Planes, trains, and taxis - he he
We took a United flight from Cleveland to Frankfurt (stopping in Washington, D.C.), with the last part managed by Lufthansa. This was an overnight flight that arrived around 7AM local time. We had dinner and breakfast during the flight. We ordered the vegetarian option, which was excellent (a teriaki dish for dinner).
The high-speed ICE train to Bonn (from the Frankfurt airport) felt like a James Bond movie. We took a taxi (unbelievably clean) from Bonn to Bad Godesburg, where Sacha works. In Bad Godesberg, we stayed at the Hotel Zum Adler, walking distance (a few blocks) from Media Tenor (Sacha's employer).
Hotel Zum Adler is a three star hotel. There are five stars total (deluxe, excellent, comfort, tourist, economy). Adler was truly comfortable and clean. It is a three hundred year old building but the inside was totally restored with what I would call a sleek and high-tech and very updated bathroom in our room. The down comforters were outstandingly comfortable. It was what people called "cold" with high temps in the 50s.
Bad Godesberg reminds me of the opening street scene in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The whole thing felt like I was in a movie. There's the baker, the shoemaker, the innkeeper ... and a great hustle and bustle of people walking and on bicycles. Godesberg is the castle on the hill that is the center point of the city.
[On the trans-Atlantic flight we saw Lives of Women (starring Meg Ryan), which was an average movie (with Meg Ryan battling breast cancer throughout). Blades of Glory with Will Ferrell and Napoleon Dynomite was funnier than I expected. Will Ferrell goes through a transformation similar to Anchorman, where he becomes a better person in the end. Napoleon Dynomite and Jen from The Office fall in love.]
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Grant Writing Workshop
When:
09/27/2007 at 10:00 AM
Where:
American Greetings, One American Road Cleveland OH 44144
The Grant Writing Workshop will provide technical writing assistance for potential grantees for the 2008-2009 grant year.
The day will include presentations and activities to help grant writers and project directors prepare a proposal that will best represent their program to the review committee.
Compliance requirements will be reinforced as well to give agencies the best chance to possible to receive funding. Please note: the review committee is an anonymous group and will not be providing advice at this workshop.
The workshop will be held at American Greetings, One American Road, Cleveland OH 44114 from 10:00am to 3:00pm.In order to best prepare for this meeting, please RSVP by September 20th by calling us at: 216.791.2873 or by email to cclark@komenneohio.org.
End of E-mail
Subject: The End of E-mail
Independent (London)
(07/25/07)
Shreeve, Jimmy Lee
About two years ago, Investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort recognized that e-mail was no longer working for the firm and began searching for an alternative to e-mail, one that could be preserved for important information and discussions and would not be bogged down by irrelevant office banter and spam.
Many other top business leaders have started looking for alternatives as well, including Warren Buffett, Phones4U owner John Caudwell, and Boston mayor Tom Menino. E-mail continues to become less and less efficient.
A recent poll by IT news site Silicon.com found that 33 percent of respondents receive between 51 and 100 e-mails a day, compared to a similar survey taken two years ago where only 23 percent of respondents said they received that many e-mails.
AOL researchers report that between 10 and 50 percent of work time is spent using e-mail, creating a huge impact on productivity. A study cited in a 2006 article in the Journal of Business and Technical Communication found that the average worker had 2,483 inbox messages and 858 filed messages.
To avoid the smothering weight of e-mail, Dresdner Kleinwort alerted several workgroups in the firm about a wiki called Socialtext, which allows the company to set up pages for specific projects and invite anyone to collaborate, edit text, add comments, hold discussions, and link to other documents, graphics, and Internet sites.
Dresdner Kleinwort found the Socialtext trial to be so successful it told employees not to use e-mail and set up its own proprietary wiki system with 5,000 pages and over 2,500 users around the world. Similar programs, such as Google Docs & Spreadsheets, allow users to collaborate on documents on the Web.
Gartner research believes that by 2009 wikis will become mainstream collaboration tools in at least half of all companies.
Independent (London)
(07/25/07)
Shreeve, Jimmy Lee
About two years ago, Investment bank Dresdner Kleinwort recognized that e-mail was no longer working for the firm and began searching for an alternative to e-mail, one that could be preserved for important information and discussions and would not be bogged down by irrelevant office banter and spam.
Many other top business leaders have started looking for alternatives as well, including Warren Buffett, Phones4U owner John Caudwell, and Boston mayor Tom Menino. E-mail continues to become less and less efficient.
A recent poll by IT news site Silicon.com found that 33 percent of respondents receive between 51 and 100 e-mails a day, compared to a similar survey taken two years ago where only 23 percent of respondents said they received that many e-mails.
AOL researchers report that between 10 and 50 percent of work time is spent using e-mail, creating a huge impact on productivity. A study cited in a 2006 article in the Journal of Business and Technical Communication found that the average worker had 2,483 inbox messages and 858 filed messages.
To avoid the smothering weight of e-mail, Dresdner Kleinwort alerted several workgroups in the firm about a wiki called Socialtext, which allows the company to set up pages for specific projects and invite anyone to collaborate, edit text, add comments, hold discussions, and link to other documents, graphics, and Internet sites.
Dresdner Kleinwort found the Socialtext trial to be so successful it told employees not to use e-mail and set up its own proprietary wiki system with 5,000 pages and over 2,500 users around the world. Similar programs, such as Google Docs & Spreadsheets, allow users to collaborate on documents on the Web.
Gartner research believes that by 2009 wikis will become mainstream collaboration tools in at least half of all companies.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Hotel Adler
Hotel Zum Adler
Koblenzer Strasse Number 60
Bad Godesberg Germany
Relax in our quiet house. We will spoil you in our friendly atmosphere. A quiet little town, in a central position with a wide range of spare time activities like health resorts, thermal baths and an indoor pool. Parking is available at the house. Buses stop near the house.
Hotel zum AdlerKoblenzer Straße 60
53173 Bonn-Bad Godesberg
Telefon: +49 (0)228 36 40 71Telefax: +49 (0)228 36 19 33
E-Mail: info@hotel-zum-adler.de
Koblenzer Strasse Number 60
Bad Godesberg Germany
Relax in our quiet house. We will spoil you in our friendly atmosphere. A quiet little town, in a central position with a wide range of spare time activities like health resorts, thermal baths and an indoor pool. Parking is available at the house. Buses stop near the house.
Hotel zum AdlerKoblenzer Straße 60
53173 Bonn-Bad Godesberg
Telefon: +49 (0)228 36 40 71Telefax: +49 (0)228 36 19 33
E-Mail: info@hotel-zum-adler.de
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Armstrong
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HelveticaOct.6
http://www.cia.edu/academicResources/cinematheque/cinematheque.php
(216) 421.7000 or (800) 223.4700 admiss@gate.cia.edu
This is from neo.stc
Helvetica. Produced and directed by Gary Hustwit. By Julie Mason (julie.mason@parker.com), Parker Hannifin Corporation
Your friends just might not get it. “Why,” they might ask, looking at you more than a bit dubiously, “are you going to see a movie about a font?” And then, as though it would somehow be more excusable during the week, “On a Saturday??”
While it is true that the idea of a feature-length film starring a typeface is a bit unusual, Helvetica is not just any typeface — for fifty years, it has been the defining visual feature of scores of corporations, governments, and organizations around the world. Today already, says director Gary Hustwit, you have probably seen it several times as it “told you which subway platform you needed, or tried to sell you investment services or vacation getaways in the ads in your morning paper.”
Shot on location throughout the United States and Europe, this beautifully crafted high-definition film highlights Helvetica's impact on urban spaces. The film also features a delightful array of interviews with some of the most recognized names in the world of design. Regardless of whether they love or hate it, the designers give the typeface a lot of credit: it is either most perfect sans-serif typeface possible or the most boring typeface in the world; it either has a calming and unifying effect or it is a cause of both the Vietnam and Iraq wars.
The Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque presented Helvetica last month to an audience of several hundred typophiles, ranging from art students to retirees to our group of technical writers. After the showing, Cleveland native Michael Bierut, an award-winning graphic designer and former president of AIGA, gave a brief talk on his comical interview in Helvetica, the making of the film, and his former work with design great Massimo Vignelli.
You haven’'t missed your chance to celebrate the 50th birthday of the world-famous typeface: Helvetica will return to Cleveland for an encore screening on October 6 at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. You can visit www.helveticafilm.com to find more worldwide showings, and to pre-order the DVD ($20), which will be released November 6.
About the Typeface (from www.helveticafilm.com)
“Helvetica was developed by Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann in 1957 for the Haas Type Foundry in Münchenstein, Switzerland. In the late 1950s, the European design world saw a revival of older sans-serif typefaces such as the German face Akzidenz Grotesk. Haas' director Hoffmann commissioned Miedinger, a former employee and freelance designer, to draw an updated sans-serif typeface to add to their line. The result was called Neue Haas Grotesk, but its name was later changed to Helvetica, derived from Helvetia, the Latin name for Switzerland, when Haas' German parent companies Stempel and Linotype began marketing the font internationally in 1961.
“Introduced amidst a wave of popularity of Swiss design, and fueled by advertising agencies selling this new design style to their clients, Helvetica quickly appeared in corporate logos, signage for transportation systems, fine art prints, and myriad other uses worldwide. Inclusion of the font in home computer systems such as the Apple Macintosh in 1984 only further cemented its ubiquity.”
Thursday, August 23, 2007
PRODUCT WARNINGS
PRODUCT WARNINGS
Air Conditioner
Caution: Avoid dropping air conditioners out of windows.
Helmet mounted mirror used by us cyclists:
Remember, objects in the mirror are actually behind you
Toilet brush
Do not use for personal hygiene.
Liquid Plummer
Warning: Do not reuse the bottle to store beverages.
Windex
Do not spray in eyes.
Warning: Do not reuse the bottle to store beverages.
Windex
Do not spray in eyes.
Bowl Fresh
Safe to use around pets and children, although it is not recommended that either be permitted to drink from toilet.
Toilet Plunger
Caution: Do not use near power lines.
Dremel Electric Rotary Tool
This product not intended for use as a dental drill.
Arm & Hammer Scoopable Cat Litter
Safe to use around pets.
Endust Duster
This product is not defined as flammable by the Consumer Products Safety Commision Regulations. However, this product can be ignited under certain circumstances.
Baby Oil
Keep out of reach of children
Little Ones Baby Lotion
Keep away from children
Hair Coloring
Do not use as an ice cream topping.
Safe to use around pets and children, although it is not recommended that either be permitted to drink from toilet.
Toilet Plunger
Caution: Do not use near power lines.
Dremel Electric Rotary Tool
This product not intended for use as a dental drill.
Arm & Hammer Scoopable Cat Litter
Safe to use around pets.
Endust Duster
This product is not defined as flammable by the Consumer Products Safety Commision Regulations. However, this product can be ignited under certain circumstances.
Baby Oil
Keep out of reach of children
Little Ones Baby Lotion
Keep away from children
Hair Coloring
Do not use as an ice cream topping.
 | Hairdryer: Do not use while taking a shower. |
Old Spice Red Zone Deoderant
Use only on underarms.
Use only on underarms.
Zantac 75
Do not take if allergic to zantac.
Sleeping Pills
Warning: May cause Drowsiness
Do not take if allergic to zantac.
Sleeping Pills
Warning: May cause Drowsiness
Christmas Lights
Warning: For indoor or outdoor use only.
Bic Lighter
Ignite lighter away from face.
Warning: For indoor or outdoor use only.
Bic Lighter
Ignite lighter away from face.
 | Fire Extinguisher: Caution: Non-Flamable |
Earplugs
These ear plugs are nontoxic, but may interfere with breathing if caught in windpipe
Mattress
Warning: Do not attempt to swallow
Matches
Caution: Contents may catch fire.
These ear plugs are nontoxic, but may interfere with breathing if caught in windpipe
Mattress
Warning: Do not attempt to swallow
Matches
Caution: Contents may catch fire.
Pepper Spray
Caution: Never aim spray at your own eyes.
Auto-Shade Widnshield Visor
Warning: Do not drive with sunshade in place. Remove from windshield before starting ignition.
Fix-a-Flat
WARNING: Do not weld can to rim.
RCA Television Remote Control
Not Dishwasher Safe
Pine Mountain Fire Logs
Caution: Risk of fire
Triops Fish Food
Warning: Not for human consumption
Home Depot Treated Lumber
Do not consume
Hair Dryer
Warning: Do not use while sleeping.
Road Sign
Caution water on road during rain.
Camera
This camera will only work when film is inside.
Children's Superman Costume
Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.
Caution: Never aim spray at your own eyes.
Auto-Shade Widnshield Visor
Warning: Do not drive with sunshade in place. Remove from windshield before starting ignition.
Fix-a-Flat
WARNING: Do not weld can to rim.
RCA Television Remote Control
Not Dishwasher Safe
Pine Mountain Fire Logs
Caution: Risk of fire
Triops Fish Food
Warning: Not for human consumption
Home Depot Treated Lumber
Do not consume
Hair Dryer
Warning: Do not use while sleeping.
Road Sign
Caution water on road during rain.
Camera
This camera will only work when film is inside.
Children's Superman Costume
Wearing of this garment does not enable you to fly.
Air Conditioner
Caution: Avoid dropping air conditioners out of windows.
Rowenta Iron
Warning: Never iron clothes on the body.
Slush Puppy Cup
This ice may be cold
Warning: Never iron clothes on the body.
Slush Puppy Cup
This ice may be cold
Nabisco Easy Cheese
For best results, remove cap.
Swanson TV Dinners
This product must be cooked before eating.
Hershey's Almond Bar
Warning: May contain traces of nuts
For best results, remove cap.
Swanson TV Dinners
This product must be cooked before eating.
Hershey's Almond Bar
Warning: May contain traces of nuts
 | 500-piece puzzle: Some assembly required. |
Beach Ball
CAUTION: It is not a life saving device.
Chainsaw
Do not attempt to stop chain with hands.
CAUTION: It is not a life saving device.
Chainsaw
Do not attempt to stop chain with hands.
Hotel provided shower cap in a box:
Fits one head.
Fits one head.
Marks & Spencer Bread Pudding:
Product will be hot after heating.
Boot's Children's cough medicine:
Do not drive car or operate machinery.
Product will be hot after heating.
Boot's Children's cough medicine:
Do not drive car or operate machinery.
Nytol sleep aid:
Warning: may cause drowsiness.
Warning: may cause drowsiness.
Japanese food processor:
Not to be used for the other use.
Not to be used for the other use.
Helmet mounted mirror used by us cyclists:
Remember, objects in the mirror are actually behind you
New Zealand insect spray:
This product not tested on animals.
This product not tested on animals.
Blanket from taiwan:
not to be used as protection from a tornado
not to be used as protection from a tornado
Infant's bathtub:
Do not throw baby out with bath water.
Do not throw baby out with bath water.
Package of Fisherman's Friend throat lozenges:
Not meant as substitute for human companionship.
Not meant as substitute for human companionship.
 | Disposable razor: Do not use this product during an earthquake. |
Bottle of shampoo for dogs
Caution: The contents of this bottle should not be fed to fish.
Caution: The contents of this bottle should not be fed to fish.
Curling Iron
Warning: This product can burn eyes.
Warning: This product can burn eyes.
Hand-held Massaging Device
Do not use while sleeping or unconscious.
Do not use while sleeping or unconscious.
Case of a chocolate CD in a gift basket.
Do not place this product into any electronic equipment.
Do not place this product into any electronic equipment.
A toilet at a public sports facility
Recycled flush water unsafe for drinking.
Recycled flush water unsafe for drinking.
Pair of shin guards made for bicyclists
Shin pads cannot protect any part of the body they do not cover.
Shin pads cannot protect any part of the body they do not cover.
Container of Underarm Deodorant.
Caution: Do not spray in eyes.
Caution: Do not spray in eyes.
Aim-n-Flame fireplace lighter.
Do not use near fire, flame, or sparks.
Do not use near fire, flame, or sparks.
Toner cartridge for a laser printer
Do not eat toner.
Do not eat toner.
13-inch wheel on a wheelbarrow
Not intended for highway use.
Not intended for highway use.
Novelty rock garden set called "Popcorn Rock"
Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth.
Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth.
A toilet bowl cleaning brush.
Do not use orally.
Do not use orally.
Heated seat cushion
Warning: Do not use on eyes.
Warning: Do not use on eyes.
 | Microwave Oven: Do not use for drying pets. |
Electric Cattle Prod
For use on animals only.
For use on animals only.
Can of air freshener.
For use by trained personnel only.
For use by trained personnel only.
Silly Putty
Do not use as ear plugs.
Do not use as ear plugs.
Knife sharpening stone
Warning: knives are sharp!
Warning: knives are sharp!
Deodorant
Do not use intimately.
Do not use intimately.
Rat Poison
Warning: has been found to cause cancer in laboratory mice.
Warning: has been found to cause cancer in laboratory mice.
Portable stroller
Caution: Remove infant before folding for storage.
Caution: Remove infant before folding for storage.
Dashboard of a mail truck
Look before driving.
Look before driving.
Package of dice.
Not for human consumption.
Not for human consumption.
 | Bottled Drink: Twist top off with hands. Throw top away. Do not put top in mouth. |
Shipment of hammers
May be harmful if swallowed.
May be harmful if swallowed.
Manual for an SGI computer.
Do not dangle the mouse by its cable or throw the mouse at co-workers.
Do not dangle the mouse by its cable or throw the mouse at co-workers.
Stamped on the metal barrel of a .22 calibre rifle
Warning: Misuse may cause injury or death.
Warning: Misuse may cause injury or death.
Electric Thermometer.
Do not use orally after using rectally.
Do not use orally after using rectally.
Packaging for a chain saw file, used to sharpen the cutting teeth on the chain.
Turn off motor before using this product.
Turn off motor before using this product.
6x10 inch inflatable picture frame
Not to be used as a personal flotation device.
Not to be used as a personal flotation device.
Box of bottle rockets
Do not put in mouth.
Do not put in mouth.
Wrapper of a Fruit Roll-Up snack
Remove plastic before eating.
Remove plastic before eating.
Box for a car jack
For lifting purposes only.
For lifting purposes only.
 | Instructions for a cordless phone: Do not put lit candles on phone. |
Small print from car commercial which shows a car in the ocean
Do not drive cars in ocean.
Do not drive cars in ocean.
Small print from a car commercial which shows a vehicle "body-surfing" at a concert
Always drive on roads. Not on people.
Always drive on roads. Not on people.
Laundromat triple washer
No small children.
No small children.
Sign in front of a newly renovated ramp that led to the entrance of a building
Take care: new non-slip surface.
Take care: new non-slip surface.
Car Manual
In order to get out of car, open door, get out, lock doors, and then close doors.
In order to get out of car, open door, get out, lock doors, and then close doors.
Espresso Kettle
The appliance is switched on by setting the on/off switch to the 'on' position.
The appliance is switched on by setting the on/off switch to the 'on' position.
T.V. manual
Do not pour liquids into your television set.
Do not pour liquids into your television set.
Label on a hammer
Caution - Do not use this hammer to strike any solid object
Caution - Do not use this hammer to strike any solid object
Toilet brush
Do not use for personal hygiene.
Black rubber fishing worm
Not for human consumption.
Not for human consumption.
 | Orange Juice Can: 100% pure all-natural fresh-squeezed orange juice from concentrate. |
Furniture Wipes
Do not use for a baby wipe.
Do not use for a baby wipe.
Lawnmower
Warning: When Motor Is Running - The Blade Is Turning
Warning: When Motor Is Running - The Blade Is Turning
Bottom of a Coca-Cola bottle
Do not open here.
Do not open here.
Container of lighter fluid
WARNING: Contents flammable!
WARNING: Contents flammable!
Box of household nails
CAUTION! - Do NOT swallow nails! May cause irritation!
CAUTION! - Do NOT swallow nails! May cause irritation!
Woolite carpet cleaner
Safe for carpets, too!
Safe for carpets, too!
Sterno
Do not use near fire or flame.
Do not use near fire or flame.
Container of salt
Warning: High in sodium
Warning: High in sodium
Hose Nozzle
Do not spray into electrical outlet.
Do not spray into electrical outlet.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Emerald ash
http://www.emeraldashborer.info/homeownerinfo.cfm
Using insecticides to control EAB on ash trees is an option in Michigan and the EAB quarantined counties in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
If your tree is located within an area designated for eradication or suppression activities, it may be removed by regulatory agencies even if it has been treated. In those cases where government-ordered tree removals occur within the contiguous EAB quarantine counties, consideration will be given to ash trees treated by certified applicators utilizing methods and materials recommended by Michigan State University. If your ash trees are located outside of this area in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois or Ohio, using insecticides may not be recommended. If you are not sure about the regulatory status of your area or whether you should consider insecticides, please contact your county Extension office.
Using insecticides to control EAB on ash trees is an option in Michigan and the EAB quarantined counties in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.
If your tree is located within an area designated for eradication or suppression activities, it may be removed by regulatory agencies even if it has been treated. In those cases where government-ordered tree removals occur within the contiguous EAB quarantine counties, consideration will be given to ash trees treated by certified applicators utilizing methods and materials recommended by Michigan State University. If your ash trees are located outside of this area in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois or Ohio, using insecticides may not be recommended. If you are not sure about the regulatory status of your area or whether you should consider insecticides, please contact your county Extension office.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Saturday, August 18, 2007
InterContinentalExpress
Directions to Bonn.
1. At Frankfurt airport, look for signs for
the FERN BAHNOF.
2. If get lost, ask at the airport for
the Fern-Bahnof
or the place to buy tickets on the ICE train.
3. Buy two tickets for the InterContinentalExpress (ICE) train
towards Siegburg. There is a separate area where
you buy these from people, not machines.
The ICE train from Frankfurt airport
to Siegburg is about 65 euro. You
are able to pay with credit card.
4. Take a train that goes at 9 minutes after
every hour(this may be off track 6 -
need to confirm when we get there).
5. Ride ICE train for about 35 minutes
with Siegburg the first stop.
6. Take a taxi (around 10am?) at Siegburg.
7. Go to hotel in Bad Godesberg. Hotel is
next to Media Tenor.
Media Tenor
Am Kurpark 7
53177 Bonn Germany
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
STC board mtg
Tuesday, August 14
Three people mentioned they would like to make a presentation at a high school.
Barb Philbrick, Amy Voigt, and Beth Troy.
1. Committee Highlights Since January 2007
- Recruited one new volunteer (Sarah Burke) to co-chair committee with Jeanette
- Began developing scholarship application and related materials
- Began developing academic program contacts database
2. Committee Goals for Fall 2007
- Finish academic program contacts database
- Finalize scholarship guidelines, application, and promotional materials
- Seek out volunteers to be scholarship judges
- Reach out to area technical communication-related programs to introduce them to STC and our chapter, for example, CSU’s certificate programs in science writing and technical writing and Kent State’s information architecture and knowledge management program
- Research the feasibility of and interest in starting a chapter academic outreach program to universities and high schools; program would focus on educating students about technical communication and attending career fairs (base program on the Central Ohio chapter’s Speakers’ Bureau)
3. Questions for the Board
- Is anyone interested in serving as a scholarship committee judge? Any suggestions for how to recruit judges?
- To encourage more students to apply (and to make the scholarship award more valuable to the awardee), the committee would like to offer one $1000 scholarship (versus the $500 already budgeted for). Would the board consider increasing our line item to $1000?
Three people mentioned they would like to make a presentation at a high school.
Barb Philbrick, Amy Voigt, and Beth Troy.
1. Committee Highlights Since January 2007
- Recruited one new volunteer (Sarah Burke) to co-chair committee with Jeanette
- Began developing scholarship application and related materials
- Began developing academic program contacts database
2. Committee Goals for Fall 2007
- Finish academic program contacts database
- Finalize scholarship guidelines, application, and promotional materials
- Seek out volunteers to be scholarship judges
- Reach out to area technical communication-related programs to introduce them to STC and our chapter, for example, CSU’s certificate programs in science writing and technical writing and Kent State’s information architecture and knowledge management program
- Research the feasibility of and interest in starting a chapter academic outreach program to universities and high schools; program would focus on educating students about technical communication and attending career fairs (base program on the Central Ohio chapter’s Speakers’ Bureau)
3. Questions for the Board
- Is anyone interested in serving as a scholarship committee judge? Any suggestions for how to recruit judges?
- To encourage more students to apply (and to make the scholarship award more valuable to the awardee), the committee would like to offer one $1000 scholarship (versus the $500 already budgeted for). Would the board consider increasing our line item to $1000?
Monday, August 13, 2007
CMA-Oct.19
Title:
Modern Masters Members Preview
Date:
Friday, October 19, 2007
Time:
7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Calendar:
(saved in multiple calendars)
Contact:
Mary Wheelock
Location:
North Lobby, Special Exhibition Space
Complete Description:
Reception and preview of the Modern Masters exhibition for CMA members.Please contact the Membership office at 216-707-2268 for further details.
Modern Masters Members Preview
Date:
Friday, October 19, 2007
Time:
7 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Calendar:
(saved in multiple calendars)
Contact:
Mary Wheelock
Location:
North Lobby, Special Exhibition Space
Complete Description:
Reception and preview of the Modern Masters exhibition for CMA members.Please contact the Membership office at 216-707-2268 for further details.
Friday, August 10, 2007
zoo update
The new baby rhino recently tipped the scales just under 200 pounds. Zuri, the Zoo's black rhino calf was born to mother Inge and father Jimma just after midnight on July 11. She received her name thanks to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's ongoing "My Name Is?" promotion with Fox 8. The name chosen by online voters was Zuri, Swahili for "beautiful."
Make sure your old phonebook is recycled by taking part in the 15th annual Phone Book Recycling Campaign, June 1 through August 31, 2007.
Individuals and businesses can recycle outdated phone books at the following 12 Cleveland Metroparks locations, including the Zoo:
Bedford Reservation:
Shawnee Hills Golf Course, 18753 Egbert Road, Bedford
Big Creek Reservation:
Snow Road Picnic Area, Big Creek Parkway, Parma Heights
Brecksville Reservation:
Sleepy Hollow Golf Course, 9445 Brecksville Road, Brecksville
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo:
Hippo Parking Lot, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
Euclid Creek Reservation:
Kelley Picnic Area, Euclid Creek Parkway, South Euclid
Garfield Park Reservation:
Garfield Park Nature Center, Mill Creek Lane, Garfield Heights
Huntington Reservation:
Overflow Parking Lot, Lake Road, Bay Village
Mill Stream Run Reservation:
Bonnie Park Picnic Area, Valley Parkway, Strongsville
North Chagrin Reservation:
North Chagrin Nature Center, Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Mayfield Village
Make sure your old phonebook is recycled by taking part in the 15th annual Phone Book Recycling Campaign, June 1 through August 31, 2007.
Individuals and businesses can recycle outdated phone books at the following 12 Cleveland Metroparks locations, including the Zoo:
Bedford Reservation:
Shawnee Hills Golf Course, 18753 Egbert Road, Bedford
Big Creek Reservation:
Snow Road Picnic Area, Big Creek Parkway, Parma Heights
Brecksville Reservation:
Sleepy Hollow Golf Course, 9445 Brecksville Road, Brecksville
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo:
Hippo Parking Lot, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland
Euclid Creek Reservation:
Kelley Picnic Area, Euclid Creek Parkway, South Euclid
Garfield Park Reservation:
Garfield Park Nature Center, Mill Creek Lane, Garfield Heights
Huntington Reservation:
Overflow Parking Lot, Lake Road, Bay Village
Mill Stream Run Reservation:
Bonnie Park Picnic Area, Valley Parkway, Strongsville
North Chagrin Reservation:
North Chagrin Nature Center, Buttermilk Falls Parkway, Mayfield Village
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Thursday, August 2, 2007
aaa, eurorail
http://www.raileurope.ca/canada/index.htm
London to Paris 257 miles
Paris to Cologne 316 miles
http://www.raileurope.com/
Lyndhurst Office5356 Mayfield RdLyndhurst, OH 44124-2458Phone: 440-473-0700Hours: 8:30 am-6pm T-F, 9:30am-4pm S
Solon Office34050 Solon RdSolon, OH 44139-2664Phone: 440-248-9000Hours: 8:30am-6pm M-F, 9:30-1:30 S
Strongsville Office17220 Royalton RdStrongsville, OH 44136Phone: 440-783-3395Hours: 8:30am-6pm M-F, 9:30am-1:30pm S
Westlake OfficePromenade at Westlake30235 Detroit RdWestlake, OH 44145-1948Phone: 440-788-3102Hours: 8:30am-6pm M-F, 9:30-1:30 S
Kollander World Travel971 East 185th StCleveland, OH 44119-3001Phone: 216-692-1000Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm M-F(Travel Services Only)
AAA Travel Reservation Center Phone: 888-222-2484 Hours: 8:30am-8:00pm M-F, 11:00am-4:00pm SS(Northeast Ohio only)
London to Paris 257 miles
Paris to Cologne 316 miles
http://www.raileurope.com/
Lyndhurst Office5356 Mayfield RdLyndhurst, OH 44124-2458Phone: 440-473-0700Hours: 8:30 am-6pm T-F, 9:30am-4pm S
Solon Office34050 Solon RdSolon, OH 44139-2664Phone: 440-248-9000Hours: 8:30am-6pm M-F, 9:30-1:30 S
Strongsville Office17220 Royalton RdStrongsville, OH 44136Phone: 440-783-3395Hours: 8:30am-6pm M-F, 9:30am-1:30pm S
Westlake OfficePromenade at Westlake30235 Detroit RdWestlake, OH 44145-1948Phone: 440-788-3102Hours: 8:30am-6pm M-F, 9:30-1:30 S
Kollander World Travel971 East 185th StCleveland, OH 44119-3001Phone: 216-692-1000Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm M-F(Travel Services Only)
AAA Travel Reservation Center Phone: 888-222-2484 Hours: 8:30am-8:00pm M-F, 11:00am-4:00pm SS(Northeast Ohio only)
Blackle.com
Blackle was created by Heap Media to remind us all of the need to take small steps in our everyday lives to save energy. Blackle searches are powered by Google Custom Search.
Blackle saves energy because the screen is predominantly black. "Image displayed is primarily a function of the user's color settings and desktop graphics, as well as the color and size of open application windows; a given monitor requires more power to display a white (or light) screen than a black (or dark) screen." Roberson et al, 2002
In January 2007 a blog post titled Black Google Would Save 750 Megawatt-hours a Year proposed the theory that a black version of the Google search engine would save a fair bit of energy due to the popularity of the search engine. Since then there has been skepticism about the significance of the energy savings that can be achieved and the cost in terms of readability of black web pages.
We believe that there is value in the concept because even if the energy savings are small, they all add up. Secondly we feel that seeing Blackle every time we load our web browser reminds us that we need to keep taking small steps to save energy.
How can you help?
We encourage you to set Blackle as your home page ( set ). This way every time you load your Internet browser you will save a little bit of energy. Remember every bit counts! You will also be reminded about the need to save energy each time you see the Blackle page load.
Help us spread the word about Blackle by telling your friends and family to set it as their home page. If you have a blog then give us a mention. Or put the following text in your email signature: "Blackle.com - Saving energy one search at a time".
There are a lot of great web sites about saving energy and being more environmentally friendly. They are full of great tips covering the little things that we can all do to make a difference today. Try Blackling "energy saving tips" or visit treehugger.com a great blog dedicated to environmental awareness.
Blackle saves energy because the screen is predominantly black. "Image displayed is primarily a function of the user's color settings and desktop graphics, as well as the color and size of open application windows; a given monitor requires more power to display a white (or light) screen than a black (or dark) screen." Roberson et al, 2002
In January 2007 a blog post titled Black Google Would Save 750 Megawatt-hours a Year proposed the theory that a black version of the Google search engine would save a fair bit of energy due to the popularity of the search engine. Since then there has been skepticism about the significance of the energy savings that can be achieved and the cost in terms of readability of black web pages.
We believe that there is value in the concept because even if the energy savings are small, they all add up. Secondly we feel that seeing Blackle every time we load our web browser reminds us that we need to keep taking small steps to save energy.
How can you help?
We encourage you to set Blackle as your home page ( set ). This way every time you load your Internet browser you will save a little bit of energy. Remember every bit counts! You will also be reminded about the need to save energy each time you see the Blackle page load.
Help us spread the word about Blackle by telling your friends and family to set it as their home page. If you have a blog then give us a mention. Or put the following text in your email signature: "Blackle.com - Saving energy one search at a time".
There are a lot of great web sites about saving energy and being more environmentally friendly. They are full of great tips covering the little things that we can all do to make a difference today. Try Blackling "energy saving tips" or visit treehugger.com a great blog dedicated to environmental awareness.
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Web 2.0, conference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2
Web 2.0 is a phrase popularied by the first Web 2.0 conference in 2004. It refer sto a second generation of web-based servies such as wikis which facilitate collaboration and sharing.
O'Reilly Media titled a series of conferences around the phrase, and it has since become widely adopted.
The term does not refer to an update to Web technical specifications, but to changes in the ways people use the web as a platform.
According to Tim O'Rielly who coined the term, "Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform."
Some technology experts, notably Tim Berners-Lee, have questioned whether one can use the term in a meaningful way, since many of the technology components of "Web 2.0" have existed since the early days of the Web. Tim Berners-Lee, according to wikipedia, is the inventor of the World Wide Web and director of the WWW Consortium.
Session Speakers
Scott Abel ("The Content Wrangler"), Content Management ProfessionalsTopic: Understanding Web 2.0 and Its Impact on Technical Communication
The Semantic Web is coming. And it's bringing with it major changes to the way we create, manage, deliver, consume, and share technical information. In this session we'll examine how Web 2.0 tools and technologies are changing the technical communication landscape. Discover how Web 2.0 methods make it possible for us to deliver “content as a service” and to empower our customers to slice and dice technical content in useful and exciting new ways.
Our Closing Speaker, Scott Abel is a content management strategist and structured content evangelist, whose strengths lie in helping organizations improve the way they author, maintain, publish, and archive their information assets. Scott's website, TheContentWrangler.com, is a popular online resource for technical writers with an interest in content management. A founding member of Content Management Professionals (www.cmpros.org), Scott currently serves as Executive Director of the organization. In his free time, he runs several technical communication industry conferences, including the Documentation and Training conference series (http://www.doctrain.com/).
Lisa Adair, Rockwell AutomationKelly Graham, Rockwell AutomationTopic: Growing and Managing a Formal Editing Process
Lisa Adair and Kelly Graham are editors at Rockwell Automation, where they manage the workload of 19 developers, spread over 7 locations. For our Conference, they will explain how they manage projects, track metrics, and edit with one voice.
Lisa has 12 years of technical writing experience. She joined STC in 1994, and since then has won an STC Award of Excellence in the Northeast Ohio STC Technical Publications Competition and judged in the NEO-STC Technical Publications Competition. Lisa has presented at annual STC conferences.
Kelly has 18 years of technical writing experience. An STC member since 1990, Kelly's service includes Northeast Ohio chapter president, assistant to the Region 4 director-sponsor, as well as a judge for the international and chapter competitions. Kelly has won several STC awards for publication competitions.
Keiran Dunne Ph.D, Kent State UniversityTopic: Bridging the Gap between Authoring and Translation
Dr. Kieran Dunne will discuss the compelling rationale for integrating authoring and translation in terms of cost, risk, quality, and time to market.
Dr. Dunne is Assistant Professor of French at the Institute for Applied Linguistics at Kent State University since 2000. He has been working on authoring and translation for about 3 years. He has presented at national and international conferences and has extensive experience as a localization subcontractor for corporate clients. Dr. Dunne is developing a textbook on computer-assisted translation and localization.
Richard Hodgkinson, ISO JTC 1 SC7/WG2 RepresentativeTopic: International Standards for Software Documentation
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7/WG 2 (Software & Systems Documentation) is currently revising its suite of published standards to address specific audiences, namely: Designers & Developers, Managers, Acquirers & Suppliers, and Testers & Assessors. This presentation will describe the workings of WG 2, its standards, and how YOU can get involved.
An International ISO expert, Richard Hodgkinson is a Fellow of the UK Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC) and writes regular articles on standards for their quarterly journal, the Communicator. He is also a member of the British Computer Society Disability Group. In 2004, the ISTC presented him with the Horace Hockley award for promoting the use of documentation standards.
For 34 years, Richard worked at the IBM software development laboratory at Hursley Park, Winchester (United Kingdom). His responsibilities included the visual design of software interfaces and icons, the laboratory focal point for software accessibility, and representing the IBM Corporation as a UK or Swedish expert on four ISO committees developing international standards for icons and symbols, pen gestures, software documentation, and software accessibility. He also served as project editor for ten published ISO and ISO/IEC standards.
Since 1998 he has participated in ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7/WG 2 (Software and Systems Documentation) as PUKE (Principal UK Expert) and editor, taking over the role of Convenor in 2003.
Since leaving IBM in 2004, Richard has continued his participation in standards development and has joined US IT accessibility consultancy, TecAccess. He has also worked for the European Telecommunications Standards Institute in Sophia Antipolis in France, and is currently working on projects for the UK Royal National Institute for the Blind and New Zealand software company, Kiwiplan.
Alan Houser, Group Wellesley, Inc.Topic: The Darwin Information Typing Architecture: What it means for technical communicators
Take a look at one of the hottest topics in our field: the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). DITA was designed to meet today's increasingly complex demands on technical publishing. What can you learn from DITA, and should you consider using it?
Alan Houser has more than a decade of experience in technical writing and publishing. Alan is president of Group Wellesley, Inc., a Pittsburgh, PA-based company that provides authoring, content management, and workflow services to technology-oriented businesses. Alan has an M.A. in Professional Writing from the Carnegie Mellon University, and is also an Adobe Certified Expert in FrameMaker and Acrobat, an Adobe Certified Instructor, and a member of the exclusive Adobe Community Experts program. He is a voting member of the OASIS DITA Technical Committee and is an Associate Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication.
Neil Perlin, Hyper/Word Services (two presentations)Topic: Structured Authoring Without FrameMaker or DITA
Structured authoring is a hot topic but, outside the structured FrameMaker and DITA worlds, there's a lot of uncertainty about even what it is. This session presents three definitions that don't involve structured FrameMaker or DITA, explains how to pick one, and lists some supporting technologies and methodologies.
Topic: Creating Visual Training Using Captivate
Captivate can quickly, easily, and inexpensively create movies, interactive simulations, even complex eLearning, for training for software and HR soft skills, among other subjects. This session introduces Captivate major features and describes why the tool is becoming competitive with more powerful but more expensive and complex mainstream eLearning tools.
Neil Perlin has 28 years experience in technical communication. In 1990, Neil formed his own consulting firm, Hyper/Word Services of Tewksbury, MA. Neil writes about online documentation and is a popular speaker for the STC and other professional groups. Neil is Madcap Certified for Flare, and Adobe Certified for RoboHelp and Captivate. He provides training, consulting, and development for online content methodologies such as structured authoring and single sourcing, related technologies such as XML, and related tools such as Flare, RoboHelp, Mimic, and Captivate.
Annette D. Reilly, ISO JTC 1 SC7/WG2 RepresentativeTopic: Xtreme Management for Technical Communication
Technical communication managers find extreme conditions affect their critical projects today: managing international virtual teams, managing technical staff outside our profession, and becoming systems managers. Practical pointers and guidance from new international standards can help the transition to more effective team management.
Dr. Annette Reilly's experience with Lockheed Martin includes program management, systems engineering and integration, proposals, and information management. Annette is currently Senior Manager of system engineering, security, test and configuration management for Lockheed Martin's Corporate-wide HR/Payroll, Learning Management, and Staffing Management Systems, a CMM Level 5 organization.
In addition to being a past president and Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication, Dr. Reilly is Chair of the Standards Council, coordinating STC's participation in ISO, NISO, IEEE, OASIS, and W3C standards development efforts. She is a Sr. Member, IEEE; a Certified Software Development Professional of the IEEE Computer Society; a PMP, and holds a CIO Certificate in Federal Executive Competencies and MIS.
Dr. Reilly also brings considerable expertise from her involvement as the U.S. Head of Delegation for ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7/WG2, Software and Systems Documentation; Editor, ISO/IEC 15289, content of software life cycle process information products (documentation); Co-Editor, ISO/IEC P26514, Requirements for designers and developers of software user documentation; Convener, ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7/WG22, software and systems engineering vocabulary; Editor for the online ISO/IED 24765; and Working Group Chair of IEEE 1063-2001, Standard for software user documentation.
Thea Teich, Teich Technical and Marketing CommunicationsTopic: When Did Google Become a Verb?: American English as a Moving Target
American English changes fast, so words viewed today as slang or mashed together may appear in dictionaries tomorrow. Plus, technology tests the bounds of terminology and usage, so technical communicators are ever more challenged to ensure that their deliverables are correct, whatever that means. This session explores trends in American English and ways to make usage decisions.
For more than 30 years, Thea Teich has worked in the fields of technical and marketing communications. In 1995, Thea started Teich Technical and Marketing Communications, which offers technical and marketing communications services, including Web content development, indexing, report development, editing, writing, and marketing communications consultation. Thea was president of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) in 2003-2004, immediate past president (2004-2005), 1st vice president (2003-2003), 2nd vice president (2001-2002), regional director (1998-2001), Southwestern Ohio chapter president (1993-1995), and in several other capacities on the chapter level and on Society-level committees. In 2006, she was named an STC Associate Fellow. In 1998, she received an STC Distinguished Chapter Service Award
Russell Ward, Spirent CommunicationsTopic: A Bit of XML To Solve a Boatload of Problems
This session will demonstrate one company's use of a small, internally-developed XML solution to combat content redundancy and improve output, with outstanding results and significant cost savings.
Russell Ward is an experienced technical writer and structured technologies developer. Russ spent many years working with structured content to maximize efficiency in the techcomm environment, both as an employee and as an independent consultant. He is also an experienced trainer and speaks frequently at conferences and other peer events. He has presented at several STC events, including demonstrations and workshops at the annual conference.
Web 2.0 is a phrase popularied by the first Web 2.0 conference in 2004. It refer sto a second generation of web-based servies such as wikis which facilitate collaboration and sharing.
O'Reilly Media titled a series of conferences around the phrase, and it has since become widely adopted.
The term does not refer to an update to Web technical specifications, but to changes in the ways people use the web as a platform.
According to Tim O'Rielly who coined the term, "Web 2.0 is the business revolution in the computer industry caused by the move to the internet as platform, and an attempt to understand the rules for success on that new platform."
Some technology experts, notably Tim Berners-Lee, have questioned whether one can use the term in a meaningful way, since many of the technology components of "Web 2.0" have existed since the early days of the Web. Tim Berners-Lee, according to wikipedia, is the inventor of the World Wide Web and director of the WWW Consortium.
Session Speakers
Scott Abel ("The Content Wrangler"), Content Management ProfessionalsTopic: Understanding Web 2.0 and Its Impact on Technical Communication
The Semantic Web is coming. And it's bringing with it major changes to the way we create, manage, deliver, consume, and share technical information. In this session we'll examine how Web 2.0 tools and technologies are changing the technical communication landscape. Discover how Web 2.0 methods make it possible for us to deliver “content as a service” and to empower our customers to slice and dice technical content in useful and exciting new ways.
Our Closing Speaker, Scott Abel is a content management strategist and structured content evangelist, whose strengths lie in helping organizations improve the way they author, maintain, publish, and archive their information assets. Scott's website, TheContentWrangler.com, is a popular online resource for technical writers with an interest in content management. A founding member of Content Management Professionals (www.cmpros.org), Scott currently serves as Executive Director of the organization. In his free time, he runs several technical communication industry conferences, including the Documentation and Training conference series (http://www.doctrain.com/).
Lisa Adair, Rockwell AutomationKelly Graham, Rockwell AutomationTopic: Growing and Managing a Formal Editing Process
Lisa Adair and Kelly Graham are editors at Rockwell Automation, where they manage the workload of 19 developers, spread over 7 locations. For our Conference, they will explain how they manage projects, track metrics, and edit with one voice.
Lisa has 12 years of technical writing experience. She joined STC in 1994, and since then has won an STC Award of Excellence in the Northeast Ohio STC Technical Publications Competition and judged in the NEO-STC Technical Publications Competition. Lisa has presented at annual STC conferences.
Kelly has 18 years of technical writing experience. An STC member since 1990, Kelly's service includes Northeast Ohio chapter president, assistant to the Region 4 director-sponsor, as well as a judge for the international and chapter competitions. Kelly has won several STC awards for publication competitions.
Keiran Dunne Ph.D, Kent State UniversityTopic: Bridging the Gap between Authoring and Translation
Dr. Kieran Dunne will discuss the compelling rationale for integrating authoring and translation in terms of cost, risk, quality, and time to market.
Dr. Dunne is Assistant Professor of French at the Institute for Applied Linguistics at Kent State University since 2000. He has been working on authoring and translation for about 3 years. He has presented at national and international conferences and has extensive experience as a localization subcontractor for corporate clients. Dr. Dunne is developing a textbook on computer-assisted translation and localization.
Richard Hodgkinson, ISO JTC 1 SC7/WG2 RepresentativeTopic: International Standards for Software Documentation
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7/WG 2 (Software & Systems Documentation) is currently revising its suite of published standards to address specific audiences, namely: Designers & Developers, Managers, Acquirers & Suppliers, and Testers & Assessors. This presentation will describe the workings of WG 2, its standards, and how YOU can get involved.
An International ISO expert, Richard Hodgkinson is a Fellow of the UK Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC) and writes regular articles on standards for their quarterly journal, the Communicator. He is also a member of the British Computer Society Disability Group. In 2004, the ISTC presented him with the Horace Hockley award for promoting the use of documentation standards.
For 34 years, Richard worked at the IBM software development laboratory at Hursley Park, Winchester (United Kingdom). His responsibilities included the visual design of software interfaces and icons, the laboratory focal point for software accessibility, and representing the IBM Corporation as a UK or Swedish expert on four ISO committees developing international standards for icons and symbols, pen gestures, software documentation, and software accessibility. He also served as project editor for ten published ISO and ISO/IEC standards.
Since 1998 he has participated in ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7/WG 2 (Software and Systems Documentation) as PUKE (Principal UK Expert) and editor, taking over the role of Convenor in 2003.
Since leaving IBM in 2004, Richard has continued his participation in standards development and has joined US IT accessibility consultancy, TecAccess. He has also worked for the European Telecommunications Standards Institute in Sophia Antipolis in France, and is currently working on projects for the UK Royal National Institute for the Blind and New Zealand software company, Kiwiplan.
Alan Houser, Group Wellesley, Inc.Topic: The Darwin Information Typing Architecture: What it means for technical communicators
Take a look at one of the hottest topics in our field: the Darwin Information Typing Architecture (DITA). DITA was designed to meet today's increasingly complex demands on technical publishing. What can you learn from DITA, and should you consider using it?
Alan Houser has more than a decade of experience in technical writing and publishing. Alan is president of Group Wellesley, Inc., a Pittsburgh, PA-based company that provides authoring, content management, and workflow services to technology-oriented businesses. Alan has an M.A. in Professional Writing from the Carnegie Mellon University, and is also an Adobe Certified Expert in FrameMaker and Acrobat, an Adobe Certified Instructor, and a member of the exclusive Adobe Community Experts program. He is a voting member of the OASIS DITA Technical Committee and is an Associate Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication.
Neil Perlin, Hyper/Word Services (two presentations)Topic: Structured Authoring Without FrameMaker or DITA
Structured authoring is a hot topic but, outside the structured FrameMaker and DITA worlds, there's a lot of uncertainty about even what it is. This session presents three definitions that don't involve structured FrameMaker or DITA, explains how to pick one, and lists some supporting technologies and methodologies.
Topic: Creating Visual Training Using Captivate
Captivate can quickly, easily, and inexpensively create movies, interactive simulations, even complex eLearning, for training for software and HR soft skills, among other subjects. This session introduces Captivate major features and describes why the tool is becoming competitive with more powerful but more expensive and complex mainstream eLearning tools.
Neil Perlin has 28 years experience in technical communication. In 1990, Neil formed his own consulting firm, Hyper/Word Services of Tewksbury, MA. Neil writes about online documentation and is a popular speaker for the STC and other professional groups. Neil is Madcap Certified for Flare, and Adobe Certified for RoboHelp and Captivate. He provides training, consulting, and development for online content methodologies such as structured authoring and single sourcing, related technologies such as XML, and related tools such as Flare, RoboHelp, Mimic, and Captivate.
Annette D. Reilly, ISO JTC 1 SC7/WG2 RepresentativeTopic: Xtreme Management for Technical Communication
Technical communication managers find extreme conditions affect their critical projects today: managing international virtual teams, managing technical staff outside our profession, and becoming systems managers. Practical pointers and guidance from new international standards can help the transition to more effective team management.
Dr. Annette Reilly's experience with Lockheed Martin includes program management, systems engineering and integration, proposals, and information management. Annette is currently Senior Manager of system engineering, security, test and configuration management for Lockheed Martin's Corporate-wide HR/Payroll, Learning Management, and Staffing Management Systems, a CMM Level 5 organization.
In addition to being a past president and Fellow of the Society for Technical Communication, Dr. Reilly is Chair of the Standards Council, coordinating STC's participation in ISO, NISO, IEEE, OASIS, and W3C standards development efforts. She is a Sr. Member, IEEE; a Certified Software Development Professional of the IEEE Computer Society; a PMP, and holds a CIO Certificate in Federal Executive Competencies and MIS.
Dr. Reilly also brings considerable expertise from her involvement as the U.S. Head of Delegation for ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7/WG2, Software and Systems Documentation; Editor, ISO/IEC 15289, content of software life cycle process information products (documentation); Co-Editor, ISO/IEC P26514, Requirements for designers and developers of software user documentation; Convener, ISO/IEC JTC1/SC7/WG22, software and systems engineering vocabulary; Editor for the online ISO/IED 24765; and Working Group Chair of IEEE 1063-2001, Standard for software user documentation.
Thea Teich, Teich Technical and Marketing CommunicationsTopic: When Did Google Become a Verb?: American English as a Moving Target
American English changes fast, so words viewed today as slang or mashed together may appear in dictionaries tomorrow. Plus, technology tests the bounds of terminology and usage, so technical communicators are ever more challenged to ensure that their deliverables are correct, whatever that means. This session explores trends in American English and ways to make usage decisions.
For more than 30 years, Thea Teich has worked in the fields of technical and marketing communications. In 1995, Thea started Teich Technical and Marketing Communications, which offers technical and marketing communications services, including Web content development, indexing, report development, editing, writing, and marketing communications consultation. Thea was president of the Society for Technical Communication (STC) in 2003-2004, immediate past president (2004-2005), 1st vice president (2003-2003), 2nd vice president (2001-2002), regional director (1998-2001), Southwestern Ohio chapter president (1993-1995), and in several other capacities on the chapter level and on Society-level committees. In 2006, she was named an STC Associate Fellow. In 1998, she received an STC Distinguished Chapter Service Award
Russell Ward, Spirent CommunicationsTopic: A Bit of XML To Solve a Boatload of Problems
This session will demonstrate one company's use of a small, internally-developed XML solution to combat content redundancy and improve output, with outstanding results and significant cost savings.
Russell Ward is an experienced technical writer and structured technologies developer. Russ spent many years working with structured content to maximize efficiency in the techcomm environment, both as an employee and as an independent consultant. He is also an experienced trainer and speaks frequently at conferences and other peer events. He has presented at several STC events, including demonstrations and workshops at the annual conference.
EHM
Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins was a great read both because of the way it is written and the subject itself. My understanding is that it is a true story.
Author John Perkins was employed by a consultant group that worked with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Ecuador to help improve their infrastructure.
Perkins explains that the improvement were often financed through getting loans from an organization such as the World Bank and USAID. The countries, in some cases, would remain in debt, giving the US and contractor organizations great influence and control over the country and its politicians.
The book was published in 2004.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confessions_of_an_Economic_Hit_Man
Author John Perkins was employed by a consultant group that worked with countries such as Saudi Arabia and Ecuador to help improve their infrastructure.
Perkins explains that the improvement were often financed through getting loans from an organization such as the World Bank and USAID. The countries, in some cases, would remain in debt, giving the US and contractor organizations great influence and control over the country and its politicians.
The book was published in 2004.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confessions_of_an_Economic_Hit_Man
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