Words On Water #201: Antoine Walter on Spotting and Supporting The Trends

December 7, 2021

Antoine Walter is Senior Business Development Manager of GF Piping Systems. In this episode Antoine discusses the unique perspective on trends that a piping systems company has on the water industry. He talks about trends in upgrading facilities, onsite reuse and decentralized systems, and sensors and data, as well as how a manufacturer supports changes in these areas. Antoine also shares his perspective on the challenges in the global supply chain and how companies are adapting.

This episode is brought to you by GF Piping Systems.

WOW: Take It From The Top With Paul Bowen

July 27, 2021

Paul Bowen is a former water and sustainability executive at the Coca-Cola Company and a Past-President of the Water Environment Federation. In this episode Paul says the best way to be prepared for the future is strategic planning, an activity in which he participated at both WEF and Coca-Cola. He discusses the need to include risk assessment and risk mitigation in the planning process to lessen the negative impacts of future obstacles. Paul also talks about the importance of debriefings after activities and events, not just to identify what went wrong but additionally what went right.

WOW: Take It From The Top
Hosted by Tom Kunetz

Words On Water #191: Dave Ross and Lindsey Mann on Wipes Class Action Lawsuit Settlement

July 22, 2021

Dave Ross and Lindsey Mann are Partners at Troutman Pepper. In this episode Dave and Lindsey discuss a preliminary class action lawsuit settlement between the Charleston Water System and wipes manufacturer Kimberly-Clark that could affect any entity that owned and/or operated wastewater conveyance and treatment systems since January 6, 2018. They discuss how the settlement, if approved by a court, would require Kimberly-Clark’s products to meet current flushability standards as published by the International Water Services Flushability Group, implement independent testing, and require educational content and label changes, as well as require the Charleston Water System to endorse these Kimberly-Clark products as flushable. Dave and Lindsey explain that the settlement would have no effect on claims by class members seeking money for harm caused by wipes but would release all claims for injunctive relief by any class member related to any wipe product of Kimberly-Clark.

Words On Water #188: Uma Vempati, Mark Miller, and Tanya Miro on Trends in PFAS

June 21, 2021

At Kimley-Horn, Uma Vempati is Senior Project Manager of Integrated Water Solutions, Mark Miller is Senior Water Treatment Speciaist, and Tanya Miro is Senior Marketing Specialist for Water and Wastewater. In this episode they discuss the latest news and trends for PFAS, including challenges utilities face in treatment and a successful project in Stuart, Florida. They also talk about EPA action on PFAS, development of regulations, and how utilities should be preparing for them. Learn more about PFAS and treatment on Kimley-Horn’s comprehensive webpage.

This episode is brought to you by Kimley-Horn.

WOW: Take It From The Top Series With Tom Kunetz

May 17, 2021

Tom Kunetz usually hosts the Take It From The Top Series, but for this episode the tables were turned on the former WEF President. In this episode Tom discusses his background in comedy, the usefulness of improve skills in the workplace, and his trainings for the water sector. He shares observations of water management during his extensive travel around the world, the importance of increasing resource recovery at utilities, and how his 30 years as WEF member have taught him that water professionals are a community of passionate people.

WOW: Take It From The Top
Hosted by Tom Kunetz (except for this episode, which was hosted by Travis Loop)

Words On Water #184: Jamie Eichenberger on the Need for Water Infrastructure Funding

April 19, 2021

Jamie Eichenberger is the President-Elect of the Water Environment Federation and an Associate Vice President at HDR. In this episode Jamie explains how without significant funding increases for water infrastructure, there will be long-term harm to public health, environmental protection, social equity, and economic growth in communities, as outlined in a WEF position statement. He says the water sector needs increased and more reliable financing of water infrastructure to address such priorities as aging infrastructure and technology innovation to meet changing regulations. Jamie calls on the entire water sector to advocate for funding, particularly through Water Week and WEF’s Water Advocates program.

Episode #184
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #183: Amy Kirby and Dr. Andrew Sanderson on Expansion of Wastewater-Based Disease Surveillance

April 15, 2021

Amy Kirby is the National Wastewater Surveillance System Lead for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Dr. Andrew Sanderson is the Chief Medical Officer for the Water Environment Federation (WEF). In this episode they discuss how CDC has selected WEF to develop, manage, and provide training for a nationwide network of water utilities, public health agencies, and laboratories participating in wastewater-based disease surveillance. Andrew and Amy explain that wastewater-based disease surveillance has been used to study the presence and trends in coronavirus infections in communities and is increasingly viewed as a valuable tool during the current pandemic and for future public health research.

Episode #183
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #182: Chris Hunniford and Mark Perkins on Trends in Odors and Air Pollutants

April 5, 2021

Chris Hunniford is Chief Operating Officer of V&A Consulting Engineers and Mark Perkins is President and Owner of Perkins Engineering Consultants. In this episode Chris and Mark discuss a variety of trends in odors including challenges with getting new facilities permitted, the patchwork of regulations across the country, and the continued rise of data, sensors, and other technology. They also talk about the agenda and highlights at WEF’s upcoming Odors and Air Pollutants Conference.

Episode #182
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #181: Kevin Davis on the Cybersecurity Approach of a Large Utility

March 25, 2021

Kevin Davis is the Chief Technology Officer at Middlesex County Utilities Authority in New Jersey. In this episode Kevin discusses his reaction to the recent hack at a Florida utility. He talks about his utility’s overall approach to cybersecurity, the challenges from the size and diversity of a large utility, and approaching cybersecurity for OT vs IT. Kevin also explains how the coronavirus pandemic impacted needs for cybersecurity and why his utility participates in the Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center.

This episode is brought to you by Bayshore Networks.

Words On Water #174: Introducing WEF’s New Director of Sustainable Biosolids Programs

February 16, 2021

Maile Lono-Batura is the new Director of Sustainable Biosolids Programs for the Water Environment Federation. In this episode Maile talks about her background and experiences serving as Executive Director of Northwest Biosolids for 22 years. She discusses her new responsibilities and focus in leading biosolids programs for WEF, including the importance of improving collaboration, expanding communications, and advancing research. Maile also shares her perspective on the current trends and pressing issues in biosolids, ranging from PFAS to public perception.

Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #171: Impact of Coronavirus Relief Package on Water Sector

January 5, 2020

Steve Dye is Legislative Affairs Director for the Water Environment Federation and Jason Myers is a Partner with Barnes & Thornburg. In this episode Steve discusses how the recent coronavirus relief package passed by Congress impacts the water sector, including the $638 million it provides for a new program that will help low-income families cover the costs of their drinking water and wastewater utility bills, as well as $25 billion in rental assistance that can also be used to help offset utility payments. Jason talks about $275 billion for another round of Paycheck Protection Program funding and the extension of the deadline for using funding from the CARES Act. Steve also reviews the FY21 Omnibus Appropriations package that includes a myriad of key funding provisions for the Clean Water SRF, Drinking Water SRF, WIFIA, and stormwater and workforce programs.

Episode #171
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #170: How PFAS Can Raise Costs for Biosolids Programs

December 14, 2020

Janine Burke-Wells is Executive Director of the North East Biosolids & Residuals Association, Eric Spargimino is an Environmental Engineer and Project Manager at CDM Smith, and Chris Wilson is Chief of Processing Engineering and Research at Hampton Roads Sanitation District. In this episode they discuss how state limits on PFAS can impact biosolids programs and that a recent report found management costs for facilities increased by about 37 percent in response to regulations. Janine, Eric, and Chris also talk about case studies from the report, helpful technologies for PFAS treatment, and productive regulatory approaches by states.

Episode #170
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #167: Amy Corriveau on the Benefits of Digital Water During the Pandemic

October 29, 2020

Amy Corriveau is a Vice President and Director of Digital Solutions at CDM Smith. In this episode Amy discusses how the coronavirus pandemic has increased interest in digital water and reshaped trends and tools in the field. She explains how utilities benefited by having digital water solutions in place before the pandemic and ways that utilities tried to adopt technologies during the past six months. Amy also offers advice for steps that utilities can take to get started in digital water in a manageable and cost-effective manner.

This episode is brought to you by CDM Smith.

Words On Water #164: Martin Bureau on Treating PFAS

September 30, 2020

Martin Bureau is the Vice President of Innovation at Logistec Environmental. In this episode Martin discusses the problem of PFAS in water and the environment and the challenges facilities face in treatment. He shares the latest developments in PFAS solutions and the importance to calibrate the solutions based on the nature and size of the community’s specific needs.

This episode is brought to you by Logistec.

Words On Water #163: Erin Rothman on Monitoring Stormwater With Sensors

September 30, 2020

Erin Rothman is the CEO of StormSensor. In this episode Erin discusses how cities are increasingly interested in using networks of sensors and cloud-based software for real-time monitoring of stormwater systems. She explains how sensors can also be used for a variety of purposes including evaluating green infrastructure and studying the impact of sea level rise on infrastructure. Erin also talks about her experience collaborating with college students and the creativity they bring to projects.

This episode is brought to you by StormSensor.

Words On Water #160: Sam Utley on Holistically Managing Data, Instruments, and Process

September 28, 2020

Sam Utley is Senior Manager for the Software Sales Engineering Team at Hach. In this episode Sam discusses the challenges water resource recovery facilities face in data, instrument, and process management. He explains how new solutions allow users to analyze and act on data, accurately ensure instruments are functioning, and automate processes to improve efficiency. Sam talks about the ability for facilities to adopt solutions one at a time or take a more holistic approach.

This episode is brought to you by Hach.

Episode #160
Hosted by Travis Loop

WOW: Conversations on Equity… With Cathy Bailey, Randy Hayman, and Tony Parrott

September 21, 2020

Cathy Bailey is the Executive Director of Greater Cincinnati Water Works, Randy Hayman is the Commissioner and CEO of the Philadelphia Water Department, and Tony Parrott is CEO of Louisville and Jefferson County Metropolitan Sewer District. In this episode they talk candidly about their experiences as Black Americans working in the water sector and reaching the level of utility executive, including sharing examples of discrimination and racism they encountered along the way. Cathy, Randy, and Tony discuss how it feels to be Black Americans in leadership positions and how utilities should address issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion.

This episode is part of a series of conversations on the Words On Water podcast about equity and the water sector. It is co-hosted by Travis Loop and Rahkia Nance.

Words On Water #157: A Preview of WEFTEC Connect

September 14, 2020

In this episode WEF staff provide a preview of WEFTEC Connect, the fully virtual event and online learning platform that offers attendees interactive education, an exhibitor showcase, and networking experiences. They explain how WEFTEC Connect is more than another webinar or virtual meeting – it is a dynamic, immersive learning amd networking experience, that takes the best of our in-person event, reshapes it for the virtual world, and delivers it all directly to attendees. WEFTEC Connect will be held October 5 to October 9 and more information is at www.weftec.org

Episode #157
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #149: Jamie Piziali on EPA’s Emphasis on Integrated Planning

June 15, 2020

Jamie Piziali is the Municipal Ombudsman at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In this episode Jamie explains integrated planning, which offers an opportunity for a municipality to meet multiple Clean Water Act requirements by identifying efficiencies from wastewater and stormwater programs and sequencing investments. She discusses her role as an ombudsman and the importance of integrated planning to EPA. Jamie also talks about the agency’s efforts to raise awareness among municipalities about integrated planning and how local governments should pursue the approach as part of NPDES permitting or enforcement orders.

Episode #149
Hosted by Travis Loop

WOW: Take it From The Top Series… with Cordell Samuels

June 1, 2020

Cordell Samuels is a Past President of the Water Environment Federation and retired Plant Superintendent at the Region of Durham in Ontario, Canada. In this episode of Take It From The Top, a series of the Words On Water podcast, Cordell reflects on his experiences as WEF President and as a water professional that yielded helpful lessons for during the coronavirus pandemic. He discusses how sudden change is difficult for people and tells how as a new plant manager he made sure to connect with every staff member during a time of transition. Cordell also explains that clear communication and a focus on understanding is key across an organization.

WOW: Take it From the Top
Hosted by Tom Kunetz

Words On Water #148: Christina Wilson and Jennifer Welsh on Trends in Collection System

June 1, 2020

Christina Willson is Assistant Regional Manager of Water at Horner and Shifrin and Jennifer Welsh is a Civil Engineer at the St. Louis Metropolitan Sewer District. In this episode Christina and Jennifer talk about the Collection Systems Digital Conference that opens June 2 and brings attendees a variety of content. They discuss how collection systems are part of the aging infrastructure challenge, the sector’s continued focus on inflow and infiltration, and the ways technology is changing collection systems.

Episode #148
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #145: Bob Dabkowski and Steve Myers on Trends in Nutrient Management

May 18, 2020

Bob Dabkowski and Steve Myers are Applications Development Managers with Hach. In this episode Bob and Steve discuss the historic and current focus on nutrient management at wastewater facilities. They explain how regulations aiming to improve water quality in streams, rivers, and other water bodies are driving a trend toward more nutrient removal. Bob and Steve talk about ways to decrease costs and increase reliability in nutrient removal, as well as the opportunities presented by changing technology.

This episode is brought to you by Hach.

Episode #145
Hosted by Travis Loop  

Words On Water #144: Kari Brisolara on the Science on Biosolids and Coronavirus

May 13, 2020

Kari Brisolara is an Associate Professor of Environmental Health at Louisiana State University. In this episode Kari discusses a review of current science that finds there is no evidence supporting the transmission of coronavirus through the wastewater system to biosolids. Because the coronavirus is more susceptible to treatment, including heat, no additional protective equipment or measures are required for managing properly treated biosolids.

Episode #144
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #143: Business Roundtable on Coronavirus #2

May 12, 2020

WEF is convening a series of roundtable discussions with leaders from across the water sector to discuss how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting operations, business, and people. The conversations are hosted by WEF Executive Director Walt Marlowe and explore current impacts, anticipated changes, and future plans in areas such as workforce, productivity, supply chain, projects, communication, and more. The guests for this episode are Kishia Powell, Commissioner for the City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management; Paul Vogel, Principal and President of Greeley and Hansen; and Neil McAdam, Senior Vice President at World Water Works.

Episode #143

Words On Water #141: Dave Russell on Preparing for Black Swan Events

May 8, 2020

Dave Russell is the CEO of Global Environmental Operations. In this episode Dave explains the concept of a Black Swan, an unpredictable event that is beyond what is normally expected of a situation and has potentially severe consequences. He discusses how Black Swan events could impact the water sector and what hinders anticipation and preparation for such situations. Dave provides advice on how the water sector can be more ready and identifies a variety of resources to help.

Episode #141
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #139: Katie Henderson on Results of 2020 Value of Water Index

April 28, 2020

Katie Henderson is manager of the Value of Water Campaign for the U.S. Water Alliance. In this episode Katie shares the results of the 2020 Value of Water Index, a poll that shows 84 percent of American voters want state and federal leaders to invest in water infrastructure. She explains the support for water infrastructure investment cuts across demographic, political, and geographic divisions. Katie also discusses other findings from the poll including people’s perceptions of local water services, climate change, and PFAS.

Episode #139
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #134: Des Moines Water Works Shelters-In-Place to Respond to Coronavirus

March 27, 2020

Ted Corrigan is interim CEO and General Manager and Kyle Danley is Director of Water Production at Des Moines Water Works. In this episode Ted and Kyle explain how the utility responded to coronavirus by activating a long-standing response plan and having essential staff shelter-in-place at its three treatment facilities. They discuss how 20 employees will stay onsite for two week rotations, working 12-hour shifts, seven days a week to provide clean water and sanitation for 500,000 people in central Iowa. Ted and Kyle say the staff understand they are serving in a public health role and helping their community, and that support is strong from external staff, the utility’s board, and the union.

Episode #134
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #133: Continuity of Operations During the Coronavirus Pandemic

March 23, 2020

During the coronavirus pandemic, water utilities are triggering their response plans for continuity of operations. A significant component during a pandemic is a consideration of critical functions that include essential personnel whose role does not allow for telework. Critical services must continue and COOP activities in the face of potentially severe staff shortages and absenteeism are of concern. This episode is the audio from a Water Environment Federation webcast. Speakers include Sue Schneider of Spartanburg Water, Joseph Lockler of Charlotte Water, John Bennett and Taylor Huynh of Trinity River Authority, Dusti Lowndes of DC Water, Cathy Davis of U.S. EPA, Teresa Jakubowski of Barnes & Thornburg, and Steve Frank of SDF Communications.

Episode #133

Words On Water #132: Clean Water Act Regulatory Issues in a Pandemic

March 20, 2020

This episode is the audio from a Water Environment Federation webcast. During the coronavirus pandemic, water and wastewater utilities are currently triggering their response plans for continuity of operations. These events also trigger regulatory issues under the Clean Water Act as utilities work to maintain compliance during this pandemic. Utilities need to consider special conditions in their Consent Decrees and/or permits, consider regulatory obligations and maintain close contact with their regulators. Speakers include Susan Sullivan, Executive Director of the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission; Fred Andes, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg in Chicago; Melanie Davenport, President of the Association of Clean Water Administrators and Director of the Water Permitting Division for the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality; and Shellie Chard, Director of Water Quality for the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality.

Episode #132

Words On Water #130: Celine Hyer and Eric Bindler on Advanced Asset Management

March 4, 2020

Celine Hyer is the Water Conveyance Lead for Arcadis North America and Eric Bindler is the Research Director for Digital Water at Bluefield Research. In this episode Celine and Eric discuss how pressures mounting on utilities to address human-centric challenges around affordability and resilience mean new strategies are needed to optimize limited resources. They explain the ways an advanced asset management framework can surpass traditional limitations and narrow U.S. utilities’ funding gap by $62.4 billion over the next decade. Celine and Eric detail drivers and enablers of change, workforce impacts, and steps utilities can take to be fit-for-future and foster thriving communities. Read the paper on advanced asset management.

This episode is brought to you by Arcadis.

Episode #130
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #129: Tom Ferguson on Innovation and the Next Decade

March 2, 2020

Tom Ferguson is the Vice President of Programming for Imagine H2O. In this episode Tom explains that Water Innovation Week will be focused on “The Next Decade”, with an eclectic mix of water leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and more exploring what is possible for the sector over the next 10 years. Tom also gazes into his crystal ball to predict that by 2030 there will be significant investment in water, regionalization/consolidation of utilities, a flood of tech crossing over from other industries, and a heavy emphasis on communications and outreach.

Episode #129
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #123: Dr. Linda Lee on the Science of PFAS in Water Treatment

February 3, 2020

Dr. Linda Lee is a Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Purdue University. In this episode Linda discusses the science of PFAS in water treatment, her recent article published in the Water Environment Research Journal, and how her work began 15 years ago when DuPont asked her to help expand knowledge of the so-called “forever chemicals.” She talks about current science on the presence and removal methods of PFAS in drinking water, wastewater, and biosolids. Linda also explains what is known about the fate and transport of PFAS into the soil, groundwater, and crops when biosolids are applied to agricultural land.

Episode #123
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #121: Vaughan Harshman on Odor Problems

Vaughan Harshman is Capital Sales Director at Evoqua Water Technologies and Chair of the 2020 Odors and Air Pollutants Conference. In this episode Vaughan discusses how odor problems develop for water utilities, methods for controlling and reducing odors, and community engagement that happens when there is a problem. He also talks about corrosion issues that can accompany odors and the role of aging infrastructure in odors.

Episode #121
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #116: Andrew Minogue on Increased Security of Water Tanks

December 11, 2019

Andrew Minogue is the Director of Engineering at DN Tanks. In this episode Andrew explains the swift, significant shift in the security of water tanks after September 11 and outlines today’s standard practices for securing the critical infrastructure and protecting the water supply. He talks about the recent trend of adding mixing systems to tanks to circulate water, prevent stagnation, and improve quality. Andrew also discusses how tanks fits into the aging infrastructure picture, noting that concrete tanks have a long lifespan.

This episode is brought to you by DN Tanks.

Words On Water #115
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #114: Valerie Lucas on Connecting With the Public and the Rise of Women in Water

November 13, 2019

Valerie Lucas is the Executive Director of the Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky & Tennessee. In this episode Valerie explains why the organization changed its name to better communicate with the public about the water sector’s work. She talks about collaborating with the Louisville water utilities and four breweries to create their version of Pure Water Brew called Next Round. Valerie also discusses how she has seen the role of women in water change during her career and why it is important to increase the number of women in the industry.

Episode #114
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #104: Preview of WEFTEC 2019

September 13, 2019

WEFTEC 2019, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, will be held September 21-25 in Chicago. This episode provides a preview of content in the program topic areas of research, utility management, future issues, and municipal design, including suggestions for highly recommended sessions to attend.

Episode #104
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #99: Dr. Sally Brown on Communicating About Biosolids

August 5, 2019

Dr. Sally Brown is a Research Professor in the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences at the University of Washington. In this episode, Sally says biosolids are a science communication tool for the public, particularly as learning about the benefits help them get over the yuck factor. She also discusses innovative ways to use biosolids, including in urban stormwater management and growing cannabis. Sally says decades of research have shown biosolids to be safe and the sector must talk about the low level of risk from contaminants including PFAS compared to other household sources.

Episode #99
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #98: Greg Quist on Sewers, Smartphones, Satellites, and Southern California

July 31, 2019

Greg Quist is CEO of SmartCover Systems, on the Board of Directors of the Rincon del Diablo Municipal Water District, and Chair of the Urban Water Institute. In this episode Greg discusses real-time monitoring of sewers and the role of smartphones and satellites in water management. He talks about founding a number of water companies and his frustration with the sector’s slow adoption of technology. Greg also shares his views on water in Southern California, including the changes he has seen and optimism for solutions.

Episode #98
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #91: Jim Cooper on Demystifying Intelligent Water

June 3, 2019

Jim Cooper is Intelligent Water Lead at Arcadis. In this episode Jim discusses a new report done in collaboration with Bluefield Research on how artificial intelligence and predictive analytics can help address two human-centric challenges facing the water sector: affordability and resilience. He explains the concept of collective intelligence, which is “people plus technology,” and how a digital future can empower employees, not replace them. Jim says the sector is at a tipping point where early adopters of intelligent water are reaping multifaceted benefits. 

This episode is brought to you by Arcadis

Episode #91
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #77: Adam Davis on Public Opinion on Water Services

February 11, 2019

Adam Davis is Senior Counsel at DHM Research. In this episode Adam discusses results of a national opinion survey conducted with Blue Drop that found one-third of people do not know the source of their drinking water and two-thirds do not know the destination of their wastewater after it is cleaned. He also shares that 50 percent aren’t familiar with the quality of their drinking water and three-quarters don’t know about water infrastructure projects in their community. Adam explains how a lack of public awareness can lead to other types of infrastructure and services being prioritized for investment before water. He says it is important for utilities to poll locally, engage customers, use focus groups, and partner with other organizations as a way to build relationships.

Episode #77
Hosted by Travis Loop

Words On Water #75: Mark Schleifstein on Environmental Reporting and Louisiana Water Issues

February 1, 2019

Mark Schleifstein is a Pulitzer Prize-winning environmental reporter for The Times-Picayune in New Orleans and for NOLA.com. In this episode Mark explains why he has stayed in environmental reporting for 35 years, how major cuts to newsrooms have impacted journalism, and what types of water stories resonate with the public. He talks about several high-profile issues he has covered including the loss of wetlands along Louisiana’s coast, health of the Mississippi River, dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, impacts of the BP oil spill, and Hurricane Katrina. Mark also discusses the infrastructure challenges in New Orleans and provides advice for water utilities on working with the media.

Episode #75
Hosted by Travis Loop