, a fiddle (tro Khmer) and two drums (skor daey).
It is interesting to note that the pin peat ensemble is both cited in the text and accompanies Sbek Thom's representations.
This scene depicts a phleng Siam orchestra (as it was called in the early 20th century) or pin peat. In the lower left corner, there is a gong chime (kong vong thom), then a xylophone (roneat aek) and a pair of big drums (skor thom). At the top left, a cylindrical drum (skor sang na), a pair of small cymbals (chhing), an oboe (sralai) and finally a barrel drum (skor samphor).


text:
This is not a criticism of Walcott's play on the right wing, as he has done fine in that position. For Arsenal he has provided a reasonable threat, crossed the ball with decent consistency, and scored a solid number of goals from an acceptable number of chances.
He's done fine.
But then that is the problem — for someone of Walcott's talent, doing 'fine' should not be, well, fine.
He has the talent to be worldclass, and that has been evident ever since the day he first stole the headlines at boyhood club Southampton. His international hat-trick against Croatia — in Zagreb — heightened expectations for the youngster, but also demonstrated conclusively that he had the ability and mentality to eventually reach them.
But between the highlights for club and country, there have been many quiet periods. Yes, the expectations on his young shoulders have been astronomical, but few would argue he has progressed as quickly as the majority hoped he would.
For this reason, might a switch to the left wing be profitable for the youngster, in a similar manner to that of another right-footed player at Aston Villa — Ashley Young.
Young has scored 18 goals from 84 games for the Midlands club, a respectable total (even if a fair proportion of those have come from free-kicks). But he also provides the majority of his team's assists, and is the main wide threat who creates space for the likes of Gareth Barry in the midfield, or Gabriel Agbonlahor up front.
In golf, players rarely hit the ball straight — they either fade it (left-to-right), or draw it (right-to-left). Either way the strategy is simple — if you fade it, aim at the left hand side of the fairway, and vice versa for the draw. That way, you maximise the amount of fairway at your disposal.
Putting Young out on the left is the equivalent of aiming right of the fairway and expecting a draw. The options and percentages are much better.
For Walcott, moving to the left side could achieve a similar feat. While decent with his left foot, the way he attempted to take his chances against Chelsea — using the outside of his right boot in preference to his left — on Sunday demonstrate that he is far more comfortable using his right.
When stationed on the right, then, this leads him to move the ball toward the corner flag, forcing him out wide and into crossing positions that Arsenal are not tactically set up to profit from. If he were on the left, his natural preference for his right foot would drag him across the pitch and toward the box—in fact, the whole pitch would be his to roam.
This tactic has worked for him in the past, and could work again.
If, in the process, he picked up more confidence and capability in his left foot, then so much the better.
The similarities with Thierry Henry — whose No. 14 shirt the young Englishman inherited upon his departure — should not be overlooked. Henry prefers cutting in from the left, even though he is naturally right-footed — and does so with great success.
While Henry is one of the game's very best players, there is no reason Walcott could not perform a similar role equally effectively — he already appears to have all the attributes required.
If he were successful, it might also allow the likes of Samir Nasri to enjoy a more central role — where their technical excellence and passing range might be used more effectively. It might also give Fabio Capello reason to select Walcott regularly for England in that position.
Arsene Wenger has stated that, in the long-term, he sees Walcott being played through the middle, alongside or just behind the main striker. This makes sense. But until he is ready to fulfil that role, deploying him in a similar way to Young or Henry might be eminently sensible.
With two meaningless games left for Arsenal in this Premiership campaign, perhaps Arsene Wenger will consider experimenting — to the extent that we might see Walcott get an opportunity to explore life on the other side of the pitch.
After all, there would be nothing to lose — but possibly something to gain.
Walcott's Favourite Goals — highlight his threat from the left:
This article also appeared on Football Fancast, and Bleacher Report for good measure.
May 11, 2009 - Posted by	alexdimond | Sport, World Football	| Arsenal, Theo Walcott
[…] Could Theo Walcott Profit From A Change in Position? « Catch Seventy7 […]
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Today we begin a new series focusing on careers across the IT industry. Over the coming months we'll be interviewing prominent industry professionals from some of the most sought after job titles within the tech sector.
Gain invaluable insights to the career you desire as we reveal the paths professionals have taken to secure their chosen career, what an average day looks like and how training and certification can influence career progression.
Elizabeth is a Fellow of the Association for Project Management. She runs a project management copywriting firm which helps small and medium-sized businesses talk about their projects and solutions. She's the author of three books about project management: Shortcuts to Success: Project Management in the Real World, Customer-Centric Project Management and Social Media for Project Management. She occasionally speaks at conferences and tries not to fall off the stage too often.
I manage projects and I'm a copywriter writing about managing projects.
On non-commuting days I give my children breakfast and then when we are all ready for the day I walk into the garden where I have an office. I'm at my desk a bit before 9am. I work until lunchtime – a mixture of conference calls and virtual meetings, catching up on emails and project management.
At lunchtime I'll come in for lunch and normally we eat as a family. After lunch, I'll go back out to work and go through the To Do list I've prepared for the day to check I'm on track to complete everything. There's normally some emergency or last minute thing to sort out that I didn't plan for – that's the nature of project work.
Around 4pm I'll wrap up and come in for the day. I'll prepare dinner for the children and between then and 7pm it's eating, family time, baths and bed. I'll finish up any other work tasks when they are asleep but I don't go back out to work; I'll set my laptop up on the dining room table.
The variety. I love being able to spend a morning working with colleagues from France and Spain and then the afternoon focusing on resolving issues. I love writing and my copywriting work which sits alongside project management, means I work with clients all over the world, and help them explain what they are doing. It's satisfying to know that what I'm writing helps them solve problems for project managers.
What are the biggest challenges in your current role?
Time management! With two distinct roles, plus a young family, it's hard to keep on top of everything. As a result, I spend less time on risk management and proactive strategic work than I would like.
What career path did you take to bring you to your current job title?
I chose to be a project manager, so that part of my job was a natural progression from Business Change Analyst many years ago to the role I have now. I've always written things down as well. I wrote stories as a child and then magazine articles, progressing as the world of copywriting changed to mainly preparing blog articles for project management websites as well as writing my own blog and a couple of books.
Do you have/did you require any professional certifications to secure your current job title? If yes, which?
No. I had written one book at the time of my interview and I think that helped me though. I was also PRINCE2 qualified but I'm not sure that had any particular bearing on my application.
What guidance would you give someone wanting to do your job?
You can get project management skills from any walk of life, including volunteering and managing a household, so don't be put off by people saying you need deep subject matter expertise. And while it didn't work this way for me, you can move into project management through other careers, so look for opportunities in your current role.
The advice I have for budding writers is to write. I have heard people say, "Oh, I'd love to write a book." If you want something, do it. You don't need anything to get started. Having said that, many people would like to write and really can't. If you have something to say but lack the skills to get your message across, either work hard to improve your writing or work with an editor who can polish it up for you.
What guidance would you give someone starting their career in Project Management?
It's a great job. Take it seriously and remember who your customers are.
Has training and/or certification influenced your career? If yes, how?
I believe it's a hygiene factor: certification doesn't automatically mean you are a stellar project manager but it's a useful grounding in project management practice and it ensures everyone on the team speaks the same language. No one has ever said to me that I didn't get a job or couldn't do a role because I didn't have a certification.
I support my team and colleagues to get certifications because it's a way of ensuring the team shares a common background and because I strongly believe people should take responsibility for their own career progression. It's a way of continuous professional development and that's only a good thing.
What are your thoughts on the widely reported IT skills gap and its impact on business?
From my own experience it's the business understanding piece that is lacking. For example, we can recruit developers but it's hard to get someone who understands what happens when their code doesn't work: the business impact can be significant.
That's the gap that I'm seeing, and the only answer is for organisations to get better at succession planning so that they can fill that gap with internal talent and create a pipeline for those hard-to-fill positions.
It's unacceptable to expect universities to turn out senior programmers with deep business knowledge: they can't do it and they shouldn't be expected to, although I know many courses have industry placements which must help.