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ACLU Slams Chicago’s Surveillance System
February 9th, 2011
A vast network of high-tech surveillance cameras that allows Chicago police to zoom in on a crime in progress and track suspects across the city is raising privacy concerns.
Chicago’s path to becoming the most-watched US city began in 2003 when police began installing cameras with flashing blue lights at high-crime intersections.
The city has now linked more than 10,000 public and privately owned surveillance cameras in a system dubbed Operation Virtual Shield, according to a report published Tuesday by the American Civil Liberties Union.
At least 1,250 of them are powerful enough to zoom in and read the text of a book.
The sophisticated system is also capable of automatically tracking people and vehicles out of the range of one camera and into another and searching for images of interest like an unattended package or a particular license plate.
“Given Chicago’s history of unlawful political surveillance, including the notorious ‘Red Squad,’ it is critical that appropriate controls be put in place to rein in these powerful and pervasive surveillance cameras now available to law enforcement throughout the City,” said Harvey Grossman, legal director of the ACLU of Illinois.
The Chicago police “Red Squad” program from the 1920s through the 1970s spied on and maintained dossiers about thousands of individuals and groups in an effort to find communists and other subversives.
Outgoing mayor Richard Daley has long championed the cameras as crime-fighting tools and said he would like to see one on every street corner.
Chicago police say the cameras have led to 4,500 arrests in the last four years.
But the ACLU said the $60 million spent on the system would be better spent filling the 1,000 vacancies in the Chicago police force.
It urged the city to impose a moratorium on new cameras and implement new policies to prevent the misuse of cameras, such as prohibiting filming of private areas like the inside of a home and limiting the dissemination of recorded images.
“Our city needs to change course, before we awake to find that we cannot walk into a book store or a doctor’s office free from the government’s watchful eye,” the ACLU said.
A police spokeswoman said the department regularly reviews its policies and maintains an “open dialogue” with the ACLU.
“The Chicago Police Department is committed to safeguarding the civil liberties of city residents and visitors alike,” Lieutenant Maureen Biggane said in an e-mail.
“Public safety is a responsibility of paramount importance and we are fully committed to protecting the public from crime, and upholding the constitutional rights of all.” | <urn:uuid:1c3aacc0-5515-43e0-a329-084a222bf4e0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.ktradionetwork.com/news-stories-2/aclu-slams-chicago%e2%80%99s-surveillance-system/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00030-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.941138 | 557 | 1.585938 | 2 |
The circumference of a sphere is measured at C = 100 cm. Estimate the maximum percentage error in V if the error in C is at most 3 cm.
Dc=4(pi)r (dr) do I use implicit differentiation?
I don't understand what I do from here. Or if I even did that right. Any help would be greatly appreciated. | <urn:uuid:d2708472-52b4-48d4-a969-4cf71fe6e4d7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://mathhelpforum.com/calculus/167640-estimate-percentage-error-print.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706153698/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120913-00052-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.941992 | 76 | 2.171875 | 2 |
Sciatica • Spinal Stenosis • Degenerative Disc Disease • Failed Back Surgery
Bulging Disc • Bone Spurs • Foraminal Stenosis (Narrowing) • Herniated Disc
Pinched Nerve • Radiculitis • Radiculopathy • Facet Syndrome
Patents, Accreditations and Awards
History and Heritage
The Bonati Spine Institute was founded in 1981 and is the recognized leader in advanced spine surgery.
In 1986, Dr. Bonati turned his focus on arthroscopic surgery, or minimally invasive spine surgery. By 1991, he developed advanced arthroscopic techniques and instruments for spine surgery and obtained seven patents from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for his methods and instruments. He was also the first to obtain FDA approval for the use of the Holmium YAG laser on the spine. These methods and instruments are known today as The Bonati Spine Procedures.
Pioneered at The Bonati Spine Institute, endoscopic laser spine surgery was also perfected here.
Dr. Bonati was an advocate of arthroscopic surgery because the scarring was minimal, a patient’s recovery time was minimized, and the surgery could be performed on an outpatient basis using only local anesthesia.
The Bonati Experience
Nearly 94% surgery success rate is a clear indication of the effectiveness of The Bonati Spine Procedures. Using arthroscopic and endoscopic laser-assisted spine surgery, The Bonati Spine Procedures are performed on an outpatient basis using a local anesthesia. This allows the patient to remain alert and communicate directly with the surgeon to isolate, identify and target the exact source of the pain. This identification is referred to as pain mapping and it allows our doctors to treat only the area causing pain.
The Bonati Spine Procedures are performed with patented methods and instrumentation only available at The Bonati Spine Institute. These procedures promote faster recovery times than traditional, highly invasive open back surgery, allowing the patient to resume normal daily activities much sooner.
Upon your arrival, you will meet and discuss your specific problem with an experienced neurosurgeon or a orthopedic surgeon. These physicians are the same ones who will be at your side during the surgical process, ensuring the best possible outcome. | <urn:uuid:ef93c4dc-a2b4-47c2-a69a-58434a1edec3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.bonati.com/uf/posting.php?mode=reply&f=3&t=338 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00029-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.921906 | 469 | 1.5625 | 2 |
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Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Scandinavian unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and the subantarctic Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of 385,252 square kilometres and a population of about 5 million. It is the second least densely populated country in Europe. The country shares a long border with Sweden that it is the longest uninterrupted border within both Europe and Schengen Area; it is also bordered by Finland and Russia to the north-east; in its south Norway borders the Skagerrak Strait across from Denmark. It shares maritime borders with Russia by the Barents sea, Greenland, Faroe Islands and Iceland by the Norwegian Sea, Sweden, Denmark and United Kingdom by the North Sea. The capital city of Norway is Oslo. Norway's extensive coastline, facing the North Atlantic Ocean and the Barents Sea, is home to its famous fjords. Two centuries of Viking raids tapered off following the adoption of Christianity by King Olav Tryggvason in 994. A period of civil war ended in the 13th century when Norway expanded its control overseas to parts of Britain, Ireland, Iceland, and Greenland. Norwegian territorial power peaked in 1265, but competition from the Hanseatic League and the spread of the Black Death weakened the country. In 1380, Norway was absorbed into a union with Denmark that lasted more than four centuries. In 1814, Norwegians resisted the cession of their country to Sweden and adopted a new constitution. Sweden went to war with Norway but agreed to let Norway keep its constitution in return for accepting the union under a Swedish king. Rising nationalism throughout the 19th century led to a 1905 referendum granting Norway independence. Although Norway remained neutral in World War I, it suffered heavy losses to its shipping. Norway proclaimed its neutrality at the outset of World War II, but was nonetheless occupied for five years by the Third Reich. In 1949, neutrality was abandoned and Norway became a founding member of NATO. Discovery of oil and gas in adjacent waters in the late 1960s boosted Norway's economic fortunes. In referenda held in 1972 and 1994, Norway rejected joining the European Union. Key domestic issues include immigration and integration of ethnic minorities, maintaining the country's extensive social safety net with an aging population, and preserving economic competitiveness. (via Freebase) | <urn:uuid:7f792685-46f1-4616-9d47-10ecbe4404ff> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://news.linktv.org/topics/norway | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00042-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.954315 | 528 | 3.09375 | 3 |
There are lots of tree carvings in the west. Most of us are familiar with the JJ+JP surrounded by a heart located about a half mile up your neighborhood trail. What I was not so familiar with is the art that the sheepherders leave behind. In CO, most of our arborglyphs are from Mexican immigrant and Central American sheepherders, but sheepherders from all over Europe have worked in and left their thoughts on the west's aspens. Some of the pictures you can run into are true works of art and usually have a story to tell. During CO's 1st rifle season last year I found the carving below. I've found lots of carvings in the past, but this was the first one I had seen that had anything to do with hunting or wild animals. I figured the sheepherder had seen lots of elk here. We hunted the area opening morning with great success, killing two cows. We were back three days later and called in a 5pt. bull, a week later my cousin killed a cow there. Next time I see an arborglyph in elk country, I'm going to pay close attention to what it says.
My group killed three elk within a 1/2 mile of this tree! | <urn:uuid:1c77303e-b737-408b-8719-4048fe460f06> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://jayscottoutdoors.blogspot.com/2012/03/arborglyphs-follow-signs.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00074-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.989971 | 266 | 1.640625 | 2 |
September 18, 2006
What is a(n) Historian? -- Part II
On Saturday, I read the quickwrites I had my students do before our "What is history?" discussion on Wednesday. Reading these, I was struck by their idealism. Many students wrote that historians study the past so that our society can make better decisions in the future. One student even said that historians use the past to predict the future, which I found pretty hilarious. Historian as fortune teller. We may be prescient, but we don't have ESP. Another student said that we need to learn history because it repeats itself. This is a common incorrect view of history. If it repeated itself, history would have laws, as physics does. Instead, history is the study of contingency and rupture, but also continuity over rupture.
One student summed up the idealistic view of the historian's role in society pretty well: hisotians
'do history' by analyzing events and passing on to the masses [sic] patterns of behaviors, events, leaders, etc. Once presented, it is up to the people to take the hisotians [sic] analysis, choose the patterns that yielded positive outcomes, and apply it to their own lives and world around them.Reading this response almost made me want to cry, because this is how history should function in society, not how it does function. History should serve the public by teaching society about its own past and public leaders should heed the lessons of history, but unfortunately, it doesn't work this way. Academic historians write for each other, focusing on minute points and arguments that may well have bearing on our current world, but to actually point this out is denigrated as presentism. Some historians, notably Juan Cole, a professor in my department who can frequently be heard on NPR, do try to apply the lessons of history to current situations, but heck if our elected leaders are going to listen. So, really, it goes both ways. Historians should make their work more accessible and relevant, and world leaders should learn their history and pay attention to the lessons it offers.
Posted by eklanche at September 18, 2006 08:42 AM | <urn:uuid:41bc36af-9ba7-473d-97dc-a51174e2dde4> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://mblog.lib.umich.edu/~eklanche/archives/2006/09/what_is_an_hist_1.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00064-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.968767 | 445 | 2.125 | 2 |
The Smithsonian American Art Museum
has opened a new gallery dedicated to examining the history and the latest developments in the art of the moving image. Watch This! New Directions in the Art of the Moving Image opened to the public Dec. 10. John G. Hanhardt, senior curator for media arts, selected the works in the installation. This permanent-collection gallery, located on the museums third floor, allows for the presentation of the full range of media art practices.
For the past three years, the Smithsonian American Art Museum has been assembling a serious collection of video and time-based artwork under the leadership of John Hanhardt, who is one of the worlds leading experts in media arts, said Elizabeth Broun, The Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. This newly installed media arts gallery extends the range of contemporary art that we offer to visitors.
Watch This! features key artworks from the history of video art and a new generation of artists on the cutting edge of media arts. The nine artworks on display are: Cory Arcangel, Video Painting (2008); Jim Campbell, Grand Central Station #2 (2009) and Reconstruction #7 (2006); Peter Campus, Three Transitions (1973); Kota Ezawa, LYAM 3D (2008); Svetlana and Igor Kopystiansky, Yellow Sound (2005); Nam June Paik, 9/23/69: Experiments with David Atwood (1969); Bill Viola, Surrender (2001); and Marina Zurkow, Elixir II (2009). The majority of the featured artworks are recent acquisitions, with five entering the museums collection in 2010. The works by Viola and Campbells Reconstruction #7 are on loan.
From Nam June Paiks early, innovative experiments with video to Cory Arcangels reworking of Nintendo games and obsolete computer systems, Watch This! takes stock of the cutting-edge tools and materials used by video artists during the past 50 years, said Hanhardt.
Dedicating a permanent-collection gallery to time-based art is an important new aspect of the media arts initiative at the museum, which includes acquisitions, exhibitions, educational programs and archival research resources related to film, video and the media arts. In 2009, the museum acquired the complete estate archive of visionary artist Paik.
Hanhardt, the leading expert on Paik and his global influence, is organizing the archive and the museums Nam June Paik Media Arts Center. Research into the archive will be the basis for a series of publications of Paiks writings, exhibitions, and a catalogue raisonné. Nam June Paik: Art and Process, the first in a series of exhibitions, is scheduled to open December 2012. | <urn:uuid:b649b6ed-0c07-4b83-89d8-9713755d208f> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.artdaily.com/index.asp?int_sec=2&int_new=43302&int_modo=2 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00038-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.909111 | 556 | 1.703125 | 2 |
Pierre Menard arrived in Kaskaskia in 1790 where he became a prominent merchant and public figure. He took an active role in the early development of Illinois government. In addition to serving as a judge, militia colonel, and representative in the territorial legislature, Menard was elected the state's first lieutenant governor in 1818.
This collection contains personal and business records of Menard, including a letter book (1829-34) containing copies of 124 letters by Menard. Other materials in the collection include account books, business ledgers, blotters, ferry books, journals, and school texts used by Menard's sons. There are also several volumes recording items given to and traded with Indians. The collection also contains the microfilm edition of the Menard Papers in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. This includes personal correspondence and business papers of Pierre Menard and his family, 1791-1910; business ledgers of Pierre Menard, Edmond Menard, Menard and Valle, Bryan and Morrison, and Burr and Christy; and the business papers of Barthelemi Tardiveau, 1785-1827. | <urn:uuid:8ef0173a-1395-4dde-9789-ecb8a8863b84> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.library.illinois.edu/ihx/archon/index.php?p=collections/controlcard&id=121 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00064-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.946375 | 232 | 2.078125 | 2 |
Parenting Stories: "I Want the Label 'Gifted' for Her"
More than a year ago I sat at a restaurant with my sisters-in-laws, all three of them. I was visiting Minnesota by myself, taking a respite from my daily life that involved much time spent carting around my special-needs child to tutoring sessions. Two of my dear relatives discussed their gifted kids.
"I never expected to have a gifted child!" said Beth.
"Me either!" said Darcy.
That word stung. I no longer wanted to listen to how they worked to keep the minds of their children engaged and content.
"Um, can we stop talking about this?" I said.
Darcy and Beth turned to look at me, and I fumbled for words to explain how diving into the special-needs world made the gifted planet look pretty pleasant to me. After telling me how they struggled to find a place for their kids to fit in just like I did, we thankfully changed the conversation topic.
But those two words — gifted and special — continue to poke at my mind. How can one set of children be labeled with the word "gifted" while the other set of children is stuck with the term "special"?
Gift conjures up presents given with love, happy celebrations, light in the darkest of seasons.
Special reminds me of the camp I worked at as a teenager, a camp for physically and mentally disabled people.
When I signed Annie up for services at the public schools, it was for services in the Special Education Department. My mind flashed to an image of a 6-year-old boy named Christopher who I worked with one summer. I loved him, and his parents sent me his school picture in a card the following fall. As an adult, I realize that week was a respite for his parents, that their lives were hard because they cared for a boy with special needs. I broke into tears as I signed my name on the line to receive Special Education Services.
It’s not east affixing a "special" label to your child.
I hear the "gifted" word comes with its own set of problems. My friend Margaret and I banter about this topic on a regular basis. She recently told me, "No matter how you feel, I’m telling you that to be on either end of the spectrum sucks. Whether you are at the top or the bottom, it’s hard to fit in socially, and it’s hard to find services."
I know. I know. I know. But I hate the word special. I refused to write it in a recent email conversation with a staff member in the Special Education Services department. I typed: My daughter has extra needs.
I'm OK with extra. To me, this sing-song word is one of the most over-used words in the English language and stands in stark contrast to the word gifted, even though we love to say that special kids carry special gifts for the rest of us. Not flowers, but patience. Not high test scores and college scholarships, but Special Olympics.
Oh, I sound bitter. But oh how I love my girl. I want her to know she has gifts galore. I want the word "gifted" tacked on to her forehead. I want her teachers and tutors to see her gifts of creativity and smartness and forthrightness and musical talent and humor when they look at her. I know her gifts will carry her and hold her and help her. I want the label of "gifted" for her even as she struggles to read and add, and forget about subtraction even though she is almost 8.
I know the word "special" is my own special hang-up. But I know, as a writer and as a parent, that words are loaded with meaning.
When we call a child gifted we think of Bill Gates and all of his successes. Margaret reminds me that Bill Gates most likely did not fit into his school environment as a child. Still. And yet. When we call a child special we place limits on her, limits the world has taught us throughout history. Annie's special needs, her learning disability, makes it harder for her to reach for the stars unless she has her extra needs met.
I hear you. It is the same for gifted kids. And I am railing at a word when my time is better spent meeting my daughter's extra needs.
But still, as this season of gifts surrounds us, I stand by my rant. Let’s change the vocabulary, or, at the very least, let's just share that word. We can share it with every single child we meet: special, average, or gifted.
Let's just go ahead and call them all gifted, and then we can unwrap each child’s treasures and talents with no limits for any of them.
Writer, editor, and writing coach Nancy Schatz Alton is finishing the last draft of her memoir about the beginning of Annie’s learning journey. She is co-author of two holistic health care guides: The Healthy Back Book and The Healthy Knees Book. When not navigating parenthood, she uses her brain power to write, edit, and fact-check articles for websites and magazines. She lives in Ballard with her husband and two elementary-age daughters. Find her blog at Within the Words. | <urn:uuid:32fcd4a6-1f86-4c7f-9e51-e19df8c15e17> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.parentmap.com/blog/16996/parenting-stories-i-want-the-label-gifted-for-her | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00001-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972829 | 1,118 | 1.578125 | 2 |
terça-feira, março 22, 2011
sexta-feira, março 11, 2011
terça-feira, março 08, 2011
segunda-feira, março 07, 2011
An Unsung Hero of the Nuclear Age
Maj. Harold Hering and the forbidden question that cost him his career.By Ron RosenbaumPosted Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at 5:40 PM ET
It was a risk. Dedicating a book to someone I'd had had a five-minute phone conversation with three decades ago. Someone who, last I'd heard, had become a long-haul trucker and whom I'd given up trying to track down.
But I went ahead and dedicated my new book,How the End Begins: The Road to a Nuclear World War III, to Maj. Harold Hering because Maj. Hering sacrificed his military career to ask a Forbidden Question about launching nuclear missiles. A question that exposed the comforting illusions of the so called fail-safe system designed to prevent "unauthorized" nuclear missile launches.
It was a question that changed his life, and changed mine, and may have changed—even saved—all of ours by calling attention to flaws in our nuclear command and control system at the height of the Cold War. It was a question that makes Maj. Hering an unsung hero of the nuclear age. A question that came from inside the system, a question that has no good answer: How can any missile crewman know that an order to twist his launch key in its slot and send a thermonuclear missile rocketing out of its silo—a nuke capable of killing millions of civilians—is lawful, legitimate, and comes from a sane president?
I tried to track Hering down before my book went to press but failed to connect. And so I chanced it, dedicating the book to someone who, for all I knew, had gone from self-sacrificing hero to—who knows?—subprime mortgage broker? Not that it would have diminished his original sacrifice; heroes don't always fare well after they've left the stage, especially when they go unsung.
But I had an intuition when I first read about Maj. Harold Hering and his Forbidden Question that in addition to courage he had a rare kind of uncompromising integrity. And when I finally tracked him down ... well, let me first explain why I think he's an American hero.
Let's say you were a Minuteman missile crewman during the Richard Nixon presidency at the very height of the Cold War. You and your fellow crewmen are down in your underground launch control center, tending to your sector of the "silo farm"—the vast field under which nuclear missile silos (actually heavily reinforced concrete silo-shaped holes in the ground) shelter the instruments of mass death that lurk beneath the bleak badlands of the northern Great Plains. There you are, running through a drill, going down a routine checklist for launch readiness, when suddenly you get what seems like a reallaunch order. Not a drill. Get ready to twist your launch keys in their slots and send anywhere from one to 50 missiles rocketing toward Russia. World War III is under way.
Or is it? Your launch order codes are "authenticated," everything seems in order, the seconds tick away. But in what may be the last seconds of your life—for all you know Soviet missiles are about to rain down on the plains—a thought crosses your mind. About "authentication." It's supposed to ensure that the launch order comes from the president himself, or (if the president has been killed) from the surviving head of the nuclear chain of command.
But what about that person at the top of the chain of command, the person who gives the order? Has he been "authenticated"? Who authenticates the authenticator? Can the president start a nuclear war on his own authority—his own whim or will—alone? The way Brigadier Gen. Jack D. Ripper did in Dr. Strangelove? What if a president went off his meds, as we'd say today, and decided to pull a Ripper himself? Or what if a Ripper-type madman succeeded in sending a falsely authenticated launch order? You're about to kill 10 million people, after all.
Such a scenario was not inconceivable at the time when Maj. Hering was going through missile training class at Vandenberg Air Force base. Bruce Blair (then a missile crewman himself, a wing commander in charge of 200 minuteman missiles, and now the head of the nuclear abolitionist Global Zero Initiative) discloses in my book that he had figured out a way to launch all 200 of his "birds" without authorization. Good thing he's a very stable guy.
But you've probably read about Richard Nixon acting erratically, drinking heavily as Watergate closed in on him. You may not have read about the time he told a dinner party at the White House, "I could leave this room, and in 25 minutes, 70 million people would be dead." (Try that line out at one of your dinner parties. I've always found it a good conversation starter.)
Anyway, back down there in your launch capsule you might allow yourself to wonder: "This launch order, is this for real or for Nixon's indigestion?"
If you were asking yourself that question, you wouldn't be the only one. James Schlesinger, secretary of defense at that time, No. 2 in the nuclear chain of command, was reported to be so concerned about Nixon's behavior that he sent word down the chain of command that if anyone received any "unusual orders" from the president they should double-check with him before carrying them out.
So there you are, having just received the order to launch nuclear genocide. Should you suppress any doubts, twist your launch key in the slot simultaneously with your fellow crewman and send death hurtling toward millions of civilians halfway around the world? Without asking questions? That's what you're trained to do, not ask questions. Trainees who asked questions were supposed to be weeded out by the Air Force's "psychiatric consideration of human reliability" requirement. I've read this absurd Strangelovian document, which defined sane and reliable as being willing to kill 10 or 20 million people with the twist of a wrist, no questions asked.
Maj. Hering decided to ask his question anyway, regardless of consequences: How could he know that an order to launch his missiles was "lawful"? That it came from a sane president, one who wasn't "imbalance[d]" or "berserk," as Maj. Hering's lawyer eventually, colorfully put it?
Hering needed a lawyer because as soon as he asked the question he was yanked out of missile training class, and after two years of appeals, eventually had to leave the Air Force, trade in a launch key for the ignition keys to an 18-wheeler.
But he forced the Air Force to face the question. We couldn't ignore the problem any longer. Although, as it turned out, we couldn't solve it, either. | <urn:uuid:3b433e67-cf83-4fa7-8af6-8622d1ccb46b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://azel.blogspot.com/2011_03_01_archive.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00043-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.976738 | 1,489 | 1.6875 | 2 |
The first reaction William Thwaites and I had upon reading Geisler's response was that it was riddled with strawmen. For example, we never claimed and never would claim that disagreements over the time it took to carve Mt. Rushmore argues against its being carved, that river deposits could form Mt. Rushmore, that the existence of souvenirs of Mt. Rushmore argue against Mt. Rushmore being designed, that because we had never seen a pyramid built that the Great Pyramid did not have an architect, that though watches have watchmakers Mt. Rushmore did not have an "information giver," or that sculptors are themselves sculptures in need of a sculptor.
But, on asking ourselves what could lie behind Geisler's use of such strawmen, it became obvious what Geisler's point has to be. He must be arguing: "If it is absurd to say these things about the origin of Mt. Rushmore, then, by the principle of uniformity, it is absurd to say these things about the origin of DNA or human beings." By the same token, "If it is reasonable to say something about the origin of Mt. Rushmore, then that reasoning applies equally well to life forms." He therefore challenges us to demonstrate a nonintelligent origin for Mt. Rushmore in order to demonstrate a non-intelligent origin for life. Such an approach assumes we depend on his weak analogy for our own arguments, but, more importantly, it assumes that Mt. Rushmore and life forms are really that comparable.
Geisler's only comparison of Mt. Rushmore to life is to argue that both show "marks of contrivance" in the form of "information." And from this he concludes that both are therefore comparable in origin. He may as well conclude that both are therefore products of a sculptor's chisel!
Though Geisler defines the uniformity principle to mean, "similar causes produce similar effects," common experience often shows us that different causes can produce superficially similar results and similar causes can produce different results, as was argued before with the examples of dubious artifacts. This is why the principle of uniformity is not described by scientists in the way Geisler describes it. In science, uniformity means that natural relationships are assumed to apply throughout time and space. That is, once scientists develop confidence in a relationship, they assume it applies in the past and future and in other parts of the universe. Using the principle of uniformity properly, then, we can confidently declare that Mt. Rushmore was carved, even in the absence of the sculptor or any knowledge of him. We have seen other sculptors carve other things before. But the relationship between DNA and a supernatural creator or creators is unknown. In fact, we have no empirical evidence at all that allows us to state with scientific confidence that a supernatural creator is the cause of any result. In order for the principle of uniformity to demonstrate that a supernatural creator was behind the DNA code, we would have to have already established scientifically at least one relationship between such a creator and a result and then assume that other such results, when we found them, were produced by such a creator in different places and times.
To support his unique use of the uniformity principle, Geisler argues that the information conveyed by human intelligence is "mathematically identical" to the information content of a play by Shakespeare and of DNA. This is so, but such a fact actually destroys his case. For in order to equate the information content of carved faces to a Shakespearean play or DNA, this information must be encoded in some way. That is, a descriptive set of symbols is defined for various features along with a prescribed way of scanning these features. But carved faces are encoded in the same fashion that snow crystals are encoded. No mathematical distinction can be made between the information contained in the messages of life and of inanimate crystals (Yockey, 1981). Scientists can't simply look at coded information and see if it has significance. They must see what are the results of such information—whether the coded information is that of a living or a non-living entity. So Geisler's argument collapses. If information content is a similar result demanding a similar cause, then a snow crystal must have a cause similar to that of Mt. Rushmore. But we know from experience that the immediate causes for each are not similar.
In his original article, Geisler attempted to make a distinction between snow crystal information and DNA information by arguing that the former is "redundant." But how is "redundancy" defined scientifically? It could equally well be argued that repeating patterns in a DNA molecule are "redundant." "Redundancy" is not a scientific distinction, and therefore Geisler's argument requires that he posit special creation of each snowflake that falls.
Even if we ignore the snowflake problem, we are still dealing with only a single similarity. Isn't this superficial? How do other features compare? Let's ask some relevant questions.
Does Mt. Rushmore gather nourishment from the environment? No, but an amoeba does. Does Mt. Rushmore reproduce? No, but an amoeba does. Do mutations appear in Mt. Rushmore that can be passed on? No, but this happens with the amoeba. Can Mt. Rushmore die? No, but an amoeba can.
We could go on, but it should be apparent that Mt. Rushmore and a life form are not sufficiently comparable for us to assume comparable origin. This means that Geisler lacks a legitimate reason for applying his analogy in the first place. He is comparing apples and oranges.
In my first response to Geisler, I argued that there are two known sources for the "marks of contrivance" he presents, evolution and human intelligence. Life forms are the result of evolution and Mt. Rushmore the result of human intelligence. But I neglected to explain that one reason why the sources are so different is that life forms are "apples" while artifacts are "oranges." Geisler mixes the two, thinking them both "oranges," and ends up assuming similar or uniform sources for both. That is the flaw in his reasoning from which all others follow.
To carry this point further, we could apply Geisler's own criterion of "similar cause, similar effect" to argue "dissimilar effect, dissimilar cause." That is, since Mt. Rushmore is an individual artifact that just sits there, somebody had to come up and carve it. On the other hand, since an amoeba moves, grows, reproduces, proliferates, mutates, passes mutations on, and is generally part of a process, and since evolution is a process, then it is reasonable to argue that the amoeba evolved.
But, of course, the case for the evolutionary origin of life doesn't depend on the use of Geisler's misstatement of the principle of uniformity. Thwaites, in his response to Geisler, gave scientific support for the evolutionary origin of life. One of his points was that Eigen and his colleagues in 1981 showed replicating nucleic acids responding directly to natural selection. Geisler responds now by quoting Dobzhansky's statement that "prebiological natural selection is a contradiction in terms" and saying that "natural selection could work only after there are living things to select among." By this reckoning, nucleic acids must be alive. Since nucleic acids have been formed in the laboratory (Dolittle), Geisler's argument would lead us to conclude that the naturalistic origin of life has already been demonstrated, a conclusion he did not intend.
In any case, we see that there can be two very different causes for the "marks of contrivance" that Geisler sees both in life forms and in artifacts. "But," he seems to ask, "if there are two possible causes for the same thing, doesn't this fact lend support to the idea of teaching the `two models,' creation and evolution, in public school science classes?" It would do so only if we could scientifically argue for Mt. Rushmore in these two ways and life in these same two ways, a foolish hope as Geisler has helped to show. Therefore, there is no "bigotry" involved in teaching only science in a science class. Divine design theories belong in a comparative religion class. That there are few such classes in public schools is due in some part to creationist objection to them, and that would account significantly for the "bigotry" of the public schools offering "only one theory of origins."
No doubt, Geisler would find this distinction unfair, since by insisting that creation is "religious," he would say the notion of intelligent design is arbitrarily declared unscientific in matters of biology while scientific in matters of archaeology. Aside from the aforementioned apples and oranges mistake here, there is another. Geisler does not posit a mere "superhuman intelligent being," such as an extraterrestrial, who is born, grows, ages, and dies just like all other intelligent beings we know of, and hence just as his argument from uniform experience would require. He really means a supernatural creator, which is quite another thing.
Now, if Geisler contends that supernatural intelligence can be scientific, let him make a smooth argument leading logically from the natural to the supernatural. Geisler knows he cannot, which is why his arguments so studiously stop short of a supernatural creator. He can offer only signposts because a smooth and complete argument from natural to supernatural, corporeal to incorporeal, cannot be made without the use of a non sequitor. Not wishing to get caught making such a leap, he takes , us only as far as the argument will carry us and hopes we will make the leap ourselves. All this renders his argument unscientific.
His attempt to begin from the naturalistic principle, of uniformity and thereby reach a supernaturalistic conclusion is logically self-contradictory. If Geisler disagrees, it can only be because his belief system doesn't recognize the distinction between natural and supernatural but holds both to ultimately be supernatural. This is another apples and oranges problem.
Geisler's argument is a modest one. There is no pretense that a scientific theory of design is being offered. An argument merely from analogy can't be stretched that far. All Geisler hopes to establish is that direct design is at least a plausible cause of life. So far, however, it is saying too much to suggest that he has succeeded even in this.
Doolittle, Russell, 1984. "Some Rebutting Comments to Creationist Views on the Origin of Life" in Awbrey, Frank T. and William M. Thwaites (eds.), Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Pacific Division, American Association for the Advancement of Science, AAAS Pacific Division Publications, p. 157.
Yockey, Hubert P, 1981. "Self Organization Origin of Life Scenarios and Information Theory." Journal of Theoretical Biology 91:17
I wish to thank Stanley Freske, Philip Osmon, and William Thwaites for their contributions of ideas to this response. | <urn:uuid:1434b50b-4a7d-4b0c-b8dc-9b7b0e9a996e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://ncse.com/book/export/html/3146 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00067-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962111 | 2,319 | 2.515625 | 3 |
Here's another great way to marble paper. Save all those colored chalks
stubs. Get some combs and cookie sheets or other types of flat trays. I
use those nasty yellow hospital bins just because there were about 50 of
them in my art room when I got there. A sheet of 9x12 paper fits in them
ok, so that's why cookie sheets or other larger trays work. Put about 1/4"
or more of water in the tray. Then get some combs, cheap black kind are
perfect. Scrap the chalk along the comb over the water. Use a few
contrasting colors. Then use the tip of the comb or a toothpick to draw a
few lines through the chalk dust on top of the water. Carefully place the
paper on top of the water. Lift it up and presto! marbled paper. Let the
paper dry over night. It doesn't really brush off, although I don't know
why, maybe its a miracle or magic.
this one came from my former professor at Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee,
Kim Abler, now the Art Specialist for MPS. Thanks Kim.
Stuff you need:
Colored Chalk stubs, cheap combs, cookie sheets or trays, water, paper,
drying rack or clothes line. | <urn:uuid:b1b95e72-d075-4c20-ac2a-fe5feb96915c> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.getty.edu/education/teacherartexchange/archive/Sep02/0578.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.954539 | 281 | 1.914063 | 2 |
This week's garden update is a mix of progress and regression. On the regression side, we have serranos, super chiles, poblanos, broccoli, and tomatoes. On the progress side, we have hungarian wax, banana peppers, petite bells, butternut squash, and tomatoes. I know, I know, tomatoes are on both sides; I'll explain. The Roma has slowed in terms of producing new blossoms while the ripening process has come along nicely. Our better boy has been, well, a "better boy," but the mystery tomatoes have taken a turn for the worse.
The zucchini plants look about the same except for the one I accidently pulled a large chunk off of earlier this week while trying to remove insect eggs:
And this little guy was begging to be photographed:
The summer squash looks about the same, as well:
This mystery tomato is on par with the zucchini and summer squash; pretty much the same as last week:
The other mystery plant is done for, I'm afraid. Poor conditions in addition to "no-holds-barred" competition with the butternut appear to have been too much for this straggler:
Speaking of butternuts, we have some old-timers getting ready for harvest:
...and a couple of newbs:
Our better boy, however, is straightening up his act; we're proud and astonished at his recovery from what - months ago - appeared to be certain death.
The roma is frighteningly productive. Under the weight of all these 'maters, it has been nearly impossible to keep it off of the ground. Whenever I have tied it, the "branch" bends like an elbow at the tie-point within a day or two. Thus far, however, no tomatoes are touching the ground:
Our in-ground banana peppers have made a healthy resurgence from "under the rule of butternut hegemony," so to speak:
Our container garden:
This banana and our second-year serrano were hiding behing the jalapeno in the group photo, so I had to catch them while they weren't looking. I think the serrano might finally be done producing, but I've given it more food to see if that helps:
The super chili has seen better days. I've finally come to the conclusion that these little peppers would be better suited to soil with better drainage; it's been slowly drowning all summer. We don't really care, though, as we haven't been all that impressed with their flavor.
The broccoli is still alive; that's all I can say for it:
This is a pretty poblano but only one of two (can you see the other one hanging out back there?), and there is no sign of newcomers on the horizon. It's a large and beautiful plant, but it has used more resources than it was worth.
The hungarian wax is infested with blossoms. I estimate that it currently has more blossoms than leaves; I'm still trying to wrap my head around that as even possible, but I've seen it. I only hope that you can see it too:
The long red cayenne has double the peppers it had the "last round". We're hoping they ripen in time to get another round in before the season is over; that would make for a decent ristra from just one plant!
The petite bell is still going strong. It has far fewer peppers on it than a week ago ('cause we ate 'em), but there looks to be no shortage of new ones getting started. Here is one of the few left which is now getting good and ripe:
The jalapenos are rocking the place! We keep picking them, and they keep on coming. They are peppered all over this impressive plant in various stages of development. It's been a real treat to have around this summer:
The two banana pepper plants that we have in containers are making up for lost time:
The "regular" bell seems to be pacing itself, and not so much to our pleasure. I was hoping for more productivity even though I'm not the biggest fan of bell peppers. But they're still nice to look at:
A ripe serrano:
...and one that's starting to ripen:
Believe it or not, these are seeds we started germinating on Thursday for our first attempt at an indoor winter garden. That's right folks; we've had this much progress in just FOUR DAYS since first planting! I'm using an old cooler to keep moisture in and maintain soil temperature; it seems to be working really well so far:
And finally, Jennifer's dad and stepmom came to CoMo on Sunday to deliver this little bundle of joy for her birthday present. It's a dwarf avodado tree! Since this is a tree we do not expect fast progress here. It's also likely that it will not fruit for a few years. So, we're only going to update on it monthly instead of weekly. Of course, if there's breaking news, we won't wait until the turn of a calendar page to talk about it; there's no way we could contain the excitement for long. Oh, and Gabby wanted to be in the picture: | <urn:uuid:339f41fa-5790-4780-b34a-476400f32133> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://vegncookingandotherrandommusings.blogspot.jp/2008/08/garden-update-19.html?showComment=1218550920000 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00030-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.973174 | 1,097 | 1.71875 | 2 |
We (Audrey Roy and I) wrote a book on Django! It's called Two Scoops of Django: Best Practices for Django 1.5, and you can buy it right now in e-book (PDF) form on the website: http://django.2scoops.org.
Django, like any framework, has tips, tricks, and pitfalls that aren't documented in one place. Experienced developers know this stuff, but gleaning it off the Internet takes a lot of time. We decided to take everything we know and write it down. This book reflects a portion of what we documented, and if it does well we plan to follow it up with other references.
If you've followed this blog or watched our talks you've know we've explained tons of Django and Python related examples. We enjoy using Django and Python to build stable, fast web applications quickly and efficiently. This is the book we would have wanted while learning the intricacies of our tools, and then kept it handy for reference.
In the book we cover everything from customizing the Django 1.5 User model, forms, views, templates, security, bottleneck analysis and so much more. We tie in third-party packages from the Django and Python community. We discuss the positive patterns that allow for rapid development, and point out the anti-patterns that cause problems. The result isn't a walk-through or tutorial, but a reference guide for anyone with at least a basic understanding of Django.
We tried to make the code copy/pastable, but we are constrained by the limits of PDF. While the code examples display nicely, when pasting from Adobe Reader the leading white spaces vanish. We apologize and ask if anyone knows how to address this issue to let us know at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Even with an amazing cadre of technical reviewers, there is always the possibility of errors. We are going to be actively maintaining the book, so if you find a mistake, let us know and we'll update it and send out an updated copy of the PDF to all buyers.
If you'd like to buy the book (or learn more about it), you can do so here: http://django.2scoops.org | <urn:uuid:5950d9fe-fd3c-432e-999f-dc1e46a28705> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://pydanny.com/our-django-book-is-launched.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00069-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.92992 | 465 | 1.546875 | 2 |
It's easy for me to give BGE the benefit of the doubt as they work to restore electricity to 230,000 Baltimore area residents still without power — unlike most of my neighbors, I never lost electricity during the storm ("Feeling powerless," Aug. 30). However, based on our experience attempting to discuss tree pruning with BGE over the past several years, I think BGE avoids doing preventive work that could reduce the number of people who lose power in storms.
Our neighborhood has overhead power lines running down the back property line, and there are many old oak trees with large limbs lying on or just above the BGE wires. Some of these trees are in poor shape and are highly likely to come down on power lines in a storm like Irene. Year after year, we call to discuss these trees with BGE, and year after year they come and look and do nothing. One BGE tree contractor even told me, off the record, that it's easier for them to wait for these trees and branches to come down than to bring equipment in to do pruning. If they would invest a little in tree maintenance over wires during the good weather, I have no doubt they would look better in the eyes of their customers during a crisis like this one.
Caroline Foty, Baltimore | <urn:uuid:20c17274-6514-4e8c-b85e-142471e2a976> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.courant.com/topic/bs-ed-0831-tree-trimming-letter-20110831,0,3134217.story | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00065-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.979339 | 264 | 1.84375 | 2 |
Welcome to Current TV
Human waste dumped in Antarctica
More than half of 71 Antarctic scientific stations surveyed lack any kind of sewage treatment system, a Swedish study has found.
The biggest countries are among those with the most basic operations at some of their permanent stations, and Australia does not emerge unscathed from the survey.
Sewage treatment at Davis station has for years been limited to maceration before the waste is dumped into the sea.
Fredrik Grondahl, of Stockholm's Royal Institute of Technology, said technology already existed for effective waste treatment in most of Antarctica.
The larger countries particularly needed to take responsibility to improve overall standards, Professor Grondahl said.
''I have been on a couple of Antarctic stations, and with my own eyes seen the need of improvements,'' he told The Age. ''On one station the sewage water was released without treatment directly into the sea.''
The Antarctic Treaty's Madrid Protocol commits countries to comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment, and calls for waste to be reduced as much as possible to minimise its impact.
The effect of this waste on the vast frozen continent is magnified because stations cluster mainly on the 2 per cent of ice-free Antarctic rock - terrain that is hot property not just for people, but for wildlife.
Fouling of the nearby marine environment was, until 2003, clearly visible at the largest station, the US McMurdo base. It had no treatment, and high densities of coliform bacteria damaged sea life along a one-kilometre shoreline.
More recently, Professor Grondahl said there was evidence salmonella bacteria had been brought to Antarctica by people, and E.coli had turned up in Antarctic wildlife for the first time, in fur seals.
In the survey, published in Polar Research, Professor Grondahl found 15 permanent stations used no treatment at all, and only four went to the length of operating state-of-the-art tertiary stage plants.
Among the offenders were the US, Japan, France, Russia and Britain.
end of excerpt.
more from Community:
from the community | <urn:uuid:e8d125f5-2edd-4688-9b8d-88ed8c876b3a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://current.com/community/90858478_human-waste-dumped-in-antarctica.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00038-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.955715 | 433 | 3.140625 | 3 |
Peter Schey, executive director of the Center for Human Rights and Constitutional… (Reed Saxon / AP Photo )
Human rights activists rallied in downtown L.A. on Tuesday to call for intervention by the United Nations to stop the torture of prisoners by an amoral regime. But they weren't talking about Syria, Cuba or some African dictatorship; the rogue state in question is the state of California.
The Center for Human Rights and Constitutional Law, along with a handful of prison-advocacy groups, submitted a petition to the U.N. requesting an on-site investigation of conditions in California's Security Housing Units, the segregated cells where prisoners suspected of gang involvement are placed. The groups claim these units violate international statutes barring the torture of prisoners because inmates are held in solitary confinement for years for a "crime" (gang membership) for which they were never tried or convicted.
The petition is, of course, a stunt; as badly as California has mismanaged its prisons, there are state and federal avenues for addressing such problems. But that doesn't mean the activists' concerns should be dismissed. There is reason to suspect that in the name of fighting gang violence, corrections officials have exposed some prisoners to conditions that are extraordinarily harsh, unfair and possibly unconstitutional.
In July, prisoners began a series of hunger strikes to protest policies in the Security Housing Units, which often consist of tiny 8-foot-square cells in which inmates are confined, in isolation, for 22 1/2 hours a day, allowed out only for a short stretch in a tiny concrete-walled yard. Anyone suspected of gang membership can be placed in these units, and the only way to get out is to denounce the gang by "snitching" on other members — a highly dangerous act in prison — or to spend at least six years inside. Some prisoners have been in solitary for decades.
Corrections officials say this is needed to protect other prisoners from gangsters and to prevent "shot-calling," the passing of orders from imprisoned gang leaders to members. Prisons spokesman Jeffrey Callison says the policy is under review, and a proposed revision would let well-behaved prisoners out of solitary after four years instead of six. But that's still an incredibly long period to serve in solitary confinement, which is often mentally destabilizing.
It shouldn't require the U.N. to fix California's prisons; instead, we'd like to see Gov. Jerry Brown convene an independent panel to investigate the housing of suspected gang members and recommend reforms. We'd also like the state to give reporters access to prisoners in solitary confinement, because the public has a right to know more about conditions inside prison walls. Unless action is taken, the issue is likely to end up in court. A panel of federal judges has already found that California violated the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment by exposing inmates to overcrowded conditions, and activists have a case that it's doing so again in its Security Housing Units. | <urn:uuid:99955fb2-244f-4aca-8fdd-c67b4974f9c7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://articles.latimes.com/2012/mar/21/opinion/la-ed-solitary-california-prison-protest-20120321 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703682988/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112802-00023-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.96249 | 604 | 1.78125 | 2 |
Britain has come under fire for its decision to unfreeze around half of its aid to Rwanda, a move denounced as dangerous and "potentially disastrous" to peace and security in the region by Congolese government officials.
The UK government, which suspended £16m ($25m) of general budget support to the country in June, after a UN report said the government of President Paul Kagame was fuelling bloodshed by sponsoring armed rebel groups in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), said it was partially unblocking funding after Rwanda engaged constructively on peace talks.
In an interview with Reuters, DRC government spokesman Lambert Mende said the move would do nothing to help resolve problems in the area. "We do not share their analysis [of the situation]," he said. "We'll speak to express how extremely dangerous we think their decision is."
Rwanda has repeatedly denied allegations that it is arming rebels responsible for atrocities in DRC. Earlier this year, a UN investigation concluded that Rwanda gave weapons, training and manpower to "M23" insurgents in DRC. Fighting between M23 rebels and government forces has displaced 470,000 people in eastern Congo and fuelled violence and instability. The report was denounced by Rwanda as biased.
This week, Andrew Mitchell, the UK's outgoing international development secretary, praised the country for constructively working towards resolving a crisis in the Great Lakes region, where 220,000 people have been displaced since April.
"Given this progress, and recognising that the government of Rwanda has continued to demonstrate its strong commitment to reducing poverty and improving its financial management, Britain will partially restore its general budget support to Rwanda," Mitchell said in a statement to parliament.
However, Carina Tertsakian, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch Africa division, said: "The information we have is that the Rwandan military are still supporting the M23 group in Congo and that this has been going on in July and August, with the M23 continuing to commit atrocities including summary executions.
"So for the UK government to resume funding despite any real evidence of any improvement is premature, to say the least. But [it's] perhaps not surprising considering the unconditional support towards Rwanda and the apparent policy of providing development assistance without much consideration of human rights by the outgoing international development secretary."
The UK's decision to unfreeze only £8m ($12.74m) in blocked aid, however, reflects continued concerns about alleged funding and support for the rebels from government officials in Kigali. Britain is yet to make a decision on whether to disburse the remaining £8m, which is due in December.
Before the freeze, the UK was the biggest bilateral donor to Rwanda and an enthusiastic supporter of Kagame. It now becomes the first of a number of countries that froze aid to the country to resume funding. Other countries, including Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands, are upholding the aid suspension. Rwanda currently relies on foreign aid for half its overall budget. | <urn:uuid:ca77e314-6a8e-4552-a0a5-cd19904f57bc> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.guardian.co.uk/global-development/2012/sep/06/britain-resumes-aid-to-rwanda | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00017-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972691 | 610 | 1.898438 | 2 |
Just before 11 a.m. Friday, unaware that a wildfire had started burning southwest of his home in the Lake of the Pines neighborhood, Fred Digertwas worrying about his son, who was on vacation in Hawaii and on tsunami watch after an 8.9-magnitude earthquake hit Japan.
Origins: Started around 10:35 a.m. Friday in Chaos Canyon. Believed to be human-caused.
Size: 200-300 acres
Fuels: Burning ponderosa pine with grassy understory
Status: 25 percent contained
Threatened: 12 homes and 6 outbuildings
Action: Firefighters were planning to staff the fire overnight and conduct burnout operations to stop the fire along Lefthand Canyon Drive. A helicopter is expected to help firefighters today in areas with steep terrain along the north flank of the fire.
Areas evacuated: Residents of Lake of the Pines, North Foothills Ranch and Mountain Ridge were allowed back into their homes Friday afternoon. Areas along Lefthand Canyon Drive above Geer Canyon Drive remained off-limits Friday night.
Roads closed: Lefthand Canyon Drive is closed from U.S. 36 to Jamestown, except to residents with ID.
Shelter for evacuees: The YMCA closed its shelter at 8 p.m. Friday. Evacuees who need services can call 303-722-7474 and choose option 2.
Weather: The National Weather Service forecast gives a 20 percent chance of showers after 11 a.m. Winds will be north/northwest between 5 and 13 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.
More info: For updates on the fire, visit dailycamera.com.
When he got a hold of his son, who had been following Internet news reports of a fire burning in Boulder County's Lefthand Canyon, Digert learned about the blaze that was threatening his community.
"(My son) knew more about what was going on than us," Digert said.
About that time, Digert said, he started to smell smoke and soon heard pounding on his door. He and his neighbors were among 223 households that were under mandatory evacuations at some point Friday for the Lefthand Fire, which had burned approximately 200 acres as of Friday night.
By late Friday evening, authorities had lifted the evacuation order all but 10 or 15 homes, including the Lake of the Pines neighborhood, but -- with the summer's devastating Fourmile Fire fresh in their minds -- evacuees reported feeling real concern for their homes and the belongings inside.
"I just got the place fixed up the way we liked it," said Juanita Waters, who lives in the Lake of the Pines neighborhood and was at the American Red Cross evacuation center in the Boulder YMCA, 2850 Mapleton Ave., on Friday. "We have a house full of new furniture."
Waters said that as the winds rattled her windows Thursday night into Friday morning, she wondered whether her neighborhood was in for a rough day.
"We had branches falling on the top of our house, and patio furniture falling off the porch," she said. "I didn't sleep very well."
Waters said that she and her husband have lived in the neighborhood for three years, and they've been evacuated or placed on alert three times.
"I'm kind of wondering if we moved to the scariest area," she said.
Christa Preister, 35, another Lake of the Pines resident, said she, too, is feeling evacuation exhaustion after living in several homes in the foothills.
"This is our third evacuation in two to three years," she said. "But what can you do?"
Preister came into the evacuation center Friday with her parrot Jiggy on her shoulder. She said her fiancée is in Mexico and also was evacuated from where he was staying because of tsunami concerns related to the Japanese earthquake.
"He's sitting up on a hill waiting for something to happen, and I'm sitting up on a hill waiting for something to happen," Preister said.
In addition to her bird, Preister said, she grabbed her dog, jewelry, a change of clothes and toiletries. She said she wasn't necessarily surprised that a wildfire broke out.
"At 3 a.m., when the wind picked up so bad, I thought to myself, 'We're going to have more fires today,'" she said.
Renata Kasper, 84, said she and her husband -- who has Alzheimer's disease -- were just waking up Friday when they heard pounding on the front door.
"I thought, 'At this hour of the day, I should be better dressed,'" Kasper said, adding that she was so organized the last time they were evacuated for a wildfire. "Now I was running around like, 'My God, where is our stuff?'"
Kasper said that initially she felt calm about the threatening fire and went to the grocery store.
"Then, suddenly, I looked up and saw smoke and thought, 'God, it might be gone,'" she said. "It might be all gone."
Kasper said she lived in Germany years ago and survived World War II.
"But I was young, and I had strength," she said. "Now I'm old, and I don't have strength."
Doug Turner, 61, who lives in the Lefthand Canyon area, said he had a run-in with authorities who wanted him to leave his home.
"They almost took me to jail," he told a friend. "They wanted me to get out quicker than I wanted to go."
On the opposite end of the cooperation spectrum, Judith McCabe, who lives in the Crest View subdivision, said she voluntarily evacuated after spotting the smoke while driving up to Boulder from Longmont on Friday morning.
"I couldn't believe it -- it was pretty thick with smoke," McCabe said.
She packed up to evacuate and left a note on her front door telling authorities that she had gotten out. McCabe said she wanted to be ready after being "on pins and needles" during the summer's Fourmile Fire.
"And this is much closer," she said.
As McCabe signed into the evacuation center on Friday afternoon, she fielded a call from one of her neighbors.
"I'm glad to know you're safe, too," she said to her friend.
McCabe said she grabbed her computer, pets, clothes and family pictures and was planning to stay at a hotel tonight, if necessary.
"This is the closest it's ever been," she said. "But we just wait and know that whatever will happen will happen." | <urn:uuid:53257510-6eff-4f11-92ca-da5abf1febcf> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.dailycamera.com/lefthandfire/ci_17597528?source=pkg | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704713110/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114513-00031-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.986236 | 1,387 | 1.570313 | 2 |
Re: Are we losing out because of grammars?
Norman Walsh wrote: > / James Clark <jjc@j...> was heard to say: > | It's not in general easy, unless you restrict the grammar. For example, > | consider the following TREX pattern: > > I'm confused in a couple of ways. > > | <element name="x"> > | <zeroOrMore> > | <element name="y"> > | <attribute name="z"> > | <data type="xsd:string"/> > | </attribute> > | </element> > | </zeroOrMore> > | <element name="y"> > | <data type="xsd:integer"/> > | </element> > | </element> > | > | If I'm in an "x" element and I get a "y" element with a "z" attribute > | that is a legal lexical representation of an integer, I can't tell > | whether to type that attribute as an "xsd:integer" or an "xsd:string" > > There's only one z attribute in your example, did you mean for both y's > to have z attributes with different types? Yes, sorry. > | unless I lookahead and see whether it's the last element "y" element in > | the "x". The TREX implementation works on a stream of SAX events, so > | this is a big complication. > > I'm a little confused by this example. I would have thought that the > validator had to look ahead anyway in this case. Actually, it doesn't. This makes implementation a little bit more interesting than DTD content models. > I thought that the model was to find a matching TREX element > definition for each element in the instance. If you don't look ahead > to see if you've got the last y, how can you pick the matching > definition? It doesn't have to find a matching TREX element pattern, it merely has to determine that there is at least one TREX element pattern that matches; if there's more than one, it doesn't have to determine which. When it sees the "y" it will find that there are two ways it could have matched; it remembers that and proceeds accordingly. If it sees another "y", it determines that one of those two ways is no longer a possibility. James
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Subscribe in XML format | <urn:uuid:48823013-09cf-4efe-9f9d-04cdb625f210> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.stylusstudio.com/xmldev/200102/post10040.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00021-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.912819 | 569 | 2.3125 | 2 |
Mathematica in Electrical Engineering: Developing a Modern Learning
University of Southern Maine
Download talk material:
A recent award from the National Science Foundation was used to establish a
computer-integrated classroom to support instruction in selected undergraduate electrical
engineering courses. The new classroom is being used to address three pedagogically
fundamental problems: 1) insufficient mastery of engineering mathematics by many students,
2) student passivity within the traditional lecture format, and 3) insufficient use of
computation and visualization in the learning process.
New electronic courseware is being developed, in the form of Mathematica notebooks,
to facilitate and foster an active learning environment. Through increased use of
computation and scientific visualization, we expect to see improvements in
students' level of interest, increased classroom participation, and finally,
improved learning outcomes.
To date, Mathematica has been integrated into four upper-level electrical
engineering courses in the signal processing area, including junior-level Signals and
Systems, and two senior-level courses: Digital Signal Processing and Digital Image
Processing. A large number of supporting notebooks that accompany and
extend the traditional textbooks have been developed. A few simple principles govern the organization of each
notebook. A notebook typically deals with a single important course topic. It includes
moderate levels of introductory and explanatory text to allow some degree of independent
study. The notebooks have examples of typical calculations that demonstrate solutions to
standard problems. Additionally, each notebook includes "discussion problems"
that students answer during the lecture session. This activity promotes self-discovery and
allows the student to actively participate during the lecture. Finally, a set of basic and
extended computer-based homework problems/projects is attached to each notebook. The role
of the latter is to extend the students' knowledge and interests beyond the necessarily
limited confines of the lecture material.
Examples of selected courseware modules will be presented, and the organization of a
typical lecture will be discussed. | <urn:uuid:2d72c914-45a0-428a-ba26-77faef78d149> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://library.wolfram.com/conferences/conference98/abstracts/mathematica_in_electrical_engineering.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700958435/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516104238-00024-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.908768 | 418 | 2.78125 | 3 |
Another of Mark Wagenbuur's excellent videos, showing the design of a typical traffic light junction in the Netherlands and how it differs from the design in other countries.
This type of design not only increases safety of cyclists, but also the important subjective safety required to make people want to cycle, and want to let their loved ones cycle.
The Netherlands has the highest cycling rate in the world, so more vulnerable road users than other countries, yet also the safest roads in the world. It is infrastructure like this which has achieved such a level of safety for cyclists.
Note that in most cases a cyclist can make a right turn without stopping at the traffic lights. This is usually the case even where there isn't such an obvious cycle path on which to do it. As a result, even junctions which require a cyclist to stop twice to make a left turn provide cyclists with equal average speed through a junction to when riding on the road. At many modern junctions it is not necessary to wait twice to turn left, so cyclists get to stop less frequently than drivers.
If you like this blog please support us so that it can continue. We're are not supported by grants and we do not ask for charity. We sell quality bicycle components and organize cycling holidays:
The next open study tour is in August 2013. Book a place in order to experience for yourself how policy and infrastructure in Assen and Groningen have led to the high cycling modal share in this area.:
This blog is free of charge to read and for most individual usage including reasonable "quoting" of its contents. However, neither the text nor the photos on this blog are in the public domain. To find out more, please read our copyright and licensing information.
Experience for yourself how policy and infrastructure in Assen and Groningen have led to the high cycling modal share in this area:
If you like this blog please support us so we can continue. We sell quality bicycle components and organize cycling holidays:
A cyclist in a cycling family living in the capital of the cycling province of the world's greatest cycling country.
I was born in the UK, lived for over 8 years in New Zealand and have lived in the Netherlands since 2007.
I organise cycling infrastructure study tours, run an online bicycle shop, arrange cycling holidays and write a popular blog about cycling.
My email address is firstname.lastname@example.org | <urn:uuid:b410032a-8bd7-4846-bcb7-9881ca6f6695> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.aviewfromthecyclepath.com/2010/09/junction-design-for-safer-cycling.html?showComment=1284342303639 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00018-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.958536 | 492 | 2.015625 | 2 |
|Any group of items being offered as a lot must be sold as a lot.|
|Nostalgic Memorabilia, Pop Culture Artifacts, Historic Items,|
and "Shoe Box Toys"
|Quality Packing And|
|Whether you've collected Memorabilia for years or just want to feel like a kid again, please take a few moments to browse through what we|
have available for sale.
make great gifts!
|Worldwide Sales|| |
|The picture shows the cover of this ©1964 Ginn Basic Reader School Book. This book is very simlar to the ones with Dick, Jane, & Sally, but there are different characters. There are 228 pages with a colorful illustrated image on every story page. The copyright dates begin at 1949 and end with 1964. It is from Ginn & Company of Boston, Massachusetts. The cover has a Hurdy Gury Man with his Monkey. It measures 6-1/2" x 9" x 3/4". It is in good used condition. There is some wear to the cover as pictured. The pages are lightly wrinkled from use. I noticed one creased story page and one of the blank pages. Two blank pages have some scribbling and there is a name in the front.|
Click on image to zoom. | <urn:uuid:06e78a19-3b5e-40e8-add7-342c852fe4fe> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.timepassagesnostalgia.com/&searchkeywords=Monkey+Basic+Reader | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.944941 | 271 | 1.523438 | 2 |
Canadian Forest Service Publications
Rate of development, reproduction, and mass-rearing of Apanteles fumiferanae Vier. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) under controlled conditions. 1988. Nealis, V.G.; Fraser, S. The Canadian Entomologist 120(3): 197-204.
Available from: Great Lakes Forestry Centre
Catalog ID: 21545
The temperature-dependent rate of development of the post-diapause larval and pupal stages of the spruce budworm parasitoid, Apanteles fumiferanae Vier., was estimated under controlled conditions. Parasitoid larvae required 289.0 degree-days (DD) above a threshold of 8.1ºC to complete development and the pupae required 106.2 DD above a threshold of 9.6ºC to complete development. Longevity of the adult wasp at several temperatures also was examined. Female wasps lived longer than male wasps at all temperatures. Wasps tended to mate more readily under natural than under artificial light conditions. Newly emerged female A. fumiferanae had few, if any, mature eggs in their ovaries. The number of mature eggs increased to a peak of 40–75 eggs, 4–12 days after eclosion of the adult. The pattern in number of ovipositions was similar to this pattern of egg availability. The daily rate of oviposition, however, was only about one-quarter the number of eggs available. These biological measurements are discussed in view of the development of a mass-rearing technique for this parasitoid. | <urn:uuid:ba17ff85-4ba8-40c1-b7e4-6e5703f77626> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications?id=21545&lang=en_CA | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00074-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.914313 | 335 | 2.515625 | 3 |
When I went to college, it was the era of feminism (which arrived in Canada about 10 later than it did in the US). Women without men were like fish without bicycles. Sisterhood was powerful and if women ruled the world, it would be a kinder, gentler place.
Although I got swept up in some of the feminist ideas (concerns about using women to advertise cars and beer for example, a battle that seems to have been lost and only gotten worse), I never believed that women were superior, nicer or would do a better job of running things. I didn’t buy into the kinder, gentler notion.
Just ask the victims of school bullying by the “Queen Bees and Wannabees.” Just view the victims of Winnie Mandela’s burning tire “necklaces.”
But we need not turn to such egregious examples. We just need to listen to the conversations among women (and girls) of all ages – the cattiness, the backstabbing, the betrayals. We just need to hear of the story upon story of relationships and marriages gone awry when her “best friend” entered the picture. We’re always shocked anew but it’s actually become a familiar story.
As much as I recognize this phenomenon, as much as I see the fallacy in the original feminist vision, I was still surprised by the reaction of some of my female friends to the Petraeus scandal. (Not that story again; isn’t it old news?!) For all the newspaper and media coverage, I think this aspect was never touched upon.
“Did you see the pictures of Mrs. Petraeus?” asked one acquaintance. “She looks so old and dowdy.” “Compare her to Paula Broadwell,” chimed in another. “Who can blame him?” piped up a third.
Well, besides provoking reflection about the company I keep (!), this conversation gave me pause. Where was the loyalty, the identification, the banding together on behalf of a woman wronged?
And, of course, it goes way beyond feminism and sisterhood and catchy slogans. Where was their moral compass? Is it okay to cheat on your wife if she looks a little careworn? (I would think that marriage to a career military person would be particularly stressful with the long absences, the constant danger and the single parenting – I get tired just thinking of it!) Is there no longer an expectation of commitment? Of integrity? Of loyalty and trustworthiness?
What did it say about these women’s own expectations? Would they, too, betray their spouses should a successful four-star general come their way? Were they so sure they were the Paula Broadwell figure (what about her husband?) and not the Holly Petraeus one? Have they no empathy for how she must feel?
It scared me; how quick we are to throw a “sister” under the bridge, how fragile our moral moorings.
I think sisterhood could be powerful. I think women could reclaim the moral high ground. If certain women refused to be mistresses and others refused to countenance it, the problem would disappear.
We have been taught that it was the faith and actions of the righteous women that led to the redemption of the Jewish people from Egypt. Women can make all the difference. We can deem certain behaviors intolerable – and match our actions to our words. We can admonish our friends who are having affairs instead of sympathizing with their plight. We can stand for solid values and not sway with the times – and the newspaper photos!
Our female ancestors showed us we have the potential to unite and lift the world. We have the potential but it remains untapped. We need to elevate ourselves and those around us. It’s not too late. We can turn the tides. We can change our attitudes. We can adjust our expectations. And we can start having totally different conversations. | <urn:uuid:6f89aa6b-b41f-4088-8982-3874a9d8b0d7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.aish.com/f/mom/Mrs-Petraeus.html?s=mbaw | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00007-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.971671 | 828 | 1.640625 | 2 |
It’s not what you see at trade shows, all spit-shined and surrounded by acres of fresh carpet. You won’t find it in the glowing claims made in brochures and press releases. The real world of plastics processing is inside your shops, where all the products and techniques that we editors write about are put to the test. That’s why almost all of our feature articles, and many of our smaller news items, quote actual users on their experiences and recommendations. That’s why many of our stories are entirely about technology developments hatched not at big machinery and materials producers but under the roofs of molders, extruders, and other processing readers. Every month, in fact, we feature a processor in our “Strategies” department on the last page of the issue.
In the past, we have reported a number of stories from processors in our news section (Close-Up on Technology). To better distinguish stories on what our readers are doing from stories about machinery and material suppliers, we have created a new department, called “Real World".
This department will be devoted not to walk-through plant tours, but to examining home-grown innovation, clever problem-solving, and—as is the case this month—the experiences of “early adopters” of brand-new technologies that we have covered in our news sections. Giving these stories their own department calls more attention to the essential role processors play in moving plastics technology forward.
Of course, if you have a story for this section, please get in touch. E-mail me at firstname.lastname@example.org. | <urn:uuid:2ba1b4b1-23d7-4a0f-8032-44b74d3f01a7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.ptonline.com/articles/the-real-world | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00060-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.936005 | 338 | 1.84375 | 2 |
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada) January 12, 2009 -- Researchers have discovered a potentially important new resistance factor in the battle against HIV: blood types. An international team of researchers from Canadian Blood Services, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and Lund University in Sweden have discovered that certain blood types are more predisposed to contracting HIV, while others are more effective at fending it off.
A carbohydrate-containing antigen, termed Pk blood group which is distinct from the well-known ABO and Rh blood grouping systems, is present at variable levels on the surface of white and red blood cells in the general population. A study published today in Blood, which is currently available online, shows that cells from rare individuals (≈ 1 in a million) who produce excess of this blood group antigen have dramatically reduced sensitivity to HIV infection. Conversely, another slightly more common subgroup of people who do not produce any Pk (≈ 5 in a million) was found to be much more susceptible to the virus.
"This study is not suggesting that your blood type alone determines if you will get HIV," says lead author Dr. Don Branch of Canadian Blood Services. "However, it does suggest that individuals who are exposed to the virus, may be helped or hindered by their blood status in fighting the infection."
Increasing the level of the Pk antigen in cells in the laboratory also resulted in heightened resistance to HIV, while lowering it increased susceptibility. The Pk molecule has been previously studied extensively by The Research Institute at the Hospital for Sick Children Senior Scientist Dr. Cliff Lingwood; Lund University's Dr. Martin Olsson has identified underlying genetic reasons for Pk blood group variation.
"This discovery implicates the Pk level as a new risk factor for HIV infection and demonstrates the importance of blood-group-related science," says Dr. Olsson.
|Contact: Tami Clark|
Canadian Blood Services | <urn:uuid:862edf34-68f2-457f-8370-12c737245710> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.bio-medicine.org/biology-news-1/Researchers-identify-potential-new-weapon-in-battle-against-HIV-infection-6624-1/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00038-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.930964 | 391 | 3.09375 | 3 |
I thought it was interesting to watch this 38 minute video of the Early Days of the West End and Lincoln Park in Duluth. Many of us have ancestors who moved here from a foerign country. This video tells how it all started, the strong religious connections families had back then. There is discussion about churches, schools, workplaces, events, services and the changes. This video is about the Early Days of the West End/Lincoln Park in Duluth and is part of a Neighborhood/Legacy Grant.
Historical Video by Wendy Grethen | <urn:uuid:b194b633-9f70-42e2-ae54-7fc0cde0e92e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://peggysue.areavoices.com/2011/05/14/historical-video-by-wendy-grethen/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00000-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963401 | 112 | 1.742188 | 2 |
Quilting Basics ~ The Quarter Inch Seam & Pressing Techniques
Jacquie from Tallgrass Prairie Studios is back for part two of her Quilting Basics series (with installments every week throughout Quilting Month II!). Part one covered preparing and cutting your fabric. Learn more about Jacquie’s quilting in her Sew,Mama,Sew! Board Member intro and at Tallgrass Prairie Studios. Today’s Quilting Basics focus centers on the quarter inch seam and pressing techniques.
Enjoy today’s tips from Jacquie!
A Perfect Scant Quarter Inch Seam
Quarter inch seams are the standard in quilt piecing. Being able to piece accurately will save you lots of quilting headaches. A quarter inch seam in quilting is not really a quarter inch. It’s a scant quarter inch, a few threads less than a full ¼”. The difference is taken up by the slight fold or ridge created by the seam.
It seems like a few threads less wouldn’t make a difference, but multiply a little bit across the many seams in a quilt and it can become a problem when it’s time to put everything together. I use a ¼” foot on my machine which creates a scant ¼” seam when I run the edge of the foot along the edge of my fabric, but if you don’t have a ¼ “ foot, and even if you do, it’s a good idea to do this little test to see if you’re sewing an accurate scant quarter inch. Not all quilting involves precision piecing, but if you need to be precise, a scant ¼” seam is your friend.
Cut two 2” x 4” rectangles. Be sure to cut accurately! Sew the pieces together along the 4” side using your ¼ “ seam allowance. Press the seam (see below for pressing tips) and then measure the unit.
It should measure exactly 3 ½ “ wide. If your piece measures more or less, adjust your seam allowance. You can make adjustments by moving the needle position or by marking a new line to follow on your stitch plate. Some quilters place moleskin or tape on their stitch plates to mark their accurate ¼” seam allowance. Repeat the test until you achieve a perfect measurement.
With an accurate scant ¼ “ seam you’re ready to piece. I use cotton thread for piecing. I like to match my thread color to my fabric if possible. If not, I use a neutral thread in cream, taupe or medium grey.
I use a stitch length of 12 to 15 stitches per inch for piecing. If you find your units separating at the ends as you work with them, reduce your stitch length just a bit and that might help. As you piece keep fabric edges aligned and sew a nice straight seam. I don’t pin as I sew. If your edges stay aligned, forget the pins. If your edges tend to shift, a few pins might make a difference for you.
Don’t you love when your seams lay flat and your block is crisp and square? Proper pressing techniques can help you achieve just that! Pressing is using the weight of the iron and its heat to remove wrinkles and flatten seams. Ironing is moving the iron back and forth. Pressing is lifting the iron up and down. Pressing is for quilters!
Pressing technique is a matter of preference. Some quilters press seams to the side, some press seams open. Pressing to the side has been the standard for many years, but pressing open is gaining in popularity. I’ve been pressing open more and more lately. I love how flat my pieces lay and for me my piecing is more accurate with seams pressed open. I read this interesting article by Mabry Benson about pressing seams open. You might find it enlightening. You need to decide what works best for you.
You’ll also need to decide if you want to use steam. I tend not to as steam can cause blocks or units to distort. If I need a little help with a stubborn seam I use a tiny spritz of water or Best Press. Best press is a starch alternative and for me it works without the gunkiness of starch. You can find Best Press at most local quilt shops.
This is my pressing routine:
1. I set my seams before I press them open. This helps ’set’ the threads into the fabric and will ensure that extra fabric doesn’t get caught up in the seam. Put your sewn unit flat on your ironing board as you sewed it. Lower your iron for a few seconds and set the seam. I’ve found when pressing to the side that setting the seam helps the seam allowance flip more easily and results in a flatter seam.
2. I open my unit right sides down and do a quick finger press to open the seam and then I use my iron to press it flat, lifting and lowering the iron, not sliding back and forth.
3. For long seams I use my fingers to open the seam and work the iron down the length of the seam, pressing as I go.
4. Then I flip the unit over to press again from the right side. A couple of touches of the iron will give a nice flat seam.
Proper pressing can give you units and blocks that lay flat and are not distorted. This can make your quilt come together accurately and with less stress for you.
Next week: Matching seams and some quick piecing techniques!
Comment in any post this week for your chance to win one of these great prizes. Wow!:
Make! Over 40 Fantastic Projects with 16 Exclusive Designs by Cath Kidston; Pretty Little Mini Quilts by Ray Hemachandra; 200 Quilting Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets by Susan Briscoe; Simple Contemporary Quilts A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Quiltmaking by Valerie Van Arsdale Shrader; The Quilts of Gee’s Bend ~ 23 Fat Quarter Pack, Retail Value: $57.50.
180 Responses to “Quilting Basics ~ The Quarter Inch Seam & Pressing Techniques” | <urn:uuid:deb39387-736e-4c22-afb6-3e9bf0230d00> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2010/04/quilting-basics-the-quarter-inch-seam-pressing-techniques/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00022-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.924532 | 1,320 | 2.5625 | 3 |
Beware of State Power
Bangkok Post, April 1, 2007
George McLeod: As you know, Thailand's government under Thaksin Shinawatra was deposed in a military coup. Former Prime Minister Thaksin was criticised for undemocratic rule and corruption. Can you comment on the Thai coup? Do you believe that it is possible for a coup to bring about democratic change?
Noam Chomsky: In principle the answer is yes, almost anything is possible, but the burden of proof for using force to overthrow a government is very high.
There has to be a very heavy burden of proof and they have to demonstrate conclusively strong arguments that the use of force is legitimate.
For example, there is plenty of corruption in Washington -- there is favouritism and headlines one day after another, but that doesn’t justify a military coup.
In the case of Thailand – and let me say that I do not have a detailed, specialised, knowledge of it – I did not think that that burden of proof was met.
My expectation was that the outcome of the military coup would be a system this is worse than the one it overthrew, except for small sectors of the population that are privileged and wealthy and may very well benefit from it.
McLeod: The US has imposed trade sanctions on the Burmese junta. Given the brutality of the Burmese regime, do you think that this is an example of the US taking a positive stance in the region?
Chomsky: The US can have and occasionally does have benign influences on many things. Now exactly how to deal with the Burmese junta is a question that has to be raised.
Burma has a rotten, horrible government and surely, someone should try to help the Burmese people to free themselves from it, but the question of exactly how to do it is not so simple.
Sanctions often backfire – you really have to think of the right means of doing it. Sometimes, engagement is more effective.
You really have to think this through, you cannot just have formulas.
McLeod: Turning to China, you mentioned that China is becoming a major competitor to US power in Asia, and even that the US is “frightened by China”. How does China pose a threat to US interests in Asia?
Chomsky: China does not pose a military threat. In fact, of all the major powers, China has probably been the most restrained in building up its military forces. China poses a very serious threat because it cannot be intimidated [by the US].
Take for example Iran and Iraq. The US wants the world to boycott Iran in pursuit of US policies. Europe sort of shakes its fist, but Europe pretty much backs off. So when the US warns countries not to invest in Iran, European investors – banks and so on – tend to pull out, not entirely, they find some ways to get around it, but they do pretty much pull out.
But China on the other hand doesn’t pay any attention. They just go ahead and do what they want to do – they have been there for 3000 years…The idea that there is a potentially powerful state that cannot easily be intimidated is very threatening to people want to rule the rule the world.
[The US] is a little bit like the mafia. The Godfather does not tolerate disobedience, even in a small storekeeper, let alone somebody that matters, so that’s a threat.
However, the US relationship with China is also very ambivalent. On one hand, from the point of view of state power, China is threatening because it follows its own course.
On the other hand, powerful business interests in the US are of course highly influential in determining state policy. These businesses have a real stake in China – it is a wonderful platform for cheap exports and it’s a potential market. They want relations with China to be strong, but there is an internal conflict in the US.
Remember that China has enormous financial reserves that surpass Japan – it is the leading holder of foreign reserves – it is keeping the US economy afloat. So it’s a pretty tricky, complex relationship.
McLeod: Does Asia have much to worry about from China’s rising power and influence?
Chomsky: Anytime a big power is developing, everybody has to worry including the Chinese people.
Concentrations of power are dangerous. There is plenty of history about that.
How much does it have to worry? Well, that depends on how things progress. So closer relations between India and China, which are now developing, could be beneficial to Asia. It’s much better than having them muscle their neighbours.
McLeod: In your writings and speeches, you have said that the Asian Energy Security Grid is an issue of major importance, even though it hasn’t received much attention in the media. Could you describe what the energy grid is and how it is important?
Chomsky: There are actually two parallel organisations. One is the Asian Energy Security Grid, and the other is the Shanghai Cooperation Council (SCC). Both are pretty much based in China -- Russia is part of the Energy Security Grid.
The US applied for observer status to the SCC and was turned down, which was a blow. The central Asian states are part of it, Iran has observer status, India and Pakistan will probably join and Russia is a part of it. Russia of course – Eastern Siberia – is considered by India, China and Russia to be a growing part of this Asian Energy Security System.
The SCC is taking the form of a kind of a kind of a counterpart to NATO, and this is a large part of the conflict in the Middle East and in Central Asia. The question is – which way do the pipelines flow and who is going to invest?
And you are right that it’s not talked about much here... (US Vice-President) Cheney, not long ago, gave a speech in Lithuania where he said that control over energy resources and pipelines can’t be used as tools of intimidation and bribery -- I think was his phrase. Now he was referring to control of resources in the hands of others. Remember that others see exactly the same with the energy resources that are in the control of the US and that conflict is very real. You can see just by looking at the direction of the pipelines go.
They just opened a pipeline through Azerbaijan to the Mediterranean and it carefully snakes its way so that it avoided Iran and Russia. It goes through very conflicting regions of the Caucuses.
Control of energy is a major problem, China and Russia and India understand very well that if there is going to be anything like what is sometimes called an Asian century, they are going to have to control their energy resources.
North Korea itself has no economic resources to speak of, but it is the natural place for pipelines to go from the Siberian energy resources into South Korea and then through to Japan. Also, the Trans Siberian railroad might extend thru there, so there is some geo-strategic significance as part of this very dynamic northeast Asian economic group.
McLeod: Do you believe that the Asian Energy Security Grid is a major factor in the conflict with Iran?
Chomsky: There are two basic issues with the grid to Iran. One is simply that, like Iraq, Iran is at the core of the world’s energy producing system…
However, there is another factor and that’s the mafia factor that I mentioned. Iran was successful and defiant of the US in 1979 when it overthrew the US-installed tyrant, and it has to be punished for that.
You take a look at US policies ever since 1979. First under the Carter administration, the US tried to instigate a military coup in Iran, but that didn’t work. Therefore, under Regan, they turned to supporting Saddam Hussein and his aggression against Iran, which was not a small thing.
Hundreds of thousands of Iranians were killed, and chemical weapons used, the US and Britain and other western powers, and Russia too, provided full support for Saddam Hussein right through the worst atrocities and long after the war with Iran was over. After that came harsh embargoes and boycotts, sabre rattling and other kinds of threats.
Right now, there are extensive naval deployments in the Gulf, which are almost certainly to lead to some sort of confrontation even if by accident.
Take what happened [on March 22, 2007]. Now under disputed circumstances, an Iranian naval vessel captured a couple of small British naval boats. That is the kind of thing that can set off a major war.
There is a nuclear issue, but it is resolvable. In fact, if the US and Iran were functioning democracies, then it would be resolved. US public opinion and Iranian public opinion are very close on nuclear issues. Large majorities of both countries believe that Iran should have the right to produce nuclear energy on its own, and both same majorities believe that it should not have the right to develop nuclear weapons. Now that’s a possible resolution if both countries were democratic.
McLeod: Turning to Israel, you have been very critical of Israeli policies. However, many observers, such as author Alan Dershorowitz, have said that Israel has been disproportionately criticised. Dershorowitz cited the fact that the UN has condemned Israel more than any other country and argued that Israel is far from being the world’s worst human rights abuser. How do you respond to that?
Chomsky: Well, remember that Alan Dershowitz is a fanatic supporter of Israeli violence and atrocities, so he is not a neutral observer – he is way out in the extreme. That’s like asking a communist party member in the 1950s ‘look how much Russia is condemned, it’s not the worst country in the world’.
But aside from that -- there is a reason why Israel is condemned…
Plenty of other countries are much worse internally. But the occupation of Palestine is a harsh military occupation, which has a potential settlement -- everyone knows what the settlement is – a two-state settlement based on the international border. But Israel and the US rejected.
However, in one respect I agree with Dershowitz.
It is wrong to condemn Israel – you should be condemning the US. Israel can do nothing without US authorisation. It’s a small country and it chose consciously to be dependent on the US. We can even date it – in 1971, Israel was offered a full peace treaty by Egypt…
Israel had a choice, either expansion or security. It chose expansion, and Henry Kissinger backed it, so it could do it.
Since then, Israel has lost its choices. If it wants a peace settlement, it can have it. The Arab league proposal of 2002, which is only one of many that go back to 1976, would grant Israel security normalisation of relations and integration into the region. But it would mean abandoning expansion, which it does not want to do.
Figure another country that is in that situation, actually, there is one -- Morocco, which is occupying the Western Sahara, but that’s a US ally, so it’s ignored.
McLeod: Israel has no natural resources to speak of and is not economically significant. The US also pays a huge political cost for supporting Israel, so what does the US gain from its special relations with Israel?
Chomsky: We know that answer pretty well. The US-Israeli relationship in its current form began in 1967.
In 1967, Israel performed an enormous service for the US. It destroyed independent secular Arab nationalism, which was considered a major threat.
The oldest and most valued US ally is Saudi Arabia -- that is where most of the oil is and Saudi is the probably most extreme fundamentalist Islamic tyranny in the world and the main US ally. In fact, most of the time the US is supporting radical Islamists against secular nationalists.
The major centre of Arab nationalism was Nasser’s Egypt – Saudi Arabia and Egypt were fighting a proxy war in Yemen. Israel destroyed Nasser’s secular nationalism, and that’s a tremendous boost to US power.
Nasser was considered a great threat and it was feared that Nasser might use the region’s resources for the benefit of its people, rather than to the benefit of the west, and at that point, the relationship was firmed up.
In 1970, something even more important happened. The Palestinians were becoming an organised, secular nationalist movement, which is frightening [to the US]. They were in confrontation with Jordan, a US- British ally.
In fact, the Jordanian army was slaughtering [the Palestinians]. It looked briefly as if Syria might intervene to protect Palestinians and that was considered a major threat to the Hashemite monarchy and also to the gulf tyranny in Saudi and the others. The US could not intervene at the time because it was tied up in Indochina.
Israel – at US request – mobilised its forces and Syria had to back off. At that point, US aid to Israel quadrupled. That was essentially the end of secular nationalism in the Arab world.
Since then Israel has become a major US strategic asset. It’s a western implant right at the periphery of the energy-producing region. The US’ second closest ally is Turkey, another part of NATO in this case, but another kind of US base for the control of the energy producing regions and to protect the monarchies against their own populations. Israel has been an important part of that, but it has also provided all kinds of secondary services to the US, which follows from its relationship of dependency.
For example, when the US and Britain wanted to evade sanctions against South Africa as they did, one of the ways they did that was through Israel, which was pleased to have open connections with the apartheid state – they regarded themselves as in a similar situations.
That even extends to Southeast Asia when Carter wanted to increase US support for Indonesian aggression in East Timor, which was slaughtering the population. There were congressional barriers, so the US couldn’t support Indonesia directly, so they got Israel to send US jets into Indonesia. In Central America, it’s all over the place. It’s a strategic alliance that has been very valuable to the US.
And when you say there is no economic interest [in Israel], its not quite true. Israel is kind of an offset of the US high technology industry. So the high tech industries in the US invests quite substantially in Israel- they have close relations in the military industries.
Intel has investment there, Warren Buffet just bought an arms manufacturer in Israel -- it is sort of an offshoot of the US at this point. In that sense, it is almost like having an offshore military base and high tech centre right on the periphery of the major energy resources of the world. | <urn:uuid:7032c4d5-f54c-4ac8-b7c4-9a81635c5f6b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.chomsky.info/interviews/20070401.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00065-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.971589 | 3,076 | 1.6875 | 2 |
The Collection includes the Ursula Flicker Archival Collection of thousands of original documents from the Holocaust period, collected by Holocaust survivor, Ursula Flicker, and her dedicated team over a 20-year period. Ursula began volunteering shortly after the Jewish Holocaust Centre opened its doors in 1984 and gradually assumed a leadership role in the Archives Department, given her extensive knowledge of the Holocaust. Her dedication to the task was recognised when she received an Order of Australia Medal for her work at the JHC.
The Centre's impressive collection of Holocaust art and sculpture includes works created by adult and child survivors, as well as by descendants of victims and those whose who have used different media to express their emotional, moral and philosophical responses to the Holocaust. At the entrance to the museum is Peter Schipperheyn's "Eternal Flame" and the imposing 6.5 metre (22ft. 6in.) Silicon Bronze sculpture, "Pillars of Witness," by Andrew Rogers, with its 76 panels depicting what is surely the most tragic episode in history.
The Centre acts as a custodian, preserving original documents, artefacts and memorabilia relating to the Holocaust and the experiences of individuals whose lives were directly affected by these events. As part of the Centre's collection, items donated are professionally catalogued, stored and cared for in environmentally-monitored conditions so that they are preserved for present and future generations. Donated items may be displayed and interpreted in the Museum's exhibitions and public programs, used for research or loaned to other museums and organisations.
To learn more about contributing and item to our collection, see the "Donate and Item" page.
Below are examples of some items in our collection. | <urn:uuid:6a471bab-5ebc-449a-8ccc-d2616d1b89cd> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.jhc.org.au/museum/collections/collection.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00032-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94599 | 343 | 2.390625 | 2 |
Arch Aluminum & Glass's Commitment to the Environment
For more than three decades, Arch Aluminum & Glass has maintained a corporate philosophy of balancing the demands of a Profit & Loss Statement with the task of preserving our environment. We have a documented history of sustainable manufacturing practices, including the use of energy saving technologies, materials conservation and recycling, even before it was fashionable. We have always designed our products with energy efficiency in mind.
Arch was the first to provide the glazing and extruded aluminum industry with a LEED Green Building Rating System matrix, published in 2003, prior to any other manufacturer. We chose powder coat finishing over Kynar spray coating to effectively eliminate VOC emissions and 90 percent of our scrap insulated air spacers and trimmed PVB are recycled. And we’re not finished.
As the trend toward sustainability moves toward reduced carbon emissions and energy zero buildings, Arch will be there for you well ahead of the competition. Not because we like being first, even though we do, but because it’s the right thing to do. | <urn:uuid:f2ee488d-483c-4378-bb7a-7276c3213e01> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.archgreen.com/commitment.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704392896/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113952-00053-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937753 | 214 | 1.625 | 2 |
You can argue that either; pressure does not change the amount the [a non-radioactive] air ionises, because the ionisation is a result of ionising radiation from an external source, which is independent of the pressure
or; probability of ionisation within a small volume is proportional to the mass in that volume (on account that if there is more mass there, then it is proportionally more likely to respond to incoming radiation).
Once ions or electrons are present, then the application of an electric, or time-varying magnetic, field may cause acceleration of those ions/electrons that then go on to cascade further ion production. You therefore have two mechanisms - an initial ionisation from radiation, then ionisation from accelerated charged particles. The latter is affected by the pressure according to some very complex phenomena which you can research by looking up 'Pachen breakdown', and the long-and-short summary is that it is to do with mean free paths and whether the particles can pick up enough energy to produce more charged particles before they get 'neutralised'. | <urn:uuid:a3534217-eb90-4713-b2ca-3210cc188ab1> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?p=3459267 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00054-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.923711 | 217 | 2.75 | 3 |
A service offered by telephone companies, which enables some telephone lines to carry a lot of information in a short time. ADSL turns a phone line into a broadband link. Only available to some phone lines, but very useful where available.
A word used to describe networks that can send a lot of information in a short time.
A computer program, running on the human user’s PC, which gets information from Web servers and displays it on the screen. These instructions are usually in the computer language HTML.
The browser window shows the browser program, and includes the various parts of the browser (navigation bar, address bar, etc.) and of course the main browser screen that displays Web pages.
Also called a CD-ROM. An optical disk, made of foil in a plastic coat, that stores computer files. Much larger in terms of storage capacity than a floppy.
A computer is a machine that carries out long and detailed lists of instructions called programs.
The arrow or line or hand that moves around the screen when you move your computer mouse or while you are typing. People often refer to the cursor position as ‘where you are’ on a Web page or window.
Email or electronic mail is a service that sends messages across the Internet from one human user to another. Like a letter, email is person-to-person and it stores messages until they are read.
A collection of computer information stored on a hard disk (or CD or floppy) and accessed when the user needs it. For example, a letter typed with a word processor and saved on the hard disk is in the form of a file. So is a song, in MP3 format, or a Web page.
A part of a Web page where the human user can type in some information to be sent by the browser to the Web server. A form consists of fields that can have text typed into them, buttons that can be clicked and (sometimes) check boxes and radio buttons. | <urn:uuid:67237ac4-e6ff-4d5d-9ece-981f8fc8a603> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://lifesteps.ie/module_show.php?ID=25&topic=274 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00072-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.909568 | 403 | 3.078125 | 3 |
The process of development of acne though known, it is clearly not known, why the process starts. The main pathological process is blockade of the skin openings of oil glands by keratin plugs near the hair follicles, the hormonal changes at the time of puberty. In fact, it is told that appearance of acne is indicative of puberty.
The main problem with acne is disfigurement of face from the comedo, and scars following its rapture and healing. This can cause much embarrassment particularly to the young ladies and may also cause psychological problems.
Why the abnormal follicular keratinization occurs that is not known. But, abnormal keratinization, increases sebum production from the oil glands and secondary infection by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) or infestation by domodex follicullorum; play major role in development of acne or acne vulgaris.
Increase sebum or oil production at that age is due to increased level of testosterone and oestrogen. Use of hash cosmetics or un-proved healing agents/remedies may aggravate the situation.
The primary skin lesion in acne is the microcomedo. Formation occurs when a keratin plug fills the duct of a pilosebaceous unit, which is comprised of a hair follicle and a sebaceous gland. Sebum is produced in the unit and some may be trapped beneath the keratin plug along with more keratinaceous material, causing enlargement of the follicle.
As the lesion enlarges it becomes clinically apparent and becomes a comedo. The comedo may remain functionally closed, appearing as a "whitehead." Or, the dilated follicular orifice may be open to the skin's surface, forming an open comedo or "blackhead."
On occasion the comedo may become inflamed and/or enlarge to the point of rupture of the follicular wall. This produces inflammatory papules, pustules, and nodules.
Acne is treated by variously from home remedies to doctors ranging from generalist to dermatologists.
Acne is managed by many different types of physicians. Dermatologists provide the majority of acne care, though half of the visits for acne in patients under 15 are with paediatrician. Internists and family physicians also treat acne, though the proportion of care provided by these practitioners is not known. Variations in practice between generalists and specialists have been documented. However, there have been no studies exploring differences in outcomes by provider type.
There are several different medications available for the treatment of acne. Broadly, these can be divided into topical therapies and systemic (oral) therapies.
In general, mild cases are treated with topical medications, with more severe cases being treated with systemic therapy or a combination of topical and systemic treatments. However, acne treatment tends to be highly individualized due to the spectrum of lesions.
Topical therapies include;
Topical antibiotics and
The main action of keratolytics is to increase follicular desquamation and decrease follicular plugging. Common keratolytics include salicylic acid, sulphur, and resorcinol.
Topical treatments for teen aged acne include benzoyl peroxide, sulphur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid are there. The US Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has found these effective for treating acne.
Antibiotics suppress P. acnes. Common topical antibiotics are erythromycin and clindamycin. Benzoyl peroxide has both antibiotic and keratolytic properties.
Topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapalene reduce hyperkeratosis and follicular plugging. Many of the topical agents are available in cream, liquid, and gel formulations.
Systemic therapies include;
Oral retinoids, and
Oral antibiotics used to treat acne include tetracyclines, macrolides, and sulfa-containing agents. Some of these agents may have anti-inflammatory activity as well as antibiotic activity.
Isotretinoin is currently the only oral retinoid routinely used in the treatment of acne. While its exact mechanism of action is unknown, it decreases both sebaceous gland secretion and keratinization.
Oestrogen and anti-androgens are systemic medications that may be used in specific cases.
There are dozens of other treatments for acne that have been used or are currently in use. These include Grenz rays (a type of x-rays irradiation), anti-fungal treatments, acne surgery, topical and oral steroids, and alternative therapies such as tea tree oil.
Chemical peels and microdermabrasion are used to lighten post-acne scarring. Post-acne scars can be cleared by clean-ups with salicylic or glycolic acid at a clinic. Gentle exfoliation with these acids helps in taking out blackheads and whiteheads.
Garlic juice or a mud pack are used to decrease the oily skin.One can apply a little garlic juice on face, for about an hour at least once a week. Although garlic juice kills off acne-causing bacteria, it should not be kept too long as it can aggravate sensitive skin. Laser treatment and chemical peels are available as alternative treatment. Yttrium scandium gallium garnet ablative fractional resurfacing (2,790-nm) appears to be effective and well tolerated for the treatment of atrophic acne scars.
To avoid acne, one should wash skin twice a day. Make sure to use a mild face wash that suits one’s skin type. Washing face too frequently especially with harsh cosmetics can aggravate acne. Avoiding processed foods like white bread and noodles are good as those often trigger outbreaks.
Use a face pack made of Fuller's earth (non-plastic clay or clay-like earthy material) at least once or twice a week. This will help extract excess sebum and is therefore one of the best natural methods to treat acne. | <urn:uuid:6ded68ea-6362-4e1f-a63f-ae6aa39a1e4a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.haaram.com/CompleteArticle.aspx?aid=255634&ln= | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00009-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.928597 | 1,247 | 2.84375 | 3 |
Child alert on meat additive
Health officials have warned parents that dangerous levels of a chemical with heightened risks for children have been found in Chinese preserved meat.
A study by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department showed that three out of 69 samples of preserved meat, or lap mei, contained too much sodium nitrate.
The preservative, if taken excessively, can cause breathlessness and bluish discolouration of the skin and the mucous membranes, department consultant Ho Yuk-yin said.
'Children in particular are susceptible to sodium nitrate. They should restrict their intake and infants should avoid taking it at all,' said Dr Ho, who unveiled the findings yesterday. 'In the unlikely case of an intake of up to four grams, it could be fatal. But this is very rare.'
Dr Ho said sodium nitrate was an important preservative that inhibited the growth of bacteria and prevented toxin formation. It also fixed the colour of the meat.
'Whether it is harmful to humans depends on the amount of intake and how physically strong the person is.'
The samples, obtained from local retailers and tested in 1999 and last year, came from preserved sausages, pork and duck.
The three problem samples had a sodium nitrate level of about 1,000 parts per million, double the level allowed by the Preservatives in Food Regulations.
Dr Ho said the three samples were made in Hong Kong and warning letters had been issued to the retailers. 'We carried out follow-up examinations on the retailers later and the results were satisfactory,' he said. | <urn:uuid:e34f32b5-6d59-4b61-953a-89f0c8ee70cb> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.scmp.com/article/366583/child-alert-meat-additive | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697974692/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095254-00064-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.966493 | 319 | 2.484375 | 2 |
Is it worth saving the world’s most worthless species?
By Victoria Martindale, a postgraduate student in primate conservation and a member of the Primate Society of Great Britain.
In September IUCN and the Zoological Society of London published the world’s 100 most endangered species in a report titled Priceless or Worthless? These species are at risk because they are considered to be of little economic value to man. At the same time a bill of £50 billion a year has been estimated as the cost of saving the world’s endangered species and the world is asking itself if it can afford this.
“It is that range of biodiversity that we must care for – the whole thing – rather than just one or two stars”
That global government budgets can afford this trivial bill to save species from disappearing forever goes without saying but whether we decide to pick up the tab or not only time will tell. Yet rather than discriminate species, conservation efforts of all strategies should remember David Attenborough’s words: “It is that range of biodiversity that we must care for – the whole thing – rather than just one or two stars”.
Like so many other fauna and flora whose survival is threatened these species are among the latest that are not valued to reflect their diversity or natural value but by their desirability to human consumers. By prioritising their economic worth these ecosystems services and species are traded in the market place like commodities. Critics, however, are concerned that there is a potential ‘mismatch’ between the services provided and vying institutions which could price out the poorest people most dependent upon them.
Payment for ecosystem services is nothing new
But payment for ecosystem services is not as new as it may seem. As far back as the 17th century the colonial powers awoke to the benefit of maintaining ecosystems. Natural resources have long been valued, and therefore managed, to supply timber, mineral extraction, bush meat, fish and pastureland. And since the 1980s, exploiting these values has been a tool employed in earnest to link the conservation of biological diversity to social and economic development.
However, it can be hard to attach a monetary value to all ecosystem services. Markets only exist for a certain range of services and some are not amenable to valuation at all, such as the fertilizing effect of atmospheric dust carried across the Atlantic. But even those that are hard to price nonetheless fulfill a wealth of essential functions we could not afford to be without: water filtration, soil protection and crop pollination, for example.
Indigenous rainforests harbour a wealth of powerful medicinal plants too, like periwinkles and quinine from cinchona trees, that have already helped to keep us healthy for thousands of years. However, once they are gone, so too are their potential secrets to some of the other deadly and debilitating conditions we face today. Are we prepared to let our health miss out on this wealth?
It is absurd to question the bill of saving biodiversity
Given all the myriad benefits, it seems nothing but absurd therefore that anyone could consider any animal, plant or fungi on this planet to be of no value. Just as absurd, is questioning the bill to save them.
Yet if man is to continue on his current trajectory, at some point, hopefully many, many years from now, when we may well find ourselves deep in a mass extinction and extant natural ecosystems are scarce, a biological apocalypse could be a real and potential outcome. Our own lives will be impoverished and under threat, quite unrecognisable from today. If we are to prosper as a species, therefore, our future lies in conserving other species and habitats in all their diversity. We know this, and yet still we do not act with responsibility. What does it take?
Many conservationists have unsurprisingly reacted in horror to the possibility that these 100 endangered species, singled out for their worthlessness, are to disappear forever.
The traditional approach of protecting nature for its own sake and commercially-driven strategies have failed
Of course, they are absolutely justified in the tragedy of this. Believe me, I feel just as passionately about their conservation as they do. But the traditional approach of protecting nature for its own sake and commercially-driven strategies that cherry pick have largely failed to stop the dwindling of species. And so I find myself remembering a prophetic warning from Thomas Fuller: "We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.”
Staring at photos of spoon billed sandpipers, sloths, gopher frogs and blister cactus I would endorse Fuller’s words. It would seem that everything that we have leant and witnessed over the past decades about the devastating effects of our activities have not been enough to take meaningful action on the scale required. It is this lack of responsibility that is the reason we should let these 100 species go. Only by pushing the planet beyond the limits of its natural resources that is eventually to the detriment of mankind itself do I believe we will ever start to take genuine steps to lead sustainable lifestyles that protect the natural world. Perhaps a mass extinction is what it takes and therein lays the solutions to combat the destruction of our planet.
Saving only certain species would be a meaningless victory that the planet cannot afford, no matter how cheap it comes. So perhaps in these critical times we shouldn’t save any. And so bring on the next mass extinction is what I find myself saying. | <urn:uuid:dee96524-942f-4528-9f8d-2eef07d7b40a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.iucn.org/fr/nouvelles_homepage/nouvelles_par_date/2012/?11527/Is-it-worth-saving-the-worlds-most-worthless-species | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00002-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.954585 | 1,114 | 3.75 | 4 |
State Historic Preservation Office
Certified Local Government Program
Preservation in Progress! Click on image to get
a better look at thebanner posted by one of
Missouri's recent CLGs
The Missouri Certified Local Government (CLG) Program is administered in Missouri by the Department of Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). The program came into existence as a result of 1980 Congressional amendments to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The CLG program is designed to expand the historic preservation network of the federal and state governments by creating a mechanism for participation of local governments. Weston is the most recent addition to the list of 53 communities currently participating in Missouri's CLG program.
The requirements for participation in the Missouri CLG program -- enacting a historic preservation ordinance, appointing a preservation commission, conducting an ongoing survey and inventory of historic properties, and conducting public outreach and education -- are flexible so that a preservation program can be tailored to meet the needs of the special historic characteristics as well as the modern concerns of the applicant community.
Implementing a historic preservation program at the local level is the best protection that can be devised for the cultural resources of a community. The local program determines what is important to the community, independent of National Register of Historic Places eligibility; and determines the extent and stringency of the protection to be given by means of landmark and district ordinances and design review guidelines.
As partners in the national historic preservation network of the National Park Service, the state historic preservation offices, and local government, CLGs have two distinct advantages. First, the SHPO is required to provide technical training on a variety of preservation topics and issues to CLG commissions and will prioritize response to CLGs on technical assistance requests. Second, federal law requires that a minimum of 10 percent of the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grants administered by the SHPO must be awarded to CLGs. A special set of funding priorities are determined each year and may include preparation of nominations for local districts and landmarks: design guidelines; professional staff assistance; long-range comprehensive preservation planning projects; and outreach and education projects. Applications for the next CLG grant round will be available in June 2010. For more information, please contact Jo Ann Radetic at 573-522-2473 or via email | <urn:uuid:8aa90fd5-c053-4032-b52b-d513265d9a6e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://dnr.mo.gov/shpo/certifie.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00045-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.91579 | 463 | 2.125 | 2 |
As I said when the Board proposed this standard, the crux of the proposal, like the existing standard, is that, to be useful, audit reports need to be credible. Without a requirement for the auditor to evaluate and report on consistency, a report saying that financial statements are fairly presented today – even though they are based on different accounting principles or different numbers than were used in the past – risks losing its credibility.
The proposed new standard before us is, for the most part, a rewriting and reorganization of the existing auditing standard on consistency, which was cobbled together over many years. In that respect, this is a small project, intended mostly to express the auditing requirements in simpler and clearer terms.
But there is one idea reflected in the new standard that I think is worth highlighting. It’s that the risk of inconsistency in financial reporting has shifted in some respects in light of FASB’s adoption of Statement 154. In particular, the new standard more clearly focuses auditors on the importance of evaluating material changes to previously issued financial statements, whatever the reason for the change. There’s no doubt that auditors have had to sign-off on changes to previously issued financial statements in the past. But the proposal would specifically focus auditors on ensuring that disclosures about those changes are accurate.
One of the things we’ve heard during the development of this project is that retroactive changes to previously issued financial statements can be confusing to analysts and other users if there is not adequate disclosure about the changes. This can present a risk to the credibility of audit reports if users get the impression that the auditor continuously signs off on an ever changing financial statement. Given this risk, to me, the most important thing an auditor should do in this area is evaluate whether changes are accurate as well as whether disclosures about the changes are appropriate. This proposal should go a long way to addressing these problems. | <urn:uuid:a801fba3-d0b6-4bd4-a841-67bd1377b772> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://pcaobus.org/News/Speech/Pages/01292008_NiemeierStatement.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.96237 | 389 | 1.726563 | 2 |
Bobby Horton '72 returned to the library he said he avoided as an undergraduate for the Homecoming 2010 Live at the Library event. Horton is widely known and respected for his preservation of American song and his extensive film work, including The Civil War, Baseball, Lewis and Clark and The National Parks with director Ken Burns. He is also a member of the group Three On A String, founded at Samford more than three decades ago.
Horton, an accounting major and MBA, said he has used every bit of his Samford education. Noting that he took "about a hundred classes " with audience member and former history professor Wayne Flynt and David Vess, whose son John was there as well, Horton joked, "I loved history and music so much that I majored in accounting". He has combined all three in an exceptional career.
Horton's multi-instrumental musicality and encyclopedic knowledge of American music certainly were on display for the lively and lighthearted event. He played five instruments during the hour-long set, swapping them out every few songs.
Most musicians accept roses from the audience at the end of their concerts but Horton offered his audience roses before he said hardly a word. The Rose of Alabama and The Yellow Rose of Texas blended seamlessly and Horton performed the virtuoso trick of providing his own live soundtrack for an impromptu lecture about the origin of the latter song. He did have to stop playing the recorder just long enough to explain that "Goober Pea" (peanut) is derived from the African-American Gullah language.
And so it went, through a diverse selection from the great American songbook, with music and history from literally the first secular song published in colonial America, through the Civil War to Horton's own original compositions for film.
Calling to the stage School of the Arts voice professor G. William Bugg--in his last year of teaching at Samford--Horton noted that Bugg has been both a friend and a collaborator, leading Horton to the central musical theme of Lewis and Clarke. Bugg added his baritone to Horton's 1927 Martin guitar for the traditional "Wayfaring Stranger" and Horton's own "Don't Look Back". Horton advised the audience not to take the latter title too seriously. "Music and history are tied together because man has always had a need for music, and has looked to music to tell his story, and to turn to in the hard times". | <urn:uuid:0d1ee0fa-fda8-4d9e-aa61-a553cc1fa7d3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.samford.edu/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=2147497096 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00020-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.980569 | 504 | 1.523438 | 2 |
Number one murderer, who was the head of the extermination of the
Volozhyn ghetto on May 1942. Summary of the stenographic protocol, which was published as a book by the title The trial of the natzy invaders who committed acts of horror in Belarus
The trial started on January 15th 1946 and was finished on the 29th. In these days the martial court of the Minsk County was weighing the accusations against eighteen nazi officials who served in the German police and army; Among them four S.S. and S.D. commanders, two chiefs of battalions, a Major, two Captains, two Uberleutenats and the rest of inferior ranks. Frantz Karl Hess, second lieutenant of the thirty second Zondercommando stationed near the police and S.S. in Minsk was one of the eighteen convicts.
The following judges held the trial:
Chairman of court: General Kadrov.Lawyers nominated by the state represented all convicts, except Frantz Karl Hess who renounced the lawyer and preferred to represent himself. After some formalities, the hearings began.
Judge: Chief of Battalion Sacharov.
Judge: Chief of Battalion Vinogradov.
The prosecutors: Lieutenant Colonel Yatzanin and the Battalion Head Palachin.
The hearings on the 19th of January 1946 were dedicated to the investigation concerning the prosecution that was held against Frantz Karl Hess.
Given here is a briefing of the hearings and the verdict.
(addressing accused Hess):
|Are you confirming your testimony given in the early investigation?|
|Hess:||Yes I confirm it.|
to the prosecutor:
|Comrade prosecutor, do you have questions to the accused?|
|Prosecutor:||Yes. Addressing Hess asks: Tell me Hess; on what year did you enter the ranks of the fascist party?|
|Prosecutor:||What was your military rank and in any what regiment were you serving your duty?|
|Hess:||I was a simple private in the S.S. army.|
|Prosecutor:||What is your family origin?|
|Hess:||I come from a working family. My father worked in a factory.|
|Prosecutor:||What office did your father hold in the factory?|
|Hess:||He worked as a simple worker.|
|Prosecutor:||Your father was a Nazi?|
|Hess:||No. He was apolitical and died in 1916.|
|Prosecutor:||How come that you, as a son of a working family, finds yourself in the ranks of the Nazi party?|
|Hess:||Because I am German.|
|Prosecutor:||Just because you are German?|
|Prosecutor:||What did you do in the army?|
|Hess:||I worked in a factory producing weights.|
|Prosecutor:||When did you come to the Zondercommando in Minsk?|
|Hess:||I came in the beginning of December 1941.|
|Prosecutor:||What duties were put upon you?|
|Hess:||I had to guard the offices and establishments of the army and the SS.|
|Prosecutor:||This is not true! You were trained in courses for commanders of the border police, in managers courses and in handling trained dogs all these were done for house guarding only? Tell the court all of the truth!|
|Hess:||All right, I shall tell! Our work as house guards was only for deception.
Our main mission was the extinction of Jews. The orders were given from above and we were forced to commit them.
|Prosecutor:||To where did you go on the first half of May 1942 with a shooting squad?|
|Hess:||We drove to Volozhyn.|
|Prosecutor:||To which county does Volozhyn belong?|
|Hess:||To Molodechna County I think. I am not sure.|
|Prosecutor:||What did you do in Volozhyn?|
|Hess:||We exterminated the Jews there.|
|Prosecutor:||How many Jews did you kill there?|
|Hess:||Approximately two thousands.|
|Prosecutor:||Who was in charge of this 'actsia'?|
|Prosecutor:||How did you gather the Jewish community in order to commit the horror acts?|
|Hess:||We took the people from their houses, they were locked in the cowshed, and there we shot them to death.|
|Prosecutor:||What have you done with the property and valuable objects of the dead?|
|Hess:||We sent the valuables to Villieka.|
|Prosecutor:||From whom were the two thousand dead, in the town of Volozhyn of Molodechna County, composed?|
|Hess:||From men, women and children.|
|Prosecutor:||Why did you kill the people? Just because they were Jews?|
|Hess:||Yes. Just because they were Jews.|
|Prosecutor:||Were within the two thousand dead also other nationalities members?|
|Hess:||No. Jews only.|
|Prosecutor:||In what way did you execute them?|
|Hess:||We divided the Jews to groups of eighty hundred people. Every group was entered into the cow shed, and there they killed them one by one- till the last one of them.|
|Prosecutor:||Within the two thousand were also people from Volozhyn vicinity, or from Volozhyn only?|
|Hess:||I do not know.|
|Prosecutor:||You took out all of the Jews from the ghetto?|
|Hess:||Yes, we took out all of them.|
|Prosecutor:||Who were the shooters?|
|Hess:||All were ordered to shoot, including me.|
|Prosecutor:||How many Jews did you kill with your own hands in Volozhyn?|
|Hess:||I personally killed about one hundred and twenty Jews. (Noise in the courtroom).|
|Prosecutor:||In what part of the body did the bullet hit? Did you shoot the back of the neck?|
|Hess:||Yes, we shot the head. The Jews were kneeling on their knees and we shot the head, which means the back of the neck.|
|Prosecutor:||Did the children also were kneeling on their knees and shot in the back of their necks?|
|Hess:||Yes, all of them children, men, women, old and young.|
|Prosecutor:||From what weapon did you shoot?|
|Hess:||From a pistol.|
|Prosecutor:||What kind of gun was it?|
|Hess:||It was a 0.8-mm army gun.|
|Prosecutor:||What have you done with the bodies? Buried them?|
|Hess:||No. We soaked most of the bodies with gasoline and burned them.|
The last words of Hess were that he regrets his actions in Belarus, but that he is innocent because he was forced to do it by his superiors.
He declared before the judges and the people whose sons have judged him, that fascism was the greatest curse that the world has ever known.
These ended the hearings on the 29th of January. In the late hours of the night, the court published its verdict.
In the December 1941 'action'. In this 'action' a hundred patients that were hospitalized in the Minsks' mental hospital were shot, as well as two hundred and fifty civilians that were temporarily arrested in Minsks' prison.
Many times Hess took part in the killings of soviet citizens from Jewish
origin, among them old, women and children.
In December 1941, he took part in the killings of two thousand people in Minsk.
In 1942 he took part in the killing of the peaceful Jewish community in the city of Vileycky. In the small town of Ivia, Molodechna County, Hess killed sixty people with his own hands. In the cities Dolginova and Vishnieva, Hess participated in murdering three thousand five hundred soviet citizens of Jewish origin.
In the town of Volozhyn, he took part in the execution of two thousand Jews, of which he himself killed one hundred and twenty. In the town of Trastenitz-Zutta he was a part of a company that executed in shooting and strangling eighteen thousand Soviet citizens of Jewish origin.
As a whole Hess participated in killing and strangling of thirty thousand people, most of them Jewish. He himself killed several hundreds of them.
According to a section of the order submitted by the superior court of the SSSR, on the day of 19.4.43, the German Frantz Karl Hess born in 1909 in the village of Kastill of Louatmaritz County in the Soudet region, was charged to death by hanging.
On the 30.1.1946, on 1430 in the afternoon by Moscow time, the verdict was executed. Hess was hanged on the hippodrome of Minsk.
Over one hundred thousand people attended the hanging of the convicts.
JewishGen, Inc. makes no representations regarding the accuracy of
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Updated 23 Sep 2006 by LA | <urn:uuid:3d248c48-4a94-4b66-b573-5b9077842ea6> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.jewishgen.org/yizkor/volozhin/vol576.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00060-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972019 | 2,135 | 2.046875 | 2 |
Auto title loans harm Alabama workers
Alabama lets auto title lenders charge an annualized percentage rate (APR)of up to 300 percent. The Military Lending Act of 2007 caps interest rates to service members (and their dependents) at 36 percent. Don't all Alabamians deserve the same consumer protection?
This brief by ACPP and Alabama Appleseed describes Alabama's auto title loan problem and offers real solutions.
456 percent should be illegal
Alabama law lets payday lenders charge an annualized percentage rate (APR) of 456 percent. Georgia, North Carolina and Arkansas have all said that consumer lending at triple-digit interest is an illegal exploitation of their residents.
This issue brief from ACPP and Alabama Appleseed outlines Alabama's payday loan problem and offers real solutions.
Immigration Policy Choices 2012
Alabama last year passed the nation's harshest anti-immigrant law, HB 56. Designed to make life difficult for undocumented immigrants and cause them to leave Alabama, the law has had a far broader impact, bringing national scorn, widespread economic harm and personal hardship to citizens as well as non-citizens. The law disproportionately affects low-income Alabamians, regardless of their immigration status.
"Immigrants, Go Home!": Alabama's 2011 Immigration Law
Alabama has had its share of unflattering national spotlights. But it's been a while since the glare has been as widespread and piercing as it has been in the wake of HB 56, the state's new anti-immigrant law. Critics and supporters alike consider the new law to be the harshest among recent anti-immigrant measures across the country.
This fact sheet by ACPP policy analyst Stephen Stetson examines the socioeconomic and political factors that gave rise to the law and its far-reaching major provision.
Same Work, Less Pay: The Wage Gap in Alabama
Imagine the uproar if football officials suddenly were to declare touchdowns worth six points for one team but only five points for the other. Many workers both in Alabama and nationwide encounter just that sort of shortfall with every paycheck they receive. Despite decades of steady improvement, sizable earnings gaps remain between women and men and between racial minorities and non-minorities, both in Alabama and nationwide.
This fact sheet examines the history of wage discrimination, the scope of today's disparities and how an Equal Pay Commission could help Alabama close the gap.
Hard Cash: Predatory Lending in Alabama
On busy highways and run-down streets across the state, you can't miss them -- big, bright signs promising easy money. From payday loans to refund anticipation loans to title pawns, Alabamians face a dizzying array of credit services designed to trap consumers in financial quicksand.
This updated fact sheet provides new information on predatory lending in Alabama.
Don't Make Hard Times Worse
The U.S. economy has begun to grow since the Great Recession ended in June 2009, but economists predict unemployment will remain unacceptably high throughout next year.
This policy brief explains some of the ways the recession affected the country in general and Alabama in particular, and why Congress needs to continue for a full year the temporary unemployment insurance (UI) program scheduled to expire Nov. 30.
Legislative elections Nov. 2, 2010
Alabamians will elect new state officers and a new Legislature on November 2. ACPP does not endorse candidates, but we provide the following legislative candidates lists and urge you to get involved in your district's election. Choose your candidate, contact his or her campaign office to find out how to volunteer, and help put democracy in action!
ADECA letter to U.S. Rep. Maxine WatersAlabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Bill Johnson reflected several concerns of Katrina advocates in this April 17, 2009, letter to U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters. | <urn:uuid:41d71a9c-faf5-4382-9165-ac1839abdb81> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://arisecitizens.org/index.php/publications-topmenu-32/fact-sheets-topmenu-36/other-topmenu-59 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00000-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.9357 | 784 | 1.609375 | 2 |
A spokesman for the United Nations truce-monitoring team in Syria says it found a need to "de-escalate" the situation in a Damascus suburb, while France calls for a rapid expansion of the mission.
Wednesday, a group of observers visited Douma, where Syrian rights activists said security forces carried out shelling as part of attacks that killed at least 27 civilians across the country.
Observer mission spokesman Neeraj Singh said Thursday the monitor team is establishing contacts and preparing for a larger mission approved by the U.N. Security Council last week.
"In this process we have a role of de-escalating the situation. We do that - and we did that yesterday in Douma - by maintaining our presence on the ground, patrolling the area for a good number of hours, through our liaison activities."
The Security Council has authorized a 300-member mission. U.N. peacekeeping chief Herve Ladsous said Tuesday 30 observers could be in place by the end of the week and 100 within a month.
But on Wednesday, French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe called on the United Nations to deploy the full contingent within 15 days, saying the U.N.-backed truce that took effect April 12 has been "seriously compromised."
Juppe said France has discussed with other world powers the prospect of imposing a resolution under Chapter 7 of the U.N. charter, which allows for the use of force to "restore international peace and security."
Russia and China have twice vetoed Western- and Arab-backed Security Council resolutions calling for punitive action against Assad's government for violently suppressing the revolt against his rule.
The Syrian government says it is committed to a cease-fire and other elements of international envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan, but reserves the right to defend itself against "armed terrorists" whom it accuses of driving the unrest.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the violence Wednesday including government shelling of the central city of Hama that killed at least 12 people.
Syria's state-run SANA news agency said a "terrorist" bomb explosion in the city killed 16 people.
Elsewhere, the Observatory said Syrian rebels killed three government soldiers in a battle in the southern province of Daraa.
Casualty figures could not be independently confirmed.
The United Nations estimates that more than 9,000 people have been killed in Syria's crackdown on the uprising, while activist groups put the death toll at more than 11,000.
Some information for this report was provided by Reuters. | <urn:uuid:610232f5-ba48-4c17-b20e-bac8170ef5b3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.voanews.com/content/un-seeks-to-de-escalate-syria-situation-149024115/370388.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00054-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.949782 | 520 | 1.671875 | 2 |
PREPARING THE NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION
While basic instructions for completing nominations are
found in National Register bulletin:
Guidelines for Completing National Register of Historic Places Forms,
several sections of the form will require the specialized information
provided in the following guidelines. For the purposes of the National
Register, single aids to navigation are classified as structures, or,
if in ruins, as sites. Sometimes they are parts of districts which include
buildings, other structures, or objects.
In the narrative in Section 7, Description,
and in Section 8, Statement of Significance, of the registration form, develop
fully and concisely the information and analyses conducted in the evaluation process.
Section 7: Description
begins with the compilation of a narrative description of the aid to navigation.
This description, included in Section 7 of the registration form, should commence
with a discussion of the aid to navigation's location, ownership, and status.
The Point Bonita Lighthouse is located on the rocky
promontory of Point Bonita, the point projecting out from the northern headlands
of the Golden Gate and the entrance into San Francisco Bay. The lighthouse sits
at one end of the point; located close by on the steep rocky slopes are a fog
signal, bridge, and a tramway leading to the landing and a tunnel that connects
the light to a road that in turn leads to the headlands, the location of the keeper's
quarters and associated outbuildings and structures. Owned by the U.S. Coast Guard
and leased to the National Park Service, Point Bonita Light is undergoing restoration
but is open to the public for guided tours.
The description should
then identify the type of aid and discuss the specifics of the individual aid.
An individual station may have nearly any combination of types of aid to navigation.
The aid may be a station composed solely of a light, a light station with sound
signal, a sound signal station, or a sound signal station with a light later added.
These distinctions are important since stations established solely as sound stations
were rare and consequently may possess greater significance. Since the most common
type of aid to navigation considered for nomination to the National Register is
the lighthouse, which usually is part of or solely forms a light station, most
nominations should focus on the specific type of light. The discussion of the
evolution of a particular station's purpose and role also helps to establish significance.
The sites of aids to navigation are generally referred to as
light stations. These range in complexity from buoy moorings and pile lights to
multiple structure and building complexes that supported the operation, provided
access to, and housed and supported the keepers of lighthouses. Often several
functions are combined in a single structure. Stations may include at least some
of the following resources:
- keepers' quarters (sometimes housed in the same structure
as the light)
- oil house (sometimes housed in the same structure as the
- storage facilities
- garages, roads, and stables (associated
with ground transportation)
- cisterns (for drinking water and for the
boilers of steam-driven fog signals)
- bridges, tunnels, paths, catwalks
(associated with pedestrian access)
- piers, cranes, davits, landings,
boathouses, marine railways (associated with water transportation)
- tramways and handcars for transportation of residential
fuel (coal or cordwood), lamp oil, and supplies
- wells and privies
barns, pigsties, and hen coops
- sheds (for storage of cordwood, coal,
- vegetable gardens
The descriptive narrative should focus first
on the principal feature of the light station. Lighthouse types and construction
methods varied depending on the period, geography, weather, sea conditions, and
the availability of materials. The basic characteristic most lighthouses share
is a tower of some sort. The characteristics of the tower should be elaborated,
- the shape (e.g., square,
- construction materials
- construction method
the height of the tower
- dimensions at the base and near the lantern
the architectural style or design.
characteristics of lighthouses differentiated towers. These were often painted
patterns or distinctive architectural features. The description of the lighthouse
structure should include the foundation type and the reasons for using that foundation
in that location. This is particularly necessary when engineering is an area of
significance. Architectural features should also be described.
A lighthouse description should begin like this:
Disaster Light is a solitary round brick tower that rises 111 feet; at the base
the tower is 36 feet in diameter, gradually tapering to 23 feet where the brick
tower culminates in the iron lantern. The brick, laid in a common American bond,
is unfinished on the interior but is plastered on the exterior. The light is painted
with alternating bands of black and white which serve as the distinguishing characteristics
of the tower as a daymark. The light has a double set of wood doors at the base
with a small stone stoop; above the door, set approximately at the 30-, 60-, and
90-foot levels of the light are three small windows with double hung wood sashes.
The lighthouse tower rests on a broad brick pad laid over wooden pilings; this
foundation spreads the weight of the tower and supports the lighthouse on the
soft, shifting sands of the Cape. "
The nomination should next describe the interior of the lighthouse,
particularly if the tower is integral to the keeper's quarters, oil room, or other
spaces. Towers might range in complexity from a conical tower with an interior
spiral staircase to a multiple component structure. A description of a more complex
station might read:
"The Davis Harbor Lighthouse contains
three rooms. The central room, entered through the front door, is an open 30 x
20-foot area with a wood floor and a central spiral staircase that ascends to
the tower and lantern. A single window and the back door are set into the back
wall with doors centered in the side walls. This room served as the parlor of
the keeper's quarters. The door on the left (upon entering) leads into the west
room, a small 15 x 20-foot area with a wood floor. This was the oil room; originally
lined with wood shelves, it has two double-hung wood sash windows, one each on
the front and rear walls. When the light was electrified in 1919, the room was
converted into a storage area and later into an office. The east room, another
15 x 20-foot area with a wood floor, was divided into two smaller rooms, the kitchen
and bedroom. "
Optics and Illuminants
The nomination then should discuss the optic(s) and illuminants used to provide
a light signal. Detailed descriptions of every particular lens and lamp employed
in the light are not required, but basic information should be mentioned. For
"The light was originally lit in 1839 by an Argand
lamp with parabolic reflector. In 1857 the light received a 2nd order Fresnel
lens illuminated by a five-wick oil lamp which was replaced by an electric incandescent
bulb in 1908. In 1947 the significance of the harbor having declined, the light
was downgraded to a 4th order Fresnel lens that was removed in 1962. There is
currently no optic in the light. "
Descriptions of the optic should cite the elevation
of the focal plane above mean high water (not to be confused with the actual height
of the tower) and any changes that have occurred. The characteristics of the light,
including the use of color and flashing signals, should also be described. These
characteristics can be determined for the light by consulting a succession of
U.S. Coast Guard Light Lists. (See )
Another important feature of a light or sound station is the sound signal. Nine
basic types of sound signals have been employed in the history of aids to navigation:
bells, cannon, whistles, trumpets, diaphones, diaphragm horns, submarine bells,
gongs, and electronic tones. A variety of devices have been employed to operate
the bells, whistles, horns, and gongs, including clockwork mechanisms, steam,
compressed air, and wave motion. The description of a sound signal should note
the basic type of signal and then describe the structure and equipment. If a sound
signal is no longer present at the site, a detailed description of the equipment
is not necessary. A basic notation of type will be sufficient, particularly if
the evolution of sound signals at a given station is narrated. For example,
"The emplacement of a 24-pdr. flank howitzer at Point Anderson in 1855 introduced
the first fog signal at the light. The gun was fired every 20 minutes in thick
fog. In 1861, the gun was replaced by a wooden building housing a bell struck
every 90 seconds by a Stevens Automatic Bell Striker. The fog bell was replaced
in 1886 by the present building, a single-story brick structure, which originally
housed a steam-driven whistle that was replaced with a diaphone in 1916. The diaphone
was replaced with a compressed air-driven diaphragm horn which was deactivated
in 1978 and replaced by a small electronic tone signal which is presently in use
at the site. "
The particulars of extant machinery, including
the manufacturer, if known, should be cited (e.g., a Stevens Automatic Bell Striker,
or a 2,000-lb. cast bronze bell cast with the raised legend U.S.L.H.E. 1898).
In addition to the daymark feature
of particularly marked lighthouses, other daymarks included beacons, pointers,
channel markers, painted rocks and other distinctive landmarks that lined channels
on rivers, bays, and sounds. Over time many daymarks were lit, first by eight-day
oil lanterns, and later by a succession of illuminants. In describing daymarks,
either as lights or simple beacons, note whether they are on single piles, dolphins,
or skeleton structures. The distinctive markings or shape of the daymark should
also be described. This information may be ascertained by consulting the Light
Daymark ranges and range or leading lights were paired
structures designed to indicate a course to steer or a danger to avoid. The two
structures are vertical and separated from one another. They are lined up visually
to indicate the bearing of the channel or hazard. These may be small unlit daymarks
separated by tens of feet, or large lighthouse towers separated by over a mile.
In describing range lights, the distance from each other and the line of bearing
should be noted along with the landmark to which they are pointing (e.g., the
lights, 3/4 of a mile apart on a 320 degree bearing, pointed out the channel that
led into Danielsville Harbor).
Site Layout and Other Features
The interrelationship of the buildings, structures, fences, paths,
roadways, plantings, trees, and open space should be described and assessed. The
nomination should focus on the concept of a light station as a historic district
unless the aid is an isolated automatic aid, such as range lights which were often
isolated automated aids to navigation, or river lights, which were usually suspended
from poles or mounted on pilings.
The layout of the site should
be described. All property features, including the roads, open spaces, alterations
to the topography such as road cuts or shaped hillsides to accommodate a light
station, plantings, and fences formed the station. Major elements should be described
individually and in relationship to each other. Examples of such elements include:
large areas covered with cement to form catchment basins for rain water for drinking,
washing, and creating steam for the fog signal; cemeteries where keepers and their
families were buried, sometimes next to shipwreck victims; or structures designed
to combat erosion. Architectural descriptions of any other structures, features,
or buildings should then follow. Only extant buildings and structures need to
be described in any detail. But those no longer present should be mentioned and
their relationship to the surviving features explained: "a 12 x 15-foot single
story oil house formerly stood on the road above the light; it was demolished
In the Description
Section, the integrity of the aid needs to be thoroughly documented, discussing
original type, materials, workmanship, and any changes that have occurred through
time. Alterations need to be discussed and assessed in relation to the historic
context. If a lighthouse was changed, the reasons, such as improved optical or
lighting technology, should be noted. Such changes, as stressed earlier, do not
necessarily adversely affect the lighthouse's integrity.
8: Statement of Significance
The significance of an aid to
navigation is based on its representation of a type, its association with significant
themes in American history, and its comparison with similar aids.
The evaluation of an aid to navigation must include thorough historical research
into its construction and modifications, including changes to sites, equipment,
additions, and operation. Rather than offering just a chronological discussion
of a light station's career, the historical narrative included in the Statement
of Significance Section of the registration form should be organized into specific
context statements. The statements should specify an aid to navigation's place
in social, political, economic, architectural, or technological history. This
might include a discussion of the following subjects:
- the development of humanitarian concern for mariners
- the protection
of commerce and transportation
- the assumption of and increasing responsibility
of the federal government in operating aids to navigation
- American maritime
trade, engineering, and commerce
- the various designs of American lighthouses,
lenses, lamps, and sound signals.
contexts might involve a lighthouse's place in the development of Colonial lights
in North America; the construction, organization, and operation of lights under
the Fifth Auditor of the Treasury or the Lighthouse Board; or the changes wrought
by the introduction of the Fresnel lens. The historical discussion should enumerate
the reasons for establishing the aid, such as numerous shipwrecks or political
pressure, as well as factors influencing the selection of a site and construction
method, such as logistical or funding problems, and adverse natural conditions.
The significance statement should be concise and well-developed.
The information in the nomination will vary according to the aid to navigation's
significance to the local community, State, or the Nation. The development of
lights on Chesapeake Bay, for example, may be of less significance to a particular
lighthouse than its place in the national development of screw pile lighthouses.
In discussing significance, link the aid to international, national, regional,
and local historic contexts as appropriate. Convey the specific association of
a lighthouse to specific historic events. If Criterion B is applicable, an aid
to navigation's association with the significant individual(s) should be discussed.
Assess the aid's relation to similar properties with similar associations. Derive
statements of significance from primary sources and scholarly secondary historical
or professional engineering assessments. Thorough historical research is recommended
in preparing National Register registration forms so that the best available information
is analyzed and presented.
In the Statement of Significance,
assess and justify the period during which the property achieved historic significance.
The period of significance relates to the date that the current aid to navigation
was built or to the dates of significant associations. The period of significance
may include the date that the station site was established if significant historic
resources with integrity from that period survive. The close of the period of
significance might be the disestablishment, automation, or transfer of a site
to new owners. For example:
"Lighthouse X, important as
a good example of a screw pile light, was built in 1886 on the site of former
Lighthouse A, built in 1770. An appropriate period of significance for Lighthouse
X would be its date of construction or 1886, not 1770. The period of significance
could include the earlier period only if archeological information obtained on
the site of Lighthouse A would significantly supplement or revise current historical
or archeological knowledge or understanding. "
Section 9: Major Bibliographical References
Section 9, the bibliography should list sources consulted in the evaluation process
as well as those specifically cited. The citations may be organized alphabetically,
in categories (such as manuscripts, published works, plans, and collections of
historic photographs and other graphics) or in any standard bibliographic style.
Section 10: Geographical Data
The boundary of the aid to navigation, indicated in Section
10 of the registration form, should encompass all nominated historic features
described and evaluated in sections 7 and 8. Property boundaries, as long as they
do not include large portions of undeveloped land or too many intrusive features
(such as a modern housing development built up around a light), may conform to
the original surveyed station boundaries. Offshore lights on reefs or shoals should
have a boundary encompassed solely by the maximum dimensions of the structure.
For example, "Jones Reef Light, 30 x 40 feet on screw piles, as it rests on Jones
assist in the National Register assessment of integrity and significance, individual
photographs should illustrate the aid to navigation, its equipment, characteristic
and significant features, as well as depiction of changes. Both historic and modern
views are useful. Only black and white photographs, ranging in size from 3 1/2"
x 5" to 8" x 10" will be accepted. In addition to the required USGS map, it is
useful to include a site map preferably with scale, accurately depicting the various
resources and any alterations to the geography, such as hillside cuts, tunnels,
roads, and plantings or groups of trees. Architectural drawings of aids to navigation,
both historic plans and present-day renderings, may be included when available
but are not required. If a station has changed significantly over time, a site
plan might include earlier plans that depict former and present configurations. | <urn:uuid:737d35c8-a9af-4d7b-adfb-bcba98357e08> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/bulletins/nrb34/nrb34_9.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00066-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.931474 | 3,885 | 2.65625 | 3 |
Juniata Theater Film Documentary Reveals Treasure Trove of Local Movies
(Posted February 16, 2004)
HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- The one true thing about making a film documentary is that once the cameras start rolling, the filmmakers never know what they are going to find. A yearlong student documentary film project begun this past fall has helped unearth some long-unseen movies from Huntingdon in the 1930s, 1940s, and 1960s.
?Our digital video service at Juniata, which is operated by students, was not generating a lot of interesting projects that would give the students a hands-on experience they could take into the workplace,? explains Nathan Wagoner, instructional systems developer and trainer at Juniata, who teaches the college?s digital video production course. ?We decided that producing a documentary film would give students production experience and have lasting value for the college and the community."
Wagoner and two students working on the documentary, Cody Boggs, a junior from Altoona, Pa., and Eric DePanfilis, a senior from Ridgway, Pa., decided to trace the history of Huntingdon?s Clifton Theater. The theater, built in 1928, is now a multiplex movie theater, but it once was a single-screen ?movie palace? that was a focal point of Huntingdon?s downtown. ?It will give us a historical perspective on what the community was like,? says DePanfilis, who wrote the film?s script. ?The research for this project was intense, it?s not one of those subjects you can just look up on the Internet.?
The students started historical research on the project in October 2003, poring over files in the Huntingdon Historical Society and in the archives of the Huntingdon Daily News. They also began to interview current and former Huntingdon residents who were associated with the theater.
?Our main focus for the film is to discover why the Clifton was able to remain open for so many years when most small-town theaters closed as television became more and more popular,? says Boggs, who is studying information technology. Boggs also is overseeing film production. ?If nothing else, the film will give people an idea of how the town evolved, and what the Clifton meant to Huntingdon.?
One of the first interviews was with Bruce Davis, executive director of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the movie-industry group responsible for film preservation and for producing the annual Academy Awards ceremony.
Davis, a 1965 Juniata graduate who taught at the college from 1968 to 1980, also worked at the Clifton Theater for several years in the late 1970s. The students also interviewed Jim Kalos, the former manager of the Clifton Theater from the 1940s to the 1990s. During the interview, Kalos told the students he had a print of a 35-millimeter one-reel movie called ?Huntingdon?s Hero? that had been shot in 1934 using townspeople as actors and actual locations in Huntingdon.
?I had heard about the existence of this movie for decades,? says Wagoner, who grew up in Huntingdon. ?A lot of longtime Huntingdon residents had seen it when it was shown in 1967 as part of Huntingdon?s bicentennial celebration.?
Since that showing, the 17-minute film, which is in black and white and features synchronized sound, had not been seen and had been stored in a closet at Kalos? home. Kalos and Wagoner decided to try and preserve the film. The film is in good shape, according to Wagoner, but it is on silver-nitrate film, which deteriorates over time and is highly flammable.
Enter Bruce Davis, back in the picture, so to speak. Davis offered to have the film stabilized and preserved by archivists at the Academy. The technicians also will transfer the film to videotape and DVD. Former Clifton manager Kalos retains ownership but the original print will be stored in the Academy?s temperature-controlled fireproof vault.
Although Wagoner and the student team have not had much time to study the film, research in the Huntingdon Daily News found that the film was produced directed and made by an entrepreneur who traveled to small towns and, using local talent and locations, created a movie celebrating the town. A previous film made in Huntingdon in 1928 is lost to time, as is a similar film made the same year in Lewistown, Pa.
In the middle of the student documentary project, Juniata relocated its audio-visual services office and during the move discovered a treasure trove of films, including a 16-millimeter print of a film from 1966 made by WFBG-TV (the forerunner of WTAJ-TV), the local CBS affiliate in Altoona, Pa. The movie, hosted by news anchor Big John Riley, shows Huntingdon-area businesses during the 1960s. Another discovery, found in a cardboard box, revealed seven 8-millimeter films shot by Harold Brumbaugh, the longtime director of alumni relations at Juniata.
?The Brumbaugh films are shot all around Juniata and the oldest one is from 1936,? Wagoner explains. ?The films show the laying of the cornerstone for Oller Hall, as well as May Day celebrations, football games, baseball games and other events.?
This spring, Wagoner hopes to show digital versions of all these films as well as the premiere of the Clifton Theater documentary in a special showing on campus.
?All too often films like these get tossed out during moves or cleanup efforts. I think if you grew up around Huntingdon, this will be an amazing look into the past,? he says.
Contact John Wall at email@example.com or (814) 641-3132 for more information. | <urn:uuid:2801bc5b-ff44-4507-a41e-1d6708276cfa> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.juniata.edu/services/news/index.html?action=SHOWARTICLE&id=790 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704713110/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114513-00058-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.970649 | 1,231 | 1.976563 | 2 |
Claudio Roditi: A Brazilian in Iowa
Roditi recalled the emergence of Joao Gilberto and Jobim in the late 1950s. "It wasn't necessarily 'bossa nova' at that point," he said, adding that 1959 saw the beginning of a very creative period. However, in 1964 the Brazilian cultural climate "had a decline because at that point there was a military coup, and things got very bad. There was no emphasis on creative music, and many people were leaving the country, afraid they would be persecuted by the military. It definitely changed the whole scene." The political environment normalized a few years later, and regular jam sessions reemerged with participants like Sergio Mendes. "His commercial success in the States with Brazil '66 came later," Roditi said. "He was really a very good jazz player. At that time, Sergio was influenced a lot by Horace Silver, and it was more free instrumental music."
Asked later about his non-trumpeter influences, Roditi mentioned Mendes again. "Sergio had a sextet, Bossa Rio, that had two trombones and a tenor sax. They had a very warm, rich sound. Raul de Souza played the valve trombone, so I could see what was going on. I would say he had a big influence on me." [Note: Cannonball Adderley recorded Cannonball's Bossa Nova (Blue Note, 1962) with this group, marking the first North American exposure of drummer Dom Um Romao, who went on to fame with the group Weather Report]. "I played with Airto and Flora Purim in '92," Roditi mentioned, and this led to a brief discussion Romao and Airto's intertwined experiences with Shorter and Zawinul's jazz/fusion super group during the early 1970s.
As many jazz buffs know, the "West Coast" school found a receptive audience among Brazilians, and names like Stan Getz became associated with their music. Others of that school who found wide favor in Brazil were Gerry Mulligan, Chet Baker, Shelly Manne, Dave Brubeck and Paul Desmond. Along with its somewhat greater emphasis on extended compositions and developed arrangements, West Coast stylings were generally of a calmer, less frenetic variety than hard bop. Asked if this "laid-back" quality made it more congenial to adoption for Brazilian musicians, Roditi waved the suggestion aside. "There were economic reasons people in the U.S. don't understand," he explained. "The Pacific Jazz albums were cheaper than Columbia or Blue Note. So, if you were a Brazilian kid with only so much money to spend on records, well, you'd buy Pacific Jazz records because your money went farther."
In 1966, at the age of 20, Roditi was invited to compete in that year's International Jazz Competition in Vienna. Discussing the daunting experience of auditioning for a panel of judges that included the likes of Joe Zawinul, Ron Carter and Art Farmer, Roditi admitted, "I was shaking, for sure." Nerves notwithstanding, Roditi was a finalist, although Randy Brecker won. While at the competition, a third important mentor entered Roditi's life when he befriended Farmer, whom he had idolized as a boy.
One other moment of youthful discomfiture, four years later, was also recalled by Roditi. He was getting off a boat in Boston, where he had come in 1970 to study at Berklee College. Americans' casual dress code, always something of a contrast to that of Latin American culture, was particularly pronounced that year. "I was the only person wearing a suit and tie," Roditi remembered. "Everyone was dressed like hippies, you know, with jeans and sandals and tie-died shirts!" After quickly revamping his wardrobe, Roditi applied himself to his studies in Boston, meeting his wife there while rubbing elbows with Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny on campus and in local clubs.
"Americans confuse Cuban and Brazilian music," Roditi pointed out during the rehearsal and elaborated afterward. Roditi, who has played with legendary Cuban reedman Paquito D'Rivera, agreed that this mimics somewhat the blurring of distinctions many Americans make with various Asian and African cultures. "Mexican music, Dominican, Argentineit's all different!" he exclaimed, and he singled out Lee Morgan and Jimmy Heath as two American musicians who have been particularly successful, in his view, with their explorations of Brazilian styles.
Roditi discussed his use of rotary valve, or German, trumpets and flugelhorns custom-made for him by Kromet and Schagerl. "At first, it seemed weird to me, but then I really liked it a lot." | <urn:uuid:d4287c52-affb-4407-bb10-8fddc9382c73> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www2.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=34423&pg=3 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699881956/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516102441-00012-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.985922 | 995 | 1.515625 | 2 |
This section contains guidance and research into the required standards for vehicle registration, safety and efficiency. It includes advice on cleaner vehicles, information for motorists on lead replacement petrol and 'Powering Future Vehicles ', the Government's key strategy for promoting new vehicle technologies and fuels.
Roads Policing Operation V79-National Driver and Vehicle Compliance Check
EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval (ECWVTA) is based around EC Directives and provides for the approval of whole vehicles, in addition to vehicle systems and separate components.
This research investigated how drivers would behave when using ISA in everyday driving. The research also estimates the impact on accidents and the future benefit-to-cost ratios of potential ISA introduction.
MOT and other car ownership issues. Includes information on the MOT test certificate, including MOT test fees and current MOT standards.
- 22 April 2005
Vehicle standards: safety.
The Government's motorcycling strategy and other related information for riders and manufacturers.
TRL were commissioned to identify the current frequency of wheel detachment in the UK, gather parallel information from EU and survey heavy vehicle drivers, operators and manufacturers in relation to wheel detachment.
- 02 November 2006
The Transport Committee published its report on the work of the VOSA and VSA on 26 May 2004. This paper sets out the Government's response.
- 07 October 2004
- 23 September 2004
- 15 August 2005
For related documents, pages and internet links, see the column on the right. | <urn:uuid:8101deff-8fce-4d0d-b7a6-53b0fe435391> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20090825164140/http:/www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehicles/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704713110/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114513-00065-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.91857 | 304 | 2.015625 | 2 |
San Francisco State University - Sustainability
A Life Of Sorts Video
Check out this video made by SF State students about trash, compost and recycling.
Campus Sustainability Map
We aim to educate students, faculty and staff to embrace the values and principles of sustainability in their daily lives by integrating them into the University’s planning and policies, academics, operations, student activities and community engagement.
Many of SF State’s initiatives are focusing on making the campus more sustainable. These new sustainability initiatives include reducing energy and water usage, increasing waste diversion, creating more alternative transportation options, offering sustainable dining choices, implementing green cleaning, offering eco housing, purchasing environmentally preferred products and planting native species. SF State committed to climate neutrality when President Corrigan signed the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) in May of 2007.
Academics and Research
Sustainability is integrated into academic programs, courses, and research efforts across campus. Learn more about specific programs, research projects and opportunities for involvement.
Find out the many ways to get involved in the green movement on campus. Student-lead initiatives, groups and clubs, and other opportunities for involvement.
What is Sustainability
What is sustainability? Why is it important? Find out more about the Campus Sustainability Committee and the many ways to define sustainability.
Read recent news and updates related to Sustainable SF State. | <urn:uuid:9629ff11-dfd7-4ef2-852c-8faaae1d4daf> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.sfsu.edu/~sustain/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705953421/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120553-00060-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.910296 | 290 | 2.125 | 2 |
Google Street View catches naked Florida woman
(CBS) - Exercise a little caution, folks, if you're ever outside and don't want Google Street View to catch you doing something you'd be embarrassed about.
Such was the case for this Florida woman who was prancing around in her birthday suit outside her Miami home. You can't really make out the face of the unidentified nude lady - thank goodness for pixilation.
"It used to be you could contemplatively hold a water jug naked outside of your Liberty City house without fear that your photo would end up on the internet," Miami NewTimes reports. "Used to be. Bill Cooke, the blogging brain behind Random Pixels, chuckled a lot as he told us to Google the address and then click on 'street view.' After the jump, we did a lot of zooming in and lightening and playing with contrast levels."
Not nice, but we're not going to lie - we went there, too.
When we checked again this morning at 9:45 a.m., the view of the woman's home is different from the picture above - she (and her nakedness) is no longer shown, she's been super-blurred. Even still, many news outlets like ABC News and Forbes already captured the original shot.
Google Street View, the technology on Google Maps and Google Earth that provides views of streets all over the world, launched in 2007. At first, it only showed several cities in the United States, but as you can see, Google Street View is also now in most neighborhoods and might be able to see into your own backyard.
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- Texting while walking banned in N.J. town | <urn:uuid:a85fda3b-6683-4966-8bad-a6673948764d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-20105351-501465.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00008-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94429 | 428 | 1.507813 | 2 |
Enzyme Rate of Reaction for Catalase
Enzymes are an important part of life that regulate chemical reactions with in the body. Enzymes speed up chemical reactions in four different ways, one way is heat, another is increasing the rate of reactants, the third way is decreasing the amount of products and the fourth way is enzymes, which speed up reaction without themselves being used up. Enzymes are also involved in digestion, respiration, reproduction, vision, movement, thought, and also in the productions of other enzymes. Simple cells may have as many as 2000 enzymes with each one catalyzing a different reaction. An enzyme can speed up a reaction making it 10, 000,000,000 times faster. An enzyme is a catalyst. A catalyst is a chemical that reduces the amount of activation interim needed for a reaction. Without enzymes a reaction would take much longer than if it had and enzyme. Enzymes also the control the rate and direction of the reaction.
Without catalysts chemical reactions would take much longer that the average human life expectancy. So that would mean that in 76 years only a couple chemical reactions would take place. Since our bodies have enzymes though hundreds of chemical reactions a day. If our bodies didnít have catalysts our bodily cells couldnít function. Some bacteria, however, possess a defense mechanism which can minimize the harm done by the two compounds. These resistant bacteria use two enzymes to catalyze the conversion of hydrogen peroxide back into diatomic oxygen and water. One of these enzymes is catalase and its presence can be detected by a simple test. The catalase test involves adding hydrogen peroxide to a cultures sample or an agar slant.
The reaction rate of catalase splitting hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen will increase over time.
The materials used consisted of 100 paper H2O2 molecules, a data table, paper, pencil, calculator, scissors, watch with a second hand, and an enzyme rate of reaction catalase worksheet.
Cut out 100 hydrogen peroxide paper molecules. Double check to make sure there are only 100 paper molecules and place them in an envelope. Then one person will keep track of the time while another person acts as a catalase and tears the paper hydrogen peroxide molecules in half. The torn paper molecules should be returned to the envelope each time. Another person times the person acting as the catalase. The time intervals in which the paper molecules are to be ripped are 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, and two different 60second periods of time. The results should be recorded in a data table. The reaction rate for catalase is figured using the formula:
M2 - M1 = Reaction Rate
T2 - T1
Time in Seconds
Ripped H2O2 Molecules
Rate of Reaction
1. What is an enzyme? What are its functions in living things?
chemicals that reduce the amount of activation energy needed for reactions to occur; they are proteins in cells that control metabolic reactions
2. Name several things that can affect the functioning of an enzyme.
temperature, pH, and the amount of reactant or product
3. Write the chemical equation for the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by the
H2O2 + Catalase --> H2O + O2
4. An enzyme's efficiency increases with greater substrate concentration, but
only up to a point. Why?
once all active sites are filled, the enzyme's reaction rate won't continue increasing
5. If you were allowed to continue this lab and rip hydrogen peroxide
molecules for 240 and 300 seconds, what would happen to the reaction rate and
why would this happen?
there would be more molecules ripped because of the increased amount of time
6. What can you say about the length of time and the reaction rate?
The more time available, the faster the reaction will occur.
7. What would happen to the reaction rate if you removed the water and oxygen
molecules as soon as they were produced?
The rate of reaction would go even faster
The counting of the time may have been off a couple of seconds.
Discussion and Conclusion:
The data shows that the more time there is, the more hydrogen peroxide molecules will be ripped. The catalase in the lab ripped about 6 molecules every 5 seconds. The same thing occurs in a cell as more hydrogen peroxide is produced, catalase speeds up breaking down this waste into water and oxygen. | <urn:uuid:c19ed95f-97b9-4bea-9d5f-6d86f74090c1> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.biologyjunction.com/catalase_lab_sample_1.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00063-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.942884 | 924 | 3.53125 | 4 |
This eloquent documentary examines coal, wind, water, American democracy and rural spirit.
Mountaintop removal mining has destroyed over 500 Appalachian mountains, decimated 1 million acres of forest, buried 2,000 miles of streams, and contaminated many more, according to the film. Haney co-wrote the screenplay with Peter Rhodes.
Almost half of the electricity in the U.S. comes from burning coal, Haney tells us. One-third of that coal comes from West Virginia.
Activist Bobby Kennedy Jr. called
Coal River Mountain is the last barrier to toxic blasting dust and sludge containment areas, says Bo Webb of Naoma, WV. To save the mountain, local residents contact environmental lawyer, writer and activist Bobby Kennedy Jr.
Heavy metals taint water
Scientists measure high levels of heavy metals downstream from area mines. Lead, arsenic and selenium are found. “It’s ruined their wells, it’s ruined their springs,” says Dr. Ben Stout, professor of Biology at Wheeling Jesuit University.
High levels of cancer have occurred near contaminated wells. Jennifer Hall-Massey points out the homes of six neighbors who died of brain tumors in Prenter, WV.
Former Massey contractor Ed Wiley and his 11-year old granddaughter Kayla Taylor petition Governor Joe “Friend of Coal” Manchin to build a new school away from a coal silo. Four teachers and a student from the school have died of cancer, Wiley says.
Water supplies for millions threatened
“Mountaintop coal mining is literally threatening the water supplies of tens of millions of people,” says Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, senior scientist for the National Resources Defense Council. Millions of people get their water from the headwaters of the Cumberland Plateau bioregion.
“Coal is mean. Coal’s cruel and it kills,” says Maria Gunnoe of Bob White, Coal River Watershed.
It’s all legal, says Bill Raney, President of the West Virginia Coal Association. When Massey Energy completes mining in an area, it returns the rubble to the mountain top and “reconstructs” it.
Mountain reclamation falls short
Mountaintop removal destroys original topsoil and forests, says Jack Spadaro, former superintendent of the National Mine Health & Safety Academy. Now piles of rock are covered by grass. That contributes to dangerous flooding, he says.
Gunnoe says her neighborhood floods “every time it rains.” Flooding regularly threatens communities throughout the Coal River Valley. Some families have lived in the region for 200 years or more, says Webb.
Job cutting stats
If coal mining is so good for the economy, asks Kennedy, “then why is West Virginia one of the poorest states in the nation?”
Over the last 30 years, the coal industry has increased production by 140% in West Virginia, while cutting 40,000 jobs, says Joe Lovett, senior attorney for Appalachian Mountain Advocates. Strip mining allows the industry to save on labor.
Kennedy is cheered and booed when he speaks at a protest rally at the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Ecoactivists seem equally matched by employees of Massey Energy. Health and environmental issues are secondary to jobs, some believe.
Environmental protection upended
When The Clean Water Act was revised during the Bush administration, it legalized mountaintop removal for the first time.
“There are hundreds of thousands of violations of those permits by coal companies in this region every year,” says Lovett. “The state DEPs do nothing about them, or slap the companies on the wrist and actually protect them.”
Climate Ground Zero activists from all over the country arrive to stop Massey from mining Coal River Mountain. They treesit for nine days before a blizzard forces them down. They are arrested.
“Non-violent civil disobedience does work,” says protestor Joshua Graupera. “It’s a beautiful thing to be strong enough to not get violent, to not get angry.” Mug shots of the protestors are shown.
“To me they’re heroes of American democracy,” says Kennedy. You’ll be moved by the activists’ willingness to risk their safety and serve prison time.
Coal use drives climate change
“The mother of all environmental problems is the climate change issue,” says Gus Speth, former Dean of the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. “It’s very real, it’s happening today, and at the core of the problem is coal.”
Top environmental scientists overwhelmingly agree that greenhouse gases hasten climate change. “Mining and burning coal is the number one source of greenhouse gases worldwide,” says Haney.
Don Blankenship, CEO of Massey Energy, tells a television journalist that global warming is “absolutely not” related to coal mining, but that the climate is “changing naturally.”
Between 2000 and 2006, Massey Energy committed more than 60,000 environmental violations and paid relatively minimal fines. During his 18 years as CEO, Massey’s compensation topped $190 million.
The coal industry spent $86 million, and coal utilities spent $1 billion, on political donations and lobbying in the last decade, says Haney.
In turn, billions of U.S. tax dollars go to the coal industry every year. Tax credits are granted for “clean coal” technology research, for mining waste clean-up and complying with pollution laws.
Can coal be “clean”?
“The coal industry continues to operate old, dirty plants,” says Speth, because “regulations on the old plants are less demanding than they are for the new plants.”
The Kenaw River power plant, built in 1953, was never retrofitted with pollution controls. In 2008, it released over 40 million pounds of pollutants including mercury, arsenic and lead.
Wind energy championed
“We need green jobs! We need all the jobs we can get!” Lorelei Scarbro, a local activist, tells the DEP protest rally. She supports a sustainable wind farm for Coal River Mountain.
A feasibility study shows that Coal River Wind would create more long-term, safe jobs than the coal industry. The county would gain $1.75 million annually from wind farm tax revenue, compared to $36,000 a year from mountaintop coal removal, she says. Wind would power 70,000 homes, says Scarbro.
Kennedy argues that coal energy costs 23.1 cents per kilowatt hour if you include expenditures for air and groundwater pollution, healthcare in Appalachia, and climate change. The cost of wind electricity is 7.9 cents per kilowatt hour, he says.
Canada leads the way
The government of Ontario, Canada is moving to decommission all its coal-fired power plants by 2014. It is replacing these with renewable energy.
Following criminal investigations, Massey Energy is now up for sale. Don Blankenship has retired.
Kennedy’s Waterkeeper Alliance has forced the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make deep cuts in pollution. Yet coal companies continue to apply for mountaintop removal permits.
“You’re connected to coal whether you realize it or not,” says Gunnoe. “Everybody’s connected to this and everybody’s causing it and everybody’s allowing it.” (5 out of 5 stars)
If you like The Last Mountain, you might enjoy: Thrive.
The Last Mountain 2011 / PG / 1 hour, 35 min
Cast Overview: Robert Kennedy, Jr., Maria Gunnoe, Bo Webb, Jennifer Hall-Massey, Bill Raney, Ed Wiley, Chuck Nelson
Director: Bill Haney
Genre: Documentary, Ecoactivism, Nature | <urn:uuid:21ef42e3-c324-4644-8979-f99a12386f0a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.moviespirit.com/tag/coal-river/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00073-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937473 | 1,674 | 2.453125 | 2 |
5.1.4 Social security frameworks
Some legislation has been introduced since the 1980s to safeguard the position of artists and performers in terms of social security. The debate continues, however, as artists and cultural professionals continue to campaign for the government to set up a specific system of social welfare for them:
Artists who are independent (self-employed) professionals - as most are in the arts sector - are covered by the social security scheme for self-employed workers in the event of illness (only if they are covered by the comprehensive scheme, which requires higher monthly contributions), workplace accident and occupational illness, maternity, paternity and adoption, incapacity, old age and death, as well as maternity grants and retraining grants.
See also comparative information provided in the Compendium "Themes!" section under "Status of Artists". | <urn:uuid:5b5c6016-7d4c-4dc6-935a-75fb1be99b58> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.culturalpolicies.net/web/portugal.php?aid=514 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00037-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.970206 | 167 | 1.945313 | 2 |
As one might suspect of highly mobile creatures like blue marlin, the picture of their population in any one fishing ground is not static. The dynamic nature of the blue marlin’s lifestyle is reflected by seasonal changes in number of fish caught, as well as by changes in the size composition and sex ratio of the population.
The large summer catches are dominated by males, and these smaller animals outnumber the larger females by from two to six times. Late fall catches show more equal numbers of males and females, and small spring catches show the larger females two to seven times more numerous than males.
Evidence from several different kinds of fisheries, including sportfishing and longlining, indicates that the unequal representation of the sexes on the grounds does not appear to be due to differences in feeding habits of the sexes or to the kinds of fishing gear used. Then why the change? There is a very strong relationship between the sex ratio and the reproductive condition of the fish.
Samples with the highest male to female ratios contained the highest percentage of reproductive individuals. For example, in August, 85 percent of the males and 50 percent of the females were in spawning conditions. Where the sex ratio was nearly equal (fall) or females outnumbered males (spring), few of the fish showed signs of reproductive activity.
Similar changes in catch, sex ratio and size composition by season have been observed in both Pacific and Atlantic populations of blue marlin, as well as in striped and black marlin. In these studies, the large influx of males corresponded to the beginning of the fishing season.
Females, in smaller numbers, dominated the off-season fishing grounds during the non-reproductive season. Some researchers have recommended using the sex ratio change as an indication of the timing of the reproductive season.
But why should there be so many males present during the reproductive season? In Hawaii and elsewhere, anglers and boat captains report that during the summer months, they frequently see a single large marlin (presumably female) escorted by several smaller fish (presumably males).
Perhaps the presence of several males is needed to ensure high fertilization success of the female’s millions of eggs. In Hawaii, the summer sex ratio reflects the influx of large numbers of males, perhaps to a “spawning ground” close to the islands, to which large females are attracted when ready to spawn.
Some longtime Hawaiian fishermen even suggest that there are distinct areas where marlin are frequently seen engaged in possible spawning behavior. | <urn:uuid:e7acf9ad-4360-411a-af49-52ba2946d941> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.lahainanews.com/page/content.detail/id/501554/Why-do-marlin-numbers-fluctuate-by-season-.html?nav=21 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00068-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95981 | 508 | 3.4375 | 3 |
Located on the western side of the Allegheny National Forest, this trail extends north to south, parallel to the Allegheny River from the town of Tidioute to Grove Run. The trail retains much of the wilderness appeal of the surrounding forest and includes a waterfall, a valley of ferns and a variety of spring wildflowers. The trail is periodically closed to protect eagle nesting habitat. Check with Allegheny National Forest contact for current status.
Parking and Trail Access
NO SOUTHERN ENTRANCE OR EXIT
I know this trail very well as I am on it almost every week. Trail users need to know that there is no entrance or exit on the southern end. The northern end and the only entrance is behind the Tidioute sewage treatment plant at the lower end of town. ...
My Review of the Tidioute Trek and Rec Trail
day hiker 5361
Duchess and I hiked the Tidioute Trek and Rec Trail yesterday on 9/05/2012. The trail was also called the Tidioute Bird Trail by the forest service and a sign listed the many types of birds that “birders” have seen in the past. We saw some ducks, about ...
great for hiking, ok for mt bikes
My family did 3 miles of this trail in june 2010 on our mt bikes pulling a bike trailer with our 3 year old. Trail is ok, there was one spot were a tree had fallen over on the path. grass and weeds got kind of high in a few spots. there is a nice little ... | <urn:uuid:56904e67-0946-46d3-9caa-3b3734879dc2> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.traillink.com/trail/allegheny-national-forest---tidioute-rectrek-trail-.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00060-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.957704 | 322 | 1.757813 | 2 |
How to Change Your Social Security Disability Payee
When a Social Security Disability beneficiary is a child or an adult deemed incapable of managing their own money, a representative payee is appointed. In most cases, if you need a representative payee, you will be able to choose who that person will be, subject to the Social Security Administration’s approval.
Whomever is chosen to manage your Social Security Disability benefit payments, you will want to make sure that they are someone you can trust. After all, they will be handling your finances. Additionally, they will be responsible for attending Social Security meetings regarding your eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits. They may also be called upon to account for how your benefit payments were spent.
Whenever you suggest a payee, the SSA must approve them before your Social Security Disability benefits can be sent to them. In general, the SSA will be looking into their background to make sure that they haven’t committed any crimes against the SSA, and additionally that they haven’t previously misused someone else’s Social Security Disability benefits.
If you need to change or appoint a new rep payee, the process is fairly simple. Even if your payee was appointed for you, you may request a new payee (though you must give adequate reason for changing). When you want to change your rep payee, go to your Social Security Administration field office and request a change of payee. You will be given a form to fill out, and guidance will be provided if necessary.
Be aware that requests for a change of payee may be denied if your reason for requesting the change involves suspected use of your Social Security Disability benefits for illegal drugs, alcohol abuse, or involvement in other illegal or harmful activities. If you can prove that your payee is misusing your Social Security Disability benefits, you will be able to have a new payee appointed.
If possible, take the person you want to be your new payee with you to the Social Security Administration Field Office. They will need to verify their identity with picture identification and a Social Security card. The SSA will also need them to verify that they are willing to assume the responsibilities, which include: helping you pay your bills, helping you buy your groceries, and (in most cases) making sure that you have some discretionary money after your immediate needs are taken care of.
Your payee is also responsible for reporting any changes in your condition or income to the Social Security Administration. If for no other reason than this, it is in your best interests to have a payee whom you can trust, as your continued eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits could hinge on what your rep payee reports.
In most cases, when you change payees, your next check will be sent to your new payee. In rare cases, the process may take a bit longer, but seldomly takes more than a month to change your payee.
You may also apply to have yourself appointed as the payee if you can substantiate that your condition has improved enough to allow you to manage your money. You should be aware, of course, that if your qualifying condition is a mental condition, stating that you are now mentally competent to handle your own money may cause the SSA to re-open your Social Security Disability case to determine whether you have improved sufficiently to be denied Social Security Disability benefits.
- Do You Qualify?
- Application Process
- Medical Conditions
- Disability Resources | <urn:uuid:25285305-6aca-4a07-9158-3f9cc10a2568> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.socialsecuritydisability.tv/how-to/change-the-social-security-disability-payee | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699273641/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516101433-00026-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.952961 | 709 | 1.53125 | 2 |
In 1991, two school ballot measures were passed by an overwhelming majority of citizens in San Mateo and Foster City. The measures provided funds to the San Mateo-Foster City School Elementary District to expand and renovate existing facilities and to add new staff to reduce class sizes and accommodate growing enrollment. Though the passage of these measures greatly enhanced the learning environment for all children, more funds were needed to ensure educational excellence, add new programs, and support the diverse population of both San Mateo and Foster City. To achieve these goals, The San Mateo-Foster City Community Education Foundation was created to provide the community with an organized vehicle to provide funds to improve education, nicknamed “for kids!”.
The Foundation was established in 1992 as a non-profit organization committed to benefiting every child in the school district. Its all-volunteer membership was comprised of business leaders, community members, parents, and school district employees.
The school district has received $3 million of financial support since the Foundation was created.
Initially, funds were raised through an Annual Campaign, as well as a yearly dinner/dance and auction, Bids For Kids. The focus of the financial support then was on library materials, multimedia equipment, computers, and arts and cultural enrichment programs.
“Save Our Programs”
In 2002, as a result of severe budget shortfalls from the state, the school district faced the possibility of overwhelming program cuts. A group of parents in the district created an emergency fundraising initiative called Save Our Programs. With the help of the Education Foundation, many of these programs were saved, but this undertaking also changed the fundraising goals of the Foundation. Now, rather than raising funds solely for instructional materials, the Foundation was also charged with supporting programs and personnel.
Over the last decade, the Foundation has supplied funding for K-5 Classroom Music, GATE Program support, the Elementary School Counseling Center, Middle School After-School Sports, and 5th grade Instrumental Music. Since 2007, the Foundation, in addition to new fundraising projects such as a district-wide phone bank, also hired an Executive Director.
Yet the San Mateo-Foster City School District continued to face a difficult financial environment. An economic downturn that lowered property tax revenue meant ever greater cuts from the state. In 2008-11, the school district eliminated over $20 million from its budget. The Foundation was asked to do more with fewer donated funds and focused its giving on supplementing funding for library staffing and 5th grade Instrumental Music. The 5th grade Instrumental Music program is now completely funded by the Foundation.
In Fall 2009 the Foundation hosted an Educational Forum featuring the award winning documentary California Schools: America’s Future followed by a distinguished panel discussion moderated by School Board Trustee Lory Lawson. Panelists included San Mateo-Foster City Superintendent Dr. Pendery Clark, former State Superintendent Delaine Eastin, former San Mateo County Superintendent Dr. Jean Holbrook and former State Assemblyman Gene Mullin. This discussion not only raised awareness of the financial challenges faced by California public school districts, but also alerted the public to the importance of our own district’s Measure A campaign to extend and raise a parcel tax. That campaign’s success in February 2010 resulted in about $6 million per year for the General Fund for the next 7 years.
In March 2010 the Foundation convened a Vision 2020 Workshop that led directly to the development of a strategic plan and recruitment of a talented new Board of Directors to take us in an exciting new direction. We’re proud to present our new logo and website representing a newly revitalized and energized organization. We look forward to your feedback and participation as we work together to support an excellent education for all 11,000 students in our district. | <urn:uuid:002ecea2-7786-4a0f-aee0-3d2ca0565a7d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://smfcedfund.org/?page_id=15 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703682988/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112802-00008-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.961518 | 776 | 2.53125 | 3 |
So, I have to admit – I was a little nervous when posting about street harassment the other day. I was really eager to open up the conversation, especially because it was focused on a queer/gender non-conforming/trans experience and perspective that I’m not used to hearing. But I was also worried about certain dynamics that tend to surface during these conversations, namely dynamics of race and class.
While women and other gender underprivileged folks of all races, ethnicities, and classes can and often do experience street harassment, the voices that I usually hear in these discussions are most often of women with either race or class privilege. This is not unique to conversations about street harassment: most larger conversations are dominated by the voices with the most privilege. In conversations about street harassment, though, this has an interesting and profound effect, as you’ll often have some very complex and conflicting power dynamics going on: men exerting their gender privilege and sexism over women who have class and/or race privilege over them.
Power and privilege are complex things. Sometimes, you’ll have instances when the power differentials clearly go in one person’s favor – an upper-class white man harassing a poor woman of color is a nice, neat situation in which you don’t have to hurt your brain to understand what’s going on. But what about when it’s a poor man of color harassing an upper-class white woman? There are weird and complex things going on with power in that situation. And again, let me stress – street harassment is never justifiable. Victims of street harassment, on the other hand, are fully justified in their rage and hurt and other feelings around it, and are also justified in standing up to their harassers and speaking out against it. However, I don’t think we should pay attention to one power dynamic – gender – while disregarding others, like race and class. Yeah, it might be harder than simply writing off the men as sexist assholes and leaving it at that, but that’s the thing: if we ignore the complexities of different forms of power and privilege, we often wind up perpetuating discrimination and oppression in the process.
When I was writing my last post, I looked at the HollaBack NYC and Boston for the first time. I think there’s a lot of worth in the tactics and the message behind the website – turning a critical lens on harassers, quite literally. And yet, I found myself cringing every once in a while. Both the NYC and the Boston sites have anti-racist statements (here and here; the Boston site also includes class in theirs, saying that “replacing sexism with racism or classism is not a proper Holla Back” and that they ask that “contributors do not discuss the race or class of harassers or include other stigmatizing commentary.” They also acknowledge right out that “initiatives combating various forms of sexual harassment and assault have continually struggled against the perpetuation of racist and classist stereotypes.” I appreciate that acknowledgment and the site creators’ commitment to avoid perpetuating that dynamic.
However, can it really be avoided? As soon as a picture of a person of color or a person whose class privilege you can read from looking at them is posted, race and class come into play. It’s unavoidable. Even when people don’t post pictures of their harassers, their are often clues in what they write, most often in the language and grammar and accent cues used when describing what the guy said.
Even outside of the posts themselves, class and race come into play. Right from jump, we have the name of the sites – “HollaBack.” Now, Gwen Stefani may have brought this into wider parlance, but I think that many people understand “holla back” as part of Black urban vernacular. Whose image, then, is conjured up up immediately by the name of the sites, a name that frames the rest of the sites’ content? The header images on each site say something, too. On the Holla Back Boston site, the header image uses an urban alley backdrop with a tagged dumpster and a graffiti-style font for the words; these things are inflected with class and cultural references and send messages about them.
The header and sidebar images on the HollaBack NYC site are even more interesting. There are seven people in the image, all holding up camera phones – representative of the people “snapping back” against harassment. Now, we can only go with visuals here which aren’t always good indications of race, but when I see these images, I definitely see mostly white people (at least five out of seven.) The images in the sidebar that depict people wearing HollaBack NYC merchandise are both of apparently white people. People of color start to show up far more on the site when you’re looking at the pictures of the harassers. So this sets up a weird dichotomy: the people depicted as being behind the cameras, doing the snapping, wearing the merch and supporting the site are mostly white; the people depicted as doing the harassing are more mixed but (by my count of the first 36 images on the site) mostly people of color.
I also can’t help but wonder about how subjectivity works, both on what winds up being posted on the site and in the larger conversation about street harassment. Our society works damn hard trying to convince us that Black folks, Latinos, and other people of color, especially men, are really scary, scarier than white men. How much of that have we internalized? Hell, I’m a person of color and I know I’ve internalized enough to kind of hate myself for it sometimes. How does that affect how we experience street harassment? What comments seem most threatening, and from who? What’s going to just mildly annoy us and what’s going to make us feel angry, gross, or threatened enough to take a picture and post it up on a blog?
I’m not trying to say that these sites suck or are worthless or should be taken down or anything like that. What I am trying to communicate is what I take from the site as a woman of color – there’s parts I can say “right on” to, but there are other parts that really squick me out. Yeah, there’s something that makes me feel uncomfortable about the image of a white person snapping a picture of a man of color, even a sexist jerk of color, and posting it up on the web for all to see in a manner that sometimes reminds me of the mug shots of men of color that the media just loves to show us all the time. Am I less of a feminist, do I care less about women, am I less angry about street harassment and committed to ending it because I acknowledge that discomfort, put it out there, want to discuss it and interrogate it? Nah, I don’t think so, because I think we’ve learned many a lesson from the early years of feminism about asking women of color to put aside their race and their race politics for the sake of “all women.” It ain’t right, it don’t work, and it won’t get us anywhere.
So let’s get somewhere. This is the first time I write about this stuff, or even think so much about it. I’d like to hear people’s thoughts and reactions; I’m especially looking forward to hearing what other women and gender-oppressed people of color about this.
(Cross-posted at Feministe; feel free to check out and participate in the conversation over there as well as over here!) | <urn:uuid:009213fe-bc62-4288-8255-24ea957b6f6a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://angrybrownbutch.com/2007/07/20/race-class-and-street-harassment/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00059-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.961219 | 1,626 | 1.601563 | 2 |
|April 13, 2012|
Previously published on April 6, 2012
On March 30, 2012, Virginia submitted its final Phase II Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) to officials at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Submission of the Final Plan follows a draft Phase II WIP previously submitted on December 15, 2011. In the draft, Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources Douglas W. Domenech acknowledged that the results of local engagement efforts and strategies to meet required pollution reductions were not included in the draft plan, but he defended the draft stating that EPA’s timeframe for the state to convey, and the localities to produce such was too short.
Not surprisingly, when EPA issued its comments to Virginia’s draft Phase II plan and milestones, on February 15, 2012, it stated concerns that the plan “lack[ed] important detail pending local input...” and requested that “Virginia provide some of these local plans prior to the submission of the final Phase II WIP in order to give EPA a sense of the local input.”
In the Final Phase II WIP, while Secretary Domenech again faulted the timeframe provided by EPA for localities to finalize and gain approval from governing bodies on potentially expensive strategies and approvals, he stated that 95% of Bay watershed localities actively participated in the Phase II planning process and submitted some level of strategies, information or data in support of the Final Phase II Plan. To collect this information, localities were briefed on how land uses and current best management practices were shown in EPA’s watershed model, which is used to develop reduction goals for the TMDL process. They were asked to review the data and offer updates to provide the model with more accurate information. They were also asked to develop local reduction strategies and to provide a list of resources needed. The information collected was then aggregated by the state, and local strategies for agriculture, urban/suburban stormwater, wastewater, forest lands and resource extraction are all included in the Final Plan. Final Plan at Appendix B-F.
Now that the Final Plan is submitted, the public gets its turn to comment on Virginia’s efforts. The state is providing an additional 60-day period for public comment. Comments or questions should be sent to email@example.com. Written comments and inquires should include the name, address and phone number of the person submitting the comments. Comments must be received by 5 p.m., May 31, 2012.
A copy of the plan as submitted to EPA can be viewed at www.dcr.virginia.gov/vabaytmdl/index.shtml.
Take a look. What do you think? Are the local strategies enough? Too much? How did Virginia do overall? | <urn:uuid:316e95fb-6d7d-47bb-a591-696604b3cb57> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.martindale.com/natural-resources-law/article__1495948.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704392896/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113952-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.952278 | 586 | 1.632813 | 2 |
Medical Researchers Seek Solutions In Laboratory
- Article by: Nancy Crotti
- Star Tribune Sales and Marketing
- July 1, 2010 - 11:01 AM
Why do human bodies work the way they do? Medical researchers ask these questions and then strive to find the answers.
Douglas Yee, M.D., a medical oncologist and director of the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota (www.cancer.umn.edu), has spent his career treating breast cancer patients and deciphering how breast cancer works.
His research is based on the hypothesis that breast cancer cells will respond to a polypeptide hormone called insulin-like growth factor (IGF) in the same way they respond to other hormones, like estrogen. Yee leads a laboratory that includes Ph.D. scientists and another physician. Six to eight drugs developed to target this hormone are currently being tested in clinical trials.
Making A Difference
"You can discover things in the laboratory that will make a difference for the patient with the disease," Yee says. "Maintaining both a laboratory and a clinical practice helps me understand both the clinical problems and our deficiencies in dealing with the problems. We can then ask questions in the laboratory to come up with solutions."
Those who would seek federal grants to finance their research are better off with an M.D. or a Ph.D. degree, according to Yee. Those who hold a master's degree in public health are less likely to land federal funding for their research, he says.
Would-be physicians and Ph.D. researchers can expect to spend up to 12 years preparing for a research career, Yee says. The average age of a first-time principal investigator, or the primary researcher in charge of a large grant, is 42, according to the National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov).
More Funding, More Jobs
On the plus side, increased federal funding for medical research will likely lead to more research positions, according to Yee. "When there's a lot of funding, there is a greater ability to hire new faculty because medical schools and health centers are able to take a bet on a promising trainee," he says.
At the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, Yee says Ph.D. researchers start at $75,000 to $90,000, while physicians who perform research and see patients start at more than $100,000. Ph.D. scientists may also work for biopharmaceutical companies, both large and small for more money and positions that are not dependent on federal grants.
A $292 million building at the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center slated for construction in July 2011 will likely yield new research positions. Faculty will use the facility to conduct interdisciplinary research in areas such as cancer of the breast, lung, colon and prostate; heart disease; Alzheimer's disease; brain and nerve disorders; infectious diseases; and immunology, according to the university.
© 2013 Star Tribune | <urn:uuid:f0c7e0a8-ccfd-4796-ac7b-d0406663c093> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.startribune.com/printarticle/?id=97520584 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00000-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95563 | 610 | 2.28125 | 2 |
Five students suing Anoka-Hennepin schools over gay bullying
|Justin Aaberg committed suicide after years of bullying.|
The suit, which comes on the heels of the Department of Justice announcing an investigation into the same issue, is seeking to change the district policy that discourages discussion of sexual orientation in classrooms, and maintains an officially "neutral" viewpoint of homosexuality.
The district responded with an offer for increased teacher training, but the school district communications director Mary Olson said it was also preparing to defend itself in court.
"Well, if we're sued," she said, "I guess we have to."
The complaint alleges that district students have been picked-on, verbally assaulted and worse, including claims of "being urinated on, being stabbed in the neck with a pencil, being choked, being pushed into walls, being shoved forcefully into lockers, having objects thrown at them in class, and having books knocked out of their hands."
The district responded to the lawsuit through a statement released yesterday:
The Anoka-Hennepin School District is reviewing the complaint initiated today by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). The district takes strong exception to the outrageous media statement the district is not concerned about the safety of its students.SPLC's Sam Wolfe, the lead attorney bringing the suit, told City Pages the "invitation to help the district train and prepare for the upcoming school year" isn't enough to stop the suit.
Anoka-Hennepin awaits a response from the SLPC and NCLR on its invitation to help the district train and prepare for the upcoming school year. Anoka-Hennepin has been recognized as a pro-active leader in the state of Minnesota on bullying prevention. "We are always willing to improve upon our practice as it relates to the safety of students," said Superintendent Dennis Carlson.
"We don't see it as a serious offer at this point," Wolfe said. "As long as the policy is in place, this type of offer is not meaningful."
The policy that the suit seeks to abolish governs the discussion of homosexuality in public school classrooms.
"Teaching about sexual orientation," the policy reads, "is not a part of the District adopted curriculum; rather, such matters are best addressed within individual family homes, churches, or community organizations."
Wolfe says that policy, which has been in place since 2009, replaced an even stronger policy that dated back to the mid-1990s, which stated that teachers should not encourage homosexuality.
The Department of Justice's investigation is looking into the suicides of four students in the district which are blamed on the students' issues with their sexuality, including two cases where bullying may directly have led to suicide.
The civil complaint against the district is demanding that the district abandon its policy altogether. Wolfe said the complainants would consider a revision of the policy, but that probably wouldn't be sufficient to settle the suit.
"I doubt there's any way to repair this policy," Wolfe said. "It just needs to go."
Along with the policy change, the five students who are bringing the suit are seeking monetary compensation for their suffering. Wolfe said in similar cases with only one or two students involved, juries had awarded as much as $1 million to gay students.
The students and their families will consider a settlement offer, Wolfe says, but SPLC is readying itself for the courtroom.
"The ball is really in their court now," Wolfe said. "We're willing to litigate this all the way through trial." | <urn:uuid:73a77303-76d7-4b81-9664-942b96614dbb> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2011/07/students_sue_anoka_hennepin_county_gay_policy.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700958435/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516104238-00072-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.975623 | 741 | 1.609375 | 2 |
12 pound gold nugget find means big payday for Australian man
BALLARAT, Australia — An amateur gold prospector found a gold nugget that weighs a whopping 12 pounds on Wednesday.
The name of the prospector and exact location of the find remain secret, but the local news website the Courier reported the man took the giant nugget to the Ballarat Mining Exchange Gold Shop to confirm his find.
It’s in southeastern Australia not far from Melbourne and Sydney.
The mega-nugget is worth more than $500,000.
Shop owner Cordell Kent told the Courier the prospector used a $6,000 metal detector to find the gold, which he dug up from two feet below the land surface.
Kent told the news site Adelaide Now that the region remains in a gold rush that started in 1851… that’s an unbelievable 162 years. Just last July, someone found a gold nugget weighing eight pounds.
A short video of the gold nugget was posted on YouTube by Troy Aurum. His Facebook page says he’s self-employed and he lives in Ballarat. | <urn:uuid:71fe663a-ef08-4c6c-9dff-2bacb980e17b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://kdvr.com/2013/01/17/12-pound-gold-nugget-find-means-big-payday-for-australian-man/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00052-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.935937 | 236 | 1.648438 | 2 |
A week ago, I found myself in Barnes & Noble nosing around in the children's fiction department. In order to begin working on the scripts for my education program, I wanted to get a feel for a 6th grader's vocabulary, sentence structure, and plot complexity. I was wandering around the store feeling underwhelmed. Where were all of the good children's books?
And then just as I was leaving a small set of books caught my eye. Published by Scholastic, Blue Balliett wrote a set of kids mystery books that involve several main characters that carry over in the series. I picked up The Wright 3, a book about three 6th grade friends who find themselves in a race to save the Robie House, Frank Lloyd Wright's Chicago masterpiece, from demolition. I found it oddly comforting over this last week because of several key messages it offers in a very forthright fashion - just the way that kids do.
1.) "Don't give up. In darkness, much work can be accomplished." I think about how much darkness was in that stairwell of my old apartment building during the fire. So much raced through my mind as I scrambled down the stairs - from "stop drop and roll" to things I never got a chance to say people whom I care about to "I will get out of this building unharmed". In darkness, we develop a keen sense of sight and insight for things that we cannot see in broad daylight.
2.) "Sometimes when you lose something, you end up getting something else. Only you can't know about the second thing until you've lost the first...losing is sometimes gaining." It's human nature to lament a loss of any kind whether it's our home, our belongings, our jobs, a relationship. What's so often under-appreciated is that losing something makes room for something new, and often better than what we had before, and it gives us a new appreciation for the things and people we do have in our lives. It takes a while to see that trade-off as a good one. In the past I have hung on to a sense of loss for far too long. I am trying to change that.
3.) "It's sometimes hard to tell the line between real and unreal." This world and the energies it contains work in mysterious ways. Magic and things that cannot be explained are constantly at work. Our life is full of coincidences. People appear in our lives, then disappear, then reappear again. An opportunity comes around, we may pass on it, and then it comes around again for a second and third chance. This world always has something to teach us.
4.) "Sometimes little things can appear big, and big things little." This idea is especially powerful for me this week. I used to think I needed so many things. My apartment was filled with things I loved, things I could not imagine living without. In the end very little of it mattered. Actually, none of it really matters too much. My health and the people I love are really the only things that matter to me now.
5.) "What you notice first isn't always what you're looking for." This is my favorite idea from The Wright 3. We're so quick to judge, categorize and title a person, place, or thing. And sometimes the value we connote to an item or a person isn't permanent. Some things and people become more valuable to us with time, and it can be a long, slow process to figure out just what the right value should be. We owe it to ourselves to give things and people a chance to prove their worth. The reality of a situation is not always what it initially presents itself to be. | <urn:uuid:c794f46e-c7f1-4457-ab0e-cd593b4e8002> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.christainnewyork.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-year-of-hopefulness-value-we-cant.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697974692/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095254-00060-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.976017 | 763 | 1.835938 | 2 |
Vladimir Putin’s visit to London on Thursday is probably the most remarkable diplomatic moment of this Olympic fortnight. Mr Putin is not coming to the UK on an official visit – he’s here in a private capacity to watch Olympics judo. But this is the first time he has been in London for a bilateral visit since 2003, when he was still viewed positively by some in the west and was accorded a state visit by Tony Blair’s government. An awful lot has changed since then and hence it is a moment to watch.
Ever since the 2006 murder in London of Alexander Litvinenko, the former KGB agent, relations between London and Moscow have been very frosty. Britain’s security services have long taken the view that the murder was carried out at the behest of the Russian state, and the brutality of the killing – by means of polonium poisoning – has never been completely eradicated from British minds. As a result, there has been only one visit by a British prime minister to Russia in the six years since then (by David Cameron in 2011). All other meetings with Russian leaders have been at international summits. | <urn:uuid:b7551bcf-dd32-4213-b819-13b23f4daf60> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://blogs.ft.com/olympics/tag/alexander-litvinenko/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698924319/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516100844-00053-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.980624 | 235 | 1.539063 | 2 |
Summary Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the Year Ended 30 June 2008
Published 6 Oct 2008
These summary financial statements comply with generally accepted accounting practice as it relates to summary financial statements.
The information in these summary statements is drawn from and is consistent with information presented in the full Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the Year Ended 30 June 2008, which were the first prepared according to New Zealand International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ IFRS).
This document is available in Adobe PDF and HTML formats.
|Browse Section/Chapter||Download/Page Range|
|fsgnz-summ-jun08.pdf (139 KB) pp. 1–4| | <urn:uuid:9b5f1297-b2b5-444d-bdfc-5bbedea24049> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.treasury.govt.nz/government/financialstatements/yearend/jun08summary | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00026-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.909945 | 141 | 1.585938 | 2 |
Oddie translates tweets on Twitter
Twitter has been given a rather more literal meaning as Bill Oddie translated bird calls into tweets at ZSL London Zoo.
As the zoo's aviary woke up on Tuesday morning, Oddie and head bird-keeper Adrian Wallis were on hand to interpret the chirps of its tropical residents and summarise the results in 140 characters.
September sees a flurry of activity in the bird world as migration season begins, and so the event was held to mark the occasion.
According to Oddie, trained ears can pick up on the subtle differences that alter the meaning of a bird call.
"Every bird has a bit of a vocabulary. They have seven different areas of sound, and they will all have meaning. It might be a young bird asking for food, or a bird saying 'this is my territory'," he said.
"That Red Billed Toucan was calling for a girlfriend. Sounds to me like he is shouting for some company!" read one of Oddie's Tweets. Another said: "Very territorial call from the Scarlet Chested Sunbird - protecting its nest"
Oddie said he first realised the power of Twitter when posting about badger culling.
"I got a huge response, and that included little soundpieces, speeches, films, video and photographs," he said.
"I thought in 140 characters all you could really say was 'good morning, it's going to be a nice day today' and you'd run out of space, but the fact is you can send out all these other pieces of information. It's a very powerful tool. Since joining Twitter, I've been able to interact with viewers, fans and other bird watchers from around the world."
Throughout the morning, @BillOddie, @zsllondonzoo and @TwitterUK shared bird-related facts, stats, links and popular resources under the hashtag #BirdsThatTweet. | <urn:uuid:20ea7156-6f7e-477a-8e01-3d858d1f176a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://web.orange.co.uk/article/news/oddie_translates_tweets_on_twitter | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00057-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963179 | 400 | 1.789063 | 2 |
Citizen Policy Wonks
Richard Sclove, author of Democracy and Technology and executive director of the Loka Institute, is an advocate of democracy as a means for making thorny decisions about technology. To demonstrate that ordinary citizens can and should take the lead in technology policy, the Loka Institute and other like-minded organizations drew on a Danish model of citizen panels. Here's his report on the outcome of this experiment.
“We're not the kind of people you read about in history books. ... Here was our first chance to shape our world.”
– US Citizens' Panel member
“This is a process that I hope will be repeated in other parts of the country and on other issues. ... I want to make sure that [the Citizens' Panel] recommendations are duly considered by lawmakers.”
– Rep. Edward J. Markey, ranking Democrat, House Telecommunications Subcommittee.
April 4, 1997, a 15-member Citizens' Panel, representing a
cross-section of the greater Boston area, issued a call for protecting
First Amendment rights and personal privacy on the Internet, mandating
community involvement in telecommunications policy-making, and
returning a percentage of high-tech corporate earnings to communities
and nonprofit organizations.
Selected by random phone calling and supplementary targeted recruitment to be broadly representative of wider Boston's population, the Citizens' Panel members included an auto mechanic, a manager of a high-tech firm, a retired teacher/farmer/nurse, an industrial engineer, an arts administrator, a homeless shelter resident, a retired corrections officer, a 1996 inner-city high school graduate, an executive assistant, a consultant, an unemployed social worker, a City Year volunteer, and a writer/actress. Eight were women, seven men. Five of the 15 were people of color. They ranged from teenagers through elderly.
Over two weekends in February and March, the panelists met together at professionally facilitated meetings to discuss background readings, receive introductory briefings on telecommunications issues, and select the specific questions that they wanted to address. Then on April 2nd and 3rd, all panelists braved a city-crippling, two-foot snow storm to hear 10 hours of expert testimony from computer specialists, government officials, and business executives. The experts included the president of New England Cable News, an official of Lotus Development Corporation, the congressional liaison to the Department of Commerce who helped draft the 1996 Telecommunications Reform Act, a school superintendent, public-interest group representatives, and others.
Having heard diverse expert testimony, the lay panelists came out in favor of a judicious but far-reaching public-interest agenda that went well beyond anything in the 1996 Telecommunications Reform Act. Their report urges governments to establish more forums for citizen participation in policy issues, even on highly technical matters like telecommunications.
The timing of the citizens' report is strategic. This is a watershed period in US telecommunications policy-making; the Federal Communications Commission is currently working on recommendations for implementing universal Internet access, and in April it completed the auctioning of digital audio broadcast licenses. And the Clinton administration recently appointed an advisory committee on the public-interest obligations of digital broadcasters.
This was the first systematic attempt in the United States to solicit informed input from ordinary citizens – including six who had never previously used the Internet, half of whom had also never used a computer – on the complexities of current telecommunications and technology policy. Telecommunications aside, this was the first time we know of that a diverse group of US citizens (none previously expert on the policy issues under discussion, none a representative from an organization with a direct stake) gathered to learn and deliberate on a topic of this breadth or complexity.
Many were highly skeptical that a citizens' panel would work in the US. During the three years that I spent planning this event, innumerable people told me that a participatory process invented in Denmark where “everyone is white, tall, blond, educated, affluent, and civic-minded,” could never work here because Americans are too apathetic, too poorly educated, and too diverse.
This citizens' panel proved the skeptics wrong. On a first try, we were able to assemble a more diverse lay panel than any gathered in Europe. All 15 members attended both background weekends and the final forum. Watching the lay panelists both listen to and question witnesses, I observed no yawns, no wandering eyes, no fussing with hair. They listened closely and asked one astute question after another. In fact, the panelists learned telecommunications issues so well that their questions were sometimes more technical than the experts' testimony!
The outstanding professional facilitation, which ensured that all members had a fair chance to contribute and that no individuals dominated the discussion, was a key contributor to this success.
Participants were well aware that the implications of the experiment extended well beyond communications policy:
“It is amazing that such a diverse group can come together as a solid working group in such a short amount of time, work on such a complex issue, and reach consensus on the key issues. It has been a most gratifying experience,” said one panelist.
Others said: “I found it to be difficult, stimulating, broadening, and invigorating.”
“I have a greater respect for how tough consensus is, and respect for democracy and how hard a politician's job is.”
“There was a wonderful sense of belonging, and of being able to make a difference when a group convened.”
US science and technology decision-making stands out among industrialized nations for systematically excluding lay citizen voices. The ordinary argument for ceding judgment and influence to elite producers of science and technology – while excluding everyone else who will be affected – is that lay citizens have neither the competence nor the passion to be involved.
Against this argument stands the brute fact that, given the chance, our citizens' panelists competently assimilated a broad array of written, oral expert, and stakeholder testimony. Then they integrated this information with their own very diverse life experiences to reach a well-reasoned collective judgment. Their conclusions pass a “reality test” – a groundedness in the daily experience and concerns of everyday people – that expert conclusions routinely fail. To me, this stands as strong evidence for both the need and practicability of democratizing US science and technology institutions and decisions across the board.
For a pilot project, I think ours was a tremendous success. Nonetheless, our relatively low budget, compressed time schedule, and steep learning curve for a first-time US event led to a number of weaknesses or limitations. These should be easy enough to improve in future US experiments. For example:
The experts who spoke about the subsidiary issue of computers in education gave only upbeat presentations on the topic even though they represented three different fields: academic research, business, and the public school system. As a rule of thumb, I believe that there should be a minimum of three very different expert opinions presented on each contested issue. However, not one of them presented an opposing critical perspective.
Since we lacked government sponsorship or a budget to pay expert honoraria, we were unable to secure a commitment from most of our expert witnesses to attend for two days. Thus, we had to omit a key component of the Danish consensus conference methodology: the lay panelists' open cross examination of all the expert witnesses assembled together on the second day. Our process seems to have worked reasonably well without this step; nonetheless it was an unfortunate omission. Cross examination gives the lay panelists a chance to play expert witnesses against one another.
Still, when one lay panelist expressed regret about the limited amount of time they had to learn the issues, I replied: “Sure, there's always more to learn. But all of you already know more than the average congressman who voted on last year's Telecommunications Reform Act.”
Currently, the Loka Institute is laying the groundwork for nationwide citizens' panels. And the Minneapolis-based Jefferson Center has organized a related Citizens Panel process on complex issues in social policy, such as health care reform.
who helped organize the Boston Citizens' Panel include the Education
for Public Inquiry & International Citizenship (EPIIC) Program at
Tufts University, the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities,
MIT's Technology Review magazine, The Jefferson Center, University of
Massachusetts Extension, the School of Behavioral & Social Sciences
at UMass/Amherst, the National Science Foundation, and the John D. and
Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.
Loka Institute is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making science and technology responsive to democratically decided social and environmental concerns. Loka Institute, PO Box 355, Amherst, MA 01004 http://www.loka.org/
That means, we rely on support from our readers.
Independent. Nonprofit. Subscriber-supported. | <urn:uuid:eee2794a-21aa-4380-b5ab-09875830e044> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.yesmagazine.org/issues/sustaining-watersheds-of-the-pacific-northwest/913 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00028-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951182 | 1,818 | 1.96875 | 2 |
Statues of Lady Justice frequently portray her wearing a blindfold, signifying impartiality and objectivity. But careful readers of the Los Angeles Times on May 13 have good reason to believe that the Lady is peeking — at least in California — and it is entirely possible that her vision is distorted in favor of “white collar” criminals.
Voters in the “Golden State” adopted the “three strikes” initiative in 1994, requiring a sentence of 25 years to life for defendants convicted of two previous violent or serious crimes. An effort to amend it, which would have required the “third strike” to also qualify as violent or serious, was defeated in 2004 by a vote of 47.3% to 52.7%.
As a consequence, along with many thousands of admittedly deranged and dangerous people, others have received “three strikes” sentences for such infractions as shoplifting and abusing illegal drugs.
One such person, according to the Times, is free today, thanks to the efforts of a law clinic at Stanford University where students identify people convicted of what they view as relatively minor offenses resulting in disproportionately long imprisonments. Norman Williams was sentenced in 1997 to 25 years to life for stealing a car jack and tools from a tow truck. Williams, along with 11 siblings, was raised in a household with no father and an alcoholic mother, whose boyfriend reportedly raped him and beat him with electrical cords.
The Times also reported on May 13 that San Bernardino County is suing six former employees following “years of alleged crime, fraud, and sordid activities inside the Assessor’s office,” including the falsification of time cards and unauthorized political campaigning at taxpayer expense. The former Assessor, Bill Postmus, who resigned effective February 13 is in rehab for an addiction to methamphetamine, according to the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, which also carried the story. Two of Postmus’ former employees in the Assessor’s office have been arrested, with allegations including perjury, preparing false evidence, destruction of public property, vandalism, and improperly reporting gifts from a well-known local developer who recently negotiated a $102 million settlement with the County.
How many times did these people come to “work” and engage only in political activities (oh, by the way, Postmus is the former head of the County Republican Party)? Does each day count as a separate event (strike)? Is stealing taxpayer money a “serious crime”? Does anyone think the people connected with this affair are going to be sentenced to 25 years to life?
The juxtaposition of these two articles in the Los Angles Times tells us something about our state and our country — perhaps more than we want to know. And as long as we are juxtaposing things, I’ll close by quoting the official California website: “California’s future and its promise are nothing less than the future and promise of America. It has a California context, to be sure, but it is nothing separate from the dreams and hopes and aspirations of all the American people in their collective struggle to create a decent, fair, and secure republic.”
Ronald Wolff publishes the blog Musings from Claremont, where this article first appear. Republished with permission. | <urn:uuid:f0be8295-0c1f-491a-aa14-fe47dc300315> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.laprogressive.com/lady-justice/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00017-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972873 | 674 | 1.523438 | 2 |
Kampala — Uganda's oil reserves could be as much as that of the Gulf countries, a senior official at the US Department of Energy has said.
Based on the test flow results encountered at the wells so far drilled and other oil numbers, Ms. Sally Kornfeld, a senior analyst in the office of fossil energy went ahead to talk about Uganda's oil reservoirs in the same sentence as Saudi Arabia.
"You are blessed with amazing reservoirs. Your reservoirs are incredible. I am amazed by what I have seen, you might rival Saudi Arabia," Kornfeld told a visiting delegation from Uganda in Washington DC.
The group of Ugandans was in Washington on an international visitor programme and looked at the efficient use of natural energy resources.
The group comprised Ministry of Energy officials, a Member of Parliament, members from the civil society and one journalist.
At present, Uganda has four oil prospectors on the ground including Heritage Oil, Tullow Oil, Tower Oil and Dominion Oil.
Of the four prospectors, Tullow and Heritage have registered success at wells in two blocks in the Albertine basin, which lies in the upper-most part of the western arm of the Great Rift Valley.
According to data so far aggregated since the first discovery was made by Australian prospector Hardman Resources (now taken over by Tullow) in June 2006, Uganda has established reserves at 3.5 million barrels of oil per day.
Experts in oil exploration say this could be just a tip of the iceberg.
The sites are still building pressure and production might well exceed the current figures if what has happened elsewhere like Angola is anything to go by.
Flow tests at various wells have indicated flow rates ranging from as low as 1,500 to highs of 14,000 barrels per day. According to earlier releases, the prospectors are now certain that the commercial threshold for development has been exceeded.
Mr. Aidan Heavy, Tullow Oil's chief executive officer revealed early in the year that they assigned a dedicated team of experts to deliver a commercial development plan for the entire basin.
In April last year, Tullow embarked on what it termed as a major drilling campaign in the Butiaba area around Lake Albert targeting an overall reserve potential in excess of a billion barrels.
The Butiaba campaign was preceded by successes in two drilling campaigns in the Kaiso-Tonya area and the Kingfisher field and all these have been 100% successes so far.
The Butiaba campaign has thrown up successes but the two biggest so far have been the Buffalo-Giraffe wells - described as "one of the largest recent onshore oil discoveries in Africa".
"Combined with our other finds in the region, we have now clearly exceeded the thresholds for basin development," the chief executive of Tullow commented then.
The Giraffe-1 exploration well, which is located in the Butiaba region, came up with over 38 metres of net oil pay within an 89-metre gross oil bearing interval.
The data from the Giraffe discovery indicate a net reservoir thickness of 38 metres, the largest encountered in the area to date.
The Buffalo-1 exploration well in Block 1 encountered 15 metres of net gas pay and over 28 metres of net oil pay.
The gas and oil columns encountered are 48 metres and 75 metres respectively with the potential to be even larger.
As Kornfeld marveled at Uganda's oil finds, she was quick to add that for the country to benefit from the oil and gas resources but also avoid the pitfalls of oil producing countries like Nigeria, it is extremely important to set up strong governance structures.
Kornfeld and the other United States officials said they are ready to help Uganda's nascent oil and gas sector with anything including the key environmental issues that are crucial to the efficient management of oil and gas.
"Anything you might want us to help you with we will and we have a lot of expertise in environmental issues relating to oil and gas," Kornfeld said. | <urn:uuid:b18dd659-cad2-48fb-8387-eb21384c63a2> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://allafrica.com/stories/200906020555.html?viewall=1 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703682988/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112802-00020-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.968214 | 823 | 1.71875 | 2 |
The president has been criticized for defending the health-care law while the Supreme Court is still in session. But perhaps, like Roosevelt 75 years ago, he should be even more vocal.
Compare the words and deeds of two Democratic presidents, both in their first term, both navigating the ship of state through rough economic waters, both dealing squarely with two separate editions of a very conservative Supreme Court. Franklin Delano Roosevelt's struggle with the justices of his era is both legendary and instructive. He famously lost the battle over his ill-conceived court-packing plan. But he won the war over much of his landmark legislation when the Court's conservatives either retired (Justice Willis Van Devanter) or timely changed their minds (Justice Owen Roberts).
President Barack Obama's struggles with the current Court are also well documented. In 2010, he famously criticized the Court's conservatives for their Citizens United ruling, a 5-4 decision along ideological lines which has had enormous (and, you could argue, dire) political consequences for the 2012 election. And now, after last week's oral arguments over the Affordable Care Act, President Obama is confronting the very real possibility that his administration's signature piece of federal legislation, the new health-care law, in whole or in part, will be tossed aside by the same five justices.
When President Obama on Monday (and again on Tuesday) offered his own legal analysis, when he accurately identified the hypocrisy the health-care law's defeat would reveal about "judicial activism," he raised for renewed public consideration the question of what a president should or should not say while a Court case is pending. The president's comments were immediately criticized. On the left, Andrew Rosenthal of The New York Times wrote that the president missed an opportunity to more directly defend the law. On the right, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) called the remarks a "beyond distasteful" attempt to intimidate the justices. Even the often rogue 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals somehow interjected itself into the fray.
Everything a president says has a political component to it. And virtually everything that has been said about this particular law has come to be viewed through a political prism. To its detractors, the law is a full assault on freedom -- the freedom to refuse to be part of a national policy with which they don't agree. To its supporters, the law is now a political bellwether, signalling both a limit to progressive legislative action and the constitutional peril a Republican-controlled Congress and White House would bring. In this context, and especially compared with the past, what President Obama said was a virtual mash note to the justices.
On May 27, 1935, the United States Supreme Court announced its decision in Schechter Poultry v. United States. The justices ruled unanimously that Section 3 of the National Industrial Recovery Act, another one of Roosevelt's New Deal programs, represented an unconstitutional delegation of legislative authority to the executive branch. Four days later, an angry and frustrated president called reporters in for a press conference. Here's how Jeff Shesol, in his masterful book Supreme Power, describes what happened next:
He turned now to Schechter itself. "The implications of this decision," he said, "are much more important than almost certainly any decision of my lifetime or yours, more important than any decision probably since the Dred Scott case, because they bring the country as a whole up against a very practical question. That is in spite of what one gentleman said in the paper this morning, that I resented the decision. Nobody," he said, "resents a Supreme Court decision. You can deplore a Supreme Court decision, and you can point out the effect of it."
Which is what he did -- point out its effects -- for the remainder of his press conference. It was a remarkable performance. For nearly an hour and a half, Roosevelt spoke without notes, without interruption, slowing only occasionally to replace the cigarette in his ivory holder. Never had a president talked so directly, so extensively, or with such ease and fluency about the Constitution -- its interpretation, its evolving meaning. His tone was calm and firm. His smile, which rarely left his face, failed to conceal his seriousness or, on occasion, his irritation.... Like a tenth justice delivering a dissent, he dissected the opinion.
Shesol told me Tuesday that while "FDR was generally pretty careful not to lobby (or warn) the Court about a pending decision... he did launch his court-packing plan -- and set his supporters loose on the Court -- at a time when the Court was considering the fate of Social Security and the National Labor Relations Act, both of which he (and pretty much everyone) assumed the Court would strike down." The Court, of course, dramatically upheld those statutes after a series of presidential speeches like this one from March 4, 1937:
The Democratic Administration and the Congress made a gallant, sincere effort to raise wages, to reduce hours, to abolish child labor, to eliminate unfair trade practices. We tried to establish machinery to adjust the relations between the employer and employee. And what happened? You know who assumed the power to veto, and did veto that program. The Railroad Retirement Act, the National Recovery Act and the Guffey Coal Act were successively outlawed as the Child Labor Statute had been outlawed twenty years before.
Soon thereafter the Nation was told by a judicial pronouncement that although the Federal Government had thus been rendered powerless to touch the problem of hour and wages, the States were equally helpless; and that it pleased the "personal economic predilections" of a majority of the Court that we live in a Nation where there is no legal power anywhere to deal with its most difficult practical problems -- a No Man's Land of final futility....
Furthermore, court injunctions have paralyzed the machinery which we created by the National Labor Relations Act to settle great disputes raging in the industrial field, and, indeed, to prevent them from ever arising. We hope that this Act may yet escape final condemnation in the highest court. But so far the attitude and language of the courts in relation to many other laws have made the legality of this Act also uncertain, and have encouraged corporations to defy rather than obey it...
On March 9, 1937, in one of his fireside chats, President Roosevelt was even more blunt. To the American people, he said.
The Court in addition to the proper use of its judicial functions has improperly set itself up as a third House of the Congress -- a super-legislature, as one of the justices has called it- reading into the Constitution words and implications which are not there, and which were never intended to be there...
We have, therefore, reached the point as a Nation where we must take action to save the Constitution from the Court and the Court from itself. We must find a way to take an appeal from the Supreme Court to the Constitution itself. We want a Supreme Court which will do justice under the Constitution -- not over it. In our Courts we want a government of laws and not of men.
On Monday, by contrast, President Obama came before microphones and reporters to talk about another controversial federal statute. He didn't spend 90 minutes or so on topic. He didn't offer up legislation designed to reduce the Court's power. He didn't promise to save the "Constitution from the Court and the Court from itself." Of the Affordable Care Act, the federal health-care law now under review by the Supreme Court, the law that got buffeted around pretty good last week by the Court's conservative members, President Obama said merely this:
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The direct quotes are:
I am confident the Supreme Court will not take what would be an unprecedented, extraordinary step of overturning a law that was passed by a strong majority of a democratically-elected Congress...
I just remind conservative commentators that for years we have heard the biggest problem on the bench was judicial activism or a lack of judicial restraint. That an unelected group of people would somehow overturn a duly constituted and passed law. Well, this is a good example and I am pretty confident that this Court will recognize that and not take that step...
As I said, we are confident this will be over -- this will be upheld. I am confident this will be upheld because it should be upheld. And again, that is not just my opinion. That is the opinion of a whole lot of constitutional law professors and academics and judges and lawyers who have examined this law, even if they're not particularly sympathetic to this piece of legislation or my presidency.
On Tuesday, at an Associated Press luncheon, the President explained himself. He said:
And the point I was making is that the Supreme Court is the final say on our Constitution and our laws, and all of us have to respect it, but it's precisely because of that extraordinary power that the Court has traditionally exercised significant restraint and deference to our duly elected legislature, our Congress. And so the burden is on those who would overturn a law like this. Now, as I said, I expect the Supreme Court actually to recognize that and to abide by well-established precedence out there. I have enormous confidence that in looking at this law, not only is it constitutional, but that the Court is going to exercise its jurisprudence carefully because of the profound power that our Supreme Court has. As a consequence, we're not spending a whole bunch of time planning for contingencies.
So I don't anticipate the Court striking this down. I think they take their responsibilities very seriously. But I think what's more important is for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to recognize that in a country like ours -- the wealthiest, most powerful country on Earth -- we shouldn't have a system in which millions of people are at risk of bankruptcy because they get sick, or end up waiting until they do get sick and then go to the emergency room, which involves all of us paying for it.
Whatever else President Obama's comments mean, they aren't close to the line Roosevelt drew 75 years ago. And they don't even compare to the jaw-dropping remarks made over the past six months by Republican politicians -- like Newt Gingrich -- who believe it's a good idea to send federal marshals to the courts to enforce subpoenas against federal judges requiring them to appear before Congress to explain their decisions. I'm still waiting to hear Sen. Mitch McConnell and company call that pitch a "beyond distasteful" attempt to intimidate judges. When he does then he can blast the president.
Methinks the Court's defenders here protest too much. In order to be reasonably perceived as "threatening" the Court, Obama would have to say a whole lot more than "I am confident that this will be upheld because it should be upheld." Moreover, to have the "threat" charge stick, the president would have to separate himself from the mainstream views of the conservative legal establishment. Yet he hasn't. He's not saying much different at all, in fact, from what former Reagan Solicitor General Charles Fried said about the Affordable Care Act after last week's contentious argument before the Court.
TIME FOR A SPEECH
So perhaps the real question here is not whether President Obama, the constitutional scholar, has gone too far in rendering his opinion about the Constitution and the Care Act but instead whether he has not gone far enough. The American people may say they know an awful lot about the Care Act and its "individual mandate" -- the national conversation over that has gone on ceaselessly now for more than two years. But there is still a great deal of fuzziness over the role of the Supreme Court in evaluating federal legislation, and particularly federal economic legislation, which begs out for more explanation from the bully pulpit.
Last month, for example, a CBS News/New York Times poll revealed that nearly half of those Americans surveyed -- 48 percent -- were "confused" about the details of the Affordable Care Act. And millions of words already have been written about how poorly the administration, and its counterparts in Congress, explained the essence of the new law, and its constitutional underpinnings, to the public. So what would be so wrong with the president becoming a constitutional professor again, for only an hour or two, live on radio and television and online, to explain the Care Act and the Court's perceptions of the scope of its own review.
If Roosevelt could do it, why can't Obama? What's the difference between the Care Act and a future federal law that would force people to eat broccoli? Why is the health-care industry, by its very nature, national in scope and different from many other industries? Why wouldn't the Court give deference to such federal economic legislation? Justice Anthony Kennedy last week wondered whether the law wouldn't change the relationship between the government and an individual in a "fundamental" way -- why does the president think that is wrong? And what other "limiting principle" would the president apply to the case?
He already owns the law -- it's called Obamacare now even by those who support it, including Obama himself -- so why shouldn't he be able to answer those questions and many more in public? The exercise wouldn't "threaten" the Court's ongoing deliberative process any more than the Court's public arguments last week threatened Congress or the White House. The justices aren't infallible. They aren't delicate flowers who mustn't be tussled. President Obama should fully speak his mind, now, before the Care Act rulings come out in June. There is plenty he can say about the law, and legal precedent, that won't bring the Court down. In fact, it just might raise it up. Time for class, Mr. President.
This article available online at: | <urn:uuid:7f60e430-68a2-4413-aa6c-e8bc4e1f3e05> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/print/2012/04/for-barack-obama-law-professor-the-time-to-lecture-is-now/255396/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00001-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972617 | 2,817 | 1.5625 | 2 |
The visa stamp in your passport is an entry document only. As an F-1 or J-1 student, you only need to obtain a visa renewal is if it has expired and you are seeking to re-enter the U.S. from abroad. If your visa expires while you are in the U.S. and you do not plan to travel outside the U.S., your legal status in the U.S. is not affected.
Your visa is no longer valid for re-entry when:
- The expiration date has passed
- You have used up all the entries allowed. Check your visa for the number of entries allowed. "M" indicates multiple entries; you may use your visa until it expires.
- Your visa stamp indicates a visa classification different than the status you are currently in. For example, if you entered the U.S. as a visitor on a B visa, and you have since obtained a change of status to F-1 or J-1.
Procedures for Visa Renewal
- Be sure that your visa is no longer valid. Most consulates and embassies will not renew visas that are still valid, even if the expiration date is near.
- F-1 or J-1 visa renewals can never be granted in the U.S. For an appointment and a list of documents to bring, contact the U.S. consulate or embassy where you plan to apply. For more information, consult the State Department's list of U.S. Consulate and Embassy Websites.
- We recommend renewing your visa in your home country. However, some third countries will accept appointments for visa renewal.
- At the very minimum, bring your I-20 or DS-2019, your passport, and evidence of your financial support as shown on your I-20 or DS-2019 (e.g., bank statement, a letter from your employer, or a letter of financial aid or scholarship.
- We recommend that you also bring a new I-20 with a notation that you are not required to pay the new SEVIS fee. To request a new I-20, contact us.
You are never guaranteed a new entry visa to return, especially if you apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate in a country other than your home country. If you have difficulty obtaining your visa, contact us. To prepare yourself for a successful visa appointment, review the Visa Tips page.
For more detailed information about applying for an F-1 or J-1 visa at a U.S. consulate, visit Binghamton University's Applying for a New F or J Visa at a U.S. Consulate Abroad page.
Special Cases: Canada or Mexico
Please note that if you travel to Canada, Mexico or the adjacent islands, you may not need to seek a visa renewal even if your visa has expired. If a person in F-1, F-2, J-1 or J-2 status enters the United States from Canada, Mexico or most adjacent islands after an absence not exceeding 30 days, the entry visa stamp in his or her passport is considered to be extended automatically to the date of re-entry. This procedure is known as "automatic visa revalidation."
Automatic visa revalidation does not apply if your entry visa stamp has been marked "Cancelled" or if you are a student from Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan or Syria. Students intending to use automatic visa revalidation should keep their I-94 when entering Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands in order to maintain proof of their legal status in the U.S. OIP can write a letter of support for you if you will be returning to the U.S. under the automatic visa revalidation regulation.
Some students seek a visa renewal in a third country such as Canada or Mexico, but this tactic involves some risk. Federal regulations stipulate that if you are denied a visa renewal in these countries, you may not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. | <urn:uuid:67b0d7a8-0699-4e15-9ec5-1e8ff29c9406> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.luc.edu/oip/visa_renewal.shtml | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706153698/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120913-00004-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.922657 | 833 | 1.789063 | 2 |
Young adults who start their drug abuse with prescription drugs, and later transition into using heroin or injecting drugs, continue significant use of prescription drugs, according to a study directed by Dr. Stephen E. Lankenau, an associate professor at the Drexel University School of Public Health.
The study was designed to describe current patterns of prescription drug misuse among young injection drug users (IDUs) and was published online in the June 9, 2012 edition of the Journal of Urban Health: Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine.
“Over the past two decades, prescription drugs—such as opioids and tranquilizers—have emerged as a primary cause of death in overdose cases, while overdose is a leading cause of death among young injection drug users (IDUs),” said Dr. Lankenau, who was the lead author of the report. “Despite these upward trends in drug use and mortality, few studies until this one have examined prescription drug misuse among young IDUs.”
According to the report, patterns of prescription drug use among young IDUs include using two or more drugs at the same time, drug substitution, and self-medication for several conditions such as untreated pain and heroin withdrawal. The study also found numerous gaps in the available healthcare and treatment options for young IDUs, including overdose prevention trainings focused on polydrug use, drug treatment programs that target opioid and tranquilizer misuse, primary care clinics to treat pain, and mental health services to address long-standing psychological problems.
Dr. Lankenau described the study as a follow-up companion piece to his previous article which found that prescription opioid drug misuse was an entry point into injection drug use and heroin use by IDUs.
The researchers in the current study aimed to address unanswered questions regarding patterns of prescription drug misuse among young IDUs specifically regarding motivation, strategies, risks, and how misuse fit into the overall health and well-being of young IDUs.
The researchers analyzed 50 study participants, who were mainly homeless and transient white males in their early 20s. The participants were recruited in 2008 and 2009 in Los Angeles and New York.
Study authors acknowledge the challenge treatment providers face in keeping transient young IDUs enrolled in programs. Future studies should enroll a long-term group of transient young IDUs to examine the possibilities of IDUs developing consistent relationships with drug treatment providers, needle exchanges, and overdose prevention programs. “Increasing [monetary] incentives and interviewers developing good rapport with IDUs are two ways we have found to retain them,” Dr. Lankenau said.
The report was co-authored by Dr. Lankenau and Karol Silva, MPH (Drexel University School of Public Health); Dr. Michelle Teti (University of Missouri School of Health Professions); Jennifer Jackson Bloom and Meghan Treese (Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Division of Research on Children, Youth and Families); and Alex Harocopos (National Development and Research Institutes, Inc.). | <urn:uuid:e22ba4cf-56d2-4907-b27b-5654c4218c71> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://publichealth.drexel.edu/Media/Latest-News/News-Detail/5036/newsid--1167/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00047-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.944712 | 609 | 2.109375 | 2 |
RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Environmental scientists at UC Riverside have discovered that the Rancho La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles, Calif., house hundreds of new species of bacteria with unusual properties, allowing the bacteria to survive and grow in heavy oil and natural asphalt.
Trapped in soil that was mixed with heavy oil nearly 28,000 years ago, the bacteria are uniquely adapted to the pits' oil and natural asphalt, and contain three previously undiscovered classes of enzymes that can naturally break down petroleum products, the researchers report.
"We were surprised to find these bacteria because asphalt is an extreme and hostile environment for life to survive," said Jong-Shik Kim, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Environmental Sciences, who initiated the study. "It's clear, however, that these living organisms can survive in heavy oil mixtures containing many highly toxic chemicals. Moreover, these bacteria survive with no water and little or no oxygen."
The bacteria and their enzymes have potential application for bioremediation (cleaning oil spills), medical treatments (new medicines), alternative energy (biofuels), enhanced oil recovery, and industrial applications (biochemicals and biotechnology).
Study results appear online in the April 6 issue of Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
Kim and his advisor, David E. Crowley, a professor of environmental microbiology, used DNA-based methods to identify the new bacteria as well as the DNA encoding the three classes of petroleum-degrading enzymes.
"Previously, some bacteria had been cultured from the asphalt, but no one had been able to extract DNA from the asphalt to study the entire microbial community," said Kim, the first author of the paper.
Providing a natural observatory for the unusual bacteria, the Rancho La Brea tar pits, which formed in the last ice age, are located in Hancock Park, Los Angeles. Rancho La Brea, one of the world's fossil localities, is recognized for having the largest and most diverse assemblage of extinct ice age plants and animals in the world.
"The living bacteria contained in the asphalt are most likely the progeny of soil microorganisms that were trapped in the asphalt, although some may also have been carried to the surface in the heavy oil that seeped upwards from deep underground oil reservoirs," said Crowley, the research paper's other author.
According to the researchers, most of the more than 200 species of microorganisms they identified represent entirely new branches in the tree of life, some being classified as new families of bacterial species.
While the bacteria remain to be grown in the laboratory, the researchers found that the closest relatives of many of the bacterial families are able to survive in high salt, toxic, and even radioactive environments.
"One family that was represented by many species is related to a group of bacteria that are the most radiation-resistant organisms on the planet," Crowley said. "Indeed, this family of bacteria has been previously investigated by the Department of Energy for cleanup of hydrocarbon contamination in radioactive environments."
It was the continual production of bubbles of methane gas that come up through heavy oil overlying the asphalts that clued the researchers to the presence of bacteria in the asphalt. "In the absence of oxygen, methane is produced by bacteria that use carbon dioxide for respiration instead of oxygen," Crowley explained.
He noted that the bacteria are not uniformly distributed in the tar pits. While one reason for their presence could be bacteria rising through the soil via a subterranean oil flow, other explanations are possible. "Probably there has also been genetic exchange and natural selection of new species over the thousands of years the bacteria have been living in the asphalt," Crowley said.
To identify the bacteria and their enzymes, Kim and Crowley analyzed the genetics of the bacteria extracted from the tar pits. To accomplish this, they first froze the tar with liquid nitrogen and then pulverized it into a powdery mixture using a mortar and pestle. This process allowed the researchers to extract DNA from bacteria in the asphalt, after which it could be purified by other more standard methods used for environmental samples.
Next in their research Kim and Crowley plan to perform a thorough, quantitative and qualitative assessment of the bacteria in the tar pits to identify genes that may have application for petroleum processing, oil recovery, and biotechnology.
Currently, a display illustrating how they discovered the bacteria is on exhibit at the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, a satellite facility of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency STAR program provided financial support for the study, which was facilitated by John Harris and Christopher Shaw of the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits.
The University of California, Riverside is a doctoral research university, a living laboratory for groundbreaking exploration of issues critical to Inland Southern California, the state and communities around the world. Reflecting California's diverse culture, UCR's enrollment of about 17,000 is projected to grow to 21,000 students by 2010. The campus is planning a medical school and already has reached the heart of the Coachella Valley by way of the UCR Palm Desert Graduate Center. With an annual statewide economic impact of nearly $1 billion, UCR is actively shaping the region's future. To learn more, visit www.ucr.edu or call (951) UCR-NEWS.
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system. | <urn:uuid:30f219c6-876e-4504-af6b-30c44f94e76f> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-05/uoc--npb051007.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00034-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.9544 | 1,147 | 3.765625 | 4 |
Last we read, Socialist City Electrician Harry Strong was being fingerprinted and questioned by Police Chief Charles Boettcher in Mayor Charles Barewald’s office in connection with wiretapping the Mayor’s office. It was evident that Strong and Bracher would not be suffering from regret any time soon.
At first, Strong refused to speak. When he did eventually talk, Strong initially said he only placed the device in the mayor’s office at the command of Alderman Bracher. He argued that he had to follow the directive as Bracher was one of his bosses. Strong stated that he had worked on the light fixture one week earlier when the mayor was out of town. The device he created came from parts found in city hall, an old phone from his home, and two dry cell batteries.
Strong also admitted he knew he was breaking the law—not by installing a secret device to listen to the mayor’s conversations, but by violating a city ordinance and state law forbidding running additional wires through a light fixture, as it created a fire hazard. At the end of the conversation, Officer Passno returned to say the fingerprints on the Dictograph and Strong’s fingerprints was a match.
Alderman Bracher was brought into the Mayor’s office next. Strong identified Bracher as the man who ordered him to install the device. Bracher was then released. He immediately went into a meeting with his legal counsel—who happened to be Socialist City Attorney U. A. Screechfield. Strong soon sought counsel from Screechfield as well. Mayor Barewald immediately issued a statement that this was a conflict of interest on the part of City Attorney Screechfield.
Over the next several days, the mayor and police chief accused all Socialist adermen of being in on the plot. Bracher responded by saying the police chief’s office had also been bugged. Strong eventually stated that wasn’t true, but he was in the process of planning to plant one in a clock when caught. The other Socialist aldermen denied knowing about the devices or plans, although the Socialist headquarters was rumored to be active with meetings during this time with aldermen and city workers present.
By January 30th, the commotion had not died down. Socialists now turned on Strong and Bracher, denouncing their behavior and calling for a Socialist investigation. Mayor Barewald retained his own legal counsel for himself and the city in the person of attorney W. M. Chamberlin. Barewald stated a distrust of City Attorney Screechfield as the reason behind his decision to hire Chamberlin.
Hundreds packed the City Council meeting on February 2, 1921, waiting for some resolution to the situation, but once again the public left disappointed as only city business was presented at the meeting. In mid-February, Mayor Barewald and Attorney Chamberlain presented information to Scott County Attorney John Weir in an attempt to remove Alderman Bracher and Electrician Strong from their positions. Those proceedings failed and charges were never brought against the men.
Under these unusual circumstances, life continued at city hall. Each side continued to accuse the other of wrongdoing. Rumors began to circulate about new employees being hired to work in the city. These individuals were from out of the area and the rumors were they were actually radical Socialists being brought in to take over the party. Conservative Socialists who had joined the Socialist party to help local citizens began to worry.
(Stay tuned for Part IV!)
(posted by Amy D.) | <urn:uuid:9254db6b-f8a8-4080-9494-aef7cb9d7548> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://blogs.davenportlibrary.com/sc/2010/04/26/feeling-a-little-bugged-part-iii/comment-page-1/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00032-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.984735 | 723 | 1.703125 | 2 |
Intel releases source code for NAS test app
Support ends, hacking begins!
Intel has discontinued development of, and support for, its NAS Performance Toolkit , an application that measures the performance of small network-attached storage systems. But the software will live on, as Chipzilla has released the source code for the tool.
The NASPT, as Intel liked to call it, was not the kind of tool one would use to do serious testing of an enterprise-scale NAS, as it lacked the ability to test storage devices under application loads.
The software was, however, handy for tests of NAS boxen intended for use in smaller-scale environments, thanks to its inclusion of tests for performance when used to open and close files from personal productivity applications. Simulating backup was another of the application’s capabilities, as was testing a NAS’ abilities to cope with video playback and recording.
Those features made the free software a useful item in system administrators’ tool bags when planning and implementing small business rigs in which a NAS device substituted for and/or supplemented a server. That’s a role for which small NAS systems, now often equipped with four or more drives and gigabit Ethernet, are very well-suited.
System builders using open source tools like FreeNAS or Openfiler also often used the tool to test their newly-built storage appliances, while hardware reviewers were among its other devotees.
It’s hard to know just when Intel decided to discontinue the software, as a document.lastModified query on many Intel.com pages often returns the day of the query as the answer. It’s also hard to understand why: the company last year renewed its push for Atom-powered NAS appliances aimed at small business.
Whatever the reason for NASPT‘s demise as a supported product, Intel has been good enough to release the source code for the tool as a Visual Studio 2008 project. The code can be found here . ® | <urn:uuid:08b7bd00-0862-47d6-9c3d-96d06c3c8376> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/01/30/intel_naspt_source_code_released/print.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.959561 | 407 | 1.539063 | 2 |
Outer clutter is often a sign of inner clutter, or emotional turmoil, and it may be preventing you from moving forward in your goal to attain a healthier lifestyle. If you’ve been following the South Beach Diet, your kitchen is probably already in good shape, but sometimes the best intentions go awry. Being organized in the kitchen is essential for preparing healthy meals and avoiding the temptations of fast food and processed junk food. Here are some tips for whipping your kitchen into shape for better health:
out your refrigerator.
Has your fridge become a burial ground for last week’s leftovers and half-used,
expired bottles of condiments? Are the produce drawers filled with rotting
vegetables? Have half-eaten cartons of takeout food replaced fresh produce from
the farmers' market? If your fridge looks like this, it’s time for a makeover.
Dump anything past its prime and all junk food, including any sugary or starchy
processed foods that may have crept in. Then refill the fridge with plenty of
fresh seasonal vegetables (cut some up for ready-to-go snacks), fruits (Phase
2), lean meats, poultry, and seafood, reduced-fat cheeses (including part-skim
mozzarella sticks), fat-free or low-fat milk, sugar-free beverages, and other
your freezer. Do you
need an ice pick to rescue the food that’s languishing in the back of your
freezer? Take everything out and examine it, tossing anything that has expired
(including food you froze yourself), anything with freezer burn, and any frozen
entrées or desserts high in saturated fat, sodium, or added sugars. This will
free up your freezer for storing lean meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables,
fruits (Phase 2), homemade broth, and any meals you make in advance and want to
have on hand for later in the week. When shopping, look for the best buys on
protein (as well as frozen veggies and fruits) with your freezer in
your pantry and cupboards.
Eliminate all white flour, packaged products made with white flour, and any
baked goods made with it, as well as all sugary cereals, white rice (except
basmati), white pasta, any condiments, dressings, or seasonings that contain
added sugars, any solid vegetable shortening or hydrogenated or partially
hydrogenated oils, any oils that have become rancid, any musty dried herbs and
spices, powdered soup mixes, candy, chips, and other junk food, and anything
else unhealthy or past its prime that you see tucked away.
- Take back your kitchen. Make it known that your kitchen is not a dumping ground. If it’s the place where you or your family end up tossing old magazines, newspapers, work papers, backpacks, toys, and everything else that no one knows what to do with, you’ve got to reclaim your kitchen and make it a pleasant and functional room for preparing healthy meals. Clear the counters for meal prep and provide bins or other containers in which everyone can put their “stuff.” Also be sure your kitchen table and/or dining room table are cleared off so you can enjoy meals together as a family. | <urn:uuid:a51116fc-b0e9-4677-b6c7-d97fd8e15944> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.southbeachdiet.com/diet/transform-your-kitchen-for-better-health | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00028-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.943823 | 694 | 2.1875 | 2 |
Learn the fundamentals of core training to help you incorporate exercises into your client sessions. Improve athletic performance, prevent lower back injury and help clients of all levels move more efficiently in their activities of daily living. Review basic anatomy and discover tips you can share to boost core strength.
You will learn:
- Teaching techniques to help clients effectively recruit the trunk musculature and control position of the lumbar spine
- How to start with basic exercises, then add equipment when clients can properly engage transverses and pelvic floor musculature
- Core muscle anatomy and fundamentals of core training
- Beneficial tips to share with clients
This course is included in our Functional Training Specialty Certification.
Learn more about how you can become a specialist. » | <urn:uuid:f4d20b45-7c05-48e8-b955-08f583907b5a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.acefitness.org/continuingeducation/course/45w6vzz6/core-training-specialist/about.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00006-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.907227 | 152 | 1.671875 | 2 |
Beer goes upscale, while wine goes mainstream
Published: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at 1:00 a.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at 11:12 a.m.
Garrett Oliver, head brewer for Brooklyn Brewery, says that the way we view beer and wine reflects years of cultural baggage dating to 1066 and the Battle of Hastings. After the Norman Conquest, the blood-red wine of the conquerors became the quaff of nobility; the nut-brown ale of the defeated English became the drink of the common folk. But today, both beverages encompass a wide range of high- and low-end products.
Marnie Old, a Philadelphia sommelier who co-wrote the book "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" with Dogfish Head Craft Brewery's Sam Calagione, says beer and wine are stealing a page from each other's books.
"Wine was never designed to be evaluated by itself. Wine styles emerged because they were pleasant with food," Old says. In a similar way, more breweries are emphasizing how well their beers pair with food.
"Frankly, beer goes better with food than wine," Jim Koch, chairman of Boston Beer, said at a beer dinner in May. The cuisines that are influencing American cooking, he said, "come from Guatemala and Ethiopia and Thailand and El Salvador. They're too big and spicy for wine. They need the body and sweetness of malt to cut through the spices."
Then why do so many restaurant menus contain long wine lists and a paltry handful of beers? Thomas Cizauskas, who sells beer and wine for wholesaler Select Wines, suggests that many restaurateurs simply haven't been exposed to the full spectrum of beer flavors: "That's where education is important."
And winemakers are learning a few tricks from beer in the marketing arena, Old says. Instead of French or German jargon, today's wine labels often bear catchy names and cartoon animals more likely to grab shoppers' attention. Old cites Fat Bastard as an example: "a decent wine from the south of France with a cute little hippo that conveys the idea of a rich, full-bodied wine."
The recession is helping to reshape the buying habits of wine and beer drinkers. The former are skimping, the latter are splurging, says industry analyst Bump Williams of BWC in Stratford, Conn.
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Earlier today, I had to combine a couple of abstracts I'd put in to the OpenLearn Conference for the single speaking slot I've been allocated. Although I normally keep everything, I couldn't track down either of the abstracts for quite some time, so I mailed the organisers to see if they could let me have copies back (unfortunately, the abstracts weren't on the conference website - I checked; and come to that, the same is true for the abstract of the presentation I'm giving at Internet Librarian International 2007, which I also appear to have, err, misplaced...!)
Anyway, assuming that I'm likely to have trouble tracking the new abstract down when I come to prepare my presentation in the
hours, err, days (okay, Patrick? ;-) before the OpenLearn conference (30-31 October 2007), here it is... just in case...
Abstract An implicit aim of many opencourseware projects, including OpenLearn, is to encourage the informal use of open educational resources, as well as its reuse. In this presentation, I shall describe several examples of how open courseware can be disaggregated into component parts that can be easily shared and republished using RSS and OPML web feeds.
From 'daily learning chunks' delivered to candidate PLEs such as PageFlakes using a Web 2.0 mashup to mobile access, this approach can also be used to turn bibliographies into online bookstores and provide a way of displaying media assets in a rich media slideshow.
Although providing 'reuse and remix' opportunities forms part of the war cry for the OER community, few demonstrations of just how the content may be used in such a way are offered. In the same way that the learning object economy that was much heralded by educational technologists never seemed to be as successful as was originally hoped, is it possible that the hoped for reuse and remix of OERs will similarly fail to take off (Lamb, 2007)?
The granularity at which open courseware content is typically published - the course, or course unit - makes it difficult to consume bite size chunks of content easily, and arguably makes it difficult to discover reusable or remixable items of content.
As I have written elsewhere, '[t]he easiest remix is not really a remix at all, and barely counts as a reuse, though it is a republish or represent - just take a direct copy of someone else's content and make it your own property/publish it on your own site, in your own content area' (Hirst, 2007).
At the simplest level, exposing open educational content via an RSS feed immediately opens up this republishing opportunity.
Taking a lead from social websites such as youTube and flickr, where content can be shared at a fine level of granularity (the movie or picture level) as well as at an aggregated level (a playlist or photostream), I shall describe several implemented examples of how both MIT Open CourseWare courses, and Open University OpenLearn units, can be disaggregated into component parts and then republished in a syndicated way using OPML and RSS feeds, as well as through social networks.
One advantage of making content available via RSS is the wide variety of pre-existing tools that are capable of consuming RSS feeds. For example, it is possible to consume RSS feeds RSS readers (e.g. Bloglines or Google Reader) or webtops (e.g. Netvibes, iGoogle or PageFlakes), as well as republishing content in RSS format as PDF documents, or even audio files. Mobile support for RSS feeds is also widespread.
However, the use of RSS feeds as a significant route for publishing OER content does not seem to be widely recognised. For example, the Open Educational Practices and Resources. OLCOS Roadmap 2012 (Geser, 2007) uses its section entitled 'RSS feeds enrich educational portals and learners can subscribe directly to thematic content feeds' to refer more to the way learners can aggregate content around a particular topic from formal and informal publishers, such as news services and bloggers, without suggesting that OER providers themselves might publish educational content in this way. This in part reflects the mindset that RSS is used to publish changeable content or content that is regularly updated, as opposed to providing a way to syndicate fixed or static content, such as unchanging course material.
In this presentation, I will describe the process by which early demonstration RSS feeds for OpenLearn content were generated from the original OpenLearn XML content and MIT OCW web pages using various third party online tools. Essentially, this is just republishing the materials in the RSS medium, in addition to the HTML pages or printable PDF documents that are typically made available.
This "RSSified" content can be used as the basis for republishing and remixing the content by third party users, or consuming it in the location of their choice. For example, RSS versions of course units can be viewed using candidate personal learning environment "webtops" such as Netvibes and PageFlakes, or distributed as "daily learning chunks" using OpenLearn_daily, a Web 2.0 mashup involving OpenLearn and Yahoo Pipes; and simple content remixes can be derived using RSS feed filters and simple content analysis tools.
Reusing or repurposing material at the level of granularity with which it is published (that is, at the course or unit level) is problematic on several counts: the physical format of the materials may not be appropriate, the way multiple topics covered by the materials are bundled together may not deliver the correct storyline for the person wishing to reuse (elements of) the course, the materials may not have the correct blend of media assets for the intended reuse, and so on.
By disaggregating content and individual assets and republishing them as separate items in a single RSS feed, the component parts of a course can be made available as a cleanly packaged bundle of separate items without the need for heavyweight packaging formats.
As a demonstration, I will show how an MIT OCW course can be atomised in such a way that bibliographic information and media assets related to course examples can be republished via shareable, rich media feeds, and how the course as a whole can be disaggregated into component parts that can then be republished in aggregated form using an OPML feed.
I will also describe an automated process for treating an OpenLearn course unit in XML form as a database that can be "mined" - or "asset stripped" - in several different ways to expose particular components of the course, such as link collections or image collections. The link collections can then be used to seed custom search engines, and media assets can be passed into course related photostreams or online radio channels.
Geser, G. (ed.) (2007) "Open Educational Practices and Resources. OLCOS Roadmap 2012" ISBN 3-902448-08-3 Available from: http://www.olcos.org/cms/upload/docs/olcos_roadmap.pdf, accessed 14/7/07.
Hirst, T. (2007) "So What Exactly Is an OpenLearn Content Remix?" OUseful Info, April 3, 2007, http://ouseful.open.ac.uk/blogarchive/010112.html, accessed 14/7/07.
Lamb, B. (2007) "Dr. Mashup; or, Why Educators Should Learn to Stop Worrying and Love the Remix" EDUCAUSE Review, vol. 42, no. 4 (July/August 2007): 12-25. Available from: http://www.educause.edu/er/erm07/erm0740.asp, accessed 14/7/07.
PPS don't forget the OpenLern Remix competition... there's still plenty of time to enter...Posted by ajh59 at August 15, 2007 10:25 PM | <urn:uuid:e45f46a6-7da4-46b6-9fef-dd0248199528> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://ouseful.open.ac.uk/blogarchive/010515.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00065-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.929053 | 1,656 | 1.679688 | 2 |
I too would prefer to have a single common method of identifying myself online: a single common avatar that I use across all sites, with a single common (complex and strong) method of authenticating myself.
But as the editor of a UK technology magazine has just discovered (@bazzacollins), illicit access through that common identifier can have widespread consequences.
He was trialling Hotmail for two weeks rather than GMail. Unfortunately, his account got broken in to and spam mail started flooding out. OK, embarrassing but nothing more than that, surely?
Well, Microsoft use a single sign on system (a form of
federated identity) across more and more of their products (your Windows Live ID). So gaining access to Hotmail potentially opened up everything else. With Windows now requiring you to sign in using your Live ID, everything on your PC could potentially
be at risk.
We see this federated identify principle spreading across the web - how many sites can you now sign in to using your Facebook ID, your Google ID, your Twitter handle and more?
If a bank or payment service wanted to allow you to use a federated ID, which would they pick, which would they trust, and as importantly, which would you trust? Are federated identity services secure enough yet for controlling access to your banking relationships?
What else can be done for you to prove that it is really you?
Unfortunately there is a balance to be made between security and usability. As we go more and more mobile, how many of us want to be carrying around multiple methods of identification (from printed code grids, to one-time passcode tokens)? We could start
using other methods of supplementing authentication - for example using our physical location to enhance a cardholder present transaction, but what other options are there?
I'm not sure we're set for a true common identity yet, ideal as it may be. Then there's the issue of who looks after all that data, and who can get access to it - and that could be an entire post in itself. | <urn:uuid:d70ec675-9d74-41b4-8722-b84d69dad71d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://finextra.com/Community/fullblog.aspx?blogid=6466 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00006-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.968546 | 422 | 2.09375 | 2 |
Franz Schreker (23 March 187821 March 1934) was an Austrian composer, conductor, teacher and administrator. In his lifetime he went from being hailed as the future of German opera to being considered irrelevant as a composer and marginalized as an educator. During a period when German and Austrian aesthetics were focused on the symphony, Schreker brought innovation to German opera, which at the time labored under the shadow of Richard Wagner. Though the composer was only a few years younger than Schoenberg and Zemlinsky, and a few years older than Berg and Webern, Schreker's music remained primarily tonal, reflecting late Romantic Expressionism, Impressionism, elements of atonality and polytonality and timbral experimentation. His music in general and his operas in particular featured extensive symbolism and naturalism.
The eldest of four surviving children, Schreker was born in Monacoone of the many places his parents lived before settling in Linz in 1882. His father, Ignaz Schrecker, a court photographer, was originally from GolcJenikau in Bohemia and was born Jewish, though he later converted to Catholicism. His Catholic mother, Eleonare von Clossmann, was from Styria (in the southeast of Austria). His father's death led the family to move to Vienna in 1888. Schreker began his professional education at the Vienna Conservatory in 1892, initially studying the violin (with Ernst Bachrich and Arnold Rosé) and later composition (with Robert Fuchs). He began conducting in 1895, and during this formative period composed a number of sets of songs and symphonic overtures. His first effort at opera was the oneact Flammen, set to text by a friend, Dora Leen, which concerned the sexual temptation of the wife of an absent crusader. Flammen was performed in 1902, after which Schreker soon began composing his first fulllength opera, Der ferne Klang using his own libretto, as he would for all his subsequent operas.
After his conservatory years, he aspired unsuccessfully to a conducting position in opera. He made a lasting contribution to the music scene in Vienna when in 1907 he formed the Philharmonic Chorus, which he conducted until he left the city in 1920. The Philharmonic Chorus gave performances of Mahler's Third and Eighth Symphonies, Delius's Mass of Life and Sea Drift, and premieres of Zemlinsky's Psalm XXIII, and Schoenberg's Friede auf Erden and Gurrelieder. Schoenberg and Schreker were to remain lifelong friends. In 1909 Schreker married a seventeen-year-old soprano from the Chorus, Maria Binder. Franz and Maria Schreker had two children, Ottilie, born 1912, and Emmanuel, born 1916.
A Mainstream Success
Der ferne Klang (The Distant Sound) debuted in 1912 in Frankfurt and launched Schreker into the top rank of composers. The same year he was appointed to the faculty of the Vienna Academy of Music in the areas of counterpoint, harmony, and composition. His next opera, Das Spielwerk und die Prinzessin, enjoyed simultaneous premieres in Frankfurt and Vienna in 1913. Though not as wellreceived as Der ferne Klang had been, the work remained one of Schreker's favorites. The outbreak of the World War limited opera performance including Der ferne Klang which had been performed in Leipzig, Munich, and Hamburg and was about to be performed in Prague and Paris. During this period Schreker composed two of his most successful operas, Die Gezeichneten (19131915) and Der Schatzgräber (19151918). The Frankfurt Opera House again premiered both Die Gezeichneten (The Stigmatized) immediately after the war in April 1918 and Der Schatzgräber (The Treasureseeker) in January 1920.
These two operas represent the high point of Schreker's career. He was the subject of the high critical praise of respected music critic Paul Bekker who controversially compared his talent to Wagner. Der Schatzgräber was the most successful opera production of its time and was performed almost 400 times in more than 50 different theaters between 1925 and 1932. In March 1920, Schreker was appointed director of Berlin's Hochschule für Musik. Schreker reenergized the distinguished but traditionbound Hochschule. Among those that taught there during the Weimar years were Kestenberg, Erdmann , Busoni, Schoenberg, Schnabel, Flesch, Zemlinsky, Hindemith, Pfitzner, and Kaminski. Some of the prominent students of this era were Berthold Goldschmidt, Alois Hába, Jascha Horenstein, Ernst Krenek, Dragan Plamenac, Karol Rathaus, Artur Rodzinski, Josef Rosenstock, Hans SchmidtIsserstedt, and Grete von Zieritz.
Not long after his arrival in Berlin, Schreker began to experience reversals as an artist. His operas began to receive lukewarm receptions among audiences and critics. His work displayed his Austrian upbringing and sensibilities and, though his most successful operas had appealed to German audiences as well, Schreker was already becoming irrelevant to the more radical young composers. In some ways, Schreker's music was an extension of nineteenthcentury traditions, similar in many ways to Scriabincertainly he was no an atonalist or serialist. The 1924 Cologne premiere of Irrelohe, was Schreker's first real failure since emerging as a top composer. In the period 19241928, Schreker composed the operas Christophorus, and Der singende Teufel. The latter was a fouract opera dealing with the theme of a battle between the forces of light and darkness. It was staged in November 1928 in Berlin. The shorter Christophorus dealt with similarly apocalyptic themes, but its planned performance in Freiburg was never realized due to the emerging power of the Nazis. Hostile demonstrations by the National Socialists curtailed the run of his final opera Der Schmied von Gant after only five performances in Berlin in 1932.
Despite these problems, Schreker also enjoyed some important successes during this period. He became an early pioneer in the application of recording and broadcast technologies as applied to classical music. As late as 1932 he supervised the making of the first concert films. Schreker also took great interest in the development of the electronic music studio at the Hochschule. His nonoperatic Kleine Suite was the first work commissioned for German radio. Along with Schoenberg's Opus 34 (Accompanying music for a film scene), Schreker's Vier kleine Stücke was recorded for use as film music. His last composition appears to be the Vorspiel zueiner grossen Oper for his own libretto, Memnon.
With the collapse of the Weimar Republic and the ascension of Hitler and National Socialism and the official policy of antiSemitism, the political atmosphere became toxic for Schreker. Slow to recognize the changing climate, he was forced out of his directorship of the Hochschule für Musik. A less prestigious compensatory post at Prussian Music Academy did not work out, and sent Schreker scrambling, finally, for career opportunities outside of Nazi influence. Due to a combination of bad advice and bad luck, Schreker was unable to obtain a position either in America or elsewhere in Europe. While engaged in a protracted battle over his retirement pension, and concerned over his futurefinancial as well as professionalSchreker suffered a stroke in late December 1933. He suffered a series of setbacks to his health and died on 21 March 1934.
In the tense atmosphere of the early days of Hitler's Chancellorship, Schreker's passing went relatively unnoticed. While Anton Webern, Schoenberg and most of Schreker's students sent notes of condolence, there was scant notice in the newspapers of the day. Aside for a few positive or neutral obituaries, several newspapers sought to frame Schreker's rise and fall in terms consistent with the ideological tone of the Third Reich. The last publicity he was to receive in Nazi Germany was the inclusion of his music in a mocking exhibition of degenerate Jewish music in 1938. With his most acclaimed work more than a decade in the past and centered in Vienna, the advance of composers such as Webern, Hindemith, Berg, and Schoenberg in the musical mainstream, and the obscuring cover of prewar events in Europe, Schreker and his music lapsed into obscurity for several decades. Schreker was almost forgotten, carried only in the memories of his nowscattered students. In 1964, a revival of Der ferne Klang in Kassel attracted some attention in the music journals and the approach of the centennial of his birth in 1978 was an occasion of a reexamination of his life and work.
As a composer, Schreker combined elements of late19th and early 20th century styles. His music emphasized timbral expressiveness and novel orchestrations. Stylistically, he was linked with the coloristic innovations of Debussy and Richard Strauss, and shared some ties to French Symbolism. This was reflected in Schreker's librettos, which often dealt with themes of sexuality and eroticism. In the 1910's Schreker was considered among the musical avantgardeand as a conductor he presented premiers of Schoenberg and Zemlinksybut by the mid1920's he was considered by many to be out of fashion in comparison to the composers of the Second Viennese School. Schreker's music employs chromaticism, polytonality and advanced orchestration techniques (such as deeply divided strings and percussion scoring)his work often inspired by visual or auditory sensory images. | <urn:uuid:1dc1cd35-02e5-4c6c-82f4-1e1a29f0cc87> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://orelfoundation.org/index.php/composers/article/franz_schreker | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704713110/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114513-00018-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.968035 | 2,085 | 2.765625 | 3 |
Patriot dish Nigeria
Durban Networks, Abuja
Satcoms for military
VSAT training in Africa
Is Africa in a Digital Quagmire? ( Feature Article of Saturday, 6 November 2004 )
by Eric M. K Osiakwan, ICT Consultant and Journalist. He founded the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA) and Africa Internet Service Providers Association (AfrISPA). He is also a visiting fellow and Scholar at Stanford University's Digital Vision Fellowship Programme and serves on the Advisory Committee of Highway Africa.
|Africa opened its satellite space segment (Long
haul) to a lot of satellite operators (12 in 2004) as a means to get cheaper
bandwidth to the Global Internet but today Internet bandwidth cost are still
very high compared to the rest of the world and average working
professionals cannot afford the Internet -- Is Africa in a digital quagmire?
Bandwidth is the major determinant of Internet cost and the medium of long haul bandwidth delivery is also a cost component. Until recently Africa has primarily received her long haul bandwidth through satellite. Liberalisation and competition in the satellite market has over the years not affected Internet cost as expected. The recent deployment of fibre in the case of SAT-3/WASC/SAFE from Sesimbra through Dakar to Johannesburg with landing points in some coastal countries and SEAMEWE from Norden through Sesimbra to Djibouti with landing points in some of the North African countries, present alternate long haul bandwidth delivery through fibre optic undersea cables.
In most countries in Europe and in the US, the prices of high speed Internet connections have declined dramatically in the last few years because of competition but Africa has not seen such developments. Where ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line) technology is available, the cost per month for a 512 kbps (bandwidth) line is 25 to 40 USD per month. Dial-up lines cost about the same, if you include telephone charges for 15-25 hours per month. In Africa, the cost of a dial-up connection is often more expensive than in Europe, but only gives half the performance. A shared fixed line – often called a VPN (Virtual Private Network) – will often cost 300 to 500 USD, for a very mediocre performance.
Anecdotal evidence from West Africa thus far indicates that SAT-3 has had a negligible impact on improving broadband access or lowering prices as most customers continue to rely on satellite for international connectivity. For example in Ghana, a monthly half circuit 2Mg (E1) bandwidth cost between four thousand (4,000) and six thousand (6,000) US dollars over satellite while the same bandwidth cost twelve thousand dollars ($12,000) over the SAT3 undersea cable which lands in Accra. It appears indeed that in the best case scenario, the cost of the Internet is 25 times as expensive in Africa as it is in Europe; this is the case in the capital cities but, to the exception of these cities, bandwidth remains 100 to 400 times more expensive in rural and semi-urban sub-Saharan Africa than in Europe. If you also consider the vast difference in incomes between most African countries and Europe, the difference becomes even greater. Measured as the number of hours you must work to pay for an Internet connection, a user in Africa is disadvantaged by a factor of 100 or more.
Africa is disadvantaged because it does not have the critical mass of Internet users in order to affect reduce Internet cost and on the contrary Internet is too expensive to generate a critical mass of users to make an impact on cost -- forces of demand and supply. Hence Africa is in this vicious cycle which must be broken.
African Telecoms have being largely run by government owned (or privatised) incumbent telecom operators who bought bandwidth from the satellite operator, Intelsat. In the mid-nineties it became clear that these incumbent operators where inefficient and stacked, also due to general economic decline. At this point the Worldbank, IMF and other Brettonwood’s institutions largely championed the need for liberalisation and competition in telecoms. This was part of the Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAPs) proposed to developing countries including those in Africa. The World Trade Organisations Basic Telecommunication Services Agreement (BTA) of 1998 also played a catalytic role. Some countries like Ghana responded and liberalized all their three (3) telecom market segments. Lead by Hon. Edward Salia, the then Minister of Transport and Telecommunication who had a vision to open the market, Ghana liberalised her long haul, PSTN and ISP market segments. This brought competition to Intelsat in the satellite space, Ghana Telecom in the PSTN segment and introduction of ISPs (new operators) in the Internet access market. Despite this liberalisation and competition in the Ghana telecommunications market the fact still remains that Internet is more expensive than the average working Ghanaian can afford.
There are three schools of thought that respond to the question of why competition has not worked in Africa. One is the fact that the liberalisation and competition programmes did not establish good, independent and effective regulatory institutions and promulgate regulations that created a level playing field as well as challenge incumbents telecoms and “cartel activities”. Essentially we had regulators with the cane but could not whip. Another school of thought aligns the problem with the fact that Africa and for that matter developing countries, have to pay double circuit to connect to the global Internet which means that they indirectly pay for the rich to access them. This thought pattern raises the unfair practice in general Internet pricing which does not favour Africa. Why was the principle of “accounting rate” (paying half circuit) for international settlement in the telephony market not applied to Internet bandwidth market? The fundamental shift from pricing Internet which does not favour developing economies raises questions of ambiguity and unfair play. There is need for developing country leaders to stand to this challenge and negotiate within the international forums to reverse this trend. Questions are; do we have such leaders who understand the issues and can articulate them? And if they do would the developed world who are beneficiaries of this system respond at all?
The third and final consideration is that though there are a lot of satellite operators covering Africa that has not reflected in the supply/demand forces of competition. This suggests the idea of a “cartel” among these operators.
Mike Lawrie, an Internet Expert and one of the founders of the Internet in
Africa argues that there is need for Internet cost to reduce and that if the
forces of demand and supply have not affected price to an appreciable level
all these years than one can only suggest that there is a cartel activity
going on. Mike basis his argument on the fact that bandwidth is the major
determinant of Internet cost and he iterates that once long haul bandwidth
cost goes down, it would be reflected in the retail market. He concedes
though that local loop unbundling activities by incumbents also affect cost
and there is need for us to take a critical look at our costing models
especially when it comes to telecommunications.
William Stucke who is the chairman of the African Internet Service Providers Association (AfrISPA, http://www.afrispa.org/ ) argues that though these factors count, there is a fundamental need for Africa to build her own Internet infrastructure through the establishment of Internet eXchange Points (IXPs) in various countries and the building of a Pan African Internet eXchange (PAVIX) to keep national Internet traffic local and African Internet traffic regional. This is part of the organizations “Halfway proposition” which is @ http://www.afrispa.org/initiatives.htm . William further argues that the strengthening of the private actors namely ISPs and Telecoms operators through trade association to undertake these ventures makes for a better consolidation. Africa needs a certain critical mass of infrastructure in order to negotiate for fair terms and conditions. Currently it is estimated that it cost African US$500 million a year for exchange local and regional traffic internationally. Example, your e-mail to a next door neighbour goes to the US and back so you pay to send the mail thus far though it is due for your neighbour.
The introduction of competition is our satellite, telecom and ISP markets
have not had an effect on the price of Internet connectivity so that the
average working Ghanaian can afford. This raises the question as to why
competition in these markets have worked in other parts of the world but not
in Africa -- suggesting that the vicious cycle still exist in some form.
The article reproduced above is by kind permission of the author Eric M. K Osiakwan who is an ICT Consultant and Journalist. He founded the Ghana Internet Service Providers Association (GISPA, http://www.gispa.org.gh/ ) and Africa Internet Service Providers Association (AfrISPA, http://www.afrispa.org/ ). He is also a visiting fellow and Scholar at Stanford University's Digital Vision Fellowship Programme and serves on the Advisory Committee of Highway Africa. Please use the links in this paragraph to find out more. I have added a hopefully appropriate image to brighten up the page.
Back to Satellite Internet service providers in Africa
► Page created 28 Nov 2004, amended 31 Jan 2013 | <urn:uuid:b737b357-a209-47e2-bf19-1cdac82521b0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.satsig.net/gispa-afrispa.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.943408 | 1,928 | 2.046875 | 2 |
Healthy Lifestyles at Work and Beyond
We’re proud of the culture of health and wellness we’ve created at fresh&easy. The commitment to healthy lifestyles extends beyond the walls of our offices and stores. Here are our team members’ tips for developing healthy habits.
You can enjoy the benefits of exercise without embarking on a rigorous workout program. Studies have show that getting even 15 to 30 minutes of exercise a day may help you manage your weight, build stamina and reduce stress. Here are some ideas to incorporate more activity into your life:
- Find an activity you enjoy, like biking, playing tennis or swimming. If you’re having fun, you’re more likely to stick to an exercise program.
- Get a workout buddy (or two, or three). It’s easier to stay motivated when you have friends to encourage you. For example, fresh&easy team members have formed running, walking and cycling clubs in which all the members help keep each other motivated. Link to blog
- Get a pedometer. Keep track of the number of steps you take each day, and challenge yourself to increase them each day.
It’s not as difficult as you may think to eat healthy. It’s tempting to opt for the convenience of a fast-food drive-through, but with proper planning, eating better is an achievable goal.
- Take advantage of healthy, pre-packaged meals, like fresh&easy’s Kitchen to Go items.
- Educate yourself about nutrition and healthy eating. We like the American Heart Association’s website, which offers great tips for healthy eating as well as information on physical activity and overall heart health.
Controlling excessive stress will contribute to your mental well being by allowing you to slow down and fully enjoy the time you spend with family and friends. To help control stress in your life, try the following:
- Try meditation. Some of our staff finds meditation and breathing exercises help them lead balanced lives. The Project-Meditation.org website is a good place to start if you want to learn more about meditation.
- Enroll in a yoga class. Often you’ll see our employees heading out after work with their yoga mats in hand. It’s a great way to de-stress and stay fit.
- Ask for help if you need it. For our staff, we offer the fresh&easy Employee Assistance Program to provide emotional support for personal issues that may impact their ability to achieve healthy balance at work and at home.
We encourage fresh&easy team members to take advantage of all the health screenings and preventative care benefits covered by our medical insurance plans.
Our commitment to health and wellness is one reason that fresh&easy is a great place to work. If you’d like to learn more about working at fresh&easy, please visit our Careers page.
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How are residents involved?
With staff guidance, residents participate in all aspects of the rural/wilderness SEKI EMS system. These include: continuing education of the Parkmedics (monthly classes), continuous quality improvement, an annual refresher course, a special biannual training course (see January course), and wilderness/EMS research. Interested residents also have the opportunity to observe and participate in medical leadership on a national level, as two of our faculty, Dr's Stroh and Shalit, serve as national EMS Medical Advisors to the NPS.
Goals of the Parkmedic program include the following:
Upon graduation residents will have the skills to direct any kind of EMS system in the country. (Dr. Braude - class of 2000, is the state EMS Medical Director for New Mexico)
Residents will build a working knowledge base in wilderness medicine.
Residents will have the opportunity to pursue personal areas of interest in wilderness medicine/EMS
Residents will participate in a scholarly project/research of their choice.
HOWEVER, what would an emergency medicine resident be with all work and no play??? Involved residents have free access to the Park (only 45 minutes away) and frequently enjoy various back-country activities including :
back-country snow surveys - one to seven day cross country ski tours with a ranger surveying the snow pack in various areas
Search and Rescue training
camping, climbing, caving, hiking, snow-shoeing and more!
What is the January Course?
The January Course is a six week training and certification course held every two years. Park rangers from national parks throughout the United States attend this course. UCSF Fresno Parkmedic residents, other interested residents, faculty, and staff give lectures, hold small group sessions, and lead clinical rounds. Dr. Shalit and Dr. Stroh, both of whom are emergency medicine faculty at UCSF Fresno, are both SEKI and NPS EMS Medical Advisors and oversee this national Parkmedic training program.
What are Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Continuing Education (CE)?
CQI provides a way for Parkmedics to receive feedback on the treatment they provided at the scene. Parkmedic residents review the runsheets used for documentation and provide suggestions, if needed, on how to improve the next medical encounter via individual or group education or protocol revision. These suggestions are then relayed to the Parkmedics at either CE sessions, by their EMS coordinator, or by Parkmedic Program faculty.
CE is emphasized in this program and monthly educational lectures are held in Sequoia and King’s Canyon National Park (SEKI). In addition, there is an annual Parkmedic Refresher course, EMT refresher and a mock multi-casualty incident (MCI) drill.
What other EMS experiences are available for UCSF Fresno EM residents?
The eight main objectives for the California EMS Act are: manpower and training, communications, transportation, assessment of hospitals and critical care centers, system organization and management, data collection and evaluation, public information and education and disaster response. These components are also used within the NPS EMS and SEKI EMS systems. UCSF Fresno Emergency Medicine residents have many opportunities during their training to learn more about EMS and become involved in the local Central California EMS system ( www.ccemsa.org ). For more details see the UCSF Fresno Emergency Medicine Resident EMS Curriculum | <urn:uuid:58219ef5-352d-470f-8ff7-3aa3d86b6829> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.fresno.ucsf.edu/em/parkmedic/resident.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703682988/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112802-00006-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.940541 | 708 | 1.710938 | 2 |
Yesterday, Guyana observed World Mental Health Day under the theme “Depression: a Global Crisis”. According to the World Mental Health Association, depression is estimated to affect 350 million people. In a study they conducted in 17 countries, they found that on average about one in 20 people reported having an episode of depression in the previous year.
Depression is a serious medical condition with various forms of accompanying symptoms. The condition may manifest itself as feelings of sadness and melancholy, loss of interest in life, shattered self-image, indecisiveness, lack of focus, short span of attention, restlessness, random aches and pains, irregular sleeping patterns, and suicidal tendencies. Anyone with any of the preceding symptoms, or a combination thereof, persisting over at least two weeks, has a reason to worry and should be medically evaluated. According to the WHO, there are currently about 825,000 getting afflicted every year. It can happen to any person, irrespective of age, race, gender, or creed.
There is no specific cause for depression. This makes the prevention that much more difficult as there really aren’t any pointers. Several factors can be responsible including, but not necessarily limited to, environment, genetics, life events, medical conditions, and some thought-processes that can have an adverse effect on a person’s reaction to certain happenings.
While there is compelling evidence that depression runs in the family and that genes have a huge role to play in it, it is not necessary that a predisposed person may actually fall prey to this condition. Some individuals with a form of the disorder have had parents who have suffered some type of depression for several years as well. What is interesting is that it is still indeterminate whether it is the genes or a life event that has been the contributory factor.
It is important to understand ‘depression’ and then react and respond to the affected party accordingly. Many of us mistake a depressed state of mind of an individual to be a case of lethargy, character flaw, less than positive attitude, or a lack of diligence, and react with scolding and destructive criticism. This leads us nowhere but to a dark, narrow alley of despair.
Broadly speaking, depression is classified as a ‘mood disorder.’ The severe form of depression is known as ‘major depression,’ the longer-lasting, chronic form is called ‘dysthymia.’ When the two conditions co-exist, it is referred to as ‘double depression’. ‘Adjustment disorder’ can be defined as a depressive reaction to a specific life event such as a personal loss in life. ‘Bipolar disorder’ is another type of mood disorder that has a strong genetic basis. It involves alternating periods of extreme depression and those of mania, qualifying one to be a manic-depressive.
With depression hitting so many persons, one wonders if modernity has been a double-edged sword, cutting both for and against. While there has been no definitive indication in this regard, it is not too hard to surmise it to be the case. Everyone reacts to adversity in a different way. Some take it in stride; others are consumed by it.
Is the female gender more predisposed to feelings of depression? This is an interesting question and it has been observed now for a couple of decades that globally more women than men become depressed. It is possible that because of the tremendous responsibility placed on women for raising families in the face of all the pressures of the modern world – including extreme poverty as in Guyana – women face more of the “triggers” of depression.
However, intriguingly, suicide – which is the end state of some depressions – is more prevalent among men in Guyana. Obviously there needs to be further investigation. In Guyana, we tend to dismiss depression as just “feeling low”, but from the foregoing we can see it is much more than that. It is high time that it be placed higher on the national health agenda. | <urn:uuid:1d61f42b-e0ff-4c31-b76a-2b8158a68c5a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2012/10/12/confront-depression/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00063-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962881 | 842 | 3.3125 | 3 |
In the past 25 or so years, treatment of congenital heart disease has been revolutionized by the introduction of less invasive procedures. When you think of repairing a heart defect, your first thought may be open-heart surgery. Prior to the 1980s, surgery was indeed the only available treatment option. Today, children who are born with heart defects still may undergo surgery, but some defects can be corrected using what are called interventional procedures – use of thin, flexible tubes called catheters to make repairs to the heart and blood vessels.
During an interventional procedure, a cardiologist (called an interventional cardiologist) wwith special training in the use of catheters inserts a catheter through a small puncture site in the skin and advances it through a blood vessel to the heart. Once the catheter is in the desired position, it can be used to take diagnostic images of the heart and blood vessels or deliver treatments. Increasingly, hospitals are equipped to perform hybrid procedures, where heart defects can be corrected through a combination of interventional procedures and surgery.
Learning more about interventional procedures can help you better understand and discuss treatment options with your pediatric interventional cardiologist. Please see More on Pediatric Interventional Treatments below for more detailed information about these procedures. | <urn:uuid:73ac1f50-400f-42fc-be91-0917584ab2b0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.scai.org/secondscount/Treatment/PediatricInterventionalTreatments.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00049-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.933363 | 259 | 3.4375 | 3 |
Norwegian farming has some of the world’s healthiest animals. This is due to the strong focus on animal health over many years in Norway.
Both through breeding programmes and other research, as well as active participations and a desire amongst producers to improve.
The Pig Health Service, the Poultry Health service and the Sheep Health Service have as their main objectives to improve animal health. You can find more information about the services at www.animalia.no og www.fjorfe.org.
Also see the Federation of Norwegian Agricultural Co-operatives own website on animal welfare, www.dyrevelferd.info (in Norwegian), which contains much useful information about animal welfare. | <urn:uuid:183cbc66-c18f-4174-a67e-82b517e20481> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.nortura.no/dyrevelferd_2/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00043-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.9457 | 146 | 2.015625 | 2 |
Islamist group a threat, think tank says
- From: AAP
- December 13, 2012
CONTROVERSIAL radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir poses a threat to Australia's social fabric in the short term and may indirectly instigate terrorist attacks in the long term, researchers have warned.
Perth-based think tank Future Directions International (FDI) says while the group does not advocate violence, its anti-Western rhetoric could pose a "socio-cultural" security threat by increasing disharmony between Muslims and non-Muslims.
While the radical brand of Islam promoted by the group is at odds with the views of most Australian Muslims, a disillusioned minority are vulnerable to its indoctrination, FDI's Mirza Sadaqat Huda says in a paper released on Thursday.
As more people join the group and its ideology gains traction it could lead to communal violence in the form of small-scale sectarian clashes, the paper warns.
"In the long term, if Hizb ut-Tahrir is given free space to operate - as is the case at present - it may pose a significant national security threat to Australia," it says.
"As its membership expands, its leadership could become more and more decentralised.
"Not all members may follow Hizb ut-Tahrir's overt doctrine of pursuing political objectives through non-violent means. Splinter groups may form that are prepared to undertake violence to pursue what they perceive to be justified causes.
"Lone wolf terror attacks by persons not directly related to Hizb ut-Tahrir but who are influenced by their plethora of online and print material may also be a possibility."
The paper describes the group's denunciation of violence as "ambiguous, if not fictitious".
Hizb ut-Tahrir has chapters in over 40 countries and has been banned in several.
The group aims to overthrow all Western and secular governments and unite Muslim-majority countries under a global caliphate to be governed by Islamic law.
But Australia has not banned it, with successive governments arguing that would only drive it underground.
FDI backs that approach, warning a ban might only add to its appeal among radicalised young Muslims.
Policy makers should also move to create a "counter-narrative" to the group's radical ideology, it says.
Such an approach should be devised through consultation with partner countries, the paper says.
Comment is being sought from the group, which was last in the headlines in September when controversial British leader Taji Mustafa visited Australia for the group's annual conference in Sydney.
The conference coincided with riots sparked by Muslim outrage over an inflammatory YouTube film, but Hizb ut-Tahrir denied any involvement with the violence.
IT WAS in cabin 5-281 of the Carnival Spirit that Kristen Schroder and Paul Rossington must have celebrated their plans to get engaged.
WAYNE Swan's decision to axe the baby bonus has won voters' approval but nearly half of all voters believe the Budget has left them worse off.
PARENTS are rorting strict school zoning rules by registering parks and relatives' homes to trick their way into some of Adelaide's popular public schools.
TOTING a box of glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts from across the border has been a rite of passage for many frequent flyers returning to South Australia. | <urn:uuid:7270d951-8242-4e27-b054-3dfc74763033> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/breaking-news/islamist-group-a-threat-think-tank-says/story-e6frea7l-1226536336938 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00062-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.954621 | 695 | 1.5 | 2 |
Finally our enemies are where we want them. Why aren’t we happy?
Articles in the NYTimes and on CNN’s web site tell us that our mortal enemies, the Taliban and Al Qaeda, are concentrating in the wild, tribal areas along the Pakistan/Afghanistan border. We learn that foreign fighters, mostly Sunni extremists from the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia are traveling to these remote parts of our world to join up with Al Qaeda and Taliban militants already there.
This a major threat to our way of life? That’s how the media seems to be taking it. But shouldn’t this be a cause for celebration? Our enemies are more and more becoming restricted to isolated pockets in impoverished, undeveloped, and unreachable mountain regions along the border of Pakistan.Yipee!
Wouldn’t you think that this would mean that we no longer needed to be using our precious resources to prepare for a major war with a real enemy, such as Russia or China, that we could stop manufacturing nuclear submarines, stealth bombers, and the like, and that instead we could comfortably rely on a mercenary force, similar to the French Foreign Legion, for own protection?Explore posts in the same categories: Thoughts | <urn:uuid:7ca5286d-b16a-4988-a027-31dda93514b2> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://paristampablog.com/2008/07/10/finally-our-enemies-are-where-we-want-them-why-arent-we-happy/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00026-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.935554 | 257 | 1.71875 | 2 |
Next week is the 104th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, an amazing and fun tradition in my city that until now has only failed to run during World War I and World War II. Now it’s under threat from a different war, one some residential dock owners are waging against the Newport Beach City Council, over proposed dock rent increases of 500% to 3000%.
I’m going to be writing what’s popularly become known as “The Dock Tax” by residents opposed to the City Council change over the coming few days, exploring different issues of it. In this piece, I’ll give an overview of the issue and how the boat parade came to be involved.
Let me also make clear that that the Newport Boat Parade hasn’t been canceled. It’ll still continue, and for the many visitors who come for it, the boycott might not be that noticeable. It really depends on how many residential dock owners decide to “go dark” during the event.
Private Docks, Public Waters
At issues are about 1,000 private docks in front of residential homes in Newport Beach. The docks are built over public land, state tidelands, to be specific. The city manages these waters on behalf of the state and collects a usage fee. Currently, that fee is $100 per dock, regardless of size or number of boats moored.
Good luck if you want to learn more about the current permit process at the city web site, by the way. The city’s main “Harbor Resources” page has a link to a page supposedly to answer questions about non-commercial pier permits, but that’s actually all about commercial piers. It has a page about how to transfer your pier licence to a new homeowner, but it offers nothing about what’s in the current agreement with residents and so on.
Good luck if you call the city, also. I tried twice, on two different days, last week, to get a copy of my own agreement. I’m still waiting for any city employee to get back to me.
Still, the public knows that the current fee is $100 because of all the attention on what the city wants to increase it to be, which is, well, it’s complicated — and very rushed.
City Seeks “Fair Market” Rates
You see, the city has been reviewing how much it charges for all types of facilities in the harbor, to ensure it’s keeping in line with state law that requires it charges a fair market value for public land use. The city especially uses some fear that it could get accused of making a gift of public funds if it doesn’t increase fees despite the state not apparently making any threats or demands that it’s not already charging enough.
That’s why last month, commercial rates went up from around 36 cents per square foot to $1.68, a 450% jump. Now it’s time for residential dock owners to be similarly aligned.
The city held a workshop on November 19, just a few days before Thanksgiving, to discuss the proposal to raise what it calls a rent and what many opponents call a tax. The presentation can be found here. It suggested that residential owners should be charged $0.525 per year based on the size of their dock, waters within an internal slip and 10 feet of “usable waters” around a dock.
Despite knowing what was proposed, the city sent no estimated bills to any of the dock owners. It was left to owners, who received small postcards information them of a “rent change,” to figure out that this all meant they’d be paying $500 to $3000. Or maybe nothing, if they could figure out if their docks were over private waters.
The City Council Meets
I didn’t make that workshop. I didn’t even know it was happening, perhaps because I just moved into a new house with a dock, so maybe the postcard came before we arrived. I did make it to the city council meeting last week, however, which was packed with people upset about the change.
There were many concerns, ranging from whether residents would have to maintain costly and perhaps impossible-to-obtain insurance to indemnify to city to whether the fair marke value of the docks was fairly assessed. You can read more about it in this Daily Pilot article.
I’d say the biggest concern over all of those was that no one wanted the city to rush ahead with making a decision. While no one wants to pay more for something than they have to, I wouldn’t say there was mass opposition to a fee increase. Rather, there was mass opposition to the city pushing ahead with something that many there felt hadn’t been explored enough.
The Council Pushes Ahead
To its credit, the city council didn’t vote to approve a change then and there. Largely, there were so many unanswered questions that it couldn’t. But it also didn’t vote to hold further workshops or discussions. Instead, it voted to take the matter up again on December 11.
Ironically, this will be the first council meeting held in Newport Beach’s new, expensive city hall, a construction of some controversy in the city and one that will be scrutinized even more when the council debates whether it needs to extract more money from its citizens despite having a huge budget surplus.
Postscript (Dec. 4): The city has decided the meeting will now remain in the old council chambers, as it’s not certain if the overflow area in the new chambers will be ready.
The Boycott Goes Ahead
If the council had voted to explore the issue more, the threatened boycott of the parade probably wouldn’t have faded away. Instead, pushing ahead has caused the Stop The Dock Tax group to move forward with a boycott. That image above is an example of door hangers that were distributed over the weekend.
As said, the parade will no doubt continue. Perhaps some private dock owners might not put a few boats in it or pull out from planned participation. More likely, many homes throughout the harbor will switch off their lights.
I don’t actually agree with the boycott, but I certainly can understand why many dock owners feel powerless and as if this is the only thing they can do.
Again, I’ll explore some of the issues more in the coming days. Personally, I’m:
- Not opposed to a reasonable fee hike (I want to support public lands)
- Question the “fair market value” of docks the city probably wouldn’t rent if they didn’t exist
- Question the choice of not charging for boats actually moored
- Have concerns about how the fees might escalate over the years
It’s also easy to write the issue off as something that a bunch of rich people are complaining about. That overlooks the fact that some already pay extremely high amounts of property tax already, in part based on the value of having a dock.
More than anything, however, I was struck by the large number of senior citizens at the meeting, who purchased homes back before when Newport Beach real estate was so expensive and question how they’re going to afford the new rates.
At the very least, the city could take its time to explore this all more in a series of workshops. That doesn’t seem unreasonable to ask for.
I’ll update this post with links to future posts that I do. In the meantime, some resources if you want to learn more:
- City Of Newport Beach resources page for residential dock owners
- Stop The Dock Tax
- Daily Pilot articles on the topic
Postscript: See my follow-up posts: | <urn:uuid:0cc57f8e-eba7-4de8-b279-69a5aa826554> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://daggle.com/dock-tax-newport-beach-boat-parade-boycotted-3202 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00039-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.970715 | 1,625 | 1.5 | 2 |
Paul remembers the exact month and year he joined CLI’s Adult Recreation Services program—June 1979. Over the years he’s definitely become a familiar face at the agency, always there with a smile and quick with a joke. Even though Paul has Cerebral Palsy and requires the use of a walker, he does not let his disability get in the way of being successful in sports.
"The Recreation program makes me get out and get going and stay active," said Paul. "If it weren’t for the program I’d be in a wheelchair. Keeping active keeps me moving."
For the past 25 years, Paul has participated in Adult Recreation Services’ bowling events and Special Olympics bowling and has many awards and medals from competitions.
While Paul has always loved and excelled at bowling, until early 2010 he has never been able to bowl independently. Paul had to have someone walk with him to the bowling lane with his bowling ball and then hand the ball to him when he was ready to bowl. In spring of 2010, Recreation Coordinator Sharon Zull and her husband, Jim, came up with an idea to help Paul bowl independently. They constructed a device that attaches to Paul’s walker so he can take the ball to the bowling lane by himself and pick up the ball when he is ready to bowl, as well as a special "sling" for Paul’s walker to hold balls for Bocce Ball. Paul has a newfound sense of freedom thanks to the inventions, and even took home a Gold medal in a Special Olympics Bocce Ball competition. "I can do it on my own. Even my bowling is so much better now," said Paul.
"Seeing Paul bowl and play Bocce independently is what this job is all about," said Sharon. "Making a difference in his life is as rewarding as it gets."
Next to bowling is Paul’s love of skiing. He’s skied with the Recreation Services program for nine years and won many medals through Special Olympics. Paul is able to ski thanks to a bi-ski, which is similar to a sled. He sits down on the ski and a volunteer tethers behind him to help. Paul then uses outriggers, which are poles with skis on them, to glide down the hill. "Skiing feels like a thrill ride," described Paul. "It’s a freedom that I can’t describe."
When he’s not keeping busy with sports, Paul likes to kick back and relax. He likes to watch sports and movies
(except "chick flicks"), spend time with his family including his twin brother, Pete, and hang out with his | <urn:uuid:71fc0a75-8b25-49f4-9bc2-6b8876973744> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cliservices.org/Services/AdultRecreationServices/PaulsStory.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.983453 | 559 | 1.609375 | 2 |
Her new life isn’t perfect. Last winter she argued with the landlord to turn up the heat in the Philadelphia building where she now lives. Once, she missed a doctor’s appointment because the doorbell downstairs was broken and she didn’t hear the shuttle driver buzz her. And sometimes her little apartment gets lonely.
But Arlene Johnson, 67, wouldn’t dream of trading her new life for her old one. “Not in a million years,” she says.
After languishing for two years in a nursing home, Johnson is living on her own. She’s one of many long-term institution residents regaining independence, their numbers projected to soon swell into the thousands. This growth is happening in large part because more federal and state programs are designed to help them do it. Between 2001 and 2007, Medicaid spending on nursing home care rose a modest 9.8 percent, according to the National Center for Assisted Living. Its spending for home- and community-based care, in contrast, soared by 81.5 percent. And a federal program that encourages states to use Medicaid dollars to help nursing home residents transition back to independence received a five-year, $2 billion extension in the new health care reform bill.
But longtime nursing home residents often face big hurdles to life on their own. Determining whether they’re capable can be a complicated task, requiring a thorough evaluation of circumstances that may seem beyond control.
Out of control
For Johnson, life spiraled downward after she developed a serious infection following knee replacement surgery and had to have one leg amputated. Soon, her husband died; she was alone. Johnson tried to stay on in the row house where she’d raised her family, but flights of steps in front and back made it almost impossible. When she returned to the hospital for another operation, she reluctantly agreed to recuperate in a nursing home.
“I didn’t need to be there; I could look after myself,” Johnson says. “Another woman had lost a leg just like me, and she refused to get out of bed. All she did was eat and watch television. I didn’t want to end up like that.”
As the months passed, however, returning to life on her own began to seem impossible. Simply finding a place to live presented an almost insurmountable obstacle. “I had to find a place that didn’t have steps,” she says. Newspaper ads don’t include such details. You have to go see for yourself. “How was I going to do that?”
Then, one day last year, she heard about a woman in the nursing home who was leaving to live on her own, thanks to a counselor who helps people make the transition back to the community.
“I waited for him in the corridor,” Johnson remembers. “And I told him I wanted to be next on the list.”
The counselor’s name is Nathan Bowman-Johnston. He works for the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, and its Nursing Home Transition program finds resources for people who are older or have disabilities but want to live independently. Many people taken to a nursing home “may not even have a wallet or an ID,” Bowman-Johnston says. “If they end up staying more than a month or two, they may lose their home when they stop paying rent. We often have to start from scratch, getting a birth certificate or some sort of identification, setting up a bank account, finding a place for them to live.” | <urn:uuid:9a181d39-4801-4a14-866e-e76427d87e86> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.aarp.org/home-garden/housing/info-06-2010/the_great_escape.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.975837 | 752 | 1.835938 | 2 |
BLUE HILL, Maine — As has happened in the past, a public hearing in Blue Hill about a proposed development exposed rifts in the community about which businesses are the right fit for this coastal town.
The matter before the Planning Board Monday was approval for a 4,000-square-foot retail development at 16 South St. The development by Chuck and Belinda Lawrence — who own the Tradewinds complex across the street — will hold three businesses, one of which is slated to be a Dunkin Donuts.
The plan was approved by the Planning Board after nearly two hours of public comments from dozens of residents who turned out to voice their concerns about the chain opening in Blue Hill.
Planners asked residents to keep comments on dietary choices or the desire to protect local businesses to themselves. They said it was not within their authority to consider Dunkin Donuts as a business, or to weigh in on the products sold there, but to rule on whether the building met the town’s logistic and environmental rules.
But, perhaps inevitably, the bulk of comments came from residents opposed ideologically to allowing what one called the “corporate onslaught” of South Street.
One resident, Julie Hurley, said she worried that the presence of a franchise restaurant like Dunkin Donuts would decrease property values and make Blue Hill less attractive to the tourists who are vital to the town’s summer economy.
“What we have is what other towns don’t have, which is the absence of this kind of commercialization,” she said. “I think people will find other places to go, where they don’t have these businesses that you can find just anywhere.”
Other residents asked whether the board could do anything to protect businesses in town that sold products similar to those at Dunkin Donuts. Planners told them such protectionary ordinances don’t exist.
Concerns the business would create an unwanted spike in traffic, excessive noise and light pollution also were raised. But planners were satisfied with the proposal, which includes plans to accommodate long drive-thru lines, speaker volume controls and capped light fixtures.
Chuck Lawrence has said his customers have indicated a demand for Dunkin Donuts in town, and one woman told planners she would happily frequent the restaurant.
“I think there are a lot of people who will enjoy it,” said Judy Browntree. “I’ll go through there.”
Planners explained to residents that what many wanted — a ruling based on a desire to keep national chains out of Blue Hill — was outside the scope of the board’s authority. They also said the town’s lack of zoning ordinances and a comprehensive plan leaves the board with little oversight of a development’s design or what kind of businesses can open in Blue Hill.
Planning board member Susan Walsh reminded residents that attempts in the past to establish such rules, which would give the planning board more authority over development, have been turned down by voters.
“People in Blue Hill have said they don’t want to be told what they can and can’t do with their property,” she said. “Well, if you want the freedom to do whatever you want with your own property, this is the price you pay.”
Planning board member Marcia Henderson defended the Lawrences for going “above and beyond” what is required by the town’s anemic rules. She said the developers were not obligated to design a building that fit Blue Hill’s village aesthetic, which the Lawrences did.
She said the town’s rules don’t even require that a developer disclose what business they plan to open, thus inviting residents’ criticism.
“What we have here is a guy from Blue Hill, who has showed us the building, who has a history of doing things right,” she said.
Planning board Chairman Peter D’Entremont said he hoped the motivation that brought residents by the dozens to this public forum would translate into enthusiasm for renewed attempts to pass a comprehensive plan, which would allow the board more authority.
“I hope interest in this project is an indication that there are many people here in Blue Hill ready for a serious discussion on this issue,” he said.
In the meantime, Chuck Lawrence hopes to break ground on the building that will house Dunkin Donuts within a week. If all goes according to plan, he said, the shop could be open by July.
As for the criticism from some residents, Lawrence said he’s confident he can build a development, including Dunkin Donuts, that’s a good fit for the sensibilities of Blue Hill, and he pledged to work with residents if there are any concerns about the restaurant’s operations once it opens.
“I love Blue HIll,” he said. “I wouldn’t do anything that would negatively affect this place.”
Follow Mario Moretto on Twitter at @riocarmine. | <urn:uuid:654429c3-598a-4e5a-b4c6-aa15c19845d4> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://bangordailynews.com/2013/02/12/news/hancock/some-vocal-opposition-not-enough-to-keep-dunkin-donuts-from-blue-hill/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00063-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.973963 | 1,056 | 1.65625 | 2 |
Welcome to the James Kennedy Public Library. See some of our upcoming events......
Game Night @ Your Library
Love to play board games, trading card games, hand-held video games or role playing games? Want to meet and make friends with some of your fellow game lovers? Join us Friday, May 24 (and on the 4th Friday of every month) at 6:00pm for a Game Night. Bring your favorite game and meet, teach, and play with others! All ages welcome.
Registration for Summer sessions of Preschool Story Time and Wee Read begins May 28
Parents and caregivers are encouraged to sign up their preschoolers for the summer sessions of Preschool Story Time and Wee Read. Story Time is open to 3, 4 and 5 year olds who have not been in Kindergarten. Wee Read is for children under 3 and their caregiver. Programs will run June 12- July 25 and will be held on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call the library for times and to register as space is limited.
Adult Summer Reading Program begins!
Everyone 18 and older is encouraged to participate in the 2013 Adult Summer Reading Program. The program runs from June 1 through August 31. The theme this year is Groundbreaking Reads. Registration begins on Saturday, June 1. Participants pick an ‘alias’ and write a brief review for each book that they read or listen to during the summer. Participants will receive a "goodie bag" with incentives, forms and information when they sign up. Earn prizes and help other readers find their next great read! Theme related programs. movies, and displays will be held throughout the summer. Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Registration begins for the Children’s Summer Reading Program
Children infant to 5th grade are encouraged to sign up for the “Dig Into Reading” Children's summer reading program. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 1. Participants will sign a contract with the librarian to read so many minutes per week. Each week the participant fulfills their contract they will receive a prize. The program runs June 10-July 21. There will also be many exciting midweek and Saturday programs that will appeal to all age groups.
Registration begins for the Teen Summer Reading Program
Students who have completed sixth through twelfth grades are invited to sign up for the “Beneath the Surface” Teen summer reading program. Participants will decide how many books they can read during the program and sign a contract to read and review that many books. For each book read their name will be entered for prizes. The program runs June 10-July 21. There will also be several theme-related events during the program.
Love Magazines? Then try Zinio............................
The JKPL is happy to announce that patrons now have access to digital magazines through Zinio. Zinio is a digital magazine database and you can borrow magazines from the library for free! There are 105 magazines to choose from—including arts & crafts, cars & trucks, pop culture, fashion, travel, fitness, and food. Plus many more! Digital magazines can be read on your computer, tablet, SmartPhones, iPhones, and some eReaders. Ask a library staff member for more information and directions on how to use! Go to the Virtual Services page for more information.
Did you know the library is on Twitter? Find out what is happening at the library! @dyersvillelib
We hope you find this site helpful. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please email: email@example.com. | <urn:uuid:d830908d-042b-4fcc-88cb-0136535c15d3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.dyersville.lib.ia.us/?lang=nl | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703682988/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112802-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.946517 | 746 | 1.710938 | 2 |
Generally the Hong Kong is known as such a place in china where east meets the west. Infect there are some reasonable logic behind this notion. The cultural aspect of Hong Kong is in such an admixture where one can really find a fusion of eastern and western touch. Now a days the city is holding a top position for its outstanding development in various phases (specially for tourist attractions and event management).
The city of Hong Kong has a series of appealing features to the tourists of all over the world. The first and foremost name comes is the Peak. It's extremely incredible. Having a glance downhill from The Peak you have to be astonished by the fabulous sight of the adjacent city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, gigantic skyscrapers and quiet green hilly areas.
Getting there can be a remarkable excursion to anybody. It can be distinguished as one of the most beautiful place in the world. Dragged by fortified cables, the tram scales 373 metres (about 1,200 feet). It's so vertical that the buildings you pass look like they're leaning! Whether you're going upwards or coming downwards, you'll definitely love this expedition.
The Madam Tussuad's Museum may give you a stunning thrill to meet over 100 incredibly lifelike wax figures. Just at the time of entering into the museum you may experience the exciting audio visual effect. You may find the wax figures of three categories of people national heroes, glamour celebrities, and historical figures. You can make pose just besides the legendary Bruce lee. Having photo with Barak Obama, Angelina Jolly and Brad Pit or with Jackie Chan , or showing dancing talent with Lady Gaga can be a memorable depiction of the rest of your life.
The trendiest night life in Hong Kong may be found in Lan Kwai Fong. When lights go down the Lan Kwai opens its nocturnal eyes with the dazzling pubs and clubs. You can enjoy a complete young life there.
The Hong Kong park full with nature. An oasis of green among the city landscapes, Hong Kong Park features a birdcage, greenhouse, the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, fountains, lily ponds, playgrounds. The birdcage conveys more than 150 species of birds in a carefully designed tropical rain-forest. Golden Bauhinia Square & Special Flag Raising Ceremony, Happy Valley Racecourse, Jumbo Kingdom Ocean Park, Hong Kong Repulse Bay, Stanley Market & Murray House Aberdeen and s on may be definitely let you not leave the place in a short visit.
To book a Hotel in Hong Kong dam please click here Hong Kong Hotels
To book a Hostel in Hong Kong with Hosteleineurope.com please click here
To book a Hosel in Hong Kong with Worldbesthostels.com please click here | <urn:uuid:a0452317-7b8d-4cd5-bbaa-3c0cb9fbd2ef> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.worldbesthostels.com/news/1558-hong-kong-.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00066-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.914193 | 581 | 1.65625 | 2 |
Ferrara, which grew up around a ford over the River Po, became an intellectual and artistic centre that attracted the greatest minds of the Italian Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries. Here, Piero della Francesca, Jacopo Bellini and Andrea Mantegna decorated the palaces of the House of Este. The humanist concept of the 'ideal city' came to life here in the neighbourhoods built from 1492 onwards by Biagio Rossetti according to the new principles of perspective. The completion of this project marked the birth of modern town planning and influenced its subsequent development.
Ferrara, City of the Renaissance, and its Po Delta
Justification for Inscription
Criterion (iii):The Este ducal residences in the Po Delta illustrate the influence of Renaissance culture on the natural landscape in an exceptional manner. Criterion (v): The Po Delta is an outstanding planned cultural landscape which retains its original form to a remarkable extent.
Ferrara is an outstanding planned Renaissance city which has retained its urban fabric virtually intact. The developments in town planning expressed in Ferrara were to have a profound influence on the development of urban design throughout the succeeding centuries. The brilliant Este court attracted a constellation of artists, poets and philosophers during the two seminal centuries of the Renaissance. The Po Delta is an outstanding planned cultural landscape which retains its original form to a remarkable extent.
Among the great Italian cities Ferrara is the only to have an original plan that is not derived from a Roman layout. It did not develop from a central area but rather on a linear axis, along the banks of the Po River, with longitudinal streets and many cross streets around which the medieval city was organized. The most significant characteristic of Ferrara's urban history rests on the fact that it developed from the 14th century onwards and, for the first time in Europe, on the basis of planning regulations that are in use nowadays in all modern towns. This type of development is known as addizione ; the third phase was implemented in 1492, making Ferrara the only planned Renaissance town to have been completed.
The street network and the enclosing walls are closely linked with the palaces, the churches, and the gardens. Throughout the 16th century the city was planned with the aim of making it a future 'capital'. Its evolution came to an end after the 17th century under papal administration, and the city did not undergo any extensions for almost three centuries. The city plan (1492) provided for doubling its area, an expansion limited to the south of the castle. This extension was completed by a new and very up-to-date defensive system made up of elements belonging to the various extensions carried out over several centuries (ramparts, keeps, semicircular towers, bastions, barbicans, etc.). These alterations completely changed the appearance of the city: new streets were created on a grid and buildings in a new style were built.
The most important monument surviving from the medieval period is the San Giorgio Cathedral dating back to the 12th century. The facade is a work of the master builder and sculptor Niccolo who, influenced by Benedetto Antelami, worked in the first half of the 12th century; the construction of the bell tower began in 1451 to a design attributed to Leon Battista Alberti. Standing in front of the cathedral, the 13th-century Palazzo Comunale was the first residence of the Este family and was joined in the late 15th century to the Castello di San Michele or Castello Estense. This massive, four-towered fortress was built in 1385 by the court architect Bartolomeo da Novara after a violent popular revolt. Works were carried out until 1570 with the creation of a noble residence with large halls to receive the court and embellished by frescoes and marble balconies and logge.
The Palazzo Schifanoia, built in 1385, was first remodelled in 1465-67 for Borso d'Este by the architect Piero Benvenuti degli Ordini assisted by the young Biagio Rossetti, who was responsible alone for the work in 1493. The palace has a long brick facade with a marble portal bearing the arms of the Commandery, the work of Ercole de' Roberti. It is, however, the decoration of the halls, and in particular of the Hall of the Months, which best illustrate the humanist culture of Ferrara.
The intersection of the streets coming from the castle (Corso Ercole I) and the main axis of Ercole 1a addizione (Corso Rossetti, Corso Porta Mare) linking two of the city gates is one of the most important elements in the 1492 city plan. This focal point, which links the modern and Renaissance city with the medieval, is underlined by four palaces: Palazzo Prosperi-Sacrati, Palazzo Bevilacqua, Palazzo Turchi-Di Bagno and Palazzo dei Diamanti. The construction of the Palazzo dei Diamanti began in 1492 for Sigismondo d'Este, but was not completed until 1565. The regular rustication over the entire height of the facades gives it a special appearance. Source: UNESCO/CLT/WHC
At one time the lands Of Ferrara were crossed by the unstable water network of the Po and its meanders. The bed of the river that traversed the city moved several kilometres away in the 12th century, leaving behind no more than a modest stream, which disappeared In its turn in the 17th century.
Ferrara grew up along the banks of the Po on the Roman road leading to Padua round a ford. When threatened by the Huns, the Bishop of Voghenza moved his episcopal see to the right bank of the river and, to ensure his protection the exarchs of Ravenna built a fort on the opposite bank in the 8th century. A river port grew up on both banks round the fort and the bishop's establishment.
The Pope granted jurisdiction over the city to Tebaldo de Canossa in the 10th century and built the Castel Tebaldo on the left bank, to the west of the Byzantine fort. It spread between these two poles, along a street parallel to the river (the present-day Via delle Volte and via Ripagrande). At the beginning of the 12th century the city was in full growth and the commercial axis moved to the north, along a new highway (present-day Via Garibaldi and Via Mazzini), an ancient defensive line, to which new suburbs became attached.
This bipolar system of development was abandoned in the 12th century in favour of a single centre of which the cathedral was the pivot. The centre of communal power (Palazzo Communale, the Tower of the Lions which preceded the castle, and the quarter inhabited by the ruling class) collected around this monument, which was linked to the river by a network of perpendicular streets. Guglielmo II degli Adelardi organized the defences to the north of the town, an earthen bank protected by a ditch and eighteen towers, whilst to the south the river continued to provide natural protection. The city went on developing along both banks of the river until the House of Este came to power.
This family first came to prominence in the communal government of Ferrara at the end of the 12th century, but another century was to elapse before it became the arbiter of the city's fate. The pope appointed the family to rule the City in 1332, first as a marquisate and then as a duchy, a title retained until 1598. The Este family gave Ferrara a place among the states, both large and small, in Italy.
Niccolo II d'Este succeeded in consolidating the institutions of the domain, making it into a true principality. He gave special attention to matters relating to planning and in 1386 undertook the first of a series of extensions to the city (addizioni), all following the same lines. He enlarged the city by pushing the walls further away to the north. The open area created in this way became a quarter through the construction of a longitudinal axis street with streets opening out of it at right-angles and so linking with the existing street pattern. Niccolo invited his loyal supporters to move into this Quarter, which became centre of the city's elite.
During the difficult period for the Italian states at the beginning of the 15th century Niccolo III d'Este (1393-1441) followed a skillful policy. He received the popes John XXII and Martin v and hosted the Ecumenical Council of 1438. The arrival at the court of the Veronese humanist Guarino Guarini conferred prestige upon Ferrara. He was made responsible for the education of the young Leonello, destined to succeed Niccolo III as Duke (1441-50>. The new impetus that he gave to the university, founded in 1391, attracted many men Of letters and scientists, who gave form to the Renaissance culture of Ferrara.
Borso d'Este (1450-71), Leonello's younger brother, modernized the administrative structure of the state; he was made Duke of Modena and Reggio, and followed in Leonello's footsteps in cultural matters. He repeated Niccolo II's experiment by creating the second addizione on the same lines (1450>, reserving this Quarter in the south-east of the city for merchants.
The long alliance between Ferrara and the Venetian Republic was brought to an end by Ercole I (1433- 1505), who moved closer to France. His wife, Eleanora of Aragon, and their daughters Isabella and Beatrice played an important part in the political life of the Duchy and its relations with Naples and the neighbouring Duchies of Mantua and Milan. In 1492 he began the largest and most famous addizione in Ferrara as protection against venice. The work was carried out by the architect Biagio Rossetti, assisted by Pellegrino Prisciani. Working with Alessandro Biondo he extended the defensive walls on the north of the city, whose area was doubled. In this enormous new area he applied the plan that had already been tried in the earlier addizioni. However, Biagio Rossetti used perspective in defining urban space. The main street, which linked the castle with the villas and parks to the north continued to be a private road for the princely family, along which faithful supporters built their palazzi.
Conflict with Venice continued under Alfonso I (1476-1534), along with a dispute with Pope Julius II, who wanted to govern the Papal States directly. Relations with the Papacy became more complicated under Alfonso II, whose mother, Renee of France, protected persecuted Calvinists. In 1557 he began to introduce the principle of bastions into the city's fortifications. On his death in 1597 the Este family left Ferrara for Modena, and pope Clement VIII took back possession of the City, which became a distant province of the Papal States. The economic situation of the city deteriorated, with the walls being attacked by flooding from time to time and the countryside becoming impoverished. Nevertheless, a pentagonal fortress was built in 1608 to the south-east of the city (it was demolished after 1869).
Attempts to relaunch the economy Of Ferrara in the 18th century by creating a canal to link up with the PO and a new port did not have the effects anticipated. In 1796 the city was occupied by the French, who made it part of the Cisalpine Republic. Ferrara was occupied again by the French in the 19th century, and then by the Austrians. When it became part ofthe Kingdom of Italy in 1859 major reclamation works began on the marshlands, the city's gates were enlarged, and new infrastructure was added (railway, hospitals, etc). Damage during World War II was limited.
In the 15th-16th centuries the Este court was one of the main centres for the development and practical application of the new humanism in Italy. From the end of the reign of Niccolo III (1393-1441) it became an artistic centre where the greatest artists of the day were invited to decorate the palazzi and villa (delizie) of the Este family, both in the city itself and in the neighborhood - artists SUCh as Piero della Francesca (1499), Jacopo Bellini (1441), Mantegna (1449), and Roger van der Weyden (who brought the Flemish technique in 1449). Cosme Tura (1430-95), whose style was developed by Francesco del Cossa and Ercole de' Roberti, founded the Ferrara school of painting.
Ferrara also played host to great humanists such as Pietro Bombo (1470-1547), who dedicated Gli Asolani to Lucrezia Borgia, wife of Alfonso I, and poets such as 80iardo (1441-94), Ariosto (1474-1533), and Tasso (1544-95), the creators of a new form of Italian poetry, the epic and the commedia dell'arte. The poetic dreams of Ariosto were given material form in the development of the concept of the Italian Renaissance garden. The Barco, the hunting reserve Of the Este family to the north of the town, which was divided into several sectors according to function (zoological garden, giardino dei semplici or herb garden, ancestor of the botanical garden), was a model for the Villa d'Este at Tivoli and the Villa Taranto on Lake Maggiore.
The university, founded in 1391, was the scene of important scientific developments. Copernicus (1473) and Paracelsus (1493-1541) were among the famous scientists who studied or taught there.
Source: Advisory Body Evaluation | <urn:uuid:e5b88153-bf82-4a68-9438-58d8212ed85f> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://whc.unesco.org/pg.cfm?cid=31&id_site=733 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706153698/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120913-00075-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963509 | 2,960 | 3.34375 | 3 |
The 2013 Human Development Report is the latest in the series of global Human Development Reports published by UNDP since 1990 as independent, empirically grounded analyses of major development issues, trends and policies.
The project reviews Payments for Environmental Services (PES) schemes and other instruments to remunerate positive externalities in agriculture with the purpose of establishing the basis for informed decision-making on ecosystem services and food security, as a contribution to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
The world faces a serious water crisis, warned former heads of government and experts recently in a book that identifies a multitude of associated security, development and social risks, including food, health, energy and equity issues.
“Water security requires long-term political ownership and commitment, recognition of water’s key role in development and human security, and budget allocations appropriate to the fundamental importance of water to every living thing,” asserted Zafar Adeel, Director of the United Nations University (UNU) Institute for Water, Environment and Health, which published that book last September.
Study prepared by FAO Regional Office for Africa, October 2012 | <urn:uuid:522d5197-24a6-4b6e-8f11-0242e3777970> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/fr/topics/poverty?page=3 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00065-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.927169 | 226 | 3.09375 | 3 |
UVM Study Explores Ski Area Effects on Mountain Watershed
Release Date: 05-15-2007
Historically, people lived in lowlands. Except for logging and some agricultural uses, mountains were mostly left to the birds. But in recent decades, mountain regions in many parts of the world—including Vermont—have faced growing development pressures from recreation and tourism uses such as vacation homes and ski areas.
Despite these new uses, most scientific studies of soil and water in high-elevation areas have focused on the effects of traditional resource extraction, like logging. How ski resort developments impact watersheds is little understood.
In the first study to document the effects of existing ski resort development on water flows and water quality in the northeastern US, Beverley Wemple, associate professor of geography at the University of Vermont, and her colleagues, have studied two side-by-side mountain watersheds on the eastern slopes of Mount Mansfield in Vermont. The nearly pristine Ranch Brook watershed served as a control, while the adjacent West Branch watershed contains the Stowe Mountain Resort.
Their results, forthcoming in the print edition of the journal Hydrological Processes (and published online April 24, 2007," show “surprising” differences, Wemple said, between the two watersheds, including greater water volume, chloride (probably from parking lot salt runoff) and sediment (probably from land clearing) flowing out of the developed watershed.
“Our results suggest the hydrologic effects of resort development may be more pronounced than the effects of timber extraction,” Wemple said.
The data presented in Hydrological Processes “will give us a baseline for evaluating the impacts of the new resort expansion that has taken place at Stowe in recent years,” she said, and is part of a long-term study there that “will provide scientific grounding for other proposed resort expansions in the region.”
The study analyzes data collected from 2001-2003. Next, the researchers are moving on to analyze the data they have been collecting during a major expansion of the ski area that began in 2004.
“We’re concerned that folks are going to interpret these results to say, ‘this is all the ski area’ or ‘the ski area is a problem.’ But we can’t—and don’t—say that. We’re just laying out what we’re seeing,” said James Shanley, one of Wemple’s co-authors, who works for the US Geological Survey in Montpelier. For example, he points out that a considerable portion of the water volume differences may be caused by natural variation between the two watersheds.
And “the ski areas may be pleased by these results because there are no glaring water quality impacts that we show are connected to the existence of the ski area,” he said.
Nevertheless, “There is a lot more water coming off this developed watershed than we would have thought originally,” Wemple said and a “measurable” amount of change in the water flowing through the West Branch watershed can be attributed to the ski area. In the developed watershed, water yields were 18-36% higher than the control, chloride about ten times higher than a natural forest basin, and suspended sediment more than two and half times greater.
“The way we deal with that, when we do development, is to plan for more stormwater than we have traditionally or than existing studies suggest we should,” Wemple said. “If we know what we’re dealing with, we can design for effective stormwater management on the side of Mount Mansfield as well as we can in Ferrisburgh.”
Whether the new ski lifts, vacation homes, and other developments built at Stowe in the last three years will produce big changes in the hydrology of the West Branch watershed remains to be seen. “Our results from after the expansion began won’t be published for a couple of years,” Shanley said.
In any case, Wemple says one of overarching lessons of her study is that “we need more information about stormwater management in the mountain environment.” | <urn:uuid:2095aa71-0cca-468a-9921-2cff9445a4ce> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmpr/?Page=News&storyID=10693 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00060-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951137 | 875 | 2.921875 | 3 |
The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.”
Below is the text of a homily given by a priest friend of mine last Sunday.
The Baptism of the Lord, a second Epiphany
Today is the feast of the Epiphany of the Lord; yes, I say it is the feast of the Lord’s Epiphany! For indeed, the Epiphany is not only the commemoration of the adoration of the Magi, but it includes also two other mysteries: Our Lord’s baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana. And so, today’s feast of Christ’s baptism is a second Epiphany – for this reason, from ancient times, the Baptism of the Lord has been celebrated on the octave of the Epiphany.
The very word Epiphany means “manifestation”; Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ to the world. In Bethlehem, shortly after our Lord’s birth, there was the first Epiphany, a hidden Epiphany – for none but the Magi (and the shepherds before them) recognized the Child as the Christ and true Lord of all. This first manifestation was part of the hidden life of Christ, hence it is a private Epiphany.
Today, however, we have the second Epiphany which is a public Epiphany – for it is with his baptism that the Lord begins his public ministry. Now, at the age of thirty, our Savior manifests himself publicly and before all.
And what is the Epiphany which we celebrate at the Lord’s baptism? What about Christ was made manifest to the world today? Behold, the heavens were opened and the Spirit descended and the voice of the Father was heard – This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. This is the Epiphany, the manifestation of Christ: He is revealed to all as the true Son of God, and God himself!
Christ was not baptized for his own sake
And yet, there is a difficulty which arises as we consider the baptism of the Lord. For indeed, the baptism of John was a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. How then can it be that Christ the Lord should come to be baptized? He is without sin, he is Messiah and Lord – why should he submit himself to the baptism of John?
This was what troubled St. John the Baptist – he recognizes the dignity of the Lord and he tries to prevent Christ from coming to be baptized. It is only at our Savior’s persistence that John is willing to baptize him.
And so we ask: Why was Christ baptized by John? What is the meaning of this event?
Let us be very clear – Christ had no need of John’s baptism, it was not for his sake that he was baptized. The Savior already was filled with the Holy Spirit and, from the very moment of his conception, the heavens were opened to him. He already knew with certainty that he is the Son of God the Father. The miraculous events surrounding Christ’s baptism were not for him – he already knew who he was, he already knew himself to be true God and the Christ.
Three reasons why Christ was baptized
No, it was not for his own sake that Christ was baptized; rather, he was baptized for us. Jesus submitted himself to the baptism of John for us and for our salvation. There are many reasons why Christ was baptized, but it will be enough for us to consider three.
First, Christ was baptized in order to confirm John in his ministry. By his baptism, the Lord testifies to St. John’s life and work. Normally, we think of John as witnessing to Christ, as pointing to Christ, as giving testimony to Christ – and that is good and true, as far as it goes. But, on an even more fundamental level, it is Christ who gives testimony to John; for our Savior has no need of human testimony, his words and his saving works give testimony themselves.
In submitting himself to John’s baptism, the Lord testifies that John has indeed been sent by God. Jesus says to John, “You have prepared the way for me, well done my good and faithful servant.” And so, we are admonished by Christ to follow the indication of the Baptist, to heed his words, to prepare the way of the Lord, and to look to the Lord as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
Second, the Lord was baptized in order to begin the institution of the sacrament of baptism in the life of the Church. In submitting himself to John’s baptism of water, Christ prepares the waters for the sacramental baptism in water and the Holy Spirit which he would soon give the Church.
Here we have a great mystery – the reality we witness is turned on its head. For, as Christ is submerged in the waters, it is not the waters which cleanse Christ, but Christ cleanses the waters. It is not the waters which purify Christ, but Christ purifies the waters. It is not the waters which sanctify Christ, but Christ sanctifies the waters. Through the waters of baptism, Christ will cleanse and sanctify the human race.
[It is interesting to note that there is much diversity of theological opinion regarding when Christ instituted the sacrament of baptism. St. Thomas holds that the matter was instituted here, but that the sacrament was only fully instituted after the Resurrection. Cornelius a’ Lapide (following the most learned Suarez) holds that we must look only to the post-Resurrection command to “baptize all nations,” maintaining that baptism is only foreshadowed in the Lord’s baptism by John. In any case, it is clear that the baptism Christ received was the non-sacramental baptism of John; a baptism which was mid-way between the ritual of baptism in the Old Testament and the sacramental baptism of the New Testament.]
Finally, our Savior was baptized to give an example of humility to all who would follow him. The Lord was without sin and yet he was willing to receive the baptism of John. Jesus is true God and yet he submitted himself to the baptism of the Forerunner.
If Christ, who was sinless, received the baptism of John; how much more must we who are sinners receive the baptism of Christ? The humility of our Savior is an example to us, that we might all run to the sacrament of baptism and there find true forgiveness of our sins.
And this is a point of some confusion today – for there are many, and even some in the Church, who speak and act as though baptism were not necessary. They will make it seem as though baptism were nothing more than a cute and sentimental event, a good excuse to get the family together. This type of thinking is contrary to the Gospel!
We have great need of the sacrament of baptism. Baptism is necessary for salvation, it is for this reason that Christ gave the sacrament to the Church.
Through the sacrament of baptism was are cleansed of all sin, both original sin and any actual sin; we are elevated by grace and filled with the Holy Spirit; we are incorporated into the Church, the true Body of Christ. Indeed, in this sacrament we are united to Christ in such a way that the words which almighty God spoke to our Lord at his baptism are applied also to us – we hear the Father say to each of us individually: “You are my beloved son, you are my beloved daughter, in you I am well pleased.” | <urn:uuid:ff19388b-815b-4186-953e-b5eee290ee4d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://newtheologicalmovement.blogspot.com/2011/01/why-jesus-was-baptized.html?showComment=1294764015355 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00034-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.983137 | 1,645 | 1.742188 | 2 |
- Federal Issues
- Local Issues
- Judicial Issues
- How do I invite the Governor to an event?
- How can I get a commemorative message from the Governor?
- How do I get a flag flown over the capitol?
- How can I request a gubernatorial pardon?
Governor Brown serves the people of California as chief executive of California government, and exercises his power as prescribed in the California Constitution. The Governor does not have jurisdiction over federal agencies or policies, such as Social Security or immigration. California’s federal elected officials in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives are best suited to assist or answer questions that pertain to the United States federal government.
You may contact President Barack Obama by visiting his website at www.whitehouse.gov.
You may contact Senator Dianne Feinstein by visiting her website at http://feinstein.senate.gov/public. You may also contact Senator Barbara Boxer through her website at http://boxer.senate.gov.
You can find contact information for your member of the House of Representatives at http://www.house.gov.
You can obtain forms and information regarding immigration and/or naturalization by visiting the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ website at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
To obtain information on U.S. Passports or to check on a pending passport application, you can visit the U.S. Department of State website at http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html.
To obtain information on Social Security and services rendered by the U.S. Social Security Administration, you can visit their website at http://www.ssa.gov.
Governor Brown does not have jurisdiction over local issues. Your elected representatives of local government are in the best position to assist on issues and/or concerns relating to local government.
For issues pertaining to city government, you should contact your Mayor and City Council members as applicable. For assistance obtaining contact information for your city elected officials, visit http://www.ca.gov/About/Government/Local/Cities/index.html.
For issues pertaining to school districts, you should contact your elected school board to express your issues and/or concerns. The California School Boards Association’s website can assist you in obtaining your school board’s contact information at http://www.csba.org.
For issues pertaining to county government, you should contact your county’s Board of Supervisors. You can find assistance in obtaining the contact information to your county office and its officers by visiting http://www.ca.gov/About/Government/Local/Counties/index.html.
The Governor’s office cannot provide legal assistance or advice, nor can the Governor intervene in court cases due to separation of powers between the Executive and Judicial branches, as outlined in the California Constitution.
If you seek legal help and cannot afford an attorney, the American Bar Association (ABA) offers resources that can direct you to free legal assistance. You can request information about free legal services from the ABA by calling (800) 285-2221 or by accessing its online resources at www.findlegalhelp.org.
For consumer complaints, you can contact the Office of Attorney General at http://ag.ca.gov.
If you have a complaint against the legal practices of an attorney in the State of California, you can contact the California State Bar by visiting their website at http://www.calbar.ca.gov/state/calbar/calbar_home.jsp.
If you have a concern about the performance of a judge, please contact the State of California Commission of Judicial Performance. You can find contact information and information on filing a complaint on their website at http://cjp.ca.gov/.
How do I invite the Governor to an event?
You can invite Governor Brown to an event by submitting a formal request in writing, with at least 30 days advance notice, to the Governor’s scheduling office at:
Governor Jerry Brown
ATTN: Scheduling Office
Sacramento, CA 95814
or by fax at 916-558-3160.
Please be sure to include the date, time and location of the event. Also include information pertaining to the nature of the event and the requested role of the Governor at the event.
How can I get a commemorative message from the Governor?
Commemorative messages are issued only to current California residents or organizations or to organizations hosting events in California. Out of state requests will not be considered. Keep in mind that due to the volume of similar requests and competing priorities in the Governor’s office, we may not be able to accommodate your request even if it meets the criteria outlined below.
Some criteria to keep in mind when submitting a request:
Does the event or individual have statewide notoriety or impact?
If the letter is being requested by a 501(c) 3 organization, is the charity current with its annual IRS Form 990 filings?
Is the event or organization celebrating a significant milestone?
There are three types of commemorative messages. Please read carefully; the submission process is different for each.
Official proclamations – which are legal documents – declare a day, week or month and are issued for holidays or public awareness campaigns initiated by state agencies. If your proclamation request is for an event or day other than a state or national holiday, it must be first evaluated and sponsored by the state agency under which the issue falls. The agency works directly with the requestor to determine if the agency will sponsor the proclamation.
To find the appropriate agency to sponsor your proclamation request, please visit http://www.ca.gov/Apps/Agencies.aspx
The Governor's Office does not issue official proclamations for individuals or private organizations; those types of requests are fulfilled by commemorative messages.
Commemorative messages – which are non-legal documents – are for an event or special occasion. When requesting a commemorative message a draft of the requested language (200 words or less) and background information on the organization or individual must be included. Additionally, we cannot accommodate individual letters for multiple honorees – we can provide one letter which recognizes all honorees as a group.
All requests must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to your requested deadline or event date, whichever comes first. Please include a contact name, email, address and phone number, date of the event, date message is needed, and background information. You can submit your request via the web form at http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php.
Letters of Recognition:
A letter of recognition is issued for individual achievements by California residents . They are often submitted by the employer of an individual who is retiring after a career in public or military service. Our office also accepts requests to recognize residents turning 100 years old and those celebrating a milestone wedding anniversary.
If you wish to request a letter of recognition, please do so no later than 30 days prior to your requested deadline or event date, whichever comes first. Please include a contact name, email, address and phone number, date of the event, date message is needed, and background information and submit it via the web form at http://gov.ca.gov/m_contact.php.
Certificates of recognition or certificates of commendation are no longer provided by the Governor’s office. How do I get a flag flown over the capitol?
If you are interested in having your California or U.S. flag flown over the Capitol, please mail the flag along with a letter outlining your request to:
Office of the Governor
ATTN: Constituent Affairs
Sacramento, California 95814
The letter should include your contact information along with return postage-paid envelope.
If you do not have a flag but would like to purchase one that has already been flown over the Capitol, contact the Senate Publications and Flags Office at 916-651-1538.
How can I request a gubernatorial pardon?
You can find information on how to request a gubernatorial pardon and other forms of executive clemency at this page: | <urn:uuid:437adbd4-d13d-4c70-b53c-d4d4b089ef63> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.gov.ca.gov/s_faq.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00015-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.920765 | 1,708 | 1.6875 | 2 |
According to a recent report by the National Resources Defense Council, the average American throws away about a pound of food a day - 33 pounds a month, 400 pounds a year. Add it all up? Over the course of one year, we toss 34 million tons of food . Thirty-four million tons!
Setting aside serious questions about waste and hunger, be honest: How many times have you let meat go bad? Or forgotten about a fridge drawer full of vegetables? Or just overestimated your family's ability to eat a vat of chili? It happens. Researchers say the 33 pounds we toss each month is worth about $40 per person, which means if you have a family of four, your household is effectively setting fire to $160 a month.
When it comes to food consumption, we reach for what we see -organize your fridge to make what you have obvious and accessible. Try these strategies to make sure you use what you buy:
Plan your meals for the week. Map out four or six dinners, assuming you take a night or two off from kitchen duty (plan breakfasts and lunches too if you like, but dinners are a must). At the grocery store, shop by meal. Knowing what you'll do with every item you buy helps you avoid impulse purchases - a guava, kale on sale - likely to go bad. E.g. Monday: fajita night (one pound chicken breasts, three green peppers, one yellow onion, two tomatoes, one avocado, corn tortillas); Tuesday: omelet night (eggs, spinach, one block feta cheese, one package cherry tomatoes).
Containerize ingredients by day. Some people recommend organizing your fridge like-with-like - dairy with dairy, meat with meat, veggies with veggies. Usually, I'd agree, but when it comes to reducing wasted food, I suggest corralling food into labeled bins by day-of-the-week: Fajita ingredients in Monday's bin; Omelet fixings in Tuesday's, etc. Coming home from a long day with dinner fixings already gathered for you and ready to whip up is like having a sous chef in your fridge- here you go ma'am...don't think, just cook.
Organize the rest by how you eat it. While you're buying containers to separate dinner ingredients, pick up a few extra - and label as follows: snacks, leftovers, lunch items. This reduces the chance of things getting lost and it's fun to watch food supplies dwindle over the week. Look for clear fridge bins designed specifically to tolerate the cold.
Inventory Your Produce. Take a tip from the restaurant industry and list the produce you invested in (for your health and happiness) on a white board affixed to the door of your fridge. As you use things up, erase them. This visual aid gives you an instant sense of what's in your icebox, and connects you to the food you are and aren't eating.
Be careful in the condiment aisle. How many mustards, salad dressings and cooking sauces do you really need? Condiments are wallet busters - tiny volumes cost big bucks, and because these items are often purchased on impulse ("oooh, black bean sauce!"), you rarely get your money's worth before it goes bad. Avoid purchasing any condiment unless it's on your shopping list.
Four hundred pounds is roughly the weight of a small bear. And forty dollars a month per person, for a family of four over a year, is $1,920 - enough to purchase a few plane tickets, a new computer, or cover six months of an average car payment. Bottom-line: Food is too expensive not to eat. Be sure to use what you buy. | <urn:uuid:3d222dc6-8535-4dbe-adf8-1876be995e8b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://blog.wellsfargo.com/retirement/2012/04/cold_cash_organizing_your_fridge.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00048-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.944588 | 772 | 2.703125 | 3 |