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A Few Days In Asheville, NC

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Asheville is a beacon of arts and culture nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern North Carolina. I’ve been fortunate to visit Asheville numerous times over the past decade. Thus, I feel prepared to share my advice on how to spend a few days in Asheville.

Things to Do in Asheville

1. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

Emmett overlooks Tanbark Ridge outside of Asheville; June 2018

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic American road and the longest linear park in the United States. Asheville is in close proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, which makes for a nice afternoon spent taking in the beautiful rolling mountains visible just off the Parkway.

2. Catch Some Live Music

The Grey Eagle; Asheville, NC; June 2016

Asheville has many venues for live music. In fact, it seems that just about every large restaurant in town has a live band on the weekends. There are a few specific music venues such as The Orange Peel, The Grey Eagle, Asheville Music Hall, and Salvage Station. In 2016, Emmett and I joined some friends at The Grey Eagle to catch King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard and The Murlocs. It was a fantastic show and the venue was the perfect size – it was not too big and still easy to get close to the band.

Stu Mackenzie of King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard at The Grey Eagle in Asheville; 2016.

King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard plays at The Grey Eagle in Asheville; 2016.

3. Go Shopping

Asheville Emporium; October 2021

Asheville is an exciting shopping destination with a little something for everybody and every budget. Some favorite shops of mine have been Asheville Emporium and Mast General Store for souvenirs, Malaprop’s Bookstore and Firestorm Co-op for all things book, and Voltage Records or Citizen Vinyl for records. There are also a plethora of vintage stores and counterculture shops selling incense, soaps, and gemstones.

Gemstones for sale; Asheville; October 2021

4. Take a Pubcycle Tour

Our tour guide, CJ, Suzi, Liz, Allison, and me on an Amazing Pubcycle Tour; October 2021

A company called Amazing Pubcycle offers fun, cycle tours of Asheville where you can bring your own adult beverages. In 2021, for my close friend Liz’s 30th birthday, my pals and I took an Amazing Pubcycle “Mixer Pub Tour” one evening. Our charming tour guide showed us the sights of downtown Asheville and we stopped off at a pub for half an hour for additional drinks. While cycling and touring on either end of our excursion, our tour guide took requests on the sound system. We ended the night singing “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion at the top of our lungs alongside the other folks who cycled that night. It was a very fun time.

5. Visit the Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate; June 2018

The Biltmore Estate is a Gilded Age mansion built in the late 19th century outside of Asheville. Buying a day pass to visit the grounds allows visitors to tour the interior of the Estate as well as the fabulous onsite gardens/greenhouse and the Biltmore Estate Winery. Fans of architecture and extravagance will enjoy a day at the Biltmore.

Billiards room at Biltmore; June 2018

Biltmore Greenhouse; June 2018

Biltmore Estate Winery; June 2018

6. Catch a Drag Show at Scandals

Established in 1980, Scandals Nightclub is Asheville’s oldest dance club. And it’s a gay club with an established dancefloor and two nightly drag shows on the weekend. The drag performers are fantastically talented and their costumes are incredible. For a fun night out on the town, I highly recommend Scandals for dancing and drag.

Where to Eat in Asheville

Brunch

Grit cake stack at Early Girl Eatery in Asheville; October 2021

Grit cake stack at Early Girl Eatery in Asheville; October 2021

Early Girl Eatery

Locations: 8 Wall St.; 444 Haywood Rd. #101; 1378 Hendersonville Rd. Ste A

Recommendation: Organic Heirloom Grit Cake Stack.

Biscuit Head

Locations: 417 Biltmore Ave, Ste 4F; 733 Haywood Rd.; 994 Hendersonville Rd

Recommendations: Fried Green Tomatoes, Sweet Potato Coconut Gravy, and any jams from the jam bar.

Eggs benedict biscuit; Biscuit Head; June 2018

Lunch/Dinner

White Duck Taco Shop

Locations: 388 Riverside Drive & 12 Biltmore Avenue.

Recommendations: Banh Mi Tofu Tacos, Mushroom Potato Romesco Tacos. Housemade Sangria.

Wasabi Japanese Restaurant

Location: 19 Broadway St.

Recommendations: Veggie Gyoza, Vegetable & Tofu Pan Fried Udon.

Vegetable Tofu Pan Fried Udon; Wasabi Restaurant; October 2021

Dessert

Double D’s Coffee & Desserts; October 2021

Double D’s Coffee & Desserts

Location: 41 Biltmore Ave.

Recommendations: Chai Latte, Fruit smoothies.

French Broad Chocolate Factory

Locations: 10 S Pack Square; 821 Riverside Drive.

Recommendations: Housemade chocolate ice cream or milkshakes.

Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream at French Broad Chocolate Factory; October 2021

Where to Drink in Asheville

Breweries

Emmett, my Dad, and my brother Dylan at Sierra Nevada; June 2018

Sierra Nevada

Sierra Nevada’s Mills River, NC Taproom is about 25 minutes from downtown Asheville. It’s an enormous campus with brewery tours, a restaurant, live music, and a “back porch” with a scenic woodsy view.

Allison, me, Liz, and Suzi at New Belgium; October 2021

New Belgium

Located on 21 Craven Street in Asheville, New Belgium is a family and cyclist-friendly campus. There is no onsite restaurant; instead there are several food trucks in residence to satiate your hunger.

Wicked Weed Brewpub; October 2021

Wicked Weed Brewpub

Located on 91 Biltmore Ave, Wicked Weed Brewpub features a tasting room and a New American restaurant.

Twin Leaf Craft Brewery; October 2021

Twin Leaf

An independent craft brewery located at 144 Coxe Avenue. Twin Leaf focuses on “brewing classic Belgian, English, and American style ales, while maintaining a rotating line up of Lagers, IPAs, Sours, and other adventurous styles.”

Bars

Ben’s Tune-Up Asheville; October 2021

Ben’s Tune-Up

195 Hilliard Avenue.

A converted auto shop featuring a beer & sake garden.

Top of the Monk

92 Patton Avenue.

A speakeasy-esque rooftop bar featuring handcrafted cocktails.

An apple cider cocktail at Grove Park Inn; October 2021

Sunset Cocktail Terrace at the Grove Park Inn

The Omni Grove Park Inn; 290 Macon Avenue

Go for the cocktails, stay for the incredible views. We went at the end of October just in time to catch some fall foliage on the Blue Ridge in the distance.

Where to Stay in Asheville

Hostel

Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel; June 2016

Bon Paul & Sharky’s Hostel

816 Haywood Rd.

Asheville’s only backpacker’s hostel. Incredibly comfy beds, plenty of porch sitting available. Dorms and private rooms.

AirBnB

CJ & Suzi feeding horses outside of our Asheville AirBnB; October 2021

Asheville has many, many AirBnB options. Take a look on their website.

Hotels

Omni Grove Park Inn; Oct 2021

View from Omni Grove Park Inn; Oct 2021

Omni Grove Park Inn

$$$ — 290 Macon Ave

Courtyard by Marriott Asheville Biltmore Village

$$ — 26 Meadow Rd.

I love Asheville & my friends; October 2021

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Sharpen Your Skills: Tackle the ARDMS SPI with Confidence

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Sharpen Your Skills

In the ever-evolving field of diagnostic medical sonography, staying ahead means mastering both the science and the tools of the trade. One of the most significant benchmarks for aspiring sonographers is passing the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam, administered by the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography. The SPI is not just a hurdle; it’s a gateway to your future in medical imaging.  

 

Resources to Support Your Journey

 

While we do not include sample test questions here, many trusted organizations offer study guides and simulation tools to help you become familiar with ardms spi exam questions in a structured and stress-free way. Look for programs that provide real-time feedback, cover all exam domains, and are updated to match the current testing standards.

 

Who Should Take the SPI Practice Exam?

 

Anyone pursuing ARDMS certification in sonography specialties must take and pass the SPI exam. It’s ideal for:

 

  • Sonography students in accredited programs
  • Professionals cross-training into new specialties
  • International sonographers seeking U.S. certification

 

It’s important to note that while the SPI exam is part of the credentialing process, it is not a standalone credential. It must be passed in conjunction with a specialty examination to achieve full certification.

 

Why the SPI Exam Matters

 

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare, precision matters. The SPI exam ensures that sonographers understand the underlying physics of ultrasound imaging and can operate equipment accurately. This translates into higher quality care and better diagnostic outcomes for patients.

 

What to Expect on Exam Day

 

The SPI is a computer-based test administered at authorized testing centers. It typically includes 110 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed in two hours. The questions are designed to challenge your understanding across several content areas, including:

 

  1. Physical Principles of Ultrasound
  2. Ultrasound Transducers
  3. Pulse-Echo Instrumentation
  4. Doppler Instrumentation
  5. Quality Assurance and Safety

 

While the exam content is technical, many questions are scenario-based, encouraging test-takers to think critically and apply their knowledge.

 

Preparation Strategies for SPI Success

 

Passing the SPI exam requires more than just reading textbooks. Here are proven strategies to guide your study plan:

 

  1. Know the Exam Content Outline

 

ARDMS provides a detailed exam outline that specifies the weight of each topic. Focusing your studies according to this guide ensures you’re prioritizing the right areas. This is especially helpful when narrowing down which concepts to study intensively.

 

  1. Use Multimedia Learning Tools

Physics is abstract, and many learners benefit from visuals. Utilize video tutorials, interactive simulations, and diagrams to grasp complex topics like wave propagation, attenuation, and Doppler shift.

 

  1. Schedule Regular Practice Sessions

 

While this article does not include practice questions, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the structure and format of ardms spi exam questions through reputable practice resources. Use online platforms that offer timed tests and analytics to track your progress.

 

  1. Join Study Groups or Forums

 

Learning with others can keep you motivated and expose you to new perspectives. Online communities, local study groups, or professional networks are great places to ask questions, clarify doubts, and share resources.

 

  1. Plan a Study Timeline

 

Give yourself at least 2–3 months to prepare. Break your study sessions into manageable sections, alternating between reading, note-taking, and application exercises. Don’t forget to include rest days to prevent burnout.

Understanding the Content Domains

Let’s dive deeper into the key areas tested in the SPI exam:

Physical Principles of Ultrasound

This domain forms the foundation of the entire exam. You’ll need to understand how sound waves travel through different tissues, how frequency affects resolution, and the principles of wave behavior such as reflection, refraction, and absorption.

Ultrasound Transducers

Knowing how transducers work is critical. This includes piezoelectric principles, array types (linear, curvilinear, phased), and factors influencing resolution. Questions may also test your understanding of beam shape and focusing mechanisms.

Pulse-Echo and Doppler Instrumentation

These sections delve into the operational aspects of ultrasound machines. You’ll explore concepts like time-gain compensation, harmonic imaging, spectral Doppler, and color flow mapping. Being proficient in interpreting how these controls impact image quality is essential.

Artifacts

Artifacts can mimic or obscure pathology, so recognizing them is crucial. Study topics include mirror image, reverberation, shadowing, enhancement, and side lobe artifacts.

Quality Assurance and Safety

This section assesses your understanding of maintaining equipment standards and patient safety. Know your mechanical index (MI) from your thermal index (TI), and understand the importance of quality assurance protocols.

Final Thoughts

The ARDMS SPI exam is a pivotal milestone in the career of any aspiring diagnostic medical sonographer. It validates your understanding of critical physics concepts and your ability to operate sonographic equipment safely and effectively. Preparing for the SPI isn’t just about passing a test—it’s about elevating your professionalism and enhancing patient care.

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How CornerStone Clothing Balances Durability and Comfort

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The Value of Durable Workwear

1. Workplace Demands

Different industries pose unique challenges for clothing. Construction, landscaping, and manufacturing environments require garments that can resist tearing, abrasion, and frequent washing. CornerStone Clothing is specifically designed to withstand such stress.

2. Long-Term Cost Savings

While budget options may seem attractive initially, they often require frequent replacement. CornerStone’s emphasis on durability means businesses save money in the long run by investing in clothing that lasts season after season.

3. Professional Appearance

Durable doesn’t mean drab. CornerStone workwear maintains its structure and appearance over time, helping employees look polished and professional on the job.

What Makes CornerStone Durable?

1. Heavy-Duty Fabrics

CornerStone garments are made from premium materials such as cotton duck, polyester blends, and canvas. These fabrics are known for their resistance to tearing and fraying, even in demanding environments.

2. Reinforced Construction

Double- and triple-stitched seams, bar tacks at stress points, and heavy-duty zippers and closures all contribute to the longevity of CornerStone Clothing. These construction methods ensure garments hold up under repeated use and strenuous conditions.

3. Stain and Wrinkle Resistance

Many CornerStone garments include stain-resistant finishes and wrinkle-free technologies, reducing maintenance and ensuring a consistently sharp appearance.

4. Industrial Wash Compatibility

CornerStone garments are made to withstand industrial laundering processes. This is a huge benefit for employers who provide uniforms and launder them regularly as part of their operations.

Balancing Comfort with Strength

1. Soft-Touch Linings and Fabrics

While tough on the outside, many CornerStone garments include soft inner linings or brushed cotton interiors to enhance wearability. The Apparel Factory frequently outfits clients in these pieces for long shifts that require both comfort and resilience.

2. Ergonomic Fit and Flexibility

CornerStone designs workwear with movement in mind. Features like articulated knees, gusseted underarms, and stretch panels allow for a full range of motion, which is critical for physically demanding jobs.

3. Breathability and Moisture Control

Certain garments in the CornerStone line incorporate moisture-wicking fabrics or vented panels to keep workers cool and dry. This adds a layer of comfort, especially in hot or physically active environments.

4. Layering Options for All Seasons

From moisture-wicking base layers to insulated outerwear, CornerStone offers garments that can be layered for different weather conditions. Workers stay comfortable year-round, regardless of climate.

Top Products That Showcase This Balance

1. CornerStone Duck Cloth Work Jacket

This rugged outer layer features a tough duck cloth exterior and a quilted lining that provides warmth and comfort. It’s a go-to jacket for outdoor laborers and is designed to withstand the elements.

2. CornerStone Industrial Work Shirts

Available in short- and long-sleeve versions, these shirts are built to handle high-volume washing while staying wrinkle-free and breathable. Their clean look and durability make them a staple for uniforms.

3. CornerStone Tactical Polos

Ideal for public safety professionals and service workers, these polos offer superior comfort, durability, and professional styling. Moisture-wicking performance fabric keeps wearers dry, while fade- and snag-resistance ensures longevity.

4. CornerStone Heavyweight Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt

Perfect for layering or wearing on its own, this sweatshirt combines heavyweight fleece with reinforced stitching. It’s warm, rugged, and ideal for early morning shifts or cooler climates.

Why Businesses Choose CornerStone Clothing

1. Reliability Across Industries

CornerStone Clothing is trusted by a wide range of industries, including construction, public safety, automotive, hospitality, and logistics. Its consistent performance makes it an easy choice for diverse workplace needs.

2. Customization-Ready

At The Apparel Factory, help businesses add logos, names, and branding to CornerStone garments. The brand’s clean designs and durable fabrics make them ideal for embroidery and screen printing.

3. Wide Range of Sizes and Fits

CornerStone offers inclusive sizing options to accommodate all team members. From XS to 6XL and tall sizes, businesses can outfit every employee comfortably.

4. Uniform Compliance

For industries that require compliance with uniform policies or safety standards, CornerStone provides high-visibility and ANSI-compliant options that don’t compromise on comfort.

Sustainability and Responsible Manufacturing

CornerStone Clothing, under the SanMar family of brands, upholds responsible sourcing and ethical labor practices. More customers are looking for brands that align with their values, and CornerStone is meeting this demand with transparency and care.

The Apparel Factory and CornerStone Clothing

As a premier supplier of workwear and custom uniforms, The Apparel Factory proudly offers the full range of CornerStone products. We help clients:

  • Select the best garments for their industry and work conditions
  • Customize with branding and logos
  • Order in bulk for teams or organizations
  • Get fast, reliable delivery on all items

We stand behind the quality of CornerStone Clothing because we’ve seen how it supports teams in real-world working conditions.

Conclusion

CornerStone Clothing has set a standard in workwear by proving that toughness and comfort don’t have to be mutually exclusive. From industrial worksites to customer-facing roles, their apparel is crafted to deliver on both fronts—resisting wear and tear while ensuring all-day ease.

At The Apparel Factory, trust CornerStone because it lives up to the demands of our clients. If you’re looking to outfit your team in apparel that performs without compromise, CornerStone Clothing is the smart, reliable choice that ensures your crew is ready for whatever the job throws at them.


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A&TA: The Ultimate Game-Changer!

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A&TA

Have you ever stumbled upon something that completely changed the way you think or operate? That’s exactly what A&TA does. It stands for an innovative approach that’s taking both personal development and business strategies by storm. Whether you’re a dreamer, a doer, or somewhere in between, this concept has the potential to revolutionize your path to success.

Curious about what A&TA is all about? You’re not alone! Many are eager to dive into its benefits and real-life applications. From transforming how we communicate to enhancing productivity, A&TA is making waves everywhere. So let’s explore this game-changing idea together and find out how it can benefit you today!

What is A&TA?

A&TA stands for Awareness and Transformative Action. It’s a philosophy that encourages individuals and businesses to become more mindful of their surroundings while taking proactive steps toward change.

At its core, A&TA emphasizes the importance of being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and the impact they have on your actions. By cultivating awareness, you can identify areas in life or work that need improvement.

Transformative action is all about implementing strategies designed to create positive shifts. This could mean altering how you approach challenges or enhancing communication within teams.

The beauty of ATA lies in its versatility. Whether applied personally or professionally, it empowers people to take charge and make meaningful changes. As we explore further into its benefits, real-life success stories will illustrate just how impactful this approach can be.

The Benefits of A&TA

A&TA opens doors to transformative opportunities. It enhances efficiency, enabling better time management and resource allocation. Businesses can achieve more with less effort.

Collaboration is another key advantage. ATA fosters teamwork, breaking down silos in organizations. When individuals unite under a common goal, creativity flourishes.

Flexibility stands out as a major benefit too. Whether for personal growth or business development, A&TA adapts to various needs and circumstances.

Incorporating data-driven insights leads to informed decision-making. This empowers users to make choices that align with their objectives and values.

Additionally, A&TA encourages innovation by challenging the status quo. Embracing new approaches allows both individuals and businesses to stay ahead in today’s fast-paced environment.

It promotes continuous learning and improvement—an essential aspect of thriving in any field or industry.

Real-life Success Stories

Across various industries, A&TA has transformed the way people operate. Take a small startup in tech. They adopted A&TA principles and saw their productivity soar by 30%. Employees reported higher morale and collaboration improved significantly.

In healthcare, a clinic integrated A&TA strategies to enhance patient care. The results were remarkable—patient satisfaction scores jumped dramatically, leading to more referrals and growth.

Even educators have embraced it! One school implemented ATA frameworks in its curriculum, resulting in better engagement among students and improved academic performance across the board.

These stories highlight not just success but also adaptability. Businesses of all sizes are discovering that when they embrace A&TA, they unlock new potential within their teams and processes. It’s clear: real change is happening through these approaches every single day.

How to Implement A&TA in Your Life or Business

Implementing A&TA in your life or business begins with understanding its core principles. Start by assessing the areas where you can apply these strategies. This could be in productivity, communication, or even personal growth.

Next, set clear goals and outline actionable steps to achieve them. Breaking down tasks makes them less daunting and more manageable.

Engage with resources that promote A&TA practices—books, online courses, or workshops can provide valuable insights. Surround yourself with a supportive community that shares similar ambitions; collaboration often leads to innovation.

Regular reflection is key to progress. Take time to evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. Adjust your approach accordingly.

Keep an open mind as you integrate these tactics into daily routines. The adaptability of A&TA means it can evolve along with your needs and aspirations.

Common Misconceptions About A&TA

Many people have misconceptions about ATA. Some believe it’s just another passing trend, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. A&TA has established itself as a vital tool across various industries.

Another common myth is that only large corporations can benefit from ATA. This isn’t accurate; small businesses and individuals alike can harness its power effectively.

Some think implementing A&TA requires extensive training or resources, which may deter potential users. In reality, many accessible platforms simplify this process for everyone.

Some mistakenly equate A&TA with outdated methods like traditional analytics tools. However, it encompasses much more by integrating advanced techniques and technologies to enhance decision-making processes.

These misunderstandings often prevent people from exploring the true potential of A&TA in their lives or organizations.

Future Possibilities for A&TA

The future of ATA is filled with exciting potential. As technology continues to evolve, so does the application of ATA in various industries. We may soon see personalized ATA solutions tailored to individual needs.

Imagine smart systems that seamlessly integrate A&TA into daily workflows, enhancing productivity and efficiency. This could revolutionize not just business practices but also personal life management.

Moreover, as research expands, new methodologies will likely emerge. These advancements can foster improved decision-making processes across sectors like healthcare, education, and finance.

Collaboration platforms might incorporate A&TA principles too. By connecting teams more effectively, organizations can harness collective intelligence like never before.

Furthermore, as more people discover what is a ta and its implications in both gaming and everyday scenarios, the popularity of this approach will undoubtedly grow—making it an essential tool for forward-thinking individuals everywhere.

Conclusion

A&TA is a transformative concept that can revolutionize both personal and professional landscapes. From its foundational principles to the tangible benefits, it’s clear that A&TA has something valuable to offer everyone.

You’ve seen how various individuals and businesses have harnessed its power, achieving remarkable results. The implementation process may seem daunting at first, but with the right strategies in place, anyone can integrate ATA into their lives or operations successfully.

Despite some common misconceptions floating around—like whether “ta” qualifies as a scrabble word—it’s essential to recognize the true potential of A&TA beyond mere semantics. It’s about fostering growth and innovation in ways previously unimagined.

Looking ahead, the future for A&TA seems bright. As more people discover what it means and how beneficial it can be, we might see even greater advancements stemming from this dynamic approach.

The journey with A&TA promises not just change but transformation—inviting you to explore new possibilities within your life or business endeavors. Embrace it; you won’t regret it!

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