Quantum simulator

In this photograph of a quantum simulator crystal the ions are fluorescing, indicating the qubits are all in the same state (either "1" or "0"). Under the right experimental conditions, the ion crystal spontaneously forms this nearly perfect triangular lattice structure. Credit: Britton/NIST

Quantum simulators permit the study of quantum systems that are difficult to study in the laboratory and impossible to model with a supercomputer. In this instance, simulators are special purpose devices designed to provide insight about specific physics problems.[1][2][3]

A universal quantum simulator is a quantum computer proposed by Yuri Manin in 1980[4] and Richard Feynman in 1982.[5] Feynman showed that a classical Turing machine would experience an exponential slowdown when simulating quantum phenomena, while his hypothetical universal quantum simulator would not. David Deutsch in 1985, took the ideas further and described a universal quantum computer. In 1996, Seth Lloyd showed that a standard quantum computer can be programmed to simulate any local quantum system efficiently.[6]

A quantum system of many particles is described by a Hilbert space whose dimension is exponentially large in the number of particles. Therefore, the obvious approach to simulate such a system requires exponential time on a classical computer. However, it is conceivable that a quantum system of many particles could be simulated by a quantum computer using a number of quantum bits similar to the number of particles in the original system. As shown by Lloyd, this is true for a class of quantum systems known as local quantum systems. This has been extended to much larger classes of quantum systems.[7][8][9][10]

Quantum simulators have been realized on a number of experimental platforms, including systems of ultracold quantum gases, trapped ions, photonic systems and superconducting circuits. [11]

Solving physics problems

A trapped-ion simulator, built by a team that included the NIST and reported in April 2012, can engineer and control interactions among hundreds of quantum bits (qubits). Previous endeavors were unable to go beyond 30 quantum bits. As described in the scientific journal Nature, the capability of this simulator is 10 times more than previous devices. Also, it has passed a series of important benchmarking tests that indicate a capability to solve problems in material science that are impossible to model on conventional computers.

Furthermore, many important problems in physics, especially low-temperature physics, remain poorly understood because the underlying quantum mechanics is vastly complex. Conventional computers, including supercomputers, are inadequate for simulating quantum systems with as few as 30 particles. Better computational tools are needed to understand and rationally design materials, whose properties are believed to depend on the collective quantum behavior of hundreds of particles.[2][3]

The trapped-ion simulator

Friedenauer et al., adiabatically manipulated 2 spins, showing their separation into ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic states .[12] Kim et al., extended the trapped ion quantum simulator to 3 spins, with global antiferromagnetic Ising interactions featuring frustration and showing the link between frustration and entanglement [13] and Islam et al., used adiabatic quantum simulation to demonstrate the sharpening of a phase transition between paramagnetic and ferromagnetic ordering as the number of spins increased from 2 to 9 .[14] Barreiro et al. created a digital quantum simulator of interacting spins with up to 5 trapped ions by coupling to an open reservoir [15] and Lanyon et al. demonstrated digital quantum simulation with up to 6 ions.[16] Islam, et al., demonstrated adiabatic quantum simulation of the transverse Ising model with variable (long) range interactions with up to 18 trapped ion spins, showing control of the level of spin frustration by adjusting the antiferromagnetic interaction range .[17] Britton, et al. from NIST has experimentally benchmarked Ising interactions in a system of hundreds of qubits for studies of quantum magnetism.[18]

Quantum simulation

Crucially, the simulator can also engineer a second quantum property called entanglement between the qubits, so that even physically well separated particles may be made tightly interconnected.[2][3][19]

See also

  1. Johnson, Tomi H.; Clark, Stephen R.; Jaksch, Dieter (2014). "What is a quantum simulator?". EPJ Quantum Technology. 1 (10). doi:10.1186/epjqt10.
  2. 1 2 3  This article incorporates public domain material from the National Institute of Standards and Technology document "NIST Physicists Benchmark Quantum Simulator with Hundreds of Qubits" by Michael E. Newman. Retrieved on 2013-02-22.
  3. 1 2 3 Britton, Joseph W.; Sawyer, Brian C.; Keith, Adam C.; Wang, C.-C. Joseph; Freericks, James K.; Uys, Hermann; Biercuk, Michael J.; Bollinger, John J. (2012). "Engineered two-dimensional Ising interactions in a trapped-ion quantum simulator with hundreds of spins" (PDF). Nature. 484 (7395): 489–92. arXiv:1204.5789. Bibcode:2012Natur.484..489B. doi:10.1038/nature10981. PMID 22538611. Note: This manuscript is a contribution of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology and is not subject to US copyright.
  5. Feynman, Richard (1982). "Simulating Physics with Computers". International Journal of Theoretical Physics. 21 (6–7): 467–488. Bibcode:1982IJTP...21..467F. doi:10.1007/BF02650179. Retrieved 2007-10-19.
  6. Lloyd, S. (1996). "Universal quantum simulators". Science. 273 (5278): 1073–8. Bibcode:1996Sci...273.1073L. doi:10.1126/science.273.5278.1073. PMID 8688088. Retrieved 2009-07-08.
  7. Dorit Aharonov; Amnon Ta-Shma (2003). "Adiabatic Quantum State Generation and Statistical Zero Knowledge". arXiv:quant-ph/0301023 |class= ignored (help).
  8. Berry, Dominic W.; Graeme Ahokas; Richard Cleve; Sanders, Barry C. (2005). "Efficient quantum algorithms for simulating sparse Hamiltonians". Communications in Mathematical Physics. 270 (2): 359–371. arXiv:quant-ph/0508139. Bibcode:2007CMaPh.270..359B. doi:10.1007/s00220-006-0150-x.
  9. Childs, Andrew M. (2008). "On the relationship between continuous- and discrete-time quantum walk". Communications in Mathematical Physics. 294 (2): 581–603. arXiv:0810.0312. Bibcode:2010CMaPh.294..581C. doi:10.1007/s00220-009-0930-1.
  10. Kliesch, M.; et al. (2011). "Dissipative Quantum Church-Turing Theorem". Physical Review Letters. 107: 120501. arXiv:1105.3986. Bibcode:2011PhRvL.107l0501K. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.120501. PMID 22026760.
  11. 1 2 Nature Physics Insight – Quantum Simulation. Nature.com. April 2012.
  12. Friedenauer, J. T.; et al. (2008). "Simulating a quantum magnet with trapped ions". Nature Physics. 4 (10): 757–761. Bibcode:2008NatPh...4..757F. doi:10.1038/nphys1032.
  13. Kim, K.; et al. (2010). "Quantum simulation of frustrated Ising spins with trapped ions". Nature. 465 (7298): 590–593. Bibcode:2010Natur.465..590K. doi:10.1038/nature09071. PMID 20520708. Retrieved 2011-02-23.
  14. Islam, R.; et al. (2011). "Onset of a quantum phase transition with a trapped ion quantum simulator". Nature Communications. 2 (7): 377. arXiv:1103.2400. Bibcode:2011NatCo...2E.377I. doi:10.1038/ncomms1374. PMID 21730958.
  15. Barreiro, J. T.; et al. (2011). "An Open-System Quantum Simulator with Trapped Ions". Nature. 470 (7335): 486–91. arXiv:1104.1146. Bibcode:2011Natur.470..486B. doi:10.1038/nature09801. PMID 21350481.
  16. Lanyon, B. P.; et al. (2011). "Universal Digital Quantum Simulation with Trapped Ions". Science. 334 (6052): 57–61. arXiv:1109.1512. Bibcode:2011Sci...334...57L. doi:10.1126/science.1208001. PMID 21885735.
  17. Islam, R.; et al. (2013). "Emergence and Frustration of Magnetism with Variable-Range Interactions in a Quantum Simulator". Science. 340 (6132): 583–587. arXiv:1210.0142. Bibcode:2013Sci...340..583I. doi:10.1126/science.1232296. PMID 23641112.
  18. Britton, J.W.; et al. (2012). "Engineered two-dimensional Ising interactions in a trapped-ion quantum simulator with hundreds of spins". Nature. 484: 489–492. arXiv:1204.5789. Bibcode:2012Natur.484..489B. doi:10.1038/nature10981. PMID 22538611. Retrieved 2012-04-28.
  19. 1 2 Cirac, J. Ignacio; Zoller, Peter (2012). "Goals and opportunities in quantum simulation" (PDF). Nature Physics. 8 (4): 264–266. Bibcode:2012NatPh...8..264C. doi:10.1038/nphys2275.


How I Became An Expert on Activities

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Lexington Escape Rooms: A Guide

Every individual have their own choice of game that suits their taste, ability, and interest.

It does not follow order of age, gender, or availability as long as playing is done in order to make one feel energized, challenged, and satisfied. Mastery and confidence in playing a game will depend on the person since it is a fact that one usually plays a game he knows he is good at the least. Some will opt to go with the normal board games, typical physical games, and the likes. Still, some people are more adventurous, more into a physical and mental activity that sharpens the mind and body. Some others would even consider playing games as a good way to distress.

Lexington today is famous with a place that offers a game called Escape Game Lexington. It is a reality game where the goal is to find a way out of a locked room within the given time limit. The players are given an approximately 60 second to crack codes, solve puzzles, and follow clues to escape the adventure of their choice.

Escape Game Lexington is definitely for people that love mysteries and are up to its grueling challenges. The tricks and puzzles in each Escape Room Lexington are created meticulously to ensure interest and drive to unravel the mystery engulfed in the storyline. All the clues that lie within are connected one to another that will lead to the freedom to escape.

There are several adventure rooms that you can choose from and to name a few rooms that Escape Game Lexington has are Shock and Awe, Time Bomb, The Kidnapping, Hostage and many more. The room choice will depend as well with how daring the players are and how confident they are with their tactics in solving mysteries. From those that had the firsthand experience in playing the game, they are comfortable with the ambiance of the place and the great experience all throughout.

The games are exciting and keep the players interested and there is never a dull moment. It’s a good time to share ideas, skills, and tactics with others and feel the fulfillment later from being successful in solving a puzzle.

No need to worry about being unsafe in each room challenge because everything is secured and safety of every person is guaranteed. Everyone need not worry about the need for precautionary measures in cases of accidents and the likes as all the staff are attentive and are always on the lookout.

Suggested Article: Your Domain Name


Monday, July 29, 2013

What do CEO’s care about ERP?

Today is no different than yesterday, nor will tomorrow be different.  CEO’s have a lot on their mind.  Vision of the future, productivity, profit, competition.  How will my organization “get-it” and work as hard as I do?  How do empower them?  Are my people interested in a pay check or succeeding?

Do they believe in me, in my vision?

Will my shareholders support my vision of the future?

How do I make management care about our market share and stock price?

Do I care which Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution we use or do I care how well we service our customers, grow our market share and provide value to our stock holders and owners?

Does my management team care about the company’s stock value?  Do they have a monetary interest in the company?  Too often they forget that stock means ownership.  How do I make management understand that their job is to produce gains for the shareholders?  Although a manager has little or no direct control of share price in the short run, poor stock performance could, over the long run, be attributed to mismanagement of the company.

Successful organizations know that if you care about the growth and prosperity of your company, that your primary focal point has to be that your customers come first and foremost.  All the best bells and whistles mean nothing, if at the end of the day they do not drive efficiency in your organization to the point that you can service your customers better.

Who purchases your products?

To move forward it helps to document your challenges and identify metrics by which you can measure change.  This might be something simple like implementing an automated pick-pack-ship process that allows you to track and identify lag areas in between the actual picking, packing and shipment processing.  Why is it taking so long to pick orders?  Can the warehouse be better organized to minimize travel to pick the most popular items?  Can the pick list be sorted in the order of the products in the warehouse?  Would it be more efficient to bulk pick orders, stage and then sort or is it better to pick individual orders?  Why does “Joe” take twice as long to pick an order?

Time is a commodity of which we all have the same allotment.

Managing lost, non-productive time is one definitive way to increase productivity.  To do this, an organization first needs to set this as a priority and then look to their current resources to see if it has the tools needed to track and measure results.  Most ERP solutions have both direct and indirect time tracking capabilities.

Workforce management is just one of many components to building a productive enterprise.

Communication both internally with employees and externally with the supply chain and customers is another critical function in productivity and ultimately customer service.  ERP systems that are properly implemented have the functions and features to enable better data collection and communication between all business entities.

An organized environment where everyone knows what they are supposed to do and which is reflected in a centralized system provides management the information they need in a time frame they need it to make better and quicker decisions.

An environment where management has the information to make key decisions is the foundation for less frustration and savings.

Do your employees provide feedback, do you have a system for them to provide feedback?  What good are your plans, if no one understands them and how they can be implemented?  By establishing key metrics and implementing automation in stages you enable management to go after tasks that are inefficient and pull waste from those functions.  These are the building blocks to lean processing.  Tracking, measuring and reporting needs to become a philosophy in your organization.

Acknowledge your customer’s issues.  Treat them like you would like to be treated.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software solutions should be based on understanding the real business needs.  The solutions can be found if you know what you are trying to solve and what you want to achieve.

What is the CEO’s vision of the future?

If you are considering a new ERP solution or updates to an existing one, you need to determine if any of the proposed features and functions are related to the challenges you are trying solve?  They could be nice features, but do they enable you to provide better customer service (who buys your products?).

Perhaps you would like to move to a newer, more feature rich accounting solution, but your ERP solution is still satisfying the needs of your organization and since you are continuing to grow, you do not want to disrupt the business by replacing it.  The very thing that attracted you to your solution is now holding you back.  Because it is tightly integrated, you cannot just replace a single module without replacing the whole thing.

No software is a solution to poor management or business practices.

Function/Feature is not nearly as important as Challenge/Solution.  Just ask yourself which impacts the bottom line quickest.

A fully integrated and implemented system enables better business planning activities, which include financial planning, procurement, logistics, supply chain and customer service.  Happy customers mean better profits.

Customer Service To-Do list focal points:

1. Keep your existing customers happy and you will have a strong business.

2. Concentrate on providing value, not hype, to find new customers.

3. People learn about you by using the Internet, so keep your website updated.

4. Deliver what your customers want, not what you think is good.

5. Planning is good, but implementation is better.

Dolvin Consulting works.  We work to help you help yourself.  We are not here to take up residency in your organization. We are here to help you identify challenges in your operations and customer service and find solutions that address those challenges through Enterprise Solutions.  Contact us, today, to see how we can help.  That is why we are here.  To serve.

Monday, July 22, 2013

E-Commerce and ERP Solutions

“Should we choose an eCommerce system to fit our ERP system, or an ERP system to fit our eCommerce system?”  So went the online post for help.  Like so many posts before it, the real answer will only reveal itself once the homework is done.

I know what I would do, but the choice is not up to me.

A number of years ago someone figured out that a company might be able to generate revenue by utilizing the Internet.  For a long time, way before the Internet was available to the public, companies understood that automation and integration were key components in lowering costs.  Over time creative people came up with ways to integrate technology to improve efficiencies, enough so that some business operations are now molded around available technologies.

An almost universal question that must be answered by organizations evaluating software solutions is how much will I change my operating procedures to match the software capabilities or how much will we modify the software to match our operations.

The answers run from one extreme to the other.

What we look for is a closer match of software to business than the reverse.  It means that the software is the right choice.  The Solution provider understands your business and has made the customizations for you.  That is why you pay them or should is I say what you pay them for.

It is not that a company cannot completely modify a solution to match their operations, however, that is essentially custom software and most organizations want to move away from that type of solution.  Granted it meets all of your business needs, but the problem is that it tends to isolate you from industry change.  This isolation either leads to falling behind or means that you have to invest in extra staff to keep current.

No business operates alone and should not look for a solution that furthers the divide.

There are exceptions.  Of course, it is possible that your organization is completely unique, operates like no other and therefore you need a completely custom solution.  If their products are in demand and no one else produces them, they have a monopoly and since there is demand, then it may make sense.  However, the vast majority of those so egotistical have not taken the time to see how the technology industry has transformed the way it interacts with their demand.

It is more likely that that there were no solutions years ago and that company had to develop their own.  They were industry leaders at the time.  Regardless, how will they keep up with change?

This applies to the Ecommerce versus ERP question that we started out with.

I am sure that a lot of work went into the web site.  They may have finally got all the pieces to work.  Well, except for the integration with the back end.  The ecommerce solution may be working so well that what once worked at one business level, just simply cannot keep up with the new higher demand.

Sound familiar?

This company came up with a custom solution to meet a current and growing need.  It worked really well.  Business grew.  Grew so well, that they grew right out of their custom solution.  Now they have to decide to scale back the business, invest in more manpower to increase the integration and accommodate the growth or invest in a new solution, throw some or all of the existing solution out and then move forward.

How many steps backwards does this organization now have to take, because they isolated their technology solution?

It is like climbing a ladder up a building only to realize they are climbing the wrong building.  Depending on a lot of information that we do not have, it is possible that they may just need a bigger ladder.  Of course you have figure out what that new ladder will rest on.  Will they have to climb all the way down and then start climbing once again and hope the ladder is big enough this time?

There is no substitution for full integration.

That does not mean to say that everyone can afford all the bells and whistles on an initial purchase, however, does the solution provider you are considering have a solution for what you will likely need in the future?  Do they have a growth plan available?  What are your choices when the growth of your operations necessitates more horsepower in your systems and transactional processing?  Will you have to throw everything out or can you add more resources?

Changing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution is a lot like open heart surgery without any anesthesia.  It is painful.  No doubt, but afterwards you are grateful for the change.  Low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) contributes to a higher Return on Investment (ROI) and inevitably the right solution pays for itself.

My answer to the question is the same answer to any new solution.

Invest in an ERP solution that is designed for growth and can add features and modules directly or from vetted third-party solutions when your business needs them.  Do not throw away the development in the Ecommerce solution.  No need to throw the baby out with the bath water.  Concentrate on integrating the front end of the current web site with the existing backend web constructs that exist and are fully integrated with a new ERP solution.  Over time, when it makes sense, consider the ramifications of moving completely over to the ERP offering.

ERP solutions work best when you let them do what they are designed to do.

Integrate the Enterprise.  The more integrated, the higher the operational efficiencies, cost reductions and increase profit potential.

ERP solutions are not a substitute, or fix, for bad management, however, good management has the potential to be great with the right solution.

Dolvin Consulting works with midsized manufacturers, distributors and specialty retailers to help them streamline their computer operations, reduce costs, and increase profits.  Those organizations typically struggle with warehouse and inventory control issues, have outgrown manual processing or are frustrated with the constant flux in technology and have lost the ability to keep current.

Please contact us today to see how we can help you identify and address the challenges that hold you back.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Complete ERP Solution

What are people saying about your Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution?  Does it improve your bottom line results by leveraging the latest technologies?  Can it run on-site (on premise) or in the Cloud to meet your needs?  Is it an all-in-one solution?  After all is that not what an “Enterprise” solution is supposed to do?  Do your people have anytime anywhere access to the information they need to make intelligent decisions and to get their work done?

Does innovation in your ERP solution accelerate your results?

Video quotes and thoughts:

·         I am a better manager with my employees.  I can clearly see what they are doing.  I never have to wonder if they are working.

o   Productivity improved.  More accurate and on time shipments to your customers.

·         Efficiencies have gone up 47%.

o   This is a key component on making a decision to implement or switch an ERP solution.  To drive efficiencies.  Increased efficiency means lower costs and better profits.  What are they doing with that increase in efficiency?

·         My team is better prepared.

o   Success lives in the details.  The better prepared your team is, the better they are able to handle customer challenges and provide great customer service.

·         Everything went off without a hitch.

o   Great planning and experience from the solution provider which took the time to understand the challenges and impact the solution could bring to make the transition as painless as possible.  Does your ERP provider care about you?

·         Very good forecasting package.

o   Better planning means better operation.  Being able to plan well helps to drive efficiencies.  Having the information and knowing what to do with it is key.  Do you think that a better forecast would lead to better on hand inventory and better customer service?

·         Increase sales volume.

o   Whatever your particular threshold, doing more sales means you are likely running more efficiently and you are delivering great customer service.  There is some reason why the customer are purchasing more.

·         Nothing compares to the Power Systems reliability.

o   Concentrate on your business and customers, not the system it is running on.  One really important consideration about the equipment your solution runs on.  More time for customer service!

·         We were guaranteed speed and uptime.

o   You cannot keep your customers happy, market your product, or compete effectively, if the system you are relying on does not work.  A fast system is nice, but worthless if it is not up and running.  There is a big difference between up and available.  Which do you think your customers prefer?

·         Likes the process as it helps to develop corporate relationships.

o   Of course, people do business with people they like, first and foremost.  That is why a system with integrated functions helps to develop and nurture relationships.  Those relationships lead to more business and happier customers.

·         Flexible ad-hoc reporting.

o   Built in reports are a nice asset.  Many times ERP systems either have too much or too little information or the information is there, but not in a way that is easily digested.   The ability to see “what-if” and the ability to put that power in the hands of end users is empowering.  What higher level of customer service could you achieve with the right information at your finger tips.

·         The Warehouse Management System (WMS) enables to us to know exactly where every case is located and how many we have.

o   Inventory accuracy is a key component in any system.  Finding the inventory is really important.  On time, accurate shipments, replenishment ordering, labor efficiency are just a few benefits.  From a customer perspective – did I receive what I ordered when it was promised?

·         We are informed about our customers.

o   How do you feel when you purchase and the supplier knows who you are, what you purchased in the past, your buying habits, your budget, what you like and what you do not?  Do you feel special?  Do you feel that they care?  What did they just do to keep you as a happy customer?  Would you want your customers to feel that way about you?

·         Multiplatform coexistence.

o   All in one systems are a great asset and help to drive efficiency, however, there are many legitimate reasons that organizations may have a need for more than one system.  When those systems work together, then you can concentrate your time and budget on what matters most (customers).

·         Our service level is second to none.

o   On time, accurate production and delivery.  Sufficient, but not excessive inventory levels.  Reduced overhead, better planning.  Who benefits?

·         Saturday cashier levels dropped from 4-5 to 2 or 3 people.

o   Reduce labor costs, more efficiency, quicker customer checkout.  Redeployed labor to areas in greater need.  Win-win.

·         We stopped having to look else ware.

o   The solution does what it says it will.  Our ERP supplier not only promised, but delivered.  Our operations are better.  Our customers are happier.  We are happier.  Finally.  A supplier that treats its customers how they like to treat their customers.

Any solution should not only drive efficiency to lower costs, but should have the net effect of delivering the best possible customer service possible.  No one has an unlimited budget.  So Return on Investment (ROI) is important.  Any organization that invests in itself wants to feel comfortable that they made wise decisions.

How your ERP solution provider treats you is an indicator of how you treat or would like to treat your customers.  How well do you stack up?  How happy are your customers?  When was the last time you asked them?  Have any given you a referral (with or without you asking for one)?

Each time I watch this video I see and hear another aspect of this particular ERP solution and I look to see how that highlighted feature, module or solution better enables that company to serve their customers.   Take three minutes now and go watch it again:

What would the net effect of an investment like this one have on internal operations and personnel?  Will it enable them to achieve better levels of service to their organization and their customers?

At Dolvin Consulting we like solutions that achieve the same high level of standards to which we hold ourselves.  Contact us today to see how we can help you help your customers.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Technology is Too Important for the Business not to be Involved

This statement is exactly the point that should resonate with business owners.  With the recent publicity of the Internet Cloud services, everyone’s focus seems to be there.  There are a great number of benefits for Cloud services, storage, collaboration, and operations, but there has to be a business driver to make the changes.

Cloud or not, any investment in technology should have a driver that will provide a reasonable Return on Investment (ROI).  The recent fiscal crisis focused on cutting costs and increasing efficiencies.  Budgets were and still are very tight, so there needs to be business driver to make changes.  What is good for the business?  What will allow us to compete more effectively?  How can we use technology to empower our people to open and serve new markets?

In years past, the Technology Department in a corporation reported directly under the Finance department and was used to tabulate numbers for financial reporting.  Technology has evolved through time to the point where it is fully integrated in our lifestyles.  All you have to do to verify this is stop walking or whatever you are doing for a minute and look around.  People are stuck in their phones, tablets, and laptop computers.  Used to be at a luncheon if you saw someone bowed, they were giving thanks, now more than likely, they are checking their email.

Everyone is a technology user today.

This shift in technology from the glass room to people’s hands has changed the view of how technology should be used in business.  The shift is not only in the technology itself, but also includes the business.  The Internet and related technologies has leveled the competition plane enough so that companies from one to twenty or more now have access to tools and technology that keeps them connected and competitive.  Smaller companies are more agile and can make a technology shift and adopt new technologies much more quickly than large organizations.

Regardless of company size, executives want and need their phones, email, messaging, and applications in their hand, available when they need it, on their schedule.

This transition is not a blanket resolution to say that Information Technology Departments have no role in the decision process, it is more a reflection that they themselves are taking on different roles.  Solutions are being driven by the business demands and technology is looked at to deliver the solution.

One note of caution for the early adopters is the more separate systems that are implemented either on premise or hosted in the Cloud, the greater the burden on the transfer of information and an exponential growth for errors.  This is no small issue.  Every time humans are involved, the more humans involved, the greater the potential for errors.

The prevalence of new technologies eventually leads to consolidation at some point.  Multiple suppliers offering almost identical products and services.  It is a trend repeated throughout history.  The only difference today is that it can take a lot less time for products and services to transition.  Adopting new technologies quickly can give a boost to a company, however, that new technology may also be replaced tomorrow or consolidated to another platform.  This can actually destabilize an organization depending on how much that organization relies on the technology.

Public, private, hybrid, large corporation, small supplier, there are a multitude of choices.

What really matters most is customer service.  How well your supplier of services serves you is a reflection of how well you service your customers.  You will naturally be attracted to those that give the same level of service or the level of service you want to deliver.

Nothing is more important than customer service.

A happy customer refers others to you.  A happy customer returns and buys more stuff.  A happy customer pays your bills.  We all need happy customers.

There is a lot of use of social media to get a consensus of what works and what does not.  Industries are the same and yet each organization struggles at different points along the path to success.  This is where a trusted advisor can help.  The advisor can take an objective view of the organization and let them see themselves in a new way.  The advisor can narrow the field of many solution providers to a few candidates taking care of the leg work allowing you to concentrate more on your business.

You just cannot make the decision alone.

While true for many technologies, this is especially true of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions.  Given the scope of the change an ERP solution can make for and in an enterprise, it takes correspondingly more effort and diligence to make the right choice.

A lot of time and energy can be invested in trying to upgrade and make work an existing system that was never intended to handle the latest business trend.

Selecting an ERP solution is an educational process.

It requires open dialog so that the solution matches the challenges.  Many sales people call offering solutions to problems that do not exist.  To avoid that, someone needs to be open and honest about areas that could use improvements.  This is where a trusted advisor can help by interfacing your challenges with potential solutions.

Deeper relationships are needed in today’s ever changing world of technology.  An understanding of the role technology plays in an Enterprise is a crucial factor in selecting a trusted advisor and solution provider.

Dolvin Consulting works with industry experts to deliver Enterprise solutions that drive efficiency, reduce costs and increase profitability.  Contact us today to see how we can help you define the challenges that slow your business down and identify potential solutions.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Trial and Error

I have discussed Berk Enterprise in the past.  Still a great company as far as I know and I hope they continue to be successful.  What I find interesting is what points stand out when I take another look at their video.  Each time I see something new.

There are a number of really good points made in their video.  The point(s) that stick are most likely indicators of areas in your organization that could use improvement.  Or areas where you wish you had more comfort.  We tend to focus on our biggest concerns.  And for a good reason.  What do you see and hear?

After thinking about some recent conversations I have had with some prospects and associates lately, this video highlights a consistent theme that I see either lacking or celebrated.  The relationship between the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution provider and the business is really critical.

If budget were not an issue a lot companies would make changes in what they were using and who they worked with.  Most businesses at least want to know that they are doing the best they can with the available resources at their disposal.
Would a new system drive enough efficiency to pay for itself?

Who do you trust?  Does a proven track record matter?  Does the size of the organization providing support matter?  Are they one or two people sitting in a garage?  Are they thousands of employees spread over the globe?  Are they regional and sized big enough to maintain what they have created and develop new modules to meet the changing demands of your industry, yet small enough to take the time to talk with you?  Will they (how will they) help you stay competitive?

Do you have the feeling that you are being left behind?  Have you so modified your systems in an effort to keep up with demand that it takes too many people to keep everything tied together and working?  Are you spending your time on business operations or running your business?  Does your system provide the information you need, in the time frame you need it, to make intelligent decisions?

Do you think it would be wise to ask advice before planting a new tree in your yard?  After all, it might help to know what others have experienced.  How tall and wide will it get, does it require a lot of water, does it need special soil, will it tolerate the seasonal weather change, will it drop leaves, berries, or other debris?  Perhaps there is a reason why that nursery has experts to ask questions and give advice.

A trusted advisor can help span the gap between your organization and an ERP solution provider.

Would having all of your separate operations consolidated in a single system help to drive efficiency?  Would being able to get as much or more information out of your system than you put in it be reason to consider making a change?  Better information, better forecasting, better planning.  Insight.

There is a saying that the teacher appears when the student is ready.

How well would you rate your company’s relationship with your ERP solution provider?  Are they investing in your future?  Do they care?  Are they sincere?  How well do they communicate with your people?  Do they follow through?

Do they listen?

At Dolvin Consulting, we work with you to understand your challenges, what keeps you up at night.  We work with your team to improve the efficiency of your operations with the goal of reducing your costs and increasing profits.  Contact us today to see how we can help.  We do care.  We will listen.  No false promises, just conversation.


Heartland Revival

Revive: Sourdough Starter

Press, ReviveAmber BransonComment

One of my goals this year has been to try making more of my food from scratch and “revive” some skills that have faded with food production and technology. Bread has been at the top of my list for some time so after some research, I set out to catch some wild yeast and make a sourdough starter. I used instructions from Pinch My Salt but added more pineapple juice than called for so that the consistency matched more of what her photos showed. I would say it worked! I was unable to make bread right away from the starter so I put it in the fridge and plan on baking this weekend.

I also wanted to say a few words about me making bread in general. I do not have celiac disease and have no gluten intolerance so luckily for me, I am able to enjoy bread from time to time. My business is primarily Health Coaching and while bread is not usually seen as “healthy” there is still something to be said for made-from-scratch foods. Baking my own bread is a way for me to cut out unnecessary sugar and preservatives found in store bought bread (even “healthy” gluten-free bread usually contains added sugar) but more importantly to revive (at least in my personal life) an art form that has been around for thousands of years. Not to mention using only 3 ingredients and creating something so delicious and practical is very satisfying to me.


Simplifying Science

Yes! A Brilliant Consent Lesson

In case you missed it... then read this post now!

People often ask me how soon is too soon to talk about _________ (fill in that blank with whatever you want, but usually it’s sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll). As far as I’m concerned, it's almost never too early to begin conversations about health and safety.

Consent is the perfect example. Think your 7-year old is too young to understand the concept? Think again, because talking about consent doesn't have to be a conversation about sex. In fact, we consent to dozens of things every day, often as bystanders. We just don't always mentally file these scenarios in the consensual buckets in our brains, especially when they don't involve our bodies directly.

I love this post because it reframes a topic that is in the headlines almost daily. How can parents introduce the concept of consent early, separating it from sex? It’s easier than you think. And if you begin early, by the time these conversations do include intimacy, your kids already understand the principles clearly.

So how do we even begin to talk about consent with our kids? Try this simply awesome initial approach...

Liz Kleinrock has used America's heated discourse on sexual violence as the springboard for lessons on consent for her third graders.

Kleinrock, who teaches at Citizens of the World Charter School Silver Lake in Los Angeles, took took to Facebook and Instagram to share the visual aids she uses in her lessons about about consent.

She talks about what consent …READ MORE


Passive cooling is a non-mechanical means of cooling homes, using an approach to building design that controls the heat entering the structure and encourages its dissipation. It is a concept that reduces the need for energy-intensive systems like air-conditioning, focusing not only on the architectural design of the building, but also the resources used and its natural surrounds to absorb or dissipate heat.

Passive cooling can be divided into two main techniques – preventative and modulation/heat dissipation – while hybrid cooling systems use simple mechanisms such as pumps and economisers that are integrated into a passive cooling system to enhance its effectiveness.

Preventative Techniques

Preventative techniques shield the building against heat gains and include design principles that take into account the microclimate of the site, with factors such as sun and wind used to determine the application of selected cooling strategies. Shading the structure to minimize the solar radiation that can penetrate it is one means, together with selecting a building orientation and zoning of interior spaces that reduce overheating. Flat, horizontal designs can increase the effectiveness of cross-ventilation, while multi-level buildings can take advantage of natural temperature stratification, with the upper levels generally warmer.

Thermal insulation is a common way of reducing the amount of heat that can penetrate the interior of a building and should be applied not only to roofs and walls, but also windows. Other factors to consider are the use of energy-efficient lighting and electronic equipment to reduce the heat released within internal areas, and the implementation of blinds to reduce solar heat gains through windows.

Modulation and Heat Dissipation Techniques

Passive Cooling
Modulation and heat dissipation techniques enable a building to store heat in so-called natural ‘heat sinks’ and release it to the surrounding climate. Natural sinks may include the earth’s soil or the night sky, as well as the building’s thermal mass itself.

For example, the thermal mass of a building can absorb and store heat during daytime hours, then release it into the night sky using natural cooling strategies. Natural ventilation such as open windows can release heat, or a cross-ventilation system employed which requires openings on two sides of the space to allow wind to pass through the building. Stack ventilation is another alternative design strategy, taking advantage of the buoyancy of warm air which rises and filters out through ceiling openings, allowing cooler air to enter near the floor.

Night ventilation (or night flushing) is another heat dissipation technique, with the building closed during the day to prevent heat gain (when it acts as a sink), then opened at night when the air is cooler, flushing out heat through natural convection. This is best implemented in areas which have a large difference between maximum and minimum temperatures and most effective when the building has been designed so that its thermal mass absorbs the heat gains of its space. Night cooling can be implemented by opening windows at night to let the natural airflow cool the space, by mechanically forcing air through ventilation ducts at night, or a combination of the two.

Harare’s Eastgate Centre is a good example of night flushing, with the building absorbing a minimum amount of heat during the day and using cool nighttime air temperatures to dissipate heat build up. Its innovative design was inspired by the ventilation passages and chimneys of a termite hill in a design concept known as biomimicry.

Some modern forms of passive cooling design draw on ancient techniques, including the use of passive downdraft evaporative cooling. This technique was inspired by concepts used in traditional architecture from Pakistan, Iran and Egypt, with wind-catching hoods known as malqafs pulling air down and cooling it across a pool or fountain. In modern incarnations, the water source is replaced with wet cellulose pads, as seen in the Torrent Research Centre in Ahemedabad, India.

Passive Cooling
In Toronto, water has also been used as a natural cooling mechanism, being pumped from 5 kilometres below the surface through metal coils to office buildings where fans blow it into their climate-control systems. While this is a hybrid cooling system (rather than passive), it does significantly reduce the energy demands of cooling the office buildings.

Earth coupling is another means of passive cooling, using the consistent temperate of soil to act as a heat sink and cooling the building through conduction. This is especially efficient in hot climates where the earth temperate is significantly cooler than the air. This can either be employed by direct contact with the earth as a wall buffer, as seen in earth sheltering, or using buried tubes known as earth ducts which transfer heat between the building and soil.

How can Passive Cooling be Used in the Developing World?

The main advantage of implementing passive cooling systems are the energy-saving costs, not only on the environment but also in terms of monetary expense to the occupants. In developing countries where resources are limited and people don’t have the means to invest in mechanical systems such as air-conditioning and fans, it’s a practical way to create more comfortable living conditions.

In some countries, such as India, where temperatures can reach unbearable levels and air-conditioning sales have sky-rocketed in recent years, the demands on the energy supplies can get too much. Major power blackouts in the country during the height of summer have indicated that the demand to cool homes using mechanical means are struggling to be met by the energy resources available.

As home to many of the world’s hottest and most rapidly-growing cities, with expanding middle classes that are purchasing air-conditioning systems, the developing world is experiencing an overwhelming demand on its energy supplies. In some countries it has become a status symbol and, coupled with the rejection of traditional building materials such as mud and bamboo (many of which were sustainable and employed natural passive cooling) in favour of concrete, the requirements on energy resources have escalated.

When you take into account that the total world air-conditioning use annually is more than double the total energy consumption of the African continent, it’s easy to see the problem being faced. Air conditioners are contributing significantly to the effects of global warming, not only by burning coal or gas to fuel them, but also the greenhouse gases emitted from the refrigerants in air-conditioners.

But as passive cooling is being embraced and utilized by architects and engineers, it may be the answer to reducing the energy demands of air-conditioning systems, while ensuring comfortable indoor temperatures across the developing world. The techniques being employed are both old and new, drawing on traditional building methods using modern knowledge and materials.

But its implementation draws largely on governments enforcing stricter building standards to reduce energy-intensive designs and in training architects to utilize passive cooling techniques. Air-conditioning has allowed them to create building designs that don’t take into account their natural surrounds or climatic conditions in the past. But there needs to be an increased understanding and consideration of these processes if we are to address the growing energy demands in the world today.


News, page 6

Skin pores perform a number of important functions that affect the quality of our skin: they remove the products of metabolism from the body, regulate body temperature and participate in water-salt metabolism. However, the normal course of these processes can be disturbed because of the overabundance of sebum, the layer of which is secreted by the sebaceous glands and clogs the tubule of the pores, whereupon the pores expand. The most "visual" area of manifestation of the problem is the so-called T-zone (chin, nose and forehead).
The medical practice includes a number of conditions that do not pose a threat to women's health, but literally spoil life. These include aesthetic imperfections of intimate organs. Many women are not satisfied with the condition of the labia. Some women think that they are too big or too small, others feel discomfort due to their deformity or asymmetry after childbirth. Intimate plasty (labioplasty) allows you to solve these problems, get rid of complexes and insecurities. What should you do after the operation?
A positive result of plastic surgery depend on many factors. The main factor is the experience of the surgeon that is performing the surgery. The second but not least factor is the recovery after surgery. Since the tissues are recovering individually for each patient, terms of releasing into normal social rhythm can vary dramatically. In addition, if rehabilitation periods are tightened - this creates considerable trouble for patients.
Operations that are performed in the medical center in a planned way are always accompanied by anesthesia (pain treatment). Anesthesia is a temporary reduction in the sensitivity of the body or its parts; it may be accompanied by a temporary cessation of perception (unconscious state).
Modern non-surgical techniques make it possible to eliminate age-related changes effectively. You can get rid of wrinkles,restore skin tone and make a light facelifting by means of the injection medicine. Unlike plastic surgery, the desired result is achieved much faster and all procedures are painless and require a relatively short period of rehabilitation.
The vaginal tissues of a woman are significantly affected in the process of childbirth resulting in their stretching. Over time, they will come back to normal, but in some cases only plasty may help to restore it.
Plasmolifting can effectively correct the age-related changes: remove wrinkles, restore skin tone and restore water balance. The fillers and synthetic ingredients are not used for the procedure.
Mesotherapy and Plasmolifting are popular techniques in the field of cosmetology. Both techniques allow to correct the signs of aging, improve skin tone, restore balance and enhance the natural rejuvenation processes. But plasmolifting and mesotherapy have significant differences, the knowledge of which will allow you to choose the suitable technique.
The two methods are used widely to increase the volume of the various parts of the body and face: the buttocks, cheeks, chest and perform the correction of calves and lips: lipofilling and plasty. Each of these methods has a list of indications and may be used to eliminate the disadvantages of varying severity.
Mastoptosis means a descent of breast tissue. This process is inevitable and can arise with age, during pregnancy, sports and other factors. Modern methods allow complete elimination of ptosis with the help of various techniques.


Art by Gica Tam
Culture Spotlight

I’m saying noted to your noted

At which point in our utterly busy lives did the word turn boringly corporate?
Elbert Cuenca | Jan 09 2019

Duly noted.

Well noted.

Sa Pilipinas lang ba ito ginagamit in a professional context?

I always thought that the use of “noted” as a reply was a simple way of saying “I heard you and let’s not discuss this any further because it’s not going to go anywhere nor am I going to do anything about it.”

It used to be a dismissive term.

The above is a status I posted on my Facebook wall.

I did so because I had just received three successive emails using the term “noted” as a reply.

One was from my staff, after I had given instructions for an errand.

Another was from an equipment supplier, after I had submitted the specifications of my requirement.

And the third was from a luxury resort, after I had informed them that I had successfully paid for my booking with my credit card.

It got me thinking about how the word “noted” became an accepted professional term.

Although the origins of the use of the word are largely unknown, some online research revealed that I wasn’t alone in my view of the use of the term.

Question-and-answer website had one query—“What does it mean when someone says “noted” to you?"—and many answers supported what I thought about it.

At the very least, it’s a short and sweet answer to mean “acknowledged.” Some try to make it sound more professional by adding words, such as “duly noted” or “well noted” or “noted with thanks.”

 While I am certain that the people who responded to me with “noted” didn’t mean it to be negative or dismissive, what irks me is how its use has become accepted to the point of being the norm.

To me, it’s become a lazy way of responding. It has also become a kind of trend, to the point that it’s oftentimes used inappropriately, or in a forced manner. It ends up being the thing you say because everybody else is saying it.

Take, for example, a supplier who texted my brother for his email address, so that the supplier could send his new (increased) price list. After my brother replied, instead of saying “thank you,” the supplier replied with “noted.”

As with any word, the tone of voice and the context of use will dictate its meaning. In the case above, my brother didn’t hear the person’s voice, and the usage was wrong. Was he noting receiving my brother’s email address with amusement? Glee? Wry, sardonic abandon? Was he noting it with approval?

I had to ask myself why I was so bothered by the abuse and misuse of “noted” as a reply. Perhaps I’m bugged by the laziness and the decline of professional communication. What’s wrong with the age-old “thank you,” or the youthful “got it!”?

I might also be upset that the word has lost its original meaning—something snarky, and dismissive, and deliciously so. Answering someone else’s diatribe with “noted,” meant roughly: “I hear you but it’s not worth it to invest in a reply.” Or “You gave me your view, but there will be no comment or further communication from me regarding the matter.”

The word was imbued with so much wry humor. When did it become so corporate—and furthermore, which boss started using the word wrong so that his minions followed suit and passed it on? I’m noting that guy’s “noted.” With tremendous judginess and quiet laughter.


Date of Completion

Embargo Period

Major Advisor

Mei Wei

Associate Advisor

Mark Aindow

Associate Advisor

Yu Lei

Field of Study

Materials Science

Doctor of Philosophy

Open Access

Open Access

Due to the high demand of scaffolds for treating bone fractures every year, biomimetic coatings and scaffolds resembling the composition and structure of natural bone are of keen interest of bone tissue engineers. In this research, a series of biomimetic coatings and scaffolds have been developed, including biomimetic apatite coatings, biomimetic collagen-apatite composite coatings, intrafibrillar calcified collagen fibrils, intrafibrillar silicified collagen fibrils, and intrafibrillar calcified collagen scaffolds.

First, a crack-free apatite coating was deposited on the surface-treated Ti6Al4V substrate using a biomimetic process, in which the surface-treated titanium substrate was immersed in a modified simulated body fluid (m-SBF). Dual-beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM) was used to characterize the cross-sectional microstructures of the ceramic coating. Cross-sectional SEM images and TEM images revealed that crack-free apatite coatings have been achieved by adjusting the pH of the m-SBF. The coating formed demonstrates a gradient porous structure, which is dense close to the substrate and then it becomes more and more porous towards the surface of the coating.

Second, a biomimetic collagen-apatite composite coating was also successfully

formed on the surface-treated Ti6Al4V alloy using collagen-containing m-SBF. During the composite coating formation, collagen and apatite co-precipitate to form the composite coatings. Dual-beam FIB/SEM was used to characterize the cross-sectional microstructures of the composite coatings. The result indicates that the cross-section of the collagen-apatite composite coating also exhibits a gradient porous structure, and that collagen-apatite composite coating is thinner and less porous than the pure apatite coating.

Third, inspired by the structure of natural bone, collagen fibrils with intrafibrillar calcification were prepared for bone tissue engineering. Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was used as a sequestration analog of non-collagenous proteins (NCPs) for stabilizing amorphous calcium phosphate (PAA-ACP) nanoprecursors to infiltrate into collagen fibrils. Additionally, sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) was applied as a templating analog of NCPs to regulate the orderly deposition of minerals within the gap zone of collagen fibrils. The effect of PAA concentration on the intrafibrillar mineralization of reconstituted collagen fibrils was also investigated.

Fourth, silicon is an essential element contributing significantly to the health of bone, and great efforts have been made to produce silica-containing biomaterials. Poly (allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH) was used as an analog of zwitterionic proteins to stabilize silicic acid (SA) to produce fluidic silica (PAH-SA) nanoprecursors, and TPP was used as a templating analog of zwitterionic proteins. Silicified collagen fibrils with core-shell, twisted and banded structures were produced by controlling the zwitterionic proteins analogs. Intrafibrillar silicified collagen fibrils were produced

using PAH-SA as fluidic silica nanoprecursors and TPP as the templating analog to modulate the deposition of silica within the gap zone of collagen fibrils.

Fifth, with the success in reproducing intrafibrillar mineralized collagen fibrils, biomimetic collagen/apatite scaffolds consisting of intrafibrillar mineralized collagen fibrils were prepared via a bottom-up approach, resembling the composition and structure of natural bone from the nanoscale to the macroscale. At the macro-scale, unidirectional macro-pores are aligned across the entire scaffold, and at the micro-scale, each layer is comprised of aligned and well stacked lamella. Finally, at the nano-scale, apatite minerals deposit within the gap zone of collagen fibrils and orient along the long axis of these fibrils. The biomimetic collagen-apatite scaffolds demonstrate a good biocompatibility in vitro, indicating a great potential to be used for bone tissue engineering applications.

In summary, a novel methodology has been developed for the preparation and characterization of biomimetic coatings and scaffolds with a hierarchical structure, demonstrating a great potential for bone tissue engineering.


#FridayFeels Thankful

Sleeping in. Fluffy pillows. Brunch. Leftovers. Naps. Family stories.

Relaxing at Grandma’s house instead of hassling the Black Friday shopping crowd, and thankful to be sitting beside my love today. What are you thankful for?


Economy, Americas

Oil prices fall with rising US stocks, record output

US crude production remains at all-time high to push oil prices lower

Övünç Kutlu   | 11.04.2019
Oil prices fall with rising US stocks, record output

Oil prices started Thursday with a decline as crude oil inventories in the U.S. increased much higher than market expectation and crude production in the country remained at record high levels.

International benchmark Brent crude was trading at $71.48 per barrel at 0635 GMT with a 0.14% decline after ending Wednesday at $71.58 a barrel.

American benchmark West Texas Intermediate was at $64.31 a barrel at the same time for a 0.05% loss after closing the previous session at $64.34 per barrel.

The U.S.' Energy Information Administration (EIA) said Wednesday commercial crude oil inventories in the country increased by 7 million barrels for the week ending April 5, against a market expectation of 2.3 million barrels.

The country's crude oil production also remained at a record high level of 12.2 million barrels per day during that period, according to the EIA.

On the demand side, weak global economic growth expectations for 2019 put a downward pressure on oil prices.

The International Monetary Fund said Tuesday it revised down its global economic growth forecast for this year to 3.3%, from its previous estimate of 3.5% in January.

Crude prices could decline further if oil output in the U.S., the world's largest producer, continues to remain at an all-time high and economic slowdown hurts overall oil demand worldwide.


Peacock pendant lamp

€3,906.00 €4,200.00 -7%

Shipping cost NORTH AMERICA: €600.00

Order now and receive it on...

between Tue 11 June and Wed 12 June

Suspension lamp with twelve arms. Structure, body and canopy in steel, powder lacquered or acid-etched brass, curved white cased glass shade.

Peacock pendant by Kundalini official dealer, 2 years warranty.

Kundalini is a company with a strong identity and a cosmopolitan style, innovative and sophisticated. A company that speaks a universal yet extremely recognisable language. Its unconventional spirit has always merged the subtle poetry of shape to maximum functionality and handiness, moulding the finest materials through cutting-edge processes. Every Kundalini product is the fruit of a strong concept and tells the story of a specific creative and technological journey. All are consistent with the corporate philosophy that has always combined an unconventional approach and the search for new aesthetics with a deep knowledge of materials and technologies.
ModelPeacock pendantBrandKundaliniDesignerNoè Duchaufour LawranceMeasuresØ80 x H.52,7 cmBulbled includedWattage4,5WLuminous Flux2700K 600lmLight sourceledEnergy EfficiencyA++ / A+ / ADimmeryes

12 altri prodotti nella stessa categoria

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What you Can Expect Legally if Bitten by a Dog in Illinois

Illinois has strict laws when it comes to dog bites and other injuries caused by an animal. Dog bites are usually the last thing that people think of when they are around dogs, especially if the dog belongs to someone they know, or if the dog looks like a “friendly dog”. The reality is that there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites reported annually in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and according to the Humane Society, most dog bites involve dogs who have not been spayed or neutered.  There are approximately 90 million dogs in this country, which should come as no surprise given how often we all run into dogs as we go about our lives. I have even seen dogs kept at law offices as office pets. Since it is impossible to know when a dog is going to attack, it is always best to be cautious around dogs, especially an unfamiliar one. As with all animals, dogs can behave unpredictably. Dog bites should be taken seriously and medical attention sought.

The “One Free Bite” Rule Does Not Apply in Illinois

Laws surrounding dog bites vary from state to state. You may have heard about the “one bite” rule that says that each dog gets one free bite before the owner can be held liable, because before a particular dog has bitten someone, the owner has no way of knowing that their pet is dangerous. This is not the law in Chicago, nor anywhere in the State of Illinois. In Illinois, we have much stricter laws in terms of holding a dog owner responsible if the dog bites someone, or even injures them without an actual bite. While there are some defenses, the pet owner is legally liable any time that their dog causes an injury, even if the dog has always behaved well in the past. The reasoning given by our judiciary for the higher standard in Illinois is “to encourage tight control of animals in order to protect the public from harm” and as an incentive to keep one’s animals from harming others.  Beggs v. Griffith, 393 Ill.App.3d 1050, 1054 (2009) quoting Wilcoxen v. Paige, 174 Ill.App.3d 541, 543 (1988).

The Illinois Animal Control Act

The Illinois Animal Control Act, as it is known, actually applies to any animal or pet, not just dogs, and states:
“If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or animal is liable in civil damages to the person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby”.

Breaking Down the Illinois Law on Dog Bites

In order to be successful in a claim or lawsuit for a dog bite in Illinois, the victim must have been acting peacefully before the attack. While this is subject to interpretation, most of us know the difference between someone who is just standing there and someone who is provoking a dog with a baseball bat. Keep in mind that the provoking of the dog can also be accidental, as would be the case if someone steps on the dog’s tail by accident. This would count as provoking the dog and the person bitten could then be barred from recovering anything from the owner.

The victim also has be someplace that they have the right to be, before he or she can hold the dog owner liable. A burglar who breaks into someone’s house would not be protected by the Animal Control Act and could not sue the owner if he gets hurt or bitten while robbing their house. However, someone who is bitten at someone else’s house can still bring forth a claim or a lawsuit if they were invited or known to be there, as is the case with guests, contractors, postal workers, newspaper carriers, maids, utility workers, etc. Also, if a dog owner takes their pet to any public place such as the beach, park or sidewalk; they can be responsible if their dog bites someone.

Illinois  law also defines what it means to be the owner of an animal. According to Illinois law, an owner is anyone “having a right of property in an animal, who keeps or harbors an animal, or who has it in its care, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog to remain on any premises occupied by him or her.” (Feral cat caretakers may be exempt). Notice that “owner” is not being used in the traditional sense of the word. Illinois law gives a broader meaning, likely to cover people who have just “taken an animal in” and perhaps haven’t decided if they are keeping the dog yet. They would not be off the hook if the dog bit a visitor. It also holds responsible caretakers of the animal. In an interesting case out of DuPage County, Illinois, the court did not hold a dog’s actual owner liable when a little girl was bitten by a dog at a bus stop when she tried to pick up the dog which had just escaped from an employee of the veterinary clinic that the dog was staying at, despite the fact that the girl’s injuries were serious and required three surgeries over an 8 year period. Hayes v. Adams 2013 IL App (2d) 12068. Perhaps the girl’s family would have been able to recover if they also sued the vet clinic.

Damages from the dog bite “proximately caused thereby” in layman’s terms, means that the injury has to have actually been caused by the dog’s actions itself. For example, if you saw a dog unexpectedly and it scared you and you then ran away from the dog and hit your head on a pole, the injury to your head was not proximately caused by the dog. If the dog bit you in the leg and it got infected, that is a ‘proximately caused’ injury. Sometimes it is hard to tell the difference. A lawyer can help you understand the causation issue if you think you may have a case after being bitten or otherwise hurt by a dog.

Illinois law holds a dog’s owner liable for civil damages. This means that the pet owner won’t face criminal charges and will likely just need to provide monetary compensation to the dog bite victim. Currently, there is no damage cap or limit to the amount of money a dog bite victim can get.  Assuming that you have been injured by an animal and are eligible to recover under the Illinois Animal Control Act, you might be able to receive compensation in a lawsuit for the following:

  • Medical Bills spent to treat the dog bite or other injuries from an animal. These bills can include current and future bills, in addition to the medical bills you already have.
  • Property Damage- for example, if the dog ruined your jacket during the attack.
  • Lost Wages or Income- this would apply if you had to lose time from work directly related to the animal attack or if you expect to miss work in the future. Usually this is time that was lost to go to the doctor.
  • Pain and Suffering- this is a general way of compensating dog bite victims for everything that they had to go through and may continue to go through. This can include emotional trauma like being afraid of dogs after the animal bite, or having nightmares afterwards.

It is prudent to seek medical attention and take photographs after a dog bite or other injury caused by an animal. It might not look serious but it is best to seek the opinion of a health-care professional before an infection or other medical problem sets in. If the injury turns out to be serious, you may consider legal action. Give us a call at 630 250-8813 to discuss what happened and learn your various options before you decide to move forward with legal action after a dog bite.

What if it was my friend’s dog that bit me or my child?

It is natural to be hesitant about taking legal action against a friend, if is their dog that bit you or your child. They probably feel awful about what happened, and you don’t want to ruin the friendship. That being said, however, the reality is that you might be faced with high medical bills and lasting consequences. If you believe that you have a solid case, you may want to balance the pros and cons of bringing the legal action. Bringing a claim may not necessarily mean having to file an actual lawsuit, as many times cases settle before having to go to court. Can you afford not to pursue it? Keep in mind that all consequences of an animal attack are not always immediately apparent.

Does an Dog Owner’s Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

In Illinois, homeowners who have a mortgage are required to have homeowners insurance, and most policies will cover legal liability for a dog bite or other animal attack, as will many renter’s policies.

What is my next step to pursue a claim for a Dog Bite?

Do not wait to talk to a lawyer following a dog bite or other animal attack in Illinois. It takes time to investigate the facts, prepare a case for the best possible outcome, attempt out of court negotiations, and if necessary, to prepare a lawsuit against the dog owner or caretaker. A lawsuit must be filed within two years or else you are completely out of luck.

Dog bites are always unpleasant and can sometimes be dangerous or even disfiguring for the victim. They should be taken seriously and in some cases, legal action is entirely appropriate. If you or your child has suffered a serious dog bite and have sought medical attention, at O’Connor Cadiz Law, we can discuss the legal options available to you in Illinois. Give us a call to set up  a no obligation, complimentary strategy session.

Carol O'Connor Cadiz
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Sailboat in the rain, which isn't just bad weather, it's an opportunity to generate power for the house. David Bachar

15-year-old Azeri Invents Way to Make Electricity From Rain

In the 9th grade, Reyhan Jamalova 's father asked a question; she, a friend and their physics tutors did the math and Azerbaijan provided seed money

At age 15, she has invented a smart device to generate electric power from raindrops. Reyhan Jamalova, a 9th grade student at the Istek Lyceum in Baku, Azerbaijan, came up with the idea for Rainergy after her father wondered: “If you can make energy from wind, why not from rain?”

Rain is one of the last unexploited energy sources in nature. When it rains, billions of liters of water can fall. That sheer volume has enormous electric potential, if tapped in the right way.

Jamalova and a friend, Zahra Gasimzade, assisted by their physics tutors, worked for four months doing calculations and developing a device to harvest energy from rainwater. The State of Azerbaijan underwrote the initial costs of building it: 34,100 Azerbaijani manats ($20,000).

The collector fills the reservoir with rainwater that will later flow at high speed through the generator to produce energy. The generated energy is stored in the battery, and can relieve pressure on the local power grid by providing communities with an additional source of electricity.

The team has developed two prototypes. One lights up three LED lamps while the other produces enough electricity to light 22 LED lamps for up to 50 seconds  using only seven liters of rainwater. Jamalova says that underprivileged communities can use Rainergy to power items such as street lamps.

Rainergy’s competitors for renewable energy include solar panels, wind turbines and piezoelectricity (which results from subjecting some solids to mechanical stress). Most of these alternatives require substantial investment, labor, and energy or electricity experts to build and operate them, whereas the Rainergy device has a relatively simple design.

Rainergy was first presented at the Global Summit of Entrepreneurship in India in November 2017. While Rainergy’s creators originally conceived of the device for regions of Azerbaijan with the heaviest rainfall, they are aiming to market it internationally – especially since, as Jamalova says, “Azerbaijan is not a rainy country.”

In countries such as the Philippines, India, Malaysia and Indonesia, where monsoon rains are frequent, this device could be a perfect solution for reducing dependence on power lines and improving access to electricity. 21 percent of the population in India and 11 percent in the Philippines lack access to electricity, according to the Global Tracking Framework 2014 report. “In the future, we want to create a business based on this device,” says Jamalova. For now, the invention has landed its young creator on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list 2018 – the first Azerbaijani person in history to make the rating.

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Academic journal article AEI Paper & Studies

The Practice of Science in a Democratic Society

Academic journal article AEI Paper & Studies

The Practice of Science in a Democratic Society

Article excerpt

This essay is the ninth in a series exploring the role of the professions in a modern, liberal democratic society and their effect on the civic culture of the nation. For more information about AEI's Program on American Citizenship, visit

Rene Descartes, one of the founding figures of modern science, predicted that the new mechanistic approach to understanding the natural world would yield great benefits for humanity, particularly with regard to improving health and longevity. For this reason, Descartes argued that public funds should be used to support scientific research. Descartes proved to be prophetic on both counts. The benefits of science have far exceeded anything Descartes could have imagined, and the public funding of science has become an accepted role of government in every industrially advanced nation. The result has been the creation of a new profession--that of scientist--unknown to Descartes and his contemporaries, whose scientific investigations remained the self-supported avocations of gentlemen of independent means.

The general public and their elected representatives seem to agree that scientific research is an important, even necessary, component of a modern economy. But the scientific profession is not without its contradictions. Government funding of science is justified by the argument that scientific research benefits the public, but modern science has become so technical and specialized that the public are rarely able to appreciate the potential value of the research their taxes fund. Scientific literacy remains low even in the most technologically advanced societies. The fact that science is mysterious to the general public has helped endow its practitioners with an aura of wonder in the popular mind. As a result, scientists have increasingly become accustomed to thinking of themselves as constituting an all-knowing elite that need answer to few or none.

The high level of public funding devoted to science exacerbates this tendency. In 2011 (the most recent year for which complete figures are available), federal research and development (R&D) spending exceeded $142 billion, (1) amounting to nearly 4 percent of the government's $3.6 trillion in total outlays for that year. (2)

Maintaining this high level of funding has become a major goal of the US scientific community and of the higher education establishment, which has come to depend on federal R&D dollars. Yet, as in other areas of public life, the dependence on government largesse has given rise to numerous distortions, which if unchecked have the potential to cause real harm to the scientific profession and to the universities that serve to foster both it and an informed and thoughtful citizenry. I address these issues from the perspective of a practicing scientist who has obtained and spent my fair share of federal research funding over my career, and of a university professor who has witnessed firsthand some of the undesirable (if often unintended) consequences of federal R&D funding on US universities.

The economic and social benefits derived from scientific research do not require elaboration. Technological advances have spurred industrial growth for the past several centuries, and the rise of science and modern industrial economies went hand in hand. Research in medicine, public health, and agriculture has eliminated some diseases, improved overall longevity, and assured a more reliable food supply. Yet the economic benefits of research do not require that it be funded by governments. Indeed it has sometimes been argued that the technological research that reaps the greatest economic benefits is funded by private industry. Be that as it may, applied technological advances invariably rely on basic research, which private industry may be reluctant to fund if the practical applications are not immediately obvious. On the other hand, in the US context, public funding of research need not imply (as it generally has since World War II) a dominant role for the federal government. …

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Medical imaging and diagnosis

Medical Imaging is a manifold domain ranging from the use of ionizing radiation (such as X-rays) to mechanical waves (as in Ultrasound) for medical diagnosis and health research purposes. The development of new diagnostic tools (more accurate and reproducible) for improved clinical practice demands the translation of multidisciplinary knowledge from diverse fields into clinical applications. In the last years, IBEB has become a national reference on research for improving the accuracy of medical imaging methods, such as in the MRI study of the brain, and developing new imaging devices such as the Clear-PEM system, among other examples.

The scientific expertise of IBEB relies on people with Physics and Biomedical Engineering and Technology backgrounds and is complemented by a strong connection with medical doctors who use imaging as a tool. These collaborations are key to identify new state-of-the-art questions aimed at improving the quality of diagnostic imaging techniques. In addition, these synergies can contribute to: i) increase the success of therapies relying on imaging data and ii) trigger ideas for creating new devices and acquisition strategies.

This thematic line of scientific research is significantly enhanced by strategic partnerships allowing: a. Direct access to reference R&D Centers that feed IBEB with state-of-the-art data (PET-MRI, MRI, PET-CT) – e.g. the University College London, the Julich Research Center, King’s College London or Champalimaud Foundation) and use IBEB’s image processing and analysis skills. b. Direct access to specialized medical doctors and to medical data (CT, MRI, PET) – e.g. Hospital da Luz, Hospital de Santa Maria, Champalimaud Foundation. c. Cooperation with local and international industry (e.g. Siemens Medical Solutions, PETSys, Phillips, Agilent technologies, MITOS Medical Systems, Micrima, Cubresa).

Our main scientific goals for the near future are:

  1. Constructing clinically useful image-based models of the aggressiveness of low-grade brain gliomas using PET-MRI simultaneous data.
  2. Characterizing the effects of breast chemotherapy in the brain.
  3. Constructing fully operational image reconstruction and quantification algorithms for Si-PM PET systems.
  4. Improving the diagnostic accuracy of X-ray tomosynthesis of the breast using statistically based image reconstruction algorithms, CAD and augmented reality technology.
  5. Quantifying functional and mechanical characteristics of breast cancer using the Clear-PEM Sonic prototype.
  6. Developing automatic methodology for discriminating between benign and malignant breast tumors in a simulation scenario for a UWB Radar system. Assessing and diagnosing lymph nodes in the axilla region.
  7. Constructing and testing of a UWB radar adaptable to a PEM system for breast cancer diagnosis.
  8. Studying novel imaging biomarkers for breast cancer using MRI techniques and imaging genetics. Optimization and application of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging for lesion subtype discrimination. Development of machine-learning algorithms for lesion classification based on the use of imaging as a phenotype: correlation between -omic (genomic, proteomic, etc) and histological information with MRI data.
  9. Quantifying water diffusion in the human brain employing Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting.
  10. Constructing a one-end prototype for Magnetic Particle Imaging to image humans.
  11. Developing new tools for the optical detection of sentinel lymph nodes.
  12. Developing an fNIR-based imaging system to characterize in vivo breast cancer tissue.

Ultimately, we aim to contribute to more accurate, reliable, earlier and less invasive diagnosis or evaluation of therapy response.


There are many ways a person can find more information about cancer, but if they have any immediate concerns about having cancer, their first source of information should be their doctor. In addition to the references listed at the end of this article, the following is a list of information sources that are well recognized as authorities for cancer information by most clinicians:
It should be noted that both before and especially after the diagnosis of arthritis, communication with the treating doctor is essential for optimal health. This is important from the standpoint of the doctor, so that he/she can be aware of the vagaries of the patient's symptoms as well as their tolerance of and acceptance of treatments. It is important from the standpoint of patients, so that they can be assured that they have an understanding of the diagnosis and how the condition does and might affect them. It is also crucial for the safe use of medications.
Joint pain can be caused by injury affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, and bones within the joint. Pain is also a feature of joint inflammation (arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis) and infection, and extremely rarely it can be a cause of cancer of the joint.
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. These abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. These cells can infiltrate normal body tissues. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what occurs when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and show uncontrolled division and growth -- a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the uncontrolled growth cycle. This process of cancer cells leaving an area and growing in another body area is termed metastatic spread or metastasis. For example, if breast cancer cells spread to a bone, it means that the individual has metastatic breast cancer to bone. This is not the same as "bone cancer," which would mean the cancer had started in the bone.


[Libs-Or] Libs-Or posting request from OLAQ Coordinator

Charles Wood wuchakewu at gmail.com
Sun Jan 3 19:28:18 PST 2016

Could you post the information below to all the members on the Libs-Or
listserv?  I believe it will help bring in submissions to the Oregon
Library Association Quarterly.  Please let me know if you have any

Charles Wood
OLAQ Coordinator

Email Subject line: OLA Quarterly seeks submissions! Feb. 10th deadline.
Library Marketing and Communications

The Oregon Library Association Quarterly is seeking submissions for the
Winter 2015 issue.  The OLAQ is a professional/academic journal that
showcases the writing and work of library employees in Oregon. Authors
retain the rights to their work, and past authors have gone on to have
their articles published in magazines such as American Libraries.

The OLAQ has global reach because it is indexed by Library Literature &
Information Science and Library, Information Science & Technology
Abstracts. Full text of the OLAQ is also available through HW Wilson's
Library Literature and Information Science Full Text and EBSCO Publishing's
Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts (LISTA) with Full

The author deadline has been extended to February 10th, 2015.  See
instructions for authors here:

The theme for the winter issue is Library Marketing and Communications, and
will be guest edited by Joan Petit, Communications and Outreach Librarian
at Portland State University. Joan invites potential authors to email her
their ideas at jpetit at pdx.edu. Final articles will be due to Joan on
February 10. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Joan.

More about the theme:

Library Marketing and Communications

Oregon libraries provide an incredible array of resources and services, but
intentional in our efforts to market and promote our offerings, through
traditional PR and advertisements as well as newer approaches like social
media. However, we may lack the expertise to do this well--or lack the
budget to implement all of our ideas.

The winter issue of OLA Quarterly will focus on library marketing and
communications. We want to examine how Oregon libraries--whether school,
public, special, or academic--communicate with our users. What's the most
effective way to reach them? What successes have we experienced? What
challenges and failures? How do we incorporate marketing functions into our
libraries? How do we gain the skills we need to do this well? And how do we
keep up with the fast-changing landscape of social media?

Possible paper topics include the following:

Marketing and communications successes

Marketing and communications challenges, failures, and lessons learned
(sometimes we learn more when things don't work!)

Market research: how do we learn about our users?

Communications plans: what are best practices for developing a a formal
plan or strategy? How do we make sure we take the time to plan? How do we
balance planning and implementation?

PR and media relations: is the press release an effective tool? What's the
best way to develop relationships with local media?

Social media: which social media are most effective and most challenging?
How do we keep up with new social media? What strategies work best with
various social media?

Organizational structure for marketing and communications: who is
responsible for marketing the library? How do we include librarians and
library staff who don't have formal marketing assignments? What tasks do we
do in-house and when do we rely on outside expertise?

Internal communications: how do we make sure we are sharing important
information internally?

Value of marketing and communications

Skills, knowledge, and training: how do we develop our own skills in
writing, graphic design, and media relations?

Generational issues: communicating with various user groups (kids, senior
citizens, college students, etc)

Marketing and communications for development and fundraising

Happy New Year,

Charles Wood

OLAQ Coordinator

wuchakewu at gmail.com
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Heck on Senelick (2017)

Senelick, Laurence. Jacques Offenbach and the Making of Modern Culture. U of Cambridge P, 2017, pp. 354, ISBN 978-0-521-87180-8

Adeline Heck, Princeton University

The present study is the first English-language volume to be devoted to the works of Jacques Offenbach and their reception. For specialists of nineteenth-century France, this belated recognition may seem rather puzzling, surely the product of traditional scholarly qualms concerning popular genres. The author himself acknowledges that “The nature of history, including literary, musical, and dramatic history, is to gravitate to high seriousness and to grant more significance to the grave than to the gay. Il penseroso receives higher marks than l’allegro” (3). While the object of analysis—operetta—may appear to be frivolous, the methods used by Laurence Senelick certainly are not. The scope of this book is dazzlingly ambitious, with international reviews and documents extending into the current era of stage performance. Besides giving Offenbach the academic scrutiny he deserves, it contains a stunning iconography—caricatures, illustrations, and photographs—that makes this volume a significant contribution to nineteenth- and twentieth-century cultural studies.

Senelick addresses Offenbach’s legacy as a composer not just in Western Europe, but also in a global context, a feat made possible by his admirable engagement with international scholarship. The book is divided into two different parts, the first attending to Offenbachian premieres in Europe, Russia, and the New World, while the second focuses on twentieth-century productions by famed directors such as Max Reinhardt, Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, and Jean-Louis Barrault. Far from contenting himself with the retelling of anecdotes, Senelick has derived a pattern from these various adaptations of Offenbach:

First, some of his one-acts are staged, either in French or in translation. Then French touring companies show up and inspire the local talent to imitate or adapt or even plagiarize Offenbach’s more extended work. These versions become imbedded in the culture, sometimes for decades, and serve to liberate composers and librettists from conventional genres and styles. (165)

To reprise the book’s title, Offenbach’s main contribution to modernity may have been a cheerful questioning of both dramatic form and social mores, one that paved the way for theatrical experiments with distanciation in the twentieth century.

Few pages are dedicated to Offenbach’s career in France, nor does Senelick get into great detail when it comes to his transformation into a revered classic in the second half of the twentieth century. Notable contemporary productions, such as Laurent Pelly’s 1997 Orphée aux Enfers for the Opéra National de Lyon, or La Belle Hélène by the same director for the Théâtre du Châtelet in 2000, both of which did much to rouse a new wave of interest, are surprisingly not analyzed. However, the first chapter proposes a highly condensed summary of Offenbach’s trajectory, necessary reading for anyone studying the wider history of French musical theatre.

As a performance studies expert, Senelick devotes little attention to the specifics in Offenbach’s scores, and much more to their interpreters. His elegant writing nonetheless succeeds in conveying the contagious ebullience of Offenbach’s melodies while simultaneously imparting a sense of delight that befits his topic. In the process, he makes a convincing case for the long-lasting appeal of Offenbach and shows why these light operas were resurrected at various critical moments in history. In times of uncertainty, these lighthearted dramatic works have provided “a logical conclusion in the irrational,” to paraphrase a lecture by Karl Kraus quoted by the author (95). Be it driven by the necessity to assert the merits of French culture in face of intense American cultural rivalry in the 1930s, or due to a need for escapism from East Berlin, the sharp satirical edge of these opéras bouffes has demonstrated its pertinence as a form of underlying cultural and political commentary. Arguably, their mixture of bons mots, charming melodies, and occasional poignancy has found even greater resonance now that these works are no longer viewed through a moralizing lens.

The question of Offenbach and his librettists’ alleged indecency is another major issue examined in the book. Repeatedly, we are treated to critics objecting to the sexually scandalous nature of these light operas with their adulterous plots and behind-the-stage intrigues, from Victorian commentators who believed that the libretti had to be bowdlerized for English consumption, to the Goncourts, who saw the Bouffes-Parisiens as a locus of promiscuity and moral decadence. But nowhere perhaps is the criticism as biting as with Émile Zola, who not only denounced operetta’s alleged vulgarity in various newspapers, but also in Nana: “Its sexual provocation—what he [Zola] calls its ‘nervous erethism’—must debilitate the younger generation” (47). Zola’s angle is uncharacteristically conservative and points to an enduring stereotype, one that has permanently associated Offenbach with the Second Empire, his joie de vivre translating the superficial ethos of that era.

Fortunately, that myth is debunked very early on in Senelick’s introduction and the portrayal of Offenbach that emerges in its stead is more arresting. If these opéras bouffes did indeed rely on sexual innuendo for laughs, they never pandered to bad taste; rather, they subtly undermined bourgeois values. In this regard, the rivalry between Wagner (a composer who was accused of sexual immorality on the stage and in his personal life) and Offenbach, to which the second chapter is dedicated, takes a new dimension. While the first promoted a reverential reception of his works based on the notion that the artist ought to have the last word, the other encouraged input from his collaborators and the audience. Their conflict, which can be characterized as one of immutability vs. flexibility, further highlights Offenbach’s anticipation of modernity as an age in which both sexuality and theatrical productions are fluid. In conclusion, Offenbach’s theatre is worth being taken seriously if only for its cheeky challenging of gender norms, a topic that should be of interest to scholars investigating the intersection of gender and theatre in nineteenth-century France.