Archive for November, 2008
November 21, 2008 at 7:40 am · Filed under Uncategorized
For most of us thevery first thing that we will ever own isour blanket. The little onethat you get formyour grandparents and friends. Its what they wrap you up in at the hospital right after you are born. For some reason; this blanket will stick with you for the next few years. When all of my friends started to have babies, I had no idea what to get for them. I wanted to get them something that was meaningful. My wife told me that I should make them baby blankets. So that’s what I did.
I headed up to the fabric store to pick out the perfectly soft material. I have to admit that I was naturally good at sewing. I whipped out the blankets in just a few minutes. It didn’t take long for all my pregnant friends to want their blankets too. So there I sit, all day long, sewing up blankets for little babies. But it felt like I was doing something important, and I kind of was. It was going to be my blanket that their little one carried around for the next few years. Or the blanket that I made was going to be the things that kept their newborn baby warm during their first days. However when it came time for me to make a blanket for my own little one I didn’t have the time to do it. I know that it only takes a few minuets to do but my sewing machine was broken and I just didn’t want to make blankets anymore. I was very lucky to have some friends remembered that I had gave their babies blankets, so some of them made blankets for us. That’s what friends are for, to help us keep out babies warm.
November 20, 2008 at 8:32 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Lately I have been searching high and low for ideas that I could do my ethnography on. Well to my surprise and advantage, we had been invited to my father’s fiancés brothers wedding. [I'll give you a second to figure that chain out.]. One week before the wedding, Darla, my fathers fiancé, was shooting out warnings that this may not be the traditional American wedding that we are used to, and wow was she right…
Before we even made it to the church I felt like I could see it from miles away. A huge steeple with what looked like an enormous gold ball was attached. As we got closer I was able to see two more of these golden ball steeples. It reminded me of the Disney movie Aladdin. It looked like a castle. Once we got inside the church there was gold everywhere. I have never saw a church so overly decorated. Behind every painting you would find this gold circleball object. At the front of the church there was an enormous golden gate that stretched from one side of the church to the other. This was made out of actual real gold. The church was not the only thing that completely shocked me, but even more so was the wedding ceremony itself.
The ceremony began with an interesting twist. Jessica and Scott entered the church together. Now to my knowledge I thought that this sort of thing was bad luck and that the groom was not suppose to see the bride until her father walked her down the aisle and gave her away. Not in this case. Apparently earlier in the day Jessica’s father had already given her a blessing at what they call a “blahsovenya”. At the time I believed that she must have lost her father and that is why they were entering the church together, but Darla informed me of the event of the blessings beforehand that I had missed out on, because only immediate family is invited, was just part of this Ukrainian tradition. The most important reason that Jessica and Scott entered the church together was because it is tradition that they enter the church as equal partners. In Ukrainian marriages, teamwork and equality are two very important aspects, and are recognized many different ways throughout the ceremony.
Now before they even begin to walk down the aisle, at the very back of the church, the priest dressed with a fuchsia scarf around him, stops them before they go any farther and has them confirm that they are both entering this freely and as equals. After they do so, there in the back of the church, the priest blessed their wedding bands and put them on each of their fingers. I was completely shocked.
Instead of having a best man or a maid of honor they have relatively the same thing but refer to them as starosties. [I think that's how to say it.]. As they entered they carried pictures, one of the Virgin Mary, and one of Jesus Christ. Truthfully I didn’t get the full story on why these were carried with them down the aisle instead of flowers but I assume that it is just to recognize these holy figures in their marriage.
During the ceremony the priest sung everything, and mostly Jessica’s side sung everything back. The whole hour was like this. I later found out that they believe by singing they pray twice. The priest had other peculiar things about him, for instance in a very strict and bold voice he would say “Pay attention now”. Much different then I was expecting it caught me off guard a couple times. He also told this story that was about how much wine Jesus bought for a party and how he opened the cheap wine first and once the guests were all drunk he then opened the expensive wine. This was another topic that I just did not expect to be talked about at all let alone at a wedding. He incorporated food into the ceremony a lot too. The priest would also talk to the picture of Jesus Christ that was hung in the front of the church; he would turn his back to the couple and talk. It was quite different then I am use to.
Towards the end of the wedding the priest took Jessica to the picture of Mary that was located on the left hand side of the church. Jessica put flowers by this picture and kneeled down and prayed to it, and then returned to her place next to Scott.
Then came the most important aspect of the wedding, the crowning. A wreath made of vines or what they called myrtle, which symbolizes love, purity, and fertility was placed on the couple’s head to represent the dawn of a new kingdom to be ruled by the couple. They are to serve as a reminder to the couple that marriage is a partnership in Christ, and they owe it to God and to each other to live a life of honor and love. At the point in the ceremony they each placed their right hands on the gospel, exchange their vows, and become married in the eyes of God.
At this point the priest then ties their hands together and has them walk around the alter three times. These are Scott and Jessica’s first steps and husband and wife.
From here on out it is a routine wedding, the husband and wife exit together and thank everyone for coming and receive blessings from everyone as the leave the church, with their parents right beside them. Once everyone is out of the church Scott and Jessica come outside to what is usually birdseed but in this case was a whistle blowing. Then it was off to the reception.
Around six o’clock strawberries and champagne were served, and after the toast made by each of the starosties, cocktails were served. This reception pretty much lacked Ukrainian tradition other then one thing, a big decorated loaf of bread sat next to the traditional American wedding cake. The bread was explained to be a korovai and is traditional wedding bread that is meant to symbolize community. On this giant loaf of bread were little statues of two white birds, just like on the wedding cake there was a statue of a bride and groom.
This wedding of Scott and Jessica had many traditions in it, but also was not the full out Ukrainian wedding. Yet it was quite interesting. The hour-long ceremony focused mainly on Scott and Jessica as a couple and becoming a union of one.
The religion itself focused on the same things as any other tradition would just in a different manner, thus what makes it a unique religion. The traditions in the wedding ceremony were quite symbolic and very focused on letting them know that in Gods kingdom they were being recognized as husband and wife and should not betray that.
My main focus was on the ceremony itself. This Ukrainian wedding was traditional and a little bit non-traditional. Jessica wore a white dress, which is an American tradition, not the traditional attire for the Ukrainian wedding. However, this ceremony differed a lot from what I was use to and what I was expecting. This ceremony was very symbolic and was very intense on how it focused on them becoming a union of one.
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Katie Criss is a graduate with a dual degree in Early Childhood Elementary Education, who enjoys writing and wants it to be seen! Also enjoys doing research and saving money!See this Authors Research by clicking here
November 20, 2008 at 5:34 am · Filed under Uncategorized
In the rush of the holiday season with its parties, dinners, family get-togethers, gift buying, baking, and celebrations, it’s not uncommon for a couple’s sexual relationship to flounder. Even couples with a relatively good sex life often feel the strain of holiday pressure.
Stress and time constraints are a set-up for sex to be a disappointment, non-existent, unsatisfactory, or half-hearted. And if one spouse is doing significantly more of the holiday preparation and work than the other, the potential for a sexual desire mismatch between husband and wife increases even more.
After all, there’s no way to “burn the candle at both ends” and not have it affect your sexual energy eventually. It’s not conducive to heightened sexuality to be sleep-deprived, exhausted, stressed, rushed, harried, over-whelmed, and frantic about getting everything done on time.
The holidays can also take an emotional toll with resulting depression and holiday blues. If a family member has died during the previous year, if your own marriage is shaky, or if a divorce or marriage of family members has changed the holiday dynamics, there can be deep grieving and pain. These factors can profoundly affect sexual desire.
The following seven tips will help you to keep the sparkle and sizzle of your sex life intact:
1. Talk with your spouse about which activities to schedule during the holidays and which to consider leaving out or changing in some way. Stress intensifies when you try to cram too many activities into your days and weeks. Just because something has always been done one way doesn’t mean that you can’t consider making a change.
Set priorities and then stick by them. Remember what’s most important to youyour spouse, children, and extended familiesand schedule your time accordingly. Cut back on or skip activities that aren’t fulfilling to you both and that drain time and energy.
Face the reality that you can’t do it allno one can. Look for ways to save time and energy and still accomplish your goals and honor your priorities. You can’t sizzle in any area of your lifeand certainly not your sex life– if you fall on your face from exhaustion.
2. Schedule some time for yourselfeven if it’s much more limited than usual. The goal is to take good care of yourself by scheduling some time each dayeven if it’s only 15-30 minutesto focus on your needs.
Can you allow thirty minutes for a nap before you go shopping or can you schedule a massage or pedicure? Can you soak in the tub for fifteen minutes or take a twenty-minute walk around the block? What about working out at a gym or at home for thirty minutes?
If you ignore your basic needs for nurturance during this stressful time, then you may start resenting your spouse for his or her sexual desires and needs. You’ll view sex as one more “duty” that’s on your “to do” list.
3. Be realistic about time and energy constraints. The holidays are demanding for most people and require more energy than usualemotional as well as physical energy.
You might only have time for a “quickie” instead of a more lengthy time together, but that’s fine as long as you don’t just settle for “quickies” all year long. But they certainly have their place and can add fun and excitement to your day.
It’s okay if you or your partner are tired and don’t feel as sexual as usual. Let the person who is more aroused take the lead while the other has permission to be more low key. Just enjoy being together and reconnecting.
4. Remember that intimacy in the bedroom starts in the kitchen, in the laundry room, in the living roomit’s about much more than meeting in the bedroom for a romp under the sheets.
Some of you may have seen the saying contained in a widely-circulated email letter that “No husband has ever been shot while doing the dishes.” Another way of reframing this is that a spouse can accumulate good will points by sharing the housework, chores, and errandsand those good will points can certainly help in the bedroom.
Yes, I know that there are cases where a spouse does more than his or her share of the work and the spouse is still rejecting of sex. And certainly I’m not suggesting that a spouse owes a partner sex because he or she helps around the house. Not at all.
But I am saying that to create the maximum potential for a sexual relationship to be satisfying for both partners, wise spouses look at how they treat their partners outside of the bedroom. And this applies more than ever during a stressful time like the holidays.
5. Look for ways to do something nice for your spouse that has the potential to activate sexual desire, such as a foot massage or a back rub. It’s hard to turn down the offer of a foot massage at the end of a long day.
The key is to not expect sex as a reward for your efforts. Talk to your spouse during the massage and show interest in his or her day and feelings. Ask questions and really listen to what your spouse says.
Give compliments to your partner while you’re giving the massage: “You work so hard,” “I appreciate you and all that you do for me and the kids so much,” “You’re a wonderful wife (or husband),” or “Your skin feels good to the touchit’s so nice and warm.”
You might ask your spouse if the two of you can just “snuggle,” that you don’t have any ulterior motives. Just enjoy snuggling and talking, perhaps laughing together, and then keep your worddon’t initiate anything sexual.
You want to let the good will points accumulate and let the good feelings physically and emotionally build up until your partner’s desire also builds up. When you’re not expecting sex, you make it more likely that you partner will relax into the experience and feel sexual desire.
6. Be aware of how your choices about alcohol and over-indulging in holiday foods can affect your mood and sexual desires. In many marriages, when one or both spouses drink too much, arguments and fights result.
Also, a spouse who is reeking of alcohol can sexually turn off his or her mate who may be repulsed by the smell and by drunken behavior. Throw in the erratic holiday mood swings that can happen naturally at any time along with the alcohol, and you have a formula for trouble.
Eating too many rich foods and too many sweets, along with eating way too much, can also affect mood and sexual desire. Most people don’t feel very sexy when they have a stomach ache or can’t sleep because they are “stuffed.”
For many, the temptations of over-eating and drinking too much are ever-present from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, and that’s a long time for your marriage relationship to be affected. There’s an old saying that “More is less,” and it certainly applies here. Less alcohol and less indulging can set the stage for better sex.
7. Keep your sense of humor and try not to take everything your spouse does personally. If he or she is absolutely exhausted and isn’t interested at all in sex, that doesn’t mean you’re not desirable or that you’re being rejected.
Cut your spouse some slack during this stressful time, and look for things to talk and laugh about together. As you strengthen your emotional connection and intimacy, you increase the odds that your sexual intimacy will remain strong.
Always remember that sexual intimacy results from satisfying, good communication and emotional intimacy.
Nancy J. Wasson, Ph.D., is co-author of Keep Your Marriage: What to Do When Your Spouse Says “I don’t love you anymore!” This is available at http://www.KeepYourMarriage.com , where you can sign up for a free weekly marriage advice newsletter. Dr. Wasson offers telephone and email coaching to spouses who want to overcome marriage problems and create a rewarding, loving marriage.
November 19, 2008 at 3:50 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
Flowers, flowers and more flowers! We need them to add life and light to our lives. Flower girl basket, wedding flower arrangement and bridal flowers will bring live to your wedding. They bring such peace, serenity and comfort. You can escape into a beautiful bouquet, or just a few roses, red, yellow, pink, lavender? Hmm?. smell the enticing fragrance. A garden full of flowers allows you to escape into another world, perhaps close to heaven? On the other hand flowers for your wedding day will create that world. You will find all kinds of flowers available here in our sites. Flower girl basket, wedding flower arrangement and bridal flowers are one of the many flowers that will highlight your wedding day.
You may choose flower arrangements for your ceremony and reception with just a click! You will want flowers that will fit in perfectly with your wedding day, paying attention to color and style. Flower girl basket, wedding flower arrangement and bridal flowers of great style will bring light and romance to your special day. You will need flowers that are the color of your wedding or you may want a variety of colors? Are you having just a few flowers; simplistic and elegant? Or do you desire a variety of flowers? Some brides and grooms desire silk flowers, beautiful and everlasting. Silk flowers are more economical pocket wise. Whatever you choose, your day will be beautiful, and remembered forever. Flowers represent the individuality of the bride and groom, as well as creating the loveliest of atmospheres.
There is a wide variety of flowers available to you through our selected sites. We hope you will find beauty and simplicity here, and take time to smell the flowers! So bring a flower girl basket, wedding flower arrangements and bridal flowers to the ceremony of your life.
Ken and Deidre Bissonette are successful authors and publishers of Wedding information for all brides and grooms. http://www.weddingdresses-gifts-flowers.com
November 18, 2008 at 10:17 am · Filed under Uncategorized
The United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit initially affirmed the jurys findings but after the United States Supreme Court asked it to reconsider the Second Circuit reversed itself and ruled in favor of Knolls. The BFOQ defense states that it is not unlawful for an employer to take adverse employment actions otherwise prohibited by the ADEA where age is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation of the particular business. The company had its supervisors rate their subordinates based on their performance flexibility and critical skills. It has the burden to prove that its decision was based on a reasonable factor other than age. It then used those totals to decide who to lay off. Even if the employment action is otherwise prohibited by the ADEA. In other words the ADEA permits employers to discriminate based on age considering age is legitimately necessary under the circumstances. In reaching its conclusion that the employer has the burden to prove the reasonable factors other than age defense the Supreme Court looked at another provision of the ADEA the bona fide occupational qualification defense. Specifically the jury found that although the plaintiffs did not prove that Knolls intentionally discriminated against them they did prove that Knolls method of deciding who to lay off disproportionately harmed older workers. Twenty-eight of those 42 employees sued under the ADEA claiming Knolls illegally fired them because of their age. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear the case and eventually reversed the Second Circuit and reinstated the jurys finding that Knolls policy unlawfully discriminated because of age. As long as the adverse action is based on reasonable factors other than age. The Supreme Court ruled that if an employer seeks to rely on that defense. Knolls totaled those scores and gave the employees additional points based on their years of service. The Supreme Court has previously recognized that the employer has the burden to establish the BFOQ affirmative defense. In Meacham Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory was planning to lay off a number of employees. In that case Meacham versus Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory the Supreme Court interpreted a provision of the ADEA that permits an employer to take an adverse employment action against an employee. For example it would not be illegal to consider criteria for a particular role in a movie that has a disparate impact on age if the part calls for someone of a particular age. Thirty of the 39 salaried employees the company laid off were at least 35 years old. A lawyer from Roermond won from a in Chattanooga Tennessee At the trial a jury found Knolls had violated the ADEA because its layoff procedure had a disparate impact based on age.
November 18, 2008 at 2:39 am · Filed under Uncategorized
Giving gifts to the couple is part of the traditions on wedding. Your gift symbolizes your good will towards the couple. It represents your wish for them to have a happy life together.
Of course, your first consideration when buying wedding gift is durability. You would want to give a gift that would last a long time. But of course you would also want a gift that is individual and would reflect your personality. A gift that the couple will remember is from you because of its uniqueness. This means the wedding gift you should give should make a lasting impression about you.
Below are several unique gift ideas that will surely make you unforgettable with the couple.
Jewelry Jewelry is a very “safe” yet unique wedding gift especially for the bride. We all know that most women love jewelry and the bride would simply be happy upon seeing your gift of jewelry. The bride will be definitely be surprised and fascinated when she open your gift. Choose simple yet very elegant pieces like brooch pins, hairpins, earrings, pendants, chains, necklaces and bracelets. If you have the money and if the bride really matters to you (a sister, best friend, etc.) then of course you could give her diamonds. You could also include a\n elegant jewelry box along with your jewelry gift.
Bags Again, this will be another hit with the bride. Next to jewelry, shoe and bags delight women You can give her a beautiful and exquisite evening bag or hand bag. If your want something smaller then give her a clutch bag. You could also put a small make up kit inside.
Gift ideas for the groom Of course you shouldn’t forget the groom. They say that it is easier to give gifts to men because and it could be true. Some ideal gifts for grooms include writ and pocket watches, ties and tiepins, gold, silver or diamond studded cufflinks. You could also give the groom formal suits and shirts. You could also consider his hobby. Give him a musical instrument like a guitar or drums if he is into music or a set of golf clubs, basketball or baseball set if he is into sports.
Naughty items Naughty items found in most novelty shops like naughty t-shirts, hast, caps, wedding night kits, underwear are always a hit with couples. However, be sure hat you know the bride and groom very well before considering buying such items for them. Naughty items may seem impolite and offensive to some individuals.
Artwork Paintings and sculptures are very ideal as wedding gifts. They are also very practical since the couple can use them to beautify their future home. Just be sure that you know the preference of the couple when it comes to art or else your gift would simply lie around in the garage of attic.
Personalized items You could give the couple personal items like photo albums, pillows and pillow cases, photo frames, wedding plates, etc. There are many companies specializing in personalizing different things so for sure you wouldn’t have a hard time looking.
November 17, 2008 at 5:32 am · Filed under Uncategorized
F1 motor-sport is principally the paramount of go-karting. It is the professional arrangement of the sport in full. F1 is a worldwide phenomenon, a business empire that gets millions & millions of dollars per annum from marketing, funding, & TV revenues. Certified racing drivers with a millionaire bank balance race these gorgeous karts that are unmatched with technological machinery – everything from very hard to construct lightweight frames that slide the machine to tires with unrivalled grooving style that represents the fabulous power on the race track. Find great offers on rugby equipment.
There is absolutely no other sport that best characterise the phrase “global sport” like Formula 1 motoring. Numerous countries are active contributors in influencing the Formula 1 racing scene – Malaysia for instance, is a hot spot for motor racing (Fernando Alonso, a Spanish-born Formula One driver under Team Renault recently just won a F1 race there) and Italy plays an important function in designing and manufacturing first class, top-of-the-line go karts. Rivalry is common place in F1 – giving an edge of pleasure with each & every zip of the bend and nitrous boost of the machine.
F1 motor vehicles can be summed up in two words: hi-tech miracle. These shiny, low riding gems ripping trough laps at speeds up to one-hundred & fifty miles per hour consist of nothing more than simply a body, an engine, & four wheels. For a start, the engine is situated behind the cockpit as opposed to standard motor cars. Keep up to date with the latest Formula 1 Constructors information for the up and coming Formula One season.
November 16, 2008 at 1:41 am · Filed under Uncategorized
The glory of Easter is demonstrated each year to all Christians who believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This demonstration takes place during the weeks leading up to, and including, the days of Holy Week through our preparation for the death and rising of Jesus. The preparation for Easter is called Lent and it is during this period that Christians are asked to cleanse their minds, hearts, and souls. This cleansing is performed in various fashions on an individual basis and it is through these individual efforts that some find themselves in direct communication with the spirit of God. Through prayer, meditation, and other practices we solicit God to come into our lives for direct inspiration, healing, and cleansing. Those fortunate enough to have mastered the ability to quiet themselves in dedicated prayer and meditation are more apt than others to gain the spiritual benefits that the Easter season can provide. It is this commitment to prayer and the ability to contact God that is yearned by so many of us but realized by so few. The struggle to “find” God out there is often discouraging to many Christians. It is only when each of us realizes that God can be found in each of our individual hearts when we make the effort to look deep within that we understand the closeness of our everyday relationship with Him. God is with us always! There is no separation from Him. It is not only on Easter Sunday that His son Christ Jesus rises in our souls. He rises in our souls everyday if we only call on Him to do so.
It is in this realization that new life springs forth for each of us. Our daily lives are energized and we become “alive” in Jesus Christ. How do we know this? How do we know His presence is near? One of the ways this becomes clear is in acknowledging the Christ presence in all of the people and objects in the universe. God lives in and is represented in everything before us. When we recognize His closeness we begin to see life, its triumphs, trials, and tribulations in a whole different light. We begin to measure the importance of events that take place on a regular basis in a different way. And we quickly come to the realization that most of the things that we encounter on a daily basis aren’t that important after all.
We should gain pleasure and comfort in knowing that God is with us. It is indeed He that grants us the freedom to express and execute our God-given talents in any way we choose. Of course, He does wish for us to use those talents in an appropriate way and in accordance with the divine plan He has for each of us. Just what is that plan and how are we to know? Do we have any input? How do we tap into it and how do we know if we are on the right path? The answer lies in our trust in God and in our belief that through active prayer and meditation He will guide us to fulfill His divine plan for us. God is the Way-Shower. It is our responsibility to demonstrate our love for Him in our willingness to submit and release our ego desires to His Will. Many of us struggle with the idea of giving up our false concept of “control”. Many of us have lost sight of the basic laws which govern our spiritual existence. It is in this “lost” existence that many of us find ourselves not living up to expectations. Or, we find other false gods that are not so worthy of our focus and love. The pursuit of these false gods often result in heartache for ourselves and our loved ones. Whether it be the lure of money, alcohol, drugs, or some other earthly temptation, these troubled pursuits can all be eliminated when we accept Christ Jesus and the Most High God as our true sources of strength, courage, and love. Make room for Christ. Discover His presence in your heart. Recognize His desire for you to realize He is always there for you. It is our spiritual objective to come to this realization and live accordingly.
So how do we reach this spiritual objective and why don’t we see witness to more people having successfully attained this understanding? Great questions. The answers are contained in each of our individual pursuits of our own hearts and souls. The great discovery within! And the confidence to live in “spirit”, not ego. God isn’t in some far off heaven. He is right here, right now! We need to dedicate ourselves to reaching Him in our own hearts, and we do this through quiet prayer and meditation. I’m sure you’re saying, easier said than done. You are right. But, without the effort to reach Him we can never fully realize our true purpose in this life. And that is the mission of “Easter”. With great faith we embark on this spiritual journey in the human form to know, to love, and to serve God. Our pursuits take us to the quiet places in our own hearts where we search for that silent place where God can communicate with us. That silent place where we can experience the touch of God’s own hand guiding us along the divine path He has created specifically for each one of us. We can only imagine that this place is filled with nothing but love, beauty, and peace where we are united and one with our God.
The beauty and new hope of each passing Easter season is in the knowledge that more and more of God’s children are coming to the realization that it is in God that our true strength and spiritual inspiration exists. God is our one source of all that is good. The beauty is in the realization that our God exists right here and right now in each of us. The beauty is in the realization that heaven is not some far away place that exists for only a chosen few but that it can exist right here for ALL of us. The spiritual revolution that is currently gaining momentum throughout the world comes at a time when it is much needed. Through the continuing courage and strength of world leaders around the globe and through people that believe in the existence of a Higher Source, the world can reach new heights where God Himself can continue to expand His territory and His love for ALL. Through the belief in God can the realization of a world that exists in peace become reality.
Easter is a season of renewal that should remain with us each passing day. Why can’t everyday be marked with the blessings and happiness of the risen Lord on Easter Sunday? Isn’t it possible? Of course it is. With the assistance and guidance of God, each of us must take personal responsibility for “expanding” His territory. I encourage all of us to join in this spiritual journey. Yes, Christ is risen! Yes, earth is now redeemed! God Bless! Happy Easter.
Bob Rosbury is a personal life coach and founder of Bluechip Lifestyles – Life Coaching Services. Bob specializes in several areas including personal growth and development, spirituality, relationships, and grief/loss. He is currently enrolled in ministerial school with plans to become an ordained minister in 2008-2009 and is involved with several local volunteer groups assisting those in need. You can reach Bob on his email address rrosbury@wowway.com or via his website at http://www.bluechiplifestyles.com.
November 15, 2008 at 5:53 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
The September/October issue of Time Compression Technologies magazine includes a feature article, “Lean Manufacturing: How Big is the Market? Lean Enterprise: How Much Bigger is the Market?” authored by North America’s leading manufacturing journalist, Thomas R. Cutler (www.trcutlerinc.com).
Cutler provided a detailed history of the lean manufacturing marketing including how e-kanban solutions are central to an effective lean manufacturing initiative. According to Matthew Marotta, founder of Datacraft Solutions, “We do not charge for upgrades to the system as we learn about new best practices that clients ask us to incorporate. Before Datacraft incorporates the request, it is reviewed buy a lean advisory board to validate the value of the best practices and the value added impact upon our partner community. Once it is passed, they develop, test, and implement.”
The hosted solution provides the customer with their own set of servers which are maintained offsite by and outsourced set of administrators. All of the administration fees, equipment, support teams and software updates are all included in the monthly service fee which is less then the cost of hiring an internal system administrator.
The value of an ASP is that manufacturers can buy “by the drink”, low risk, and a see a rapid ROI. Only internet access is required.
The non-ASP option leaves manufacturers investing a large sum into the communication network, IT personnel, IT training, application servers, consulting for system modification, along with all the hidden costs that come with it. The only disadvantage of using an ASP is the client never owns the system (application), only their own data. This concern tends to be the issue of IT since they want to control all phases of the e-kanban operation. The cost of the control is wasteful and completely antithetical to a Lean Initiative.
While some ERP systems QAD, Factory Logic, and Supply Works have some e-kanban functionality is not their core focus, so manufacturers are purchasing the ERP system at a significant price tag including all the prices increases (and upgrade charges). From the perspective of Lean functionality and immediate ROI the cost cannot be justified, unless there is a plan for a manufacturer to replace the ERP system.
Datacraft Solutions www.datacraftsolutions.com Matthew Marotta 800-819-5326
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November 14, 2008 at 5:02 pm · Filed under Uncategorized
A lane in the heart of Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo just a little more than 100 metres away, the street of antique dealers (via dei Coronari) within a stone’s throw, and St. Peter’s Basilica, Piazza Navona and Piazza Farnese within a few hundred metres. This is Antica Casa Porrani, a 17th century residence that is ideal for a holiday in the old town centre of Rome.
Three flats have recently been renovated on the top floor of Vicolo San Celso 18, and are complete with all the comforts. They can be let out by the week or for a minimum of three days. They can be let out separately or all three together to form a single unit accommodating up to 11-12 guests with three baths.
When walking out the main door of Antica Casa Porrani Roma, you immediately find yourself in the midst of the fascinating atmosphere of papal Rome. Long narrow lanes bordered by aristocratic palazzos. Public establishments of all kinds: from old trattorias and elegant restaurants to sushi bars and old-fashioned cafés. And workshops that keep the most ancient crafts alive, passed down from father to son: marble cutters, leather goods dealers, goldsmiths and restorers. And just a little further down the road, on the other side of Viale del Lungotevere, is the golden Tiber River with the pier from which you can take a boat for a ride down the river.
Black and white are the two prominent colours of this flat, a spacious one-room flat that looks onto Vicolo San Celso and Vicolo della Campanella. Illuminated by sunshine most of the day, it is unique owing to its original coffered ceiling and floor covered with old-fashioned terra cotta.
From the small entrance hall you enter the brand-new bathroom with shower on the right, and the large room furnished for two to four guests at the end of the hall. There is a double or queen-size bed in the night area. The day area is furnished with a queen-size sofa bed, TV set, bookshelf, dining room table and a well-equipped kitchen (glass-ceramic hobs, latest generation dishwasher, microwave oven, pots and pans, cutlery).
Linens and towels
Free Internet connection
The rates include VAT.
They also include sole use of the flat, Internet connection, satellite TV, change of linens and towels once a week, and final cleaning of the flat.
€ 100 will be requested as a deposit covering the keys and any possible damage when the flat is handed over.
Other suggestion for Rome? Charming accommodation in the centre of Rome: find an Hotel close to Tiburtina Station, or compare price for Rome hotels Vatican Museums, or make a reservation for a Rome Walking Tour
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