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I hate being……. cold at work

Since I started working in an office environment, I have had to deal with the same issue – being freezing cold at the office, especially during the summer. This is especially challenging for summer fashion and style, but it speaks to something deeper.

It is 2021 -I just want to confirm that. Since 1993, this same issue has plagued me, no matter what office I have worked at – the over cooling of the office place. I am not requesting that there be no A/C. However, when my fellow colleagues and I have to wrap ourselves with shawls and heavy sweaters, to make it through a work day, I draw the line. Especially, when you walk outside and are greeted with gorgeous warm temperatures and you have to peel off the extra layers, and deal with a 15 degree difference in temperature (feels like it!)

So in 2021 – why can’t we modulate the temperature, so that is best suited for everyone at work ?Why don’t we stop catering to a select few, who need the A/C turned up that high, who, ironically, always appear to be the decision makers?

I am lucky to have a private office space and just as it was at my previous work spaces, I have a thermostat in my office – WHICH IS PURELY DECORATIVE!! It does not allow me to have any control of my office temps at all. And apparently, the A/C goes on throughout the Spring and throughout the Fall, so I am dealing with it 3 seasons of frigid temps throughout the year. And then in the winter, the thermostat is still set to low, so I am freezing during the winter in my office also.

I am constantly uncomfortable.

I honestly cannot function well in cold temps. My fingers do not type as fast and I am not at my optimal. However, at my current office, space heaters are banned, so I have to wrap myself with a shawl, which often leaves lint on my clothes, or fear freezing.

And yes – it affects what I wear to work, which bothers me a lot. I like wearing fashionable clothes to work, but it is no fun layering clothes, to attend work, when the outside is gorgeous and warm. I don’t feel like I can dress for myself, but always have to ensure that I am dressing for my office temperature.

And it goes to a deeper issue, doesn’t it? The composition of the office work place has changed. It is no longer solely populated by those who typically, prefer the temperature cool, which provides their optimal work place environment. The office work place is changing in composition and it is even seeping into management.

So – now the mix of decision makers need different environments to flourish.

And honestly, I am tired of adapting. For years, I have had to either populate my office with space heaters, humidifiers or wraps, to endure. And I am done. As a business owner, I want my needs to be considered. I cannot flourish in an environment that does not acknowledge, that I have different needs, to succeed. And if I am succeeding, so is the business.

And so, I will continue to a disturber on this issue. I have the right to have an office environment, that recognizes that I need a different temperature to succeed! And trust me – I am not alone.

The cooler temperatures have been keeping me from being at my optimal – BUT NO MORE!

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

#coldoffice #makingchange #beingmyself

Walking in their shoes….

Here in Ontario, we are slowly making progress towards a return to normal. More people have received their first dose and we are now celebrating second doses and slowly re-opening our retail and restaurants. So you would think that there is a lot of optimism being felt. But I think that with everything that we have undergone, the hope is a little dimmed.

And the sadness is being amplified with all of the horrors we are seeing take place around the world, but especially in our backyard. The discovery of the bodies of 215 indigenous children at a residential school, was especially challenging for our family. As a mom, I could not imagine the pain of having your children forcibly removed from your home, to experience years of physical, mental and sexual torture.

As a child, the hate and resentment that must have been experienced towards all adults, including family, would understandably have such a lasting legacy, resulting in generational abuse and harm. The discussion is being held at our schools and our kids have been having very honest discussions with us. My 7 year old, was especially upset, when speaking about how the only way out for many indigenous children, was suicide. Our kids have put themselves, if only for a moment, in the shoes of those innocent children and you can see the despair that they have been experiencing. Walking in their shoes and what this represents is a tragic legacy in our country.

And then on Sunday, even more tragedy close to home. A Muslim family, out for a stroll in the evening, was specifically run down because they are Muslim. The entire family – mom, dad, grandma and daughter were killed and the orphan, still in hospital, is a 9 year old boy, who when he is told, will have his life ripped out from under him. Again, my family put ourselves in the shoes of this family. We often go for family walks in the evening, throughout the Spring and Summer. We treasure those moments together, when you speak about everything and anything and just enjoy the beautiful night, being with the ones you love. The overwhelming feeling of sadness over such a senseless act, continues the feeling of grief.

I have no words to describe the uncontrollable sadness these events, and so many others throughout the pandemic, have caused. We are urged to keep trying to find happiness and joy, throughout the pandemic and one of the recommendations has been to go for walks and spend time together as a family. And now that bastion of normalcy, has been stolen, for so many.

And so, as we slowly return back to “normal” with increased vaccines and the reopening of our community, I hope we do not forget these tragedies so close to home. We as a country, like to pride ourselves, as stating, “That would never happen in our backyard”, but they did.

We need to remember and honour the lives lost.

We need to recognize that hate, in all forms, is a part of the fabric of our society, instead of trying to pretend that it is not.

We need to educate and discuss.

And we need to make change.

Just putting ourselves in the shoes of those lost, has left an indelible imprint on me – one that I will carry, even when we are over this pandemic.

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

Memorable Birthday of yore

With the lockdown in effect here in Ontario, travel having been a distinct memory, and a birthday on the horizon, I keep coming back to one of my most memorable birthdays, to provide some joy and solace.

My then fiance, now husband, was stationed in Sudan. We were going to travel to India to do our wedding shopping but decided to take a few days before that, to spend some time together. We decided to meet up in Dubai.

On the day of my actual birthday, we spent the day exploring Dubai. However, in the evening, we decided to go out for dinner at the restaurant at one of the high end hotels. The ambience was gorgeous and after dinner, we decided to walk around the hotel grounds.

Like most structures and properties in Dubai, it was simply stunning. The hotel was adjacent to the Persian Gulf and the night air was warm. It was honestly magical. We walked and talked and after not having seen each other for close to 5 months, it was so good to see each other in person. We decided to sit along the water, and dip our feet into the Gulf. It was gorgeous. We were surrounded by lush flowers and landscape. We were full from a scrumptious dinner and now we were sitting along the coast, with our toes dipped in the water. It was perfect. The sky was full of stars, and there was such a peace to the moment.

That moment comes to me a lot, when I need a moment to recharge me. I do not remember how long we sat like that. I could not tell you what we were wearing. But I can smell that air anywhere. And I can feel that moment anywhere. That’s the beauty of travel, isn’t it. Not just the moment itself, but having those moments to look back on. To provide us some comfort during a hard day, or a snowy day in April!

I look forward to making those type of moments again. I cannot wait to make new memories with my family.

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

My Magic Coat

Historically – there are so many memorable and iconic coats. Joseph, from the Bible, was known for his coat. Dolly Parton’s mom made her a special coat. I have a magic coat also.

Like most of my items, I purchased it online. It immediately caught my eye, because it is a patchwork design similar to those seen on many Gujarati fabrics. It is colourful, with different patterns, and it has a distinctive South Asian feel. I had never seen a coat like it before. I specifically curate a look with South Asian touches. I love the fabrics, colours and textiles from the South Asian subcontinent and I always feel my best, when I have a South Asian feel.

And as is the case with most on line purchases, you are taking a risk, but when the coat arrived, it totally delivered. It is super warm, fits well and has all of the colours and designs, as shown online! I loved it and that was all that mattered to me. I purchased it at the beginning of the pandemic and it was a little bit of whimsy and style, during an otherwise bleak time.

I would wear it on walks with the kids and when I would get groceries. So many people, while I was grocery shopping, would compliment me on the coat and said that they loved its brightness! That would add some brightness to me, when grocery shopping, during an unsettling time. I have also been asked where I purchased the coat, and I am always one of those people who shares the information.

So much joy from my coat. But the ultimate happened this past week-end. We have a South Asian grocery store close to us, where I purchase certain South Asian foods on occasion. It was super quiet Saturday morning, for some reason, because typically, there is a line up to get inside the store. While I was walking in the aisles, the owner saw my coat and I saw her motion to another employee at the store, to check out my coat. I had grown accustomed to this now, given that it was coming on a year that I had bought this coat. Typically, my exchanges with the owner are quite perfunctory. But on Saturday, she completed my check out and she was nothing but friendly. It was if the coat had broken through a barrier between us and we pleasantly chatted throughout my checkout. The coat had worked its magic, yet again!

Now – I know that material items should not cause joy or happiness, but I think that in this case, the coat is magical. In a time full of dark and bleakness, this coat offers brightness and colour. In a time where people are being harassed for their ethnic background, this coat, is unequivocally South Asian and welcomes compliments from everyone. In a time where people are struggling through the Ground Hog day mentality, this coat, gives me an opportunity to cloak myself in joy, and feel like I am finding some light!

During a time when things have become even more bleak than before, especially in Ontario, it is nice to know that we all have something outside of our family and friends, that can provide a ray of light. My magic coat, provides that joy to me and those who are around it. I hope that you have your own version of a magic coat, to get through these days. This too shall pass.

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

What’s in a name?

Recently, Thandiwe Newton, long overdue, was featured with the cover and cover story in British Vogue magazine. Within the article, she stated that her name had been altered to Thandie, and given the system in place within film making, she just went with it, but was now re-claiming her name. A name of royalty. https://www.vogue.co.uk/news/article/thandiwe-newton-interview

At the end of March 2021, in the Globe and Mail, there was an article regarding a South Asian lawyer, and her challenges, in having her name and identity accepted on Bay Street. Suggestions made to take on her husband’s last name, as it was easier to pronounce and other such nuggets of “wisdom”. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-companies-must-do-more-to-respect-whatever-name-worker-chooses-to/

This has been an ongoing fight for a long time. In a previous blog, I advised that my mom, due to Colonial pressure in Trinidad, changed her name to an English name, so as to be accepted at school. My father anglicized his name to Sam, when he was working as an Engineer, in Ontario.

Now my name has always caused a lot of angst. Its origins are from Sanskrit. The spelling in Bengali makes perfect sense – সুদেবী. However, giving it English letters to spell the name was a little more challenging. The first 2 letters in my name – Su – have historically been pronounced by all non South Asians, as Sue – like you sue someone in law. However, when you look at the word – Sugar, “Su” is also pronounced Shoe – which is the correct pronunciation of my name.

So, when I started daycare, it was a running battle, for me to explain how to pronounce the first two letters of my name, to my teachers and my classmates and the “sugar” example was not met with any “AHA” moments. This leaves a lasting impression on the identity of a child. And therefore, Sue became the accepted way to pre-fix for my name, especially for a child who was taught to respect her elders. Do not even have me start on pronouncing the rest of my name.

My kids get a kick when people adopt a Southern US version of pronouncing my name, as that apparently, is much more palatable for many.

As an adult, when I provide the proper pronunciation to anyone non South Asian, it is typically met with disbelief and then, quickly reverting back to the anglicized pronunciation of my name. Or making it sound like it comes out of the incantation from an episode of Star Trek.

And like Thandwie, it was a fight that I gave up on, sadly. I kept my name – YEAH!, but I allowed it to be pronounced in an easier way to the prevailing culture here in Canada. And therefore – there are 2 pronunciations of my name – the correct way and the anglicized way.

I love when South Asian people say my name correctly – because it honours the name that represents a part of my heritage and culture. It is a distinctive name and unique, all things that I like. I have written previously on my challenges to keep my full name as my identity and reading Thandwie’s comments and the Globe and Mail article, made me feel like I had made some progress, but had not emerged fully victorious.

And it is an ongoing battle that my children fight. They too have distinctive South Asian names, but are much more common and known. Even with that, the kids are constantly telling us anecdotes about how the pronunciation of their name was butchered or misspelled and I know that this will be an ongoing battle for them.

And the irony is – I find pronouncing certain anglicized names more challenging than South Asian names. Lloyd, Buchanan, Jacqueline – there is a great Key and Peele sketch – documenting this – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKYF_h2K7oU. How on point was this?

But I have figured the names out and I pronounce them properly.

One wonders why the same care has not been given to names from other backgrounds?

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

Fighting back

I am appalled but not surprised by the increase in hate crimes as against Asians. It has been percolating throughout the pandemic with racist terminology from many leaders and persons who are heard- we cannot point the finger to just one. The rationalization of why the shooter in Georgia did on March 17th, 2021, what he did, only pours hot burning vinegar on a festering wound.

And watching the attacked, injured and elderly Asian grandmother in San Francisco fight off and injure her attacker, just added to the despair.

But watching that attacked, injured and elderly grandmother stand there confused and unattended, while her attacker was receiving medical attention, again, caused a feeling of disbelief and anger.

That could have been any of our immigrant moms. It had been my mom.

It was 2005. I was at work in downtown Toronto and my mom called me on my office line from her home in Mississauga. She had locked herself in her bathroom. She explained that she had answered the door and a confused guy was swearing and cursing. Although her storm door was locked, he ripped it open and pushed in the main door before my mother could close it, injuring my mother. The guy was high on crystal meth, believing that he was in his house.

He was in his late teens while my mom was in her 60’s. High on drugs, his strength and lack of pain, was on another level.

My mom had rushed to the bathroom and locked it, and called the police. When she called me, I kept my mom on the line, and I called the police again. The feeling of helplessness that I felt was scream worthy.

I rushed to get home and ensure that my mother was safe. But my mother, like the Asian woman attacked in San Francisco, was a fighter. When she heard that the guy was leaving, she was concerned that he would get away before the police could apprehend him and that he would hurt someone else.

And so my 60 something mother grabbed an axe, rightly or wrongly, and chased after him. She was angry. And that’s how the police found her and the guy. With her chasing after him, yelling at him, to draw the attention of neighbours and the police. The guy was apprehended.

And my mother – she was cautioned about walking around with an axe.

By the time that I arrived at the house, the police were gone. No ambulance was sent to check on my mother and we were left with a door hanging off its hinges and left to deal with the clean up and the fall out, on our own. As strong as my mom was, the incident left my mother feeling very vulnerable and scared. My brother arrived shortly afterwards and we took care of my mom and the situation.

And this attack on the grandmother in San Francisco, really brought up this memory of my mother. There was no follow up regarding my mother and how she was doing after the incident. The concern was more about ensuring that the guy on crystal meth, received the help he needed and it was explained to my mom that he had no control over his actions, because he was on crystal meth.

Sound familiar – this rationalization? All of a sudden, my mother lost her role as victim and was casually tossed aside. And if race was not the factor for this different treatment, then I do not know what was.

My West Indian mother, was dismissed. Her white attacker was not.

It left a bad taste in our mouths. And so we were forced to move on. We installed a security system at my mother’s house. We checked on my mom, even more frequently. Because, we realized we were on our own. The system, was not going to assist us.

The incident was treated as if this were an everyday event and apparently, it is:

A white man high on crystal meth, broke into my West Indian mother’s house and hurt her.

An Asian grandmother in San Francisco was attacked on the streets, and her white attacker was treated, while she stood untreated on the street.

A white man shoots 8 women in Atlanta, all but one were women, the majority of Asian descent.

We need to do better. We need to be better.

People’s actions need to be held accountable and not excused.

We are tired of forgiving, or accepting the rationalizations, when the truth is obvious.

And if the truth is obvious, why is it only seen by us?

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

11 years ago….my recollection of the earthquake in Haiti

Actually, this story starts 13 years ago.  My husband and I were newly weds.  While we were engaged, he had completed a military deployment in Sudan, and returned back for the wedding.   It was challenging, but we made it work.  A lot of satellite calls, and Skype chats, when there was an internet connection.  I sent care packages, consisting of food and supplies, while planning a wedding.

We had been married a few months, when my husband indicated that he was interested in deploying to Afghanistan.  Sudan was one thing, but Afghanistan scared me…..a lot.  We had a lot of discussions about this.  I knew that he wanted to deploy, but couldn’t he go somewhere safer to serve?

Learning the art of compromise, my husband proposed Haiti.  It was a lot closer than Afghanistan and in my mind, a lot safer.   You have to appreciate that in 2009, we kept hearing about fallen soldiers serving in Afghanistan, and although my husband assured me that he would be safe, it was hard to reconcile him being safe with all of the losses we were bombarded with on the news.  And so, Haiti was the chosen destination.

It all sounded positive.  He was on a peacekeeping mission.  He was working in the UN Headquarters in Port-Au-Prince.  We were in the same time zone and communicating with each other, was a lot easier.  During his leave in the Fall of 2009, we met up in Miami and had a wonderful few days together.  His deployment allowed me to focus on work and news that I had made partner at my law firm.  Things were good.  He remained in Haiti during the Christmas holidays and New Year’s, which I spent with friends and family.

January 12th, 2010 – I was at work when my friend Rina texted me to advise that her father was watching CNN and there had been a massive earthquake in Haiti.  She wanted to know if my husband was alright.  I immediately called the contact number I had for him and kept getting a busy signal.

I frantically did a search on the internet and the information was limited.  At our condo, my husband had given me an Emergency Contact number for the United Nations and had instructed me that in case of an emergency, that this was the number to call.  This was an emergency and I had to get to this number and call it.  This was my mission.  I packed up my belongings in a state of shock with my cell phone steadily redialing my husband frantically.

I remember getting  down to the building lobby and seeing another lawyer from my firm, looking at me in concern.   I explained to him what had happened and he gave me some words of encouragement which I barely heard, as I was so focused on dialing my husband and establishing some connection and confirmation that he was alright.  It was a blur.

And as I drove back to our condo, speaking to my brother, who offered to come over, listening to the news and dialing re-dial, my focus was getting home and getting answers from the UN.  I cannot recall if I spoke to my mom or my in-laws; I know I must have….but I was just focused on getting home.

When I got home, the number for the UN was on the side of the fridge and I called it, without taking off my jacket or putting down my bags.  I had to know if my husband was alright.  Imagine my surprise when the person who answered the Emergency Number did not even know that there had been an earthquake in Haiti and that I was educating her with my call.  I was so frustrated and the hope that I had been holding onto was tested with this call.

But my mom had taught me never to give up and never accept anything but the right answer.  Keep going!

And so I started calling my husband’s military family, to see if they could assist or direct me to someone who could help.  When you are married to someone in the military, you join their military family and that family delivered so much support that night, it was unbelievable.  Calls started being made, and offers to keep me company were made, but I needed to be on my own otherwise I would have gone into hostess mode and focused on others and I needed to keep my focus.  I did not want to be distracted from the news, redialing my husband and keeping the house line open for my husband to call.

During moments like this, you turn inwards.  I am a spiritual person, and I believe in trusting one’s instincts and feelings.  I knew that if something had happened to my husband, I would know.  I would feel it.  My instincts were telling me that he was alive.  I knew his daily schedule and typically, during the time that I was advised about the earthquake, he would have been on his way home, with the other Officers, and I imagined that he may be stranded on a roadway somewhere, but that he was safe…..I felt that he was safe.  That kept me going.

I found out about the earthquake at around 5pm.  And for 5 hours, I tried every means I could, to find out if my husband was alright.  Friends and family provided a lot of support and comfort.

Let him be alright, please let him be alright, was my mantra.  The news had started trickling in and the more I heard, the more I became scared.  Scared, but still full of hope.  I prayed a lot that night.  I definitely found strength through my spirituality.

And then a call……..my husband called.  It was a very brief call – I’m alright.  I’m safe.  I love you.  He had limited time to speak but that was all that I needed.

I spoke to his parents and we rejoiced in the news that he was safe.  He had called them also and they too, were relieved beyond joy.

The next few days were focused on my husband.  I learned that as much as he downplayed things, he was actually within the UN building when it collapsed and was buried alive in debris, with concrete blocks falling on top of him.  He clawed his way out and was eventually air lifted to the Dominican Republic, where he was hospitalized for his injuries.  It was a lot to process.

We were fortunate that there was a student doctor at the hospital, from the States, and this doctor would email me photos and videos of my husband and provide me with updates on what was going on.  He instantly became a friend and knowing that after his long shifts, he would ensure that he was providing me with news, was above and beyond!

Eventually, the decision was made for my husband to be sent back to Canada, for further tests and I was beyond happy, because I had been strongly exploring going to the DR to check on my husband.  When he arrived in Toronto, it is all a blur.  I just remember he looked pretty banged up, but I was happy to have him home.

And then he told me – he had to go back, once he was cleared.  That the devastation that he had seen needed him to go back and help.

And so we put together supplies for him to take that might be in low supply and he left to go back to help.  He especially wanted to go back to check on the orphanage that he volunteered at every Sunday.  Every Sunday, which was my husband’s day off, he would cook pasta and pack bread and bananas and would spend the day at an orphanage in Haiti.  He would take toys and supplies to them.  He had become close with the kids.  He needed to make sure that they were alright.  And when he returned to Haiti, he learned that thankfully – they were.

Before the earthquake, my husband and I had started collecting food, clothes and other donations to send to Haiti.  Our friends, family and colleagues really came through and we had put together a storage locker full of supplies, which eventually, through the assistance of ONExONE and WestJet, was taken to Haiti after the earthquake.

The entire experience taught me so much.  I really learned through the experience, the power of your community and the support that you receive when you need it.  I also learned that for me, my faith and belief, really sustained me that night.

And so on January 13th, 2010, the day after the earthquake, I drove from our condo in Toronto, to our mandir in Burlington, after work, to do a prayer and give thanks to God, for protecting my husband.  And when I arrived at the Mandir, the Pundit provided such support and comfort, and again, I was reminded, that we are never alone.

We are all connected and you just have to be open to receive it all…..good and bad….

And I am just so thankful that my husband’s life was spared.  And that 11 years later, we have our family and that we are grateful….truly grateful for our blessings.

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

Hey Kiddo

I am sure that most people have read the Wall Street Journal Op Ed piece entitled, “Is There a Doctor in the White House? Not if You Need an M.D.” The main focus of the Op Ed is to ridicule the incoming First Lady about using the title of Dr. in her name, after receiving her PhD in Education. I think that the critiquing articles eviscerating the writer of this Op Ed speak for themselves and I will not reiterate their arguments. What struck me when reading this Op Ed, was the opening:

Madame First Lady—Mrs. Biden—Jill—kiddo: a bit of advice on what may seem like a small but I think is a not unimportant matter. Any chance you might drop the “Dr.” before your name?

The writer dared to refer to the incoming First Lady as kiddo! And this struck a nerve, because it is a condescending term – one which I hear from a colleague at work all of the time.

Now my colleague is a work friend also and we are both partners, but in the last few months, he has been calling me kiddo and it has been leaving a bad taste in my mouth. Kiddo is a term used to describe someone younger.

Collins Dictionary states that ” You can call someone kiddo, especially someone who is younger than you, as a sign of affection.”

Well, I am definitely not younger than my colleague!

Fortune states:

But kiddo can also be patronizing and condescending, and while the person using the term may think of it as an expression of benign affection, it doesn’t always come across that way. For a young woman who is trying her best to be taken seriously, ‘kiddo‘ can very quickly wipe all that away.

And my discomfort with the term lies somewhere in between. I like working in a work environment where people work well together and really work in a team environment. That they are comfortable with one another. And so in that vein, perhaps the term is an acknowledgement of that comradery?

Listen – I am really trying.

I guess ultimately, I find the term disrespectful because it is a term used to acknowledge a difference in ….status. By calling me kiddo, the same way that the author of the Op Ed used it, it is used to be patriarchal and condescending. As if the person using it is wiser and is higher in status.

Or am I overthinking this? Am I making a bigger deal over a term that is probably used just as a familiar term. But in this day and age, maybe that term is not appropriate and needs to be eliminated from the work place language. Because whether we like it or not, the work place is a professional place and your image and how you are perceived make a big difference in your success and failure.

And we need to evolve. We need to acknowledge that language and definitions matter. That the way we speak to others, represents our biases and our feelings about others. And especially in the work place, terms like Kiddo, Missy and other such terms are just not needed.

But that does not mean that this erodes the team dynamic and takes away the familiarity – it just means that we are moving past antiquated phrases and ways of thinking and creating environments where people are appreciated for what they bring to the table and are not diminished into gender, racial or other such terms.

And so no more Kiddo for me. And if that affects our workplace dynamic, so be it. Hopefully, it will improve it for the better.

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

Agreement Sense

Happy 2021! Hopefully, we will start to see a bit of a return to normal this year. But it will definitely take time.

I, like many, have been doing a lot of reflection on happiness, inner peace and success. It has caused me to really think about moments when I have truly been happy. Such as when I was pregnant…. both times; a story left for a different day.

The other times I have been really happy is being a part of or working with a great team. I have been lucky to have that occur a couple of times during the course of my career but in fact the team dynamic that provided me with the most fulfillment was being part of a choir.

As you can tell from reading my blog, music has always been an important part of my life. There is a beauty in creating music that fills my soul. When I was younger, I did not necessarily understand the team work required to be in a choir. I was a singer and I loved to sing, so when I was in elementary school, singing with the choir, I sang loudly and did not try to blend my voice with the rest of the group. For me, the joy was simply singing.

But as I grew older and especially in high school, I was very blessed to have amazing music teachers and choir instructors, who introduced me to great music and harmonies.

The definition of harmony actually encapsulates what I love about being part of a choir:

1 : the playing of musical tones together in chords.

2 : a pleasing arrangement of parts a harmony of colors.

3 : agreement sense.

My favourite choirs were the Madrigal Choir and the Jazz Choir.

What is a madrigal?

A madrigal is a part-song for several voices, especially one of the Renaissance period, typically arranged in elaborate counterpoint and without instrumental accompaniment.

Whatever madrigals were, they were gorgeous. But for the beauty of those songs to come forth, the choir really had to listen to one another and sing and harmonize together. And when that happened, it was just awesome.

In Jazz Choir, again, the chords and melodies were more intricate and for the harmonies to work between the instruments and voices, again, everyone had to ensure they were listening and working together to create a great sound. That joy, when the music works, is indescribable. It really is holy.

So when I went to university and law school, the first thing I explored, even though I was not in the music program, was joining the University Choir. It was a lot of work, because you were singing with students who were full time music students but I have to say, those experiences really increased my skills and were very joyful.

In undergraduate, our concert choir performed Mozart’s Requiem. The entire piece, takes an hour to perform. It is a mass for the dead. The music is haunting and the harmonies and movements are just magnificent. I invited my parents and my brother to our performance because I honestly was so proud to be a part of this performance. I had no solo – I did not stand out in any way, but I was a part of the creation of the performance and it honestly felt amazing!

In reflecting on happiness and what makes my soul happy, I realize that once the pandemic is flattened, I would like to find another choir to join. Again, simply to be part of a group dynamic that creates beauty. There is nothing like it.

But that’s just one Diva’s view.

Feeling of Despair

I was listening this morning to the Breakfast Club on Flow 93.5 where callers were talking about the Breonna Taylor grand jury decision, the lack of police charges and the feeling of despair being felt by black women. One black female caller said it best – where and when have I ever had the opportunity to feel “safe”? That saddened me beyond belief.

The quote that has been resurrected at this time is by Malcolm X, “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” How ironic that a quote from 1962 is as on point today as it was then!

We have been speaking about this case at home and have not shied away from discussing it with our young children. And to see the look of disbelief on their faces that someone could be shot, while sleeping in their bed, without any probable cause, is heartbreaking. And for the longest time, we have shielded our children from the realities of the outside world, so that they could have a “childhood” but being in a pandemic and the changes going on in the world; the bubble has burst.

It has been an especially sad week here in Ontario, to learn that a little 3 year old girl died because of lack of proper medical attention. She died of a strep infection that could have been treated with antibiotics, but every health practitioner she was seen by, or facility she was taken to, was too busy to see her or only did a cursory examination and no one took what the parents said seriously. Again, this really hit home, because I have young children and parents know their kids best and know when there is something more serious going on. To have that ignored and end up with such a tragedy, is heartbreaking.

And to top off this week, our COVID numbers are creeping back up to levels last seen in May, during the height. And knowing that we are going back into a lock down, really does cause more concern and fear. To hear the rhetoric of Trump on a daily basis. To explain to colleagues, why as a South Asian family, we will not be travelling to the US, in its current state……It all got to be too much!

And so, while I was driving to work today, the despair of this week, was too much and the sadness was too great to contain and the tears started falling down my face. And as I tried to wipe them away, I knew that the tears would be the only relief I would have in that moment, from everything I was feeling. So I stopped trying to wipe them away and let them be.

It is sad, in its truest sense of the word, that we are in this state of the world.

And I pray that things will get better. I pray that we will learn from these experiences. I pray that we will come out on the other side, in a better place, in a better mindset.

I think that’s all I can do today.

But that’s just one Diva’s view.


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Scuba Dive Packages Canada

Scuba Dive Packages

Looking to save when buying equipment for scuba diving? The bundled gear in our scuba diving packages contain essential equipment like scuba masks and fins as well as accessories like scuba regulators that combine best options for both beginners and advanced divers. Check out offerings from top brands like the Aqualung packages. Snorkeling packages also available.

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Berkeley Lab

You can help counter anti-Asian violence – Resources from UC

Over the past year, we’ve seen a huge spike in violence targeting Asian-Americans. Though these increased attacks seem to be tied to racist reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian racism and violence has a long history in the United States. UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center explores why Asian-Americans are being attacked and what can you do about it.

Please also visit UC’s Anti-Asian racism webpage for specific actions you can take to support and stand with our Asian, Asian-American and Pacific Islander colleagues and friends, within UC and beyond.


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Shiba Inu Puppies Are The Internet Sensation Of The Moment

The Shiba Inu puppies from Yoko are the internet sensation of the moment. We all have that one friend or acquaintance who has to ruin every group photo.

The pictures below, which feature 4 cute Shiba Inu puppies, seem to be in sync with each other, with how they should pose in group on the picture.

The white Shiba Inu unfortunately didn’t understand the message very well, and doesn’t synchronize at all with what the other 3 dogs of the group. As a result; the group photos are totally ruined, but in a funny way.

And it is a good thing that the white Shiba Inu ruined the group pictures, otherwise these pictures would never have gone viral on the internet and we wouldn’t be laughing so much now with this cute white Shiba Inu star that made us smile from ear to ear on every picture.

1:- Aww So Cute!

2:- Adorable!

3:- 😛

If You Have At least 2 Of These 10 Habits Your Relationship Will Last Forever

Cat vs. Bath! Watch at This Mama Cat Saves Her Son Who Got Stranded in Bathtub Corner!


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Large Shadow Fluff Brush

  • $12.00
    Unit price per
Shipping calculated at checkout.

If you enjoy versatile makeup brushes, this is the one! This brush is a great brush for accomplishing a one-shadow eye look. The large size of this brush makes applying eyeshadow all throughout the eye area a breeze! Furthermore, this brush works great as a cheekbone highlighter brush. It's the perfect size to get that beaming highlighter look, or even a subtle natural glow.

Made with a wooden handle, chrome ferrule & synthetic bristles that mimic natural animal hair.

This product is vegan & cruelty free.

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Friday Photos: Festival Fun

February 7, 2014

Every time you visit the DMA, you’ll discover exciting ways to become involved with the Museum’s collection, whether taking part in a Twitter Treasure Hunt on Late Nights, going on an interactive tour during First Tuesdays, or creating your own work of art in Studio Creations. But did you know you can also find ways to get connected with the DMA outside of the Museum’s walls?

Last weekend, the DMA participated in the Crow Collection’s annual Chinese New Year Festival, an event filled with Asian-inspired music, dancing, and of course, art. Not only did the DMA contribute a booth to the lively festival, but we also collaborated with members of El Centro College’s Visual Arts Club to create an engaging experience for visitors. The art club students came up with two wonderful art-making activities–miniature scrolls and a community painting–and drew in more than 600 participants!

Check out photos from the event and keep an eye out for us as we participate in the Art + Science Festival on Saturday, April 12!

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Amy Elms
McDermott Intern for Visitor Engagement

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Writing and Such: When to Quit

I kid you not Chronicle family, I’ve been working on the follow up to Office Extravaganza for over three months, and I’m over it! I know some of you are probably like, “But it has only been three months. It takes some people years to right a novel.” And you’re right. A novel, which is usually over 40,000 words depending on your genre, can take years to write.

However, I’m only writing a novelette, 20,000 words or less, and it’s taking FOREVER!

Has Quitting Season Started?

So, I’ve asked myself, “Self, is it finally time to quit?”

It’s like every day I tell myself that I have to finish today. Ideas keep coming and I jot them down but then stop because I freeze up. The words that follow that initial burst of creativity don’t feel or look right on my screen. They don’t give me that electricity like the others did. Then, I switch directions and tell myself, “Just give yourself one more day and it’ll be done.” Now imagine doing this same routine day after day, week after week, and now month after month.

I promise I’m not bored with the storyline, or characters or subthemes. It’s like I can’t get it all the way out of me. I went to the beach, my favorite writing place, and came up with some amazing ideas for my business but then the story just stalled again.

Okaloosa Beach, Miramar Beach

What’s in between writer’s block and master-classing manuscripts? That’s right, me. *Slaps forehead and falls back on the couch*

Follow the “Rules” or Make Them Up

I’ve been told and researched that if you’re stuck on a story you should stop writing it. Move to a different storyline and if the story is worth writing, it’ll come back around, I guess like a Frisbee. Or maybe it’s more like a bad relationship that comes back around good. Either way I digress.

Then I feel like, “Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever. But, I don’t want to!” *Stomps away, like a six-year-old throwing a tantrum*

Honestly, my opinion for when you’re supposed to quit at anything, even writing, is only when you don’t love what you’re doing anymore and I’m still in love with this story. I’m giving myself one last week to finish this first draft. I’ll come back next week and let you know how it goes, promise. In the meantime, check out my new bookstore and share what you’re working on too. Have you had some writing woes recently?

With passion,

Authorpreneurship 201: Building Your Catalog is Vital

This journey of being an author, a self-published but willing to pitch my book to an agent or larger publisher authorhood, has been filled with so many lessons and now it’s time for me to drop a few nuggets. So if you haven’t subscribe yet, you definitely should!

Today’s Authorprenuership lesson comes from the five year in review lens; in other words this if for my 0-3 year experience range indie author. It’s so easy to keep pushing the same book over and over again but guess what’s the biggest obstacle for a self-pub author: growing our audience.

Water Your Audience and They Shall Grow

Yep, not selling the book–as long as it has a good storyline–isn’t the biggest issue. Not getting it out to your audiences is definitely easier now since we have retailers like Amazon, Bookbaby, iBooks and others who can get us in a reader’s queue. Plus if you have a social media following (big or small), you can bet that 1 out of 30 followers will buy your book.

But what happens when your audience slows to grow, and even though I know this is a completely abnormal situation, but what if you can’t travel to events or there are no events going on for you to hustle your book at? How can you possibly grow your audience?

Enter lesson 201. What I’ve learned since I first published my book in 2015, is that if you keep pushing the same book and your audience doesn’t grow, your following will plateau and interest will dim. But before the light completely goes out, you can do one thing that will make the sunshine bright once more–write mo!

Mo Books, Mo Books, Mo!

I just released my fourth book, which is the second release this year, and I immediately saw my readership grow. Even though my following didn’t drastically change, it did increase and so new readers took a chance on me because my old readers were excited to share my new books with their audience.

Of course there are other factors that play a part; make sure you have reviews for your current book(s), stay active with you audience, write or do anything that pertains to your writing career whether it’s blogging, vlogging or joining TikTok. But keeping things completely transparent, I knew this step was essential years ago, like literally the third year that I pushed the same two books.

What kept me from dropping more books faster? Answer: Excuses. “I don’t have enough time to write,” or “it needs to be perfect” were my favorite excuses but the latter was the greatest one of all.

Trust in the process and instead of looking for perfection, write toward passion. Write a story that makes you feel something and trust that even though a comma is out of place or maybe the a sentence is a run on that the editor will catch it.

Write and then release and then do it again.

I’m thankful that I can now open a bookstore online with Square and have several options for readers. I’ll share how that goes too because I’m testing it to see if managing my own store is worth the work or if I should just stick with the mass-producing book retailers.

Now Open!

NaNoWriMo is here! You ready or Nah?

It’s that time of the year when we writers decide to isolate ourselves from the world to get as many words, stories, outlines, edits and thoughts out in the name of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) – like we really need another excuse to get lost in our word counts.

Since I learned that November was the designated month for such an audacious yet exciting event, I’ve tried to join in on the festivities and this year is no different.

With the a plan to knock out my 2020 self-pub piece, I’ve identified all the weapons (or tools for you non-warriors), tricks and hints that I could find starting with my own version of Popeye’s spinach – wine!

On my YouTube channel (say what, you haven’t subscribed…what are you waiting on?), I take you through my thoughts on my first wine subscription that started with a simple wine tasting.

While you’re there on my channel–after you subscribe–make sure to check out my NaNoWriMo playlist to find other tips and hints to surviving and smashing your goals throughout the entire month of November. I’ll continue to do videos thought the month to share my own progess too.

Got some tips of your own? Share away folks. Drop your tips in the comments below so we can all do this right. It’s a writing community thang so let help each other out.

4 Things to Know When You Attend a Book Pitching Event

I attended my first Black Writers Weekend in Atlanta this past June and all I can say is that it was incredibly dope. And for two reason; first I was able to pitch my third manuscript to a group of women who are experts in the writing arena (one who was a literary agent on my current pitching list); and secondly, I jumped on a last minute opportunity to sell my babies and connect with other authors from around Atlanta.

For this post, I’ll focus on the event that had me shook — pitching my book…verbally. When I first learned of this opportunity, I was scared out of my mind. There is just something about the unknown that is horrifying and not truly understanding how it would be to say a pitch about my book out loud to experts in the industry, blew my mind and confidence.

Thank God I have a dope network of sister/friends around me to keep me focused and challenge my fears. So through all of the unknowns, I signed up for the event and began preparing weeks out for p-day. There were so many things that I learned through both the prep and the post of the event that I have to share them with you all. These four nuggets set me up for success and I want you to make sure you’re ready for your opportunity too.

Watch behind the scenes video of the emotional roller coaster I went on preparing for this event on Patreon. Subscribe today for more exclusive passion-fy content.

Join my passionate patreon family!

Screen Shot 2019-06-30 at 2.12.58 PM.png

4 Tips You Should Know Before Pitching your Book

Pitch an unpublished book. This is a point that unfortunately most of my colleagues did not think about prior to the event. Let this be the moment that you decided to get out there and connect with others in the world of writing because if I had not been told by another author not to push any of my current public babies, I would have fallen in with the others. One of the tips that the group of experts gave us prior to pouring our hearts out about our novels, was that it’s a lot harder for a publisher to pick up an author who has already introduced the book to the public. Yes, you read that right, I did say harder and not impossible, but just think about whether you would rather take a car up the mountain or walk that sucker.

Perfect your portfolio. For most pitching events, you will need certain printed material to support your words. For the Dope Reads pitching event that I attended, I had to have an author resume (I used my media kit), the book synopsis, and the first three polished chapters. I also included my business card too, so they could see how serious I am about this #writerlife. Once it was my turn to present, they all had materials to take back with them, which was more than others had at the event.

Hone your pitch. Doing all that prep work with the synopsis and fine-tuning your first three chapters will get your mind moving about how to describe your book. What you want to do is nail it down to a two- to five-minute elevator pitch. Highlight your key characters and the conflict (but don’t give away the ending), know and say your word count (they don’t care about how many pages, it’s all about how your word count fits your genre), describe who your book could sit next to, and what trope your novel falls into, particularly if it’s one that is pertinent to society right now. Then practice it out loud over and over again. Want to really test your pitch? Tell it to a stranger and see if they’re interested.

Be confident about your work and who you are as a writer. It’s tough when you get into a room and see a bunch of authors working toward the same exact step as you. You may start wondering what makes you different? Why your book and not theirs?  But don’t start comparing your words to theirs. Your story is one that can only be told by you. It’s like having a superpower; you’re the only one who can control it and use it for good. Be proud of your work and how far you’ve come, then go shine like the sun is counting on you.

If you cover these four points, you will be ready to knock that pitch out of the park (see what I did there). If there is one thing you get from this post, let it be that if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready. Opportunity is coming.

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Every Writing Journey is Different…No For Real!

If there is one lesson that I’ve learned throughout my 35 years on this Earth is that no footstep is the same. Sure our paths may seem similar, we’ve both turned a left or two, but the reality of it all is that they will end in separate places at different times.

When I first started writing, it was for relief. With all the temptation around me at school and the love I had for my boyfriend, and now husband, with me every waking moment, I had to find a way to release some lustful desires in a healthy way, so I started writing. I wrote freaky tales and shared it with my friends, which did something powerful for me that I reflect on today–I connected women on a level I didn’t know I could through erotic words.

Then when my mother passed in December of 2006, my best friend showed me that writing was also a way to cope with pain and loss. I really let all the painful words that were being held back by my tears out of my system into poetry and journaling. Writing has not only helped with my sanity and recovery but it’s taught me more about myself that I thought it could. I mean, a totally different emotional level.

So did I know that I would be pursuing a writing career when I was in college. No. Elementary, well yeah. I’ve dreamt about telling the stories that were in my head since I was young but I only thought it was a dream, until now.

And it’s not until now, or should I say the past year, that I’ve realized that becoming a full-time author may look totally different for me than anyone else, so I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.

So I’m taking the next big, and what was one of the scariest steps thus far, which was why I decided to take my talents to Patreon–a platform build to help creatives survive why continually sharing our work.

So, why Patreon? Three reasons:

  1. Supplemental-ish Income: This platform allows a creative like me to make an income by supplying a product on a regular basis. As an early published author who only has two books out, it helps to supplement my income to help cover costs like editors, cover designers, software, supplies and all the other stuff that comes up in between (travel costs to conferences and marketing materials).
  2. Storytelling on a monthly basis: I love writing. Did you know that? It’s so true that on this platform I get to write short stories and upcoming chapters for you all to review and give feedback on. Oh, and depending on what tier you subscribe to you will get multiple stories a month, free stuff and so much more.
  3. Connecting with you on a personal: It’s hard to be real on so many channels, and to be honest I can’t be for “commercial” reasons, but on Patreon I plan to be the best and honest me I can be because everyone who supports this dream desires nothing less. And don’t think I’ve forgotten about those of you have bought my book and who have already subscribed to this blog. I’m keeping you in the loop on some of the goodies, but honestly, if you want the gems…you know where to go and what to do!

My path will be different but it will happen because I know it’s for me. If your struggling to live your purpose, I challenge you to take a leap of faith. Trust that the path is already there and all you have to do is take the next step, even if you can see it clearly. What you feel, is what is for you.

Join DNC on Patreon.

With passion


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Nature for all - application form
This is the application form for "Nature for all" training course.
The course will take place from 17.08 until 25.08, in Romania, near Cluj-Napoca.

Before filling the application please read carefully the "Call for participants".
We are looking for those who are really called to attend this course.
If you are sure that this course is for you please continue with this application.
Take your time and answer to the questions in your own personal style. Be authentic and honest.

Remember that the deadline for sending this application is 3rd of July 2021.

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USA v. Robert Jone

OPINION filed : We REVERSE the district court's denial of Jones's motion to suppress, VACATE Jones's conviction and REMAND the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion; decision not for publication pursuant to local rule 206. Danny J. Boggs, Circuit Judge; Deborah L. Cook, Circuit Judge and Helene N. White, Authoring Circuit Judge. (12 pages)

Download PDF
Case: 10-4618 Document: 006111294795 Filed: 05/04/2012 Page: 1 UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT Leonard Green Clerk 100 EAST FIFTH STREET, ROOM 540 POTTER STEWART U.S. COURTHOUSE CINCINNATI, OHIO 45202-3988 Filed: May 04, 2012 Mr. Daniel R. Hurley U.S. Attorney's Office c/o F.B.I. P.O. Box 7755 Ann Arbor, MI 48107 Mr. James A. Jenkins Law Offices 1370 Ontario Street Suite 2000 Standard Building Cleveland, OH 44113 Re: Case No. 10-4618, USA v. Robert Jones Originating Case No. : 09-00110-001 Dear Sir or Madam, The Court issued the enclosed (Order/Opinion) today in this case. Sincerely yours, s/Robin Duncan Case Manager Direct Dial No. 513-564-7027 cc: Ms. Geri M. Smith Enclosure Mandate to issue Tel. (513) 564-7000

Disclaimer: Justia Dockets & Filings provides public litigation records from the federal appellate and district courts. These filings and docket sheets should not be considered findings of fact or liability, nor do they necessarily reflect the view of Justia.

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man pages section 9: DDI and DKI Properties and Data Structures

Exit Print View

Updated: July 2017

pm-components - Power Management device property

A device is power manageable if the power consumption of the device can be reduced when it is idle. In general, a power manageable device consists of a number of power manageable hardware units called components. Each component is separately controllable and has its own set of power parameters.

An example of a one-component power manageable device is a disk whose spindle motor can be stopped to save power when the disk is idle. An example of a two-component power manageable device is a frame buffer card with a connected monitor. The frame buffer electronics (with power that can be reduced when not in use) comprises the first component. The second component is the monitor, which can enter in a lower power mode when not in use. The combination of frame buffer electronics and monitor is considered as one device by the system.

In the Power Management framework, all components are considered equal and completely independent of each other. If this is not true for a particular device, the device driver must ensure that undesirable state combinations do not occur. Each component is created in the idle state.

The pm-components property describes the Power Management model of a device driver to the Power Management framework. It lists each power manageable component by name and lists the power level supported by each component by numerical value and name. Its syntax and interpretation is described below.

This property is only interpreted by the system immediately after the device has successfully attached, or upon the first call into Power Management framework, whichever comes first. Changes in the property made by the driver after the property has been interpreted will not be recognized.

pm-components is a string array property. The existence of the pm-components property indicates that a device implements power manageable components and describes the Power Management model implemented by the device driver. The existence of pm-components also indicates to the framework that device is ready for Power Management if automatic device Power Management is enabled.

The pm-component property syntax is:

pm-components="NAME=component name","numeric power level=power level name", "numeric power level=power level name" [, "numeric power level=power level name" ...] [, "NAME=component name", "numeric power level=power level name", "numeric power level=power level name" [, "numeric power level=power level name"...]...];

The start of each new component is represented by a string consisting of NAME= followed by the name of the component. This should be a short name that a user would recognize, such as “Monitor” or “Spindle Motor.” The succeeding elements in the string array must be strings consisting of the numeric value (can be decimal or 0x <hexadecimal number>) of a power level the component supports, followed by an equal sign followed by a short descriptive name for that power level. Again, the names should be descriptive, such as “On,” “Off,” “Suspend”, “Standby,” etc. The next component continues the array in the same manner, with a string that starts out NAME=, specifying the beginning of a new component (and its name), followed by specifications of the power levels the component supports.

The components must be listed in increasing order according to the component number as interpreted by the driver's power(9E) routine. (Components are numbered sequentially from 0). The power levels must be listed in increasing order of power consumption. Each component must support at least two power levels, or there is no possibility of power level transitions. If a power level value of 0 is used, it must be the first one listed for that component. A power level value of 0 has a special meaning (off) to the Power Management framework.

An example of a pm-components entry from the .conf file of a driver which implements a single power managed component consisting of a disk spindle motor is shown below. This is component 0 and it supports 2 power level, which represent spindle stopped or full speed.

pm-components="NAME=Spindle Motor", "0=Stopped", "1=Full Speed";

Below is an example of how the above entry would be implemented in the attach(9E) function of the driver.

static char *pmcomps[] = {
  "NAME=Spindle Motor",
    "1=Full Speed"

xxattach(dev_info_t *dip, ddi_attach_cmd_t cmd)
    if (ddi_prop_update_string_array(DDI_DEV_T_NONE, dip, "pm-components",
       &pmcomp[0], sizeof (pmcomps) / sizeof (char *)) !=DDI_PROP_SUCCESS)
		       goto failed;

Below is an example for a frame buffer which implements two components. Component 0 is the frame buffer electronics which supports four different power levels. Component 1 represents the state of Power Management of the attached monitor.

pm-components="NAME=Frame Buffer", "0=Off"
 	"1=Suspend", "2=Standby", "3=On",
		"NAME=Monitor", "0=Off", "1=Suspend", "2=Standby,"

See attributes(5) for descriptions of the following attributes:

Interface Stability

See Also

pm(7D), attach(9E), detach(9E), ddi_prop_update_string_array(9F) pm_busy_component(9F), pm_idle_component(9F)

Writing Device Drivers


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Career Trajectories For Technical Writer’s with Jordan Stanchev of SAP Labs

Career Trajectories For Technical Writer’s with Jordan Stanchev of SAP Labs

Last updated on Oct 22, 2020

Jordan Stanchev, User Assistance Development Architect at SAP Labs, joins us in this episode of Knowledgebase Ninja to share his insight on the possible career trajectories for aspiring Technical Writers. Check out all the other episodes of Knowledgebase Ninja here.

Connect with  Jordan and SAP Labs here:

Key Takeaways

Jordan’s journey into technical writing

Jordan’s journey is one of the most poetic and powerful we have seen. While the journey itself is fascinating, it is a benchmark for all aspiring individuals starting their career. It is the motivation that you can do whatever you want as long as you are passionate about it. Similarly, if you are not interested in a job that you are doing, your performance and your morale would decline. Twenty years ago, as Jordan was getting finished with his university, he applied for a junior Java developer position at a small company, and he got the job. Everything was fine for the first few years, but Jordan soon realized that being in a job that you don’t like doing is a ticking time bomb. It eventually goes off. The quality of work Jordan was producing decreased, Jordan’s motivation dropped, and he soon realized that he did not want to do this. He did not want to be a JAVA developer anymore.

Luckily for Jordan, a position opened in his company for technical writing, and it looked good to him. Jordan was interested in trying a new field. Several years later, as Jordan looks back, he notes that it was the right decision. He has managed to carve out a very respectable career for himself. He has led teams, he has received promotions, and it has been a very long and successful career, and it sees him now being the User Assistance Development Architect at SAP Labs in Bulgaria. At this point, he is now in charge of the entire User Assistance department.

Potential career options for technical writers

Jordan has met his fair share of technical writing critics over the years. From industry professionals to university graduates just looking to start their career, everyone is sceptical regarding technical writing. Jordan has been told time and time again that technical writing as a field is dead. Now, while Jordan does not believe that technical writing is doomed to fail and that it is a finished profession, he does believe that some part of what the sceptics say is true. According to Jordan, the classic technical documentation is now a dead end. The previous, outdated method of writing about a piece and then forgetting about it is pretty much finished and non-viable in today’s fast-moving industry. He also believes that the idea of technical writers being a separate entity and only being approached in the end to write a few pages about the product is a non-viable idea.

However, Jordan does believe that technical writing and technical writers have a very bright and exciting future. That future is, indeed, different from what technical writing used to be. However, it is a bright one, nonetheless. First of all, for proof, Jordan takes a look at the current employment scenario. In a crazy time like this, technical writers are thriving while so many other posts get laid off. That is because technical writers have become more and more critical to a product. This happened because technical writers’ skillset is usually very diverse. They are essentially the bridge between the development team and the users of the product. They are incredibly involved, and how products are produced, they are in charge of industry-standard instructional videos and documentation styles that are changing every day. Thus, technical writers hold a very high position in an organization. According to Jordan, technical writers can hold any position they want. They can be project managers; they can be team heads or company managers too.

Jordan’s documentation process

Over time, Jordan has worked on several different documentation techniques. He is experienced in many of these techniques. Whether you look at SAP Labs or in his previous jobs, his documentation techniques have varied. In SAP Labs, they used to have a very centralized system for technical writers. They were one central technical writing team which then applied to all of the development projects that were happening in SAP Labs offices around the world. They then realized that they could do it better. They learned that the technical writers are not integrated into the whole process enough and that there was a more effective way of doing things.

Thus, they restructured the organization and got to the point they are today. Now, technical writers are an integral part of the software development part of the company. A name change also indicates this. Their post names have changed to reflect the fact that they are now not just writing. They are developing software, and they are writing. It is a much more fluid system now, and it is one which is very effective when looking at it from a user assistance aspect.

Factors Jordan keeps in mind when writing.

The most crucial factor that needs to be kept in mind is the audience and their needs. Once that is understood, the writers can move on to the writing standards your company has set. Understand the words and tone they want to convey. Lastly, when you understand all of it, Jordan believes that it is essential to understand what medium to use. Any good technical documentation person must know when to use other forms of media like videos or audio instead of a written piece.

What advice would Jordan give his 20-year-old self?

If Jordan could go back and give advice to his 20-year-old self, he would tell him to be confident, believe in himself and most importantly, always deliver on your promises. Jordan believes that this is incredibly important for a person’s integrity.

Who has inspired Jordan in technical writing

  • Sven Denecken – Head of Product Success, Co-Innovation and Content at SAP SE

  • T. Harv Ecker – CEO of Harv Eker International & Author of Secrets of the Millionaire Mind (best seller)

Jordan’s favourite documentation related resources

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Document360’s Feature Spotlight – Private Knowledge Base

Document360’s Feature Spotlight – Private Knowledge Base

Document360’s Feature Spotlight – Private Knowledge Base

Last updated on Jul 2, 2021

Creating a private knowledge base for your internal employees is a great way for organisations to provide employees with important, easy to find information.

However due to the sensitive nature of the information, they prefer it to be private. So there is no risk of sharing private information with the general public.

Check out this video on how to create your own Private Knowledge Base with Document360!

Document360 has the below features which cater to Private Knowledge Base

Centralised Collection Of Knowledge

Many companies invest heavily in a knowledge base software for their customers but never bother to maintain an internal knowledge base which can be vital to your employees. There’s no denying as Companies grow they gather a wealth of knowledge and this needs to be managed and maintained and shared throughout the organisation.

Biztalk360 handbook - private knowledge base

Website is accessible for public @ HandBook.Kovai.Co

  • Employee Handbook (pictured above)
  • HR Policies

This information kept as private allowing only employees to have access to such company specific documents.

Sometimes support agents can find it tough trying to deal with impatient customers and trying to get to know the nuances of the product to be able to handle any situation. When there are multiple customers who require different documentation to resolve their issues, an easy to use multi customer knowledge base can be crucial to customer support to gain customer confidence.

Security is a main point of concern now a days lot of companies investing to keep their information secure. There may be multiple teams handling documentation and it will good to authenticate the users that need access.

Review & Commenting

Team-work writing of articles (by commenting on articles) is possible by increasing Collaboration between Editors & Draft Writers by having a review process in place so Editors can assess the articles before they are published.

internal commenting

SSO Enteprise Login

Have a SSO login for both the private knowledge base website and the portal for quick and easy access.

Category Management

Easy organization of articles using the Category manager enables self-learning and allow the user to easily browse through categories.

category management

Fast Search

Document360’s each website has a search icon in the right-hand side of the ribbon. This icon runs along the top of the documentation when clicked. It has a fast intelligent, intuitive search that answers questions as you type. Add Tags to make sure the correct articles pop up when you search on those keywords.

interactive ai search

Add Users

You can add users in various roles Ex – Reader’s Role so employees can consume certain topics like various HR policies, customer support policies, social media policies etc which they should not be allowed to edit.

user management

Building a Help Center for your employees (Your first customers)

  1. Create and set a project as private – Create a project in Document360 with an appropriate name which will be used for the domain(this can be changed later) and with the flick of a switch make it Private.
  2. Invite users with different roles – Add the users who will should be able to access the private knowledge base with appropriate rights.
  3. Appearance customization
    • Pick colours & themes like your company Logo
    • Build & Publish your landing page
  4. Add a category/Add an article – Build your articles in Document360 using the Markdown editor that is super easy & intuitive to use. Forget about what size, colour and just concentrate on content. Using the quick formatting Toolbar decide the look of the document. Make sure to have the important sections in H2 Header so it automatically comes up in the Table of contents.
    • Use the Article level Settings to set up
      • Tags – for easy retrieval while searching
      • Mark them as ‘New
      • Enable table of contents
  5. Send for review /Comment & Then Hit Publish! – Send the article for review to an Editor who has the capability to Publish. The Editor can make comments in the Article asking the writer to make some improvements, which the aforementioned writer can then implement
  6. Login to your private portal – Login to your private knowledge base using your own credentials!

private documentation login page

Organization & communication are key to have your business running like a well-oiled machine. Create a robust private knowledge base that benefits your employees and in turn your customers. Document360 helps you to enable users on both sides of the interaction to find what they are looking for – KNOWLEDGE!

Are you interested in building your private knowledge base – Check out Document360!


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WineDirect Compliance Documentation

Wine labels are important sources of information for consumers since they tell the type and origin of the wine. Labels include information regarding name, brand, certificate of label approval number (COLA), appellation of origin, and grape varietal. A COLA is certificate of label approval, which is granted by the TTB (Federal regulating body).

Create Labels: Learn how to create labels for your products. Learn More >

Import Labels: Learn how to upload multiple labels. Learn More >

Import Label Registrations: Learn how to upload multiple label registrations. Learn More >

Manually Add Label Registration: Learn how to manually add label registration. Learn More >

Create Labels

1. Navigate to Products > Labels.

2. In the upper right corner, select New Label.

3. Enter the Label Name, Brand, COLA TTB approval #, Appellation, and Varietal information. Select Save.

Page Top

Import Labels

1. Navigate to Products > Labels.

2. In the upper right corner, select Import Labels.

3. Select the link Click Here For An Example File. Download and Save the template as an Excel file.

4. Fill in the sample file, save it as either a CSV, XLS, or XLSX.

5. Select Choose File from the import screen, and select the file that you have saved.

6. If successful, a green box will pop up in the right hand corner of your screen.

Page Top

Upload Label Registrations

The intent of the uploader process is to save time by not having to manually enter each label registration. The template is the same for both label and brand registrations. The template only displays States/Jurisdictions that require Brand or Label registrations for shipping to those States. You may need to insert or modify rows for additional brands and labels for each state/jurisdiction. We provide examples of data to enter, and that example data (numbers and dates) should be removed/edited prior to upload in WineDirect Compliance.

1. Navigate to Products > Label > Import Registrations.

2. Select the link Click Here For An Example File. Download and Save the registration template as an Excel file.

3. Fill in the label and brand registration information for each State/Jurisdiction: License Number, Valid On Date (if applicable), Expires On Date (if applicable)

4. Insert rows for labels if you need rows added for each State/Jurisdiction. You may also need to delete rows for States/Jurisdictions that do not apply. Once the template is complete. Save the file as a CSV.

5. Navigate back to Products > Labels > Import Registrations.

6. Click Choose File. Search for and select the file that you just saved to open. This will automatically attempt to import the file. Save Your Changes once finished.

Page Top

Manually Add Label Registrations

1. Navigate Products > Labels, select the Label, then Add Registration.

2. Make a selection from the jurisdiction drop down.

3. Enter a Registration Number, and add Valid From and To Dates for when that registration will be in effect.

4. Select the Save button at the bottom. Repeat these steps for each applicable registration.

Page Top


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Policy Feedback

Policy Feedback

We welcome your feedback on specific policies or the UOW policy development process. Please send us your comments or suggestions through the form below.

Need to look up a policy title? Visit the A-Z Policy Listing.

Last reviewed: 21 October, 2016

Here to Help

Need a hand? Contact the Governance Unit for advice and assistance on policy issues.


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web analytics

Just how many NNN .guitars domains are available from Uniregistry?

Unlike previous gTLD launches, the dot .Guitars product from Uniregistry comes with plenty of three number (NNN) domains available. Three number domains are often sought after due to their short, memorable qualities, and the ability to represent area codes and hence, location. For the guitar business, a dot .guitars domain is a great alternative to […]

Copyright © 2021 DomainGang.com · All Rights Reserved.


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Color of the Month

February 2015: Building February’s Gray

This gray is the result of my wife, Taffy, and I working together on our own apartment.  We needed a restful hue, subtly interacting with the wool carpet, a slightly warmer color on the ceiling, and just the right background for our antique cream shutters. We got there without using black or opaque earth pigments, to preserve the maximum play with changing light.

 SHOP FEBRUARY'S GRAY  |  Shop all Colors of the Month  |  Learn More

To achieve your final paint color, take the Paint Pigment to your local Benjamin Moore dealer and have them mix it with the Regal Select base indicated on the Paint Pigment label following mixing instructions below.

1. Pour Paint Pigment into 1 gallon of untinted specified Regal Select base indicated on Paint Pigment label. Paint Pigment is made with colorants compatible with the specified bases. Contact the Color Factory for additional information.

2. Add 1 or 2 oz. of water to Pigment jar, close top, shake and pour the remainder into the base.

3. Agitate gallon on shaker for 6 minutes.

4. Apply enclosed "Donald Kaufman Special Pigment Formula" sticker to blended gallon.

> Download Instructions


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Who Do You Want To Work With?

It takes work, but force yourself to identify who you love to serve.

We say it a lot to our clients – “Everyone is not your customer.”

Though we say this, it is hard to adhere to. In a twisted scarcity mindset, we want to keep our options open to work with anyone and everyone. And, by approaching a saturated marketplace this way, we dilute ourselves.

The key question is to figure out who specifically is ideal to work with. You may have this information already from a rich working relationship with a current customers. In this case, get real and honest to ask:

  • What makes me like my customer so much?
  • Who are other people like them?
  • Where do they hang out online?
  • Where do they hand out in person?
  • What are they attracted to in a vendor?

Simple questions like this can help you focus your approach and help you design signals and positioning to attract more ideal customers.

Of course, it can be a luxury to have a business of completely perfect customers. Who has this? There’s always a mixed bag and you can simply ask any businessperson or salesperson about their worst customers to find out the headaches looming under the surface.

But, if you can filter your audience and attract the right people it will be because you did your homework of positioning your message, content and stories around who you want to work with.

You can notice this when you show up for lunch at a nice upscale restaurant. You will not see average dressed people there. The signals and positioning deter such casual diners from even stepping foot into the place. The story that customers see helps them self-select and come as a patron that fits the narrative or don’t come at all.

Positioning Narrowly

When we position our clients and build content assets for them, we push to get narrower and focused. This way you stand out and there is not a confusion about what you do and who you work with.

This means you may have to let go of parts of your identity or get specific when it is tempting to remain vague. Push yourself to continually refine and it will send the right signal to the marketplace for your expertise and focus.

A good way to determine if you have become well positioned is if you can claim leadership in that specific niche and show it. If you are the leading software specifically for accountants that work on insurance policies, that is much narrower and specialized. It will entrust you to an entire tight network of industry professionals.

If you find yourself with a couple of areas of focus, then your positioning may need to have separate narrow promotion channels in the form of separate brands. This is how our minds naturally work. We connote a brand with a position, not two or more separate positions. For example, Coke means soda and Xerox means copiers. They don’t mean milkshakes and computers, respectively.

You have to mean something distinct in the mind of the buyers. For us, The Dalrymple Group means content strategy. We got there over time and determining what we do extremely well compared to anyone else and who we worked with well.

You may not end up with your definition of who to work with readily. But pushing yourself continually to refine the message you are putting out to the marketplace has to be a key step you are committed to. It will directly coordinate with your revenue.

Published by Don Dalrymple

I am a management consultant to business owners, executives and entrepreneurs. I write and speak on systems, strategy and leadership on my blog and help empower business clients to achieve their goals for revenue and efficiency. I live a life of adventure and work with business clients all over the world from remote locations to help them start and grow their businesses.

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Club meeting June 2019

Members showed off their Dumpy Seltzers from local Mineral water firms. These are in the main difficult to find and are eagerly sought after. South Western Mineral water Co, Randall Ryde, Hygine, Saul, Dorset mineral water Co & Nobbs Stent Dorchester pictured.

Two favorite items from your collection showed some surprises.

The incised GB class showed off some real rare ones.  Sharp and Hibberd Christchurch, Redman Wareham, Saul and Co Bournemouth.

Five items in the best bought this month. members showing off show aqusitions. Early patent 16 Codd, Dewers jug, Pontiled Daffys, Rock Blue and a Blacklock & co Bournemouth pot lid.

There were a couple of dug finds a whole clay pipe and a maws pot lid.

Sad finds included a Lambert Bournemouth GB and large mug sized Beach and Barnicott ointment.

I snapped up a C1840 Thomas Chidell and Co Southampton saltglazed flagon from items for sale table.

This entry was posted in bottle Clubs, Meetings and tagged , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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USDA Cost Share Program now open for certified organic farmers

USDA Certified Organic farmers may receive partial reimbursement of fees paid for certification. This program is open through Oct. 31, 2019. Farms or food businesses that have more than one certification are eligible to request cost share for each.

Farmers who have paid for USDA National Organic Program (NOP) Organic Certification this season are eligible to seek partial reimbursement of up to $750 per organic certification. This includes certificates dated between Oct. 31, 2018 – Oct. 31, 2019.  The application process is quite simple but best to be completed in-person at the Farm Service Agency (FSA) office. To find the office that serves your county, visit FSA Service Cetner Locator and click on your state to see the list of FSA office locations and contact information.

The FSA office staff will provide you with the application and guide you through the process. The application process will take no more than a half an hour but it’s important to have the necessary documents. The required paper work includes:

  • Your most recent USDA Organic Certificate (they will photocopy it).
  • All receipts that show payments for organic certification from this past year.
  • Checking account number and bank routing number information (as the cost-share check will be directly deposited to this account).
  • The completed one-page application form that is available at the FSA office.

Note that you can apply for partial reimbursement for each organic certificate you received this season. For example, if you have a USDA Organic Certificate for layer hens and eggs as well as for vegetable production, then you can apply for two separate certification reimbursements and receive up to $1,500. This cost-share program will close on Oct. 31, 2019.

If you are interested in learning more about the USDA Organic Cost Share Program, visit the USDA Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) website.

For information about organic production and the organic certification process, visit Michigan State University’s Michigan Organic Farming Exchange website, or email me at

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Nursing by Wagmob for Windows 8

By WagMob
Clicking on the Download Now (Visit Site) button above will open a connection to a third-party site. Download.com cannot completely ensure the security of the software hosted on third-party sites.

Developer's Description

WAGmob brings you Simple 'n Easy, on-the-go learning app for Nursing. The app helps you understand the basics in a nice and organized manner. Nursing by Wagmob include search, bookmark, and Facebook integration.

Full Specifications

What's new in version

Release February 8, 2013
Date Added February 8, 2013

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Operating Systems Windows, Windows 8
Additional Requirements None

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How Can Apps Help Students?

How helpful are educational apps?

Education apps improve education system, it will make easier for students to learn things and remember it for a long time.

Education app is easier to understand and use as compared to books and lectures that students attend in the classrooms..

What role can educational apps play in the classroom?

An app is able to encourage meaningful engagement when it removes the distractions potentially available on-screen. This helps the student effectively meet the learning goals. For instance, although YouTube offers a wealth of educational video content, it is full of distractions for students.

How can we help students?

Following are eight strategies that you can employ to help students succeed.Set High Expectations. … Establish a Classroom Routine. … Practice the ‘Daily Fives’ … Continually Grow in Your Profession. … Help Students Climb Bloom’s Taxonomy Pyramid. … Vary Your Instruction. … Show That You Care About Every Student.More items…•

Which apps are useful in education needs?

Best 10 Free Educational Apps for StudentsGoogle Classroom. In an educational institution, students are often required to complete and submit homework and assignments. … edX. … Khan Academy. … Duolingo. … Remind. … Photomath. … SoloLearn. … Quizlet.More items…•

Which app is best for online teaching?

5 Best Mobile Apps That Let You Teach Online Wherever, WheneverFoxFi (Free Limited Mode / $7.95 Unlimited)Audioboo (Free three-minute recordings; $11.29/month for 30 minutes)Evernote (Free)Google Hangout (Free)

How many educational apps are there 2020?

In 2020, finding educational apps of high quality seem like a daunting task particularly when you take into account the fact that there are over 500,000 educational apps.

Which is better Vedantu or Byjus?

BYJU’S scored higher in 7 areas: Overall Rating, Career Opportunities, Compensation & Benefits, Senior Management, Culture & Values, % Recommend to a friend and Positive Business Outlook. Vedantu scored higher in 2 areas: Work-life balance and CEO Approval.

What are the advantages of using apps?

9 Advantages of Mobile Apps over responsive eCommerce websitesMobile Apps are faster. At the end of the day What users think and like is what brings business and profits. … Personalized content. … Instant Online and Offline access. … Using device features. … Push Notifications and instant updates. … Branding and Design. … Productivity Improvement and Cost reduction. … Interactive Engagement.More items…

Which is the best educational app?

10 best Android learning apps to increase your knowledgeAmazon Kindle.Coursera.Duolingo.Khan Academy.LinkedIn Learning.

What are educational apps?

Designed to anything from provide advanced study methods – such as a Flash Card app – to preventing procrastination – block the use of those apps you sink all your time into – educational apps are revolutionizing the world of education. …


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Word Search Unlimited Free: 1000+ Categories

Come play a beautifully polished word search game with 1000+ word lists (over 94,000 words), 53 themed backgrounds and multiple game options.- 1000+ word lists (over 94,000 words)- 53 beautiful backgrounds- Two game modes: Classic and ActionClassic: familiar gameplayAction: one word at a time per given time- Three difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, Hard- Three board sizes: 12x12, 15x15, 19x19- Unique puzzle generated each time- Auto-save and resume- Easy selection by tapping first and last or by dragging- Share with friends through Facebook, Twitter, and email- Supports both portrait and landscape- Short definitions for the following:Complete Vocab (7737 words)SAT Vocab (5267 words)GRE Vocab (3901 words)GMAT Vocab (1239 words)etc...- Foreign words with English translationSpanish (2098 words)French (1490 words)German (1357 words)Italian (1906 words)Latin (6194 words)Notable categories:BibleBooks and LiteratureAnimalsArts and colorsBaby namesCountries and citiesHistoryNaturePeopleScience and technologySportsMovies and televisionUnited StatesMusicHolidaysFood and drinks... and many many more
Price USD 0
License Free
File Size 10.57 MB
Version 1.4
Operating System iOS
System Requirements Compatible with iPod Touch (3rd generation or later, iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 4, iPad. iTunes account required.


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Additions and Corrections

Let me start out by saying that I know that there must be mistakes in the information that I have gathered here on this site. Errors can creep in at so many places including the person initially supplying vital information, or the officials who recorded it. It could be copied or transcribed from the original improperly; it could be erroneously used in an article or book, or the typesetter could have made an error. Of course, I could be the culprit and have made a mistake in taking my notes or publishing the information here on this website.

The entire business from beginning to end is fraught with human error. I have found errors in several recorded vital records. My grandfather, John Downs, has his name misspelled on his official birth record. They have “Downs” spelled with an “e” rendering it “Downes.”

I have done everything in my power to keep the errors out. I am meticulous in the way I gather information, searching out the most original sources I can find, and I question everything that passes through my hands. It always amazes me how people can continuously copy information over and over again that just can’t be true. I have seen cases of a woman getting married at age 10 and having her first baby at age 12. Others have copied this information over and over again. No one along the way looked at the dates to see if it all made sense.

If you find what you believe to be an error, or an omission, on any of these pages, please bring it to my attention. I won’t be offended if you do. I do ask that you first check the Myths and Misconceptions page. Many sources are being published today that still publish mistakes made over a century ago. Also, note that I have not included many items that are accepted in some circles because I feel the proof is not strong enough yet.

If you find an error, email me at the address at the bottom of this page. I may check my notes and sources, and see it was an error on my part. I may also ask for your sources so I can adequately document everything, since I may be correcting a mistake in an otherwise reliable source. I may even list you as the source if this is appropriate.

There is plenty here that I have merely compiled and not worked on directly. However, anything that I personally research, try to solve or delve into deeply, I report using a high standard of proof.  You can visit the Standards page of their site here. This doesn’t mean that I won’t publish conjecture, but when I do, it will be clearly labeled as such. I often write about theories, so others have some information to start with if they wish to look deeper into a given subject. But I always state plainly my uncertainty of the facts.

If you come across any broken links, please email us at


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Christine Jickess
Associate Director

Christine Jickess joined the Diocese of Youngstown as Associate Director of Finance in 2009 after working in public accounting as a non-profit auditor for 20 years. Christine’s primary duties include the areas of accounting, budgeting, accounting software applications, and assisting diocesan departments and parishes with financial policies and procedures. Christine attended St. Mathias grade school and was a member of the parish for 22 years. She is currently a parishioner at St. Michael parish in the Canfield community where she resides with her husband Dean and two children, Stephanie and Justin.

Contact Information:

330.744.8451 Ext.266

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