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Spaceport America may be facing an undignified closing before it's long awaited and touted opening! Principally, because Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic enterprise geared to space tourism program has still not launched its inaugural sub-orbital flight, and ultimately may never activate its innovative idea.
The reason why comes down to a basic matter of INFORMED CONSENT--actually a big matter also affecting other industries concerned with risk and liability factors. And rightly so.
To explain this conundrum (because we of the New Mexico STAR Group cannot fathom why the State of New Mexico has put the kibosh on a lucrative aerospace operation that is potentially worth hundreds of millions of dollars), let us begin with this singular term "informed consent" and explain the dynamics of its implication.
First, the Spaceport has thus far been entirely funded by New Mexico's taxpayers. Over $200M USD has been poured into this project, first promoted by the former governor, Bill Richardson, and now backed by the current governor, Susana Martinez. Other than the initial costs, this is the good news.
The bad news is state legislators influenced by so-called "trial lawyers" will not back the plan based on an insurance matter under the informed consent designate. Meanwhile, there are currently nine similar spaceports planned for the United States, with five already setup for operations: Colorado, California, Texas, Florida and New Mexico. Other than Branson's aerospace enterprise, two others, RocketCrafters and SpaceX have passed over the New Mexico Spaceport operation, preferring other locales. (Respectfully, Titusville, Florida and Brownsville, Texas).
The next question is obvious: Why would the State of New Mexico, recently declared the lowest income-producing state in America, pass up an opportunity that could easily generate millions of dollars per annum? The reason is based on State Legislators to pass laws that would exempt spacecraft suppliers from liability for passengers, that is, should any spacecraft launch and be destroyed. Although this liability clause makes sense to some people, to others it makes no sense whatsoever, simply because informed consent is not a license for industries to do as they damn well please, and come whatever risk and liability happens, a responsibility to safety (for consumers) still exists.
Consider the ski industry, as an example, where one purchases a lift ticket, and the agreement between the skier and the ski resort is a non-liability clause, should the skier be injured (or worse) in an accident. Thus, skiers cannot sue the ski resort because of the accident.
The informed consent clause, as it applies to the Spaceport, does not mean or insinuate the aerospace charter company offering space flights, or carriers and supplies that feed its industry, are not exempt from damage and all related catastrophic events on the ground, not even exempt from gross negligence. Such costs contributed by any phase of the Spaceport's operation, essentially the contractor offering space flights, will, in fact, be covered. The stipulation is the fact informed consent implies lawsuits cannot be submitted in the event of a catastrophic incident on the ground or while in flight.
Interestingly, when the State of New Mexico passed legislation for the development of Spaceport America (hereafter, SA), which was intended as a partnership with Virgin Galactic, legislators passed a law to exempt Branson's enterprise through 2018, but not other instrumental facets for its industry (i.e., parts suppliers). Meanwhile, other space port operations (Texas, Florida, Colorado and Virginia) decided to grant a permanent liability exemption for all carriers and suppliers to their respective operations.
Thus, the reason other potential space port operators decided not to base their operations in the so-called Land of Enchantment, which some might think attaching negation to the noun is really more the case: Land of Disenchantment! Another way to say it is State Legislators influenced by trial lawyers on this matter are utterly obtuse. Millions of dollars of potential annual revenue are literally going up in smoke and flames because there likely will be no liftoff for the Spaceport until this legal matter is settled and New Mexico starts to think more competitively.
What about the 20-year lease Virgin Galactic had signed with the State of New Mexico to operate its alleged commercial space tourism enterprise? According to Jeri Clausing, the API Supervisor based out of Albuquerque, lease payments and user fees were expected to generate about a quarter billion dollars (and more). If Richard Branson decides to go the way of Space X, et al., there goes a lot of money to another state.
And not just the Spaceport loses on this likely outcome, but think of all the feeder industries already in place--hotels, restaurants, commercial tour operators, van, coach and taxi drivers--these people and many others also will lose valuable income. Lest it go unsaid, people in this state vitally need income.
There are also other advantages to aerospace operations based out of the Spaceport. For instance, education, technological and research based on myriad industries that make space travel and operations a truly 21st-Century endeavor that essentially has no limits given the scope of such endeavors.
As far as safety factors go, consider another advantage of space operations in this remove southern location of the state: a wide-open territory where human development (cities and towns) and industries do not crowd the turf of the regional landscape. Thus, should the worst scenario happen, chances of loss of human life and property damage is exceedingly rare.
The bottom line: There has been a substantially large investment in Spaceport America and a change in New Mexico's liability law is requisite if the Spaceport is deemed a viable and new asset to boosting economy, jobs, and myriad spinoff opportunities based on the broader scope and ideal of aerospace. If citizens do not take an active role in this matter, that is, to convince State Legislators the Spaceport is not only an incentive enterprise that will add an immense amount of revenue to the state's coffers, but also put us on a space exploration map for all time.
True, New Mexico is the birthplace for atomic energy, but unlike its questionable fame (by some people's estimates, questionable), aerospace in all its facets takes Neil Armstrong's "One giant step for mankind" to a whole level that can take all of us to a whole new level. By holding Virgin Galactic and other aerospace industries hostage to an outmoded informed consent standard we in this state will not be part of such an epic adventure.
Not only revenue and fame will be lost, but also pride in the fact the Spaceport was likely the first novel proposal of its kind for the United States. Moreover, some 1,000 New Mexicans who have already been employed in helping create this aerospace locale will not profit from any future potential monetary reward. Neither will anyone else. Spaceport America very well may be the biggest boondoggle this state has ever seen!
Dr. Rich Holtzin
P.S.: Please consider joining the Save Our Spaceport Coalition. They are working hard for a New Mexico that dares to reach for the stars! | <urn:uuid:c5445c18-89e7-4915-83f0-14ba0eae6b77> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.nmstarg.com/2012/11/sos-save-our-spaceport.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706890813/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516122130-00016-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.945613 | 1,456 | 1.867188 | 2 |
For banks, augmented reality is undoubtedly cutting edge — it even sounds cool. But when applied to ATM locators, it's questionable how many people really want to see a live street view image of an ATM they will be visiting in ten minutes, much less walk around while waving their mobile phones like a wand.
For Tom Trebilcock, vice president of ebusiness and payments at PNC (PNC), there's value in making the bank look hip by embracing technology that at first glance is not necessarily connected to banking. He spoke with BTN on Thursday about how augmented reality can be used to not only help people find PNC locations, but to position PNC as a tech-savvy brand.
To use what the bank calls PNC Finder, consumers launch the app and hold the phone vertically. The app uses GPS coordinates to find the user's location and search for nearby ATMs or branches. Instead of getting what looks like an "old school" MapQuest view, the users instead gets a much more visual live-feed view of the ATM or branch. The app also calculates the distance from the user's current position.
The power of augmented reality also opens up other possibilities of multimedia content that can be accessed by linking a branch or ATM location to marketing or other visual or text information; there are also ties to mobile gaming. Banks are considering how gaming can impact a variety of activities, such as financial management, payments and finding new ways to engage consumers, particularly younger groups. By introducing augmented reality now, PNC is recognizing a trend in general mobile technology and is bringing that into banking, where its use and be expanded later if and when consumer uptake increases.
It's getting a little company. US Bank (USB) is piloting a similar locator app, and Halifax, a division of Lloyds (LLOY), last week introduced a home finder mobile app that allows people to view and pull data on houses for sale as they pass them on the street.
BTN: ATM and branch locators are staples of mobile banking apps. What makes finding ATMs by using augmented reality different and better?
Trebilcock: It's a more visual view. You can hold the mobile phone up and the image that comes through will be projected on the screen. We will overlay the location of branches and ATMs. You may look a little odd walking down the street and holding the phone up, but you can pan around to actually see the nearest branch and ATM. And by [moving the phone to navigate its camera] you can use it more like a radar…where your position is in the middle and you can find ATMs from your fixed location like air traffic controllers looking at planes landing.
Is there an existing, active demand for this type of function?
Customers weren't asking for it. We have traditional ATM and branch locators in our mobile banking apps. Augmented reality is more of a showcase of what mobile technology can permit. And it gives PNC a chance to show that we are a tech leader, so we were trying to develop something that's meant to be a little fun and not necessarily connected to hardcore banking.
How do you pick your spots when it comes to offering technology that doesn't have a pre-existing use case for banking, but is a showcase of cool innovation that can draw attention to the bank?
The genesis of the augmented reality ATM finder came from the gaming area. PNC is interested in younger demographics as part of our virtual wallet product, and gaming is popular in that segment. If you are familiar with gaming, a lot of it is done in a first person perspective — that is people directly engage the content personally.
What is the path between the popularity of gaming to getting people to use augmented reality for banking?
A lot of people are now going through the process of calculating how to make mobile devices more useful to them. Finding a branch [by aiming the phone at an area] isn't going to solve world peace, but occasionally the need arises. If you are in a different, unfamiliar city, you may get this out to find an ATM, and it may prove to be useful and a little fun, fun enough to have some viral capability, we hope.
Other banks are experimenting with the technology embedded in new generations of mobile devices. Are there other types of mobile technology that interest you as a banker?
I find remote deposit capture interesting. Who would have thought that you could take a picture of a check and present it for deposit? And the phone has a build in location capability. So I think you'll see financial institutions and other retailers using the GPS capability, along with transaction preferences to deliver messages, such as information about businesses that you may want to do business with or that may have special offers. | <urn:uuid:e310d999-9bd8-4e48-bc0b-6eeed78b8772> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.americanbanker.com/issues/177_92/PNC-augmented-reality-payments-mobile-banking-Tom-Trebilcock-1049252-1.html?zkPrintable=1&nopagination=1 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00018-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.957378 | 973 | 1.664063 | 2 |
The New Soft Power
Travel is making all the difference in lives and places across the planet
Some of the things I did in Rwanda would not be everyone's idea of a good time, such as hacking away for several hours at rich, dark, moist African soil with a hoe. But there we were, Americans and Rwandans, participating in a mandatory community service day. I confess to moments of doubt. What real difference could we be making? An expat living in Kigali, the capital, reassured me: "It's great that the Rwandans see the outside world validating their customs, their efforts at social reconciliation."
And, I have to admit, we had a good time. We met Rwandan villagers we otherwise never would have encountered, had conversations (in broken French) that we never would have had, and, most important, had the satisfaction of feeling that we had helped, however little.
I'd never traveled like this before, with this sort of purpose. Many of our readers, it turns out, have already found the same satisfaction. Starting this month, you can go to makeadifference.cntraveler.com and see their stirring stories of trips-with-a-mission—to New Orleans, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Thailand, Guatemala, and more. The way that travel can vividly personalize the needs of others is also the message from Matt Damon, who believes that "we are about to turn a wonderful corner and close this chapter of aggression, where the only American face that people see on foreign soil is the face of a soldier…When you see your fellow Americans feeding people or getting clean water or saving lives, you are really seeing the best of us…the best of who we are—and who we should be."
That, I would like to think, defines a new kind of soft power in which we can all have a role—hence the theme of this issue, the power of travel: travel as the enabler, the starting point, of so much that can be done in the world. If there are limits to what one person can achieve in philanthropy, Jeffrey Sachs seems intent on finding where they are. As we report, the indefatigable economist and ace networker (Damon is one of his disciples) has been using his own soft power globally, with striking results. Then we come to the remarkable work of the travel industry itself. Our 2008 World Savers Awards reflect a huge increase in the participation of the hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators that step up to the challenges of social responsibility.
As I said, I enjoyed getting down and dirty in Africa, but if for whatever reason you can't manage that, you can still do good works when you spend your travel dollars with philanthropically minded companies like those celebrated in World Savers. There is also, as we show in Stop Press, a tangible peace dividend for travelers as formerly war-torn parts of the world dust off their many enticements. Now—as I can personally attest—there is an equally potent good-works dividend, one that accrues not just to the host country but to the traveler. | <urn:uuid:e4fbd028-861c-4e84-9213-77b38553a695> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cntraveler.com/world-savers/2008/09/The-New-Soft-Power | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699273641/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516101433-00004-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963467 | 649 | 1.914063 | 2 |
“You hear a calorie is a calorie is a calorie, but I’m not convinced that’s the case,” says Leslie Bonci, RD, coauthor of The Active Calorie Diet. Studies show that foods that take more effort to chew—like fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains—can increase your calorie burn. “More calories are required to digest them, and they’ll keep you satisfied longer,” she adds. Not only that, but other ingredients can up the burn: caffeine and other compounds in coffee and tea, and spices such as chiles, cinnamon, and ginger fire up your central nervous system and can boost your metabolism. So is 500 calories worth of celery really different than 500 calories of French fries? A 2011 breakthrough study discovered that the quality of calories might matter more than the overall quantity. Those who ate a greater amount of certain unhealthy foods, like processed meat, French fries, and sugar-sweetened beverages, gained more weight faster over time than people with healthier diets. Unsurprisingly, eating more notoriously healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and low-fat yogurt were associated with less weight gain.
Stop the confusion: Eating plenty of low-calorie fruits and vegetables at every meal ensures you’re keeping your calories in check. “Fruits and veggies do double duty,” says Bonci. “They’re rich in fiber, which works extremely well to keep you satiated, and they take a while to chew.” | <urn:uuid:90db2be8-e300-4d5a-bf38-ce8987966804> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/8-things-you-dont-know-about-calories/3-not-all-calories-are-created-equal | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702448584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516110728-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.953184 | 318 | 2.890625 | 3 |
Tuesday, 23 June 2009 19:00
Steven Crandell Videos
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation is releasing a new DVD that aims to grow public awareness and involvement in the movement to eliminate nuclear weapons.
Called “U.S. Leadership for a Nuclear Weapons-Free World,” the 8-minute educational video shows how the US and the world will benefit by moving beyond nuclear weapons. It follows “Nuclear Weapons and the Human Future,” the Foundation’s first DVD. More than 5,000 copies have been distributed of this first DVD with another 5,000 plus views on the Internet.
The release, which features President Obama, comes at a time of great opportunity for progress toward nuclear disarmament. In April, speaking in Prague, President Obama laid out the goal in direct language; “Today, I state clearly and with conviction America's commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons.”
“Political will and US leadership have been the most significant missing elements for achieving a world free of nuclear weapons,” writes Dr. David Krieger, President of the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, and a campaigner for nuclear weapons abolition for 27 years. “Now that these elements are in place, we may be surprised by how quickly the planning and implementation process can proceed toward the total global elimination of these unconscionable weapons.”
Earlier this year, Dr. Krieger led a delegation to Washington, DC to present a petition to the White House seeking new leadership for a world free of nuclear weapons. The special appeal was signed by 70,000 people and 100 organizations.
“[President Obama] has taken us a third of the way to the goal by articulating this vision. Now a more detailed plan must be formulated and the plan must be implemented,” writes Dr. Krieger.
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation wants to help bring such a plan, based on this new U.S. policy, to fruition.
The Foundation believes that sensible nuclear disarmament - multilateral, phased, irreversible, verifiable and transparent - is an essential part of ensuring the future viability of our precious planet Earth.
The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation - The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation initiates and supports worldwide efforts to abolish nuclear weapons, to strengthen international law and institutions, and to inspire and empower a new generation of peace leaders. Founded in 1982, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation is a non-profit, non-partisan international education and advocacy organization. It has consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council and is recognized by the UN as a Peace Messenger Organization. | <urn:uuid:35798f1d-984b-4d46-8bbe-a630e217d11d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.globalfreepress.org/editorials/departments/videos/1929-us-leadership-for-a-nuclear-weapons-free-world | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00062-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.915965 | 542 | 2.265625 | 2 |
The Madwoman is a paradoxical archetype whose manifestations range from insanity and fury to passion, ecstasy and creative chaos. In some form or other, she is part of the inner chorus in every personality, in both men and women. Linda Leonard has a personal acquaintance with the Madwoman both through her professional therapy practice and her own personal life. Here she explores how the Madwoman’s various facets–characters such as the Ice Queen, Dragon Lady, Caged Bird, Muse, Warrior Woman and Bag Lady–have appeared in historical women’s lives, in literature and in contemporary films such as Thelma and Louise. Leonard helps us to understand “how we can live in that energy and, instead of letting the energy take us over in the destructive direction, use it to create–both for ourselves and for human community and for the planet.”
Leonard is the author of Meeting the Madwoman (Bantam 1993) and Witness to the Fire: Creativity and the Veil of Addiction (Shambhala 1989).
Program Number: 2367 Host: Michael Toms Interview Date: 2/3/1993 | <urn:uuid:e27d9635-4560-471e-95c5-4c041aca3ab4> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.newdimensions.org/program-archive/creativity-chaos-and-the-madwoman-with-linda-leonard/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00073-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.932182 | 231 | 1.6875 | 2 |
Although the court's earlier rulings suggested that injunctions should be subject to closer judicial scrutiny than a law, that is a disputed proposition that is one of the underlying issues in this case, Hill v. Colorado, No. 98-1856. For example, the American Civil Liberties Union, in a brief filed on the plaintiffs' behalf, said that while courts could tailor injunctions to cover specific people who have engaged in unlawful conduct in the past, statutes applied generally without any requirement of past misconduct, and so should be subject to more searching review.
The Colorado law does not mention abortion, and the state defends it as a neutral statute that operates without respect to a particular message. Justice Scalia appeared to doubt this.
''I think we know what it's aimed at, which is abortion protest,'' Justice Scalia said, adding: ''I just wonder whether there's any justification for singling them out.''
Justice Kennedy asked whether the state could create similar zones around auto dealerships or lawyers' offices. Ms. Underwood, the deputy solicitor general, said that if the state compiled a record showing disruption and harassment of people trying to enter those establishments, such a law would be constitutional. | <urn:uuid:a605b5a3-4556-4175-8daf-ce4aa10bd53d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.nytimes.com/2000/01/20/us/free-speech-or-interference-abortion-case-is-argued.html?pagewanted=2&src=pm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00071-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.950688 | 239 | 1.828125 | 2 |
Many toddlers become attached to their bottles. They have them with them much of the time, so besides providing nourishment, bottles also mean comfort and security.
But it's important for parents to start weaning babies from bottles around the end of the first year and start getting them comfortable drinking from cups. The longer parents wait to start the transition, the more attached kids become to their bottles and the more difficult it can be to break the bottle habit.
Switching from bottle to cup can be challenging, but these strategies can make the change easier for parents and kids.
Timing the Transition
Most doctors recommend introducing a cup around the time a baby is 6 months old. In the beginning, much of what you serve in a cup will end up on the floor or on your baby. But by 12 months of age, most infants have the coordination and manual dexterity to hold a cup and drink from it.
Age 1 is also when doctors recommend switching from formula to cow's milk, so it can be a natural transition to offer milk in a cup rather than a bottle. If you're still breastfeeding, you can continue feeding your baby breast milk, but do so by offering it (as well as diluted juice or water) in a cup.
Instead of cutting out bottles all at once, try eliminating them gradually from the feeding schedule, starting at mealtimes.
If your baby usually drinks three bottles each day, for example, start by eliminating the morning bottle. Instead of giving the baby a bottle right away, bring the baby to the table and after the feeding has started, offer milk from a cup. You might need to offer some encouragement and explanation, saying something like "you're a big boy now and can use a cup like mommy."
As you try to eliminate the morning bottle, keep offering the afternoon and evening bottles for about a week. That way, if your child asks for the bottle you can provide assurance that one is coming later.
The next week, eliminate another bottle feeding and provide milk in a cup instead, preferably when your baby is sitting at the table in a high chair.
Generally, the last bottle to eliminate should be the nighttime bottle. That bottle tends to be a part of the bedtime routine and is the one that most provides comfort to babies. Instead of the bottle, try offering a cup of milk with your child's evening snack and continue with the rest of your nighttime tasks, like a bath, bedtime story, or teeth brushing. It might help to give your child a comforting object to cuddle with, like a blanket or a favorite toy.
Spill-proof cups that have spouts designed just for babies (often referred to as "sippy cups") can help ease the transition from the bottle.
When your child does use the cup, offer plenty of praise and positive reinforcement. If grandma is around, for example, you might say, "See, Emma is such a big girl she drinks milk in a cup!"
If you keep getting asked for a bottle, find out what your child really needs or wants and offer that instead. If your child is thirsty or hungry, provide nourishment in a cup or on a plate. If it's comfort, offer hugs, and if your child is bored, sit down and play!
As you're weaning your baby from the bottle, try diluting the milk in the bottle with water. For the first few days, fill half of it with water and half of it with milk. Then gradually add more water until the entire bottle is water. By that time, it's likely that your child will lose interest and be asking for the yummy milk that comes in a cup!
Get rid of the bottles or put them out of sight.
If you continue to have problems or concerns about stopping the bottle, talk with your doctor. | <urn:uuid:577f974c-ec69-43c0-a983-3479ee462654> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://kidshealth.org/PageManager.jsp?dn=PrimaryChildrensMedicalCenter&lic=5&cat_id=20731&article_set=57698&tracking=P_RelatedArticle | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00007-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962123 | 782 | 2.328125 | 2 |
Philip K. Howard: We can't avoid values
The best-selling author of “The Death of Common Sense” talks about the ways in which regulation and bureaucracy prevent people from exercising judgment and authority.
Philip K. Howard is a lawyer, writer and reformer who argues that the American legal system and bureaucratic structures have eroded individuals’ freedom and ability to do what they think is right.
“We have this crazy system where we tell everybody how to do things and all that matters is compliance, not accomplishment,” he said. “So -- surprise, surprise -- nothing is working very well.”
Howard is the author of several books, including “The Death of Common Sense,” “The Collapse of the Common Good” and “Life Without Lawyers.”
He is the founder and chair of Common Good, which advocates an overhaul of the American legal system to set outer boundaries of acceptable conduct instead of subjecting ordinary interaction to legal scrutiny. His ideas have attracted broad, bipartisan support. He has lectured and written for a wide variety of audiences and has appeared twice on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”
He spoke with Faith & Leadership about the ways in which bureaucracies impede leadership and innovation. The video clip is an excerpt from the following edited transcript.
Q: Tell us about your work.
I’ve been thinking for a couple of decades now about the relationship between legal structures and human behavior.
What I’ve found is that [Americans] at every level of responsibility can’t do what they think is right because the legal system has become either so dense and thick, in the case of bureaucratic structures, or so random, in the case of litigation-related structures, that people more or less tiptoe through the day looking over their shoulders with their noses in rule books rather than striding forward to try to accomplish what they think they should be doing in their lives.
Q: Why is it harmful to have so many laws or regulations?
It undermines almost everything that we value in a free society. It devalues individual accomplishment. It makes it very hard for people to act on their best instincts. They’re self-conscious. They’re thinking about how to stay out of trouble rather than getting something done.
It also makes it very hard to live by your values. Morality is something that’s uniquely tied to circumstances -- what’s appropriate at this time versus another. Fairness is the same way.
If you’re complying with a rule book or you’re trying to satisfy the lowest common denominator so that no one will ever disagree with it, then you’re disabled from doing what you think is right.
Q: You’ve advocated replacing bureaucracy with accountability. What difference would that make?
Bureaucracy is like a giant blob. But you could get rid of most bureaucracy if you were willing to give individuals responsibility to do the task.
It doesn’t mean deregulate. People can have the regulatory goal of having a safe workplace or treating customers fairly or that sort of thing without giving them 1,000-page manuals to tell them how to do it.
But you can’t give people that freedom to do things their own way unless they can also be held accountable. But we’ve created a legal structure where it’s very hard to hold people accountable.
Certainly, nobody in government below the level of elected officials is accountable. You have civil service systems that make it impossible to fire anyone unless you’ve committed a crime. It’s almost like Miracle-Gro for bureaucracy -- if you can’t hold somebody accountable, you’re going to have to have rules telling them how to do their jobs.
Q: There’s kind of a front-end quality to it -- you tell everyone beforehand how to do everything, but you don’t hold them accountable at the other end.
Right. We have this crazy system where we tell everybody how to do things and all that matters is compliance, not accomplishment. So -- surprise, surprise -- nothing is working very well.
Health care costs are out of control. Schools don’t work very well. We’ve created a kind of central planning -- choices all made in advance -- except that at least the Soviet central planners got together every five years and came up with a new plan that didn’t work very well. Our regulation just keeps piling up without a new plan.
Q: For people who are working in these big systems, these big bureaucracies, what would you advise them to do to get rid of those regulations?
All institutions have a tendency to take on a life of their own, and so all institutions periodically need a spring cleaning. You always need to re-evaluate your ultimate goals.
That’s true in government. It’s true in not-for-profit organizations. It’s probably true in the church as well. There needs to be a kind of constitutional convention every decade or so, so people can say, “Are we doing the right thing? Is this really advancing what society needs or our institution needs at this point?”
If you don’t go through that exercise, then inevitably -- because institutions, for the reasons that Reinhold Niebuhr talked about, are inherently less moral and less accountable than real people -- the institutions veer slowly in the wrong direction.
Q: In reality, pruning is probably less common than adding on.
There is a natural tendency in all human institutions for people to cling to what they view as their entitlements or the things they’re used to. That’s why change generally occurs in times of crisis. Because it’s only in times of significant crisis that people will really face up to the need to pull the rug out from under current expectations and start all over again.
Human nature fights change.
Q: You offer some outrageous examples, such as the kindergartener being hauled away in handcuffs. But aside from the occasional dramatic example, what’s the harm caused by overregulation?
American culture has changed over the course of my life. As a pediatrician friend of mine in Charlotte, N.C., said, “I don’t deal with patients the same way anymore. You wouldn’t want to say something off the cuff that might be used against you.”
Think about that. That’s a pediatrician thinking that way. Teachers no longer feel empowered to do their jobs. Ministers are told not to put an arm around a crying child -- or a crying parishioner, for that matter.
The worst things about this cultural change are not the dramatic examples but the little examples. It’s the little ways in which human interaction has changed. It’s like an acid that’s been poured over human relations, because people no longer feel free to act on their best instincts.
Q: But don’t you need to control people’s worst instincts?
The reason we got in this mess was because we woke up to all sorts of bad values -- racism, gender discrimination, pollution. So we tried to create a system that would be better than the mere humans and that would get rid of bad judgment, and we would make good law replace bad judgment.
Unfortunately, what we ended up doing was also excluding good judgment, so we now have this system where nobody’s in charge of anything.
Not the president. Not the teacher. Not the principal. Not the minister. Not the social worker.
Really key decisions -- daily decisions -- are governed by the blob, this huge bureaucratic blob.
There are bad values, and you need to have accountability mechanisms to hold people accountable when they have bad values. Humans -- again, as Reinhold Niebuhr articulated -- are inherently selfish and weighed down with original sin. But not having humans is worse.
Q: We’ve had interviews with church leaders who say that the higher they go in their organizations, the less power they have.
It’s interesting what happens. We have these movements like the tea party that are arguing that big government is too powerful and we need to just tear it apart. And we’ve got Occupy Wall Street saying that big business is too powerful and we need to control it more.
In fact, the people at the heads of those institutions are largely powerless.
The president can’t approve a new power line, for example, without 10 years of review. The CEO of a big business has to manage it for short-term profits, because otherwise they say he’s breaching his fiduciary duty.
So all of the people in charge, supposedly in charge, are actually responding to this blob, this big legal blob, and they’re not really able to do what they think is right, either.
If you want to restore the fabric of a free culture where people can make a difference, you have to give people the freedom to fulfill their official responsibilities. You have to have a mechanism to hold them accountable, but you have to let them be free within those boundaries.
Most people I know who run institutions complain about powerlessness, and it’s true. They are powerless. Everybody’s hemmed in by the same things.
Q: Can a person within a bureaucracy -- the middle manager or the denominational official -- be innovative and entrepreneurial?
It’s almost impossible to be an entrepreneur and comply with all the law. Most people who are actually doing things today, whether it’s a new social service activity by a church or somebody starting a business, they just do it. They don’t call a lawyer and say, “What are all the potential rules that I might break?”
It’s only as they get bigger and more successful that they find themselves weighed down by legal compliance. It’s impossible to start a business and comply with all the law. You couldn’t do it. You couldn’t know it all. There are 140 million words of federal law. Nobody’s ever read it.
There are thousands of rules in many areas. It’s just crazy -- warning labels, everything. This overlegalized culture is just like a giant wet blanket on the can-do spirit of America.
Some people still go out and do things, because they’re not scared and they want to get something done, but many people don’t.
Q: You’re an insider to the legal system, and yet you are also an innovator and reformer. How did that happen?
First of all, most lawyers I know agree with what I’m doing. If you had spent your life trying to negotiate the legal system on behalf of clients, you’d see how stupid it is all day long.
Also, I’ve always been active in public policy. It probably comes from my father, who was a minister who did a lot of social work in eastern Kentucky. It probably comes out of that sense of involvement in the community.
When I was in college, I worked in the summers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. I was the gofer for a small group run by a Nobel Prize-winner named Eugene Wigner and ended up publishing a paper on post-nuclear war recovery and worked on other exciting topics like that.
So I’ve always been interested in public policy. I’ve always observed the legal system, not only as a practitioner but as a policy observer, and I was very active in civic affairs in my chosen place of living as an adult, which is New York City. I was chairman of the equivalent of the local zoning board for midtown Manhattan when I was a young lawyer.
At some point in my early 40s, I realized there was something terribly wrong, because people weren’t able to do what they thought was right.
I didn’t actually set out to write books. I just set out to try to understand why it is that people couldn’t do what they thought was right. That led to the writing of “The Death of Common Sense.” I’ve been pursuing it ever since.
Q: How has your faith life affected your work?
I suffer the extreme disability of having been the son of a Presbyterian minister, so that makes me naturally somewhat skeptical about the life within a formal church.
But the basic values of Christianity and service and morality are part of my makeup. That’s how I was raised. It’s important for me personally to try to live by those values and to try to be a leader to enable other people to live by those values.
I think one of the worst things about this legal system is it doesn’t let people readily live their values, do what they think is right and make those kinds of judgments.
I think my faith has been very important.
Q: There are many good people who work in a bureaucratic system -- church, school, health care, whatever -- but they feel powerless to act. Do you have any advice for people who don’t have the ability to step completely outside and become a reformer or an activist?
Ultimately, making these changes will require a popular movement, and so the group that I chair, Common Good, is launching an advocacy campaign called Start Over. We are looking for people in every type of job to become involved in this movement.
I also think it’s useful in daily life to believe that it’s okay to push back. Let’s ask ourselves what the right thing to do is, and then let’s just do it. Pushing back against the blob is not only necessary but is the only way, sometimes, to make a difference.
Q: I wonder if the diversity of our society in all kinds of ways, including religion, means that the legal system has grown up to compensate for the fact that we don’t have a single system of shared values.
We’ve tried to create a legal system that’s inclusive of all values. At one level that’s admirable, but it’s also unworkable as currently constructed, because it creates a system of no values in pursuit of the lowest common denominator.
If you let anybody sue for anything, you basically let the bullies be in charge. It’s a version of anarchy. Anarchy is not freedom. Anarchy is rule by bullies.
If you don’t have structures that allow people to run institutions and say, “These are the values of our institution,” then all of a sudden we’re all paralyzed.
There is diversity in our society, but if you did a survey, 95 percent of Americans would believe in the golden rule. Ninety-five percent of the people would agree probably with the John Rawls formulation that you want to try to create a public sphere that’s fair for everyone, balancing all interests.
I don’t think that the diversity of our country prevents us from making values about what reasonable children’s play is or how people can relate to each other or how we can allocate public resources. I really don’t.
I don’t think people disagree that much on those things.
We can’t avoid values. We can either assert our values deliberately, or we can let other people assert them and force them on us. What we’ve done is the latter, and that’s a terrible way to run a society. | <urn:uuid:69fb24c0-6f14-4e57-a9ae-4785974550d3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.faithandleadership.com/multimedia/philip-k-howard-we-cant-avoid-values | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00023-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.960372 | 3,274 | 1.976563 | 2 |
C a p s u l e H
i s t o r y o f C a m p u
s D e v e l o p m en t
Establishment of the Illinois Industrial University
The Griggs Bill, signed by Governor Richard J. Oglesby on February 29, 1867, officially established the location of the Illinois Industrial University in Urbana-Champaign and gave authority to the Board of Trustees to formulate plans for the development of the new institution. The original Board of Trustees, appointed by the governor, hired John Milton Gregory as regent to head the new University. These leaders had one year to assess University holdings, prepare courses of study, and hire educators before the enrollment of the first class on March 11, 1868.
with which the new Board of Trustees had to work were not ideal.
The only structure on campus, the seminary building of the former
Urbana-Champaign Institute, stood on the north end of what was
originally called Illinois Field, now the site of the Beckman
Institute for Advanced Science and Technology.
The Seminary Building of the Urbana-Champaign Institute was also
known as the "Elephant." It was destroyed in 1881.
Dubbed the "Elephant," perhaps for its unattractive exterior and huge proportions on an uncompromisingly flat landscape devoid of trees, shrubs, or grass, the seminary building was the largest structure in the twin cities and served a variety of purposes. Its five stories included a kitchen, a dining room, recitation rooms, a power plant, and dormitory rooms for up to 130 students. Though the building (destroyed in 1881) was said to be "ready to receive students" in Champaign County's bid for the industrial university, the Building and Grounds Committee recommended in its first report an expenditure of $7,850 to modify the exterior and increase the usefulness of the building. In this same report, the committee also recommended that the University acquire the land between the 10-acre tract surrounding the main building and the 160-acre tract beginning just south of the present site of Foellinger Auditorium.
The Board of Trustees realized the need to consolidate land holdings to ensure the University's orderly growth. With this purchase, the grounds formed an inverted T-shaped area, extending from University Avenue on the north to Mount Hope Cemetery on the south, with an additional 410 acres south of the cemetery. This T-shaped section (see appendix 2) forms the nucleus of the campus within which a majority of the University of Illinois's historic buildings are located today.
The early years of the University under Regent John Milton Gregory were difficult because public industrial universities were largely without precedent. Gregory and the Board of Trustees struggled with the major problems of curriculum and funding. Financial problems were acute in the early years since there were few appropriations from the legislature. Over the first twenty-five years, the University received only slightly more than a total of $750,000 from the state, an amount far too small for the University's purposes and aspirations. By selling bonds, lowering salaries, and abolishing positions, the University survived this financially dangerous period.
Some amenities, however, were retained. In November 1867 a horticultural committee recommended that an experienced landscape gardener oversee the orderly development of the grounds and that provisions be made for an arboretum of ornamental, forest, and fruit trees. By the time the first students arrived in 1868, the grounds around the main building had been graded and fenced. During that same year, the Board of Trustees set aside land north of Green Street for the proposed arboretum. The grounds continued to be improved through mandatory student labor.
As early as 1870,
increasing enrollments led the University to recognize the
inadequacies of the original seminary building. The state
legislature appropriated $125,000, partially for the construction
of a new main hall (later known as University Hall) and the
Mechanical Building and Drill Hall in 1871; it would be twenty
years before the legislature would approve another appropriation
of this magnitude.
Next...The First Plans
|Suggestions and additions to:firstname.lastname@example.org||Last edited: Monday, July 31, 2000| | <urn:uuid:fa39e962-cc31-49b3-8990-ced0e10bfdf3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.fs.uiuc.edu/hpmp/historical%20preservation/establish.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704392896/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113952-00030-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963314 | 891 | 2.78125 | 3 |
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SOURCE: Dog Ear Publishing
The author serves up a slice of some of the stories of the struggles and triumphs of the Moravian-Czech cowboys and settlers in the mid-19th and early 20th centuries on the Taiton Prairie in Texas in this new book released by Dog Ear Publishing. The book took shape based on stories his relatives told about their experiences.
EL CAMPO, Texas (PRWEB) January 22, 2013
Life was a constant struggle for survival on the Texas prairie in the mid-19th and the early 20th centuries, but it was life on their own terms for immigrants fleeing the oppressive government and corrupt landlords of Eastern Europe. This new novel, based on stories and events experienced by real families who immigrated to Texas, provides a portrait of pioneer life, from events that change history to the small things of daily life, as well as including tall tales and legends these brave men and women used to entertain themselves.
“Free Again: A Moravian Family Finds Freedom, Faith and Adventure Fighting Slavery on Three Continents During America’s Civil War Years” centers around young Danny and his family, who trade Northern Moravia and its Carpathian Mountains for the flat plains of Texas. The serf farmers are drawn to the “promised land” offered in the United States, little dreaming that slavery of another kind was practiced there. Once in Texas, the family finds itself in the middle of preparations for the Civil War.
The immigrants begin building a new life on their newly bought 300-acre farm on the Taiton Prairie. Everyone helps plant and pick cotton, including the women and girls. They learn to stand up for their rights despite their refusal to use slave labor. Danny marries, and an encounter with a strange dark man on Danny’s farm leads to unexpected rewards. When he learns their “guardian angel” has been captured and sold as a slave, Danny and two others ride to his rescue. Eventually, Danny crosses the ocean to fight slavery at its very origin and discovers a childhood act had a life-changing effect.
Author Donald Naiser put himself through college by harvesting his neighbors’ cotton fields in Texas. He earned a degree in agricultural engineering from Texas A&M University and is a licensed professional engineer in Texas. His illustrations grace the book.
For additional information, please visit http://www.taitonprairie.com.
Free Again: A Moravian Family Finds Freedom, Faith and Adventure Fighting Slavery on Three Continents During America’s Civil War Years
Donald D. Naiser
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4575-1488-3 164 pages $11.99 US
Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere.
About Dog Ear Publishing, LLC
Dog Ear Publishing offers completely customized self-publishing services for independent authors. We provide cost-effective, fast, and highly profitable services to publish and distribute independently published books. Our book publishing and distribution services reach worldwide. Dog Ear authors retain all rights and complete creative control throughout the entire self-publishing process. Self-publishing services are available globally at http://www.dogearpublishing.net
and from our offices in Indianapolis.
Dog Ear Publishing – self-publishing that actually makes sense.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2013/1/prweb10325687.htm | <urn:uuid:08adefde-f849-4fbf-8aee-01b77e3d0f40> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.katv.com/story/20648859/immigrants-to-texas-fight-for-freedom-new-release-by-donald-naiser | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.952539 | 761 | 2.109375 | 2 |
Liquid water thrives beneath Mars surface - NASA
NASA today unleashed its "squirting gun" by making bold claims about the presence of very liquid, very flowing water on Mars.
Photographs taken over the past seven years reveal changes in Mars' landscape that seem to indicate the presence of an underground water supply. The subsurface "water" has crept up to feed two gullies clearly visibly in the Mars pictures. While NASA has already discussed the presence of ice and water vapor in the past, it is particularly thrilled about the prospect of liquid water given that it could foster microbial life.
Scientists have long pointed to evidence such as vast channels on Mars that water once flowed on the planet. Now, however, it seems that liquid water may have been on the move in just the last few years and even today.
"We have had this story of ancient water on Mars," said Ken Edgett, a scientist with Malin Space Science Systems, during a press conference. "Today, we are talking about liquid water that is present on Mars right now.
"You have all heard of a smoking gun. (This) is a squirting gun."
You'll find NASA's images here.
As with most of NASA's squirting guns, there's little actual proof that the liquid in question is water beyond observations made by scientists. The space agency could end up sending a rover to explore the site in question or may use other probes to try and assess the chemical composition of the area for more proof of liquid water.
NASA believes that the subsurface water freezes almost immediately after reaching the surface of Mars, creating ice or salty deposits.
"These fresh deposits suggest that at some places and times on present-day Mars, liquid water is emerging from beneath the ground and briefly flowing down the slopes," said Michael Malin of Malin Space Science Systems. "This possibility raises questions about how the water would stay melted below ground, how widespread it might be, and whether there's a below-ground wet habitat conducive to life. Future missions may provide the answers." ® | <urn:uuid:ccc4d49b-f51b-4d3d-9359-67f7b5401227> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/12/06/nasa_mars_water/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00017-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.959653 | 422 | 3.140625 | 3 |
Most of us could easily distinguish between spoken English and French. But could you tell the difference between an English and a French speaker just by looking at the movements of their lips? It seems like a difficult task. But surprising new evidence suggest that babies can meet this challenge at just a few months of age.
Young infants can certainly tell the difference between the sounds of different languages. Whitney Weikum and colleagues from the University of British Columbia decided to test their powers of visual discrimination.
They showed 36 English babies silent video clips of bilingual French-English speakers reading out the same sentence in one of the two languages. When they babies had become accustomed to these, Weikum showed them different clips of the same speakers reading out new sentences, some in English and some in French.
When the languages of the new sentences matched those of the old ones, the infants didn’t react unusually. But when the language was switched, they spent more time looking at the monitors. This is a classic test for child psychologists and it means that the infants saw something that drew their attention. They noticed the language change.
Weikum found that the babies have this ability at 4 and 6 months of age, but lose it by their eighth month. During the same time, other studies have found that infants become worse at telling apart consonant and vowel sounds from other languages, and even musical rhythms from other cultures.
It seems that initially, infants are sensitive to the properties of a wide range of languages. But without continuing exposure, their sensitivities soon narrowed to the range that is most relevant for their mother tongue. To test this idea, Weikum repeated his experiments on bilingual infants. Sure enough, at 8 months, these babies could still visually tell the difference between English and French speakers.
We normally think of lip-reading as a trick used only by deaf people. But this study suggests that the shapes our mouths make when we talk provide all of us with very important visual clues. From a very early age, infants are programmed to sense these clues, and this so-called ‘visual speech’ may even help them to learn the characteristics of their native tongue.
Reference: Weikam, Vouloumanos, Navarra, Soto-Faraco, Sebastian-Galles & Werker. 2007. Visual language discrimination in infancy. Science 316: 1159. | <urn:uuid:3024351a-cf58-481e-b506-e13592e43c15> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/notrocketscience/2009/03/07/babies-can-tell-apart-different-languages-with-visual-cues-alone/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00015-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.964178 | 484 | 3.890625 | 4 |
Since entering education in 2003, Nick has been interested in motivation in learning and has conducted informal research into different aspects of the motivation of learners.
A professional project into the effect of praise on pupil engagement was conducted in 2004 at Glenrothes High School with findings linked to the work of Alfie Kohn.
Since September 2010, Nick has been adapting an idea presented by Tom Chatfield in his 2010 TED talk, 7 Ways Games Reward the Brain, to engage and modify motivation in a challenging classroom environment. This adaption uses games design methods to provide a mechanism by which first extrinsic motivation is induced and then potentially evolved into its intrinsic cousin giving the students a lifelong learning ethos and better opportunities than they otherwise might have had. Nick spoke about this work at Teachmeet SLF12 in September 2012.
At Glenwood High School in 2008, Nick set up a challenging cognitive development project and has returned to this from time to time to observe how different groups of learners respond to it. He spoke about this at Teachmeet SLF09.
Teachmeets and the Scottish Learning Festival
Teachmeets and the SLF are valuable and effective CPD. Nick has been a regular participant in teachmeet events and has organised a couple for Physics teachers (Teachmeet Physics, Perth, March 2009 and Teachmeet PhysTech, Dundee, May 2010). Some of the presentations he has given are listed below.
- Online teaching resources at Teachmeet 07 at the SLF. Stuart Meldrum wrote it up.
- ICT in the classroom at Teachmeet Perth 08. There’s a nice report here.
- Mathematical modelling in the new Higher at Teachmeet Physics, March 2009. Flashmeeting replay here.
- A critical thinking task at Teachmeet SLF09 at the BBC. Flashmeeting replay here (from 2:30:00).
- This is a pencil, Teachmeet Mobile, December 2009 (via audio link). Audio here.
- Using the WiiMote as an IWB at Teachmeet PhysTech, Dundee, May 2010.
- Motivation at Teachmeet UK Snow, December 2010 (via video link).
- Looking for Literacy in Science at Teachmeet Fife, March 2011. Notes here, replay here (13 minutes to 22 minutes).
- Using games design to motivate in the classroom at Teachmeet SLF12, September 2012.
“…easily the best thing I saw there the whole day.”
“Thanks for getting me to stop and think about what it is I’m actually trying to achieve with the kids I teach…”
“Like many folk, I’ve been struggling somewhat with the whole CfE thing, and what I could and should be doing with the Science I teach, indeed I’ve been embedding, HWB, literacy and numeracy activities in the work for some while now, but I see that you’re taking it far beyond that to where it really needs to go.”
The Times Educational Supplement ran an article on Nick’s work with literacy in science in September 2011. | <urn:uuid:8d11bdec-215a-4926-ad37-2176474cb317> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://cullaloe.com/curious/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00059-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.949137 | 648 | 2.28125 | 2 |
A freeway in the middle of the ocean, thousands of acres of interconnected parks, LAX under a glass dome, and Disneyland: Burbank. These are just a few of the projects that would have changed the landscape of Los Angeles, that is if they were ever built.
“Never Built: Los Angeles” is an exhibit opening at the Architecture and Design Museum of Los Angeles on July 27th. Using a collection of blueprints, maps, models, and plans, “Never Built” will explore what the past hoped for the future of Los Angeles. Due to a myriad of issues, including politics, bureaucracy, citizen unrest, and money, these grandiose plans never came to fruition. The exhibit tells the story of Los Angeles; a city of freedom, a city of imagination, and a city divided. By examining the well-worn roads (and abandoned housing projects) of the past, we can begin to answer the question of what does the future of Los Angeles hold.
The brainchild of co-curators Sam Lubell and Greg Goldin, both architecture writers and urban planning enthusiasts, “Never Built” was conceived with help by the Getty Center, Clive Wilkinson Architects, and a kickstarter campaign that raised over 43,000 dollars.
We sat down with Sam Lubell at a place that, thank the heavens, was built; Langer’s Deli in Los Angeles. We discussed the beginnings of “Never Built,” the most ambitious projects he’s come across, a Disney Marine Park in Long Beach, and the future of Los Angeles urban planning. | <urn:uuid:d290c278-aa0b-4431-8619-45afd30ab503> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://untappedcities.com/category/architecture/transit/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698924319/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516100844-00028-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.940361 | 330 | 2.3125 | 2 |
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — A new research organization has launched a website on home schooling — www.ICHER.org — that is available to anyone looking for information on the topic.
Robert Kunzman, a faculty member at Indiana University, brought together some of the world's top scholars on home schooling to share ideas and research.
"The center grew out of an ongoing collaboration with several colleagues across the world who study home schooling and who have expressed a desire to create a network of scholars who can exchange ideas, share research and contribute more to the public and policy conversations about home schooling," he said.
The International Center for Home Education Research's founding board members are from the United States, Canada and Europe.
"The members of the center have more than 65 combined years of home-school research experience," Kunzman said. "We're all interested in questions about what home-schoolers are doing and what's the significance of it for their children and for broader society. A research center that serves as a clearinghouse for research and an opportunity for scholarly dialogue and collaboration can be an effective tool for contributing to the public conversation."
The organization and the website are intended to provide a resource for anyone, from parents to the press, to find information and to gain insight into home schooling.
"Our goal is to present home schooling neither as the answer for everything nor as a problem that needs to be solved," Kunzman said, "but rather as a fascinating educational phenomenon that deserves thoughtful analysis and commentary."
According to the U.S. Department of Education, 1.5 million students were home-schooled in the United States in 2007, a number that is likely an undercount. Kunzman estimated the number is probably more than 2 million.
Until now there hasn't been a nonpartisan research group for home schooling, despite those numbers, the university said. | <urn:uuid:29d40881-c023-43c0-8eba-66c291b45992> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/sep/17/no-headline---homeschool/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00069-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.971508 | 380 | 2.625 | 3 |
I hope you will use your progress report as a time to celebrate your accomplishments and set new goals. Can you believe we are 2/3 done with second grade already? So much to learn in our final 1/3 of the year… (Don’t you love how I can squeeze fractions in everywhere?)
I have noticed a lack of attention to many of the high frequency words we learned to spell last year. OBVIOUSLY you should be paying careful attention to your spelling WHENEVER you write, not just for the spelling test! (Some of us seem to forget this…)
Our spelling this week focuses on fifteen of these high frequency words that I have noticed have been mutilated a lot lately. It is not only important to learn how to spell these words, but also to learn when and how they are to be used, and to use them to help you spell any related words.
One of the words is “their”, as in I went over to their house on Sunday. It’s the kind that shows ownership.
Another of the words is “could”. If you know this word, you also know would and should. They’re all in the Oh U Lazy Dog (ould) family, right?
Finally, be careful with the contractions. The apostrophe goes where the letter or letters “fell out” when the two words got smooshed together.
Do not -> Don’t (the o fell out).
This week’s list is, of course, on Spelling City. I put it right at the top of all my lists this time so it would be easy to find. Or you could just click on the link right here and it should bring you right to that list.
Last, but not least, Happy Vernal Equinox! If you’d like to explore the science of this special time further, you can try these activities at Scholastic. (Click the word to open the link.) | <urn:uuid:c7612b76-f2db-48bd-af78-4000b59c012e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://blogs.falmouth.k12.ma.us/jkirincich/2010/03/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700958435/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516104238-00016-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962646 | 417 | 2.5625 | 3 |
Graham Wood/Getty Images
Jerry Lee Lewis, a pianist Isacoff classifies as a 'combustible,' performs at the Rainbow in London in 1972.
Jerry Lee Lewis, a pianist Isacoff classifies as a 'combustible,' performs at the Rainbow in London in 1972. Graham Wood/Getty Images
The art of the piano is a study in evolution — of both an instrument and of human talent. Among us there have been a rare few whose gifts included the physical dexterity, the innate musicality and the creativity to make the instrument sound brilliant.
Mozart did it first. More recently — as Stuart Isacoff notes in his new book, A Natural History Of The Piano — jazz great Oscar Peterson did. Isacoff spoke to All Things Considered host Robert Siegel about what he means by a "natural history."
"I was searching for connections between different eras, different genres of music," Isacoff says. "Normally, things are viewed in these little segmented boxes. There's classical, and then there's jazz; romantic, and then there's baroque. I find that very dissatisfying. I was trying to find the thread that connects one type of music — one type of musician — to another, and to follow that thread in some kind of natural, evolutionary way."
Isacoff explains his thought process: "In order to come up with these categories, I looked to the sound of the piano itself. You begin with a strike of the hammer against the string and its kind of percusson. That's followed by a soaring, singing-like sound, that's pinched a bit. We have a sound in the piano that tuners refer to as 'beating,' — it's a kind of 'wah-wah-wah.' Combine all this with the great dynamic range of the instrument, and you have the possible combinations of sound in any particular style."
Like any good naturalist, say, a botanist, he has divided the great pianists and composers for piano, the particular styles created by the combinations of sound, into four subspecies. The first one is called the combustibles, which include Beethoven, Beethoven's student's student Franz Liszt and their not entirely obvious classmate, Jerry Lee Lewis.
"With the combustibles," Isacoff says, "there's music that simmers and explodes, and these composers all share that quality."
Next come the people he calls alchemists, between whom the connections are obvious, according to Isacoff. They include the French composer Claude Debussy and jazz pianist Bill Evans.
"They create these sort of elixirs of sound, and their main aspect seems to be transport us to another place," Isacoff says. "Debussy focused on this idea because he was part of a group in Paris that was interested in taking ideas put forward by poets like Baudelaire, for example, that sound and color and fragrance should all mingle together — synesthesia — and this comes through in the music, I think. It takes us to another kind of world."
And then there are the rhythmitizers. These are mostly Jazz and Latin pianists, but probably the greatest among them was Art Tatum, whose jazz piano playing stunned classical pianists.
"I described his playing as an imaginary tennis game on the keyboard between the two hands, where they're firing blistering ground-strokes at each other," Isacoff says. "The technique was phenomenal. He scared every pianist who came into contact with him."
Isacoff says competitive piano-playing was more common than one would think.
"There's a long history of that," he says. "In the jazz world, we know these as 'cutting contests,' but this tradition also exists in the classical world — there are famous battles and almost-battles. For example, poor Louis Marchand, the composer, who challenged Bach to a duel — and these are often improvisation contests. Marchand heard Bach practicing the night before the duel and quickly fled town."
Piano players and composers went for Beethoven, too. "There was the one contest in which Daniel Steibelt, composer famous for creating storms on the piano — that is, these tremolos that imitated the blowing of winds and hurricanes and all — challenged Beethoven. He went first, took a piece of music, tossed it aside. In response, Beethoven picked up that piece of music, placed it upside-down on the piano, and began playing Steibelt's music upside-down — ornamented it, varied it. Steibelt also decided he would never return to Vienna after that."
The fourth group is the melodists. It's a sweeping category that includes Robert Schumann and George Gershwin — a class unto itself.
"I also relate these categories to the foundational elements of the world, that is, air, fire, water and earth," Isacoff says. "The melodists, to me, are the water element, and the flow, the arabesques, the lovely, lilting shapes of notes formed into melodies."
Though these categories aren't hard and fast, pianists who are less than Schumann and Debussy can be categorized too, Isacoff notes.
"I try to make clear that these are useful, but that no great artist can fit into only one category," he says. "They all have a bit of everything in them, and I think the same is probably true even for amateurs. People have certain inclinations — that is, to be very analytical and heady, or very emotive and so on, and that these come out in different ways, depending on the player. The same piece, and even the same piano, can sound very different depending on whose hands are being placed on it." | <urn:uuid:75180ee5-3a66-42d1-b993-5c981b598eab> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.npr.org/2011/11/11/142240743/the-subspecies-of-pianists-or-what-jerry-lee-lewis-and-beethoven-share?ps=mh_frhdl1 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00009-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.97239 | 1,224 | 2.453125 | 2 |
We’ve posted our episode (here) on a historical progression in thought that is still responsible for a lot of the hard-to-read parts of continental (mostly French) philosophy today.
First, we read Part I and Part II, Chapter IV of Ferdiand de Saussure’s Course in General Linguistics(read it online here), published posthumously in 1916 (it’s basically lecture notes by his students; Saussure didn’t write it down himself in full). This text sharply distinguishes structural analyses of a particular language at a particular time with analyses of linguistic changes over time.
This was read by French structuralists like Claude Levi-Strauss as a blueprint for talking about structures in other cultural creations, so we read a short essay by him: “The Structural Study of Myth” (1955), which you can find online here, or you can pick up a used copy of the compilation in which it appeared,Structural Anthropology,which will help you further connect the dots between Saussure and Levi-Strauss.
Finally, we read a short essay by Jacques Derrida, “Structure, Sign, and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences” (1966), which you can read here, where he discusses Levi-Strauss and characterizes the limitations of structuralism, thereby laying out his own post-structuralism. This essay was published in Writing and Difference(1966).
The transition here is a funny one: Saussure didn’t see himself as a philosopher at all. He was a linguist, and from what I’ve read, his linguistics is pretty obsolete at this point. What stuck (and what we discussed) was the basic picture he sketched of the relation of words to thought. He saw thought as blurry and formless before language comes along to carve some particular concepts out from others, and these concepts can really only be understood in opposition to other concepts. There’s no question, as you might attribute to Frege or early Wittgenstein, of language being based ultimately on pointing out some psychologically distinguished object in the world and saying “tree.” Instead, for Saussure it’s language that creates the concept. Now, whether it does so entirely arbitrarily is not really something Saussure is concerned with, but the epistemological position that it does–that language in effect creates our reality–is what many of his successors ran with. Since words and concepts, then, don’t have any ultimate grounding in the world, the only way they can be understood is through contrast with other words and concepts according to this view. This is the root of Derrida’s famous concept différance, which is among other things “the notion that words and signs can never fully summon forth what they mean, but can only be defined through appeal to additional words, from which they differ.”
Levi-Strauss picked up on the idea of a language as an unconscious group production whose elements are distinguished by difference and (along with a number of other structuralist writers) extended this idea to other cultural products: they’re all semiotic systems (systems of meaning). In analyzing the myth of Oedipus (which is worth your reading, we didn’t really recap the analysis on the ‘cast), he makes a chart with underlying, opposing (meaning here’s where “difference” comes in) themes in the myth that demonstrate conflicts in what you might think of as the unconscious ideology of the culture. Levi-Strauss saw this sort of analysis as getting at timeless qualities of myth, and ultimately structures of the human mind.
The Derrida essay (which was the early work that really got him famous) was presented at a conference meant to honor Levi-Strauss but in effect rejected Levi-Strauss’s scientific pretensions, largely using quotes from Levi-Srauss himself. Derrida thought that there was no reason to privilege Levi-Strauss’s interpretation of the myth over any of the extant versions of the myth: they’re all just stories related to each other. For Derrida, meanings don’t lead to some knowledge of deep human nature, but just to other meanings, other words, other stories. The chain never terminates in something extra-linguistic; we live in a world of language and nowhere else. Don’t expect a full-on explanation of Derrida’s deconstruction project in this discussion; we got as far as the critique of Levi-Strauss, and that’s it. | <urn:uuid:d5ed9022-9e3b-4d1c-9fe8-4eb20b17462b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.partiallyexaminedlife.com/2012/02/01/now-taking-questions-on-semiotics-and-structuralism-saussure-levi-strauss-derrida/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00065-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951022 | 971 | 2.453125 | 2 |
In Baltimore, the date just happens to coincide -- lucky for us -- with the annual Baltimore Book Festival. What better way to honor Poets for Change than with a tribute to Lucille Clifton, who died in 2010. Her work is a powerful voice for women, for children, for people of color, and for the urban experience. Thanks to CityLit Project, Little Patuxent Review and my co-host, poet Virginia Crawford, for making this tribute discussion and reading possible.
|Our event poster, designed by LPR design editor Deb Dulin.|
Although she is known as a major American poet, Clifton also authored over a dozen books for children. Her daughter, Alexia Clifton, will be participating in tomorrow's tribute. I asked Alexia about her mother's books for kids.
1. Your mother was a prolific children’s author, yet she is better known for her poetry than for her children’s books. Why do you think that is? Which is your favorite of your mother’s books for children and why?
I think that with poetry, Mommy was able to tap into our need for shared human experiences, or "human-ness" as she would say, in a way that other forms of writing simply can't. I also believe that as I aged, I paid more attention to her poetry than I did the children's books. As children, my siblings and I were very aware of the books for children and of Mom coming up to schools or doing readings at various libraries. My favorite is "Some of The Days of Everett Anderson" because it was the first one I remember reading on my own and I just loved the way it flowed.
|Find it on Amazon.|
2. The Boy Who Didn’t Believe in Spring was a favorite at our house when our kids were young. I especially appreciate the portrayal of a boy who has a chip on his shoulder, but who is also very much a young boy. I love the book’s surprise ending, how King Shabazz finds spring. Why was it important to your mother to write about urban kids like King Shabazz?
It was always important to Mommy that her children see their reflections in books. She wanted people in urban cities to be able to point to books and tell their children, "see, he's/she's like you!". We spent a lot of time reading or at libraries as children and always had references that we could identify with.
|This book has a great surprise ending.|
3. I’m looking at the dialogue, where King says to his friend Tony Polito, “’Everybody talkin bout Spring comin, and Spring just round the corner. I’m going to go round there and see what do I see.’” I noticed that “talkin,” “bout” and “comin” would typically have an apostrophe to show the dropped letter.
As a poet, I see the choice not to add punctuation here as a political statement. This is how King Shabazz speaks. He’s not shortening the word “about” intentionally, to sound cool or street. This is how the word “about” sounds in his neighborhood, among his friends. There’s real dignity and respect for the child as a full person in that small choice. Can you talk about that?
Thanks, she would appreciate your comments about that. One of the things that Mommy always talked about was being realistic. She said that children, in particular, can spot something that is inauthentic and that she wouldn't dishonor them in that way. She had six children and so was constantly surrounded by conversations and insights from and about kids. She was also wise enough to know that all children don't speak that way and to respect that as well. Very often she said, "my commitment is to the story or the poem, not to the storyteller." She was one heck of a role model.
4. From what experiences did your mother draw her characters, such as King Shabazz and Everett Anderson? I imagine that these characters, especially Everett Anderson who stars in a more than a half dozen picture books, became like real people.
|This book covers one year of Everett Anderson's life, a poem for each month.|
I can remember Mommy saying that when the first Everett Anderson book was published, my brother (her youngest son) was 6 like Everett. I'm sure that was significant for her though the character isn't based on either of my brothers.
She was always a great observer of life and of people and I think that the characters she wrote about are combinations of lots of types that she was familiar with. In fact, as kids, we would find ourselves looking at other people and saying, "he reminds me of Everett Anderson" or if their were very relatable characters in children's books, asking, "did Mommy write this?" Pretty funny.
5. In her poetry and her books for kids, your mother was a master at the small, but telling detail. I’m thinking of the poem “November” from Everett Anderson’s Year, which is a Thanksgiving prayer. It includes the lines, “thank you for Mama and turkey and fun,/ thank you for Daddy wherever he is.” How would you describe your mother’s ability to say so much in a so few words?
We are as awed by Mommy's ability to do that as everyone else! I do not remember a time when she couldn't. I've been told that I have a little bit of that gift as well but don't bet on it :-)
Mommy was a very complex person in a lot of ways and I think that there was a lot of thought that went into her perceived simplicity. She was a combination of so many things and witness to so many pivotal periods of history and I believe that must have informed who she was. Authentic and genuine connection was very important to her; and as it turns out, important to us all.
Thanks for stopping by, Alexia. I look forward to tomorrow's event and we're all thrilled that you can participate.
Alexia “Lexi” Clifton is the owner of No Sweat Fitness, Inc. a personal training and fitness studio located in Baltimore. With over twenty years of experience and four national certifications, she enjoys volunteering with First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let's Move” initiative and “Marathon Kids,” organizations that are dedicated to fighting childhood obesity.
She is her parents’ fourth daughter and youngest child, and has inherited her mother love of reading and her father’s love of physical fitness. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family and is humbled and proud to be a part of her mother's extraordinary legacy. Alexia currently resides in Columbia, Maryland.
Enjoy your Poetry Friday, everyone. For more poetry and more multicultural books, head over to Paper Tigers, our host this week. | <urn:uuid:56940746-a713-404e-999d-310d6154ba02> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://authoramok.blogspot.com/2012/09/poetry-friday-lucille-clifton-childrens.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700958435/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516104238-00030-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.98643 | 1,477 | 1.671875 | 2 |
30th Regiment, Virginia Infantry (Confederate)Edit This Page
From FamilySearch Wiki
30th Infantry Regiment completed its organization at Fredericksburg, Virginia, in June, 1861. Men of this unit were from Fredericksburg and the counties of Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford, and King George.
Many were lost at Five Forks and Sayler's Creek, and on April 9, 1865, it surrendered with 8 officers and 82 men. The field officers were Colonels R.M. Cary and Robert S. Chew, Lieutenant Colonels John M. Gouldin and Archibald T. Harrison, and Majors William S. Barton and Robert O. Peatross.
Companies in this Regiment with the Counties of Origin
Men often enlisted in a company recruited in the counties where they lived though not always. After many battles, companies might be combined because so many men were killed or wounded. However if you are unsure which company your ancestor was in, try the company recruited in his county first.
Company A (Washington Guards) - many men from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County
Company B (Fredericksburg Grays) - many men from Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania County
Company C (Gordon Rifles) - many men from Spotsylvania County
Company D (Mount Pleasant Rifles - many men from Spotsylvania County
Company E (Caroline Grays) - many men from Caroline County
Company F (Bowling Green Guards) - many men from Caroline County
Company G ( Chilesburg Light Infantry) - many men from Caroline County including muster rolls
Company H (Sparta Grays) - many men from Caroline County
Company I (Captain Braxton's Company - many men from Stafford County
Company K (King George Grays) - many men from King George County
The information above is from 30th Virginia Infantry by Robert K. Krick. along with FHL book 975.5362 H2w including muster rolls for companies E, F, G and H.
- Beginning United States Civil War Research gives steps for finding information about a Civil War soldier or sailor. It covers the major records that should be used. Additional records are described in Virginia in the Civil War and United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865.
- National Park Service, The Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System, is searchable by soldier's name and state. It contains basic facts about soldiers on both sides of the Civil War, a list of regiments, descriptions of significant battles, sources of the information, and suggestions for where to find additional information.
- Virginia in the Civil War describes many Confederate and Union sources, specifically for Virginia, and how to find them.. These include compiled service records, pension records, rosters, cemetery records, Internet databases, published books, etc.
- United States Civil War, 1861 to 1865 describes and explains United States and Confederate States records, rather than state records, and how to find them. These include veterans’ censuses, compiled service records, pension records, rosters, cemetery records, Internet databases, published books, etc.
- Early, Jubal Anderson and R.H. Early. Lieutenant General Jubal Anderson Early C.S.A.: Autobiographical Sketch and Narrative of the War between the States. Philadelphia, Pa.: J.B. Lippincott Co., 1912. Digital version at Google Books; FHL Fiche 6082220 (6 fiche).
- Sifakis, Stewart. Compendium of the Confederate Armies: Virginia. New York, NY: Facts on File, 1992- 1995. (Family History Library book 975 M2ss, Ten Volumes.) This gives organization information for each unit and its field officers, assignments, and battles. It also lists sources further reading. Volume 5 is for Virginia.
- Wallace, Lee A. A Guide to Virginia Military Organizations, 1861-1865. Lynchburg, Virginia: H. E. Howard, 1986. (Family History Library book 975.5 M2vr, Volume 29.) This gives brief historical sketches of each regiment and lists officers, company names, and commanders.
- This page was last modified on 12 December 2011, at 20:20.
- This page has been accessed 692 times.
New to the Research Wiki?
In the FamilySearch Research Wiki, you can learn how to do genealogical research or share your knowledge with others.Learn More | <urn:uuid:55dfabd1-98aa-4021-bc41-1cb90fc3a325> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/30th_Regiment,_Virginia_Infantry_(Confederate) | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00022-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.924904 | 932 | 2.734375 | 3 |
The number of European and US IT jobs sent offshore will decline from 2014, as businesses begin to run out of roles that can be carried out abroad.
Within the next 10 years the flow of IT jobs offshore is likely to cease, as there will be few roles left suitable for moving to low-cost countries like India and China, research by The Hackett Group found.
By 2016 almost 1.1 million IT jobs will have been sent offshore, according to the research, which examined data on 4,700 companies with annual revenue over $1bn headquartered in the US and Europe.
“In the US and Europe, offshoring of business services and the rapid transformation of shared services into global business services, have had a significant negative impact on the jobs outlook for nearly a decade,” said The Hackett Group chief research officer Michel Janssen.
“That trend is going to continue to hit us hard in the short-term. But after the offshoring spike driven by the great recession in 2009, the well is clearly beginning to dry up.
“A decade from now the landscape will have fundamentally changed, and the flow of business services jobs to India and other low-cost countries will have ceased.”
However, the report predicts that IT jobs that have been offshored won’t return to their country of origin, saying “this trend is irreversible”.
The large-scale movement of IT service jobs and supply chains from western countries to offshore locations could see offshore destinations become global hubs for activities like application development.
“As product/service lines, go-to-market strategies and supply chains become more global, the portfolio of business services required to support these global operations must become more global as well. The result is that it is no longer natural or even appropriate for the center of business services delivery to remain in the traditional domestic market,” the report said.
Despite the continued flow of IT roles offshore the report predicts new domestic demand for IT specialists in western nations as IT spreads to a larger number of products.
“These cutbacks aside, as companies embed technology into an expanding range of products, new IT jobs in their product development organizations are being created. Finally, the IT industry (hardware, software and telecommunication) itself continues to grow, creating additional demand for IT workers,” the report said.
“As a result, the picture of the IT job market is not nearly as bleak as suggested by the 15-year trend.” | <urn:uuid:63f9e672-9abb-4a2e-b317-ae9843430576> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/cio-insights/offshoring-to-end-as-businesses-run-out-of-jobs-to-outsource/346 | 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 | 0.96099 | 518 | 2.203125 | 2 |
U.S. pork producers on Sunday began publicly working to reassure consumers about the safety of their product as the number of confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States and abroad continued to grow. As of Sunday, there were 20 confirmed cases of the new swine flu in the U.S. states of California, Kansas, Ohio, Texas and New York, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus has already sickened hundreds and killed dozens in Mexico, reported the ...
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Released September 09, 2010
The Financial Times (UK) - 4 September 2010
Exquisite artefacts from the Forbidden City
By Jamil Anderlini
The Qianlong emperor ruled China from 1736 to 1796, at a time when his "middle kingdom" was the richest and most powerful nation in the world. While countries such as America and France were fighting their revolutions, Qianlong oversaw a rapid expansion of the Chinese empire as well as a great flourishing of the arts that buttressed the belief that China sat at the centre of the universe.
The country's attitude at the time to non-Chinese "barbarians" is summed up nicely in a letter Qianlong wrote to King George III in response to a trade mission sent by the English monarch to Peking (as Beijing was then known) in 1793.
"As your ambassador can see for himself, the celestial empire abounds in all things and lacks nothing. I set no value on objects strange or ingenious and have no use for your country's products," the emperor responded to the English requests for greater access to the Chinese market. Despite King George's impudence at even suggesting more interaction between Chinese and foreigners, Qianlong forgave him the affront: "I have ever shown the greatest condescension to the tribute missions of all states which sincerely yearn after the blessings of civilisation so as to manifest my kindly indulgence."
The letter ended with the customary imperial sign-off: "Tremble and Obey."
The emperor obviously had no premonition of the humiliating British-led opium wars and foreign domination of China that were to unfold over the next century and a half.
Today, China has just overtaken Japan as the world's second-largest economy and its seemingly inexorable economic and military rise is seen by many as a return to its rightful position in the world. It's in this context that an extremely rare exhibition of Qianlong's private artworks is going on display at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, next week before travelling to the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and then the Milwaukee Art Museum early next year.
The exhibition, organised in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund and the Palace Museum in Beijing, boasts 90 exquisite objects of ceremony and leisure, including murals, furniture, paintings, screens and jade artefacts. These objects all come from the secret garden retirement complex that the emperor built for himself more than 230 years ago within the vermilion walls of the Forbidden City in central Beijing.
Incredibly, many of them were discovered by accident when the World Monuments Fund and Palace Museum began restoring the complex a few years ago. Most have never been displayed or even left the Forbidden City since they were first created centuries ago. While nearly 8m people visit the 180-acre Forbidden City each year, this part has been off-limits to the public since it was built in the 18th century.
I was recently granted entry to the two-acre garden retreat and allowed to stroll through the Studio of Exhaustion From Diligent Service in the tranquillity of rockeries, pavilions and gardens where only a handful of eunuchs, concubines and restoration experts had ever set foot. (Visitors to the exhibition will have a chance to take something of the same stroll by virtual means.) The most striking thing about the garden is just how peaceful it is - a world away from the traffic, dust and mayhem of Beijing a few metres beyond the walls.
Under an artfully designed rockpile next to the Supreme Chamber of Cultivating Harmony, a secret underground passageway passes beneath trees and immaculately designed pagodas. In another corner of the complex - next to the Studio of Self-restraint and Terrace for Collecting Morning Dew - is the Pavilion of Purification, where the emperor would sit in the shade with his consorts beside a skinny dragon-shaped trough filled with flowing water and play an ancient Chinese drinking game. Cups of liquor were floated down the miniature stream and whoever the cup stopped in front of had to drain the glass and compose a poem. This was easy for Qianlong, a prolific and passionate scribbler who was credited with more than 1,300 prose texts and over 40,000 poems.
He wasn't so fond of competition, though, and while he oversaw a 20-year project to catalogue all important works on Chinese culture he also burnt or banned thousands of books and carried out a number of literary inquisitions that often ended with "death by a thousand cuts" for the offending author.
Despite the dismissive attitude towards foreign barbarians Qianlong displayed in his correspondence with King George, the imperial court of the time actually included a number of French and Italian artists and architects. In many of the pieces on display in this exhibition and throughout the secret garden complex, you can see hints of obvious foreign influence, especially in the objects that incorporate glass, which was not widely produced in China at the time.
But perhaps the most interesting piece is composed of 16 delicate lacquer screen panels decorated with jade and gold paint. On one side are grotesque and distorted black and white figures representing enlightened disciples of the Buddha, while on the reverse side each one is covered with beautifully intricate golden plants and flowers in striking contrast to the ugliness on the front.
This blend of fragile beauty with powerfully ugly religious imagery captures something of the essence of the emperor and his celestial empire - the blend of hubris and vulnerability in international affairs, cruelty and aesthetic sensitivity in the artistic realm.
'The Emperor's Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City', Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts, September 14- January 9 2011 www.pem.org | <urn:uuid:68bbde12-87c7-4a7f-84f4-45016bb0da0d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://pem.org/press/news/168-financial_times_reports_exquisite_artefacts_from_the_forbidden_city | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706153698/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120913-00057-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.96176 | 1,166 | 2.46875 | 2 |
As the constitution referendum is getting closer, columnists have analysed the extent to which Islamist groups strive to pass the constitution. Several writers have condemned the idea of moving forward with the referendum encouraging Egyptians to vote ‘No’ rather than boycotting.
Vote ‘No’ but do not boycott
Emad Al-Din Hussein
Looking forward to the constitutional referendum, Hussein encourages the readers to vote ‘No’ and not to boycott the ballot box. He argues that in politics, one is often limited to choosing between the lesser of two evils rather than between what’s good and what’s bad. Boycotting the referendum means that Islamist groups will easily be able to pass their desired constitution without exerting even the minimum efforts of mobilising their people to vote ‘Yes’.
The Muslim Brotherhood and Salafis are scared of the mobilisation of secular groups and the constitution passing with less than 60 per cent. This fear has urged the Muslim Brotherhood to freeze the recent presidential decree to raise taxes on some commodities.
The columnist argues that if voters boycott the referendum, the constitution will pass, adding more strength to Islamist groups. Salafis will show up saying that Egyptians have chosen this constitution and that everyone should respect the results of the ballot box.
Promoting the idea of voting ‘No’, Hussein says, will give Egyptians another chance of rewriting the constitution while standing on much more solid ground. Secular groups will also have the chance to realise their actual capabilities of mobilisation if voting ‘No’. The columnist finally states that he wishes to see secular groups mixing their call to vote ‘No’ with a parallel discussion with the presidency to reach an accord on the controversial articles in the constitution.
The delusional stability
The ex-presidential candidate Selim Al-Awa, who announced the new constitutional declaration last Saturday, has attempted to beautify the constitution and appeal to the voters to say ‘Yes’. From El-Sawy’s viewpoint, Al-Awa, who has been a member of the Constituent Assembly and has earlier agreed on all its articles, has badly marketed the idea through sugar coated statements on stability and reform.
Why is this legal expert trying to sell the idea of an unacceptable constitution and drag us to a more aggressive battle than that of the constitutional declaration? If article 60 of the 2011 constitutional declaration was obligatory, the columnist asks why did President Morsy violate it and extend the work of the Constituent Assembly for another two months? El-Sawy criticises Morsy’s behaviour in dealing with the recent political crisis that has led to bloodshed.
He denounces El-Awa’s contribution in a presidential press conference that announced the new constitutional declaration and affirmed the referendum will still move forward as scheduled. The upcoming constitution, according to El-Sawy, will divide Egyptians even more and will most probably lead to higher waves in Egypt’s political ocean. The significance of any constitution is how it unites people. The coming constitution is a sign of sharper polarisation, warns El-Sawy. | <urn:uuid:148b3d4d-c61a-4c41-b191-2e92cd535467> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.dailynewsegypt.com/2012/12/12/review-commentaries-fuelled-against-the-constitution/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00036-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937567 | 648 | 1.851563 | 2 |
Summer Days Word Craze
1. Brought back from India by the British, this term for sack derives from the Hindu-Sanskrit word goni, meaning a strong, coarse fabric. What's the name of this burlap bag you climb into for sack races at family outings?Skip to next paragraph
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2. This barbecue basic was named after the French word for "small brick," and E.G. Kingsford, a relative of Henry Ford who helped the automaker find a site for turning wood waste from Model T's into a patio product. Its name?
3. Tiny swimmers is what fishermen mean when they use this term, but most dictionaries also include "children" as a definition. What word means children, fish, and, more recently, fast-food potatoes?
4. Fruit Smack was the name Nebraska inventor Edwin Perkins gave to his concentrated syrup available in six flavors in 1918. However, the four-ounce glass bottles frequently broke in shipping. By 1927, Perkins had devised a way to dehydrate Fruit Smack and packaged the powder in small envelopes. What did he rename the 10-cent beverage, which eventually bore a smiling face pitcher on each packet? (Extra credit: What were the original six flavors?)
5. One cold winter in 1905 a boy named Frank Epperson (1894-1983) left a glass of lemonade outside overnight and found it frozen solid the next morning. Almost two decades later, he named his invention the Epsicle. By 1928, he had changed the name to what?
(1) gunnysack (2) Kingsford Charcoal Briquets (3) fry (It may have come from the Old Norse for "children of a man's family," or frae seed, the seedlike masses of eggs that fish produce (4) Kool-Ade, then Kool-Aid (strawberry, cherry, lemon-lime, grape, orange, raspberry) (5) Popsicle, patented as "frozen ice on a stick," which one source claims was named by the inventor's children. During the Depression, Epperson created the double popsicle, so two children could split it and pay only a nickel each. The three most popular flavors are orange, cherry, and grape. The enterprising Epperson also created the Creamsicle, Fudgsicle, and Dreamsicle.
SOURCES: The Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins by Robert Hendrickson; Morris Dictionary of Word and Phrase Origins by W. and M. Morris, Facts on File: Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer; Words From History by Isaac Asimov | <urn:uuid:fe992fb9-6155-4c1f-bece-072716748130> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/0812/p18s04-hfgn.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699881956/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516102441-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.955138 | 555 | 2.84375 | 3 |
Death is a part of the life cycle, and it’s especially difficult for children to grasp and make sense out of it, particularly when they lose a loved one. And that’s why Franciscan St. Francis Hospice offers Caterpillar Kids, a support program that offers learning experiences for children ages 5 to 12.
Hospice will offer its Spring Caterpillar Kids six-week program from April 6 to May 11. The workshops, which are free, are from 4:30 to 6 p.m. and run three consecutive Wednesdays with a one-week break, then resume for three additional sessions.
Meetings are at
“Children do grieve and they may express it differently than adults, but their feelings are as genuine and essential in healing,” said Karla Riggs Norton, spiritual bereavement coordinator. “Caterpillar Kids brings children together in a safe, nurturing environment where they receive information about grief and learn healthy ways to cope with the death of a loved one.”
Led by staff trained in bereavement support for children, youngsters participate in storytelling, art projects, games and other sharing opportunities. Parents also are invited to participate in a concurrent session to assist them in supporting their children.
Registration is required. To register or for more information about Caterpillar Kids, call Karla Riggs Norton at 317-859-2879.
More information about St. Francis Hospice is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabid=280. | <urn:uuid:616a5f53-6b79-4a22-8f0b-9cd21ed64762> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://stfrancisnews.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00018-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95355 | 319 | 1.835938 | 2 |
How a short term fix becomes a long term solution
(Image Source: http://tiny.cc/1qkzcw)
As I was driving home today I saw a house with a typical split system unit. The indoor portion (evaporator) of the unit had all the lines running through a hole in the window back to the outside portion (condenser).
Seeing that made me wonder how a situation so obviously “makeshift” could have become a permanent solution to a problem and I remembered all the conversations i’ve heard consultants and contractors have over the years about how soon they would “get back to that” and “this only temporary” only to find that years down the road the temporary solution was lost in the crush and no-one got back to it.
Never let a consultant/contractor on a site push temporary fixes as a way to “put to bed a thorny issue” or brush aside a concern. That little extra effort to make a permanent fix in the first instance will pay dividends later in your project when you realise you don’t have the time or energy to enact the permanent fix.
How to tell when something is wrong on your project
There are three quick “rules” i use to quickly assess whether there is a problem on your construction project.
Visit site regularly - There is no way around it you need to visit your site to monitor progress. Take pictures so you can record progress as well. This will be important to protect your investment should your contractor try to pull a fast one.
Beware of crowds - You should be wary of crowds on your site. Especially if crowds disperse on your arrival. This is a tell tale sign that something is up on your project. Ask questions and take a first hand look at the area.
Stalled progress in one area - Another bad sign, this usually means that the contractor is stuck for one reason or another. Ask a question here as well.
Just remember these quick and simple rules and you will be able to pretty quickly figure out whenever something is up. | <urn:uuid:1cfef215-9ccf-4cc1-8899-d62304be0ec9> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://civdesignr.tumblr.com/tagged/Mistake | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951157 | 432 | 1.703125 | 2 |
In Memory of Hassan Omar (1958 - 2009)
The Executive Committe and Members of the Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency acknowledge and pay tribute to our founding president, Hassan Omar.
Hassan Omar arrived in Australia in August 1983 on a scholarship from his motherland Somalia. As soon as he arrived up until his untimely death on 11th March 2009, he worked tirelessly to help others, building bridges between Australians and his fellow Africans from the Horn. As President of HARDA, and in every action and deed, Hassan lived the life of a true humanitarian.
His commitment to his ‘brothers and sisters’ in Africa and Australia was legendary. He was never daunted by ‘people in high places’ and would always pursue his agenda at every opportunity.
Together with this commitment to ‘the cause’ was a dedication to lifelong learning and growth, not just for himself but for countless others that he pushed to achieve. In 1985 Hassan received his Postgraduate Diploma in Ecosystem Management from the University of New England. He continued his studies and gained a Certificate of Interpreting Preparatory Paraprofessional level, a Certificate in Community Welfare Work and a Diploma in Community Welfare Work in rapid succession. These qualifications were in addition to the Diploma in Animal Science and Range Management and the Certificate in Wildlife Management earned by Hassan back in Africa.
In 1993 he established the Horn of Africa Settlement Group which helped to settle more than twenty families from the Horn of Africa. Hassan also started the Somali Community Association and the Ogaden Relief Association to help the troubled people from the Ogaden region of Ethiopia. He was the founder of the Voiceless Children’s Network and an active executive member of the African Communities Council. In 2003 he founded HARDA and was president for five years to 2008, then Director of Overseas Aid in 2008-2009.
Hassan took it upon himself to assist anyone in need and did this with sincerity and compassion. He always said that he belonged to the ‘greater global family’ and would not refuse anyone in need of help. He will be greatrly missed by his loved ones and the greater global family.
He is survived by his wife Kathy and four children - Deeqo, Aden, Jamaal and Salah. | <urn:uuid:7a45d3c1-6961-4c71-91a8-fcaa9cbf5893> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.harda.info/our_founder | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704713110/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114513-00027-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.981471 | 474 | 1.554688 | 2 |
A school building once located at the southwest corner of Duke Street and South Quaker Lane was originally known as Lee-Jackson High School. At the time it was constructed in 1925, the school was located in Fairfax County. When it opened for the 1926-27 school year, it was the only high school in the southeastern part of the county and just one of five high schools in the entire county.
Lee-Jackson offered four grades and was accredited two years after it opened. The school’s enrollment and faculty grew from 85 students and four teachers in 1927-28 to 307 students and 10 teachers just eight years later. Students took part in extracurricular activities like boys’ and girls’ basketball, baseball, student government, school patrol, glee club, drama, and ElJay, the Lee-Jackson yearbook.
This image from May 1938 shows students Margaret Eaton (left) and Bernie Linton at Lee-Jackson about a year-and-a-half before Mount Vernon, a new high school, replaced it. Lee-Jackson then served as an elementary school before being acquired in the early 1950s by the City of Alexandria in the West End annexation.
Avoiding confusion with a new elementary school named for Robert E. Lee, Alexandria renamed the old school Stonewall Jackson. It continued as an elementary school and became so crowded that Quonset huts were erected on the grounds for classroom space.
In 1961, a new Stonewall Jackson school building was constructed along Quaker Lane, behind the old one. Though the original structure served briefly as a school for eighth graders, it closed by the end of the 1960s. After it was demolished, a Wendy’s restaurant was built there.
Out of the Attic is provided by the Office of Historic Alexandria. | <urn:uuid:97a5e11a-8402-47d6-942c-19f9ae452bc9> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://alextimes.com/2010/04/out-of-the-attic-lee-jackson-school/43/?sort=id&dir=DESC&pagenum=2 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00015-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.98652 | 369 | 2.671875 | 3 |
Most Active Stories
Thu January 20, 2011
Louisiana's Sweet Spot for Sugar
By Ian McNulty
New Orleans, La. –
Stirred into coffee or baked into desserts, sugar is often a sweet finish for the palate. In Louisiana, however, sugar is more of a foundation than a finale. It's a staple of the kitchen but it's also been a driving force in Louisiana's history, the state's economy and even the character of vast areas of the Louisiana countryside.
This is all grist for the mill for a new exhibit at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum in downtown New Orleans. Called "Tout de Sweet: All About Sugar," the exhibit tells the story of sugar in Louisiana from its earliest days as a colonial cash crop to the major industry that hums around it today. The exhibit is open daily, and the Southern Food & Beverage Museum is hosting a series of Saturday events in conjunction with the sugar theme.
More on that in a moment, but first, a bit on the often overlooked but intriguing history of cane in Louisiana. Simply put, sugar transformed our state. In its lean early colonial days, Louisiana only scratched along on earnings from indigo and tobacco exports. Its economic output was miniscule compared to the more developed island colonies in the Caribbean, which were planted practically from shore to shore with sugar and worked by ever growing numbers of African slaves. But the 1791 slave revolt on St. Domingue, or present day Haiti, chased many experienced sugar planters to Louisiana, and in 1795, some of these exiles were involved with the first large-scale commercial sugar harvest in Louisiana. That landmark harvest was brought in from the plantation of Etienne de Bor in the area of today's Audubon Park in New Orleans, and with that the sugar boom was on. Cane moved up the river and soon the highly lucrative cash crop was swaying along the banks of the Mississippi, and along the course of Bayou Teche and Bayou Lafourche. The boom created vast wealth for some, while also fueling demand for evermore slaves. The crop's legacy would reverberate for countless generations.
Today, Louisiana is the nation's second-largest sugar producer, and travelers in our region can spot the evidence everywhere. Drive around the countryside of south Louisiana, even just a few miles outside of New Orleans, and you'll see vast fields of sugar cane edging right up to the roadside and spreading to the distance. During harvest time, country roads are crossed by sugar wagons clattering off to the mills, spilling the occasional stray stalk as they go, while in the fall and spring, you see the stubbly fields being cleared by controlled burns, adding dark towers of brown, aromatic smoke to the landscape.
You can learn much more about the sugar story at the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, and on some days you can get a taste of it there too. This Saturday, Jan. 22, at 2 p.m., representatives from Aunt Sally's Praline Shop will discuss Louisiana's traditional sugary confection, while next Saturday, Jan. 29, also at 2 p.m., museum staff will explore the historic role of sugar and rum in New Orleans. Dig in a bit, and you'll find that sugar, this everyday commodity, has a history and heritage here all its own.
Southern Food & Beverage Museum
500 Port of Orleans Pl.
Riverwalk Marketplace (Julia Street entrance) | <urn:uuid:98a3b011-73f4-4f2d-8ef7-c481b1153926> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.wwno.org/post/louisianas-sweet-spot-sugar | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00074-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.956588 | 710 | 2.921875 | 3 |
Degaussing a hard drive is the process of rendering the hard drive completely unreadable through the use of powerful electromagnets. Once degaussed, the hard drive is useless and it cannot be sold, re-used or donated. For many companies, hard drive degaussing services are a part of a comprehensive plan to eliminate recorded data such as patient files, financial information or other sensitive or confidential material. Often, once the degaussing is complete, the drives are then physically destroyed, or shredded.
Preserving the confidentiality of your customers or associates should be one of your primary concerns. Failure to do so can result in legal and ethical concerns.
Liquid Technology is one of the few companies in the industry with professional liability insurance and we incorporate NSA approved hard drive degaussing machines as part of our suite of data destruction services. Our degaussing services offer the following benefits:
Liquid Technology's hard drive degaussing service serves many industries where security is a high priority, including:
Contact us for hard drive degaussing services and for fair computer liquidation prices and fast removal of your excess I.T. assets. We are here to help you - quickly and easily. We can be reached by calling our toll-free number, by email or simply complete our quick form and a Liquid Technology Assessment Specialist will promptly respond to you. Feel free to include a spreadsheet of your used computer hardware to help expedite the process.
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Choosing a Reputable e-Waste Recycler
Understanding Data Destruction and How to Properly Protect Your Business
Data Destruction Demystified: Understanding D.O.D. Standards | <urn:uuid:6df4f92f-d153-4fb1-a5cd-d710ed3ab6b3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.liquidtechnology.net/hard-drive-degaussing.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00011-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.910241 | 349 | 1.921875 | 2 |
Sewage. It's all good, to DEA and health officials. Photo: CC/Les Chatfield
Scientists based in Oregon have been sampling sewerage through the United States, looking for traces of crystal meth, coke and other drugs, including coffee.
This study (excerpt and link, below), boasts new techniques to give authorities a picture of the levels of drug use in areas of concern to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
Not surprisingly, crystal meth levels are highest in the South and West. (The boffins used a DEA map to guide their sampling.)
Factoid: cocaine is among the most difficult drugs to remove from sewerage during treatment. Photo: DurhamCountyNC.gov
I expect we’ll soon be hearing about a fine-tuned method of capturing what comes out of your toilet when it hits municipal pipes.
That’s when what you flush is no longer yours, and the government can start sniffing.
The observed ranges in index loads for illicit drugs including methamphetamine and cocaine and the regions of the US in which they occur are generally reflective of known drug use patterns in the United States (40, 41). The finding that methamphetamine concentrations for several municipalities are much higher than those reported in previous literature, all of which is from Europe, is reflective of known international drug use patterns (42). Attempts have been made to compare measured values for raw wastewater samples with estimated values (28); however, these have been rudimentary, based upon compounds with complex sociological and pharmacological phenomenon, and have not incorporated components of error surrounding sampling and flow measurements. Additional tools, such as the use of indicator compounds, like creatinine, are needed to enhance our capabilities for comparing the index loads for different municipalities.
via Eliminating Solid Phase Extraction with Large-Volume Injection LC/MS/MS: Analysis of Illicit and Legal Drugs and Human Urine Indicators in US Wastewaters – Environmental Science & Technology (ACS Publications). | <urn:uuid:7c62a3ee-be23-4a8b-b74a-9dba7517d0e7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://heretic.blastmagazine.com/tag/drugs/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00038-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.93561 | 408 | 2.3125 | 2 |
Are the cells of marine animals and flora equipped with special ion exchange pumps to mitigate the effects of a saline-rich environment?
Or have the cell's membranes adapted through structural changes to counter the osmotic forces?
This 1969 Steensland paper seems to suggest that the membranes of halophiles are stabilized by sodium ions and they rapidly denature at lower-salt conditions (2.2 vs. 4.3 M). The protein composition of the membrane was generally acidic, stabilized by all the Na+.
As far as what the role of the halophile membrane is in sheltering the cell from the high ionic strength solution seems left unsaid. | <urn:uuid:eeadf2a4-6c58-41f5-9d3e-59dffe2e5f90> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://biology.stackexchange.com/questions/46/what-specific-membrane-adaptations-do-cells-have-for-saline-rich-environs/53 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00005-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.938341 | 134 | 2.671875 | 3 |
Aurora Borealis May Be Visible Over NJ Tonight [VIDEO]
Normally you’d have to travel to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights, but that may not be true tonight.
According to meteorologists, a powerful solar flare last night will make the natural phenomenon known as Aurora Borealis visible for much of the United States.
- INTERACTIVE: The Science Of The Aurora
Accuweather.com is reporting that mostly clear skies along the eastern seaboard tonight could improve visibility in New Jersey, though the lights may be obscured by a full moon.
Experts suggest attempting to view the Aurora Borealis from areas with as little light pollution as possible. | <urn:uuid:67f871cd-ae40-418b-bd0e-4efab5fb8202> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://1057thehawk.com/aurora-borealis-may-be-visible-over-nj-tonight/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00000-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.935124 | 140 | 2.84375 | 3 |
Mary Robinson and other leaders from the public, academic and NGO sectors lead a discussion on emerging institutions and processes for applying equity and human rights to guide the long term vision and decision-making on mitigation, adaptation, REDD, carbon markets and technology transfer.
Michael K. Dorsey
Michael Dorsey is an assistant professor at Dartmouth College. He works on issues of international equity, politics of biodiversity and environmental justice with a focus on Amazonia.
Laurel Fletcher is Clinical Professor of Law and Director of the International Human Rights Law Clinic at UC Berkeley School of law. Before joining the Berkeley Law faculty in 1998, she practiced complex civil litigation, including representing plaintiffs in employment discrimination class actions.
Fletcher is active in the areas of transitional justice and humanitarian law, as well as globalization and migration. As director of the International Human Rights Law Clinic, she utilizes an interdisciplinary, problem-based approach to human rights research, advocacy, and policy. She has conducted empirical studies of the human rights impacts of Hurricane Katrina and the 2004 tsunami, forced labor in the United States, forced migration from the Dominican Republic, and the relationship between justice, accountability, and reconciliation in Bosnia.
She also has advocated for human rights victims before international human rights and criminal tribunals.
Tamra Gilbertson is one of the founders of Carbon Trade Watch, a project of the Transnational Institute (TNI), and co-author of Carbon Trading: How it works and why it fails. She has been active in the project since 2001 and was a founding member of the Durban Group for Climate Justice. She is trained in photography and film-making and was a co-director of The Carbon Connection.
She received a Teamsters Union Scholarship from 1995 to 1998 and the Samuel Rubin Young Fellowship Award in 2004.
Larry Lohmann, author and founding member of the Durban Group for Climate Justice, is sharing experiences in the U.S. concerning the failure of carbon trading in Europe, India, Brazil, Uganda, and elsewhere, and is learning more about U.S.
carbon trading plans and climate politics.
In 2004, the Durban Group convened in Durban, South Africa, to question the central role of carbon trading in official responses to the climate crisis. Since 1997, Lohmann has worked with the Corner House, a research and solidarity organization based in the UK (http://www.thecornerhouse.org.uk).
During the 1980s, he lived and worked in Thailand, teaching and working with local environmental groups. Over 350,000 copies of his latest book, Carbon Trading: A Critical Conversation on Climate Change, Privatization and Power (2006) have been downloaded from the Internet. He is co-author of Pulping the South: Industrial Tree Plantations and the Global Paper Economy (1996) and Whose Common Future? Reclaiming the Commons (1993) and co-editor of The Struggle for Land and the Fate of the Forests (1993).
His articles on globalization, racism, environmental conflict in Southeast Asia, and the discourses of population and neoclassical economics have appeared in journals such as Science as Culture, New Scientist, Asian Survey, International Journal of Pollution and Environment, Development Dialogue, Red Pepper, and Watershed, as well as in numerous scholarly books. Lohmann has received degrees from Cornell and Princeton and has been a visiting fellow at Yale University.
Cymie Payne '97, an expert in natural resource and environmental law, joined the Boalt Hall faculty in 2006 after working for international and domestic entities engaged in environmental regulation and advocacy. Following graduation from Boalt with an environmental certificate, Payne served as an attorney-advisor in the Solicitor's Honors Program at the U.S. Department of the Interior, where she advised a host of governmental agencies on land claims, endangered species protection, tribal rights and other issues. She also worked in the environmental department of Goodwin Procter's offices in Boston. Before law school, Payne served as the executive director of Earth Access, a nonprofit forest conservation organization that she founded in Cambridge, Mass.
Payne was employed from 1999 to 2005 by the United Nations Compensation Commission. As a senior attorney, she was responsible for an international team of lawyers and technical experts assessing claims of damage to the environment and public health from conflict in the Persian Gulf. In this position, she supported a panel of commissioners involved in landmark decisions that granted war reparations for environmental damage.
In addition to teaching at Boalt, Payne serves as the associate director of the Center for Law, Energy, and the Environment (CLEE) and as director of the Global Commons Project, which seeks to extend the influence of environmental law on global policy.
Mary Robinson is President of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, in partnership with the Aspen Institute, Columbia University and the International Council for Human Rights Policy.
Robinson served as United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002 and as President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997. Before her election as President, she served as Senator, holding that office for 20 years.
Educated at Trinity College in Ireland, Robinson holds law degrees from the King's Inns in Dublin and from Harvard University. She is Chair of the Council of Women World Leaders, Vice President of the Club of Madrid, honorary President of Oxfam International, a board member of the GAVI Fund Board and Chair of the GAVI Fund Executive Committee, and a member of the Leadership Council of the UN Global Coalition on Women and AIDS.
She co-chairs the Health Worker Global Policy Advisory Council.
Gail Whiteman is an Associate Professor in the Department of Business-Society Management at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, and also teaches in the MBA program.
She was born in Canada and worked at a variety of different private and public organisations, primarily in the marketing field. From 1997 till 2001 she was a senior researcher in the field of corporate responsibility at the North-South Institute in Canada.
Gail Whiteman has a PhD in Management from Queen's University in Canada, with a major in organisational behaviour and marketing. Her research interests include: organisational behaviour, business & society, corporate social responsibility, business & environment, marketing and international advertising.
Increase in the global average surface temperature resulting from enhancement of the greenhouse effect, primarily by air pollution. In 2007 the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasted that by 2100 global average surface temperatures would increase 3.27.2 °F (1.84.0 °C), depending on a range of scenarios for greenhouse gas emissions, and stated that it was now 90 percent certain that most of the warming observed over the previous half century could be attributed to greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities (i.e., industrial processes and transportation). Many scientists predict that such an increase in temperature would cause polar ice caps and mountain glaciers to melt rapidly, significantly raising the levels of coastal waters, and would produce new patterns and extremes of drought and rainfall, seriously disrupting food production in certain regions. Other scientists maintain that such predictions are overstated. The 1992 Earth Summit and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change attempted to address the issue of global warming, but in both cases the efforts were hindered by conflicting national economic agendas and disputes between developed and developing nations over the cost and consequences of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.
Interesting. There is no doubt that human rights, equity, and poverty alleviation can be linked into conservation and climate projects.
Linking poverty and conservation can be particularly powerful at community based levels in these developing countries, and can bring people back to to their land (away from exploitation). | <urn:uuid:1daad50c-7e9a-46cb-978c-ca204a70efa9> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://fora.tv/2009/12/15/Climate_Justice_Ethics_and_the_Copenhagen_Agenda | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704392896/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113952-00059-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.950623 | 1,574 | 1.5 | 2 |
[LINK] Schneier: government, big data pose bigger 'Net threat than criminals
kim at holburn.net
Fri Feb 24 21:41:37 EST 2012
> As Bruce Schneier spent the past decade watching the growing rash of phishers, malware attacks, and identity theft, a new Internet threat has emerged that poses even greater risks, the security expert said.
> Unlike the security risks posed by criminals, the threat from government regulation and data hoarders such as Apple and Google are more insidious because they threaten to alter the fabric of the Internet itself. They're also different from traditional Internet threats because the perpetrators are shielded in a cloak of legitimacy. As a result, many people don't recognize that their personal information or fortunes are more susceptible to these new forces than they ever were to the Russian Business Network or other Internet gangsters.
> He called the new model "feudal security" in which Kindle Fire owners trust their security to Amazon, iPhone users trust their Apple, and so on. As a result, the devices no longer come with general-purpose capabilities. Open environments are increasingly being replaced with closed systems that are designed to give users less control.
> In addition to the threat from big data—which Schneier coined "the risks of Layer 8 and Layer 9 attacks"—he said Internet users are being harmed by the surge in government attempts to redesign Internet infrastructure. As more and more of the world goes online, it's a given more crime will follow, he said. As a result, laws such as the 1994 Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act—which mandated telecom companies redesign switches and other gears so law enforcement agents could tap them—are slowly being extended to Internet technologies, possibly such as Skype and Hushmail.
> Another example is a push among governments in Europe to require ISPs to store logs of user activity for 12 months or longer in case the information is needed in an investigation.
> "Here, we have an example of government coming in an effort they believe will make us all safer," he said. "I look at it and say it's much less safe because once you have that data you're going to have to secure it. And the securest thing you can do is to delete it. So again we're seeing people who are not Internet security people trying to push a security policy."
> The third force of this outside, nontechnical threat is posed by a "cyberwar" arms race, in which countries around the planet develop weapons such as the Stuxnet worm, case each other's networks, and possibly even plant backdoors in case they're needed during a time of war.
> "We're now living in a world where nations are stockpiling cyber weapons," he said. "The military industrial complex is alive and well and quite happy to spend lots of money on cyber weapons and cyberwar and cyber defense. This feels incredibly destabilizing to me. I'm not convinced these things couldn't go off by accident "
IT Network & Security Consultant
T: +61 2 61402408 M: +61 404072753
mailto:kim at holburn.net aim://kimholburn
skype://kholburn - PGP Public Key on request
More information about the Link | <urn:uuid:5cf682fc-e5b6-4df7-8f8f-c7cc946787a0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://mailman.anu.edu.au/pipermail/link/2012-February/096490.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702448584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516110728-00048-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.958128 | 671 | 1.929688 | 2 |
NORTHEAST PARK — At Yinghua Academy, children’s art lines the walls – thumbprint trees, traced hands, self-portraits. It looks like most elementary school hallways, but the kids have signed their artwork twice, once in English and once in Chinese characters.
Yinghua Academy, 1616 Buchanan St. NE, opened in 2006 as the first Chinese immersion charter public school in the Midwest. Students learn a curriculum ranging from history to math, all in Mandarin Chinese. Teachers instruct students completely in Chinese for kindergarten and first grade. In second grade one English class is added, and by sixth grade the curriculum is taught half in English and half in Chinese. Signs on classroom doors ask visitors to not speak English to the
teachers in front of students.
Many students don’t even know their teachers can speak English, said Karen Calcaterra, the grant administrator and a parent of two students at Yinghua. She and her husband believe in the value of bilingualism. They lived in China for a year on sabbatical while Craig Calcaterra, Karen’s husband, worked as a visiting math professor. Karen Calcaterra taught English to the freshmen. They enrolled their kids at Yinghua after returning to St. Paul, aiming to continue their Chinese education.
“It’s a pretty cool thing, I like it,” said her son Cormac Calcaterra, a fifth-grader at Yinghua. “It teaches you one of the most hardest languages to learn: Chinese.”
“For us, immersion provides multilingualism, proven cognitive benefits and flexibility, dynamic and engaging teaching methods, and opportunities for deep cultural connections and understandings,” Karen Calcaterra said.
Chinese immersion programs like Yinghua Academy have become more popular in recent years, with five programs now in place around the state. In 2007, St. Cloud State University helped start Guang Ming Academy, a Chinese immersion program at Madison Elementary School with 117 students. The program currently includes kindergarten through fourth grade, with a higher grade level added each year. St. Cloud State University does observations and coaches the teachers, said Dawn Gent, the school improvement facilitator at Madison Elementary School. Hopkins and Minnetonka school districts also began programs in fall of 2007, and Lakes International Language Academy began its this fall.
Yinghua’s enrollment has grown from 76 to around 450 students, and it has added a middle school. The student population, originally 70 percent Asian, has become more diverse; 50 percent is now white, black or Hispanic, and less than 3 percent of students are from Chinese-speaking households.
Language immersion programs aim to develop bilingualism from a young age. “When they learn a language younger, they sound more like a native speaker,” Gent said,
Research shows benefits of language immersion extend beyond bilingualism. Learning a second language helps students’ overall learning ability at school, Gent said. In addition to the advantages of bilingualism, immersion learners benefit cognitively, exhibiting greater nonverbal problem-solving abilities and more flexible thinking, according to the Center for Applied Linguistics, a nonprofit organization that provides research-based resources related to language and culture.
Some parents express concern about the English learning skills of their children. “Their English skills aren’t where we would expect a typical kindergartener, first, second grader to be,” Gent said. “That is normal in an immersion program.”
“Sometimes I forget some words in English, so I have to say it in Chinese,” said Cassidy Calcaterra, Karen Calcaterra’s daughter, who is in second grade. “The English is more harder than the Chinese.”
Both Gent and Jen Shadowens, chair of the Yinghua school board, said they encourage parent instruction and reading in the home. “But parents aren’t teachers,” Gent said. “There are different things we teach at school that they wouldn’t teach at home.”
“One of the biggest challenges is having the parent community accept that their kid doesn’t have the initial reading skills,” Karen Calcaterra said.
Standardized tests show that by fifth grade, students in immersion programs catch up to and often surpass math and reading levels of their peers. Yinghua Academy uses the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments to measure student progress. In 2010, 92 percent of students in third through seventh grade passed the math test, and 84 percent passed the reading test, according to the Minnesota Department of Education. The state average was 66 percent for passing the math test and 72 percent for passing the reading test.
Many teachers agree, however, that identifying language learning disabilities in immersion settings is hard. A report by the Center for Applied Linguistics noted that the suitability of immersion schools for children with such disabilities is still in question. “Research on this topic is scant,” the report said.
At Guang Ming Academy, teachers deal with potential disabilities by offering multiple chances for a student to understand the material. If they don’t understand in the large class setting, they redo the lesson in small groups, then provide parents with the material in English to help their kids at home. If the student still doesn’t understand in English, then “there might be more going on,” Gent said.
Programs also face difficulties finding long-term staff. “We have a lot of teachers from China or Taiwan, but who only stay for a few years,” Shadowens said. They are trying to draw teachers from the U.S. who might be more permanent, but there is an increasing demand for Chinese teachers nation wide. “It is important to have teachers who stay,” Shadowens said.
Yinghua expects to soon outgrow its red brick building on Buchanan Street. The School Board is waiting on state approval to expand into a second building next fall for a few years until a long-term plan for a new location is finalized.
Guang Ming Academy, Madison Elementary School’s program in St. Cloud, will expand to include middle school in 2013 and hopes to add a high school program eventually. “They would like to see it go all the way through,” Gent said.
Bryna Godar is a student at the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
(Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct information about the school's plans for a new location.) | <urn:uuid:638aac4c-526d-415e-910e-7d29b97a0d52> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.journalmpls.com/node/17799 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00043-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.959205 | 1,367 | 1.710938 | 2 |
One lawmaker, Sen. Charles Schumer, a New York Democrat, is calling for universal background checks and an assault weapons ban a month after the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings in Newtown, Ct.
Connie Alvarez, Sr., an Estherville gun dealer with a career in law enforcement, is in a position to see both sides of the issue.
Alvarez explained that under current federal law a person is legally entitled to buy a gun and give it as a present without the recipient having a background check. That contrasts with gun dealers who are required to run a background check on every person who buys a gun - even at a gun show. Alvarez said a private citizen, though, could rent a booth at a gun show and sell a gun without requiring that same background check.
That - and more - could all change if lawmakers like Schumer have their way.
Another issue that many gun owners fear is mandatory gun registration.
"They want to take away a private citizen's right to own a gun," Alvarez said Monday of lawmakers calling for gun registration. "Right now they don't have that ability because they don't know if you own a gun or not."
Another target of gun-control advocates is limiting magazine capacities, something Alvarez sees as an emotional reaction.
"The country is running on emotion," said Alvarez. "They want to do something. Hi-capacity magazines aren't going to make a difference. A law isn't going to make a difference."
Alvarez said posting gun bans on public buildings won't work either. Instead, he said the problem lies with a broken mental-health system and violence-ridden media.
"We haven't got broken gun laws. We have broken people. If gun laws worked, Chicago would be the safest city in the country," Alvarez said, speaking of the soaring crime rate in Chicago which has some of the strictest gun-control laws in the country. Alvarez noted similar situations for both Washington, D.C. and Mexico.
Alvarez said he believed Vice President Biden, who is heading up President Obama's call for gun-control legislation, is aiming for gun registration.
"I think that's the first thing that Vice President Biden wants," said Alvarez, adding that right now an ATF (Alcohol, Tax and Firearms) agent could come into his shop and demand the lineage of a gun.
Alvarez also noted that Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin on several occasions voted to outlaw semiautomatic shotguns, a favorite of Iowa goose hunters.
He said the answer isn't in adding more gun laws, but to enforce those already in effect.
"If you would prosecute gun laws, the ones that are on the books, then we'd have an impact on crime," Alvarez said. Alvarez, who worked for 21 years in Los Angeles County, Calif., in the fire, sheriff's and search and rescue department, said whenever he took a gun away from someone that gun was illegal.
"We don't have broken gun laws. We have broken people," Alvarez said. "Hollywood is the biggest offender," he added, noting gun violence in films starring actors who advocate gun control.
And Alvarez noted a lot of those gun-control efforts are backfiring. One case in point was a newspaper that published a list of persons with concealed weapon permits. "All that did was give burglars a list of what homes to stay away from," Alvarez said.
"In every state that passed a personal carry law, crime went down," Alvarez said. "He (Biden) had a hand in writing the original assault weapons ban."
Alvarez also said President Obama has his own gun-control agenda.
"He's made the comment that he's going to bypass Congress," Alvarez said. | <urn:uuid:d8aa9fa8-dd3e-4865-a777-6f16b7b9d886> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.esthervilledailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/517318/Is-gun-control-the-answer-.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00054-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.979608 | 769 | 1.601563 | 2 |
Are you dreaming of seeing a mountain stage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge Tour de France style, but are dreading the drive up one of the passes due to the traffic or road closures? Do you want to see who is using carbon fiber, SRAM, the new Shimano DuraAce Di2 and not just read about it? Does getting an up close look at the latest technology that the pros are riding that may not even be available to the general public yet interest you? The Colorado State Police (CSP), the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) have decided to allow spectators to camp out overnight alongside each state road that the race travels past. For a period of 24 hours prior to the race passing your campsite, CSP and CDOT will not ticket or require campers to move as long as they are camping off of the path of travel, including shoulders and private property. As long as the campsite does not impede traffic, it can stay. This move will allow more spectators and fans to have closer access to the competitors as they struggle to tackle some of the toughest mountain passes of the Rockies and this is your perfect chance to see the racers pass by at a speed that you can actually get a look at their equipment! Read the rest of this entry »
Posts Tagged ‘Rockies’
This coming August, sandwiched between two of the three Grand Tours, is the inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge. The USA Pro Cycling Challenge is expected to be the largest spectator event in Colorado history and may possibly be one of the largest sporting events to ever take place in the United States. For seven consecutive days, 128 of the world’s top athletes will race across 518 miles through the majestic Rockies, reaching higher altitudes than they’ve ever had to endure, more than two miles in elevation. The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge will take place August 22-28, 2011, starting in Colorado Springs and traveling to Salida, Crested Butte/Mt. Crested Butte, Gunnison, Aspen, Vail, Avon, Steamboat Springs, Breckenridge and Golden, ending in Denver for the finish.
Just about every cycling stage race has custom jerseys created to designate the ‘race leader’ from day to day – the USA Pro Challenge is no different. USA Pro Challenge will award jerseys daily to top athletes in various standings including the leader, sprinter and climber. In addition, the best young rider as well as the rider who tackles the course with the most tenacity and aggression will wear jerseys commemorating their accomplishments. Read the rest of this entry » | <urn:uuid:5e30d7cc-38b9-40b6-b160-ab82e9e7bce4> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.kineticshift.com/tag/rockies | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00018-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.947934 | 549 | 1.554688 | 2 |
This piece from the Jerusalem post, if accurate, is disturbing.
Both Iran and its Hamas proxy in Gaza have been busy this Christmas week showing Christendom just what they think of it. But no one seems to have noticed.
On Tuesday, Hamas legislators marked the Christmas season by passing a Shari'a criminal code for the Palestinian Authority. Among other things, it legalizes crucifixion.
Hamas's endorsement of nailing enemies of Islam to crosses came at the same time it renewed its jihad. Here, too, Hamas wanted to make sure that Christians didn't feel neglected as its fighters launched missiles at Jewish day care centers and schools. So on Wednesday, Hamas lobbed a mortar shell at the Erez crossing point into Israel just as a group of Gazan Christians were standing on line waiting to travel to Bethlehem for Christmas.
As anyone knows who has studied the practice, crucifixion is a cruel and barbaric punishment where a person (in the ordinary case) dies slowly over several days from suffocation. The idea that this Islamic country could legalize such a horrendously cruel practice merely confirms that at least some of the Islamic world has not advanced from their barbaric past when it comes to issues of human worth and human rights.
Happy New Year? I guess in Palestine, some need to be told that its 2009 A.D. -- not 9 A.D.
Addendum 12/31/08 at 1:46 pm MST: At the outset of this post, I questioned the accuracy of the report that Hamas had approved crucifixion. Taking a moment to look, I find this report confirmed in several places but few with any real authority. For example, I find reports at the following:
Hamas Enacts Islamic Laws, Including: Amputation, Crucifixion, Lashes in News Blaze.
Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council in Gaza have approved a new bill "to implement Koranic punishments," including hand amputation, crucifixion, corporal punishment and execution. Drinking, owning or producing wine is punished by 40 lashes, while drinking in public adds three months' imprisonment. Several laws are directed against Hamas's Palestinian rivals, including a law intended to inhibit non-Hamas negotiators by sentencing to death anyone who was "appointed to negotiate with a foreign government on a Palestinian issue and negotiated against Palestinians' interest."
The following is the description as it appears today on the Al Arabiya website:
Headline: Hamas approves law of punishment by lashes, amputating hands, crucifying, and execution - in order to implement the Islamic Sharia law. Hamas members of the Palestinian Legislative Council approved in its meeting in Gaza a new bill proposed by the Hamas who have a majority in the Legislative Council, whose purpose is "to implement Koranic punishments."
Hamas Promises Crucifixion For Traitors from the Strategy Page:
December 26, 2008: Hamas, the Islamic radical group that controls the Gaza, has enacted a new law that allows for Islamic punishments for those who violate Sharia (Islamic law). This includes cutting off the hands of thieves, whipping those caught drinking alcohol, and crucifying traitors (the new law has a broad interpretation of treason).
HAMAS implements Sharia laws in Gaza Strip from TREND news:
The Palestinian Parliament in Gaza Strip decided to implement punishment of criminals in accordance with Sharia laws, Jerusalem Post newspaper reported with reference to Al-Hayat London newspaper.
According to law draft approved by the Parliament in the second reading and which is expected to be signed by the President of Palestinian Autonomy Mahmoud Abbas, the courts will have an opportunity to apply actions stipulated by ancient Islamic regulations.
Such punitive actions towards criminals can include public strapping, cutting hands, crucifixion and hanging.
The law draft envisages death punishment for anyone who cooperates with foreign government in order to damage national interests of Palestinian Autonomy, as well as whose behavior damages Palestinian morality.
According to the law draft, thieves caught red-handed will be cut a right hand.
A citizen in a state of intoxication or dealing with sale of alcoholic products will get 40 strikes by lash.
Second Addendum 12/31/08 at 5:15 pm MST: Here is an authority which I believe to be quite reliable reporting on the new shari'a laws adopted by Hamas: the Arutz Sheva, IsraelNationalNews.com.
PA Adopts Islamic Criminal Code -- In line with its Islamist ideology, the Palestinian Authority in Gaza has enacted a new law adopting the traditional Muslim criminal code. Penalties include amputation and crucifixion, as well as the death penalty for negotiations contrary to Hamas's interpretation of "Palestinian interests".
According to a report on the new law appearing Wednesday on the Al-Arabiya website, as translated by Palestinian Media Watch, the Palestinian Legislative Council approved a bill "to implement Koranic punishments." The Arabic website, the online arm of the popular Al-Arabiya satellite news outlet, refers to the London-based Saudi-owned newspaper Al-Hayat, which said the decision to implement shari'a (Islamic law) was "seen as unprecedented," and that it has "brought criticism and concern from human rights organizations in the Gaza Strip."
The criminal code adopted by the PA includes such punishments as lashes, amputation of thieves' hands, crucifixion, approval of blood revenge, and execution. According to the Arabic press, the law stipulates that only the victim of a crime can pardon opt to forgo the "Koranic penalties". | <urn:uuid:d240a274-ae6e-44ce-bacf-6f68d2742715> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://christiancadre.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00013-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.954165 | 1,127 | 1.921875 | 2 |
following are a series of stories and articles that relate to Washington
State's chum salmon resource.
An article describing why chum salmon in Washington State should be appreciated
for their successes when other species have declined, and for their continuing
contributions to local fisheries.
Names the Salmon
A Chehalis Indian legend about how the spirit Honne named the different
kinds of salmon and told each the streams they would inhabit and the seasons
of their lives. The legend relates how the chum salmon was designated
as the "Chief of the Fish", and came to have its unique "coat
A story about chum salmon fighting to overcome obstacles to their upstream
migration to the spawning grounds. | <urn:uuid:3ba9fd9b-f514-48e0-a825-33d56d60b3e3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/salmon/chum/stories/index.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00067-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.936747 | 147 | 2.375 | 2 |
Music drives the human soul to heights of creativity and inner peace. There is a rhythm to our lives and the discovery of music has helped many rediscover their own rhythms. Acquiring music through legal means in India is not very easy through online methods. It involves DRM protected files that cannot be played in your own devices except the one your downloaded it into. DRM or Digital Rights Management is a method of locking your purchased file such that it cannot be shared with others. A means to thwart piracy has in turn proved to be a hassle for legitimate customers.
Buying CDs and DVDs is more costly than directly downloading music as solid media format includes the cost for raw materials and packaging. This is where Flipkart comes in with its revolutionary digital music service called Flyte. The service does away with DRM restrictions and thus allows you to play your purchased music on any device that supports it. Flyte offers digital music for download in the MP3 format at bitrates ranging between 64kbps to 320 kbps, depending on the tracks chosen. The cost of downloading music through Flyte is quite low, starting from just 6 rupees for a track.
The process is made easier by incorporating the Flyte Download Manager that allows you to pause ongoing downloads for later, this comes in handy when you do not have constant uninterrupted internet connection. The software is available for both Windows and Mac machines. Flyte also allows you to download your purchased song 4 times. This feature also comes in handy when you have interruptions in your downloads due to network issues.
As a Flipkart initiative, Flyte has brought legal music files within reach of everyone with the music download service. The list of genres available range from Indian classical, pop and devotional music, to Rock music and popular bollywood releases. Flyte brings you some of the latest tracks as and when they release. Flipkart lets you choose the tracks according to the film, genre, or artist name, thereby giving you the freedom to go through the entire collection before making your choice. The easy to use Flyte Download Manager will help in organizing your downloads which is especially helpful if you wish to download whole albums at a time.
The payment currently involves online banking transactions and credit or debit cards which streamlines the whole online shopping process. | <urn:uuid:2c6a6b25-308c-4373-a7bb-bf0372b78e62> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.flipkart.com/mp3-downloads?_l=UF5jBTqamL2yTRGCW3nf9A--&_r=cnAxERATYpqWCG8vODBakQ--&_pop=flyout | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951785 | 461 | 1.570313 | 2 |
How to Use
Determining the Facts
Reading 3: The Emancipation Proclamation
On September 22, 1862, while living at the Soldiers’ Home, President Lincoln issued the Preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which announced his intention to free the slaves in Confederate states. Lincoln was working on the Emancipation Proclamation during his first summer at the Soldiers’ Home. The cottage offered Lincoln a place to reflect and think through his ideas on emancipation. He also had the opportunity to discuss ideas with visitors and guests to the Soldiers’ Home.
Lincoln noted that, “I put the draft of the Proclamation aside, waiting for a victory. Well the next news we had was of Pope’s disaster at Bull Run. Things looked darker than ever. Finally came the week of the Battle of Antietam. I determined to wait no longer. The news came, I think, on Wednesday that the advantage was on our side. I was then staying at the Soldiers’ Home. Here I finished writing the second draft of the Proclamation; came up on Saturday, called the cabinet together to hear it, and it was published the following Monday. I made a solemn vow before God that if General Lee was driven back from Maryland I would crown the result by the declaration for freedom to the slaves.”¹
Excerpts from the final Emancipation Proclamation, issued January 1, 1863:
By the President of the United States of America:
…That on the first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State, the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States, shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free; and the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons, and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom...
Now, therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested as Commander-in-Chief, of the Army and Navy of the United States in time of actual armed rebellion against the authority and government of the United States, and as a fit and necessary war measure for suppressing said rebellion, do, on this first day of January, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and in accordance with my purpose so to do publicly proclaimed for the full period of one hundred days, from the day first above mentioned, order and designate as the States and parts of States wherein the people thereof respectively, are this day in rebellion against the United States, the following, to wit:
Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (except the Parishes of St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, St. John, St. Charles, St. James Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Mary, St. Martin, and Orleans, including the City of New Orleans) Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West Virginia, and also the counties of Berkley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, York, Princess Anne, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth), and which excepted parts, are for the present, left precisely as if this proclamation were not issued.
And by virtue of the power, and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States, and parts of States, are, and henceforward shall be free; and that the Executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons.
And I hereby enjoin upon the people so declared to be free to abstain from all violence, unless in necessary self-defense; and I recommend to them that, in all cases when allowed, they labor faithfully for reasonable wages.
And I further declare and make known, that such persons of suitable condition, will be received into the armed service of the United States to garrison forts, positions, stations, and other places, and to man vessels of all sorts in said service.
And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution, upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God...
By the President: ABRAHAM LINCOLN
¹Paul R. Goode, The United States Soldiers’ Home (Richmond, Virginia, 1957), 68, as quoted in the “U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Home” (Washington, DC) National Register of Historic Places Inventory—Nomination Form (Washington, DC: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1973).
Questions for Reading 3
According to President Lincoln, what gave him the authority to make this proclamation?
2. What did President Lincoln say that “the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof” will do to aid, “persons so declared free”?
3. What did President Lincoln ask the freed slaves to do? What did he tell them not to do?
4. In what region do the persons declared, “thenceforward, and forever free” live? Why do you think some states were not included in the proclamation? Do you think many of those enslaved were likely to have gained their freedom as a result of this proclamation? Why or why not?
5. Why do you think the Emancipation Proclamation is considered such an important document?
You can read the entire Emancipation Proclamation on the website of the National Archives and Records Administration. | <urn:uuid:c09b1c62-2c50-47d9-9f8f-838e81280d32> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cr.nps.gov/nr/twhp/wwwlps/lessons/138lincoln_cottage/138facts3.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698924319/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516100844-00024-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95628 | 1,231 | 3.890625 | 4 |
Through AAP, the University of Maryland Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program is designed to prepare students who are primarily from low-income, first generation and traditionally underrepresented groups to pursue doctoral studies.
Full-time University sophomores (who will have at least 60 credit hours by the end of the spring semester), juniors, and seniors, who wish to pursue doctoral studies, enhance their skills to prepare for graduate study, participate in undergraduate research with faculty members, and meet overall program requirements are eligible to apply. The program offers services which include, but are not limited to:
The McNair Program at the University is one of approximately 177 such programs nationwide and serves a very important function in preparing AAP students for doctoral programs.
For National McNair Scholars
Seriously Interested in Attending
University of Maryland? | <urn:uuid:64604ad4-df57-4790-82f5-2680d8a5fe01> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.aap.umd.edu/mcnairprogram.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00028-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94657 | 172 | 1.554688 | 2 |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A Guide to the P. L. Buquor Papers, 1730-1829, 1853
Pasquale Leo Buquor (1816-1901), born in New Orleans, Louisiana, enlisted in the Army of the Republic of Texas in 1839. He joined General Thomas Jefferson Rusk’s campaign against the Cherokee Indians, and by 1840 became an officer in the Commissary Department. Buquor spent 1839-1840 in Company E, 1st Regiment, Texas Infantry, and in 1841 joined the Texas Rangers. In 1846, Buquor served as City Marshal of Bexar, and in 1852 he was elected to the office of Bexar County Commissioner. He went on to serve in various positions for the Bexar government, including Notary Public and Justice of the Peace. Additionally, Buquor was an alderman for the City of San Antonio, January 1861-January 1862. Upon the onset of the Civil War, Buquor organized a volunteer company and served as Captain of the 3rd Infantry, 1st Company A, Texas, in 1861, and returned to San Antonio in 1862. There he was elected mayor, a position he held from 1863 to 1865. Among his accomplishments as mayor include the vice presidency of a committee dedicated to helping soldiers, veterans, and their families, as well as a profit-garnering method for the extermination of rodents by citizens.
In 1853, Texas Governor Peter Hansbrough Bell requested from Buquor a translation of correspondence, petitions, proceedings, and proclamations from Spanish originals in the Bexar Archives. Buquor married Maria de Jesus Delgado in 1841. He died in 1901, after serving in various other military, veterans, and city associations.
The P. L. Buquor Papers, 1730-1829, 1853, include photostats of correspondence, petitions, proceedings, and proclamations, translated from Spanish to English, from originals in the Bexar Archives. The papers contain documents concerning protection against the intrusion of foreigners and Indians, the criminal code published at Nacogdoches, Freemasonry and rebel leaders, and petitions for better government.
The collection is open for research.
P. L. Buquor Papers, 1730-1829, 1853, Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin.
Basic processing and cataloging of this collection was supported with funds from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC) for the Briscoe Center’s "History Revealed: Bringing Collections to Light" project, 2009-2011. | <urn:uuid:7d56bb4e-23f5-4e1a-aa2e-1133913d14fc> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/utcah/01695/cah-01695.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00064-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.947785 | 556 | 2.25 | 2 |
Native Region: Japan, China
Zone Range: 04-09
Preferred Climate: Temperate
Harvest Date: Sunday 04 November, 2012
Seed count: 50-60
A vigorous shrub or small tree with stout spiny stems. Initially upright, but eventually spreading. The leaves are very possibly the most amazing aspect of this plant - up to 1.2m (4ft) in length, they may be composed of eighty or more individual leaflets. The panicles of white flowers, produced in the late summer, are soon followed by clusters of black berries that are grouped in small symmetrical whorls that add an intriguing element to their apperence. Autumn foliage ranges from yellow through orange to purple, depending on conditions and parentage.
Sow seed in containers in the fall, or in the spring after cold stratification. To stratify seeds for a spring sowing, place in damp peat moss or sterile in starter pots filled with good sterile growing medium and refrigerate for 3 weeks. Remove and place in a coldframe, or similar sheltered location to germinate. Grow on in moisture-retentive soil, rich in organic matter and a little on the acidic side. For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. For maximum freshness, please keep seed refrigerated in its original packaging until it is time to plant. | <urn:uuid:982761e1-3f24-4439-8e1a-ce5b70719f49> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.plantexplorers.com/vandusen/product_info.php/products_id/78 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00013-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.911404 | 288 | 1.914063 | 2 |
Travelling to Austria
Coming to Austria EU citizens, along with citizens of many other countries, only need a valid proof of identity or passport to visit or travel through Austria. Here is all the information about passport and visa requirements, in addition to customs and duty regulations.
The Taste of Austria Local farm produce, award-winning wines and the best of home-cooking are the key ingredients to savouring Austria.
Climate Austria has a temperate climate and is therefore an ideal destination at any time of year. Here you can find out more about the weather in Austria and have a look at the latest forecasts for your destination.
Leisure Austria offers a wide range of opportunities for enjoying your free time. Whether you're a culture vulture, a sports fanatic or simply want to relax after a long day, Austria has plenty to offer. Here you can find out more about Art and Culture, Skiing and Hiking locations and Spa and Beauty...
Travel Tips Everything you need for your trip to Austria - from transport options to public holidays. What are the average daily expenses? What do you need if you require medical assistance? Here's a collection of useful information to help during your stay in Austria. | <urn:uuid:846ab349-89a7-4695-b140-e9f897cfffb3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.advantageaustria.org/fi/zentral/business-guide-oesterreich/reisen-nach-oesterreich.en.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700958435/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516104238-00017-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.93974 | 244 | 1.507813 | 2 |
Bringing to life projects that will benefit a community is the goal of ChildFund’s
section on the Web.
“Many of our programs have additional needs beyond sponsorship,” says Anne Lynam Goddard, president and CEO of ChildFund. “We wanted to create a way to tell potential donors about these needs. Each project has a goal that many or a few people can support and bring the program to life.”
Since the program launched on Dec. 12, 2009, ChildFund sponsors and donors have already raised enough funds ($2,857) to provide water pumps for rural families in Timor Leste. The pumps will provide clean water to approximately 15 families in the area. Now, children will have more time to study and play.
Other projects still need your help.
Programs through Fund a Project range from $7,145 to provide supplies for a community garden in the United States to more than $50,000 for 20 playgrounds in Afghanistan.
“This program enables ChildFund supporters to fund programs that impact children because it brings together many people to reach the project goal,” says Goddard.
Once a program is funded, donors will receive updates on the progress of the project and its impact on the children and families supported.
ChildFund offers similar project support to major donors who want to fund an entire project. This is the first time that a collective group of individuals with no affiliation can fund a project.
To view current projects that you can help fund, click here. | <urn:uuid:2361a146-7158-4a23-8494-fbf85a263130> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.childfund.org/media/articles/current/2009/Group_Giving__Funds_projects_that_impact_children.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00045-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.948697 | 314 | 1.929688 | 2 |
Sports injuries affect more than 20 million Americans each year, and many of those injuries go untreated or leave residual pain that never fully goes away. For professional athletes, the risk of suffering an injury or feeling chronic pain is much greater than for the average person – and traditional treatment options aren’t always effective in treating symptoms and restoring health. Conventional treatments, in fact, often have long recovery times and fail to leave athletes feeling 100 percent. Through acupuncture, however, many sports stars have been able to bounce back from an injury and come off the bench feeling better than ever.
Dwyane Wade (NBA), Matt Hasselbeck (NFL), and former MLB pitcher Kris Benson have all turned to acupuncture as a natural treatment for injuries and chronic pain, often in conjunction with other modern medical treatments. It has helped athletes who might otherwise find themselves watching from the sidelines get back in the game more quickly; and it has helped others continue successful sports careers even after a debilitating injury.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective natural treatment for injuries such as:
- Sprains and strains
- Swollen muscles
- Knee injuries and pain
- Achilles tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Shin splints
It is an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into strategic acupuncture points in the skin. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this helps regulate the body’s energy and restores balance. In modern medicine, acupuncture is said to ease pain by stimulating the nervous system and by releasing pain-relieving chemicals into the body.
Acupuncture for athletes
Acupuncture can drastically speed up recovery time and even improve performance, which is why so many athletes are increasingly turning to this natural treatment for pain and sports-related injuries. Professional basketballs players have always been supporters of acupuncture with stars turning to the treatment for sore muscles and strains. In the 90s, Charles Barkley saw an acupuncturist for a sore neck. Grant Hill famously visited an acupuncturist in Phoenix for sluggishness and even admitted to receiving treatments for allergies. Meanwhile, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade relied on acupuncture for pain relief caused by knee tendinitis.
Aside from reducing pain, acupuncture has also been shown to promote tissue regeneration, leading many athletes to turn to the treatment post-surgery. Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Kris Benson, started acupuncture treatments after undergoing Tommy John surgery in order speed up recovery. He was able to get back on the mound within a year of his operation. Another famous baseball player, former homerun king Mark McGwire, also trusted acupuncture treatments during his time in the Majors in order to manage back pain induced by a bulging disk.
With big name athletes spreading the word about the success of acupuncture therapy, this natural treatment for pain is sure to continue gaining popularity with pro athletes and amateur sports players alike.
Photo source: Dwyane Wade by Keith Allison | <urn:uuid:1df4ce46-d37a-491f-908f-cd81a6ba0b1c> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.modernpaintips.com/category/pain-relief/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703682988/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112802-00073-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.956744 | 589 | 2.28125 | 2 |
Crystal Dive & Eco Koh Tao joined Marine Conservation Koh Tao in our monthly community clean up in windy, rainy & sometimes sunny conditions at Shark Bay Koh Tao’s south-east.
For the underwater clean-up 36 people, our biggest crowd for some time joined Crystal Dive & Eco Koh Tao to make a difference for the benefit of Koh Tao’s marine environment.
Shark Bay is not dived very often, being very shallow and being heavily damaged by storms in 1998 from which it never really recovered. It is visited by snorkelling tours regularly who come to see the black tip reef sharks that regularly inhabit the bay there.
Divers were provided clean up bags care of the Project Aware Foundation who provided a number of them as donations for our Earth Day celebrations back in April this year. Some participants also used their dive to collect invaluable data on coral bleaching using the University of Queensland and Project Aware’s Coralwatch Coral Health Chart monitoring. This data is collected during the dive and uploaded to Coralwatch’s online database.
When we do our clean ups the aim is to try and educate people into the plight of the marine ecosystems from garbage and discarded waste and what role we can have in reducing its frequency. People are instructed to only bring up things that are damaging the environment and things that will continue to damage. We try to remind people that it is better to try to REDUCE consumption of things like plastic bags & bottles rather than rely on them being recycled.
Glass bottles provide habitat and substrate and if removed simply add to our already overfilled landfill. Fishing nets, once secure and fixed to the bottom are usually a good substrate for other organisms to grow on.
It was encouraging to see our educational campaign had paid off with very few glass bottles and mostly only the target plastic bottles and fishing nets.
Marine Conservation Koh Tao www.marineconservationkohtao.com
Project Aware www.projectaware.org
Save Koh Tao www.savekohtao.com | <urn:uuid:8028426c-190d-48fa-9049-f728e2219838> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.projectaware.org/blog/crystaldive/jun-27-11/june-25th-2011-%E2%80%93-monthly-clean-shark-bay-draws-crowd | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00026-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.954201 | 413 | 2.25 | 2 |
Ever heard this mystery? Some random rich dude walks into a itty-bitty Georgia town, smacks down a ton of cash and hires a company to erect a big creepy, dictatorial Stonehenge-looking thing on some farmer's land?
"In June 1979, an unknown group hired Elberton Granite Finishing Company to build the structure."
The Georgia Guidestones are filled with all sorts of touchy-feely pseudo-libertarian and enlightenment phrases, which is almost (but not quite) enough to make you forget that it's a list of dictates, and that the very first one presents a very interesting problem:
"MAINTAIN HUMANITY UNDER 500,000,000 IN PERPETUAL BALANCE WITH NATURE"
The current population of the Earth is 6.7 billion. To initiate the first dictate would require removal of 6.2 billion people, then they can proceed with maintaining it.
Long has the elite concerned itself with the rampant growth of the wretched masses. Even before industrialization allowed for exponential population growth they were thinking ahead.
"The English political economist and demographer Thomas Robert Malthus FRS (13 February 1766 – 23 December 1834) expressed views on population growth and noted the potential for populations to increase rapidly, and often faster than the food supply available to them. Commentators may refer to such a runaway scenario, as outlined in Malthus's treatise An Essay on the Principle of Population, as a 'Malthusian catastrophe'."
In the 19th century, a movement grew from the revelations of Darwin and rapidly gained popularity among the ruling class who were concerned over the quickly changing technological world which would allow for those dirty subjects to run wild in ever more expanding numbers.
"Eugenics is a social philosophy which advocates the improvement of human hereditary traits through various forms of intervention. Throughout history, eugenics has been regarded by its various advocates as a social responsibility, an altruistic stance of a society, meant to create healthier, stronger and/or more intelligent people, to save resources, and lessen human suffering."
From it's modern inception by Sir Francis Galton, eugenics has captivated everyone from the intellectual elite (H.G. Wells, Jack London, George Bernard Shaw) to the political. (Woodrow Wilson, Margaret Sanger) It all sounds lovely and charming, until you realize that it was the justification for forced sterilization in the US (see Wilson link above) as well as Nazi Germany. No one should be singled out, however. The US allied with the USSR, and Stalin had slaughtered seven million in the Ukraine. Eugenics was an open, active, supported issue for the global ruling class until WWII made it fall out of favor. The global elite held the strings of both sides in that horrible war, but the elites did not retire their plans. They simply morphed...
"...Population control today - and the corresponding environmental movements - grew out of the post WWII shift from eugenics to Malthusian programs. The line connecting eugenicists to population control is unmistakable. Population reduction is being used by the elite as a weapon of war against competition, as an assurance of continued domination..."
Yeah, and that pretty much sums it up. What a better excuse to slaughter a couple (or 6.2) billion humans than ecological catastrophe? Terrified, TV-mind controlled zombies will never dare question the blatant and utterly obvious lie: The people in control who cause all the problems are the only answers to them. | <urn:uuid:4824ee07-ff2a-475c-801a-322941674407> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://eamon-an-chnoic.blogspot.com/2008/09/elite-planned-depopulation.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00027-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951387 | 725 | 1.671875 | 2 |
Perhaps you may have noticed that LG introduced an RGBW OLED TV at CES, using a white OLED process together with traditional RGB+Clear color filters.
The purpose of this was ostensibly to facilitate the manufacturing of a large diagonal OLED, that is traditionally difficult with shadow mask deposition techniques. My assumption is that they used RGBW to enhance brightness, taking advantage of their white OLED material to attain the longer 30,000 hours or more of lifetime which is now expected for TVs. At CES I was told that the layout was a QUAD layout, which uses 4 subpixels per pixel, unlike PenTile that uses, on average, 2 subpixels per pixel achieved through subpixel rendering.
Similarly, we are also seeing additional announcements of products by Sony using their Sony Whitemagic™ technology.
The layout of RGBW for Whitemagic also has used 4 subpixels per pixel unlike PenTile’s 2 subpixels per pixel on average. While Sony’s stated purpose for Whitemagic has been to enhance power efficiency, a 4 subpixel per pixel layout only take advantage of the improved light throughput of clear subpixels. It is, no doubt, an improvement to power efficiency, but it forgoes the chance to improve aperture ratio, which a significant part of what is achieved with PenTile technology. As one moves to increasingly higher resolution formats aperture ratio becomes a major limitation, even for low temperature polysilicon (LTPS) backplanes. For PenTile, however, the contribution of improved efficiency in our highest resolution designs is equally attributable to improvements in aperture ratio as well as the improved throughput gained from clear color filters.
Competitive RGBW is a step in the right direction, but there is no substitute for genuine PenTile technology. | <urn:uuid:40d96a45-bda2-4619-851d-e15c9c2365d2> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://pentileblog.com/oled/not-all-rgbw-displays-are-created-equal/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00051-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.945584 | 355 | 1.757813 | 2 |
Ancient Dead Sea Scrolls digitised in co-project by Israel and Google
Anyone with an internet connection will now be able to take a new look into the Biblical past through an online archive of high-resolution images of the 2,000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls completed by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and Google.
The scrolls, most of them on parchment, are the oldest copies of the Hebrew Bible and include secular text dating from the third century BC to the first century AD.
IAA, the custodian of the scrolls that shed light on the life of Jews and early Christians at the time of Jesus, said it has collaborated with Google's research and development centre in Israel for the past two and a half years to upload digitised images of thousands of fragments from the collection.
Yossi Matias, the head of Google-Israel R&D centre, described the project launch as "exciting"....
I'm looking forward to seeing and being able to investigate the actual images of the scrolls. What an incredible find these were. They verified almost the entire Bible as remaining unchanged through the years. I think entire scrolls and/or fragments were found for every book except, I think, Esther. I think the hand of God in keeping His living Word accurately preserved throughout thousands of years is nothing less than incredible. Especially when relying on the hands of the scribes to transcribe with accuracy.
This is a very good idea, though the article is quite wrong that the Muhammadans would be interested in it. They say the Jews corrupted the Old Testament, even though The Qur'an is a complete corruption of Scripture . | <urn:uuid:49abb73c-1df9-4f2a-a513-223bbad2e0a5> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.sermonaudio.com/new_details.asp?currPage=9&ID=35745&sortby=newfirst | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00053-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962317 | 335 | 2.65625 | 3 |
JOSEPH A. INNIS. The present efficient incumbent of the office of county surveyor of Woodward County has served consecutively in this position since 1900, and is one of the sterling pioneers and honored and influential citizens of the country where he established his residence at the time when this section was thrown open to white settlement, as a part of the historic Cherokee Strip, or Outlet.
Mr. Innis is the owner of valuable farm property in the county and has been one of the valient and resourceful men who have been foremost in the development of Woodward County along both civic and industrial lines.
On the homestead farm of his parents in Ripley County, Indiana, Joseph A. Innis was born on 8 May 1861, and he there came into the world about the time when his native land was plunged into the vortex of fractercidal war. He is the son of James and Sarah (Runner) Innis, both natives of the Hoosier state, and representatives of sterling pioneering families of that commonwealth. James Innis was born in Ripley County, Indiana, in 1832. At the time of his death in 1901, he was a resident of the Village of May, Woodward County, Oklahoma.
The marriage of James Innis and Miss Sarah Runner was solemnized in 1853. Mrs. Innis died in what is now Beaver County, Oklahoma in 1889, the year that the new territory was thrown open to settlement. She was born in 1833 and was the daughter of David Runner who immigrated from Germany and became a pioneer settler in Indiana.
The eldest of the chidlren of James and Sarah (Runner) Innis is Milford Taylor Innis who was born in 1859. Joseph A. of this sketch was the second child. John Newton was born in 1863; Edward was born in 1867 and died in 1869; James D. was born in 1870; William Isaac in 1873; Robert E. in 1878; and Archibald D. in 1882. All save one of the children are living (in 1916, that is).
Joseph A. Innis was reared under the sturdy discipline of the home farm in Indiana and was educated in the public schools in that locality and period. He came west in 1884 as a young man of 23 years, and established his redsidence in Barber County, Kansas, as a pioneer. In 1886, he came to No Man's Land and became a pioneer in Oklahoma. When the Cherokee Strip was thrown open in 1893, he participated in the rush to the new country, and entered claim to a homestead in what is now Woodward county.
Mr. Innis was married at Butler, Missouri, on 2 August 1881 to Miss Mary Maple (born Bates County, Missouri in 1864), a daughter of John and Harriet (Fuller) Maple. Mary (Maple) Innis died on 23 April 1888 about one month after the birth of her only daughter, soon after the family home had been established in what is now Beaver County, Oklahoma. Three children who survived her were: Harry B., born 1883; Asa J. born 1885; and Mary Prudence, born 11 March 1888.
On 23 June 1904, Mr. Innis married Miss Etta C. Strong (born in Parke County, Indiana, 21 August 1877, daughter of John and Mary (Jones) Strong, natives of Parke County, Indiana). By this marriage there were five children: Joseph T. born 9 March 1905; Eva May born 13 December 1907; Charles T. Bruce born 29 November 1909; Lester Gail born 6 February 1913; and Crystal Elnora born 14 February 1915. | <urn:uuid:8e597851-d02c-4b9c-a44f-8a186685d095> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://showcase.netins.net/web/fourjweb/joallen.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00073-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.988444 | 758 | 2.0625 | 2 |
Music: Sweet Songs of Freedom: Jamaica's Music Since Independence
The official logo for Jamaica's 50th Anniversary
- Toots walks away from incident in Virginia, continues with tour
- Eric Clapton gets Marley remixed
- Three Little Birds, Legend Remixed docu-series
- Bob Marley's 'Three Little Birds' Gets 2013 Update
- A mother's touch
Jamaica's music was, and still is, a political tool, representing the mood of a particular era, emphasizing socio-political issues, giving a voice to the masses, providing an avenue through which they could air their frustrations, giving voice to issues which plagued them. The history of Jamaica's music has been synchronized with the history of the Jamaican people, as is evidenced in the African influences such as the one-drop rhythm and the patois style, a creole language which has both African and English linguistic features, in which most of the songs are sung. The European elements must also be mentioned, originating from the colonial era where slave musicians had to play European popular music for their masters, resulting in an influx of various song and dance styles.
Since the post-Independence period, as the nation has undergone its fair share of evolution, so has the music – the beats have changed, the tempo has gone up and down, but the rhythm of Jamaican music, the heartbeat of the island, plays on.
Ska, Ska, Ska
Jamaica's post-independent period was an era accentuated by social issues, a time during which ska music, which featured an upbeat tempo, jazz-infused riffs and rhythms made for dancing, was at its peak. Bob Marley and the Wailers produced Simmer Down in 1963, while Millie Small scored the first worldwide ska hit in 1994 with the sweet and playful, My Boy Lollipop. At the helm of the 'ska movement' were the Skatalites, a group of notable former jazz players, who turned out Ball O' Fire in 1965, Phoenix City in 1966 and Guns of Navarone, an instrumental, in 1967. Another star of the ska era, perhaps its prince, was Desmond Dekker (Dacres), who paid homage to the Jamaican 'rude boy' with 007 Shanty Town and Rude Boy Train in 1967, then increased the tempo a year later in Israelites. The rude boy culture was once again an example of the music typifying the lifestyle, with Jamaican ghetto youths practicing a culture synonymous with that of the old-school American-style gangster.
Get Ready, Let's Do Rocksteady
During the mid-1960's, the ska movement evolved into what became known as rock steady – the main difference between the two being a slower beat and no horn section in the latter. Rock steady, named after Alton Ellis' hit Rock Steady (1966), was characterized by its very laid-back, almost lazy yet mellow style. Vocal groups such as the Wailers, the Maytals and the Heptones, found their voices, as vocal harmonies became the predominant feature of the music during this period. Some of the more popular hits of this short-lived genre included John Holt's The Tide Is High (1966) by the Paragons, Judge Dread (1967) by Prince Buster, and Rivers Of Babylon (1969) by the Melodians.
This Is Reggae Music
In the late 1960's, rocksteady quickly morphed into reggae music, the genre of music which has become synonymous with Jamaica, and which catapulted the nation into the musical stratosphere. Early reggae music featured very heavily the influences of Rastafarianism, which had its own infusion of African-inspired distinctness, such as nyabinghi drumming. The heroes of reggae music include icon Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Lee 'Scratch' Perry. Messages in the music during this time continued to focus on social issues such as the country's impoverished conditions, particularly in the ghettos.
The emergence of dancehall music took place in the late 1970s. It was a more updated version of reggae music, and like reggae, reflected socio-political issues such as poverty and violence. Dancehall exists today as a modern genre, with deejays using the music to lash out at each other at times, but predominantly at issues which they don't advocate such as violence, especially against women and children, and homosexuality. Some of the recognized names in dancehall from its inception to present day include Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel and Mavado.
Jamaican Music – To Di Worl'
The popularity of Jamaica's music is undeniable, its influences seen the world over. It is featured in movies and on international music charts, and inspires the music produced by artistes in other countries. Jamaican music has won awards on the world stage on numerous occasions, proving its deep entrenchment in world music culture. Artistes such as Sean Paul have crossed over into other genres such as hip-hop, fusing Jamaican dancehall with up-tempo pop beats, and having great success on the world stage as a result. It is now a common practice for dancehall acts to collaborate with artistes on the world stage, re-emphasizing that out of this little rock, continues to flow smooth, sweet melodies; songs that make the world rock away.
- Reggae Kinda Sweet: Photography by Pogus Caesar
- Maroons to shine at Reggae Film Festival with Akwantu documentary
- Win A Trip to Experience Jamaica From Roots to Reggae
- Jemere Morgan, Third Time Charm
- MixPak presents Inna Style N Fashion
- Yasus Afari returns with 'Wine Pon Paper'
- Rockhouse Hotel Outdoor Acoustic Concert Series
- The silent screams of Taj Francis
- Jamaican Art Initiative Turns to Kickstarter to Fund Project
- Marcus Thompson redefining normality of productions | <urn:uuid:803a4c2f-c544-48f3-82ec-301271faf568> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.jamaicansmusic.com/news/Music/Sweet_Songs_Of_Freedom_Jamaica_s_Music_Since_Independence | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00049-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.950708 | 1,259 | 2.28125 | 2 |
This blog is in response to a number of requests about creating Agile games. I have spent the last two years creating a number of Agile games and whilst I certainly wouldn’t declare myself and expert next to the amazing machinations of @lukehohmann of Gamestorming I do try to make games that are fun, educational, simple and easily repeatable.
In today’s blog I want to describe the journey and thought processes that I took to build a game that I call “Kanuzzle”.
It started about two years ago when Russell Healy first introduced Kanban to me through his amazing getKanban game. Russell spent considerable time, effort and personal expense to produce this high quality, repeatable instructor toolkit. I enjoyed the game and found it quite educational but did have difficulty with the setup time and the time it took to instruct on how to play the game. Taking that aside I felt the participants in the room were able to pickup the concepts embedded within and the competition levels were high which increased the fun factor of the game.
When I returned to Australia I tried to find some interest for Russell’s game but there was a perception that the game costs were too high (for an instructor to purchase). I was personally less concerned with this as I understood the investment Russell had made, but was more concerned about the maintainability of the game once purchased.
As time went on the needs that I had for a Kanban game grew away from getKanban. I needed a game that was less software focused and was easily digestible to business specialists who were using Kanban outside of software development. I also needed a game that was quicker to kickoff and one that could be maintained an enhanced. Production costs were an issue and management ideally wanted games that costed little more than paper and pens.
So given these new constraints I went about building a new game. To overcome the production cost issue the board I created was printed on A3 and laminated. Tokens and any other artifacts went through a similar production method. This resulted in kits that cost a little more than a few dollars. Additionally I wanted to build in more “chance” to the game and brought in a design concept directly off Monopoly building in “wildcards”. When a wildcard was landed on it represented the real life occurrence of an event that was either positive or negative to the team’s ability to deliver. The set of board steps was also fixed as opposed to getKanban’s varying cost to deliver a story. Using colour themes similar to Monopoly’s “set of hotels” I had colours that represented a number of board steps for a particular non software role.
Teams were given preset WIP limits for their board which was setup to deliberately be dysfunctional. After a few two person practices, I released my new “Kanbanopoly” game for training. The first few sessions resulted in some instructional tweaks but overall the exercise went well – I cut the exercise time down from 2 hrs to a 45 minute game. The game was run in three rounds (split among theory). The first round was the dysfunctional one. The second round the team were able to change their WIP limits as they saw fit against an overall resource constraint, in the third round they could change the WIP limits again. Team’s rarely got the WIP limit right by the second go but always did by the third.
But a few things concerned me about this variant. Firstly it was still taking too long for people to understand the instructions, especially the Cummulative Flow Diagram. Secondly people were having trouble making the leap between the game and what they were doing on an Agile basis from day to day.
So I did what any good game designer needs to be open to and totally scrapped it. My new requirement was that the game be runable within 30 minutes with similar production costs and a five minute instruction time.
What I wanted was the ability to have a massive wall and for the team to stand at the wall to do the exercise, in this respect it would be more closely aligned to what they were used to. But the problem was that they couldn’t deliver software in the classroom and I didn’t want them to do a manufacturing based game as I wanted to highlight the knowledge work element strongly. So I toyed with the idea of a game within a game and created “Kadoku”, a Kanban Sudoku variant.
Children’s Sudoku puzzles (of varying difficulty) were printed and a value was attached to them. They were then cut up and placed on the wall with a pre-setup WIP limit. Roles were given out and metrics were kept. The WIP limits were setup for success but deliberate defects were put into the puzzles to force certain roles to hit their limit and cause a flow issue. The game went fairly well as far as the lessons learnt. The instruction time was certainly reduced and the costs were even lower. Additionally it felt more familiar and transposable to the participants. But there was a serious issue. Defects took too long to resolve and the Sudoku execution itself was taking longer than expected with each puzzle taking between 8-10 minutes to get out. Simpler puzzles took too short a time being doable in under one minute.
So that variant was re-adjusted. I scrapped the Sudoku puzzles due to their complexity and went with simple kids puzzles that should be achievable by 7-10 years olds. The game was renamed to “Kanuzzle” and re-run. This game has now been running for about eight training sessions without further issues and is now considered final. The cost is about 20 pieces of colour paper and blu-tack. The setup time is about fifteen minutes to cut out the puzzles, blu-tack them and setup the physical board. The instruction time is about 3 minutes and in game running time is about 15 minutes. The design intent from a learning perspective is to get a feel of the Kanban concepts with a particular focus on WIP limits, managing flow, pulling work and handling expedites. People won’t be experts by any stretch, but they will be informed enough to now give it a try and self-adjust.
So lets take a look now at the things that you need to consider when building your own Agile game:
- Who is the audience? What will they know? What won’t they know? What terms may be unfamiliar for them?
- How much time do they have to play a game?
- How much time do you have to run a game in the context of the rest of the training?
- How much time will it take for you to preset/reset the game? Is this something that you can afford?
- How much time will it take you to instruct in the game? Is this something that can fit into yours and your participants training time?
- How much time does the game and any post-retrospective debrief take? Is this something that you can fit into your and your participants training time?
- How much do the physical gaming materials cost? Are they re-usable?
- Is the game maintainable? Can you adjust it and re-run with adjustment costs being minimal?
- What key messages do you want to get across? What agile practice(s), principles or values are you trying to re-enforce?
- What would be nice to get across if you had time?
- Can participants easily relate this to their work?
Also keep in mind general game building considerations that all games should adhere to (for more information checkout my Gamification and Agile slideshow):
- There needs to be clear and defined goals or outcomes that have to be achieved
- There must be a set of rules in place to limit how you go about achieving that goal
- The environment must provide feedback to tell participants how they are going or whether the game is ended
- They must be voluntary
In the case of Kanuzzle the answers to these last four questions are:
- Achieve the most value. Two teams compete against each other. By default the puzzles are ordered according to sequence and not value, part of the design intent is to get them to spot that the backlog is not value prioritised and then to re-adjust it.
- Limits are enforced by WIP limits on the board and through rules for handling expedites and roles for the game. Roles are loosely set so ideally by the end of the game no one cares about their role, they are just focused on the flow. Additionally by forcing an error into the flow early it forces the team to deal with flow issues and understand what it feels like and the impacts that it has.
- Feedback is provided via timing each puzzle and through provision of graph tracking. Instructors also give feedback on game end time.
- They must want to learn and participate in training | <urn:uuid:0450a155-7e81-4ffe-ad32-c88725888414> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://agileforest.com/category/games/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00035-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.984296 | 1,847 | 1.71875 | 2 |
Hospital staff are being stretched so thin that critical ward rounds are being neglected, leading clinicians have said.
Fewer members of staff, tighter budgets and a rising tide of admissions have led to a deterioration of ward rounds in hospitals, said the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).
The quality of rounds must improve to ensure that patients are seen as people and not conditions, they said.
Ward rounds are "critical" to patient care and should not be curtailed by hospital managers, they added.
The Colleges said there has been a gradual erosion of "good ward rounds" and have launched new guidance to ensure that there is a standard of practice across all hospitals.
Dr Mark Temple, acute care fellow at the RCP's medical workforce unit, said: "Hospitals are under more pressure now than they have been in a very long time. There are huge pressures in terms of staffing, in terms of a rising tide of inpatients and emergency admissions and particularly the financial constraints on the NHS at the moment.
"There is a danger that busy clinical staff have become too task-orientated and less patient-orientated in relation to the tasks that they are doing.
"If you are a manager in a distant part of the hospital you may see a ward round as something that could be shortened and may not be able to measure the value of it compared to activity going through an outpatient department."
Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said: "Ward rounds are essential to the care of patients in our hospitals - and a number one priority for the Government. That's why the Prime Minister announced support for nurses to spend more time on ward rounds earlier this year.
"NHS staff are at their best, and delivering their best, when they are actually with patients - not with paperwork." | <urn:uuid:83b79e7a-c025-4eac-be8f-bb012a3b22d0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/hospital-ward-rounds-neglected-28870025.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.974888 | 377 | 1.53125 | 2 |
News & CommentaryArchive
Jul 21, 2008
The Thorny Problem of Donor Intent
Generally, when the topic of “donor intent” comes up in philanthropy circles it’s because of a complaint that a donor’s wishes are being ignored or subverted. That’s the back story behind the Robertson family’s suit against Princeton University, and its what conservative pundits are talking about when they say that the present incarnations of Ford, Rockefeller, and Pew have strayed from their founders’ ideals. On the surface it may seem that honoring donor intent in all cases is the right and obvious thing to do. But the recent revelation that before her death Leona Helmsley charged her multi-billion dollar charitable trust to attend to “the care and welfare of dogs” starkly illustrates that donor intent is a thornier question than it seems.
Stephanie Strom of the New York Times describes the extreme, but not unusual, dilemma faced by Helmsley’s trustees. While many donors have given to animal-related charities, Ms. Helmsley’s trust will have an endowment of $5 billion to $8 billion. Ms. Strom notes that at the low end that’s still 10 times more than the combined 2005 assets of all registered animal-related charities in the US. The trustees are not just concerned with how to manage a gift that dwarfs existing resources in the cause. According to the article, they are more concerned that such a lavish gift dedicated to dogs instead of people may incite public outcry. As Ray Madoff, a professor at the Boston College Law School, notes in an editorial titled “Dog Eat Your Taxes?“ this is not just an issue of Ms. Helmsley’s right of self-determination. The gift to establish the trust is tax exempt, which means society forgoes several billion dollars in tax revenues allowing Ms. Helmsley to fund the trust. To put the numbers into useful context, Mr. Madoff calculates that the taxes due may have equaled half of the annual budget of Head Start.
The trustees could legally decide to expand the trust’s mission, or they could follow an earlier mission that includes “indigent people” as well as dogs. Their dilemma is how, and whether, to honor Ms. Helmsley’s wishes. For the rest of us, the concern is whether a public policy that allows donors nearly unchecked ability to designate a philanthropic cause serves the public good.
The central question here, as with all regulation of the philanthropic industry, is how to define “public good.“ A good definition is hard to come by, a fact illustrated by the obituaries for Sir John Templeton, who died on July 8th. Sir John was the benefactor of the John Templeton Foundation, whose mission includes seeking ways to reconcile religious and scientific world views in the hope that each can gain insight from the other. Given the rancorous and unproductive rift between religion and science for centuries, it would be hard to argue that such a mission doesn’t serve the public good. Yet most of the obituaries noted that there are many outspoken critics of the foundation who claim that it seeks to undermine science and push a religious agenda in disguise. An alumni vs. alma mater battle at Harvard University surrounds the same issue: an increasing number of alumni are seeking to divert alumni giving away from Harvard’s already enormous endowment and toward higher education institutions in sub-Saharan Africa with the argument that gifts to Harvard no longer serve a public good.
When confronted with questions that are difficult to answer—for example how to define First Amendment protected speech—the general public and the courts have generally taken an expansive view. The dangers of drawing lines too narrowly, most believe, exceeds the harm of the few aberrations. Ms. Strom told me that after her piece was published reader response was essentially split between those who were outraged that so much money was being devoted to dogs, and those who staunchly supported Ms. Helmsley’s right to do what she pleased with her wealth. It’s also interesting to note that despite the now large number of blogs devoted to philanthropy, there was practically no discussion of the issues surrounding the Helmsley trust.
Some may consider the Helmsley gift an aberration, and unworthy of deep discussion. Given that the amount of wealth held in the upper tiers of society continues to grow, and the forecasted wealth transfers as the pre-boomer generation passes away, aberrations like Ms. Helmsley’s will likely become more common. Now is the time to begin a conversation on whether our public policy on this issue is appropriate. For instance, legal and economic scholar Richard Posner discusses the issues, possible changes to policy and the impacts that they might have.
On the other hand, delaying a substantive, reasoned debate on donor intent and the definition of the public good is a mistake. As large fortunes are increasingly be bequeathed to problematic—or even esoteric, rarefied or bizarre causes—the backlash may produce legislation that veers too far and constricts donor intent in ways that breed unintended negative consequences. Starting the debate now may allow us to successfully handle the issue while avoiding the worst of the thorns. | <urn:uuid:d5522423-8e09-42d4-b07b-23a2194ffb94> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.philanthropyaction.com/nc/the_thorny_problem_of_donor_intent/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00027-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.9517 | 1,105 | 1.5 | 2 |
So, I was hanging out in the chat room, and hear mention of something called "Solid Angle". What is this, and how can it be important?
The solid angle is the extension of the concept of angle from two to three dimension. So let's start from 2d: consider a circle and pick two rays starting from the center. They will divide the circumference in two parts, called arcs. The length of each arc divided by the length of the radius will be the measure of the angle subtended by the arc itself.
Extend this to three dimensions: instead of a circle take a sphere, and instead of picking two rays pick a cone centered in the center of the sphere.The cone will cross the surface of the sphere: and now to define the solid angle measure the area of the surface delimited by the cone, divided by the square of the length of the radius (so that we have an area divided by an area).
The key point is that - since they are ratios - angles (and the solid ones make no exception) are dimensionless quantities: a small object as seen from a short distance can cover the same angle as a large object as seen from a long distance.
Why does this matter ? Because we live in 3 spatial dimensions ( :-) ). For instance consider a single light point source radiating (a star seen from very far?) By symmetry there is no reason for it to radiate more in one direction than in the other. So all the photons will be equally spread out in the space. Now you decide to look at how much light arrives in a given region of space: trace a "cone" from the region of space of your interest (the subject of your photo) with the vertex on the star, and you will have "measured" the solid angle. Now the ratio of photons will be equal to the ratio of the solid angle to the total (which is, by the way, 4*pi, similar to 2*pi in two dimensions): if the star is very far, this will be a very small number.
Now from stars move to flash units. These are not really point like (neither stars are, after all :) ) and not radiate isotropically (they are usually oriented so that all the light goes somewhere useful) but the same reasoning applies since they are usually much smaller than the subjects we are photographing.
This kind of computations underlies the so called inverse square law effect (basically you are spreading a fixed amount of light in a given solid angle: the area of the sphere subtended by the same solid angle grows with the square of the distance from the source, and so if you double the distance the area will be squared).
A solid angle is a fairly abstract concept of geometry, but hopefully easy enough to understand once the concept is grasped. One simple way to think of it is to expand the concept of a normal angle from one dimension (the length of an arc) to two dimensions (the area of a circle). An angle is defined by the arc that "subtends" two rays extending from the center point of a unit circle. The formula for an angle is:
In the same way, a solid angle is defined by the area of a "circle" that subtends two rays extending from the center point of a unit sphere. Where the rays intersect with the surface of the sphere, an arc between the two rays is created at the sphere's surface...your angle. However, that same arc can be drawn at any orientation on the surface of the sphere. Assuming you spun the arc around its center point on the surface of the sphere, you would create a circle on the surface of the sphere. Another way to look at it would be to say the area of a circle on the surface of a sphere created by the projection of a cone created by the same angle from the center of the sphere. The area of that circle is a solid angle. The formula for a solid angle is:
Given the units of both equations, both angles and solid angles are unitless and independent of the actual size of the unit circle or sphere they are based on.
Solid angles have useful application in photography, namely in the area of calculating luminance from a light source and deriving the necessary exposure value to properly expose a scene lit by a given luminance. The standard unit of solid angles is the steradian, a unitless value that represents the solid angle of area
A lux is a measurement of light of a certain intensity (cd) emitted from a certain geometry (steradians) per specific area (m^2). Solid angles are important to photography as they help bring specific geometry into the equation. This is all well and good when one needs to be highly specific in regards to exposure, such as when performing scientific tests of camera equipment for the purposes of comparing one piece of gear to another.
From a practical standpoint, solid angles don't have much real-world application. One generally doesn't spend time running the math when setting up studio lighting...such things are best learned by experimentation, building up a body of experience and understanding from actual use of lighting apparatuses. Only then can all the nuances of illumination, shading, and light in general be understood in a practical sense.
For a detailed explanation of exactly how solid angles are important to calculating exposure value given a specific illumination, see my answer to the following question: | <urn:uuid:23260d57-b86e-46c8-9a59-46f19a2d4217> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/14716/what-is-solid-angle-and-how-does-it-relate-to-photography/14719 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697974692/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095254-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937369 | 1,103 | 3.4375 | 3 |
Photos and VideosMore Photos and Videos
Democrat Elizabeth Warren takes the stage after defeating incumbent GOP Sen. Scott Brown in the Massachusetts Senate race, during an election night rally at the Fairmont Copley Plaza hotel in Boston, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Elizabeth Warren took back a U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts for Democrats after beating Republican Sen. Scott Brown, helping her party hang onto its majority in the chamber, according to NBC News projections.
With 95 percent of the vote in, the Harvard law professor and consumer advocate had 54 percent of the vote compared to 46 percent for Brown, NBC News reported.
"For every family that has been chipped and squeezed and hammered, we're going to fight for you," Warren said in a victory speech Tuesday night. "We're going to fight for a level playing field and we're going to put people back to work."
Warren's projected victory came after a tough, contentious battle against the incumbent, who stunned the political establishment in 2010 when he won the seat held for 47 years by the late Sen. Ted Kennedy. She will become the first woman to represent Massachusetts in the Senate.
Warren, 63, had the backing of the president, who tapped her to create the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and gave her a prime speaking spot at the Democratic National Convention this fall. She cast herself as a champion of consumers, the middle class and women, who overwhelmingly supported her bid, according to The New York Times.
Brown, 53, portrayed himself as a moderate everyman in a state dominated by Democrats.
"You've got no business in politics unless you respect the judgment of people," Brown said in a concession speech Tuesday. "And if you run for office, you've got to be able to take it either way, winning or losing, and I accept the decision of voters."
The race drew national attention for the amount of money poured into it — at least $68 million, according to The Associated Press — and for several flaps that came out of the months-long contest.
It was Warren's speech about the role of government in private sector success that morphed into the "you didn't build that" line Republicans used against the president.
"There is nobody in this country who got rich on his own, nobody," Warren said last August, according to the Los Angeles Times. "You built a factory out there? Good for you. But I want to be clear: You moved your goods to market on the roads the rest of us paid for, you hired workers the rest of us paid to educate, you were safe in your factory because of police forces and fire forces that the rest of us paid for."
President Obama riffed on that speech with his own, which became fodder for the Mitt Romney campaign and led to accusations that he was anti-business.
Warren also came under scrutiny after admitting that she had identified herself as a minority, claiming Native American ancestry in a law faculty directory. | <urn:uuid:3639a861-2458-4d64-b760-5ec63de06f1c> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/national-international/NBC-News-Projects-Elizabeth-Warren-Winner-of-Mass-Senate-Race-177575421.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699273641/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516101433-00028-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.979125 | 613 | 1.6875 | 2 |
BY KAREN PACKER
Perhaps the most obvious of America’s hypocrisies is its promise of liberty and justice for all. And perhaps the irony of these words is most clearly witnessed in the centuries-long, conflicted history of Black Americans.
Even while America has fought to establish its existence, gain its independence, and institute ideals of freedom, it has been complicit in the denial of these same liberties for the Black men and women who have continuously fought by its side, and shed blood in its defense.
It is the irony of that elusive promise that imbues the new two-part documentary on Black military history, For Love of Liberty: The Story of America’s Black Patriots, airing February 15 and 22 on local PBS channel KCET. Throughout the film, producer, director, and co-writer Frank Martin examines why, despite rampant injustice, heroic Black men and women fought so valiantly for freedoms they themselves did not enjoy.
“The more you dig into this, the more you got to know the people in the film – the stories that were being told – the more it just wasn’t right. When you hear stories about the Harlem Hell Fighters, when you hear the stories from the Civil War, when you hear the stories from [the War of] 1812 and the Revolution and you realize what these guys and women did in the face of unbelievable racism, you can’t help but be moved,” says Martin, a longtime Encino, CA resident.
In spite of the film’s extraordinary historical content the project took ten years to complete due to lack of funding. “We were turned down by every foundation. All the companies turned us down – Coca-Cola, Delta (McDonald’s) – all the companies that supposedly support Black America. They all turned us down. And every network passed,” Martin recounts.
In due course Martin traveled to over 20 states and Europe to shoot footage of battlefields and historic sites and to visit the memorials, monuments and gravesites highlighted in the four hour, two-part film that spans pre-Revolutionary War to present day military conflicts.
Actual historic accounts that document the contributions and tribulations of Black soldiers are liberated from letters, diary entries, speeches, and various historic records and brought to life through vibrant visuals, narration, and dramatic readings. Actors Halle Berry, Avery Brooks, Morgan Freeman, Mel Gibson, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Donald Sutherland, co-producer Louis Gossett Jr., Colin Powell and many other well-known celebrities lend their voices to tell stories that, until now, have been overlooked.
There is the story of James Roberts who left his family to fight in the Revolutionary War only to be returned to slavery and sold for $1500 after America’s victory. There is Andrew Jackson offering freedom to slaves willing to fight in the 1815 battle of New Orleans and then reneging on the promise after the battle is won. Viewers will also see a reenactment of the court-martial and murder of William Walker, a Black sergeant who dared to complain of unequal pay for Black soldiers during the Civil War.
Even though the film focuses on Black patriots, it ultimately tells a story that is relevant to all Americans. It is the story of men and women who are willing to fight for the hope of what could be, for the love of their country, and for love of liberty.
For further info: www.forloveofliberty.org and on Facebook enter For Love of Liberty.
Karen Packer is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, but now calls the San Fernando Valley home. She has spent the last 15 years working as a freelance writer, teacher, and publicist. | <urn:uuid:5c27934c-c574-4e82-b136-df3d6151cd86> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.mydailyfind.com/2010/02/14/for-love-of-liberty-the-story-of-americas-black-patriots-on-kcet/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699273641/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516101433-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951783 | 775 | 2.34375 | 2 |
For more than 130 years, the Animal Humane Society has made steady and sometimes significant progress. Today, we have much higher animal placement rates as a result. We’ve continued to make adjustments, but small incremental improvements have not been enough to create the long-term, sustainable change animals in our community need.
So for the past two years, we’ve been researching advancements in animal welfare across the country. Along the way, we discovered that the formula for bringing our community into balance would be simple:
However, applying this formula to our daily operations was much more complex. It meant rethinking everything we do, asking “why this?” and “why not that?” We soon realized this would be much more than a substantial next step forward, it will be a giant leap for animals requiring a community wide effort. | <urn:uuid:62a2588a-5b02-4fc6-856b-e485d65fb18e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://events.animalhumanesociety.org/site/PageServer?pagename=bfhbackground | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00013-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.965513 | 173 | 1.625 | 2 |
In 44 bc, Julius Caesar was murdered on the Ides of March. His mistress, Cleopatra of Egypt, fled back to Alexandria with their little son. Mark Antony, Caesar's friend and henchman, who, according to some accounts, was already besotted by the beautiful Cleopatra, took up her son's case before the Senate. But they refused to recognize him as one of Caesar's heirs.
Civil war broke out, and after the defeat of Caesar's murderers, Antony took control over the East. Summoned to his headquarters in present-day Turkey, Cleopatra made her entry at dusk on a scented, candlelit barge: and so began one of the greatest love stories of all time - an eleven-year love affair that created the ancient world's most famous celebrity couple. The affair became all-consuming and fired the lovers with the ambition to create a new order. Had they succeeded, our world today might have been very different.
Filled with murder, intrigue, civil war and great battles, the tragedy of Cleopatra and Antony has fascinated the world for two millennia, and has been depicted by everyone from Chaucer and Shakespeare to Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor in the iconic 1960s film.
Now Diana Preston has gone back to the original sources and delved into the real history behind the propaganda and the myth, to breathe new life into this epic love story. | <urn:uuid:640957c6-afff-40cd-806e-3a8b03507e54> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.ebookmall.com/ebook/cleopatra-and-antony/diana-preston/9780385612456 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00037-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.971988 | 290 | 2.578125 | 3 |
- "What good is all your uncle's work if it's taken over by the Empire?...You know they're starting to nationalize commerce in the central systems...it won't be long before your uncle is merely a tenant, slaving for the greater glory of the Empire."
- ―Biggs Darklighter
Imperialization is a term for the process by which the Galactic Empire established a system of control over the individual, instructions, commercial enterprise, or planets, and tight coordination over all aspects of society and commerce.
- "The Jedi Order is a lesson to us that we cannot permit any agency to become powerful enough to pose a threat to our designs, or the freedoms we enjoy. That is why it is essential we increase and centralize our military, both to preserve the peace and to protect the Empire against inevitable attempts at insurrection. To that end I have already ordered the production of new classes of capital ships and starfighters, suitable for command by nonclone officers and crew, who themselves will be the product of Imperial academies, made up of candidates drawn from existing star system flight schools. No less important, our present army of clone troopers is aging at an acclerating rate, and will need to be supplemented, gradually replaced, by new batches of clones."
Palpatine's desire for control required the elimination of all other forms of influence, especially the Galactic Republic. The period following the Declaration of a New Order was characterized by the systematic elimination of Galactic Republic organizations that could potentially influence people. All the institutions of the Old Republic found themselves either dismantled or changed beyond recognition.
The Imperialization also included the formation of various organizations with membership for segments of the population, in particular the youth. The Commission for the Preservation of the New Order (COMPNOR) was created as an umbrella organization for those groups that were designed to maintain support for Emperor Palpatine's New Order.
- "Half the budget is going to the production of these enormous Star Destroyers. He's having new stormtroopers grown. And that's not the worst of it. The Finance Committee can't even account for some of the spending."
- ―Mon Mothma
In a more specific sense, Imperialization refers to the measures taken by the Empire to strengthen its control over the galaxy.
The Coruscant Sector was renamed the Imperial Sector, Coruscant itself was renamed Imperial Center, and Galactic City was renamed Imperial City. The Galactic Senate was reorganized into the Imperial Senate. The Grand Army of the Republic became the Imperial Army, and the Republic Navy became the Imperial Navy. The Special Operations Brigade was terminated and its elite clone commandos and ARC troopers reorganized into the Imperial Commando Special Unit, itself part of Lord Vader's 501st Legion. The four decrepit intelligence agencies of the Republic were merged into Imperial Intelligence. The Grand Army mainframe and Republic networks at large were overhauled, and everything from data flow to communications were given entirely new interfaces with new coding and new passwords. The Palace of the Republic was rebuilt and expanded, becoming the Imperial Palace, eclipsing all other buildings on Imperial Center.
Vast resources and quintillions of credits were now dedicated to expand the Imperial Military and to fund new scientific developments. This military buildup would eventually result in the Imperial Navy fielding millions of starships, the Imperial Army being comprised of tens of trillions of soldiers, and the creation of a vast force of stormtroopers. Major scientific breakthroughs and advances during the Imperial Period include, but are not limited to new superweapons, gravity well projectors, cloaking devices, and hypermatter reactors.
Palpatine deployed one Moff in each sector. These officers were supposed to efficiently govern individual sectors and regions of the Empire. Though Imperial governors and Moffs were dispatched to oversee many of the planets and sectors of the galaxy, they largely maintained a policy of non-interference with respect to local politics. The vast majority of the planets within the Empire maintained their own sovereign governments and everyday life for an average citizen was not very different from the days of the Old Republic, especially for those who strongly supported the New Order. However, if the Empire desired to obtain resources from a particular planet it would not hesitate to take it by force. Planets that had their government entirely supplanted by an Imperial governor were usually Non-Human or those who supported the Rebellion. Additionally, the planets located between the least restrictive areas of the galaxy, the Core Worlds and Outer Rim territories, bore the brunt of Imperial authority and scrutiny. Overall, less than one in 80 planets experienced some sort of modification to their local governmental procedures or had members of a ruling body removed from office to better conform to the will of the Empire. Other planets that were discontent with Imperial rule were kept in line with the Tarkin Doctrine of "rule by fear of force rather than force itself" although if the threat failed naked force would certainly be used.
There were also certain increases in the state control and centralization of economic procedures. This included the nationalization of commercial enterprises like the Trade Federation, the Techno Union, the Commerce Guild, the Corporate Alliance, the Hyper-Communications Cartel, and other commerce within the Empire. The InterGalactic Banking Clan managed to avoid the fate of its co-conspirators and wasn't completely shut down, though the Empire exerted a considerable degree of control over it. The Empire would also later go on to nationalize the Fondor Shipyards around the time of the Battle of Yavin. This was due to the complications involving the construction of the Star Dreadnought Executor, though the Fondor Guild of Starshipwrights would remain in place to oversee the project.
The Empire did continue to nationalize some corporate entities, but such actions were primarily reserved for those companies that were part of or supporters of the Confederacy of Independent Systems, and later on those who favored and aided the Rebellion. The Empire did assume direct control over some of the spoils of war from the Separatists, but most of the assets were actually given over to loyalist companies such as Kuat Drive Yards, Sienar Systems, TaggeCo., and Merr-Sonn. Unless acting in opposition to its interests, the Empire largely left loyal companies alone and even expanded the territory of the Corporate Sector Authority to encompass 30,000 star systems.
- Order 66: A Republic Commando Novel
- Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope novelization (First appearance)
- Dark Empire Sourcebook
- Han Solo and the Corporate Sector Sourcebook
- The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide
- Rebellion Era Campaign Guide
- Star Wars Encyclopedia
- The Essential Atlas
- Book of Sith: Secrets from the Dark Side
- The Essential Guide to Warfare
Notes and referencesEdit
- ↑ Order 66: A Republic Commando Novel
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Dark Empire Sourcebook
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Rebellion Era Campaign Guide
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Imperial Sourcebook (Second Edition)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 The Force Unleashed Campaign Guide
- ↑ The Essential Atlas
- ↑ Republic HoloNet News Special Inaugural Edition 16:5:24
- ↑ Han Solo and the Corporate Sector Sourcebook | <urn:uuid:98b0b665-82c5-45c4-bb9f-784351eda341> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Imperialization | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00053-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.953674 | 1,487 | 2.484375 | 2 |
Qualcomm‘s latest Snapdragon mobile processors will enable future Android devices to be able to instantly stream TV shows and movies from Netflix.
Instant streaming is the hottest new way to get movies into the hands of users. It has been possible on connected home machines such as video game consoles, Blu-ray players, and connected TVs. But mobile devices haven’t really been capable of streaming movies and TV shows in a reliable way.
With the new Qualcomm technology, users will be able to watch their movies with instant gratification — no more waiting for long downloads. Currently, the experience of watching streamed movies on mobile phones is anything but instantaneous.
The technology is aimed at upcoming Android smartphones and tablets using Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chips. The newest Snapdragon processors, debuting as early as the second quarter, can run at 2.5 gigahertz and process data 150 percent faster than some of today’s fastest mobile chips.
Qualcomm said it has received certification from Netflix and that the video processing is handled by highly efficient dedicated hardware inside the chip. That means it can play movies at high quality without draining battery life. Qualcomm is showing off the technology at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona.
[image credit: ObamaPacman] | <urn:uuid:6644aebe-4c98-475b-9a39-7306b703451a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://venturebeat.com/2011/02/13/qualcomm-enables-instant-streaming-of-netflix-movies-on-android/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698924319/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516100844-00016-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.940475 | 254 | 1.609375 | 2 |
Gage teaching artists are exhibiting artists chosen for their merit as artists and teachers. Their goal is to communicate the "how" and "why" of drawing, painting, sculpting and art theory across a range of styles and media. Should you have questions about a particular instructor, we suggest you review their work and background by following the links below.
LOCAL TEACHING ARTISTS: Over many years, well-known Seattle artists have taught at the Academy including Gloria DeArcangelis, Elisabeth Beemster, William E. Elston, Charles Emerson, Paul Havas, Brent Holland, Terry Johnson, Joseph Lesser, Norman Lundin, Peter Malarkey, John Sisko and Francesca Sundsten.
Gage works with a corps of local artists who are handpicked for their skills at communicating the core concepts of artmaking as well as encouraging artists to stretch their technical and creative potential.
NATIONAL TEACHING ARTISTS: Gage invites nationally-renowned artists from across the country to present one-, two- and three-day workshops to intermediate/advanced Gage artists. In addition to the artists listed below, who teach at regular intervals at the Academy, Gage students have studied artmaking in intensive workshop programs with Sigmund Abeles, Susie Amato, Michael Bergt, Jacob Collins, Scott Fraser, John Nava and George Nick. | <urn:uuid:ea016761-bfea-4fcc-b93d-0965e3a267a3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.gageacademy.org/artists/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00008-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951039 | 287 | 1.671875 | 2 |
The 'Insider Secrets' To Success With...
The Missed Fortune Concept
Today's Troubled Economy
wrote a book called ‘Missed
Fortune’ and it took the life insurance sales industry by
This book explains, in great detail and refines
in today’s terms, an extraordinary smart money management
concept that has been used by the wealthy for generations to
accumulate large sums of money.
Understanding the Basic
'Missed Fortune' Concept
The premise is
that many people have large amounts of equity tied up in
their home that is just sitting there doing nothing. The
idea is to harvest that stagnant home equity to over-fund a
life insurance policy up to the MEC guidelines. (The 7
Pay Test) The goal is to make the life insurance policy,
what they call ‘Investment Grade Life Insurance.’ The
over-funded life insurance policy can now be used as a
college funding vehicle, a non-regulated retirement plan, or
a family bank (The Infinite Banking Concept), while
providing families the valuable protection they need!
And, yes it still
works today, (when done properly and ethically) even with
the problems with home mortgages and shrinking home values.
Using this Missed
Fortune concept, with the right tools and training,
insurance agents and financial advisors can help families
Become debt free
Improve their cash
Protect the people
Fund a college
education for their children
Plus, have the
retirement of their dreams
And, in many cases
these families can do it all without spending any additional
money or changing their current lifestyle.
When done properly,
using the ‘Missed Fortune’ concept, advisors can
dramatically enhance a family’s situation almost overnight,
without these families taking extraordinary risks. In fact,
as you’ll discover while reading the book, by using this
concept you are actually helping families to significantly
reduce the risk in their financial lives.
Using Home Ownership As A Strategic Investment
In a recent Morgan Stanley
article, they state: “The decision to invest in a home is
not only a practical decision in terms of meeting lifestyle
and family needs, it can also serve as a means of
accumulating wealth through property appreciation. Additionally, the favorable tax treatments of mortgage
interest and capital gains have made home ownership a
strategic investment decision.
Along with the deductibility of mortgage interest and
the special treatment of capital gains, there are unique
benefits associated with leveraging an investment that is a
relatively stable asset.
The wealth accumulation benefits associated with a
tax-advantaged, highly leveraged purchase, such as a home
mortgage, can be substantial.
Thus, a properly financed home can enhance an
individual's overall investment strategy.”
Investment Plan For The Future
In order to take advantage of the unique benefits of
leveraging a home, you need to guarantee that you are not
putting the client’s home at risk.
The new and old unique features of fixed cash value
life insurance make them the investment product of choice.
Consider cash value life insurance can be over-funded
up to the MEC guidelines giving clients an opportunity to
receive solid investment returns, while protecting their
family by repaying the mortgage in the event of death.
In addition, the money inside life insurance grows
tax deferred and generally can be taken out tax-free.
How This Refined Smart
Money Management Concept Works
In a nutshell, the flexibility of new, innovative mortgage
products have expanded over time and now include products
featuring ‘Interest Only’ payments rather than the combined
principal and interest payments of a traditional mortgage.
These new products can help families to free up money that
they typically would have put toward the reduction of their
mortgage principal. This freed up money can now be used to
quickly reduce or eliminate debt and create an safe
investment plan for the future.
Accordingly, if you could borrow out the
equity in your home and make more on that money than it’s
costing you, aren’t you much better off? The ‘Missed
Fortune’ book recommends you refinance your home to
remove as much equity as you can. They recommend using an
interest only mortgage loan, which in many cases would mean
your total mortgage payment would be less than you are
paying today. Then you invest your home equity into an ‘Investment
Grade Life Insurance Policy.’ (Note the cautions below)
If you have $100,000 of equity in your home and you could
borrow it out using a 4% interest only loan, it would cost
you about $4,000 per year. If you can write-off the interest
on your income taxes, then your net cost for the loan is
about $3,000 per year. In thirty years, your total after tax
payments would equal $90,000.
If you invest the $100,000 into an investment
grade life insurance policy and you earned 4.8% after
expenses, tax deferred, in thirty years you would have
If you then paid off the original $100,000
mortgage on the home, you would have $300,000 left in the
life insurance policy to generate a tax-free income. In
effect, you’ve spent $90,000 to make $300,000.
We believe there are some debatable mathematics, and
inaccuracies in the Missed Fortune book. And, there are also
some questions about the validity of writing off the
mortgage interest, if you put the home equity into a tax
deferred vehicle or life insurance.
However, whether or you can write off the
interest or not, the overall concept is still very valid.
And, when done properly, the ‘Missed Fortune’ concept can
help many people to accumulate exceptional wealth. (In the
above example, even if you can’t write-off the interest, you
would spend $120,000 to make $300,000)
We believe this approach can be used to help many people.
However, when taken to extremes it can also cause serious
financial harm. They only time you should use any type of
Adjustable Rate Mortgage is when you are able to put the
difference in payments, between a conventional fixed rate
mortgage and the adjustable rate mortgage, away each month!
People must have the money, from existing income, to cover
any increase in the adjustable rate mortgage payments, when
mortgage interest rates rise.
The ‘Missed Fortune
Concept’ Isn’t New...
Harvesting home equity and investing it into a conservative,
safe investment vehicle isn’t a new concept. It’s a time
tested, proven concept the wealthy have used for generations
to keep their money liquid, so they can take advantage of
investment opportunities as they come along. It’s what has
enabled the wealthy to accumulate vast fortunes even during
the stock market crashes, recessions and the ‘Great
The key to making ‘Equity Harvesting’
work for you, is selecting the right type of home mortgage
for your situation and your comfort zone. You want a
mortgage with the lowest interest rates and fees you can
find and you are comfortable with. Then it’s selecting a
competitive cash value life insurance policy. You don’t
choose a life insurance policy based solely on current
company illustrations. You’ll want to find a company that
has solid financial rating and a proven, documented
long-term history of above average product performance.
‘Equity Harvesting’, when done
properly, is truly an invaluable financial concept when it
comes to accumulating wealth. However, it doesn’t stop
there. Use your home equity to reduce and eliminate your
debt. You’ll free up your current income, so you are able to
put even more money away. And, you’ll be on the way to
securing the financial future you have always dreamed of for
you and your family!
I’ve been personally using and training
agents to use this safe money concept for over 30 years.
And, it works!
Why Use Cash Value
The reason you use an overfunded cash value life insurance
policy is that it offers several unique benefits, the other
investment vehicles don’t offer...
It builds a
liquid cash reserve of safe
money. Generally, it can be accessed within 5 to
10 business days.
Cash Value Life Insurance guarantees your investment
principle, and offers you minimum growth guarantees for
the life of the contract.
You can put in
as much money as you want... limited only by the size of
the life insurance policy, which you can make as large as
you need. (Not so, with qualified plans)
All of the
money you put into a cash value life insurance policy
builds tax-deferred. You avoid paying income taxes
every year, so your money builds faster.
You can borrow
the money from the policy tax free, without having to
qualify for the loan and without contractual withdrawal
There are no
early withdrawal penalties from the Federal Government.
(Not so, with qualified plans or annuities)
policies the loans
against the policy come from the general assets of the
insurance company, and not from the policy cash values.
In many cases, you can actually be earning more on your
money than the loan is costing you.
The policy is
self-completing, because you have a disability waiver of
premium rider that will continue to put the money in for
you, if you ever become disabled. (Only life
insurance offers this unique benefit)
provides a death benefit that gives your family the
money you intended to save; in the event you can’t be
In most states, life insurance is not
attachable by creditors.
cash values don’t count as an asset when applying for
college financial aid.
The Problems With
With Your Prospects...
There are several problems that most
agents struggle with, using the ‘Missed Fortune Concept’…
The first problem is finding and attracting the people
who have equity in their home and have a good
credit score. The prospects must be willing and
able to refinance their home or take out a 'Home Equity
Line Of Credit.' Unfortunately, this severely
limits the amount of prospects available to you.
you the ‘Missed Fortune Concept’
only works with a good indexed universal life policy!
(Possibly, because they
want to recruit you to sell their products.) The
truth is, this concept works equally well with a good
participating Whole Life Policy. (And,
it has more
The ‘Missed Fortune Concept’ is
a great strategy, but it's just a sales strategy, to be used once you are in front
of the 'right' prospects. Missed
Fortune is not really a marketing or
lead generation program to attract the right prospects to you.
Nor, does it teach you how to set
the appointment, or how to do a good fact-find to help you to
help the prospect to identify and understand their
problems so they want to take action.
Most of the organizations that are
promoting and training agents on the
Missed Fortune Concept
charging $4,000 or more upfront, plus an annual fee, and they want you to
contract with their companies. (with reduced
The Secrets To Making The Concept Work
The beauty of the
‘Missed Fortune Concept’ is that with some small
modifications, and the right training, almost everyone can use this concept... to
truly help their prospects.
As stated earlier,
the Missed Fortune idea is to remove as much equity as you
can and funnel it into a good cash value life
insurance policy. (Participating Whole Life or Universal
Life) However, even if they don't have large amount of
equity or any equity, you can still help them to improve
their financial position, start saving for the future and make a
You can help them do that by:
Helping them to first eliminate their
debt. Can you show them the logic behind
refinancing their home for as long as they can, or
taking out an home equity loan to pay off any debts, to
free up those monthly payments, to funnel into a life insurance
Showing them how and why to increase
all their deductibles and delete any unnecessary riders
on their existing insurance policies. Do they have
any unneeded policies? Can they use their
dividends to reduce or eliminate their debt,
to free up those monthly payments, to funnel into a life
contributions to all their qualified plans, except for
any amounts that are being matched by their employers,
funnel that money into a life insurance policy?
you help them look for other ways to cut their expenses?
Can they get a better long distance carrier for their
phone service, etc.?
Learn the Missed
Fortune Concept. Use it yourself. Then, help
your prospects to ‘Find The
Money’ to implement the
concept to reduce (or eliminate) debt and start saving for their future.
be your clients for life... And, you’ll get tons of
Attracting The Right Prospects To You...
We highly recommend you read and study
And, then take a look at our
affordable and proven
Found Money Management™
Advanced Life Insurance Sales System
'Trusted Advisor Success Training'
our Found Money
with our training, within
30 to 60 days you’ll be attracting more of the right
prospects, and be selling much larger cash value life
insurance policies. (Participating whole life or universal
And, you'll be
really helping your prospects to 'Live Debt Free and
Truly Wealthy!' You'll be putting them on the
road to true financial freedom!
We’ve been using and training agents on
variations of the ‘Missed Fortune Concept’ for over 30 years to help
prospects qualify for college financial aid, reduce debt and
accumulate great wealth.
And, you can too...
Yours in success,
Jeremy Will & Lew Nason
The 9 Out Of 10 Guys...
P.S. Check out our systems below, because
during the past decade we've helped over a thousand
insurance agents, financial advisors and planners EACH
YEAR to double
and triple their incomes within 60-180 days ...even
in this recession!
The top advisors, we worked with last year,
earned over $1,000,000 and many others who were earning
$50,000-$70,000 per year, now earn $150,000-$350,000 per
year. And with our ongoing one-on-one help, you can do the
same. And we’ll be by your side every step of the way. | <urn:uuid:bf215416-4a1d-422c-923c-d3a232cd7464> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.insuranceproshop.com/MissedFortune/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702448584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516110728-00044-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.931093 | 3,254 | 1.59375 | 2 |
25 January 2010
On one of the last days of 2009, or maybe an early day in 2010, I heard a short piece on NPR about the last decade's food trends. The host of All Things Considered was chatting with an expert on what foods are popular and, aside from the ham sandwich which he said has been and will continue to be a staple for most people in the United States, the biggest edible trend in the last decade was yogurt. In a cup, a tube, or a bottle; with fruit on the bottom, mixed throughout, or just flavored; Greek, Icelandic, French; goat, soy, sheep, or coconut milk; for breakfast, lunch, and maybe dinner. Yogurt comes in a ridiculous number of manifestations and plastic packages. Honestly, its not a very exciting topic of conversation, especially when you picture all of those cups and tubs lined up under the supermarket's fluorescent glow.
These days, if I am in the supermarket, I usually breeze by that collection of colors, flavors, and thicknesses, I just grab a bottle of milk and continue on my way. Yogurt is a staple of my kitchen: sometimes I use it in cooking and baking and I look forward to eating for breakfast with granola and a bit of maple syrup. For the past few months I have been regularly making my own yogurt and for me, this is where the mundane discussion of yogurt gets exciting. Before I tell you how I have been doing this, let me tell you why I think you should join me in making your own yogurt instead of buying it at the store.
First, its economical. For less than the cost of a quart of plain yogurt I can buy a half gallon of milk (from cows that live about 7 miles from me) and make two quarts of yogurt. This alludes to another reason for make yogurt: I can buy local milk, I can buy organic milk and I can be as informed as I want to be about where the milk comes from, whereas when I buy a plastic tub of yogurt from a national brand I can't always be sure of its sources. When I make my own yogurt, I can avoid all of the sticky, sugary, gelatinous additives that are often mixed into what is a supposedly healthy food and I can add to it whatever flavors, fruits or sweeteners strike my fancy.
There are several really good locally made yogurts that I could buy, but beyond the idea of knowing what is in my food and where it comes from, but I really love knowing how it is made and that I don't have to rely on someone else to make it for me. Of course, I don't have my own cow yet and its not practical to make absolutely everything yourself, but this is one small thing that I can do. Even though its just a weekly routine, making yogurt is part of the process of slowing down and enjoying a very small luxury. Aside from the various health benefits of yogurt and cultured foods, by taking the time to do this, I am making a point of being involved in what I eat and thus taking good care of myself in a small way.
Another reason that I like making my own yogurt is that is cuts down on waste. I almost always buy milk from a local farm in returnable/reusable glass bottles so for two quarts of yogurt the only thing I toss in my recycling bin in is the little plastic milk cap. I know that yogurt cups are recycled and made into toothbrushes but if I don't use them in the first place then I avoid contributing to the use of energy and materials for making and recycling them.
Here are just a few more things to note about yogurt making: Whole milk is the milk I use for home yogurt making. Although commercial yogurt comes with various amounts of fat, whole milk works best in this case (and lately I've been hearing about how full-fat milk is the healthiest kind, but you can try other types if you prefer). I haven't tried goats milk or raw milk so I can't say how well those work. You don't need any special equipment, although a kitchen thermometer can come in handy. There are a variety of special yogurt makers or you could use a crock pot to the yogurt warm, but I took at tip from Harold McGee and just wrap two quart-sized mason jars in a pile of clean dish towels.
For the starter I usually grab a small cup of commercial plain yogurt which has lots of live cultures. Save a little bit of that batch as the starter for your next batch. I don't always manage to save some of the old batch to make the next one, so I have also purchased some yogurt starter from a home cheese making company so that I don't have to go out and buy more yogurt to get the next batch going. I really enjoy the soft, pourable texture of homemade yogurt, but if you prefer something firmer you can add dry milk powder to the milk when heating it. I would love to hear about your yogurt making experience and as I am hoping that home made yogurt will be one of the trends of the next decade!
I usually use a half gallon of milk which yields two quarts of yogurt since I think it is easier to make a larger amount each time.
1-Half Gallon of whole milk
4 tablespoons of yogurt containing live cultures
1/2 cup dry milk powder (for a thicker yogurt)
2 quart sized mason jars
Pour milk into a heavy-bottomed pot and place over medium-high heat. Stir in the dry milk powder (if using) and heat the milk to 180 degrees (if you don't have a thermometer: at this temperature the milk will be steaming and just starting to bubble). Remove from heat and let the milk cool to 120 degrees (which is very warm, but not hot). Its is pretty easy to guesstimate the temperatures without a thermometer, but it is crucial that the yogurt be cool enough when you add the starter or it will kill the cultures. It also has to stay warm enough for the cultures to thrive and grow. Whisk in the yogurt and pour the milk into the clean mason jars. Screw lids on top of the jars and place them in a safe, warm place. Cover and wrap the jars with 6-8 clean dish towels. Let the yogurt set for at least 6 hours at which point it should be the consistency of thick cream. It will keep, refrigerated for 2 weeks. For Greek yogurt: line a colander with clean cheesecloth and spoon in the yogurt. Let it drain until it reaches the desire consistency. For yogurt cheese let drain until it is a spreadable consistency and use as it or add salt or herbs. | <urn:uuid:bf6e2d73-7319-4685-8635-65a5ae21b734> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://roadtothefarm.blogspot.com/2010/01/take-it-slow-make-yogurt.html?showComment=1264712620210 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00055-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.970533 | 1,374 | 1.570313 | 2 |
UNITED NATIONS, May 29, CMC – Three Caribbean nationals were among more than 40 youth activists who attended the first Global UNiTe Youth Forum held in Bangkok last week.
A UN statement said that Daniella Jacques from Haiti, along with Trinidad and Tobago national Keshan Latchman and Barbadian Christa Soleyn participated in the three-day event hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon’s global campaign UNiTE to End Violence Against Women.
It said that the young activists, aged 18-30, committed themselves to building partnerships and strengthening the movement of young people working to end persistent gender inequality and violence against women and girls.
“The fact that violence against women and girls continues to be one of the world’s most widespread human rights violations is the raison d’être of the UNiTE campaign, which was launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2008.
“Recognizing the crucial role of young people in changing mindsets, the UNiTE campaign has made youth leadership a key priority,” the UN statement said.
Co-Chair of the UN Regional Thematic Working Group on Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women Nanda Krairiksh said “ we know that violence against women is a result of deeply embedded cultural values and social attitudes and unequal power relations.
“Young people are more open to questioning outdated gender stereotypes and behaviours that perpetuate violence and discrimination,” she added.
The delegates were of the opinion that engaging with men and boys to alter patriarchal values and harmful beliefs about masculinity is a cornerstone to ending the pandemic of violence against women and girls.
“Even if young men do not practice violence themselves,” says Shoko Ishikawa, Acting Regional Programme Director of UN Women.
“They have such an important role to play in speaking out against violence against women and girls within their peer groups and beyond.”
Coming from the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, the young activists discussed the types of violence they see in their communities and the various ways they address it in their work – as peer trainers, counselors, filmmakers, bloggers, in women’s shelters and men’s anti-violence networks.
The Global UNiTE Youth Forum formed a UNiTE Youth Network said it would seek to attract more young activists from around the world to join the campaign to form an even stronger movement of committed young people working locally, internationally and online in their effort to be the generation that ends violence against women and girls.
The three-day conference ended with the presentation of a UNiTE Youth Statement to senior UN officials. | <urn:uuid:dff8b521-58cd-45b5-8f8b-706b95497c11> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.antiguaobserver.com/caribbean-nationals-in-campaign-to-end-violence-against-women/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00045-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.953094 | 557 | 1.945313 | 2 |
- The California Department of Education completed a two-year study in 1981 that provided substantive information concerning the status of vocational programs for students with disabilities. Results of the study indicated that these students were not being adequately prepared for the labor market.
- WorkAbility I was initiated in November 1981 as a pilot project to test the concept of work experience for youth with disabilities.
- WorkAbility I continues to successfully conduct interagency coordination of services, which began with a September 1982 Employment Development Department, State Department of Rehabilitation and California Department of Education (CDE) non-financial interagency agreement.
- Through a designation as one of the ten best transition programs of its type in the United States, WorkAbility I has received national recognition of its success in matching young adults who have disabilities with employers who need workers.
California Education Code
- Section 56470 -
The legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) That an essential component of transition services developed and supported by the CDE is project WorkAbility.
(b) that the WorkAbility program provides instruction and experiences that reinforce core curriculum concepts and skills leading to gainful employment. (c)That since project WorkAbility was established by the CDE in 1981, substantial numbers of individuals with exceptional needs have obtained full or part-time employment.
- Section 56471 - (d) WorkAbility project applications shall include, but are not limited to, the following elements: (1) recruitment, (2) assessment, (3) counseling, (4) pre-employment skills training (5) vocational training, (6) students wages for try-out employment, (7) placement in unsubsidized employment, (8) other assistance with transition to a quality adult life and (9) utilization of an interdisciplinary advisory committee to enhance project goals.
Mission of WorkAbility I (WAI)
The mission of WAI is to promote the involvement of key stakeholders including students, families, educators, employers and other agencies in planning and implementing an array of services that will culminate in successful student transition to employment, lifelong learning and quality of life.
Array of Services
The Array of Services (DOC; Posted 12-May-2009) is a full continuum consistent with the Education Code. These components comprise an effective transition system for middle school and high school students. A WAI student (served) must be provided curriculum integration of work readiness skills, career/vocational assessment and a minimum of one Connecting Activity and one Work Based Learning Service.
- Array of Services Definitions (Updated 12-Jan-2010)
Provides a basis for program consistency
WAI Program Information
- The WAI program provides comprehensive pre-employment skills training, employment placement and follow-up for high school students in special education who are making the transition from school to work, independent living and post secondary education or training.
- The WAI program offers special education students the opportunity to complete their secondary education while also obtaining marketable job skills.
- The WAI program seeks employers in the business community who will give students with special needs a chance to prove themselves.
- The WAI program is funded and administered by the CDE.
Why WAI Works
- Program services are appropriate to individual student needs, abilities and interests.
- Local program sites successfully coordinate state and local service providers to offer comprehensive services tailored to local economic, social and geographic needs and abilities.
- WAI provides secondary students with an understanding of job seeking and job keeping skills. The employability of students improves through occupational class training and on-the-job subsidized or unsubsidized work experience.
- Two year follow-along support services provided by local program staff greatly increase the potential for student employment success.
- Referral by WAI staff post secondary education/training, employers to adult service provider agencies increases the likelihood for continued social service agency support and student success as contributing adults in a community.
Current WAI Site Information
- 300 local education agency WAI program sites are funded statewide.
- All 58 California counties are served by a WAI program.
Coordination with Businesses and Corporations Statewide
- Annually over 10,000 employers statewide have found WAI students to be well prepared for entry-level employment, reliable employees and assets to their businesses. Consequently, employers and labor unions have built strong, long-term partnerships with local WAI staff.
- For persons with disabilities, assumptions of low work potential have been discounted as soon as an equal opportunity, proper training and information about appropriate accommodations becomes available to them.
- For employers, WAI provides workers who are job-ready and anxious to learn.
- For society, employment for persons with disabilities through
the WAI program allows them the opportunity to contribute
to society by producing a product or providing a service, as
well as by paying taxes instead of receiving long-term financial
- California Minimum Wage effective January 1, 2007 (PDF)
Laws and Regulations
Resources, Information, and Training Opportunities
- Workability I State Advisory Leadership Meeting Agenda
- WorkAbility I Committees (Updated 07-Nov-2011)
Goals, activities, contact information and meeting notices.
- WorkAbility I Regions and Contact Information
- WorkAbility I State Organizational Flow (Revised 17-Jan-2012)
- WorkAbility I Resources (Revised 17-Jan-2012)
Acronyms and resource links for families and professionals.
- WorkAbility I Documents Timelines
For Grant Year July 1 – June 30.
- Job Codes (DOC; Updated 09-Mar-2009) | PDF (Updated 09-Mar-2009)
CBEDS Codes and Career Cluster Area.
- Transition to Adult Living: An Information and Resource Guide
Handbook of transition efforts for students with disabilities as they move from their junior high and high school years into the world of adulthood and/or independent living - revised in 2007 and includes changes as related to the regulations of IDEA 2004. | <urn:uuid:eb72eb3f-c0aa-4d2a-b3e3-5c5755d33a50> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/sr/wrkabltyI.asp | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00007-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.935781 | 1,236 | 2.0625 | 2 |
Thought experiment: What if a lot of Catholic Americans had a really good Lent this year? Or even just a moderately good Lent, involving more than simply a half-hearted commitment to “give up chocolate” that quickly falls to the wayside?
I’m not talking about anything dramatically penitential; just quietly weeding out of our lives some of what distracts us from Christ, and building some habits that bring us (and those with whom we come in contact) closer to him. And a commitment to persevere for the entire six weeks so that God has an opportunity to work some lasting change on us — breaking in some little ways the hold that glitter and gold have on us, and reorienting us toward eternity and those things that bring authentic happiness.
Catholics account for 25 percent of Americans (and the other Orthodox and mainline Protestant Christians who celebrate Lent probably account for at least another 20 percent). So imagine if six weeks from now, nearly half of all Americans were less materialistic, less grasping; and more generous and more grateful.
It literally would transform society (not to mention our Church, and its effectiveness in evangelization).
And it would also put — though this obviously is not the primary purpose of penitential practices and asceticism — America on a surer path to economic security and sanity.
I listen to a fair bit of news radio in the car on the way to and from work, and the state of our national and global economy is a constant topic these days (as it has been for many months) — Greek defaults, billion-dollar bailout packages, austerity measures, street protests, budget deficits, ballooning public debt, lack of consumer confidence, unemployment and on and on. The assumption also seems to be that the source of the problem must be financial, and therefore that the solutions are financial.
But are they really? The contrary voice stands out these days, and the one I happened across was a recent commentary in U.S. News & World Report by a Swiss-born, Princeton-educated American professor of political science.
Louis René Beres wrote: “We are what we buy. There is nothing controversial about this assertion. ... Nor is it in any way a uniquely American condition.
“The true and unacknowledged generic or universal problem is that in any society where one’s perceived value as a person is determined by observable consumption, the derivative economy is necessarily built upon sand.”
He criticizes the attempt in consumerism “to seek refuge from the excruciating emptiness of daily life,” and offers this warning: “Until we can finally get a handle on the insatiable public need for more and more things, on the unceasing search for shiny goods that can seemingly validate us as persons of merit, our economic problems will not go away.
Thoughts or Lenten plans? Write email@example.com. | <urn:uuid:9a62929d-53b0-4ea7-9535-31988e46e9d3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.osv.com/DesktopModules/EngagePublish/printerfriendly.aspx?itemId=9059&PortalId=0&TabId=7621 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00038-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.958116 | 602 | 2.09375 | 2 |
If you read Miles to Go, chances are you fell in love with Kailamai, the runaway youth who joins Alan Christoffersen for part of his journey. What you may not know is that the character Kailamai is based on a real person–an inspiring young woman who has overcome some amazing odds. Kailamai has written her real story of overcoming abuse and poverty and emerging from the foster care system as a beautiful, independent and ambitous woman.
Richard wanted her to share her inspiring story with his readers, while at the same time helping her raise money for her schooling. She plans to complete a master’s degree in Social Work so she can become an advocate for minorities and others who need someone to help them through life’s challenges.
Kailamai’s story “Out of the Darkness: My Journey Through Foster Care” is a 26-page book, and is available for a small donation of $2. If you would like to assist her more in her schooling click on the $5 or $10 links to receive the same product.
You will receive the link to download “Out of the Darkness” by email, as well as a receipt. | <urn:uuid:734a559c-9368-4a09-be36-ecdf5277ab21> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.richardpaulevans.com/i/r/out-of-the-darkness | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705953421/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120553-00007-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.973386 | 251 | 1.578125 | 2 |
TELL ME A STORY
Apple of his eye turns a city to ashes
"The Apple of Discord" is a Greek legend.
Adapted by Amy Friedman
When Hecuba told Priam her dream, he listened closely. He never could have imagined that his wife's dream might change the course of the country, but he decided to seek the wisdom of the seer Aisacros. It was his duty to keep his country safe.
"Tell me," said the king to the seer, "what will happen when my child is born?"
Aisacros answered solemnly. "One day your son will be the cause of Troy's destruction."
Horrified, Priam knew he must not let this happen. When his son, Paris, was born, Priam ordered his servants to take Paris to Mount Ida. "Leave him to die there." Priam's heart broke with these words, but he had to protect Troy.
But Paris did not die. He was found by a shepherd, who raised him as his own. He grew to be a handsome, proud young man, wise and witty, earning the admiration of the gods. Years passed.
The day came for Peleus, a hero warrior, to wed beautiful goddess Thetis. Thetis invited the gods and goddesses to Mount Pelion for the celebration. She invited all of them except Eris, goddess of strife. Eris was too hideous and unpleasant.
Eris flew into a rage. In the middle of the party, she strode into the hall atop Mount Pelion and rolled a golden apple into the crowd to land at the feet of the three most powerful goddesses, Hera, Athena and Aphrodite.
Zeus picked up the apple and discovered inscribed in the fruit's shimmering skin the words: "For the Fairest."
"And who is the fairest?" everyone asked, looking in turn at Zeus' wife Hera, powerful Athena, and magnificent Aphrodite.
The goddesses stared at Zeus, each waiting for the apple.
But Zeus knew he could not choose any one of these goddesses over the other two. "I will send for a judge," he announced, and sent his messenger, Hermes, to fetch Paris. "The shepherd will be able to choose the one who should receive the apple."
Paris agreed to judge. The goddesses, it was decided, would appear before him atop Mount Ida.
Paris, sitting on the mountain and waiting, was dreaming of greatness when the three goddesses arrived in a shower of light.
Hera stepped forward. "Young shepherd," Hera said, "I am the fairest," and she whirled to show him how lovely she was.
"Award me the apple, and you will have wealth and power. You will rule over the Earth. This I shall bestow upon you."
Paris lit up with pleasure at the thought. As a boy he had been abandoned. Now he could seize the power he had thought was out of his reach.
As he imagined himself upon a throne, Athena walked forward.
"Award me the apple," she said softly.
"If you do, you will win every battle you fight, whether by strength or cunning. Glory will be yours."
Paris imagined men standing before him in awe and others quivering at the very sight of a man with such a strength.
Then Aphrodite approached. Her face was blushed with beauty. Her hair glowed like a halo. And when she spoke, Paris thought her voice the sweetest he had ever heard.
"Give me the apple," Aphrodite said. Paris' heart leaped. His head swam. "I will give you the gift of love," she whispered. She stood so close, he could smell her heavenly scent.
Suddenly Paris was deaf and blind to all others.
"You will love and possess the most beautiful woman in the world," Aphrodite promised. "She will be a woman equal to me in perfection."
"Impossible," Paris gasped, and intoxicated by the thought, he handed the golden apple to Aphrodite.
Hera and Athena flew into a rage.
"You will be sorry," they said, and departed Mount Ida, swearing to be the shepherd's enemies forever.
Paris soon returned to Troy, and Aphrodite kept her promise. No one is certain how, but she somehow led Paris to the palace of Menelaus, king of Greece.
"She is here," Aphrodite said, "the woman you will love." And there she was, Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world and the wife of King Menelaus.
But as Paris sailed away from Greece, taking with him the marvelous Helen, the angry king and his brother, Agamemnon, gathered a huge and loyal army of men.
Greece declared war on Troy.
And so it was that King Priam's sacrifice of his son failed to overcome his queen's dream, and 10 years of terrible war and many deaths and other tragedies followed.
In the end, Troy burned to the ground. | <urn:uuid:f6a33515-0719-4e4b-84aa-fe05f00f3065> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/Feb/24/il/il02a.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00062-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.978926 | 1,065 | 2.453125 | 2 |
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Wed February 6, 2013
TN Guns in Trunks Passes Over Business Objection
Neither businesses nor firearms groups are pleased with a bill that passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee late yesterday. The “guns-in-trunks” legislation is headed to a vote of the full state Senate.
The head of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce – Bill Ozier – told the panel that corporations see no need to expand the rights of gun owners. He also admitted businesses realize guns are already being stored in cars on their property.
“We believe that the current system of a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ approach has work very well for many years,” he says.
Still, Ozier predicts some of the state’s largest employers will make future expansion decisions based on the outcome of this legislation.
John Harris says hogwash to those claims. He heads the Tennessee Firearms Association. But he’s not pleased with the guns in trunks bill advancing either. The current proposal requires that a person have a carry permit and own the car.
“Our position is if you legally own or possess it, you should be able to keep it in your car, no matter where you’re car is parked,” he says.
Harris says he hopes to change the legislation that will begin working its way through the state House. However, others want to add exemptions, such as making the parking lots of schools and college campuses off limits. | <urn:uuid:2f9172cc-7c90-4d24-9514-9f321a15ae79> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://wkms.org/post/tn-guns-trunks-passes-over-business-objection | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699881956/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516102441-00065-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94745 | 397 | 1.648438 | 2 |
Local science and nature 0
Rich Bishop displays one of the hand-braided rugs he donated to the Regan House. (BOB BOWLES, Special to The Packet & Times)
REGAN HOUSE COULD USE A HAND
I was raised in a two-storey, wood-frame farmhouse built in 1890 on the Niagara Escarpment at the top of Bowles Hill in Grey County. Thanks to a couple with a love of old homes, it has been completely restored and an old-fashioned veranda added to the front.
My mother decorated that house with a more modern design for that time, adding new kitchen cupboards, painting the wainscoting white, wallpapering the lath and plaster walls and covering the floor with linoleum. My grandmother lived down in the valley below us in a smaller bungalow.
This house was built to replace the original Bowles homestead that was built in 1860 and burned down in 1930. The replacement house was built in the same location and was a copy of the original house with a large kitchen, a small pantry at the back, a large parlour or sitting room with a fireplace and a narrow hall leading to two small bedrooms in the back. It had hardwood floors throughout and a large wood-burning stove in the kitchen.
This house had much less square footage than our house, but I remember as a boy visiting my grandmother’s house and thinking how big it appeared compared to our house. The reason was the large kitchen with high ceilings, wooden wainscoting and a large wooden table in the centre. The floors always felt cold to me, but I remember two items that impressed me about the house.
There was a large oval floor mat in the centre of the parlour in front of the fireplace I liked to sit on. There was also a smaller oval mat in front of the stove in the kitchen. These colourful rugs had been made by my grandmother out of old cloths, used household linens and fabric ends she had left over when she made a quilt. Nothing was ever thrown out. She would use the braided strips of fabric remnants as coils sewn together to make a colourful oval rag rug. They were also called braided rugs, and the early settlers used them to warm the floors from drafts coming through the floorboards or through the cracks at the bottom of doors. My grandmother used them for another purpose, too — to catch the hot coals that may have fallen from the fireplace or firebox of the stove so they would not burn a hole into the hardwood flooring. These multicoloured, old-fashioned, hand-braided rugs were very much a part of my grandmother’s house, which she had decorated the way houses would have looked when she first settled in the valley in 1860.
In the winter of 2011, I appealed to residents for donations to decorate the inside of the recently reconstructed Regan House. I was contacted by my friend, Rich Bishop, who I knew through the Probus Club at that time, who informed me he had eight hand-braided rugs made by his grandfather that he was willing to donate to the Regan House. These rugs were well made and perfect to reflect the era of the Regan House. I finally connected with Rich this fall and he delivered the rugs to the Regan House, where we tried them in different locations inside the house. We were able to use all eight rugs with one under the table, two under the old spinning wheel and yarn winder, two at each end of the house and, of course, one in front of the old wood-burning stove.
This donation from Rich and his wife was perfect since it added a sense of colour and warmth to the Regan House and similar rugs would have been used by the Regans in the 1860s, when they were raising their family in this house.
The decorations inside the Regan House now, with the rugs, crosscut saw and scythe that have been recently added, make me feel that the Regan House museum is nearly complete. I just have one more dream. The summer beams high overhead at each end of the house are only about six feet from the end walls. It would be very easy to make a platform between the end wall and summer beam at each end of the house out of the original pine boards that were once used for the upstairs flooring. At one end, we could lift the old Harvey walking spinning wheel up on this platform, freeing up room on the main floor for events. This would put it in good view of the pubic just overhead, yet out of harm’s way. What could be displayed on the platform at the other end of the house?
My dream is to get a donation of an old small cutter that would have been used by the family at that time to travel in the winter. Some people know the cutter as a one-horse open sleigh.
There were several designs in the early years, but the most popular were the McLaughlin cutter and the Portland cutter. If only I could find one of these small cutters, even if not in working shape, that could be used for a display of travel in that era. Then, I feel, the Regan House museum would be complete. Please let me know if you know someone with an old cutter they might be interested in donating to this wonderful old log home to complete my dream.
SANDY BRINGS IN THE BIRDS
Hurricane Sandy brought many seabirds into Lake Ontario two weeks ago with reports of 100 black-legged kittiwakes, lesser black-backed gulls, pomarine jaegers, parasitic jaegers, Wilson’s storm-petrel and even a Leach’s storm-petrel.
Evening grosbeaks, pine grosbeaks, bohemian waxwings, common redpolls, Brant geese, great grey owls, northern hawk owls, snowy owls and American tree sparrows are now arriving from the north. New birds are arriving daily at this time of year, so make sure you report any new observations. | <urn:uuid:a13d7c62-d5dc-4188-bd13-2b4b7d4a45f1> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.orilliapacket.com/2012/11/16/local-science-and-nature | 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 | 0.97958 | 1,281 | 2.59375 | 3 |
For the past couple of days, The Age has been going hard on the failure of a Liberal Party ‘associated entity’, Business First, to file its required disclosure forms. It was the lead story yesterday, and still on page one this morning.
The purpose of these laws is to reveal the identities of financial supporters of political parties. While Business First is undoubtedly in technical breach of the law, what The Age isn’t telling you is that it had no donors large enough to require disclosure. If they had followed the law, Business First’s AEC form would, like the vast majority of forms submitted to the AEC, have received no attention at all because it contains nothing of any interest.
The Commonwealth Electoral Act is probably the most disobeyed piece of legislation on the Commonwealth statute books. While this is mostly people avoiding their legal obligation to turn up to the polling booths, there is also widespread non-compliance with the paperwork required to be a political entity or a donor above the threshold.
Many donors either aren’t aware that they have to comply or, understandably enough, can’t be bothered redundantly repeating what the political parties are already reporting. And the political parties themselves are decentralised voluntary organisations, which makes monitoring everything that is going on and ensuring compliance quite difficult (which seems to have been the case with Business First, which from yesterday’s report appears to have been in breach of Liberal Party rules as well as the Electoral Act).
At a workshop on electoral law I attended a couple of weeks ago, a paper from someone from the NSW Election Funding Authority reported that they still had 1,500 unresolved compliance issues from the two years to mid-2010. Since then, reforms to the law have massively increased complexity and the compliance burden on political actors. Non-compliance is likely to skyrocket. If as seems likely similar laws are enacted federally, we could be looking at 10,000+ non-compliance cases over an electoral cycle.
Some of the inevitable stuff-ups will result in stories like those we have seen in The Age the last couple of days, with reputations harmed over trivial breaches of the law. Another reason to keep the laws as simple as possible, keep all minor political activity out of the regulatory system, and only focus on the big donors and spenders that might raise issues worthy of media and public attention. | <urn:uuid:3e3cfd74-bacc-49a0-aa1f-b664f79e9065> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://andrewnorton.info/2011/07/27/the-most-disobeyed-legislation-on-the-statute-books/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.974388 | 482 | 1.601563 | 2 |
Standard Bank helps Fight Muscular Dystrophy
Standard Bank is proud to support the MDA and Shamrocks against Dystrophy. MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. Muscular dystrophy refers to a group of genetic muscle diseases marked by progressive degeneration of voluntary muscles. MDA’s program includes nine main forms of muscular dystrophy and more than 30 other neuromuscular diseases which vary in genetic basis, age of onset, rate of progression and muscles affected.
By stopping in your neighborhood Standard Bank and purchasing a Shamrock ($1 or $5 for a Gold shamrock) you will help a little boy like 10 year old Teddy. He plays video games, collects Pokémon cards and loves to learn. Sadly Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy makes his muscles weak so he can’t run or ride a bike like other boys his age. Your Shamrock against Muscular Dystrophy purchase will provide funding to find treatment and cures for 40+ neuromuscular diseases.
Here’s Teddy with the Windy City Thunderbolts mascot, Boomer.
Stop in any of the 42 Standard Bank branches, now through March 17th, to help fight MDA with Standard Bank. | <urn:uuid:2421bf27-9a72-4cbf-bfb6-8dd90b9716d0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://blog.standardbanks.com/bid/78512/Standard-Bank-helps-Fight-Muscular-Dystrophy | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00043-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.912304 | 282 | 1.953125 | 2 |
He's back, with all his contempt for the media intact. Now Donald Rumsfeld is proposing a “21st-century agency for global communications” that would use blogs, social networks and talk radio to visit verbal shock and awe on Muslim extremists.
Addressing an "information warfare conference" co-sponsored by such defenders of free speech as Boeing, Lockheed and Curtiss Wright, Rumsfeld said the US is “sitting on the sidelines” in a global battle of ideas and "barely competing.”
When Sharon Weinberger of Wired asked what his new agency would do, the former Secretary Defense referred nostalgically to the good old days when the Army paid locals to plant stories in the Iraq press until American media spoiled the fun by reporting about it.
Rumsfeld insisted that his new propaganda ministry would not interfere with traditional journalism.
“It doesn’t mean we have to infringe on the role of the free press, they can go do what they do, and that’s fine,” he said. “Well, it’s not fine, but it’s what it is, let’s put it that way.”
What the architect of the Iraq war wants to do now is “tell the story of a nation that was carved from the wilderness and conceived in freedom” to those benighted souls who live under regimes that don't respect our First Amendment, as he does. | <urn:uuid:b7d8d887-0739-4abe-bca8-7cc9c396e911> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://ajliebling.blogspot.com/2008/01/return-of-rumsfeld.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00015-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.969719 | 305 | 1.679688 | 2 |
“I show the real world. But it’s the world seen through my eyes, and there are different ways to depict that,” says Fredrik Gertten – filmmaker and journalist.
Fredrik Gertten is one of Sweden’s most prominent documentary film makers. He is well known in his native country for films with a strong connection to the Malmö-region including Architectural projects like the Turning Torso skyscraper (The Socialist, the Architect and the Twisted Tower), the Öresund bridge (Walking on Water) and the local soccer team (True Blue).
An ordinary family is a story about a destitute middle class family in Argentina. It received moderate attention in Sweden, however, it became Gertten’s greatest international success with standing ovations from South Korea, the US. to Istanbul and one million television viewers in Poland.
“I am interested in the universality of a story, and since we finance our films internationally they naturally stretch outside the Swedish border. I want to make films that everyone can understand. None of our films were made for critics or cineastes. One of the best things in my line of work is when people approach me in the street to talk about one of my films.”
Gertten’s latest project BANANAS!* tells the story of how 12 banana plantation workers from Nicaragua sue the Dole company, one of the biggest food corporations in the world. Dole is accused of knowingly using a banned pesticide in the 70’s that may be linked to severe health problems and infertility among workers.
"What amazed me most is the audacity of a company like Dole to use a pesticide that was known to cause sterility. I wanted to learn more."
The Nicaraguan worker’s situation is by no means an isolated problem. During production of BANANAS!*, Gertten was contacted by several other Dole workers with similar stories, in regions as far apart as the Ivory Coast and the Philippines.
“The bananas we’ve been eating all these years look to have caused horrendous suffering for these people. To me it is very unsettling to find that out now. Who knows what chemicals are used on bananas today? Who knows if any consequences will be felt in 30 years? I want to highlight the moral dilemma - that the food we eat can have a high price tag for others.”
Fredrik Gertten started WG-Film in 1994 together with documentary filmmaker Lasse Westman. During the initial years they lived of external projects, investing all company assets in technical equipment, cameras and editing tools.
“It’s easier to get started nowadays, since equipment is so much cheaper. In most cases however, people make one or two films, then they get themselves a "real" job.”
Before venturing into filmmaking, Fredrik Gertten was a print journalist focusing on long, reflective articles from around the globe. An important aspect of his work can be traced back to those years - his fascination for “the little man.”
“I’m interested in telling the story of a nation through one single person in the street. That is more rewarding than meeting kings and presidents. For me, one of the greatest tasks of the political documentary is to show "the others". To portray them as fellow human beings we can respect, and not just as victims.”
Fredrik makes no attempt to hide that the casting is a vital part of his work. It is an often underestimated or even scorned process in the documentary world.
“A great story without a great main character leaves you with a less than great film. It’s as simple as that.”
The first attorney to bring a case in front of a US jury is Juan
Dominguez, a Spanish speaking Cuban exile. In the film, Dominguez bridges the wide gap between the rich world and the poor workers, even though he was just a child when he arrived in the US. Juan is an Los Angeles based personal injury lawyer, specializing in automobile accidents and with a primarily Latino client base. The process against Dole is significantly larger than any case he’s previously taken on.
“We looked up his (Dominguez) web page and it was almost too good to be true. We couldn’t have written a better character ourselves. Duane Miller, Juan’s partner in this venture, is his exact opposite. Miller may be a more talented trial lawyer and specializes in court cases dealing with toxins and chemical pollution of the environment, but his reluctance to appear in the film is obvious. He wanted to focus completely on the case. That is a very reasonable position, however it does not translate into a great film.”
Gertten does not shy away from emphasizing certain character traits in the film with a facial expression, a sigh or a grin. At the same time he distances himself from what he calls "reality show dramaturgy" to project set roles onto the people involved.
“My guideline is that the subjects should be able to recognize themselves. Dole’s defense attorney Rick McKnight for instance is in many ways the bad guy in the film, but he is also portrayed as proud, sharp and alert. I don’t think he would object to that image of him.”
This illustrates one of Gertten’s convictions, not to create monsters on the screen. In BANANAS!* this is never more clear than when Dole’s former CEO David Delarenzo enters the witness stand. He was directly responsible on site in Nicaragua in the 70’s and gave the order to keep using pesticides already banned in the US.
“And in comes this nice little man with a Nicaraguan wife. The caricature with a tall black hat and a dollar grin seldom fits. Maybe the film would have packed a bigger punch if I had painted everything black and white, but it is just that kind of complexity that fascinates me.”
Gertten has become more and more secure in his film making. Where he would previously keep the cameras rolling to make sure no great shot was lost, he now works in a more deliberate and controlled fashion. Despite this, the raw material for BANANAS!* consisted of 50 days of court hearings and 60-70 hours of other footage. First Danish editor Jesper Osmund and dramaturgy consultant Niels Pagh went through everything. Then a strategic meeting was held discussing a possible structure. How does the film open? How do we portray Juan? If the audience doesn’t quite like him, will they still root for the plantation workers?
“US documentaries often begin with a really long cut. In the editing room they initially tend to have a version running several hours, and then they gradually trim it down to an acceptable length. Our method is instead to isolate potential scenes. First, situations with Juan through the entire narrative and next the Nicaraguan family, then Duane. We create several parallel threads that we spend two to three months working on, then we weave these together. This leaves us with an initial running time quite close to the final goal.”
A lot of the drama is created in editing, but the research and filming sets the tone for the entire film. For Gertten, it is about knowing what he is after. Asking the right question, but also being in the right place at the right time.
“Sometimes you feel instinctively that a shot will end up in the final cut. I sat in the courtroom when Rick McKnight held his final argument. I had been in Nicaragua, I had met the affected workers and I was intensely provoked by his mocking banter. I wanted my audience to feel the same thing.”
The final arguments are followed by another scene that puts a sharp focus on our own part in this story. To celebrate, Juan sends an employee to buy some liquor and mixers, and he returns with a bag full of Dole juice.
“That scene is absolutely real, and it clearly shows how trained we are as consumers. If not even these people think about what juices they buy, what would it take for the rest of us to break the pattern?”
Gertten points out that even though Dole obviously has an enormous responsibility for the lives of these people, our own attitudes are important as well.
“I eat less bananas now, but I consciously try not to quit entirely but instead choose Fair trade products. I don’t believe in being 100% orthodox. That goes for my private life as well as my films. I don’t want to preach morality and BANANAS!* shouldn’t leave the audience feeling guilty and depressed. Change does not come from despair, but from seeing a light at the end of the tunnel, that our actions actually matter.”
Interview by Orvar Säfström
Follow Fredrik on Twitter.com » | <urn:uuid:9c6fa3e3-c743-4251-aff8-2bd2388ab128> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.bananasthemovie.com/interview-with-director-fredrik-gertten | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00024-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.969031 | 1,879 | 1.539063 | 2 |
According to recent reports, more people across the globe are opting to work from home. Balancing work and social life is one of the primary reasons behind this gradual shift in work culture across the globe. Working from home gives you several benefits like freedom to set your own schedule, the convenience of working in a familiar environment etc.
If you are keen on having a work from home career, here are top 5 careers you could start with:
There are millions of websites out there, fighting for visibility in the online space. All these websites need content to promote themselves, whether by way of SEO, or through social media, blogging etc. That makes content writing one of the most lucrative work from home careers. If you have a way with words, sky is the limit in terms of the money you could make in content writing. Start off with freelance portals like Elance or Freelancer or approach companies directly with your resume and writing samples.
Do you have a creative bent of mind? Do you have an innate sense of aesthetics? You could make a career in designing. You don’t need to be in an office in order to design great logos, websites etc. All you need is skill and a good software like Corel Draw or Adobe Photoshop to get started. If you are good, organizations could be willing to pay you as much as Rs 100,000 for each logo designed. Start off with 99designs.com and make a reputation for yourself before commanding that sort of price.
Real estate is one area where investment appreciates by a substantial amount over a period of time. That is why, more and more people are looking for guidance of real estate agents in order to get the best deal. You could become a real estate agent and get hefty commission checks. And the best part is, you can start as a real estate agent from your home, without working for any particular company. All you need is good communication skills and negotiation skills.
Social media marketing
Do you have a good network of friends on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter? Do you have panache for marketing? Do people trust your word? If yes, you could make a great career in the field of social media marketing. Companies big and small are increasingly looking for social media experts who could help them catapult their brand to success on various social media sites. This is one job you can do on the move, even while you are at a beautiful destination, enjoying a quiet holiday. The pay is good too.
Most of the photographers around the world are self-employed. You could make more than a living following your love for photography. You can sell your pictures on stock photography sites like photobucket, you can take up product photoshoot assignments, and so much more. You just need to invest in a professional camera and a bit of online marketing to get started. | <urn:uuid:c4324ad1-df80-4203-b67d-fdf1c6848ea2> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.recruitment4u.net/2012/08/top-5-careers-you-can-start-from-home.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00039-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.957345 | 579 | 1.578125 | 2 |
Waka (//; Māori: [ˈwaka]) are Māori watercraft, usually canoes ranging in size from small, unornamented canoes (waka tīwai) used for fishing and river travel, to large decorated war canoes (waka taua) up to 40 metres (130 ft) long. Since the 1970s about eight large double-hulled canoes of about 20 metres have been constructed for oceanic voyaging to other parts of the Pacific but they are made of a blend of modern and traditional materials incorporating features from both ancient Melanesia as well as Polynesia.
Waka taua (war canoes)
Waka taua (war canoes) are large canoes manned by up to 80 paddlers and are up to 40 metres (130 ft) in length. Large waka, such as Nga Toki Matawhaorua which are usually elaborately carved and decorated, consist of a main hull formed from a single hollowed-out log, along with a carved upright head and tailboard. The gunwale is raised in some by a continuous plank which gives increased freeboard and prevents distortion of the main hull components when used in a rough seas. Sometimes the hull is further strengthened, as in the case of Te Winika, a 200-year-old design, by a batten or stringer running lengthwise both inside and outside the hull just above the loaded waterline. The resurgence of Māori culture has seen an increase in the numbers of waka taua built, generally on behalf of a tribal group, for use on ceremonial occasions. Traditionally the war canoe was highly tapu. No cooked food was allowed in the craft and the waka had to be entered over the gunwhales,not the bow or stern which were highly decorated with powerful symbols. Canoes were often painted with black or white with black representing death. The main colour was red which stood for tapu .Sometimes a waka would be placed upright as a marker for a dead chief with the curved botton of the hull carved. Maori told missionaries during the Musket wars that battles between waka took place at sea with the aim being to ram an enemies waka amidships at high speed. The ramming vessel would ride up over the gunwhale and either force it under water or cause it to roll over. Enemy were either killed, left to drown or captured to be used in cannibal feasts or as slaves if they were female.
Waka: traditional construction
During the classic period(about 1500 to 1770) a hapu (community of about eight to 14 families) would select a Totara tree (native to New Zealand), the favoured wood (due to its high oil content and light weight) and prepare it years ahead for felling. This would include the removal of bark from one side of the trunk and the clearing of the ground and the planting of food crops for workers. After chants and prayers the tree would be felled by a combination of fires around the base and chopping with hand adzes. On an especially large tree with aerial roots a stage about 3m high was built of wood. On this was built a framework on which was suspended a giant upside down toki (axe), about 2.5m long. The long axis of the toki was tied to the cross member of the upper frame work so that it could pivot back and forwards, like a swing. Heavy rocks were tied to each side of the long axis at its lowest point to give momentum. The toki was pulled back and released so that the cutting edge bit into the wood that was weakened by fire. It could take two to three weeks to cut down a large tree in this manner. The head of the tree and branches were removed then the hull was roughly shaped insitu using fire and hand adzes, under the guidance of the chief designer. A stone adze was used by relatively gentle but regular and repeated blows. The head was soaked in water to make the binding swell and hold the stone blade more firmly. Once the shaping was complete, the log of 3–4 tonnes was pulled by teams of men to a stream or river using multiple ropes made from raupo. Some men pulled the waka forward while others restrained it on downhill slopes. Accidents at this stage were apparently common. Saplings were used as skids and rollers over uneven ground.The final shaping was done closer to the papakainga to be nearer to food. A waka could take a year to make if the construction went smoothly, but it could be abandoned if there was an accident or a death of an important person. Such abandoned, uncompleted waka have been found in post-contact times. Most large waka were built in several main interlocking sections and stitched together with flax rope. Small pegs were put in the holes which swelled and sealed when wet. Tree gum could also seal the holes. A large finished waka weighed about three tonnes and could remain in use for many decades. All large waka had names and were objects of pride and admiration. The image above shows the Waka Taua in the bay with unusually high freeboard. A noticeable feature of a loaded waka taua was its very low freeboard of 400–500 mm which made the vessel unseaworthy in all but good weather, despite the presence of one or two young men on board dedicated to bailing. The normal timber used, Totara, is a lightweight native podocarp, which retains its natural oils even when cut down. This prevented the timber opening up and spliting. Angela Ballara noted that they only put to sea when it was fine. One voyage across the stormy Cook Strait, was delayed for a week while the travellers waited for fine weather. The missionary William Williams, son of Henry Williams, noted that the voyage of a waka taua was a leisurely affair due to the requirements of foraging for food and waiting for fine weather.
Technology Changes
From the arrival of James Cook in 1769 and especially Marion Du Fresne's longer stay in New Zealand in 1772, Maori were able to obtain iron and steel which did not exist in pre contact Maori culture. Maori quickly learned the superiority of this material ,especially for carving. Maori learnt to ask sailors to sharpen 8 inch long ships nails to a chisel point on a ships wheel in exchange for fish. This period between 1779 and 1820 -the height of the musket wars, has been called the golden age of Maori wood carvingMuch of the carving was confined to waka taua. During the middle 19th century,from 1835, the arrival of large numbers of European settlers and ships meant that ship's boats were far more commonly available and were increasingly used by Maori in preference to waka. In 1839 100 ships visited The Bay of Islands. This was a trend that the missionaries such as Marsden and Williams had noted had begun in the 1830s. The beamier ,lighter, ship's boat was better load carriers with more stability and was sometimes equipped with sails for windward sailing. Use of shipsboats became common as many Maori worked on a wide variety of sealing, whaling and trading sailing vessels,both in New Zealand and in the Pacific. During the Land Wars few waka were used for movement of warriors as when the Waikato campaign started in 1863 the government forces made a point of sinking all the waka they could find on the Waikato River and its tributaries to slow rebel communications. Later, some fine examples of these waka were placed in the Auckland War Memorial Musueum.
Ocean-going canoes
- See also Māori migration canoes
Ocean-going waka, whatever their size, could be paddled but achieved their best speeds when propelled by sail. The Polynesian settlers of New Zealand migrated to New Zealand in large waka; some of these were possibly waka hourua according to legend, double-hulled vessels. The names and stories associated with those waka were passed on in oral history (kōrero o mua) but dates names times and routes are frequently muddled and confused as the descendants of the settlers multiplied and separated into iwi (tribes) and hapu (sub-tribes). Consequently the word waka is used to denote a confederation of iwi descended from the people of one migratory canoe.
Waka ama (outrigger canoes)
Early European explorers saw Māori using waka ama (outrigger canoes). "Sydney Parkinson, an artist on Captain James Cook’s first voyage to New Zealand in 1769, and the German scientist Johann Reinhold Forster, who sailed with Cook in 1773, described waka fitted with outriggers (ama, amatiatia or korewa)". Already rare in Cook's time, waka ama had largely faded from memory by the early 19th century (Howe 2006:87). However, the term 'waka ama' occurs in old stories, such as the story of Māui published by in Grey in 1854 and in a few old waiata; Tregear also mentions the waka ama as 'a possession of the Maori', adding that 'It was beneath the outrigger of such a canoe that the famous Maui crushed his wife's brother Irawaru before turning him into a dog. Both the double canoe and that with the outrigger have entirely disappeared from among the Maoris, and it is doubtful if any native now alive has seen either of them in New Zealand' (Tregear 1904:115). The Māori words for the parts of the outrigger, such as 'ama' and 'kiato', recorded in the early years of European settlement, suggest that Māori outrigger canoes were similar in form to those known from central Polynesia.
In recent years, waka ama racing, introduced from Pasifika nations into New Zealand during the 1980s and 1990s, using high-tech canoes of Hawaiian or Tahitian design, and supported with the ingenious support of work schemes, has become an increasingly popular sport in New Zealand, often performed as part of larger festivals.
Other materials used
Some waka, particularly in the Chatham Islands, were not conventional canoes, but were constructed from raupo (bulrushes) or flax stalks. In April 2011 Te Puni Kokiri, The Maori Development Agency, announced a joint venture with an Auckland tribe, to build a plastic PVC waka as a promotion for local Maori. Most of the $2 million funding comes from the taxpayer but the tribe is contributing $100,000 and will retain ownership after the event. The "tupper waka" as it has been called in the media, is actually a small conference facility for well off visitors during the world rugby competition being held in New Zealand in September 2011. The graphic on TV shows that it is largely a promotional device with seating, tables and a bar. It will not be open to the general public according to the media briefing. The waka taua Te Tuhono in the National Museum of Scotland was restored and partially reconstructed by the Maori craftsman George Nuku, using carved Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) to recreate missing sections.
Related meanings
The word 'waka' is also used in broader senses that can be translated as 'vessel', 'container', or 'vehicle'.
A waka huia is a hollowed and carved vessel used for storing of taonga (treasures) such as the prized tail feathers of the now-extinct huia bird (Heteralocha acutirostris) that are worn as ornaments in the hair. Maori revered Huia feathers as symbols of high status. On her coronation Elizabeth II was presented with two huia feathers.
In current Māori usage, waka is used to refer to cars but is more closely translated to vessel, along with the transliterated term 'motokā' (motorcar). The neologism 'waka-rere-rangi' (literally: waka (vessle) that sails the sky) was coined for aircraft. A 'waka hari hinu', (vessel that carries oil) is an oil tanker; a 'waka niho' (gear container) is a car's gearbox.
See also
References & notes
- The plural is also waka. Similar craft are encountered elsewhere in Polynesia, with cognate names such as vaka, wa'a, or va'a
- "Waka taua", Te Ara
- Tahana, Yvonne (18 January 2010). "Waka back and better than ever". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
- Waikato Museum booklet, "Te Winika"
- Te Winika is on long-term display at Waikato Museum. See Waikato Museum: Long Term Exhibitions.
- Stories Without End.The Lost Drawings of Nukutawhiti. J. Binney. Bridget Williams.2010.
- The Meeting Place.V.O'Malley.
- The Meeting Place.V O'Malley. Auckland University Press.2012.p135.
- The Meeting Place.V. O'Malley.2012
- Barclay-Kerr, 2007
- Hawkesworth, John (1773). "Voyages in the Southern Hemisphere, Vols. II–III". An Account Of A Voyage Round The World In The Years MDCCLXVIII, MDCCLXIX, MDCCLXX, and DCCLXXI By Lieutenant James Cook, Commander of his Majesty's Bark the Endeavour. London: William Strahan and Thomas Cadell. p. 460.
- The story of Māui as written by Wiremu Maihi Te Rangikaheke refers to ama in sentences such as 'hei roto koe, hei te ama o to taua waka' (published by Grey in Nga Mahi a Nga Tupuna, 1971:20, translated by Grey as "You get under the outrigger of the canoe ..." Grey, Polynesian Mythology, 1974:40).
- Stable, Charles (2012). "Maximum Intervention: Renewal of a Māori Waka by George Nuku and National Museums Scotland". Journal of Conservation and Museum Studies (DOI: 10.5334/jcms.1011202) 10 (1). Retrieved 12 May 2012.
- "CORONATION GIFT", Te Ao Hou
- Barclay-Kerr, Hoturoa (2007). "Waka – canoes". Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Updated 13 April 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-20.
- G. Grey, (1971). Nga Mahi a Nga Tupuna, fourth edition. First published 1854. Reed.
- K.R. Howe (Ed.), (2006). Vaka Moana – Voyages of the Ancestors. David Bateman.
- Edward Robert Tregear (1904). "The Māori Race". Archibald Dudingston Willis:Wanganui. Retrieved 2007-09-02. | <urn:uuid:7927de76-6932-4a3a-b947-3499b433a0e0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waka_(canoe) | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00029-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.966797 | 3,224 | 3.34375 | 3 |
J.D. Walter: Being a Verb
“ It's curious to me that the highest compliment you can give a singer is that he or she sounds like an instrument, while the highest compliment you can give an instrumentalist is that he or she sounds like a voice. ”
J.D. Walter is a jazz singers' singera purist and an innovator. Although his style has been compared to many vocal titans, it is in the same breath, uniquely his own, and he has become a singular phenomenon on the music scene.
Respected and lauded by the great musicians of the contemporary circuit, Walter has shared the stage with many legendary artists including: saxophonists Dave Liebman, Bill Evans (saxophone) and Tim Warfield; singer and songwriter Bob Dorough, drummers Billy Hart, Gregory Hutchinson, Ari Hoenig and Bill Goodwin; trumpeters Nicholas Payton, John Swana, and Randy Brecker; pianists Jean-Michel Pilc, Jim Ridl, Orrin Evans and Andre Kondokov; bassists John Benitez and Taurus Mateen; and singers Mark Murphy and Miles Griffith; and poet Sonia Sanchez.
Walter has thus far recorded five CDs as a leader and co-leader and has attracted an international audience from the shores of America to Europe, Russia, and the Far East. He is also a featured member of pianist Orrin Evans' Luv Park Band (Imani Records, 2004), as well as making guest appearances on numerous other recordings.
A vocal coach for many emerging artists, Walter is in demand as a clinician at schools, conservatories and universities. He has mentored and inspired many emerging singers.
Since Walter is that rare innovative singer who is completely true to the jazz tradition while, at the same time, continually stretching himself and pushing the envelope, it's important to understand his musical development and approach. Warm and accessible, Walter is also articulate and forthright about the issues and controversies that concern him, other musicians and fans today.
- Biography and Early Influences
- Influence of Other Jazz Singers
- Singing Style and Technique
- Teaching and Mentoring
- Current and Future Interests
- Influence of Other Jazz Singers
AAJ: If you were to go to the desert island, which five or six recordings would you take with you?
JDW: I would say, Betty Carter's Social Call (Columbia, 1956) and Dropping Things (Verve, 1990). And then, some Count BasieBasie at the Sands (Reprise, 1966)maybe Benjamin Britten's Missa Brevis, and a record I frequently listen to, Vladimir Horowitz Plays Liszt (RCA Victor Red Label, 1993).
AAJ: That's a piano albumdid you study a musical instrument?
JDW: My mother was a music teacher. She started us kids on piano and voice, but frankly, I never took to the piano as an instrument to play, but for compositional purposes. I played poorly, but composed, even as a child, but I wasn't that interested in playing piano. I played drums at a very early age, and that was a huge foundation for me. I frequently call jazz "African-American classical music." Jazz is a rhythmically based art form, so having that background in percussion really helped me get in touch with the rhythmic sensibilities endemic to that art form.
I also briefly played cello and saxophone, and trumpet. I could try these instruments because my mother had access to them. But what I really followed through with were singing and percussion. I studied mallets, drum sets, tympani, snare drum, and so on.
JDW: Sometimes people will say, "You have really great ears. You must have played an instrument." To be honest, my harmonic understanding did not come from playing an instrument at a performance level, but from transcribing and learning solos vocally. Nothing has come from an instrumental perspective, except understanding harmony on the keyboard. Why I'm adept at what I do is not from an instrumental vantage point. Chet Baker, of course, sang and played trumpet, Curtis Stigers sings and plays well, and there are some others, but what I do I learned from home base in collegechords, harmony and learning and memorizing solos.
AAJ: Dave Liebman says that you uniquely use your voice as an instrument, but it may be a bit deferential to say you need to learn an instrument in order to sing because the voice is really the most special instrument of all.
JDW: Well, it's curious to me that the highest compliment you can give a singer is that he or she sounds like an instrument, while the highest compliment you can give an instrumentalist is that he or she sounds like a voice. While I'm not aspiring to sound like a horn, improvisation is coming from my head and my heart. I'm looking for emotional transference. If people want to make that distinction it's their deal. For me, it's all the same. The special thing about the voice is that we have text, so we vocalists have that wonderful ability to combine drama and the text with the notes.
AAJ: We'll come back to that later, but I was wondering what your childhood and adolescence was like in terms of your exposure to music. Am I right that you were born in a Philadelphia suburb, Abington, Penn.?
JDW: Yes. I was adopted. My folks moved out to the Lebanon-Lancaster area of Pennsylvania. I spent most of my childhood there, until the middle of seventh grade, when I went to the American Boy Choir School in New Jersey. As I said, my mother was a music school teacher. She was a fine pianist and contralto. I also had an older sister who was a fine pianist. It was a natural thing to compete for the attention she was getting. So I tried to excel at singing. Actually, my first paid gig was six years old. I got $17 to $20 a month for singing in my family's Episcopal church men and boy choir. For a kid in the early 1970s, it was nice to have that.
As far as musical tastes and what was played at home, my parents were classical fans, but they also had some big band music, and Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and some Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Nat "King" Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald. So I was exposed to these things on the periphery, but I was a classical geek. The early '70s pop music didn't appeal to me, and listening to the radio actually made me sad. I was a sensitive child, and the music all seemed depressing to me. My refuge was to sit in my room with my little portable turntable, listening with my headphones on to King's College Men and Boy's Choir, or Berlioz' Symphony Fantastique.
There was one rock group I enjoyed, Queen, with vocals which I loved. Friends would come over, and I'd put on Switched On Bach (CBS Records, 1968) with Walter Carlos. I thought it was cool that Bach was played on a synthesizer, but my friends didn't understand. I liked Maria Callas, Pavarotti, and that kind of thing.
AAJ: If you were so into classical music, how and when did your passion for jazz develop?
JDW: Part of it was rebellion, and part of it was circumstances. My voice changed in puberty, and so I was no longer the golden boy soloist. I studied drums, because it took a couple of years before my voice became decent again. In my ninth grade, I couldn't return to the American Boy Choir School because my voice had changed. That was quite a schoolwe recorded Handel's Messiah with the Smithsonian Institution, among other recordings, traveled the world, worked with Giancarlo Menotti and sang presidential inaugurations. It's an unbelievable institution that is America's answer to the Vienna Boy Choir. It was a boarding school. We had uniforms. Heavily music theory-oriented. Six hours of rehearsal a day.
But when my voice changed, I got into percussion, and I started to get together with some local kids who were interested in jazz. A family moved into the house next door to mine, and their father was an amazing musical educator and saxophonist who pointed us in the right direction. We'd play out of the fake book. He'd give us pointers and things to listen to, and we'd sometimes play through composed things like the Claude Bolling suites for flute. I started playing with this jazz trio, and then, once my voice came back, I started singing and playing drums with the trio. We stuck together all through high school.
AAJ: So that's when you started tuning into jazz music as a focus. According to your biography, you then went to the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas, in the Dallas area.
JDW:In high school, I continued studying classical voice, and I studied at a local liberal arts college and participated in competitions. I was interested in a college that had classical and jazz, and North Texas offered that. Ray Brinker, who now plays drums with Tierney Sutton, told me about The University of North Texas, that Stan Kenton had a huge influence in the development of the school. They had 12 big bands, as well as numerous other jazz-related ensembles, and it was a jazz Mecca. It was the first school in the world to have a jazz degree. | <urn:uuid:dd01f7a1-78b7-4eb2-9bf8-b5fce1b4f27b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=32684 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00004-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.98382 | 1,996 | 1.554688 | 2 |
Hume: Daley likes what he sees in Toronto
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Food and water are the only things that really matter. And, says the former mayor of Chicago, Richard Daley, the good news is that we have lots of both.
In town to speak at the Ontario Economic Summit, the long-time leader of America's Second City made it clear he sees a rosy future for the Great Lakes region, including Toronto.
“It’s not oil,” Daley argues. “In this century, water and agriculture will be the essence of competition. We have the resources.”
When he decided not to run for a seventh term last year, Daley had been mayor of Chicago for 22 years, longer even than his legendary father, Richard J. Daley. Known for his autocratic style, environmental sensitivities and urban sensibilities, the younger Daley, it’s generally agreed, left his city a better place.
Unlike some Great Lakes cities such as Cleveland, where thousands of houses have been abandoned and demolished in the wake of the U.S. mortgage scandal, other communities have adapted and thrived. Daley points to Chicago, Boston, New York and, yes, Toronto, as cities of growth and vitality.
“Toronto is always reinventing itself,” he explains. “That’s what cities need to do.”
As Daley understands it, the world of the future will be organized around large urban regions. We’re not talking about a GTA-sized area, but vast agglomerations that in our case would encompass perhaps a dozen U.S. states as well as Ontario and Quebec.
The critical factor, he argues, is the cities themselves. “The rest of the world is becoming urban,” he notes. “But it took the U.S. and Canada 100 years to become urban. The future of the U.S. and Canada is urban, definitely, because the rest of the world is urban. We have to build highrises to protect farmland. And public transportation is key. Building highways without transit is a mistake; America is still repeating that mistake.”
At the same time, Daley acknowledges that cities in both countries have been left in the economic lurch: “No, no,” he intones, “property taxes and user fees are not enough. They can’t be. You have to bring in the private sector. Government can’t just print money. The private sector has to participate. We need the money. The process has to be transparent. The procedure has to be something everyone’s aware of. We need good research and clean technology.”
And, he says, never underestimate the importance of the public realm. Famous for installing a green roof on Chicago city hall and filling the downtown with planters, Daley justifies such moves as good economics.
“Why did I plant trees?” he asks. “Because they clean the air, absorb water and provide shade. One of the things I have learned is that nature can co-exist with the city. If people can see things visually, if they see people taking pride in the city, they take pride, too.”
Daley himself takes pride in many accomplishments, everything from allowing backyard chickens (two per house) to Millennium Park, which cost $500 million and changed downtown Chicago, spurring a major round of development.
Then there was the night in 2003 when he ordered bulldozers to rip up the runway at Meigs Field, Chicago’s version of the Billy Bishop Airport. Washington fined the city $22,000 for that move. But, Daley quickly adds, that barely counts as a slap on the wrist. In return, the city got a new waterfront park, a dream once shared by Torontonians.
Daley’s decision to leave politics had nothing to do with plummeting popularity. Many observers feel he could have won re-election.
“I just wanted to change my life,” he says. “You need passion and you’ve got to think outside the box. I always viewed myself as a public servant. Today, consultants tell you everything — what to wear and how to chew gum and walk at the same time. Government should be more about passion.”
And clearly, Toronto is one of his passions. “Sister Cities” since 1991, the two centres share many characteristics and are often mentioned in the same breath. Until the election of Rob Ford last year, both cities had mayors who also shared many characteristics, including a commitment to the environment.
Daley still talks of his friend Dave — a.k.a. former Toronto mayor David Miller — and takes time to meet with him.
The pair worked hard to further the urban agenda and raise awareness of the Great Lakes. “We need to do more to protect water in Canada and the U.S.,” he warns. “If you destroy the Great Lakes, you destroy our future.”
And despite a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, the genial former mayor remains confident, even optimistic, about that future.
“We have faced worse,” he insists. “This isn’t the war or the Depression. We should be more confident.”
Christopher Hume can be reached at email@example.com
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- Blue Jays, Dickey fall to Orioles | <urn:uuid:fa6b2841-e1c2-4795-a79e-b69da01acec1> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2011/11/22/hume_daley_likes_what_he_sees_in_toronto.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00056-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.964055 | 1,239 | 1.609375 | 2 |
Corruption remains a major developmental challenge to Nigeria. According to UNODC sources, close to US $400 billion is believed to have been embezzled from the Nigerian central government between 1960 and 1999. The former Head of State Sani Abacha alone is estimated to have siphoned off the equivalent of 2 - 3 per cent of the country's GDP for every year of his five year Presidency, between 1993 and 1998. This comes to approximately US $ 34 billion (based on 2012 GDP estimates).
The advent of democracy in 1999 did not make things better. According to a report from the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), 10 ex-Governors and political leaders in Nigeria embezzled public funds estimated at USD$250 billion within a three year span. The report alleges that most of these funds are hidden in Western banks and offshore centres, while a significant amount is believed to have been laundered through the acquisition of properties, luxury cars and purchase of high net worth shares in blue chip companies.
With law enforcement officials reporting that half of Nigeria’s $ 40 billion annual oil revenueis being stolen or wastedNigeria stands as a classic example of the damage that corruption can cause in the life of a nation. Despite increased earnings from oil, the Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics reports that around 69 % of the population of Nigeria, that’s 112.47 million people, live below the poverty line of less than a dollar per day. This makes Nigeria the host of the largest population of poor people in Africa.
The role of the private sector
In all this, the private sector has been identified as an active player in the corruption ravaging the Nigerian nation. When public procurement is driven by a culture of bribery, and businesses are able to pay their way out of regulations and tax obligations, citizens suffer.
Oil-rich Nigeria is an attractive playground for ambitious multi-nationals looking to expand. In recent years there have been a number of scandals, including the infamous Halliburton and Siemens corruption cases in which hundreds of millions of dollars of bribes were paid into the pockets of Nigerian public officials to receive favourable tax treatment and to secure contracts in the country.
The need to engage the private sector
In 2009, Nigeria volunteered as one of the fifteen countries to test run the Self-assessment Checklist on the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the direction of the Convention’s Conference of States Parties. This assessment included a review of the conformity of Nigerian laws and policies with a number of provisions of the UNCAC.
In 2012 Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) conducted a narrower review with the support of UNODC and used the official self-assessment software to assess Nigeria’s implementation of UNCAC articles 12, 21, 22 and 39. These articles relate specifically to the private sector and among other things direct States Parties to encourage cooperation between the private sector and national authorities.
On 1 November 2012, ZCC held a public meeting to present the outcome of this review and the views of Nigerian private sector players were sought and considered. Stakeholders from the organised private sector were in attendance, including representatives of the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, compliance officers from around 12 private sector organisations such as banks, media organisations, stock-brokers and hospitality organisations. They acknowledged the role the private sector plays in fueling public sector corruption and acknowledged the potential role they could play in tackling it.
This meeting, as well as both the 2009 and 2012 assessments, revealed that the critical role of the private sector in causing corruption and in the fight against corruption has not been fully acknowledged in Nigeria and the majority of anti-corruption initiatives have been directed to the public sector alone.
Recommendations regarding the private sector
The private sector participants at the November review meeting gave some clear recommendations to help ensure that Nigerian laws regulating the conduct of the private sector are in tune with the provisions of the UNCAC. They recommended that:
1. Sanctions for corruption involving the private sector should be reviewed to assess whether they are dissuasive and proportionate.
2. To ensure that better records of companies are kept, the Government should decentralise the registration of business entities. This will increase the ease and efficiency of registration. A central database of all private entities in Nigeria should be maintained.
3. Monitoring of private sector compliance with relevant laws should be supported by a well-trained Association of Shareholders of private entities.
4. Whistleblowing protection should be improved. Policies should be adopted by businesses and shareholders should be encouraged to report bad practices.
5. Training on international ethical standards in business should be given to company directors.
6. Civil society organisations (CSOs) should collaborate with the private sector to deliver educational campaigns on compliance and initiate more collaborative research and policy work on private sector corruption.
The stakeholders from the private sector left the review meeting in November 2012 with a commitment to work and engage more with CSOs in the run up to the forthcoming UNCAC country review due to take place this year. They plan to use the opportunity to push for the relevant amendments needed to make laws governing the operations of private business entities in Nigerian compliant to the UNCAC prescribed standards. The possibility of submitting a joint civil society and private sector memorandum on specific policy issues and legislative changes during the review process was discussed.
Here we are seeing the beginnings of positive engagement between the private sector, government and civil society working together to monitor and help improve effective implementation of the UNCAC. This is an important step in involving all fronts in the fight against corruption.
About the Author
Babatunde Oluajo is the National Secretary of the Zero Corruption Coalition (ZCC) in Nigeria. The ZCC is a coalition of over 150 civil society organisations committed to the fight against corruption. He also serves on the Coordination Committee for the UNCAC Coalition as one of the representatives of Sub-Saharan Africa. | <urn:uuid:f33d4752-1d6d-473e-8ded-5382b7d50dc4> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.uncaccoalition.org/en/home/216-letter-to-eu-commissioner-barnier-on-access-to-beneficial-ownership-information.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705953421/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120553-00067-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.946464 | 1,233 | 2.53125 | 3 |
More than 50 species of butterflies flit between the petals of an ever-changing array of exotic plants inside the greenhouse as sunlight streams in through the glass ceilings. Outside, experts launch owls, falcons, and eagles into the air to fly—and many come back down to land on the arms of the audience. Since 1952, the staffers of Callaway Gardens’ educational nature preserve have immersed visitors in their passion for wildlife management and conservation across more than 4,600 acres of demonstration gardens, arboretums, and outdoor sports attractions.
At the 5-acre Horticultural Center, visitors wander through three conservatories, a grotto, and an outdoor garden and stand at the base of a 22-foot indoor waterfall. They can also soar up to 30 feet above the forest floor on a five-zipline treetop course replete with ladders, logs, and netting or practice their lumberjack calls on a 10-mile discovery trail through the trees. Staffers regularly lead guided hikes through the woods, hold a range of butterfly shows and cultural workshops, and help facilitate seasonal events—including circus, music, and theater performances and a holiday light show. On overnight stays, they welcome guests into lodgings such as a rustic inn, 155 secluded pine cottages, and 57 stone and wood villas with balconies. | <urn:uuid:4420b476-f905-4111-a0f4-bcbec9fe2d6d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.groupon.com/local/perry-ga/outdoor-activities | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00016-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.926415 | 278 | 2.21875 | 2 |
The GED (General Educational Development) is designed as an alternative to the high school diploma. Upon completion of the GED program, individuals are empowered to pursue higher levels of education and/or careers of their choice.
Practice the GED, SAT, ACT, GMAT, Citizenship, ASVAB, firefighter, or any of hundreds of other academic or professional exams. Brush up on your interviewing skills or take a refresher course in math. The LearningExpress Library has the tools you need to improve your score.
Guides on individual subjects as well as volumes that cover the entire test are available.
Taking the GED test
All tests are given by appointment only.
Local Testing Centers
Carrolton-Farmers Branch ISD
1820 Pearl Street
Mountain View College
4849 W. Illinois Ave.
GED test scores are usually sent to the instructor by the testing center. Certificates are mailed to students two to three weeks after testing is completed by the GED Division of the Texas Education Agency in Austin. | <urn:uuid:3c8aad06-a9c7-4195-9462-8ee9d76f492e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://catalog.cityofirving.org/rooms/portal/page/21964_GED | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00059-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.932148 | 215 | 2.015625 | 2 |
Creating job, reversing unemployment is most critical near-term priorities for the Government, says Mitchell
By Yasmin Popsecu
In order to reverse current economic trends, one of the core imperatives of the Government of The Bahamas is the strengthening of the domestic economy and the creation of jobs, the broadening of Bahamian ownership in the economy and the attainment of a higher standard of living, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell told the United Nations..
He said that creating job opportunities and reversing the "unacceptable" unemployment situation in the country, which presently stands at a rate of 15.9 percent, has been identified at the highest political level, as the most critical near-term priorities for the Government, especially in relation to young Bahamians.
He stated that the government is committed to solving youth unemployment.
He told delegates that The Bahamas envisions a greater role for the United Nations in the area of international cooperation in tax matters.
"In this connection, The Bahamas, along with the wider Group of 77 and China, continues to call for the conversion of the UN Committee of Experts on International Cooperation on Tax Matters into an intergovernmental subsidiary body of the ECOSOC in keeping with the Doha mandate," he said.
"We also continue to deplore the use of some states of their domestic laws for extra territorial affect in such areas as human trafficking, financial services and drug smuggling. We continue to believe that these laws with extraterritorial affect are misplaced and put an unfair burden upon small states and may be interpreted as a departure from the international norms of respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states."
Mitchell said The Bahamas underscores the need for enhanced policy dialogue and international cooperation on the question of building "green economies", which will indeed require new investments, skills formation, technology development and transfer, and capacity building.
"The Gross National Income (GNI) of The Bahamas is significantly affected by a small population of wealthy expatriates whose high incomes skew this measure away from true economic realities. The construct of per capita Gross National Income therefore takes on a unique interpretation in the context of developing countries like The Bahamas," he said.
"The Bahamas continues to be deserving of considerations which will not restrict access and deny us the right to develop sustainability, supported by financial, human and technological resources using gross national income per capita as a pretext to deny financial assistance to us."
Mitchell noted that the General Assembly is set to consider, during this 67th Session, the Scale of Assessments for the apportionment of the expenses of the United Nations Regular Budget and Peacekeeping Operations for the period 2013-2015, The Bahamas takes this opportunity to reiterate her longstanding position that per capita gross national income, for the reasons given, should not be accorded overriding weight in determining capacity to pay.
He said: "A representative, transparent, responsive, accountable, democratic and inclusive Security Council, predicated on an increased membership in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, as well as modification of its working methods, is overdue. My delegation sincerely hopes that the next round of negotiations on Security Council reform during this session will result in tangible progress aimed at making the Council all that it can and should be."
Mitchell said it is our desire for the realisation of unfulfilled potential also extends to our regional partner, Haiti. The Bahamas, he said, has been unremitting and consistent in her support for the people of Haiti and their aspirations for peace, security and development.
He then said The Bahamas commends the important role of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) in providing security and in laying the foundation for its long-term recovery and stability.
"Pledges made toward Haiti's recovery and reconstruction must be honoured and fulfilled so that the required work can be undertaken and completed."
He added that The Bahamas welcomes increased dialogue on improving international cooperation with respect to international migration and development. Illegal migration from Haiti is a vexing issue for our country.
"We agree that proper cooperation can certainly help to ensure that migration occurs through safe and regulated channels, as well as leverage the contributions that migrants can make to development," said Mitchell. "The Bahamas will continue to participate constructively in the process leading to the second high-level dialogue on International Migration and Development to be held by the General Assembly in 2013, with a view to addressing these and other related issues so crucial to our development.
"Given the events over the past year in The Bahamas with regard to illegal migration, some tragic, and, poaching in our seas from illegal persons from the south of us, The Bahamas will be taking stronger measures over the next year to put a stop to these illegal activities. We appeal to all nations in the region to prevail upon their citizens to cease and desist from these unlawful activities. We intend to work both bilaterally and with the broader international community to stop these assaults on our national and economic security.
Turning his attention to HIV/AIDS, Mitchell said The Bahamas has made significant strides in the areas of maternal and child health and HIV/AIDS adding that in this, the 50th year since women obtained the right to vote in The Bahamas, we are committed to the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women, as was affirmed by the Minister of Social Services during consideration of The Bahamas' Reports by the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women at its Fifty-Second Session held in July last.
"The Bahamas, nevertheless, remains concerned about the increasing incidences of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among her populace, in particular women who are disproportionately affected by such preventable illnesses."
© 2012 The Freeport News | <urn:uuid:0d1fdfa7-a982-4239-87f3-7142e8d1877e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://freeport.nassauguardian.net/national_local/320296824933910.php | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00036-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.947936 | 1,157 | 1.835938 | 2 |
MYSTERY PLANT: Kids won’t climb up this stickly tree
Don’t worry about kids falling out of this tree. It’s terrible for a tree house, or just for climbing, and for pretty obvious reasons.
It is a native deciduous plant, fairly common from New York through the lower Midwest and south to Texas and northern Florida. Most people would consider this plant something of a shrub, but it does get to be tree-sized, that is short tree-sized, with the tallest usually about 30 or so feet high. The plants are quite striking when they reach any appreciable size, for a variety of reasons.
The plants themselves are only sparingly branched, and so a thicket of these will sometime have a kind of “stickly,” willowy look. The plants frequently spread themselves by runners, just below the soil surface. Each leaf is equipped with a smooth, pale brown stalk, and the blade is divided over and over again into many dozens of teardrop-shaped leaflets. Because most people will look at the entire leaf and see only leaflets, they think the leaf itself is small. But the leaf is definitely compound, and big ones can be nearly 4 feet long.
The autumn foliage is attractive, a sort of shiny yellow. In winter condition, the scar produced by the falling leaf is quite prominently U-shaped, something like a smile, and each of these leaf scars will reveal a series of vascular bundle scars within, arranged in a crescent.
Small white flowers are produced in umbrella-like clusters in large, branched arrangements toward the top of the trunk. In late summer, the young fruits begin to swell and turn dark, eventually becoming shiny purple-black, and very juicy. Delicious for birds, although when I sampled one or two, they were terrible!
But the wondrous thing about this plant must be the fantastic assortment of “stickers” it exhibits. The young stickers are pliable and green, but eventually become hardened, or indurated, both hook-shaped as well as straight. The sharp stickers may be found all up and down the stems, and also on the leaf stalks and successive divisions of the leaf blade.
You’ll also see a prominent “crown” of these things associated with each leaf scar.
This native species makes a wonderful addition to the back border of a garden, as long as you can handle its sprouts, from the runners. The flowers and fruits are attractive to wildlife, and the fall foliage is nice. Be sure to tell your friends that it is a relative of ginseng (and English ivy!).
John Nelson is the curator of the A. C. Moore Herbarium at the University of South Carolina, in the Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia SC 29208. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www.herbarium.org or call 803-777-8196, or email firstname.lastname@example.org. | <urn:uuid:550b8380-75d5-4df2-96f6-6ee03b8a478d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.aikenstandard.com/article/20130310/AIK0403/130319972/0/AIK0402/kids-won-x2019-t-climb-up-this-stickly-tree | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699273641/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516101433-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.957862 | 635 | 2.890625 | 3 |
Excessive thirst is an abnormally strong desire to drink liquids. It can related to an underlying medical condition.
Increased thirst is not considered excessive when it is related to a recent lack of drinking fluids. Also, people who have always had a strong desire to drink a lot of fluids are not considered to have excessive thirst. There are many potential causes for this condition.
When a person complains of an excessive amount of thirst, the healthcare professional needs to know: when the problem startedwhether the person feels dehydrated or has a dry mouthwhether the thirst is constant or occurs only at certain timeswhat types of liquids the person drinks each dayhow much the person drinks each daywhether the person has increased or decreased the amount of fluids he or she drinks each daywhether the person's weight has changedhow much the person exerciseswhat other medical conditions the person may havewhat medications, drugs, or herbs a person may be takingwhether the person is having any other symptoms
Other questions may also be asked, depending on the history and physical findings, if any.
There are many possible causes for excessive thirst. These include: increased exercise, which can increase the body's water requirementsdehydration. This occur from any of a number of causes including diarrhea, infection, hot weather, vomiting, or the use of medications called diuretics that eliminate fluid from the body.hormone imbalances. These may include a high level of thyroid hormone, a condition called hyperthyroidism, or a high level of adrenal hormones, called hyperadrenalism.hypernatremia, which is a high level of sodium in the bodyuncontrolled diabetes. This is a condition that causes an increase in blood sugar levels, triggering excessive thirst.diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is a disease that causes people to urinate excessively and results in dehydration.certain drugs or medications. The use of antihistamines, marijuana, caffeine, or alcohol can cause this condition.psychogenic polydipsia, which is a psychiatric condition that causes a person to feel thirsty for no apparent reasondamage to an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. This is rare.
Other causes are also possible. Sometimes, no cause can be found.
Prevention is often not possible. Drinking extra fluids before exercising can help prevent excessive thirst in this setting. Avoiding drugs and other substances responsible for excessive thirst can prevent these cases due. Taking medications as prescribed and checking blood sugars regularly can prevent some cases due to diabetes.
Sometimes the cause is obvious from the medical history and physical exam. In other cases, further testing is needed, depending on what is suspected. For example, a blood glucose level can be used to detect diabetes. A serum sodium test, usually performed as part of a broader blood chemistry panel, can detect hypernatremia. A blood alcohol level test can detect alcohol use. An x-ray test called a cranial CT scan may be done if brain damage is suspected.
Long-term effects are related to the cause. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to many organs and even result in death. Cases due to dehydration can usually be treated successfully without long term effects. A person with psychogenic polydipsia can sometimes develop dangerous salt imbalances due to excessive water drinking.
Excessive thirst is not contagious and poses no risks to others. If the cause of excessive thirst is dehydration due to an infection, the infection may be contagious.
Treatment is directed at the cause. For example, a person with diabetes may use insulin injections or other medications to control blood sugar levels. Someone who is dehydrated is given fluids.
If a person is unable to drink extra fluid, it can be supplied an through an intravenous (IV) tube, usually inserted in the arm. This may be necessary if a person is vomiting and cannot hold fluids down.
Someone with hyperthyroidism may need medication, surgery, or radioactive therapy to treat the condition. A person who abuses drugs may need drug rehabilitation. An individual who has psychogenic polydipsia is often treated with psychotherapy, and possibly medications.
Side effects depend on the treatments used. For example, medications can cause allergic reactions, stomach upset or headaches. Surgery can be complicated by bleeding, infection, or a reaction to the anesthetic.
Once treated, a person with dehydration often needs no further treatment. Someone with diabetes needs lifelong monitoring and treatment for their diabetes. An individual who stops abusing drugs may not longer experience excessive thirst.
Any changes or response to treatment can be reported to the healthcare professional. Other monitoring is related to the cause. For example, an individual with diabetes needs to check his or her blood sugar levels every day.
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 1998, Fauci et al. | <urn:uuid:591c51b2-694d-4c53-91c8-0a462bac4eb8> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.activeforever.com/a-excessive-thirst | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.934473 | 979 | 3.046875 | 3 |
They have been set too high and fail to take into account new evidence showing that drinking only modest amounts raises the risk of cancer and other diseases.
The issue is investigated as part of a three-part You & Yours documentary into Government guidelines on alcohol, diet and exercise, being aired over the next three days (starting January 2) on BBC Radio 4.
The current guidelines recommend men should limit themselves to “three to four units a day”, which NHS information alikens to “not much more than a pint of strong lager, beer or cider”.
Women should not regularly drink more than “two to three units a day”, equivalent to “no more than a standard 175ml glass of wine”.
New research published last year suggests consumption should be much lower - perhaps just a quarter of a pint of beer daily.
Dr Michael Mosley, who looked into the matter for the radio documentary, found the guidelines were based on limited data on the harms of low to moderate level drinking.
They were formulated in 1987 by a Royal College of Physicians working party. In 2007 Richard Smith, one of the members of the group and a former editor of the British Medical Journal, was quoted as saying they could not say what a safe limit was, because of this lack of data.
“Those limits were really plucked out of the air,” he said.
“They were not based on any firm evidence at all. It was a sort of intelligent guess by a committee.”
Dr Mosley said the Government had “presented these guidelines as if they are about health, but they’re really not”.
“They’re more about behaviour, trying to stop you going out and crashing the car, or fighting,” he told The Times.
New evidence suggests regularly drinking only small amounts of alcohol can raise the risk of various cancers.
A Harvard University study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2011, found that women who drank just four small glasses of wine a week - about five units - increased their risk of developing breast cancer by 15 per cent compared to teetotallers.
Another study published that year estimated alcohol caused about 13,000 cancers a year - including 6,000 of the mouth and throat, 3,000 bowel cancer cases and 2,500 of breast cancer.
And last May, scientists published research recommending that people should cut their consumption to just 50ml of wine a day, or quarter of a pint of beer.
If everyone limited their intake in this way, 4,600 lives a year would be saved, they calculated, even after accounting for about 850 extra deaths from heart disease.
There would be 2,600 fewer deaths from cancer and almost 3,000 less from liver cirrhosis, they found.
Dr Nick Sheron, a liver specialist at Southampton University, said: “The problem I have with the Government advice is that is normalises the fact that it’s OK to have a drink on a daily basis, when that’s really not the case.”
Dame Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer for England, is currently reviewing the evidence on the risks of drinking, said a Department of Health spokesman.
She said: "The health risks from alcohol rise as you drink more and there is some evidence that small amounts of alcohol can reduce some health risks.
"To look at whether the system is still helpful to people, the Chief Medical Officer is set to review the alcohol consumption guidelines." | <urn:uuid:9d529cd1-bdc6-4716-a7dc-ab7029ef2560> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/healthnews/9774223/Alcohol-guidelines-too-high-say-doctors.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704392896/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113952-00007-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.973885 | 737 | 2.71875 | 3 |
Central Auditory Processing Disorder: When is Evaluation Referral Indicated?
By: Sandra Cleveland (1997)
The comorbidity of central auditory processing disorders with attention deficit disorders has been well documented. But often a child's initial diagnosis depends largely on whether he or she is seen by an audiologist or psychologist. Therefore, it is important that professionals be aware of when an auditory attention deficit and central auditory processing disorder may cormorbidly exist in order to make appropriate referrals for further evaluation.
It is often suggested that a child with an attention deficit be referred for an auditory processing evaluation when school performance is poor or when tasks that require listening skills are problematic.
This certainly would appear instructive when evaluating an older child. However, in younger children the manifestation of symptoms may be subtle and not apparent when evaluating academic functioning. Subsequently, referral for an auditory processing evaluation may be delayed. Therefore, it is important to recognize additional factors that may flag the need for referral to an audiologist.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Task Force on Central Auditory Processing Consensus Development has defined auditory processing disorder as "a deficiency in one or more of the following phenomena: sound localization and lateralization, auditory discrimination, auditory pattern recognition, recognition of temporal aspects of audition, auditory performance decrease with competing acoustic signals, and auditory performance decrease with degraded signals." They further indicate that auditory processing disorders may stem from, or coexist with attentional deficit disorders.
The prerequisites for auditory processing are as follows: auditory attention, auditory memory, motivation, maturation and integrity of the auditory pathways, decision processes, and use of linguistic cues such as grammar, meaning in context, and lexical representations. All auditory tasks are influenced by these factors. Difficulties in many of these areas are common to both children with central auditory processing difficulties and children diagnosed with attention deficit disorders , and it has been reported that both groups can show difficulties paying attention, following directions, are hyperactive, distracted, and can become easily frustrated. Organizing and sequencing information presented via the auditory track is also problematic. These characteristics can also be seen in children with learning disabilities, behavioral problems, or emotional disorders. Separating the above groups requires cooperation among professionals in order for the appropriate remedial plans to be devised.
In addition to poor academic functioning, the following risk factors or indicators may assist the professional in making a referral for an auditory processing evaluation in a timely manner.
A family history of auditory processing difficulties can be an indicator for referral. It is not uncommon to find that children with auditory processing difficulties have a family member who has had similar difficulties.
A second genetic influence that should prompt a referral to an audiologist is a family history of peripheral hearing loss. Peripheral hearing loss must be ruled out or confirmed prior to a diagnosis of attention deficit or central auditory processing disorder. Not only is early identification of a hearing loss critical, but children or adults with hearing loss certainly have greater than normal difficulty attending to auditorily presented information. What might appear as a processing problem or attentional deficit may reflect the reduction or distortion of auditory signals. However, the presence of a peripheral hearing loss does not exclude the possibility that the individual also has an attentional deficit or auditory processing problem.
A history of otitis media in early childhood is another factor that may indicate the need for an auditory processing evaluation, as otitis media can have an adverse effect on the development of auditory processing abilities . The age of onset, number of episodes, and duration, are important factors. Hohn and Kunze found that auditory skills were significantly depressed in those children with a significant history of otitis media in early life. Visual skills and other cognitive tasks were not significantly different between the two groups. Research using a prospective study design was completed by Schilder and colleagues. They found that children with a history of persistent otitis media at a preschool age showed only slight effects on their ability to discriminate speech in noise. However, the subjects in this study received ventilation tubes on a routine basis if the episode of otitis media persisted for more than 2-3 months. This illustrates the effects of duration of the otitis media episode on the development of auditory processing skills.
Familial handedness is another factor which should be explored. Not only has it been found that an individual's hand preference is a diagnostic indicator, but also that a familial history of handedness can help to predict brain organization for language processing.
A hypersensitivity to loud sound or distractibility in noise may be additional indicators for referral. It has long been assumed that children with auditory processing disorders have a lower tolerance for loud sounds due to abnormal central suppression effects. Likewise, Geffner, Lucker, and Koch found that children with attention deficit disorder had significant differences (from normal controls) in their preferences for comfortable listening levels and tolerance of loud sounds. This raises the question of whether children with attentional disorders have deficits in central suppression that need to be evaluated for appropriate management in the classroom.
A child presenting with developmental speech and language delays, including articulation problems, can also be at risk for central auditory processing problems. Even a past history of speech and language delay may place the child at risk for associated central auditory processing difficulties and a referral may be indicated. Children having delays in these areas generally have poor phonic ability and subsequent difficulties in reading and spelling. Central auditory processing tasks involving blending, closure, and sequencing can be an area of weakness in these children.
The purpose of the central auditory processing evaluation is to help define the specific auditory processing difficulties that a child may be experiencing and to recommend appropriate remediation. Performance on auditory processing tests is measured according to chronological age expectancies. It is generally believed that development of the auditory processing pathways continues up to age 12 or 13. The premise of testing is that degraded speech, or speech in noise, will tax the auditory pathways of the central nervous system more than recognition of unaltered speech or speech in quiet. An individual with normal central auditory processing abilities can, to some extent, compensate for these degraded signals, whereas an individual with a central auditory processing deficit cannot.
Early work on central auditory processing was completed on brain-lesioned adults. Words were filtered in order to reduce intelligibility. Results of Bocca and colleague's research indicated that discrimination was poorer in the ear opposite the side of the lesion. Research evaluating the effects of manipulation of the speech or tonal signals on auditory perception continues to date. For an extensive review of the major developments that have occurred in the area of central auditory processing, the reader is referred to an article by Musiek and Baron.
Behavioral measures presently used include the various manipulations of speech and non-speech signals such that they are frequency-distorted, compressed in time, or are administered in the presence of a competing signal (e.g., noise). Materials are also presented in a dichotic mode such that different signals are presented to each ear simultaneously, requiring the individual to either separate or synthesize the information. Ideally, an auditory processing test battery will include a variety of measures that correlate with different central auditory processing skills and behaviors in the classroom.
Temporal processes have been found to correlate with spelling and reading skills. The temporal processes are evaluated using tests that require the individual to perceive patterns (e.g., tonal patterns) and to then verbalize the sequence (e.g., High-High-Low). The premise of temporal processing tests is that an interaction between both hemispheres of the brain is needed in order to decode patterns and report them verbally.
Low-redundancy speech materials assess the processing of speech that has been filtered or is masked by a competing signal such as noise. These materials have been altered so that the extrinsic cues in the signal have been reduced. The individual then needs to rely on the intrinsic cues provided by their auditory systems to perceive the signal. If intrinsic redundancy is compromised, performance will be adversely affected. Performance on these tests frequently correlate with speech discrimination ability in a classroom where background noise is present or where reverberation of the sound source is causing distortion of the primary signal.
The interaction between the right and left hemispheres, and subsequently maturation of the auditory system, is evaluated using dichotic tasks. These materials present different stimuli to each ear simultaneously and require the listener to repeat the two signals heard. Prior to complete maturation of the auditory system or, in cases of dysfunction, sounds heard in the less dominant ear (generally left ear) are "beaten out" by signals presented to the more dominant ear. Research evaluating performance on dichotic tasks has shown promise in assisting the professional in making a differential diagnosis between children with attention deficit and auditory processing disorders and those with only attention deficit or auditory processing disorders.
Binaural interaction tasks evaluate the ability of the brainstem to synthesize partial auditory information presented to each ear into a complete intelligible message. Children having difficulties on these tasks are often found to have difficulty listening in the presence of background noise.
Phonemic synthesis and sound blending are other skills evaluated. Difficulties in these areas frequently can be seen in children having reading, spelling, and language problems.
Physiologic measures include evoked potentials testing and otoacoustic emissions evaluation. Research utilizing these measures and associating results with their behavioral correlates is in its infancy. These measures assess electrophysiologic measures of the auditory system relating to such phenomena as attention, detection of signals in noise, and perception of signals.
Management techniques are generally classified into two categories: enhancement of the primary signal via manipulation of the listening environment, and specific training of auditory skills. The latter will frequently include the teaching of compensatory strategies that allow the child to better function in the classroom and at home. The below discussion mentions only a few of the many recommendations that may be made for a child with an auditory processing disorder.
The presence of background noise or acoustic reverberation of the speech signal can significantly compromise the child's ability to receive the desired speech signals. Reduction of noise in the classroom can be accomplished by acoustic treatment of the room by use of acoustic tiling, draperies, or carpets. Reverberation of speech will likewise be reduced with such modifications. Further, teachers should be aware that when he or she speaks toward a reverberant surface such as the chalkboard, the speech signals will most likely be distorted. A visual display of information presented auditorily can be useful. In addition to the above suggestions aimed at improving the signal quality, the primary signal can be enhanced by increasing the volume of the desired signal. This can be accomplished via the use of preferential seating toward the primary speaker, or by use of an amplification device such as a wireless F.M. system, a device worn by both the child and by the primary speaker. The child wears a headset and receiver which is coupled similar to a personal stereo. The speaker uses a lapel-worn microphone. Use of this F.M. system helps to maximize the level of the teacher's voice, and background noise and poor acoustics are minimized since the child receives the teacher's voice as if in a one-to-one listening situation. Fitting of such a system needs to be completed by an audiologist in order to minimize any adverse effects.
Specific training of auditory skills and compensatory strategies is generally provided by a speech and language pathologist. Young children diagnosed as having auditory processing disorders should be seen by a speech and language pathologist in order to determine if subtle language deficits are impacting on their ability to process speech. Emphasis of training can revolve around increasing knowledge of phonology, grammar, vocabulary, and world knowledge in order to help the child "fill in the blanks" of a message that may be unclear.
Auditory processing disorders comorbidly exist with attention deficit disorders. Our means of identifying this coexistence is many times more an art than a science. Research continues to assist in the differential diagnosis of these two disorders. Until further indicators are developed, awareness on the part of the professional may help in the identification process.
About the author
Sandra Cleveland has a Master's degree in Audiology from Northeastern University. She has primarily worked in pediatric settings, including Children's Hospital, Boston, Mass. Presently, she is the Director of Audiology Clinical Services at Northeastern University
Click the "References" link above to hide these references.
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Burd, L., & Fisher, W (1986). Central auditory processing disorder or attention deficit disorder? Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 7, 215.
Cook, J. R., Mausbach, 1, Burd, L., Gascon, G. G., Slotnick, H. B., Patterson, B., Johnson, R. D., Hankey, B., & Reynolds, B. W (1993). A preliminary study of the relationship between central auditory processing disorder and attention deficit disorder. Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, 18 (3), 130-137.
Friel-Patti, S., & Finitzo, T. (1990). Language learning in a prospective study of otitis media with effusions in the first two years of life. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 33, 188-194.
Gascon, G. G., Johnson, R., & Burd, L. (1986). Central auditory processing and attention deficit disorders. Journal of Child Neurology, 1, 27-33.
Geffner, D., Lucker, J. R., & Koch, W (1996). Perception of loudness in children with ADD and without ADD. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 26 (3),181-190.
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Sandra Cleveland, M.S. The ADHD Report Volume Five, Number 5, October 1997 | <urn:uuid:06fc15f4-ddd5-489d-9a92-d7f13a6cbc3a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.ldonline.org/article/Central_Auditory_Processing_Disorder%3A_When_is_Evaluation_Referral_Indicated%3F | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00041-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.913103 | 4,080 | 2.859375 | 3 |
This week in Island history
The news of 10 and 15 years ago is from the Jamestown Press. The news of 100 years ago from the Newport Daily News comes from the collection of the Newport Historical Society.
100 years ago From the Newport Daily News, January 16, 1907:
A pleasing musical program was rendered at the meeting of the J. G. T. Club last evening at the home of Mrs. H. E. Stadler on Southwest Avenue. A Japanese supper was served, each one present receiving a Japanese souvenir. This club is popular with the young people, several members being initiated last evening.
From the Newport Daily News, January 17, 1907:
A number of young men will give a dance in the Gardner Hall tomorrow night.
From the Newport Daily News, January 18, 1907:
A draft of 250 apprentices from the Training Station will leave tonight (from Jamestown) via the Enterprise Line, for New York.
There have been several very low tides the past week and large quantities of clams were dug on the shores of the island.`
75 years ago From the Newport Daily News, January 21, 1932:
A smoker and social was held at the new engine house last evening in celebration of the forming of the Jamestown fire department, on Jan. 21, 1891, just 40 years ago. Many members of the department were present, and at 7:30 all sat down to a fine clam chowder supper, prepared by Walter Marley.
50 years ago From the Newport Daily News, January 15, 1957:
The Jamestown Protective Assn. while applauding the purpose of the recently issued brochure of the Rhode Island development Council on recreational opportunities on the shores of Narragansett Bay, has written to Gov. Roberts protesting the Council's support for the erection of an oil refinery on Jamestown.
The Jamestown Town Council, last night, accepted the recommendation of the Planning Board to proceed immediately to microfilm all the town's permanent records. Bids will be accepted at the next regular meeting. The estimated cost for microfilming would be around $1,211.00 and will take about 10 days. The cost of a film viewer will be about $175 and another $175 for film.
From the Newport Daily News, January 16, 1957:
Confronted by a solid gray wall of snow, the Jamestown Ferry made its 6 a.m. run to Newport and then stopped operating until noon, when the service was resumed.
From the Newport Daily News, January 17, 1957:
To aid the state and town snow removal program, Jamestown's police chief Frederick C. B. Smyth today warned those who use the highways for all night parking of automobiles.
From the Newport Daily News, January 19, 1957:
The Jamestown Bridge Commission last night, after stubborn opposition by one member had been expressed, endorsed the construction of a pier into Narragansett Bay for the refinery proposed by the Commerce Oil Refinery Corp. . . . The annual report for the fiscal year ending Nov. 30, 1956, as prepared by Ernst and Ernst, auditors of Providence, revealed an all time high of 427,209 crossings. This was 22,763 more than in 1955. The average toll paid was 56 cents.
25 years ago From the Newport Daily News, January 15, 1982:
The Jamestown School Committee cut almost $200,000 Thursday night from a proposed 1982-83 school budget. . . . The new proposed budget will be $1,845,927 with $449,532 coming from anticipated state and federal revenues and $1,396,395 coming from local support.
The Jamestown Chapter of the Red Cross made plans this week to take part in a "mock hurricane" as part of the state's Red Cross program.
From the Newport Daily News, January 18, 1982:
St. Matthew's Church is looking for bell chimers in an effort to keep a tradition alive. The church has never turned to automation, but has relied on volunteers to play the chimes by hand each night.
From the Newport Daily News, January 20, 1982:
The Town Council Monday tentatively agreed to buy the Winthrop Wilson property next to the Town Hall for $31,800. Town Administrator Robert W. Sutton Jr. said the purchase hinges on the townspeople approving it at the financial town meeting March 1. Sutton said the town is mostly interested in the land (5,000 square feet), in case of future expansion of Town Hall.
Toll revenues for both the Newport and Mount Hope Bridges for the six months that ended last Dec. 31, were 7.5 percent more than the same six-month period in 1980. The gain was $219,325, according to an interim report of the state Turnpike and Bridge Authority. . . . During the last six months of last year, 4,090,090 vehicles crossed the bridges compared to 3,932,186 during the corresponding period in 1980.
15 years ago From the Jamestown Press, January 16, 1992:
Town Administrator Robert W. Sutton formally resigned from the post he has held for 17 years at Monday's Town Council meeting.
Jamestown is again looking for a person to take on the duties of harbormaster, a position that has been filled and vacated twice since it was created in the spring of 1990.
(photo caption) Two bulldozers clean up the rubble of the state highway garage Thursday, all that was left of the building which was razed Wednesday to make way for a village parking lot. The town must remove a buried fuel tank from the site before the lot is completed.
10 years ago From the Jamestown Press, January 16, 1997:
On Friday, Jan. 17, at 2:30 p.m., the 17 year reign of Superintendent/Prinicpal Phyllis C. Schmidt will come to an official end as the much-loved Schmidt retires from the Jamestown school system.
(photo caption) SNOW FUN - - Cross-country skiing was possible Sunday after a snowstorm dumped 3 to 5 inches on the island. From left to right are Gale Marks, Bruce Brakenhoff and Noel Brakenhoff.
The proposed 1997-98 town government budget Town Council members began reviewing last Saturday will not raise the property tax rate. Town Administrator Frances Shocket told the council that wile the total $4,753,298 spending package was up about 1.5 percent over last year's, an increase in general revenue made up the difference. | <urn:uuid:94a2d0c5-ea3f-45cb-b591-fbe85324f6ba> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.jamestownpress.com/news/2007-01-18/Island_History/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00042-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951895 | 1,367 | 1.71875 | 2 |
In addition to the option of becoming an academic, there are many exciting career opportunities for applied anthropologists in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. For instance, applied anthropologists work for the federal government, high technology companies, and public health organizations.
Applied anthropology is any kind of anthropological work that is done to solve practical problems. This means that there are stakeholders and clients who stand to gain or lose from the project.
In order to be accepted into the UNT Master’s Program in applied anthropology, applicants must submit two separate applications. | <urn:uuid:c00f2edd-cc70-4a53-bc0b-fb4b3680b915> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://anthropology.unt.edu/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00075-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.948144 | 114 | 2.109375 | 2 |
Fans of old embroidery will find plenty in Scotland. The suggestions here are a few favourites, all in reach of Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Traquair is an ancient house with a unique collection of old needlework. The 16th century petit point fruit and flower “slip” motifs are well-preserved, still waiting to be sewn onto soft furnishings, and there are 17th century embroidered bed hangings. Some rare early 18th century silk on paper colifichet needlework was done at a French convent school by girls from the Stuart family whose descendants still live in their centuries-old home. There is church needlework too, including finely-quilted, white priest’s robes that were hidden from anti-Catholics by being folded in amongst stores of bedlinen.
Mellerstain House, about 30 miles from Traquair, is also in the Borders, and about an hour’s drive from Edinburgh. A sampler made there in the early 1700s covered in colourful animals is especially charming. Two daughters of the family stitched it to their governess’ design during their daily 2-hour sewing sessions. An even earlier crewel firescreen is the most famous piece there. There are other samplers and textiles throughout the house, and interesting old clothing in a “museum” section.
In central Edinburgh you can see late 18th century appliqué bed hangings at the Georgian House where needlework pictures are on show too. The National Museum displays some of its extensive collection of samplers from the 17th to 20th centuries, as well as household and church embroidery. (Please note museum renovation work will disrupt things until 2011.) On the city outskirts is Newhailes House with 18th century furnishings including textiles.
Go west to Glasgow and visit the unmissable Burrell Collection. Exceptional 17th century needlework is displayed in a dimly-lit room tucked away from the bright glass-walled spaces. Exhibits are rotated for conservation reasons, so you will only see part of the impressive collection of clothing and ornamental pieces: like richly-embroidered bodices, sleeves, coifs, slippers, bags. The museum owns 26 17th century samplers, including white work, band and spot work, to choose from. Elsewhere in the building are embroidered wall hangings and other interesting textiles, including antique embroideries from the Middle East.
Travel 90 minutes south to Shambellie House, the Museum of Costume, to see clothing and accessories from 1850 to 1950, some embroidered, some trimmed with lace, feathers, or jet. In the playroom are examples of Scottish girls’ samplers from the same era.
Art nouveau fans will like Hill House, less than an hour from Glasgow, where artist Margaret Macdonald ‘s designs for embroidered bedcovers and fabrics are integral to the interior design planned with her husband Charles Rennie Mackintosh. An embroidered folding screen in a similar ‘Glasgow school’ style is in the city centre Kelvingrove Gallery.
Scotland has many historic houses and castles, and you have a good chance of finding interesting needlework and other textiles in any one of them. Here I’ve picked out some personal favourites in or quite near the two biggest cities. The Traquair and Burrell collections are especially worthwhile. You can read about them in a booklet by Margaret Swain and a book by Liz Arthur.
Museum collections are shuffled around quite often, so ask in advance about particular items. Please check opening times and accessibility before setting out to see anything.
Need research? Quezi's researchers can answer your questions at uclue.com | <urn:uuid:77bb4652-4348-4e87-acb5-6bbe323c677b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://quezi.com/9408 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00056-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.948398 | 789 | 1.835938 | 2 |
Once the barren symbol of a lost age, the Brooklyn Navy Yard has been at the center of the city's efforts to revive its dying manufacturing sector. Now, the 10-year undertaking has reached a milestone.
The nonprofit Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp. plans to announce Wednesday that it will begin renovating the site's largest structure, Building 77. With 1 million square feet of room, it contains about a quarter of the yard's usable space and is the last large building to be developed on the site.
The project already has landed an anchor tenant: a Brooklyn-based developer and entrepreneur who is taking over 240,000 square feet for his own medical lab and to rent to other companies.
But Building 77 represents a gamble that the Navy Yard can build on past, more modest successes and create a bustling hub of biomedical, technology and small manufacturing companies to rival other thriving districts.
The development corporation plans to spent $60 million to renovate the building, money raised through the federal EB-5 program, which grants visas to foreign investors in local development projects, and state and federal tax credits. It is the corporation's largest investment in a single project to date.
It is part of an upswing in activity planned at the Navy Yard in the next few years, as 1.8 million square feet of space—including a green manufacturing center—is set to be redeveloped. Still empty: a few spaces scattered throughout the site and a Civil War-era hospital that developers envision as a media campus. There are also 20 undeveloped acres that the corporation hopes will attract developers who want to build new construction.
"We're really peaking right now," said Andrew Kimball, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corp.'s president and chief executive.
A recent study by the Pratt Center for Community Development found the Navy Yard gave a $2 billion boost to the local economy in 2011 and sustains 10,000 jobs, compared with 10 years ago when it contributed $516 million and supported 2,700 jobs. "It has become this incredible economic engine," said Adam Friedman, director of the center and a member of the Navy Yard's board.
To be sure, the site has a fraction of the 70,000 workers it employed during its heyday as a shipyard in World War II. It is not likely to recapture that moment: The city's diminished manufacturing sector is now dominated by small companies creating niche products.
Renovating Building 77, a 16-story former ammunition depot that has been largely unused for 50 years, is a daunting task. The building has windows only on the top floors and walls that are more than 2-feet thick. The interior is scattered with debris and gives off the odor of decades of decay.
But the upper floors also have clear potential to attract Brooklyn's growing technology sector with huge floor plates and views on four sides of Manhattan, Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn.
That helped convince developer Jack Basch to move his own Shiel Medical Laboratory from another building on the site into Building 77, where he expects to add another 300 to 400 jobs to his current 600-member payroll. He is spending $20 million and taking on 180,000 additional square feet to lease to other companies in his field. Mr. Basch moved the lab to the Navy Yard from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, in 2001.
"It will be no problem because the Navy Yard is one of the hottest areas," Mr. Basch said.
If the plan is successful, it will be an impressive turnaround for the Navy Yard, a center of shipbuilding since the early 19th Century that declined into a windswept home of a police tow pound and warehouses.
The Bloomberg administration spent $250 million on upgrading the water, sewer, electrical systems and roads. Another $750 million in private money went into the yard. But experts said its revitalization until the past few years remained uncertain.
The investment led to the creation of Steiner Studios, a 15-acre film production facility that includes five soundstages and office and support space, hundreds of thousands of square feet of new light-manufacturing space, the planned 220,000-square-foot green manufacturing center, and the planned redevelopment of Admiral's Row into a supermarket and retail center.
"I don't think they understood how successful it would really be," Mr. Friedman said. "At the time, it was like, 'We're going to break even. We're going to maintain the yard.'"
Some critics note that other industrial areas around the city haven't fared as well, with less robust public investment and a cloud of uncertainty over whether spaces could be converted to hotels or office spaces that have made companies reluctant to invest.
But others said that the city has made a concerted effort to boost the type of urban manufacturing and other sectors that show sings of healthy growth.
"We're not going back to corsets, we're not going back to building ships," said Mitchell Moss, a New York University urban-planning professor who has been a Bloomberg campaign consultant. "What makes this great, what makes New York different, is not how we build new buildings, it's how we reuse old buildings."
A version of this article appeared March 6, 2013, on page A23 in the U.S. edition of The Wall Street Journal, with the headline: New Project Brings Anchor To Navy Yard. | <urn:uuid:3dcefb83-22a4-43d2-8101-0cd1c3c07d3e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://topics.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324678604578342672183089596.html?mod=WSJ_comments_MoreIn_NewYork-RealEstate | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00011-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962879 | 1,101 | 1.75 | 2 |
Luminance thresholds for the resolution of parallel line grating test patterns were determined by the method of constant stimuli. Measurements were made in the dark-adapted eye. Thresholds were determined with each of eight selected color filters and also with Wratten neutral tint filters. Seven gratings were used which required visual acuities from 0.042 to 0.625. With gratings requiring a high order of visual acuity, minimum luminances for resolution of a grating are very nearly the same for all the color filters. As visual acuity requirements are decreased, however, luminance thresholds determined with red filters become higher relative to thresholds determined with other filters. Luminance thresholds with blue filters become lower relative to thresholds obtained with other filters. These results are interpreted to indicate that changes in the threshold criterion may result in changes in the character of visual function from rod function through mesopic function to cone function even though the eye remains dark-adapted. In situations where an individual is adapted to a visual field of low over-all luminance and must periodically, in short glimpses, read visual displays at higher levels of illumination, the appropriate specification of the relative effectiveness of illumination wavelengths will depend on the visual acuity required to read the display.
JOHN L. BROWN, MARGARET P. KUHNS, and HELMUT E. ADLER, "Relation of Threshold Criterion to the Functional Receptors of the Eye," J. Opt. Soc. Am. 47, 198-203 (1957) | <urn:uuid:7d57cd16-4678-4fe8-bbc4-a32b2e7d03dd> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.opticsinfobase.org/josa/abstract.cfm?uri=josa-47-3-198 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699881956/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516102441-00052-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.920455 | 315 | 2.625 | 3 |
I am a lay member of the Association of Radical Midwives (ARM). I agree that women should have choice in how they have their baby, and for a very few women, that may mean choosing a caesarean. Some women are so afraid of losing control during birth that they would rather hand over control to a surgeon than risk needing an emergency caesarean. Has NICE considered why women are asking for elective caesareans? Could it be because the NHS factory system of birth is traumatising too many women? Women are scared stiff of birth and the NHS emphasis on risk only fuels the flames of fear.
ARM would prefer that women were able to opt for low tech solutions to the problem of traumatic childbirth. Three such solutions spring instantly to mind: firstly, birth centres where midwives look after you during labour and birth; secondly, water birth - labouring in water goes a long way towards reducing the stress of labour, and thirdly having your own known midwife from the early days of pregnancy through birth and during the early days of parenthood.
NHS cutbacks have closed birth centres - birth centre midwives are pulled in to labour ward when it is short staffed. (This is a bit like calling in GPs to work in hospitals and shutting the local surgery.) Waterbirth is discouraged because it ties up one midwife with one woman throughout labour and in large obstetric units midwives are running around in ever-increasing circles trying to look after three or more women in labour at a time. Wherever caseload midwifery has been tried, women have loved it and midwives jump at the chance to work that way. (The next issue of Midwifery Matters, ARM's magazine, will tell of the rise and fall of one-to-one midwifery in Sheffield.)
But caseload midwifery is considered elitist and, to be honest, the hospitals might not like midwives having that much autonomy. It can make both the women and the midwives bolshie - they may choose to follow NICE guidelines instead of hospital guidelines, they may even choose to decline medical intervention. Hospitals may prefer to have women - mothers and midwives - under their control. Guess what: women lacking control have more pain during labour and overworked midwives lacking control have more days off sick with stress - and so the cycle goes on - fewer midwives spread ever more thinly until the maternity services are at breaking point and the mortality rates go up.
Am I being cynical when I say I think NICE is allowing elective caesareans for maternal request because the lawyers prefer it? I can think of only one case where a woman has won a law suit for having a caesarean against her will. It is more usual for lawyers to win cases by arguing that a caesarean would have prevented brain damage. The cut and repair of a caesarean wound (often followed by infection and sometimes by infertility) is not considered as damage to the mother.
And are women going to be warned how much pain to expect after the operation? It's not easy caring for a newborn baby while recovering from major surgery. Are elective caesarean mothers going to be warned that their babies are more likely to suffer respiratory distress and need time in SCBU and are less likely to be successful breastfeeders? Who will be counting the cost of the harm done to mothers and their babies?
If the NHS has £800 to spare for each birth, the money would be better spent on keeping local birth centres open and enabling mothers to have their own local midwife. | <urn:uuid:d6fcdf5c-fe1b-4d60-a3df-f4b5c376288d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/margaret-jowitt/nhs-caesareans-nice_b_1067590.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00064-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.974799 | 746 | 1.648438 | 2 |
If you are overweight, you are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol or diabetes. You may also be more prone to osteoarthritis, varicose veins, hiatus hernia and gynaecological problems.
Dieting alone will not achieve significant or lasting weight loss. It is just as important to undertake regular strenuous exercise in order to speed up the metabolic rate, thereby burning up more calories. It is easier to stick to an exercise plan if you choose an activity that you enjoy, e.g. swimming, salsa dancing or keep fit classes. Exercise until you are a little breathless!
Donít try to lose too much weight too quickly. Your body needs time to adjust, so aim to lose no more than two pounds per week. Eat sensibly, using a broad range of fresh, natural ingredients. Processed foods often contain too much salt, encouraging fluid retention. Cut down on sugary and fatty foods and concentrate on fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrains and fish. Have regular small meals and cut out snacks.
Faddy diets can cause malnutrition and may result in lasting health problems. You are unlikely to persevere with a boring diet. Starvation diets prompt the body to conserve fat by lowering the metabolic rate and burning up lean mass instead. You end up having to eat less and less in order to achieve minimal weight loss, and you feel dreadful. You may also damage your health irreparably. Organisations such as Weight Watchers and Slimming World offer sensible eating plans as well as lots of moral support. Once you have reached your ideal weight you should continue to follow a sensible diet and exercise regime.
Herbs have a supportive role in helping you to achieve weight loss. The only way to keep weight off permanently is to eat less, move more, and maintain a good metabolic rate. This, as we have seen, can be achieved by a sensible diet and regular strenuous exercise.Kelp can also help raise the metabolic rate by stimulating the thyroid gland; it may also improve a sluggish digestion, improving food utilisation.
Blue flagstimulates the gallbladder to release bile which in turn breaks down fats in the digestive system and helps cleanse the circulatory and lymphatic systems of toxins released into the body when fat is burned up. Boldo also helps stimulate the flow of bile, ensuring efficient fat processing; it has a diuretic action too. Where fluid retention is a problem, particularly at certain times of the month, Dandelion leaf may be of benefit. Co-enzyme Q10 is essential for cell energy production and is believed to metabolize food more quickly.
You are unlikely to suffer from constipation if your diet is high in fibre, but herbs such asPsyllium husk or Dandelion root will help ensure a regular bowel movement. You should try to drink at least two litres of water every day.
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.org Please complete the 'Subject' heading or your email will be assumed to be spam and automatically deleted. Before you contact me, I'd be grateful if you would please check to see if this website has the answer to your question (search box at the top of the homepage) - I have time to answer only a few of the many emails that arrive in my inbox every day. See also the statement below.
NB. I am prohibited from giving specific medical advice to individuals over the internet or telephone so please do not waste your time or mine by emailing or calling me with detailed information about your health problems - I can only undertake face-to-face consultations for what should be obvious reasons. Diagnoses cannot be made remotely, and I am unable to offer any advice or treatment until I am completely satisfied that I know what I'm dealing with! The herb profiles and treatment suggestions on this website will help enable you to choose which herbs might be appropriate for minor ailments. For more serious or chronic conditions you should seek professional advice. This is particularly important if you are taking medication from your doctor or pharmacist, as some herbs can interact adversely with other drugs. If you would like to have a consultation with a medical herbalist then you should click here then scroll to 'Professional Organisations' at the bottom of the page to find a qualified practitioner in your area.
Christine Haughton, MA MNIMH MCPP FRSPH
Wold Farm, West Heslerton, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 8RY, UK
Last updated 3rd March 2013 ©Purple Sage Botanicals | <urn:uuid:de60ad47-914e-4eca-ab80-e96b798f1d35> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.purplesage.org.uk/treatments/weight_loss.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706153698/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120913-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.939636 | 938 | 2.796875 | 3 |
Major Internet providers will launch a system of Copyright Alerts to consumers this week, a system in which repeated users of pirated content could have their service slowed.
Years in the making, the copyright alerts are viewed by Hollywood studios and record labels as a major initiative to curb copyright infringement from peer-to-peer services. The system is the result of a voluntary agreement with Internet providers, including Comcast and AT&T, that was first announced in July, 2010.
Jill Lesser, executive director of the Center for Copyright Information, the org set up to implement the system, said in a statement that “over the course of the next several days our participating ISPs will begin rolling out the system. Practically speaking, this means our content partners will begin sending notices of alleged P2P copyright infringement to ISPs, and the ISPs will begin forwarding those notices in the form of Copyright Alerts to consumers.”
The first several notices will come in the form of warnings to consumers, intended to educate them that the content they are viewing is pirated. It’s based on the notion that many consumers are unaware that they are accessing infringing material, and will stop once they are informed. But repeated users of infringing material will then start to get more onerous notices, with one of the possibilities that providers can slow their service down. The system does not include shutting off service as a punishment.
The voluntary agreement between the entertainment industry and Internet providers includes an independent review board.
“We hope this cooperative, multi-stakeholder approach will serve as a model for addressing important issues facing all who participate in the digital entertainment ecosystem,” Lesser said.
The system has been delayed by the complexities of the process, as many digital rights groups will be watching to see that content deemed infringing really is. Internet providers also have had concerns about liability and the privacy of their customers. There were further delays late last year because of the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. | <urn:uuid:0b73fda5-a1ac-48fe-9549-f92047589f3b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://variety.com/2013/digital/news/copyright-alerts-to-launch-this-week-818279/ | 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 | 0.964887 | 401 | 2.171875 | 2 |