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Annual Economic Development Summit a “Declaration of Inspiration”

Tuesday, November 8th, 2011

Just as inspiration has led countless Granite State entrepreneurs to create products and services that are changing the world, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development is hoping its annual gathering will spark the ideas that result in business formation.

Burns Development Group Principal Linda Burns

“The Declaration of Inspiration” is the theme of the 16th Annual New Hampshire Economic Development Summit to be held at Church Landing in Meredith on Tuesday, December 13th from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

“Inspiration is what drives entrepreneurs to develop new ideas, attempt the impossible and stand tall in a highly competitive business environment,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Christopher Way. “It’s only fitting that we use our annual summit to recognize the great companies that are responsible for growing our economy while also opening the door for new prospective business owners to network with economic development practitioners and partner organizations.”

The keynote speaker for the event will be Burns Development Group Principal Linda Burns, a national site selector with over 30 years experience in corporate recruitment relocation and expansion strategies; economic development and workforce assessment, target marketing, government relations, and non-profit organizational planning.  She brings public sector insight to her consulting due to her years of partnering with the Dallas-Fort Worth region’s cities and the State to market and recruit major companies to Texas, including the corporate headquarters of AT&T, Comerica, Research in Motion/Blackberry, and Blockbuster. Burns will discuss how New Hampshire economic developers and businesses can work together to foster an environment that is attractive to site selectors looking to place clients interested in relocation or expansion.

In addition to the keynote address, there will be two interactive business panels offered. The “Leading the Pack – Inc. 5000” panel will feature a group of New Hampshire businesses including Rustic Crust and Dyn that were featured on this year’s Inc. 5000 list while the “Business Underground –  Rising to the Top” panel will feature a group of emerging companies including EARTHTEC, Animetrics and Tradeport USA that are known for their innovation and cutting edge technology. Other sessions will feature Glen Group Owner Nancy Clark who will discuss “How to Survive When Your Industry is Considered an Expense” and Epiphanies Inc. Co-Owner Allen Voivod who will present “Safety in Numbers: The Crowdsourcing of Inspiration.”

For the third consecutive year, Scott Spradling of the Spradling Group (www.spradlinggroup.com) will be the guest emcee. As a special touch, Melissa Koerner of Friend Your Body (www.friendyourbody.com) will kick off the day by getting attendees’ blood circulating and sharing a few tips for transforming health while “on the go.” Entertainment will be provided by local musician Jim Tyrrell (www.jimtyrrell.net) whose third full-length album “Onward to Yesterday” was released in 2010. The “Commissioner’s Awards for Economic Development Excellence” will also be presented.

Admission to the 16th Annual New Hampshire Economic Development Summit is free due to the generosity of event sponsor Public Service of New Hampshire. New Hampshire Business Review is the Summit’s media sponsor.

“Public Service of New Hampshire is once again happy to support this great conference which brings together businesses, economic developers and elected officials to help build our state’s economy,” said Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “All economic development starts with good ideas and I look forward to the networking, information sharing and exchange of views at this signature event.”

To register for the Summit, please email Catherine Goff at cgoff@dred.state.nh.us or call 271-2341.

2nd Annual New Hampshire Conference for Women Scheduled for 11/18

Monday, October 31st, 2011

In 1997, there were fewer than 5.5 million women-owned businesses in the United States. This year, that number is expected to top 8 million.

In an effort to stimulate women business ownership and foster relationships that build a state of opportunity for female entrepreneurs, Women Inspiring Women, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development and Public Service of New Hampshire will be joining together to present the 2nd Annual NH Conference for Women being on Friday, November 18, 2011, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel/Center of NH, 700 Elm Street in Manchester.

According to Leslie Sturgeon, award-winning entrepreneur and founder of Women Inspiring Women, “this will not only be a day of inspiration, education and transformation but filled with fun surprises, exhibitors, door prizes and great networking as well.”

The day will include five motivational sessions and begin with “Back Stage at Life Experience: Five Lessons Learned” by Kathleen Peterson of PowerHouse Consulting. Other sessions include “Creating Health and Wealth From the Inside Out” presented by Kathleen Burns Kingsbury, author and President of KBK Wealth Connection, “Leadership is the Difference” by Laurie-Ann Murabito, author and President of LA & Associates, “Just Breathe: The Quest for a Little Piece of Mind . . . and Chocolate” by motivational humorist Lesley Smith and “It’s Not About the Hike” with authors Nancy Sporborg and Pat Piper.

“There is perhaps no better time to think about creating a business in the state of New Hampshire and I know that this conference will provide attendees with the motivation and inspiration they need to take the first step forward,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “And for those women who’ve already taken the leap of faith and are operating their own companies, what better way to stay engaged, gain new tips and meet with potential partners and customers?”

“Public Service of New Hampshire welcomes the opportunity to once again collaborate on this tremendous event,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “We salute the women who are adding to the state’s economic vitality and are pleased to be part of this great day of information sharing and networking.”

As a result of generous contributions from the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Public Service of New Hampshire and Exeter Health Resources, the registration price is only $39 and includes lunch. Centrix Bank and NH Magazine are also corporate partners. Reservations are needed and space is limited. Contact Women Inspiring Women at (603) 744-0400 or visit www.wiwnh.com for more information and to register.  Exhibition space is still available as well.

Women Inspiring Women was founded in 2007 in the Lakes Region by Sturgeon to give women of all ages and backgrounds an opportunity to get together at educational, fun and inspirational events on a monthly basis. Since that time the organization has expanded to Concord, Nashua, Manchester, Bedford and the Seacoast, hosts bi-weekly events, and quickly become the state’s largest organization for women’s empowerment, personal development and networking.

Winners Honored at 9th Business Excellence Awards

Friday, October 28th, 2011

Thirteen businesspeople were honored Thursday night at the New Hampshire Business Review’s ninth annual Business Excellence Awards, which recognize the efforts and achievements owners and operators of companies with 100 employees or fewer.

More than 300 people attended the Oct. 27 event, which was held at the Radisson in Manchester.

NHBR also announced two inductees into the Business Excellence Hall of Fame, which singles out people whose entire careers have been marked by a consistent and impressive record of accomplishments, both in their chosen fields, in their communities, and across the state and beyond. These honorees were selected by a separate panel of judges.

The 2011 Hall of Fame inductees were Howard Brodsky, co-founder of CCA Global Partners, one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and one of the largest cooperatives in the world, and the Singer Family, owner of Merchants Automotive Group, a multifaceted, $200 million auto company, including a long-term fleet leasing division that is one of the largest in the Northeast.

“Each of the businesspeople who receive these honors has a different story to tell,” said Sharron McCarthy, president of McLean Communications and publisher of NHBR. “But what they have in common is determination, industriousness and the ability to come up with innovative solutions that have allowed their businesses to survive and thrive, regardless of economic conditions, and a commitment to serving their communities.”

Jeff Feingold, editor of NHBR, said, “We would like to salute all of the nominees, the people who nominated them and the winners themselves for their contributions toward making New Hampshire a great place to do business.”

Emcee was Erin Fehlau, WMUR’s weekday morning and noon news anchor. A portion of the proceeds from the evening benefited Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, which advocates for New Hampshire children in the state’s court system in cases of neglect and abuse.

The winners of the 2011 NHBR Business Excellences Awards were:

Excellence in Business Services — Guy Sylvester, Absolute Resource Associates, Portsmouth
Excellence in Construction (tie) — Jerry Kingwill, Cobb Hill Construction, Concord; Jason Foster, Foster’s Professional Painting Plus LLC, Claremont
Excellence in Financial Services — Michael L’Ecuyer, Bellwether Community Credit Union, Manchester
Excellence in Health Care — Paula Gagne, Regency Nursing Care, Manchester
Excellence in Hospitality — Emeran Langmaid, A&E Custom Coffee Roastery, Amherst
Excellence in Media & Marketing — Erik Dodier, PixelMEDIA Inc., Portsmouth
Excellence in Nonprofits — Brian Young, Nashua Center for the Multiply Handicapped
Excellence in Professional Services — Thomas Brueckner, Senior Financial Resources Inc., Nashua
Excellence in Real Estate — Dick Anagnost, Anagnost Investments Inc., Manchester
Excellence in Retail (tie) — Sy Mahfuz, Persian Rug Galleries, Nashua; Lynda Nelson, Quest Martial Arts Academy, Barrington
Excellence in Technology — Cheryl Gamst, CCS New England, Nashua

The judges for the 2011 NHBR Business Excellence Awards were:

Chris Bernard, vice president, business banking relationship manager, Citizens Bank
Steve Boucher, communications manager, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development
Mary Collins, state director, New Hampshire Small Business Development Center
Bob Esau, executive vice president of Wealth Management, Laconia Savings Bank
Greta Johansson, New Hampshire district director, U.S. Small Business Administration
Patrick F. McDermott, economic and community development manager, Public Service of New Hampshire
Dr. Russ Ouellette, managing partner, Sojourn Partners, Bedford
Michele Petersen, vice president of operations, abi Innovation Hub, Manchester
Joe Reilly, cofounder and president, Centrix Bank
Chip Underhill, executive director of public relations and external affairs, Pinkerton Academy, Derry
Sponsors of the event were FairPoint Communications, Laconia Savings Bank, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care of New England, J Maze Design, Public Service of New Hampshire, New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Merrimack Street Volvo, WGIR-AM 610 and New Hampshire Public Television.

On behalf of all of us at the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, thanks to our friends at the New Hampshire Business Review for a great awards celebration and congratulation to the winners and nominees!!

“Power Lunch” Provides Unique Access to Social Media Experts

Monday, October 17th, 2011

When most people hear the term “power lunch,” they think business suits, martinis and high pressure deals. At the 3rd Annual “A-Ha!” NH Social Media Business Summit scheduled for October 27th at Gunstock Mountain Resort in Gilford, “Power Lunch” means having a unique opportunity to pick the collective brains of social media experts across a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines.

Fittingly enough, Public Service of New Hampshire is the sponsor of the Summit’s luncheon which will see one expert per table providing their skills, expertise and advice in a smaller group setting.

“Social media is an incredibly important tool for businesses throughout the state, and we’re extremely pleased to be able to connect companies with the experts who can help them move their communications efforts forward,” said Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “The ‘power’ in this Power Lunch comes from having a chance to ask relevant questions of a uniquely talented group of professionals who are setting the tone in social media every day.”

The Summit, produced by Epiphanies, Inc. in coordination with the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, will feature keynote speaker Abby Fichtner, Evangelist for Startups at Microsoft discussing how to “Follow Your Own Path” as well as:

Lou Bortone (online visibility expert) – “Let’s Get Engaged! The Dream Wedding of Online Video and Social Media”

Steve Boucher (New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director) – “The No Bull Pursuit of Creativity in Business Blogging”

Nancy Clark (President and Owner Girl of the Glen Group) – “The Art of Fearless Storytelling”

Walter Elly (V2 Strategic Advisors) – “Social Media in Strange Places”

Ric Pratte (Meltwater Buzz Director) – “Where the Rubber Meets the Road: The Business Impact of Social Consumers”

Corissa St. Laurent (Constant Contact) – “Wonder Twin Powers….Activate! The Email and Social Media Super Duo”

Kevin Skarritt (CEO of Flock Marketing) – “Under the Influence: The New Social VIPs and Their Power Over Your Future”

Lani Voivod (Co-owner of Epiphanies, Inc.) – “Blip, Spurt, Dash: How to ‘A-Ha!’ Yourself and Your Biz With the Social Web”

Allen Voivod (Co-owner of Epiphanies, Inc.) – “Succeed in the Social Realm, You Will: 7 Jedi Strategies for Mastering the Social Media Force”

“This whole day is designed to be an electric, inspiring experience for attendees,” said event organizer Allen Voivod. “It’s a day to generate ideas, spark conversations and ignite positive, purpose-fueled action. It’s going to help you raise your marketing and success game overall, and raise your team and your business up with you.”

The registration fee for the 3rd Annual “A-Ha!” New Hampshire Social Media Business Summit is $75. For additional details, visit www.AhaNH.com.

NH Economic Development Team Inviting MA Firms to “Roam”

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

New Hampshire’s economic development team is inviting Massachusetts companies interested in relocating or expanding to the Granite State to “live free and dance” with the assistance of a new contest announced today.

Massachusetts business owners are being invited to "live free and dance" in the Granite State with the world's best New Wave dance band, the B-52s.

A total of 10 Bay State companies considering a move or expansion to New Hampshire are eligible to win tickets to the B-52s concert at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom on September 30th complete with a catered dinner and a ceremonial “key to the beach.”

“We want to prove that not only do we have a state with a great business climate, responsive state government and an unparalleled quality of life, we also know how to have fun and meet prospective new Granite State companies in a cool atmosphere,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “Today’s competitive business recruitment landscape demands creativity and what more creative way to introduce New Hampshire than to invite companies to a beach party with the world’s premier new wave dance band?”

The Division of Economic Development will be partnering with the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom and Public Service of New Hampshire on the “Live Free and Dance” event – the Ballroom will be providing tickets for the Bay State guests to enjoy the show and Public Service of New Hampshire will offset the costs of a pre-concert dinner to include the State’s business development team.

“We’re pleased to partner with the State to introduce one of the premier entertainment venues in New England to companies that might be interested in making a move to New Hampshire,” said Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Marketing Director Andrew Herrick. “Our state has so much to offer and we’re thrilled to be able to have some new friends over for a great night at the beach.”

“Public Service of New Hampshire is always invested in helping State economic developers spread the word that New Hampshire is open for business,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “With no income or sales tax, great energy infrastructure and a business community that is tailor made for entrepreneurs, New Hampshire is a great place to build, expand or relocate a business.”

Starting on September 7th, New Hampshire economic development officials including State Business Development Manager Michael Bergeron will be taking to the Massachusetts airwaves on WCAP in Lowell to begin spreading the message about the contest to Bay State companies. An advertising campaign will be conducted throughout the month urging Massachusetts company owners to explore the opportunity to “live free and dance” and receive information about the benefits of expanding or relocating to New Hampshire.

“One of the greatest B-52s songs is ‘Roam’ and that’s exactly what we’re hoping to encourage Massachusetts companies to do – roam and discover that New Hampshire has a great business story to tell,” Boucher said.

Massachusetts companies interested in taking part in the “Live Free and Dance” contest need only email their name and business contact information (business name, address, email address, web address and telephone number) to Michael Bergeron at mbergeron@dred.state.nh.us by September 23rd. For more information, contact Bergeron at (603) 271-2591.

Green Scene Night an Excellent Pitch for Recycling

Thursday, August 4th, 2011

Blankets from bottles – talk about a home run for the environment and for a local Manchester charity.

Portsmouth-based sustainable apparel manufacturer EARTHTEC will be converting all of the recycled bottles collected at next Thursday’s New Hampshire Fisher Cats/Erie SeaWolves game at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium to blankets which will be donated to New Horizons for New Hampshire, Inc.

This initiative will be part of “Green Scene Night” at the ballpark, a collaborative effort between the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Public Service of New Hampshire, EARTHTEC, the Student Conservation Association and WTPL. “Green Scene” is a popular Public Service of New Hampshire sponsored radio segment that covers a variety of environmental topics on the “New Hampshire Today Show With Jack Heath.”

“It’s one thing to have PSAs on a video board encouraging people to take action, but it’s quite another to engage over 5,000 people in a fun and collaborative way,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher. “What better feeling than to know that the empty bottle you’re throwing away is going to be used to create a product that will provide warmth to the homeless this fall and winter?”

Turning recyclables into clothing is nothing new for EARTHTEC which develops apparel from cutting-edge recycled or renewable fabrics like recycled PET (plastic water bottles), organic cotton, and natural wool. Their EARTH 360 Program is designed to capture plastic bottles and other #1 plastic at sporting events, concerts, conferences, schools, etc. to then process them into flake, then fiber, then yarn, then fabric, and finally back into apparel and accessories.  With extensive experience in the garment industry, the EARTHTEC team is innovating with the combination of emerging textiles, fresh designs, and smart manufacturing techniques.

“We’re very pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate to people the very real value of taking items that would typically be discarded and turning them into something very useful,” said EARTHTEC CEO Dennis Randall. “This isn’t just good for the environment, it also stimulates the economy and creates jobs.”

In an evening that will feature music from “green” artists on the public address system and scenes from movies about the environment on the video board, fans will be encouraged to throw their plastic bottles into special EARTHTEC containers or hand their recyclables to a team of Student Conservation Association volunteers. Fisher Cats officials estimate that on an average game night, approximately 1,000-1,500 plastic bottles are thrown away.

“This is an incredibly exciting night for us and we’re pleased to do our part to reduce waste and encourage recycling,” said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner. “To the best of my knowledge, this might be one of the first attempts to turn recyclable items collected at a stadium and turn them into products that directly impact a local community. Hopefully, this will turn into a tradition and grow each and every year.”

Public Service of New Hampshire Economic and Community Development Manager Pat McDermott will not only be hosting 25 clients at the event, he’ll also have the honor of throwing out the first pitch – appropriately enough, a baseball fashioned of rolled up EARTHTEC socks.

“The Fisher Cats and our other partners have really gone all out to make this a truly ‘green’ night,” McDermott said. “It’s these little touches that will hopefully resonate and stick with folks so that they’ll understand that recycling and energy efficiency aren’t a one night thing, but a lifestyle choice that benefits all.”

At the conclusion of the game, EARTHTEC will collect and transport all of the recyclables which will then ultimately be turned over in the form of blankets to the New Horizons staff. New Horizons is an adult homeless shelter, a soup kitchen and a food pantry and also operates Angie’s, a homelike residence for women experiencing homelessness.

“These blankets are welcomed and will definitely come in handy for our clients,” said New Horizons for New Hampshire, Inc. Executive Director Charlie Sherman. “We thank all of the ‘Green Scene Night’ partners in advance for their generosity and commend them for their commitment to the community.”

For tickets to “Green Scene Night,” visit www.nhfishercats.com.

Certificate in Corporate Sustainability Announce Keynote, Agenda & Instructors

Monday, August 1st, 2011

The professional Certificate in Corporate Sustainability, launched this year by the University of New Hampshire and New Hampshire Businesses for Social Responsibility (NHBSR), has announced its agenda and instructor list for the program’s three-day Institute, which will occur October 4-6, 2011 at the UNH Campus in Durham. The certificate program is directed toward mid-level and senior professionals seeking to increase knowledge and functional skills in the practices and principles of corporate sustainability. Information may also be found at the program’s newly launched web site www.sustainabilitycertificate.org.

The Institute focuses on tools, techniques and solutions for implementing environmentally and socially responsible business practices.

Mark Newton, Timberland’s Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), will deliver the opening keynote address on October 4, 2011. Newton leads Timberland’s global team responsible for managing the organization’s four areas of focus within CSR: environmental stewardship, global human rights, community engagement and transparency and reporting. Mark joins Timberland following eight years with Dell, Inc., most recently serving as Executive Director of Global Sustainability, as well as tenures at Apple, Motorola and DEKA Research and Development Corp.

A sampling of workshop topics:
• Defining Corporate Sustainability – what are the roots and key drivers? What challenges do today’s businesses face? What competencies are required of a sustainability leader?
• Developing a Corporate Sustainability Strategy – how to conduct materiality assessments and identify stakeholders; identify the best tools/metrics to measure within your organization
• Integrating HR into your Sustainability Strategy – how to create a sustainable culture and how to create sustainability accountability and support into the HR infrastructure
• Role of Environment in Decision-Making – how to conduct a life cycle analysis; intro into greenhouse gas, water and waste tracking methodologies and tools; and environmental inventorying
• Anticipating a Changing Landscape – how changing demographics and resource needs impact how to identify opportunities and anticipate challenges
• Community Investment Strategies – what are the expectations of communities for companies and how to identify the right opportunities
• CSR Reporting – building a CSR report and appropriate ways to articulate results
• Communicating Your Company’s Efforts – how to articulate your company’s successes, challenges and plans in the right way to the right audiences

Other elements will include offsite events such as an eco-gastronomy discussion at the Black Trumpet Bistro and a behind the scenes tour/discussion on supply chain and sourcing at Smuttynose Brewery.

The Certificate in Corporate Sustainability’s three day Institute is led by UNH faculty, regional business leaders and a supportive cohort of peers. A sampling of identified instructors:
• Jeff Allar, Vice President of Human Resources – Stonyfield Farms
• Betsy Blaisdell, Manager of Environmental Stewardship – Timberland
• Howard Brodsky, founder, CEO and Chairman of CCA Global Partners
• John Carroll, Professor of Natural Resources – University of New Hampshire
• Peter Egelston, Chief Executive Officer – Smuttynose Brewery
• Kevin Gardner, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering – University of New Hampshire
• Dr. Ross Gittell, Professor of Management – University of New Hampshire
• Tom Kelly, Chief Sustainability Officer – University of New Hampshire
• Brendan LeBlanc, Principal – LeBlanc Associates
• Pat McDermott, Manager of Economic Development – Public Service of New Hampshire
• Beth Tener, Principal – New Directions Collaborative
• Cameron Wake, Associate Professor @ Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, and Space – University of New Hampshire
• Dan Winans,  Director of ecoGastronomy – University of New Hampshire

After completion of the Institute, students will conduct an independent, mentor-supported workplace project. The program offers continuing education credit for professionals.

Participants may register at www.sustainabilitycertificate.org – space is limited. NHBSR members receive a 15% discount.

College Students Get Grand Slam Opportunity Thanks to Partnership

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

You can hit one out of the park in New Hampshire. That’s the message that a team of public and private sector partners want to deliver to young people exploring life in the Granite State following graduation.

The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, Stay Work Play, Public Service of New Hampshire and the Futures Collegiate Baseball League have joined forces to offer a free night at the Nashua Silver Knights and Seacoast Mavericks games next Friday evening, July 29th to any current college students displaying a valid college ID.

“We want to send a clear message that New Hampshire is not only a great place to live and build a business, it is also a state with plenty of entertainment offerings,” New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications & Legislative Director Steve Boucher said. “You don’t have to travel to Boston to have a great night out – there’s plenty to do right here in the most livable state in the nation.”

Created in 2009, the Stay Work Play organization seeks to expose more young people to the advantages of remaining in or returning to New Hampshire. The overall effort builds off the work of the University System of New Hampshire (USNH) and partnering organizations that established the 55% Initiative in 2007. That effort set a goal of encouraging at least 55% of the new graduates to stay compared to approximately 50% who currently stay.

Stay Work Play NH, Inc. was established as a nonprofit organization to further the 55% Initiative, support and advance several recommendations made by the Governor’s Task Force on Young Worker Retention, and serve as an independent organization to run a website and associated marketing effort geared at providing comprehensive information on what New Hampshire can offer to the 20-30 year old demographic in terms of staying, working, and playing here.

 “We feel like New Hampshire has an incredible story to tell and it’s public/private partnerships like this that demonstrate that this state is truly committed to retaining its best and brightest talent,” said Stay Work Play Executive Director Kate Luczko. “Getting young people out to network at a fun event like a baseball game is just one way to begin establishing the type of relationships that lead to the great quality of life New Hampshire is known for.”

Thanks to a partnership with the two New Hampshire-based teams in the four-team Futures Collegiate Baseball League, college students will get free admission to either the Nashua Silver Knights game vs. the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks at Holman Stadium at 7:05 p.m. or the Seacoast Mavericks game vs. the Torrington Titans at Bert George Field at 6:35 p.m. Both games are slated for Friday, July 29th.

“We’re really excited to be partnering with Public Service of New Hampshire and the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development to advance the good work already started by Stay Work Play,” said Futures Collegiate Baseball League Commissioner Chris Hall. “We’re fortunate to have two of our inaugural franchises located right here in New Hampshire.  The Nashua Silver Knights and Seacoast Mavericks provide a family friendly and affordable experience for all ages.  Both cities have a deep history of business development and community support and we feel that these franchises provide a great social experience to the area.”

Public Service of New Hampshire has long supported economic development promotion in the state of New Hampshire and sees its participation as a logical extension of its business development efforts.

“We are absolutely committed to continuing to build a work class workforce and to getting involved in efforts that create a positive business atmosphere in New Hampshire,” Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott said. “This isn’t simply a matter of getting young people out to a ballgame, it’s about showcasing New Hampshire’s entertainment offerings and building the connections that enrich communities for the long run.”

For more information about Stay Work Play, visit www.stayworkplay.org. For more information about the Nashua Silver Knights, visit www.nashuasilverknights.com and for more information about the Seacoast Mavericks, visit www.seacoastmavericks.com.

Greenerpalooza IV: Celebrating the Greening of the Granite State

Monday, July 11th, 2011

When Grammy-winners Alison Krauss and Union Station take the stage at Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion on Friday, August 5th,  bluegrass will meet green at Greenerpalooza. The fourth annual celebration of energy efficiency and green efforts in New Hampshire, Greenerpalooza is co-sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire and Citizens Bank in coordination with the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.

This year's Greenerpalooza headliner Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas.

“Greenerpalooza shows why Greenopia ranked New Hampshire one of the ten greenest states in the nation,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Communications and Legislative Director Steve Boucher, citing the ranking of states that takes into account air and water quality, recycling rates, LEED buildings, green, per capital emissions and other factors. Boucher expects 5,000 to 6,000 fans at this year’s event. “Just as music brings people together to support worthy causes, Greenerpalooza brings together dozens of ‘green’ businesses from around the state in an eco-village on Meadowbrook’s midway. These businesses showcase ways residents can ‘go green’ by adopting more environmentally-friendly practices and by using green products and services produced right here in New Hampshire.”

Public Service of New Hampshire was a founding sponsor of the event. The state’s largest electric utility, PSNH has increased its share of renewable energy to include the highest percentage of any major utility in New England. According to Pat McDermott, PSNH’s Economic & Community Development Manager, “We see Greenerpalooza as a terrific way to build awareness of issues like recycling and making energy efficiency improvements. They’re simple, cost effective ways to make a big difference in protecting the environment. We’ve seen the impact at PSNH: Since 2003, our customers have reduced air emissions by more than 4.5 million tons by participating in PSNH’s portfolio of energy-efficiency programs. That’s equivalent to the annual emissions of more than 850,000 cars. Plus these programs have saved customers more than $1 billion.”

Co-sponsor Citizens Bank believes that encouraging sustainability fits in well with their corporate mission.

“At Citizens Bank, we believe a good bank takes seriously its commitment to the communities it serves, which is why we are honored to once again partner with the NH Division of Economic Development and PSNH to showcase eco-friendly initiatives at Greenerpalooza this summer,” said Citizens Bank President Joseph J. Carelli.

The Music and the Message
Boucher says Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion, which prides itself on being environmentally conscious, is the ideal venue for Greenerpalooza. Meadowbrook offers artists the option of producing completely green stage shows by using a biodiesel-fueled generator that’s capable of producing enough power for even the biggest national touring acts. The venue’s food service uses recyclable/compostible cups and plates made from corn, while the office uses recycled materials for as many office supplies as possible. Meadowbrook even reserves its first parking lot for attendees who carpool with at least four people per vehicle.

“What makes Meadowbrook unique is this beautiful location on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee,” explains Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion Marketing Director Chris Lockwood. “It gives us a real appreciation for the environment. That’s why incorporating green practices and technology just makes sense to us.”

Each year, Meadowbrook has booked international stars known for their environmental activism to play Greenerpalooza. Past acts have included Sheryl Crow and Colbie Caillat (2010), Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin (2009), and Crosby, Stills and Nash (2008). This year’s headliner, Alison Krauss and Union Station, who released their acclaimed new record, “Paper Airplane,” in April, are long-time environmental advocates. Krauss, who has won 26 Grammy awards, is well-known for playing benefit concerts for environmental causes, including for the Natural Resources Defense Council in support of their work against mountaintop-removal coal mining, which has had a devastating effect on communities in Appalachia. The second stage act, the Adam Ezra Group, are also activists, contributing 25% of their touring to benefit causes in communities across the country and worldwide.

Tickets to Greenerpalooza, which includes entry into the eco-village, are available online at www.meadowbrook.net. To learn more about the latest happenings with Greenerpalooza, visit the Greenerpalooza IV Facebook page at www.facebook.com/greennh. A limited number of vendor slots for green businesses are still available for $200; please contact Dawn Escabi at dawn.escabi@dred.state.nh.us or 603-271-2591.

Job Seekers Being Provided With Tools to “Begin With Yes”

Thursday, January 20th, 2011

When developing an effective job search strategy, it’s best to keep this simple theory in mind – Positive attitude plus positive action leads to a positive result.

begin-with-yesThat’s the philosophy of award-winning human services CEO and local author Paul Boynton who is working with a team of State and private sector partners to help unemployed New Hampshire citizens access the tools and resources they need to return to the workforce.

Boynton, CEO of Manchester-based social service agency The Moore Center, announced today that he will be offering free downloads of his successful “Begin With Yes” inspirational book to any unemployed New Hampshire citizen throughout 2011 via a special download from his www.beginwithyes.com Web site. In tandem with this effort, the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, White Mountains Community College, Public Service of New Hampshire, Logo Loc and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review will hold the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” at White Mountains Community College in Berlin on Tuesday, March 15th from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

“The lessons you learn in my book about the power of being positive and setting attainable goals are all good, but there needs to be a corresponding action plan to turn those good thoughts into activity,” Boynton said. “That’s why we’re not only offering free downloads to folks who are out of work, but are also providing them with the concrete set of tools they need to conduct an effective job search. It’s a two-pronged approach.”

In addition to Boynton’s keynote address, there will be four other general session workshops – “Job Search – Applications, Resumes and Cover Letters” (White Mountains Community College speaker TBD), “Effective Communication Skills in the Job Search” (Dr. Russ Ouellette, Sojourn Partners), “Networking – It’s Not Who You Know, But Who Knows You” (Kevin Shyne, North Country Tech Prep Director and Leadership North Country Executive Director) and “Social Media Basics for Job Seekers” (Allen Voivod, Epiphanies, Inc.).

“Recognizing that helping to develop a job ready workforce is a primary goal of education, White Mountains Community College is thrilled to be a part of this event,” said White Mountains Community College President Kathy Eneguess. “We look forward to lending the expertise of our staff in developing and coordinating workshops that provide valuable information to citizens looking for a fresh start backed with new ideas.”

Through a special arrangement with Manchester-based EZStream and Portsmouth-based Kinney Hill Media Partners, the entire event will streamed live at http://bit.ly/NoBullStream .

“Though the event is taking place in the North Country, we are definitely committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to this great information,” said New Hampshire Division of Economic Development Interim Director Roy Duddy. “Whether you’re someone who has been out of work for a long time or someone who is underemployed and is just seeking a new career direction, you’ll truly benefit from the combination of Paul’s book and the interactive workshops.”

“Public Service of New Hampshire is proud to take an active role in sponsoring and being on the coordinating committee of such a creative and proactive event in the state’s North Country,” added Public Service of New Hampshire Economic & Community Development Manager Pat McDermott. “Helping our citizens to get back to work and build a stronger workforce and local economy is a mission that everyone embraces and we’re just happy to be able to do our part.”

Unemployed citizens can download copies of “Begin With Yes” free of charge at http://www.beginwithyes.com/purchase.html. They will need to click the “ebook” option and enter YESNH in the discount code box. Admission to the “Begin With Yes Career Fest” is also free but is limited to the first 200 people. To register, contact Leslie Sherman at lsherman@dred.state.nh.us.


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Fair-weather fans

Are Canadians real sports fans or just fans of winning?

In the news lately there has been a lot of talk about the NHL playoffs not generating the audience numbers as expected and even some comments around fan loyalty.

With the lack of a Canadian teams in the NHL Playoffs it is unsurprising that the viewing figures for hockey are lower than last year. This Sunday saw the highest viewing to a playoff game so far with 1.18m Ind2+ on average watching Florida vs New York Islanders (considerably lower however than the 3.77m who watched the Montreal/Ottawa game on second Sunday of playoffs last year).

Viewing to Blue Jays games however has got off to a good start with games on average performing 28% better than last year. And with the Raptors continuing in the playoffs, viewing of their games has started to surpass the Blue Jays.

So are we just fair-weather fans?  I don't think so, maybe just overly disappointed hockey ones at the moment.

Other posts you may be interested in

Blue Jays 2016 Home Opener

Blue Jays 2015 Hot Topic

Super Bowl 2016

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It’s an award winning day!

Posted by on May 2, 2007 in Uncategorized | 7 Comments

It’s looking like a good week at Photobucket as we’re pleased to announce that we’ve won both the OnHollywood 100 Top Private Company Award  as well as a  Hitwise  #1 winner for the Entertainment/Photography category.  That means that ranked No. 1 by visits among all U.S websites in the Hitwise Entertainment – Photography category.

Thanks to all our users for making us a winner!

Official Press Release for OnHollywood 100 is just below the jump.

Photobucket Selected by AlwaysOn as an OnHollywood 100 Top Private Company Award Winner

Recognized for leadership in emerging technology for digital entertainment and media

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 30, 2007 – Photobucket, the world’s largest personal media site, today announced that it has been chosen by AlwaysOn as one of the OnHollywood 100 Top Private Companies. The OnHollywood 100 is a power list of the top private emerging technology companies in digital entertainment and media. Photobucket was handpicked by the AlwaysOn editorial team based on a set of five criteria–innovation, market potential, customer adoption, media buzz and investor value creation.

“Being named one of the OnHollywood 100 is a particularly poignant win for us, as Photobucket holds a unique position at the intersection of entertainment and digital media worlds,” said Alex Welch, CEO and co-founder of Photobucket. “Through Photobucket, entertainment brands are able to reach peer-influencers, while users creatively engage with branded content that is important to them. This is a trend that will only increase and we look forward to enabling its growth in the future.”

Photobucket and the OnHollywood 100 will be honored at the OnHollywood digital entertainment and media event, May 1-3, 2007, at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California.

“OnHollywood is an important forum that presents and debates the critical issues surrounding the transformation of the entertainment economy to one based on digital technology,” said Tony Perkins, founder and CEO of AlwaysOn.
“Digital technology has transformed the way content is created and delivered to consumers everywhere. The OnHollywood Top 100 companies are an elite group of innovators who are using this technology to revolutionize the industry.”

A full list of all the OnHollywood 100 companies can be found on the AlwaysOn Web site at:

About Photobucket
Photobucket is the web’s most popular creative hub, with more than 40 million users linking billions of personal photos, graphics, slideshows and videos daily to hundreds of thousands of web sites, including: MySpace, Facebook, Bebo, Friendster, eBay, Craigslist, Blogger and Xanga. In addition to linking content, Photobucket users share their personal digital media by email, instant messaging, and mobile devices.
Photobucket has offices in Palo Alto, California and Denver, Colorado and is located online at

  1. felipe
    June 9, 2007

    sei la

  2. JOSH
    June 7, 2007

  3. Brittany
    June 2, 2007

    I think it’s soo stupid that photobucket won’t allow you to load folders that have all the pictures in them. INSTEAD you have to load each picture…. one, by one, by one by one, etc! I have to load 40 pictures on. It takes a while to do and it’s a pain. I LOVE PHOTOBUCKET, BUT THIS IS REALLY AN ISSUE. It wouldn’t be that hard to fix. Just allow to upload a folder of photos. Please if you agree with me leave a comment saying : Photobucket Needs Folder Uploading! Thanks ily<33

  4. Rotondo420
    May 10, 2007

    Just Wanted To say I freak’n love Photobucket and Great Job Guys!

  5. gianne
    May 5, 2007

    well, you guys deserve it! I’ve been using photobucket for a few years and I don’t plan to leave it… Great job and thumbs up to you guys!

  6. demonic_tails
    May 3, 2007

    Wow thats really awesome! Great going Photobucket! I have 325 Photos, but no videos yet. But thats really great that ya got an award!

  7. Crocket
    May 3, 2007

    I would like to say thanks for giveN me the chance to share my pictures.


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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

CPR Nano & Mini Reactor Tumbler

CPR Tumblers make adding chemical filtration media to smaller saltwater and freshwater aquariums easy and more effective than currently used methods. The Tumblers use an upward flow design to help ensure the most efficient use of the chemical filtration media, while the valve on the pump helps create the proper fluidized state for the particular media being used. The flow is distributed across the entire base of the reactor via the dispersion plate at the bottom of the reactor. This helps maximize contact with all of the media in the reactor and minimizes the potential of channeling within the media. The Tumblers tinted bodies help reduce algae growth inside of the unit, and using the different media screens (MTMS/NTMS) that are included will allow for most chemical filtration media available to be used with the Mini and Nano Tumbler.

Includes: Reactor, pump, and media screens.

Nano Tumbler Dimensions: 3-1/2" x 2-3/8" x 11-3/8"
Mini Tumbler Dimensions: 4-3/8" x 3-3/8 x 10-5/8"

CPR Nano Tumbler ...more info.
Price: $39.99

CPR Mini Tumbler ...more info.
Price: $49.99

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QR Codes – Next Generation Business Tool

QR codes are everywhere! You see them on marketing collaterals, social network profiles, business cards – everywhere. In a very short span of time they have become immensely popular marketing tool. So much so that it’s hard to believe now that QR codes had completely different role to play in the beginning.

QR codes, initially known as Quick Response codes, were invented by Toyota’s subsidiary enterprise named Denso-Wave in 1994. The company planned to use QR codes to track automotive parts. Soon QR codes found their way into commercial tracking, logistics, and inventory control. And the latest for QR codes is marketing and advertising. Today QR codes do more than just keep track of things. They also help add to the business operations.

Read More QR Codes – Next Generation Business Tool

Tips for Hiring PHP Developers

Hiring qualified PHP developer

Over the past few years, IT industry has experienced a booming demand for PHP professionals. PHP seems to have won the hearts of IT professionals and market alike with its robust development potential. An increasing number of customers are looking to hire PHP developers for their web application development projects. And is it hard to find a PHP developer for hire? Absolutely not! One search on Google and you end up with a long list of companies offering PHP developers on hire.

Read More Tips for Hiring PHP Developers

10 Advanced PHP Tips To Improve Your Programming

PHP programming has climbed rapidly since its humble beginnings in 1995. Since then, PHP has become the most popular programming language for Web applications. Many popular websites are powered by PHP, and an overwhelming majority of scripts and Web projects are built with the popular language.

Because of PHP’s huge popularity, it has become almost impossible for Web developers not to have at least a working knowledge of PHP. This tutorial is aimed at people who are just past the beginning stages of learning PHP and are ready to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty with the language.

Read More 10 Advanced PHP Tips To Improve Your Programming

Open Source Applications On the Cloud

Click2try lets you run select open source applications on a virtual platform over the web, thus saving the time spent in deploying and testing on individual systems, before deciding to deploy it.

A lot of times there is a need to test applications before you want to actually deploy them. And testing an application often means provisioning a server for it, deploying the required OS and later the application. Instead of going through this lengthy process, you can use the Click2try service.

Read More Open Source Applications On the Cloud

Web to Print : A Fine Solution for Online Ordering Print Procurement

Online print procurement system

Print design solution of web to print for printing industry is a remarkable solution in print management software. Web to print is a challenging solution for the printing industry. The most important element of online print design solution is its simplicity. Print management software is a tool designed specifically to meet the needs of users. This Web to print solution consents to your customers to design, upload and place the order of different type of products like Business cards, Greeting Cards, Post Cards, Promotional Cards, T-Shirts, Mugs, and Stationeries etc. This solution answers a vast array of printing needs – from the basic right to the tailored, customer-specific requirement.

Read More Web to Print : A Fine Solution for Online Ordering Print Procurement


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Do you know anyone planning a child’s bedroom? This design leans slightly towards a boy, but I would have LOVED this room when I was a kid. It is bright and fresh, sophisticated but fun.

Modern Rustic Wayfair Kids Bedroom

It is also entered into a contest on Olioboard for Wayfair. If you’d like more info on the products shown here, you can see them all, and also vote for it here! You can shop for great furniture and decor at Wayfair’s Website

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3 Responses to Modern Rustic Child’s Bedroom Design

  1. memory foam says:

    Hello, I think your website might be having browser compatibility issues.
    When I look at your blog site in Firefox, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up!
    Other then that, great blog!

  2. Really good article. Highly recommended.

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Monday, March 7, 2011

5 Workout Rules For Women

1. Stick to a time, but be flexible. Like clockwork leave your home at the same time to exercise. Even the morning after a late night event, make your workout.

2. Ditch the crummy sweats.  Always looks great and wear the coolest athletic clothes! Look good, feel good, perform well! It will motivate you. I promise.

3. Change it up.  Stay excited. One day go to the gym, the next jogging outside.  Never do the same thing twice in a row.

4. Find friends who love to work out. They’ll encourage you, they’ll join you.

5. Never over do it. Never workout for more than 45 minutes if you have a busy schedule. So take heart: An incredible body is never a full-time job- just regular commitment.

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best of office weekend roundup 11

Fake business cards from ManMade DIY Recognize any of these? Art Vandelay? (seinfeld) Bluth Company? (arrested development) Initech? (office space)

Great tips on using your blog to grow your business! At Design*Sponge

A great review for Pentel Mechanical Tri-Erasers on PensNPaper

Nine best study tips from Bob Sutton plus a great perspective on the men in charge of the trapped chilean miners

The Hyves Office is unreal! Check out the pics on Office Stylist

A cable box for your cables. Nice. Found at The Well Appointed Desk, buy it here

Apparently $75,000 is the golden salary amount for happiness? Read more on The Collared Sheep

The cutest new iPhone app! Paper Town Friends. Found at the Upon a Fold Blog

French hooks from paper clips – found here

Make your own stationery boxes using the Paper Source tutorial!

The Rulers of Science found at CubicleBot

Give your new teachers a bouquet of pencils and apples! Found at Make and Takes.

How to choose a quality laptop lock on the Kensington Blog

Recycle old paper – make notebooks! Easy tutorial at Design*Sponge

The new Picadilly app for the iPad. Check out a review at Pocket Blonde

Tanning during your lunch hour, who doesn’t do it?

Beautiful toilet paper roll artwork on Recyclart

A great selection of soundboards (including Alex Baldwin) for office jokes! Found at Hay Dukes Cubicle

Also found on his blog:

Put one of these in the microwave and create a scene

And a terrible use for Linked In Profile pics (I’ll give you a hint, it involves urinal cakes) found on his site too.

Get an iPhone NOTEPAD for someone who desperately wants an iphone and loves cruel jokes.

Heart Crayons are so cool! Found here, instructions here

The Hello Project by Sharpie. Make Post it Note that says Hello! Read More

Amazing durable bowls, made out of paper! I want. See more pics at Design*Sponge


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Monthly Archives: April 2013

Tips For Taking Care of Your Pregnant Dog

There is nothing more beautiful than the joys of new birth. Puppies are tiny balls of softness, innocence and cuddly cuteness. There are many things you can do to help prepare for your female dog’s pregnancy.  Your dog should be over one year of age and have had its 2nd or 3rd heat.  Most dogs will have their cycle every 5-7 months. Be sure your female is in good shape prior to becoming pregnant. An overweight dog may run into more complications with pregnancy than a lean, healthy weight dog.

As with any pregnancy, your dog will likely go through emotional changes.  Give her lots of love and attention with gentle words and lots of strokes. She may not feel very well in the first few weeks so this extra love will be very soothing.

After the first 6 weeks of pregnancy, your pet will need to consume more food, as well as after the birth of the litter. You should increase her food intake by about 25%. She may need several small meals as the puppies growing inside of her  put pressure on her internal organs. Providing clean, fresh water is very important. The need for extra food and fluids increases at this time and helps your dog and her puppies have the nutrition they require.

Exercise is very important as well. Even though she is pregnant, she needs to run and play as she always did. Playtime makes your dog happy and gives her a boost towards a happy pregnancy. Walks alone won’t do it. You will need to walk her more, however, because she is increasing her fluid intake and the puppies put increased pressure on her bladder.

It is important to get her checkups with the vet. Prior to breeding she should test negative for heartworms and intestinal parasites which can be passed along to the pups. All of her immunizations should be up-to-date. The mother’s immunity to infectious diseases is given to her puppies during their nursing of her milk.

Be sure to set aside an area with an easy to clean surface where she can have her pups when the time comes. A low, shallow box lined with clean old blankets, sheets or old clothing will give her a soft and comfortable place to give birth. Get her used to it ahead of time, even offering treats there to get her to go to that spot. If she were to have the puppies outside of that area, move them right to the designated spot so she will follow. Since this will be her resting spot for several weeks with the puppies, it is important to keep it clean and comfortable.

The joys of motherhood will fill the air when the puppies are born. It is a wonderful experience that is best when you have taken the time to prepare for it. All of these suggestions will help to ensure a happy, healthy new litter of puppies!

Accidents Outside The Litter box; Spiteful?

One of the most frequently heard complaints from cat owners is “Why does my precious kitty cat go outside of the litterbox? Is she mad at me?”

There are many reasons pets can have accidents around the house. But spitefulness is not one of them. Pets do not hold grudges or try to get back at their owners. People, on the other hand…,but that would be a different article. Usually when a cat goes outside of the box, she is trying to tell you something. She is trying to communicate that something is wrong. You should not punish your pet for what you feel is spiteful behavior. Stress and fear only exacerbate the issue. Having accidents can start out as indicators of medical problems and then become behavioral problems. The following are possible issues that can lead to outside of the box elimination:

– anything causing pain that is then associated with the litter box such as;

*pain upon urination or bowel movement

*urinary tract infection or disease or bladder infection

*pelvic fractures

*obesity making movement difficult

-diseases such as kidney disease, diabetes, diarrhea, parasites

-changes in the environment including new people, routines, new pets, moving, renovations, etc.

-dirty litter boxes

-change in litter box style, size, type of litter, pan liner, location of litter box
It is important to rule out medical problems first then to make behavioral management changes. Once the medical aspect is fine, the following suggestions may be helpful:

-have a litter box for each cat you own in all levels of your home

-don’t put the box in a corner where your cat might feel too closed in

-scoop out the litter daily and regularly clean with warm water and soap

-avoid permeable plastic boxes which absorb odor or use a plastic liner

-if your cat has an accident, clean the area with enzymatic cleaner and cover the site for a few days to avoid recurrence

-use unscented, clumping sand type litter in a large low box. A liner makes for easier cleanup.

We love our cats and want to understand when they are trying to tell us something. At least we know they are not trying to get back at us for not remembering a card on their birthday!


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Music / News

Paramore announce Tour Three

The pop-punk trio are returning to the UK to perform five shows in January 2018.

Long established as international stars, Paramore have just announced they are coming back to the UK early next year.

The Grammy Award-winning band (for the song Ain’t It Fun in 2015) were just here in June performing a series of intimate gigs, and we’re thrilled they’re returning! They’re set to play five shows starting on 11 January in Cardiff and visiting London, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow.

Featuring frontwoman Hayley Williams, guitarist Taylor York and original drummer Zac Farro, the band released their fifth album, After Laughter, in May. It’s their first album in four years following their UK No.1 self-titled album in 2013. Two of the new album’s singles – Hard Times (below) and Told You So – are receiving praise and show that Paramore has evolved by adding even more colour and fun to their sound.

Paramore has had a remarkable run of critically acclaimed albums and singles since coming together in Nashville in 2004.  From 2005’s gold-certified debut, All We Know Is Falling, and 2007’s twice platinum-certified breakthrough, RIOT! (containing huge hits Misery Business, crushcrushcrush and That’s What You Get) to 2009’s platinum-certified brand new eyes with its Grammy-nominated smash, The Only Exception, they’re truly the queen and kings of pop punk.

Paramore’s full UK schedule for Tour Three is shown below:

  • Thursday 11 January – Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
  • Friday 12 January – The O2, London
  • Sunday 14 January – Genting Arena, Birmingham
  • Friday 19 January – Manchester Arena
  • Saturday 20 January – The SSE Hydro, Glasgow

Tickets go on sale at 09:00 on Friday 1 September 2017 at

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#12Days: Stocking Stuffer Edition

If you’re anything like us, you’re still thinking of people that need to be added to your gift list, so stocking stuffers are the least of your worries. Still, we thought we’d throw out a few fun Stocking Stuffers that have caught our eye this year…all chosen because they’re under $15.

#12Days: Gifts for the Mac Geek Who Has Everything

By now, you’ve probably crossed all the “easy” people off your list (the kids, teachers, babysitter, hair stylist, your sisters). But what about the Mac Geek who has everything (your spouse, best friend, favorite colleague)? What makes a happy surprise for that person? In this installment of #12Days, we’ve got a few ideas up our […]

#12Days: Favorite Apps for HoverBar

If you’ve got an iPad — pretty much any iPad except the first one — you’ll find HoverBar is universally great. Obvious uses? A second screen to monitor your Tweetdeck right next to your iMac. In the kitchen above the spill zone. But which apps are best on HoverBar? We can’t tell you which ones are […]

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#12Days: 6 Tips for a Photo-Finish Holiday

With the holidays come countless photo opps — so you’ll want to be prepared to manage the tools at hand. In this installment of #12Days, we bring you 6 tips that help you make the most of your iPhone when it comes to photos, courtesy of our friends at iPhoneLife.


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The S&P 500 topped $20 trillion in market value this week.

ALSO READ: Trading vs Investing

That is nuts, and it’s likely that Trump’s recent announcements of tax cuts are fueling the bullish sentiment on Wall Street, but will it last, and what effect will the current political climate have on the financial industry?

We like to believe that the prosperity of a nation is linked to who the president is, and what they do

President Obama’s tenure started on the back of a recession and he was lambasted by the media because he happened to be the president at the time.

Did Barack Obama have anything to do with the sub-prime mortgage bubble?

Was he blamed for not being able to pull America up from its self-created financial hole fast enough?

You bet.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. Bill Clinton and Ronald Reagan are lauded as great presidents simply because they happened to be in office during great boom periods. It’s the nature of the beast. Get in while the getting’s good.

Learning from the past

Markets move in cycles. Markets move up, and then they go back down. These cycles occur over different timeframes; there’s a 4 year cycle, 8 year cycle, a 10 year and even a 40 and 60 year cycle. Interestingly, the 4 and 8 year cycle tends to line up with presidential terms.

It’s easy to see why. Investors are human, and human behavior shapes and guides markets. The first year of a President’s term tends to bring a strong performance in the equity markets. The second year sees a dip, before climbing back up for the third and fourth years.

If a president makes it a second term then his first year also tends to do well. The end of the second term tends to do badly though, maybe because investors face more uncertainty at the prospect of an election without an incumbent.

Source: SeekingAlpha

President Trump takes over as president as the financial markets continue their ascent out of the 2008 crash, and so far the markets have behaved as expected.

Since Trump’s election, the S&P 500 has increased by about 9%. This fits the profile, as investors are pricing in the reforms that incoming presidents tend to undertake. Trump is no different, and he’s promised to lower corporate taxes, deregulate the banks and increase spending – these are all expansionary policies for an economy and investors have been quick to react.

Trump ran on a pro-nationalism, anti-globalist agenda. One of the ways to keep your multi-national companies’ manufacturing practices in the U.S. is by offering corporate tax breaks. It’s already begun to have an impact as huge companies such as Toyota and Amazon have promised to create more jobs in the U.S.

It is likely that Trump will also enact laws that favor the expansion of, and deregulation of Wall Street. These policies, if put in place, will definitely fuel further bullish sentiment in the financial industry.

What about the craziness?

The president of the United States does not generally impact the daily ebbs and flows of the financial world.

Trump is not like any other president before him. He’s more prone to say anything, and everything, that comes into his head. It’s this unpredictability in word and deed that will have the biggest impact on Wall Street and the financial community.

For instance, Trump’s travel ban sparked unease on Wall Street and the VIX – an index that measures volatility, or unpredictability in price swings of the S&P 500 – shot up.

Donald Trump will likely continue to say crazy things and investors will react. We will likely see more unpredictability in the markets during Trump’s stay in the White House.

And it’s not just at home. Trump’s pronouncements tend to have repercussions that echo across the globe.

Remember all that build-a-wall nonsense? Since the Donald’s election, the Mexican peso has lost 11% versus the dollar as investors try to get ahead of each other. Meanwhile, companies are vary of investing in Mexico. Ford Motors had plans for a $1.6 billion plant in Mexico, but have since opted to nix that in favor of a facility in Michigan. Corporate CEOs have to act as if Trump will get everything he wants, and his policies are already having effect, even before they’re implemented.

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the markets are being driven by Trump’s promises. The run up in the S&P 500 is due to investors pricing in his policies, but at the same time they are ignoring the negative aspects of some of Trump’s more protectionist policies. Investors love Trump’s pragmatic business policies while conveniently blocking out the protectionist, bring-our-jobs-back rhetoric that could cause headaches with trade partners.

The final word

It remains to be seen what will happen.

It’s likely that the markets will quiet down for a bit as investors look to Trump to actually execute his policies. Carrying out these policies will push markets higher, but if the President falters then so will the markets.

Also expect greater volatility in the day to day, as Trump’s penchant for putting the affairs of the White House in public view will create unease and uncertainty for investors.

Finally, we should be aware that there’s only so much a president can do. You can decorate a house and make it look fantastic, but if the foundation is rotten then it’s not going to last long.

We’ve been lucky. The recovery following the Great Recession is still going strong but expansion periods typically last 47 months. The current one we are in has lasted over 90 months. Eventually, this period will come to end as it is one of the longest expansion periods since 1900. With that said, it doesn’t necessarily have to come to an end anytime soon.

Look closely at the underlying health of the economy and make the call yourself.

Previous articleTrading vs Investing
Next articleThe 7 Biggest Financial Scandals of All-Time


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Wulf's Webden

The Webden on WordPress

For some reason, I was thinking about home and garden makeover shows this morning. Maybe it is the fact that the project of decorating the hall and landing is almost done but still ongoing months after commencement? In the makeover genre a team of workers would transform a house or garden in just a day or two. I always found them a little unbelievable. In my experience even preparing the surfaces for painting or papering can take a significant amount of time although I think it is fair to say that I’m not the fastest decorator in town.

What would be fascinating would be to see a programme following up the original shows of the 90’s and early 2000’s, which I think were the heyday of the genre. How do those gardens look with twenty years on them? Has anything survived? How long did people actually live with the redecorated rooms which they claimed to love when they first saw them on TV? Do any of those internal features still survive?

I think such a programme would demonstrate a large amount of waste, washed with not a small amount of tragedy and sadness. Offsetting this would be the warmth of nostalgia and a sparkle of curiousity. Above all though, there would be a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the genre with a new degree of realism.

Do any producers want to take up my idea? Has it already been done?

Comments are closed.


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Wulf's Webden

The Webden on WordPress

Honesty in Blogging

How honest is my blog? That question came to mind as I reflected back on another year. Once again, I have managed to get a post up almost every single day but how truthful are they?

I do try to be straightforward in the opinions I post. If I write about something I liked, I will tell you that I liked it. If I disagree with something or someone I have heard elsewhere, I will say so – and try to capture what it is that I can’t hold with. I was on the losing side of both the Brexit and Trump votes (admittedly only as an observer for the latter) and, if you read the relevant posts, I think that would have been amply clear.

On the other hand, I am selective. A lot of my content is trivial. I make no bones about wilfully picking things that have caught my interest. However, you mustn’t imagine that the blog is necessarily that representative of all the things I have been thinking about. Some of my experiences make the cut but a lot more don’t. I’m not trying to hide the warts but nor am I setting out to be particularly self-revealing. These are my words escaping on the Internet; I don’t imagine that they are widely read but I do realise that anyone could read them and there is no way of getting them back. You won’t find me doing anything silly like putting bomb and airport in the same sentence.

D’oh! Context should forgive me in that case and I’m sure I do give away more than I imagine just by virtue of the volume of my output. However, while it is the truth, don’t expect it to be the whole truth. No intentional dishonesty but this ain’t even pretending to be everything about me and what I think.

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Aug 24, 2009 by     Comments Off on     Posted under: Chris Smith, Jeff O'Neil, Jesse James Speed channel, Mitch Bakara, Well Dunne Talent

Say hi to the newest member of Well Dunne! Talent – Canada’s JEFF O’NEIL. If you’re in the Great White North, you’ve heard him as the voice on CTV and Food Network Canada. He’s done over 2000 commercials and narrations and you need to give him a listen. I’m posting him on the agency site now, and his site is updating, too. Changes, Changes. Welcome aboard, Jeff. Add Jeff to the USA voices and Mexico’s CHRIS SMITH, and we have North America covered. Cool.

Good solid wrap story on what all the networks’ marketing departments are up to for the Fall launch from B&C

Job Alert: Nickelodeon International in NYC is looking for an on-air promo producer. And only 2+ years writing and producing requires. More info at www.mtvncareers.com

Jesse James, the singer, hit South Florida to shoot promos for SPEED Channel All the details here

What is the “Three Screen” solution to new media and ratings measurement?

Leave it to the geniuses at MIT to come up with this one: Go here, type in your name and you get a picture of your online self. Just do it.

Think About This: “Resist pessimism and negative thinking both in private and national life. Think only good. ‘Think God.’ Whatever your trouble, put God, and thoughts of God, in place of that trouble. Think godly things. Even if he or she does not appear to be doing so, see that your brother-sister is striving towards God. See the world developing and growing more spiritual.” ~ White Eagle

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Tuesday, October 7, 2008

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

October 7, 2008
Release #09-003

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 934-4497
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Children's Necklaces, CD and MP3 Players Sold at Limited Too and Justice Stores Recalled by Tween Brands Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: Children's Ball and Heart Necklaces, Portable CD and MP3 Players

Units: About 12,000

Importer: Tween Brands Inc., of New Albany, Ohio

Hazard: Surface coatings on these products could contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves a Ball and Heart Necklace with pink beads of varying sizes and a pink heart located in the center; a Portable CD Player with flowers and dots available in blue and pink; a pink MP3 Player with purple, green, blue, yellow, and red hearts; and a light blue MP3 Player with a picture of a monkey's face on the front.

Sold at: Limited Too and Justice retail stores nationwide, the Limited Too catazine (catalog), and on www.limitedtoo.com from May 2007 through August 2008. The Ball and Heart Necklace sold for about $8, the Portable CD Players sold for about $25, and the MP3 Players sold for about $55.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these recalled products away from children and return them to any Limited Too or Justice store for a full refund and a coupon for a 15% discount off a future purchase.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Tween Brands at (800) 934-4497 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web sites at www.limitedtoo.com and www.shopjustice.com

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from more than 15,000 types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $800 billion annually. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard or can injure children. The CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the 30 percent decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC's hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC's teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270, or visit CPSC's web site at www.cpsc.gov/talk.html. To join a CPSC email subscription list, please go to www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain this release and recall information at CPSC's Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Wax on? Wax off? Waxing Philosophical? Yikes!

Oh my goodness! I have finally encountered a class in school that is truly difficult for me! There have only been two classes in which I have even felt challenged (by the curriculum, not the teacher LOL). This Philosophy class is really giving me a hard time. I really thought myself a decent thinker and that I was an 'outside the box' kind of person. However, some of the concepts presented in this class are so out there that I just hope to pass the class. Wow! I just keep telling myself that I just have to hang in there until 11/8/09 and then I'm done with my AA in Business. Pray for me!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Check out the new 'do'

Hola, people! Check out my new do! I decided to cut off a bunch of my hair (about 4") and the stylist showed me what I look like with straight hair (she blew dry it, which I have never done in my adult life). Now I can see why my mom spends so much time blowdrying her hair. I love this look! What do you think?


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Midterm Inspiration

By Judith Dutill, Instructional Design Technologist

Midterm is a stressful time for students and professors alike; sometimes we need a little extra inspiration to get us over that midterm hump. Kevin Gannon, professor and chair of the History Department at Grand View University, provides us with a healthy dose of motivation in his recent article, Radical Hope: A Teaching Manifesto. Through the lens of critical pedagogy, Gannon reminds us that reflective teaching can be used to refresh and re-energize our teaching, especially when we feel drained or defeated.

If you enjoyed Gannon’s article, check out his interview with Bonni Stachowiak on the Teaching In Higher Ed podcast.

What do you do to refresh and re-energize your teaching? Tell us about it in the comments section!

Rubrics and Creativity

By Judith Dutill, Instructional Design Technologist

A grading rubric is a great tool for communicating with students about our expectations, preparing students to use detailed feedback, encouraging students to think critically, and bringing efficiency to the grading process. However, some professors worry that using rubrics will take the creativity out of their students’ work; this does not need to be the case!

In her article, Imagine Creating Rubrics That Develop Creativity, Linda Payne Young (2009) argues that the higher-level thought processes of imagination and creativity should be a valued part of our assessment process. Payne Young states, “When imagination and creativity become components of the classroom experience where students are routinely encouraged to generate new and novel ideas, we can freely include imagination as part of classroom assignments” (p. 75).

Some examples of rubric criteria that develop and encourage creativity include:

  • Uses non-conventional modes of thinking
  • Recognizes ideas worth pursuing
  • Uses new ideas or new approaches
  • Questions or analyzes assumptions
  • Works to overcome obstacles
  • Tolerates ambiguity
  • Takes reasonable risks
  • Solves problems
  • Embraces contradictions
  • Connects, synthesizes, transforms
  • Communicates divergent and creative perspectives

Do you use rubrics in your class? How do you balance using rubrics and encouraging student creativity? Tell us about it in the comments section!

Want to learn more about rubrics? Check out the Training Archive in the Center for Teaching Excellence on Blackboard for our webinar and resources on creating and using grading rubrics.

Additional Resources:

Arter, J. and Chappuis, J. (2006). Creating and Recognizing Quality Rubric (CAR), Portland: Pearson Assessment Training Institute.

Association of American Colleges & Universities. (2014). Creative Thinking VALUE Rubric. Retrieved August 01, 2016, from https://www.aacu.org/value/rubrics/creative-thinking

Brookhart, Susan M.. How to Create and Use Rubrics for Formative Assessment and Grading. Alexandria, US: ASCD, 2013. ProQuest ebrary. Web. 1 August 2016.

Stevens, D. D., & Levi, A. (2013). Introduction to rubrics: An assessment tool to save grading time, convey effective feedback, and promote student learning. Sterling, Va: Stylus Pub.

Turley, E. D., & Gallagher, C. W. (2008). On the uses of rubrics: Reframing the Great Rubric debate. English Journal, 97(4), 87-92.

Young, L. P. (2009). Imagine Creating Rubrics That Develop Creativity. English Journal, 99(2), 74-79.

Invitation Only: Guest Speakers in Online Classrooms

By Dr. Melissa Wehler, Dean of Humanities and Sciences

We all know the benefits of inviting experts into our classroom space: abstract theoretical concepts become more relatable and concrete; difficult, contentious topics have a knowledgeable spokesperson; essential skills and ideas are given professional application; different perspectives on discussed topics, just to name a few.   When teaching online, however, we tend to forget about these ‘guests’ and the rich experiences to our onsite classrooms.

Online classrooms, whether synchronous sessions or asynchronous lessons, can benefit from inviting experts to speak about topics.  Here are a few ways to invite experts into your online course:

Guest Lecturer

For onsite classes, many of us already use guest lecturers as a way to put a face to a debate, theory, or idea.  The same thinking should apply in an online course.

Creating It

In my online courses, I use the guest lecturer in two different ways.  First, I might use an internal guest lecturer for a particular topic.  This might be another faculty member or a staff member (such as Career Services, Counseling, Library, or The Writing Center).  Another way to use a guest lecturer is to invite an external expert.  This might be someone who has particular knowledge or experience that will enhance the student’s understanding of the topic.

Using It

In either case, I will embed the video into Blackboard and surround it with directions on how to view it (“Please pay particular attention to this question/answer.”) as well as critical thinking questions (“What did you notice about the emphasis placed on this concept?”).  I will ask the students to follow up on these points in a discussion forum, a journal, or a blog.

Interviewing an expert helps students to learn more about the topic by interjecting the ‘human element’ into the conversation.  Moreover, by watching you interview an expert on the topic, students learn how 1) to engage in critical thinking and analysis, 2) to ask probing, thoughtful, and respectful questions, and 3) sustain a collegial discussion and debate with a peer.

Creating It

Obviously, when taping an interview, it is important to have the written permission of all involved and let them know the terms and conditions of recording process.

Using It

For an online course, there are several ways to use this recorded artefact: 1) to augment a particular topic, 2) to lead off a discussion board forum, and 3) to provide a starting place for a blog or journal.  You can also students the opportunity to do a synchronous ‘Q&A’ if the participant is available.

If you want a less formal format than lecturing and interviewing, storytelling is a more informal approach.  When you invite an expert to ‘tell a story,’ you are giving your students an opportunity to apply their observation skills and synthesize examples with topics.  I use storytelling in my courses as ‘case studies’ when I am trying to highlight a particular topic as well as give students an opportunity to hear examples from experts in their field.

Creating It

When you ask a guest to ‘record their story,’ you want to provide them with the class topic and perhaps present them with a certain scope.  This will help them frame their experiences and provide you with applicable material.

Using It

Much like interviewing, you can use this artefact 1) as a ‘case study’ to augment a particular topic, 2) as a prompt for a discussion board forum, and 3) to provide a starting place for a blog or journal.  You can also students the opportunity to do a synchronous ‘Q&A’ if the storyteller is available.

Are there other methods that you use to ‘invite’ expert voices into your classroom?  How do you frame these experts in an online environment?  Have you ever tried a ‘Q&A’ session?  What has been your students’ feedback about these ‘guests’?

Melissa Wehler, Ph.D. serves as the Dean of Humanities and Sciences and Professor of English at Central Penn College.  Her academic writing has been published in several essay collections including Demons of the Body and Mind,  Transnational Gothic,  and A Quest of Her Own: Essays on the Female Hero in Modern Fantasy where she discusses topics including the gothic, feminism, performance, and culture.  She enjoys teaching classes about writing, literature, culture, and film and has won two teaching awards for her student-centered approach.

Lunch & Learn: Classroom Assessment Techniques

By Judith Dutill, Instructional Design Technologist

Today’s Lunch & Learn was a big success! The event featured roundtable discussion, resource sharing, and pizza; thanks, again, to those who attended.

Faculty Lunch & Learn

All attendees were asked to bring their favorite classroom assessment technique to share. Shared techniques included:

  • Having students interview professionals in their chosen field and report back to the class
  • Having students interview one another
  • Bringing a question to class (or posting a question on the Discussion Board in Bb)
  • Having online students create video presentations with Screencast-O-Matic
  • Giving students random functions to demonstrate for the class (especially great for tech classes)
  • Using games (Jeopardy, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, or board games like Apples to Apples)
  • Letting students work in groups to create test questions and including some of their questions on the exam
  • Pairing students together by pairing high-performing students with at-risk students

Here are links to the resources we discussed today:

Do you have a favorite classroom assessment activity? Leave it in the comments section!

Using Classroom Rituals

By Judith Dutill, Instructional Design Technologist

Do you remember homeroom in high school? It probably looked like some combination of visiting your locker to collect your belongings, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing the national anthem, and listening to the morning announcements. This homeroom routine is an example of ritual behavior. People take comfort in having a prescribed order to things; rituals can be used to set the tone in a classroom, establish expectations for behavior, create classroom memories, and bring a peaceful climate.

Here are some examples of routines/rituals that can set the right tone and bring comfort and order to your classroom:

Outline the day

On the left or right side of the classroom whiteboard, write a bullet point outline of the objectives, activities, or topics that will be covered in class. Not only does this outline serve as a helpful organizational and time management tool for the professor, it also serves to set expectations for the class meeting and help students organize their notes and stay engaged.

Tips for using this activity:

  • At the beginning of class, review the list with students as a preview for your meeting.
  • Cross off items from the list as they’ve been covered in class.
  • Include major assignment/project due dates on your list. I use this method and I split my list into “this class” and “next class.”

Create a classroom soundtrack

Use the classroom computer and speakers to play music for students before class. This method is great for setting atmosphere and starting social conversations with students. When students walk into class, they will enjoy hearing music. You will get to know each other through your song choices and preferences.

I previously worked with a professor who would create an electronic playlist that included all of the songs from class that she would then share with students at the end of the term. How fun and memorable for the students!

Tips for using this activity:

  • Choose songs that set the right mood for the topic you are about to discuss.
  • Use music as an opportunity for having informal conversation with students. As class settles in, talk to your students about your song choice for the day.
  • Let students join in the fun by inviting them to serve as guest DJs. Ask student volunteers to bring in songs to get class started or allow them to select a song from your playlist.

What’s the word?

I had a professor who began each class by asking us, “What’s the word.” He did not explain the activity, he just called on a student by name and popped the question, “Hey Joe, what’s the word?” Each class, every student would be asked to share a word. It didn’t take too long for the class to catch on to the fact that this would be our daily ritual. Students would bring their most silly, clever, or complicated words to join in the fun.

The professor used this activity to socially engage with students and to learn names and take attendance.

Tips for using this activity:

  • Occasionally replace the question, “What’s the word?” with more meaningful questions. For example, during the holiday season ask students, “What are you grateful for?” or during stressful times of the term when students are more likely to get homesick ask, “Who do you miss?”

Rituals are not just for the beginning-of-class; a ritual can be established for any point during a class meeting. One example of an end-of-class ritual is to have students report on their muddiest moment from class by writing down a concept or topic they find unclear or confusing. This routine lets students know that class is winding down and offers students an opportunity to reflect on what they’ve learned and what they still need to understand. It also provides another channel of communication between the professor and the students. Use their feedback to begin the next class meeting.

Do you use a classroom ritual? Tell us about it in the comments section!

Online Instructor Presence

By Judith Dutill, Instructional Design Technologist

In her 2010 performance, The Artist is Present, Marina Abramović demonstrates the power of human presence.  During her performance, Abramović sat silently in a chair in the Museum of Modern Art. Visitors were invited to sit across from her, make eye contact with her, and simply share in the same space. After the exhibition, visitors reported on the affecting nature of this experience, often describing it as unforgettable. Despite the surrounding crowd, the sense of immediacy created by the act of sitting together led visitors to feel they had shared an intimate moment with the artist. Abramović, herself, said that the show changed her life forever.

Learning in the classroom happens because you are there to facilitate interaction, collaboration, activity, and even play. Your presence in the classroom transforms the student learning experience; the online classroom is no exception.

Unfortunately, our online students largely miss out on their instructors’ presence. This is a problem; literature shows that lack of instructor presence can have negative consequences for the student.

We can solve this problem by becoming more present in our online courses. How do we get started? Instructor presence relies on three elements: teaching presence, instructor immediacy, and social presence.

  • Establish teaching presence
    • Use a consistent organizational structure
    • When things are out of the norm, keep students informed in announcements and the weekly overview
    • Facilitate the use of course materials with clear and detailed instructions
    • Provide direct instruction
    • Summarize weekly discussions
    • Create videos (e.g. course overview and weekly overviews)
    • Use microlectures
    • Create unique lessons for your students
    • Embed instructions on how to submit assignments, access grades, and read feedback
  • Employ instructor immediacy
    • Use humor
    • Promptly respond to students’ questions and concerns
    • Address students by name
    • Participate in discussion boards and model expected communication
    • Encourage students to participate in discussion and to share personal stories
    • Commend exceptional participation or contributions to classroom discussion
  • Establish social presence
    • Incorporate your personal interests and experiences into your teaching
    • Model open and respectful communication
    • Create a welcome video

Try some of these or all of these and if you need assistance, let the Faculty Support Center staff know. Whatever you do, remember this: Be present for your students. Nothing replaces you in the classroom, even online.

What do you do to establish your presence in the online classroom? Tell us about it in the comments section!

Additional Resources:

Akers, M., Dupre, J., Chermayeff, M., Abramović, M., In Shepherd, E. D., Halpern, N., HBO Documentary Films, Music Box Films. (2012). Marina Abramović: The artist is present.

Olubukola Afolabi, R. (2016). Emphasizing instructor presence in digital learning environments. In S. D’Agustino (Ed.), Creating teacher immediacy in online learning environments (pp. 37-54). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2013). Lessons from the virtual classroom: The realities of online teaching (2). Somerset, US: Jossey-Bass. Retrieved from http://www.ebrary.com

The First Day of Class

By Judith Dutill, Instructional Design Technologist

Make a great impression and leave them wanting more. This is the advice my peer advisor gave me as I prepared for my first day of college teaching. He knew (and I quickly learned) that the first day of class is one of the most valuable. The first day is when you begin to build your classroom community and set the tone for the entire term.

Do you want to spice up your traditional first day of class activities this term? Here are some suggestions from author James M. Lang:

Syllabus review
Rather than reading the syllabus to students, use syllabus review time as an opportunity to get students engaged and participating early.

  • After distributing the syllabus, have students work in pairs to review the syllabus and identify three questions they want to know about the course. Then, ask students to share their questions so you can answer them.

Ice breakers
Use ice breakers to foster a feeling of community and allow students to share in the ownership of the classroom space.

  • Stand by the classroom door, shaking student hands and introducing yourself to them by name right away.
  • Pass students dry erase markers as they enter class and have them write their names on the board before they sit down.

First impressions
Spend the first day or two of class trying to find out what information students know (or think they know) about the subject matter.

  • Ask students to write a paragraph in response to two or three substantive questions about their past experiences with the course topic. (For example: “Describe for me one work of visual art that has really impressed or interested you; what made it stand out for you?”) Afterward, have students pair up to share and discuss their responses before inviting students to share their responses with the class.
  • Use students’ responses to help you plan the content you cover in the first week or two of classes.
  • Revisit students’ first-day responses at the end of the term to close the loop on the conversation and to acknowledge new insights students have gained throughout the course.

Big and interesting questions
Develop an activity that invites students to engage in the intrigue of course-related central questions, mysteries, or puzzles.

  • Example 1: A statistics professor informs their class that, “once there are thirty people in the room, the probability that two people have the same birthday is more than 75%” They then poll students until they find the birthday matches in the class (they report they’ve always found at least one).
  • Example 2: A writing professor shows their students a poem that presents the reflections of an older narrator on a childhood experience with his father (one that many students are able to identify with) and asks students to write down in their notebooks whether they believe the narrator’s attitude towards this experience is positive or a negative one. This activity leads to a group discussion about the influence of past experience on understanding. The group also discusses analysis, using evidence as support, and other skills that students need to be successful in the course.

Another worthwhile first day activity is to collect student contact information. At a recent professional development meeting, Dr. Scolforo suggested distributing index cards and having students write down the following: their phone number, the phone number of a close contact, scheduled events during the term, and current obstacles to success. Having this information readily available makes it easier to reach out to at-risk students later in the term.

Do you do something noteworthy on the first day of class? Tell us about it in the comments section! Did you try one of these ideas on your first day? Let us know how it went!

Lang, J. M. (2008). On course: A week-by-week guide to your first semester of college teaching. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

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