Mixx Facebook Twitter Digg delicious reddit MySpace StumbleUpon LinkedIn
Group gives veterans, homeless pets a second chance
By Sarah Aarthun, CNN
Sgt. Doraliza Velez-Collazo says her Chihuahua, which she got through Pets for Vets, forces her to get out of her home.
Pets for Vets matches homeless pets with veterans suffering from PTSD or other ailments
Pets for Vets goal: Help veterans do normal daily activities again
Founder: "Pets for Vets is that way to say thank you" to those who served
Research shows companion animals may lower owner's blood pressure, heart rate
Disabled American Veterans
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
(CNN) -- Sgt. Doraliza Velez-Collazo used to sleep with the lights on, haunted by nightmares since suffering a traumatic brain injury in Iraq. Severe depression kept her inside her small rented room in Southern California most days.
But just before the holidays, a 10-pound ball of fur came into her life and quickly began to turn it around.
Lupita, a 3-year-old Chihuahua that had been abandoned at a Los Angeles County shelter, was placed with Velez-Collazo with the help of Pets for Vets, a nonprofit organization.
"I used to not get out of the house at all," said Velez-Collazo, 37, whose 12 years as an Army combat battlefield nurse included deployments to Iraq and Kuwait. "Now I have to take her out. I get out of bed and put on some clothes."
That motivation to participate in normal daily activities is the goal of Pets for Vets, founded in 2008 by 27-year-old animal trainer Clarissa Black. The Los Angeles-based program matches homeless pets that may otherwise be euthanized with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other ailments from their time in a war zone.
"A lot of times, these veterans who are coming home feel abandoned, and they have a difficult time adjusting to civilian life," Black said. "A lot of them tell me that they would just like someone to say thank you. Pets for Vets is that way to say thank you. Both [the veteran and the pet] have been through traumatic events, and together they can help each other heal."
Dave Sharpe, 31, a former senior airman in the U.S. Air Force, heads a similar program in the Washington, D.C., area. Sharpe, who suffers from PTSD, started Pets2Vets after he experienced the healing benefits of his own dog, Cheyenne.
Shortly after he got Cheyenne as a puppy, she witnessed one of his violent outbursts that began after he returned from missions in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan during Operation Enduring Freedom.
"Out of the corner of my eye ... I just saw this pit bull puppy wagging her tail and looking at me like, 'Dad, what are you doing?' " Sharpe recalled.
"I picked her up and took her to my bed, and I just told her everything that I went through, and she just sat there licking the tears off my face, and she didn't say a word.
"Right there, I immediately felt at peace with myself," Sharpe said.
A 2004 Pentagon study found that one in six veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD, depression or anxiety. A 2008 study by RAND Corp. put the number at nearly 20 percent, or one in five returning war veterans.
Research has shown that companion animals -- dogs in particular -- help lower blood pressure and heart rates in their owners, according to CNN's mental health expert Dr. Charles Raison, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University.
"[Dogs] actually have a stress-busting effect," Raison said, adding there is evidence that dogs are useful for many types of people, including senior citizens, mental health patients and prison inmates.
That bond began more than 10,000 years ago, Raison said, calling dogs the first domesticated animal -- even before cows.
"Because of that, there's a great deal of warmth and connection between dogs and humans," he said.
The Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Long Beach, California, recognizes that connection and has referred some of its patients to Pets for Vets.
"If you look at health care, what we tend to do here is being exclusive to fixing a body," said Richard Beam, public affairs officer for VA Long Beach.
"But we don't necessarily consider what it is that makes a person whole. By making them whole, we're not only healing them physically, but we're also looking for what makes them thrive for life, what makes them want to be engaged in part of society."
Beam says that in many cases, the answer to that question is pets.
"We've seen phenomenal changes in patients even with just 15 minutes with a dog," he said.
Black made her first pet-vet match in June and has since made seven other successful placements -- all dogs so far, though she's searching for a cat and a snake for two Pets for Vets hopefuls.
Sharpe's program has brought about the adoptions of seven dogs since it began bringing veterans to local shelters and rescue groups in July.
Both groups are helping a wide range of veterans, from those who served in Vietnam and the Bosnia conflict to 1991's Desert Storm and the recent war on terror.
What makes Black's program unique is her hands-on approach. Interested veterans interview with Black to determine what kind of pet would fit their needs and lifestyles. Once she finds a pet that matches that description, she brings it to her home, where she trains it in basic obedience and socializes it with other animals.
Black also helps dogs get used to the presence of wheelchairs or crutches and teaches them to safely hop into laps. And for vets with brain injuries or PTSD, dogs are taught to recognize the triggers of side effects or panic attacks so they can snuggle or nudge the person during those episodes.
"We find that this kind of training helps ensure that the pet and vet are lifelong companions," Black said. "It's less stress, and it relieves the burden and sets both the dog and vet up for success."
Once the pet is ready, Pets for Vets provides all of the necessary equipment for the new owner -- leashes, collars, food and water bowls, dog crates and so on. Sharpe's Pets2Vets offers a similar service.
The goal, Black and Sharpe say, is to provide a permanent home and a second chance for four-legged friends and veterans alike.
"I really do believe that companion animals are the life-saving therapy many veterans need," Black said.
Black, who is hoping to expand Pets for Vets beyond the Los Angeles area, says she sees immediate results from the program.
"[The veterans] visibly relax and appear less anxious," she said of those first meetings between pet and veteran
Sharpe agrees, saying veterans who come into a local shelter for the first time are closed off from those around them, but quickly open up in the presence of a dog.
The results are even more noticeable once the pairs have spent some significant time together at home, Black says.
"[The veterans] are happier and more comfortable in their day-to-day lives," she said. "They don't mention as many readjustment annoyances or concerns [and] are able to focus on the care and joy of their dogs rather than on the negative things in their lives."
A month after Lupita came into Velez-Collazo's life, she's starting to turn her lights off at night.
"I kind of hold on to her little paw, listening to her breathing, and she looks at me, licking my hand, like, 'You're going to be OK, Mom.' "
FOLLOW THIS TOPIC
Veterans 'storm' Capitol Hill in blizzard
PTSD in children in Haiti
Lawsuit could help veterans with PTSD
More Living
The secret life of my sixth grader
Black Friday, Cyber Monday and now #GivingTuesday
Why aren't robots doing my dishes yet?
NewsPulse
Most popular stories right now
Univision fires anchor for racist Michelle Obama insult
'Star Wars Episode 8' to be released May 2017
Buffett's $1 billion NCAA bet goes bust
Talking Barbie is too 'creepy' for some parents
Scammer tries to swindle top tax-crime fighter
Explore the news with NewsPulse »


The World Described!
By MOLL, Herman, 1730
The World described; or a New and Correct Sett of Mapps. Shewing the Several Empires, Kingdoms, Republics, Principalities, Provinces &c in all Known Parts of the World'.
Author: MOLL, Herman
Publication place: London
Publisher: Tho. Bowles, Print and Map Seller, in St. Paul's Churchyard
Physical description: Large folio (650 by 573mm), 30 large engraved maps (all on two sheets with the map of the world on three) fine original hand-coloured in outline, list of contents in manuscript to loose endpaper, later half calf over marbled paper boards, lettered in gilt to spine.
A fine example of Herman Moll's important world atlas.
The atlas consists of 30 large two sheet maps covering the whole world: two world maps, four covering the British Isles, 14 of Europe, one of Africa, three of Asia, and six of the Americas, and were first issued by Herman Moll, at sometime around 1710. Moll's atlas and John Senex's 'The English Atlas' were the two dominant elephant folio atlases of the day, and they enjoyed considerable longevity. Both atlases bore many similarities, however, Moll's maps are generally more decorative, with elaborate cartouches, diagrams, and numerous blocks of explanatory text.
The maps — as stated in the text upon the present title leaf — were "sold either single or in Setts", i.e. individually or bound as an atlas. As a result the majority of the maps bear the imprint of several different mapsellers. The present example bears the imprints of Philp Overton, John Bowles, his brother Thomas Bowles, and John King. Their respective addresses suggest a date of around 1730 to 1733.
The atlas contains two important maps of North America, 'A New and Exact Map of the Dominions of the King of Great Britain on ye Continent of North America' also known as the 'Beaver' map on account of its attractive vignette showing a beaver colony near Niagra Falls (one might imagine they would have their work cut out damming the Niagra!); and 'A New Map of the North Parts of America Claimed by France'. Both are among "the first and most important cartographic documents relating to the ongoing dispute between France and Great Britain over boundaries separating their respective American colonies" (Pritchard & Taliaferro). The Beaver map (here in it's fourth state c.1731) is also considered to be the first postal map of the colonies.
Moll's map of the East Indies is also of note, as it is the first English two sheet maps of the area. The map stretches from India to Papua New Guinea, and bears several large insets of the areas most important trading posts. The map is dedicated to the Directors of the East India Company, and whose coat-of-arms can be seen above the title. The map itself is replete with small text blocks providing information upon the produce of each country and which European nation had trade privileges.
Herman Moll (?1654–1732) moved to London from his native Germany sometime before 1678, where he was employed as an engraver. Moll's career in London would span some 60 years and see him move from a jobbing engraver to a successful publisher of maps and atlases; and although he left a significant body of work, very little is known about the man himself. He was evidently known to the intellectual elite — Robert Hooke makes mention of him in his diary — and was known to associate with the likes of Jonathan Swift and Daniel Defoe. Moll passed away in 1732, leaving his estates "in Great Brittaine and Germany or elsewhere" to his daughter Hendrina Amelia Moll. No mention of his atlas stock is mentioned in the will, which had been sold to Thomas and John Bowles.
Shirley T.MOLL 4‑a
Shirley, Rodney. (2004). Maps in the Atlases of the British Library: A descriptive catalogue cAD850 to 1800. London: British Library. 2 vols.
Phillips 554
Phillips, P. (1909–1992). A list of goegrpahical atlases in the Library of Congress. Washington: Govt. Print. Off.
Pritchard and Taliaferro 19, state 4. & 21
Pritchard, M. and Taliaferro, Henry. (2002). Degrees of latitude : mapping colonial America. New York: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.
NMM 397
Henry Stevens and Henry Robert Peter Stevens, The World Described in thirty large two-sheet maps by Herman Moll Geographer (1952)
Baynton Williams, Map 3 state 9.
Herman Moll (c1654–1732)
Moll was one of the most important figures in the English map trade in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. However, very little is known about his background. It seems likely that he came from Germany, possibly Bremen, and was in London by 1678. He worked hard, had a substantial output of cartographic material, as engraver, mapmaker or publisher, such that one might assume that he had assistants or apprentices to help, but there is no evidence of this, and, after his death in 1732, the "Moll firm" disappears without trace. His son Gilles Hendrick obviously predeceased his father, while the surviving daughter, Henderina Amelia Moll, is little more than a name on a will.
More about Herman Moll
The Bowles' post 1763 Treaty of Paris edition of Moll's 'Atlas Minor'
Herman; and John and Carington BOWLES Moll 1763, or later
[Atlas Minor]
The earliest obtainable atlas printed in Arabic
CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 1835.
The first atlas on Mercator's Projection from the library of Imperial geographer Wolfgang Engelbert, Earl of Auersperg
DUDLEY, Robert., 1646.
The greatly enlarged second edition of this rare French Sea Atlas with four maps of the Arabian Peninsula
D'APRES DE MANNEVILLETTE, Jean-Baptiste, 1775.
Charting the course for Queen Victoria's Royal Yacht
THE ADMIRALTY, 1880.


Travs Set to Start Season May 4
You can take the kids out to the ballgame starting May 4 at Dickey-Stephens Park.
After the cancelation of the 2020 season, the Arkansas Travelers are excited to invite their fans back to Dickey-Stephens park for 60 home games during the 2021 season.
"We are excited to announce our schedule for this season as well as being able to allow fans for games in limited numbers to support our Travs," said Rusty Meeks, Travelers Executive Vice President/CEO. "In working with local health officials and Major League Baseball, we are confident we will create a safe environment for all involved parties. After no Travelers baseball last summer, we are eagerly anticipating the opening of the 2021 season."
What to Expect: 2021 Travs Season
Yup, you guessed it. The Travs' 2021 season will look a bit different. Here's what we know so far:
COVID-19 protocols will be in place.
Attendance will be restricted and 2020 season ticket holders will be prioritized.
A limited number of single game tickets will be available to the public at a date to be announced later. Stay up to date on sales here.
The league schedule will utilize six game series against a single opponent running from Tuesday through Sunday each week with every Monday being an off day.
The season is expected to last 20 weeks.
See the complete schedule here.
IT HAS ARRIVED! ðŸ"... View the Travs 2021 Schedule here: https://atmilb.com/2Nm02Vw
Posted by Arkansas Travelers on Thursday, February 18, 2021


← ON THIS DAY: October 23, 2018
ON THIS DAY: October 24, 2018 →
"…one of the worst cover-ups in the history of cover-ups" This is a job for Sideshow Ed Whelan!
Posted on October 23, 2018	by ann summers
By ann summers
Ed Whelan drew considerable criticism when he attempted to defend conservative judge Brett Kavanaugh, then involved in contentious hearings following his nomination to the Supreme Court. Shortly before a scheduled Judiciary Committee vote on the nomination, an allegation emerged that Kavanaugh had committed a sexual assault as a teen. With assistance and information supplied from Creative Response Concepts Public Relations, a conservative public relations firm, Whelan tweeted that the allegation against Kavanaugh was a case of mistaken identity. Although he expressly disclaimed accusing any particular individual, Whelan faced fierce criticism for the tweets. He apologized a day later for an "appalling and inexcusable mistake of judgment".
Trump knows from cover-ups. Because "fudged" interviews, "enemies of the state", and SCOTUS nominees, Sideshow Ed should have run this assassination.
Brett and Squi…. Surveillance video shows that Saudi Arabia used a *body double* who left the consulate wearing Jamal #Khashoggi's clothes after he was killed in an attempt to cover up his MURDER.Who brings a bone saw and a body double to an accidental death
"They had a very bad original concept. It was carried out poorly and the cover-up was one of the worst cover-ups in the history of cover-ups. Very simple. Bad deal, should have never been thought of. Somebody really messed up." (Trump)
SQUI!
Trump calls Saudi murder of Khashoggi the worst cover up in history. He forgot to say:
– he knew from the beginning
– he was part of the cover up
– he condemns Saudis being caught more than the terrorism
– he still plans to sell them $Billions of weaponshttps://t.co/les7H4SdFG
— John Oberlin (@OMGno2trump) October 23, 2018
WASHINGTON — President Trump on Tuesday condemned Saudi Arabia's account of the killing of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi as "the worst cover-up ever," and his administration warned for the first time that it would impose human rights sanctions on those who took part in the plot.
Mr. Trump's latest criticism, and the threat of sanctions delivered by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, highlighted the mounting pressure on the White House after Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, described the killing of Mr. Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul as a premeditated and "savage" murder.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump said, "They had a very bad original concept, it was carried out poorly, and the cover-up was one of the worst in the history of cover-ups."
"Whoever thought of that idea, I think, is in big trouble, and they should be in big trouble," he said of the operation inside the Saudi Consulate, during which, Turkish officials say, Mr. Khashoggi was killed and his body dismembered with a bone saw.
This entry was posted in Conspiracy, Government, History, Media, Murder, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uncategorized, United States and tagged Donald Trump, Journalism, khashoggi, Politics. Bookmark the permalink.
3 Responses to "…one of the worst cover-ups in the history of cover-ups" This is a job for Sideshow Ed Whelan!
Terry Welshans says:
Note that he did not say the crime was bad – just the coverup was bad.
I interpreted the "cover-up was one of the worst" to mean that the cover-up artists were no damn good and their stories fell apart even as they spoke them.
That is true. The stories told by the Saudis are changing in a continuous stream of lies.
tRUmp did not condemn the crime itself, which a person of his office should have done. He has no compassion. I do not believe he cares about the crime, just the coverup.


Chemban Vinod joins the cast of Kamal Haasan-Lokesh film Vikram
By Meriya Antony
Lokesh Kanagaraj's upcoming film 'Vikram' already has a huge star cast. Kamal Haasan headlines the project with Vijay Sethupathi and Fahadh Faasil in prominent roles. Latest to join the cast is Malayalam actor Chemban Vinod Jose. It is learnt that the 'Ee Maa Yau' actor will be seen playing a key role in the film. This will be his second outing after the antagonist role in 'Goli Soda 2'.
'Vikram' also stars Kalidas Jayaram, Narain, Megha Akash and Shivani Narayanan. The film will reportedly feature Swathishta Krishnan as Kalidas Jayaram's pair. Touted to be an action packed entertainer, 'Vikram' has cinematography by Girish Gangadharan, music by Anirudh Ravichander, edits by Philomin Raj and stunts handled by AnbAriv duo.
Kamal Haasan's own banner Raaj Kamal Film International (RKFI) is producing the film. Though 'Vikram' was rumoured to be a spin-off of Kamal's 1986 film of the same name, the makers are yet to confirm it.
Related Items:Chemban Vinod, Kamal Haasan, Lokesh Kanagaraj, Vikram
Sreenath Bhasi, Guru Somasundaram and Chemban Vinod team up for Chattambi
Vikram and Vijay Sethupathi also part of Kamal Haasan-Mahesh Narayanan film?
Hareesh Peradi joins Kamal Haasan's Vikram
Suriya announces his next with Bala
First look of Amala Paul's Cadaver out!


New Requirements for Air Travelers to the U.S.
Update on U.S. Passport Operations
MyTravelGov
Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates
Travel.State.Gov
Congressional Liaison
Special Issuance Agency
Records and Authentications
Info for U.S. Law Enforcement
U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS
Travel.State.Gov > International Travel > Country Information > Tuvalu International Travel Information
Tuvalu - Level 4: Do Not Travel
O K E N H U T C
Do not travel to Tuvalu due to COVID-19.
Read the Department of State's COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued a Travel Health Notice for Tuvalu due to COVID-19, indicating an unknown level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.
There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Tuvalu. Visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in Tuvalu.
Read the Country Information page.
If you decide to travel to Tuvalu:
See the U.S. Embassy's web page regarding COVID-19.
Visit the CDC's webpage on Travel and COVID-19.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist.
Last Update: Reissued with updates to COVID-19 information.
Embassy Messages
View Alerts and Messages Archive
PASSPORT VALIDITY:
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES:
One page per stamp
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED:
Yes, available upon arrival
VACCINATIONS:
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY:
AUD $3000
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR EXIT:
ALL / ALL /
U.S. Embassy Suva
158 Princes Rd, Tamavua
Suva, Fiji Islands
Telephone: +(679) 331-4466
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(679) 772-8049
Fax: +(679) 330-2267
Email: SuvaACS@state.gov
Destination Description
See the Department of State's Fact Sheet Tuvalu for information on U.S. – Tuvalu relations.
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements
To enter Tuvalu, you will need:
A passport with six month validity;
Onward/return ticket;
Proof of sufficient funds for your stay;
Visitor permits valid for up to one month are issued for a fee of AUD $100.
For further information about entry requirements, you may contact:
Tuvalu Permanent Mission to the United Nations
800 2nd Avenue, Suite 400 D
For individuals planning to enter by sea: Tuvalu's customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning importation or exportation items such as agricultural products. Visit the Tuvalu Permanent Mission to the United Nations website for the most current visa information and customs restrictions.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Tuvalu.
Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.
Crime: Tuvalu has a low crime rate. However, visitors should review their own personal security practices, be alert to any unusual activity around their homes or businesses and report any suspicious incidents to local police authorities.
Victims of Crime:
Report crimes to the local police at 911 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +679 331 4466, or after hours at +679 772 8049. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.
See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.
We can:
Help you find appropriate medical care
Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
Provide general information regarding the victim's role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
Provide a list of local attorneys
Provide our information on victim's compensation programs in the U.S.
Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
Replace a stolen or lost passport
Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
Call us in Washington at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Advisories, and Alerts.
See traveling safely abroad for useful travel tips.
Local Laws & Special Circumstances
Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.
Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.
Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.
Currency: The Australian dollar is the legal currency in Tuvalu. The Tuvalu National Bank accepts traveler's checks and most major currencies, including U.S. dollars.
You should be prepared to pay cash for hotel bills and all other services, since credit card services are not available. There are no ATMs on Tuvalu, so it may not be possible to withdraw cash from overseas bank accounts.
Cyclone Season: The official cyclone season is November through April. The Fiji Meteorological Service maintains a Tropical Cyclone Warning Center (TCWC) in Nadi serving the Southwest Pacific Region. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available at the State Department's website, as well as from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) website.
Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:
Faith-Based Travel Information
International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
Human Rights Report – see country reports
Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad
LGBTI Travelers: Sexual conduct between males is illegal, with maximum penalties of seven to 14 years' imprisonment. See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.
Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance.
Tuvalu prohibits discrimination on the basis of physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disability. Supplementary state services to address the special needs of persons with disabilities are very limited.
There are no mandated building accessibility provisions for persons with disabilities. The only multi-story government building has elevators, but they are not always operational. There are no elevators in private multi-story buildings.
Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.
Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers.
Medical and dental care is very limited in Tuvalu.
Serious medical problems are referred to health professionals and hospitals in Guam or Hawaii.
Serious medical conditions requiring hospitalization and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars. Doctors and hospitals often expect payment "up front" prior to service or admission.
For emergency services in Tuvalu, dial 911.
Ambulance services are:
not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.
We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.
Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor's prescription.
Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Further health information:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals [LINK]. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
Health facilities in general:
Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
In many areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.
General Health Language:
The following diseases and health concerns are prevalent:
Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Tuvalu.
Road Conditions and Safety: Traffic moves on the left in Tuvalu. The main roads on Funafuti are paved, but other roads on other islands are generally unpaved. Animals and unwary pedestrians walking in the road make night driving on unlit secondary roads hazardous. For specific information concerning Tuvalu driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, contact the Tuvalu Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
Traffic Laws: Driving while intoxicated is illegal and punishable by fine or imprisonment. Exercise caution, as traffic tends to move slowly.
Public Transportation: The main forms of public transportation are taxis or motorcycles.
See our Road Safety page for more information.
Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Tuvalu, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Tuvalu's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's safety assessment page.
Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Tuvalu should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.
Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area.
For additional travel information
Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.
For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.
Travel Advisory Levels
Information for Vaccinated Travelers
The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be found here.
Assistance for U.S. Citizens
SuvaACS@state.gov
Tuvalu Map
Learn about your destination
Enroll in STEP
Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad.
Recommended Web Browsers: Internet Explorer 11 with compatibility view or Google Chrome.
Check passport expiration dates carefully for all travelers! Children's passports are issued for 5 years, adult passports for 10 years.
French West Indies
Gilbraltar
Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthélemy (French West Indies)
Israel, The West Bank and Gaza
North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.
Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.
You are about to visit:
Privacy | Copyright & Disclaimer | FOIA | No FEAR Act Data | Office of the Inspector General | USA.gov | USA.gov/espanol |
This site is managed by the U.S. Department of State. External links to other Internet sites and listings of private entities on this page are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as the U.S. Department of State or U.S. government endorsement of the entity, its views, the products or services it provides, or the accuracy of information contained therein. The order in which names appear has no significance, and the listings or links may be removed at any time at the discretion of the Department.


Achievement Gaps and Racial Segregation: Research Finds an Insidious Cycle
By Sarah D. Sparks — April 29, 2016 5 min read
Fifteen years of new programs, testing, standards, and accountability have not ended racial achievement gaps in the United States.
The Stanford Education Data Archive, a massive new database that allows researchers to compare school districts across state lines has led to the unwelcome finding that racial achievement gaps yawn in nearly every district in the country—and the districts with the most resources in place to serve all students frequently have the worst inequities.
"I think we like to think, 'Here we have this problem, but it's fixable. We know we could figure it out.' It's not clear we've figured it out," said Sean Reardon, a professor of poverty and inequality in education at Stanford University. "There's some deep ... problems that we as a society haven't faced up to yet."
This morning, Reardon and his Stanford colleagues Demetra Kalogrides and Kenneth Shores released the first in an ongoing series of studies based on the new data. The new studies shine a light on how racial disparities in education differ throughout the country—and how school segregation widens the gaps among students.`
The Stanford researchers and Harvard University education professor Andrew Ho linked state tests' scale scores to the scales for National Assessment of Educational Progress in the same grades and subjects, and used it to compare average achievement gap trends for 3rd-8th grade students in more than 11,000 districts across the country from 2009 to 2013. (For more details on how researchers can compare achievement in districts using different state tests, check out our explainer.)
Competition Could Drive Segregation in Well-Off Districts
That five-year window enabled researchers to focus the study on districts completing a decade of state and federal accountability initiatives designed to close academic gaps between white students and their black and Hispanic peers. But of the 2,500 school districts with a large enough sample of black students to measure their achievement gaps, Reardon and his colleagues found only one with no black-white gap: Detroit.
"Detroit is not the poster child for reducing the achievement gap," Reardon said in an interview with Education Week. "The achievement gap is zero in Detroit largely because everyone's doing really poorly, not because black students are doing particularly well."
Moreover, the researchers found some of the biggest black-white achievement gaps in the country—where black students lag their white peers by more than 1.5 full standard deviations, or four to five grade levels on the NAEP scale—in relatively prosperous university towns, like Berkeley, Calif. (home of the University of California, Berkeley);Chapel Hill, N.C. (home of the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill); and Evanston, Ill. (home of Northwestern University).
"Richer places have bigger achievement gaps than poorer places, all else being equal--which is quite striking and disturbing, since you'd hope that those places that have the most resources would be most effective at reducing the gaps, but in fact they seem to have the largest gaps," Reardon said.
While the researchers have not yet dug into the personal factors that play into achievement gaps, they do have a theory about why these centers of higher education haven't encouraged more equitable K-12 achievement: "In the most advantaged places, you have this increased competition and focus on school success as important for kids—a hyper-achievement orientation in those places," he said. "And in places where competition is high, resources matter even more than they do in places where you don't have that sort of achievement anxiety."
Watch Reardon explain more about his findings.
The Segregation 'Feedback Cycle'
That parental drive to find the best education for their kids could ramp up economic segregation in neighborhoods, too.
A new and separate study by Ann Owens, an assistant sociology professor at the University of Southern California, found that neighborhoods in the 100 largest cities became steadily more isolated by income between 1990 and 2010—but the segregation was driven by families with school-age children.
"Whenever we talk about neighborhood and school segregation, they really go hand in hand," Owens said. "There's really a feedback loop, and it's often framed as, we can never have integrated schools while we have segregated neighborhoods, but the flip side is true, as well. As long as schools are unequal and linked to neighborhoods, that's going to play a big role in neighborhood segregation."
Reardon agreed. In a second study using the Stanford data set, he looked at the effects of 16 different facets of racial segregation: school and residential isolation, segregation within and between districts, racial or socioeconomic isolation, and differences in how likely students are to be exposed to students of particular races or socioeconomic groups.
While all types of segregation were associated with wider achievement gaps for black and Hispanic students compared to their white peers, Reardon found the strongest predictor was the difference in likelihood of attending a high poverty school for white, black, and Hispanic students. This might explain why Detroit seemed to have the lowest achievement gaps: White, black, and Hispanic students were all fairly equally likely to attend high-poverty schools or be in poverty themselves there.
"Even after you control for kids' family backgrounds, it's quite clear in the data," he said, adding that the finding "suggests it's something about school quality—not only about racial segregation, but about the fact that racial segregation in America almost inevitably leads to these kind of disparities in [students'] exposure to poverty and differences in the kinds of resources that schools have."
Looking for Successful Outliers
Going forward, the researchers are trying to identify common factors in districts that have narrowing achievement gaps for black and Hispanic students. They have also started to analyze how racial achievement gaps vary for boys and girls in different cities and to dig in more deeply into which districts have larger achievement gaps for students in poverty.
"Really, there are very, very few school districts that serve a large proportion of poor students and that have achievement that's even at the national average," Reardon said. "That suggests we may not be able to just 'school reform' our way out of that kind of inequality."
Charts: A new study finds a wide range of racial achievement gaps in school districts across the country, with some wealthier districts showing wider disparities. Source: Sean Reardon, "School Segregation and Racial Achievement Gaps," and "The Geography of Racial/Ethnic Test Score Gaps." reardon segregation and achievement gaps apr2016.pdf
How Can Researchers Compare District Achievement Gaps Across States?
Studies Probe How Schools Widen Achievement Gaps
School Segregation Boosts Juvenile Crime in At-Risk Neighborhoods, Research Finds
Segregated Housing, Segregated Schools
Want more research news? Get the latest studies and join the conversation.
Sarah D. Sparks
Assistant Editor, Education Week
Sarah D. Sparks covers education research, data, and the science of learning for Education Week.
Research Opportunity/Achievement Gap Leadership Research
A version of this news article first appeared in the Inside School Research blog.
Student Well-Being Explainer How Should Schools Quarantine Students Exposed to Coronavirus? An Explainer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is changing its quarantine guidelines for people who had close contact with COVID-19.
Sarah D. Sparks, December 3, 2020
Teaching & Learning Pandemic Learning Loss Heavier in Math Than Reading This Fall, But Questions Remain
Results from fall testing confirm that the pandemic has taken a toll on students' academic growth.
Students are reminded to wear a mask amidst other chalk drawings on the sidewalk as they arrive for the first day of school at Union High School in Tulsa, Okla., Monday, Aug. 24, 2020.
Mike Simons/Tulsa World via AP
Student Well-Being Children Account for More New COVID-19 Cases as the Pandemic Rolls On
A new study in the journal Pediatrics finds more than a half million children have been diagnosed with COVID-19 so far in the pandemic.


White Jasmine Rice Is the Perfect Healthy Base for Your Meals
By Jill Corleone, RDN, LD Updated October 29, 2018
Reviewed by Kirsten Nunez, M.S.
Kirsten Nunez
Kirsten Nunez is a writer who covers food and health. She's written for Shape, Real Simple, Healthline, VegNews, and more. Kirsten has a Master of Science in Nutrition and Bachelor of Science in Dietetics.
Jill Corleone
RDN, LD
Jill Corleone is a registered dietitian and health coach who has been writing and lecturing on diet and health for more than 15 years. Her work has been featured on the Huffington Post, Diabetes Self-Management and in the book "Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation," edited by John R. Bach, M.D. Corleone holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition.
Nutrition Facts About White Jasmine Rice
Image Credit: hqrloveq/iStock/GettyImages
If you're looking for an alternative to your usual type of rice, consider jasmine rice. Native to Thailand, jasmine rice is a long grain rice a bit rounder and starchier, which makes it stickier, than other types of rice. Its popcorn flavor and jasmine aroma pairs well with seafood and dishes made with coconut. Like other types of rice, jasmine rice is low in fat, a good source of energy and can help you meet your daily iron needs.
Carbs in Jasmine Rice: A Source of Energy
A 1/4-cup serving of uncooked jasmine rice, which makes 3/4 cups of cooked rice, has 160 calories. Most of those jasmine rice calories come from its carbohydrate content, which is 35 grams per 1/4-cup serving. Carbohydrates supply your body with energy, and not just your muscles, but your brain, nervous system and kidneys, too. Forty five to 65 percent of your daily calorie intake should come from carbohydrates.
Make It Brown For Fiber
To increase the fiber benefits of jasmine rice, replace white jasmine rice with brown jasmine rice. A 1/4-cup of uncooked brown jasmine rice has 2 grams of fiber, while the white rice has none. Most Americans don't meet the daily requirements of fiber. Adult women need 25 grams a day and men need 38 grams a day; the average intake is just 15 grams. Fiber in food not only promotes bowel function, but it also improves blood lipid profiles and aids in blood sugar control.
A Little Protein and Very Little Fat
Jasmine rice contains some protein and very little fat. A 1/4-cup uncooked serving of jasmine rice contains 3 grams of protein. As a plant source of protein, jasmine rice does not contain all of the essential amino acids. There is a slight difference in fat content between the white and brown jasmine rice. The white rice is free of fat, while the brown rice has 1 gram of fat. As an intact grain, the brown rice retains its germ, which provides vitamins, minerals and unsaturated fat.
Get Some Iron
If you don't get enough iron in your diet you may be at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, which is the most common nutritional problem worldwide, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Jasmine rice doesn't naturally contain a significant amount of iron, but some brands are fortified with iron to help you meet your needs. Unfortified jasmine rice meets 2 percent of the daily value, while fortified jasmine rice meets 8 percent.
Additional Mineral Content
Jasmine rice also contains limited, but measurable amounts of calcium (2 milligrams) and sodium (1 milligram). Note that this sodium content doesn't include any salt or other flavorings that you might add to the rice as you cook it.
Get Your B Vitamins
Along with iron, some brands of jasmine rice are fortified with B vitamins. These essential nutrients are necessary for helping transform the food you eat into energy. Some brands also act as a significant source of folic acid, meeting 20 percent of your daily value. Folic acid is a B vitamin most important for women of childbearing age because adequate intake helps prevent neural tube defects in babies.
The Nibble: Rice Types
Mahatma: Jasmine Rice
Golden Star: Jasmine Rice
McKinley Health Center: Macronutrients: The Importance of Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat
U.S. Department of Agriculture: 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Chapter 4: Foods and Nutrients to Increase
Harvard School of Public Health: Health Gains from Whole Grains
Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron
Medline Plus: B Vitamins
Medline Plus: Folic Acid
USDA Branded Food Products Database: Jasmine Rice
Nutritional Value of Whole Grain Brown Rice vs. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine and Basmati Rice Nutrition
Arborio Rice Nutrition
Brown Rice Vs. White Rice for Weight Loss
Nutrition Information of Basmati Rice
Is Steamed Rice Healthy for a Diet?


Wine & Food Pairing
Premier Cru Owner Pleads Guilty, Detailing Ponzi Scheme to Defraud Customers
John Fox admits he took money for wines he didn't own, spending some on fancy cars and women he met online
John Fox cuts the ribbon at the opening of Premier Cru's new location a few years ago. (Courtesy Premier Cru)
Peter Hellman
John Fox, once a leading wine merchant, was escorted into an Oakland, Calif., courtroom by federal marshals last week, shackled hand and foot. In a low voice, Fox, 66, pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud in connection with a massive Ponzi scheme he operated at Premier Cru, the Berkeley shop he cofounded with warehouse manager Hector Ortega in 1980.
Fox had faced up to 20 years in prison, but as a result of his plea agreement, his maximum possible sentence has been reduced to six years and six months. A probation department will now begin preparing a sentencing report, which the judge will consult when he makes his decision.
Fox has also agreed to provide restitution of at least $45 million to Premier Cru customers who pre-ordered wine they will never receive, as well as to other creditors. As part of his plea agreement, Fox provided the court with a detailed recital of his misdeeds at Premier Cru and also in his personal life. (A copy of his plea was obtained by Wine Spectator.) It detailed a scheme to take money from customers for wines he didn't have yet, sometimes diverting that money to fancy cars, a multimillion dollar home and even women he met online.
Fox explained that most of his wine sales were "based on the premise that Premier Cru would contract to buy wine from Europe … and then sell it to customers before it arrived in the United States." Delivery was promised within two years.
But Fox admitted scamming these customers in two ways. The first was to "falsif[y] purchase orders for wine that I had not contracted to purchase and enter them into Premier Cru's inventory for sale." Fox could then offer the wine on Premier Cru's website below market price. This practice began in 1993 or 1994, according to Fox. From 2010 to 2015, customers paid approximately $20 million for these "phantom wines." In his second scam, Fox said he "diverted money coming in from current customers to obtain wine for prior customers who had never received their wine."
Fox also admitted to using his company business accounts and credit card to pay personal expenses. These included home mortgage payments, his wife's credit-card bills, his daughter's college tuition, membership fees at two private golf clubs, and the "purchase or lease [of] expensive cars (including Corvettes, Ferraris, a Maserati and various Mercedes-Benzes)."
Fox also admitted to spending "more than $900,000 on women that I met online." He paid them via PayPal.
Sometimes, when customers complained "repeatedly or forcefully," Fox said that he arranged to deliver wine that they had ordered by taking it from stock being held for other customers or else by purchasing it from rival retailers, "usually at prices much higher than those for which I had sold the wine in the first place." This was all done, Fox said, "to conceal my ongoing fraud, to lull customers into a false sense that Premier Cru was a legitimate business, to cause these customers to continue to purchase wines from Premier Cru, and to prevent them from complaining to law-enforcement authorities."
The inevitable end, resulting in Premier Cru's bankruptcy in January and Fox's personal bankruptcy one month later, was hastened by a spate of lawsuits filed by disgruntled customers in state and federal courts last year. At the time of Premier Cru's bankruptcy filing, Fox estimated that 4,500 customers had paid at least $45 million for pre-arrival wines they had not received. From 2010 onward, he admitted, he pocketed about $5 million from his scheme, and "made additional money in the years prior to 2010."
Attention in the Premier Cru debacle will now turn to the bulk sale of the 78,000 bottles in the warehouse behind the shuttered shop in Berkeley, scheduled for Aug. 30.
Crime Fraud News
Will the Supreme Court's Tenn. Decision Change the U.S. Wine Market?
2019's Best Restaurants for Wine Announced
Dave Matthews Debuts Rosé for Rhinos; Sen. Schumer Backs Cans
Somm Roundtable: What's a Weird Wine You Actually Like?
UNESCO Recognizes Prosecco Wine Areas as World Heritage Site
Champagne's Nicolas Feuillatte Expands, Buying the Historic Henri Abelé House
Henri Abelé will be the first standalone brand for Feuillatte, the grower-cooperative that …
Suzanne Mustacich
Will the Supreme Court's Tennessee Decision Dramatically Change the U.S. Wine Market?
The highest court delivered a win for consumers last month. Here's how this could affect …
Emma Balter
Italy's hills around Conegliano and Valdobbiadene join the U.N. list's newest additions
Alison Napjus
Burgundy Giant Boisset to Buy Maison Alex Gambal
Famille Boisset will acquire 30 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards, the Gambal …
Bruce Sanderson
Bordeaux Vintners Convicted of Fraud, but Fellow Winemakers Cry Foul
Hervé and Régis Grandeau were found guilty of selling surplus wine, but protest that …
Group Behind Grand Award–Winning Saison Opens a Second Angler in Los Angeles
Plus, sommelier shuffles at major restaurants in New York
Julie Harans
Natalie Crooks
Teddy Willson
Sommelier Talk
Sign up for Wine Spectator's Free Email Newsletters and stay up-to-date with all things wine.
WineRatings+


"John Yeon (1910-1994) is nationally regarded as a regional pioneer in the fundamental rethinking of art and architecture for the twentieth century. A native Oregonian, largely self-taught, his brilliant designs include buildings, interiors, gardens, landscapes, furnishings, and museum installations."
Kaufman sees some parallels in Freres product design.
"Freres has put a lot into designing and engineering a renewable product that maximizes the potential of wood," Kaufman said. "MPP has the potential to totally change the way we build, and it's exciting to see a great local company not only be at the forefront of this new technology but to be the ones trailblazing.
"The Quest for Beauty exhibit, which honors the legacy of John Yeon, is a great venue to introduce this new product. The thought and heart behind MPP is a continuation of his (Yeon's) legacy as he was a forward thinker and a conservationist," he added.
As construction of Freres nascent Mass Plywood Panel facility gets underway, Tyler Freres reflects on Yeon's innovation and contribution to design, takes pride in providing material to an exhibit celebrating that contribution, and imagines what the Santiam Canyon wood-products innovations may contribute in the future.
"We're really excited about what we are doing," Freres said. "No one is really trying to make a master panel out of veneer like we are."
jmuch@StatesmanJournal.com or cell 503-508-8157 or follow at twitter.com/justinmuch
Freres unveils innovative mass plywood panel


News 5 Apr 2013 last update:14 Jan 2016
Research: Phosphorus in wheat can be extracted
Researchers from Aarhus University are a step closer to improving the utilisation of plant phosphorus and have patented a method for increasing phytase activity in cereal.
To make matters worse, phosphorus is a very limited resource, which is estimated to last only for another 30-70 years. But plant seeds contain large amounts of phosphorus, and if we were able to increase the availability of this phosphorus to livestock, it would not only benefit the environment but also reduce our use of this scarce resource, advises associate professor Henrik Brinch-Pedersen from Aarhus University.feed to ensure they have a sufficiently high intake of this vital nutrient – but the non-digested surplus is excreted and ends up in the environment. - To make matters worse, phosphorus is a very limited resource, which is estimated to last only for another 30-70 years. But plant seeds contain large amounts of phosphorus, and if we were able to increase the availability of this phosphorus to livestock, it would not only benefit the environment but also reduce our use of this scarce resource, advises associate professor Henrik Brinch-Pedersen from Aarhus University.
Henrik Brinch-Pedersen and his colleagues have attempted to increase the content of phytase – an enzyme – in cereal for a more efficient use of the phosphorus in the feed. But what is the connection between phytase and phosphorus?
Phytase renders phosphorus available for digestion
Cereal forms an important part of animal feed. Cereal grains contain around 2-5 % phosphorus, but this phosphorus is unfortunately chemically tightly bonded with phytic acid, which means it is difficult for the animals to digest. Enter phytase, stage right.
Phytase is important for the utilisation of phosphorus and other minerals bound in plant seeds as it hydrolyses phytic acid and releases the phosphorus for assimilation. Animals and humans have no natural phytase activity in their digestive system and very few plant seeds contain sufficiently high phytase levels, so scientists and plant breeders have tried to remedy this. We have for a number of years been attempting to increase phytase activity in cereals. In wheat, barley, rye and triticale we see large variations within species, and also between species. Rye contains phytase both in the shoots and in the ripened grain. Rice and maize, on the other hand, contain virtually no phytase in the grain, only in the shoots, explains Henrik Brinch-Pedersen.
Historic split
It turns out that the difference is due to a split of cereals into two different cereal families way back in ancient history. By studying the genome of the most important cereal – wheat – the scientists found that wheat contains a gene that in addition to coding for phytase in the shoots also codes for the generation of phytase in the ripened grain. Rice and maize do not contain this gene. - Now we know why some cereal species contain phytase activity in the grain. We also know that we cannot by ordinary plant breeding alone achieve a high phytase activity in maize and rice, says Henrik Brinch-Pedersen. The scientists are now screening a number of triticeae species and have discovered and demonstrated genetically how to produce a wheat with a phytase content on level with rye. This wheat hybrid, which has been named HighPhy, has been patented and sold to an English company for propagation.
Phytic acid also bonds with other minerals in the digestive system, preventing them from being assimilated. This is a particular problem in developing countries where the diet is dependent on a single staple such as rice, maize or sorghum that contain virtually no phytase. This can lead to deficiencies in micro-nutrients such as iron and zinc, says Henrik Brinch-Pedesen.
Source: Aarhus University
triticale
More cereals worldwide, but EU below average
Cereal production in the European Union is forecast to be below average for a second year while the overall...
On 25 Aug 2017 In Raw materials
New EU import tariffs for maize, sorghum, rye
The European Union has set a new import duty on maize, sorghum and rye at €5.16 per tonne. This will ensure that...
On 9 Aug 2017 In Raw materials
New China data: Global cereal data revised
The world cereal production and stocks are revised, due to new figures from China. This is according to the...
On 5 Apr In Raw materials
World's 2018 cereal production more than expected
This month, prices of the major grains were generally firm amid tightening export supplies and robust world...
On 8 Feb In Raw materials


Tag Archives: US tour
News, Tours
All Souls Announced As Support For Upcoming Tool Tour
April 29, 2019 Kataklizmic Design	Leave a comment
Los Angeles – All Souls, the Los Angeles based band who released their "gritty" (New Noise) and "epic" (Revolver) self-titled debut album in 2018, have been tapped to support Tool on their upcoming U.S. tour. Watch their video for "Never Know" from their debut album HERE.
Stream All Souls:
Meg Castellanos (bass/vocals) said of All Souls being offered the coveted slot: "When one of the most epic bands in the history of music asks you to tour with them what do you say? We couldn't be more thrilled. We are incredibly honored to be chosen… our heads are still spinning!"
The live pairing isn't the first time the All Souls' band members have crossed paths with Tool, having had Tool drummer Danny Carey play on the track "Sadist/Servant," which appeared on All Soul's nine-song album.
All Souls/Tool Tour Dates:
May 7 Birmingham, AL Legacy Arena at the BCC
May 8 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center
May 10 Hampton, VA Hampton Coliseum
May 13 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center
May 14 Kansas City, MO Spring Center
May 16 Lincoln, NE Pinnacle Bank Arena
May 17 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena
All Souls Is:
Antonio Aguilar (vocals/guitar)
Meg Castellanos (bass/vocals)
Erik Trammell (guitar)
Tony Tornay (drums)
All Souls Online:
Feature photo (top) by James Rexroad
All SoulsNew TourUS tour
News, Signing, Tours
September Mourning Launches U.S. Tour with Smile Empty Soul Next Week
February 21, 2019 Kataklizmic Design	Leave a comment
September Mourning have been turning heads in the dark art and metal scenes for years, bringing a fusion of dark culture and fantasy based in the world of comic books to life on stage. Created by September Mourning frontwoman Emily Lazar and comic book legend Marc Silvestri, the comics "A Murder of Reapers" and "The Hand of Fate" (collectively "Volume I", published by Top Cow/Image Comics) tell the tale of September, a human/reaper hybrid with no memory of her past. Empowered with supernatural gifts, she is driven to protect humanity from Fate and his Reapers.
This mysterious story – brought to life by September Mourning's potent mixture of dark pop, electronica and modern metal – can be experienced in auditory form via their latest Billboard-charting (#19, Heatseekers) Sumerian Records release, Volume II, out now (Amazon | iTunes | Spotify).
In late 2018, September Mourning released the singles "Empire", "Glass Animals" (video below), and the third chapter of their story, "Trinity". More music will be released in 2019 and "The Complete Collection", a full graphic novel containing all four chapters of the story, will hit comic stores in early 2019.
U.S Tour With Smile Empty Soul
Witness September Mourning on the road this winter during their upcoming tour with headliners Smile Empty Soul and fellow support artist Rise Among Rivals! The tour begins next week on February 28 in St. Louis, MO, and will visit over a month's-worth of major U.S. cities, coming to an end on April 6 in Newport, KY.
September Mourning are no strangers to the stage, having built up their touring resume by performing at massive events such as Download (UK), Rock on the Range (Columbus, OH), Aftershock (Sacramento, CA), Comicpalooza (Houston, TX), AC Boardwalk Con (Atlantic City, NJ), Anime Midwest (Chicago, IL), Mechacon (New Orleans, LA) and many more.
September Mourning says about the tour: "We are beyond excited to join Smile Empty Soul and Rise Among Rivals for the Oblivion of Souls Tour. This is our first Soul Collection of the new year and we look forward to seeing both new and old souls on the road. Expect an intense showcase of all things dark rock as we gather souls across the US this spring."
See below for a full listing of tour dates (please note that specific dates notated with an asterisk feature September Mourning only), and pick up tickets via their website HERE.
September Mourning U.S. tour dates with headliners Smile Empty Soul:
2/28 – St. Louis, MO @ Fubar*
3/1 – Atkins, AR @ Dirt Days at Sweeden Island Park
3/2- Memphis, TN @ RockHouse Live
3/3 – Knoxville, TN @ The Concourse
3/5 – Philadelphia, PA @ Voltage Lounge
3/6 – Scranton, PA @ Stage West
3/7 – Clifton, NJ @ Dingbatz
3/8 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Wally's
3/9 – Hartford, CT @ The Webster Underground
3/10 – Providence, RI @ 5th Annual Providence Tattoo and Music Festival at Fete Music Hall
3/12 – Portland, ME @ Portland House of Music and Events
3/13 – Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Loft at The Chance
3/14 – Amityville, NY @ Revolution Music Hall
3/15 – Baltimore, MD @ Fish Head Cantina
3/16 – Harrisburg, PA @ Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center
3/17 – Akron, OH @ The Empire Concert Club and Bar
3/19 – Toledo, OH @ Frankie's Inner City
3/20 – South Bend, IN @ Cheers Pub
3/21 – Westland, MI @ The Token Lounge
3/22 – Heath, OH @ Muddy Creek Saloon
3/23 – Battle Creek, MI @ The Music Factory
3/24 – Sturtevant, WI @ Route 20
3/27 – Iowa City, IA @ Gabe's Iowa City
3/28 – Columbia, MO @ Rose Music Hall
3/29 – Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
3/30 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Oklahoma City Limits
3/31 – Wichita, KS @ The Elbow Room*
4/2 – Lincoln, NE @ The Bourbon Theatre*
4/3 – Sioux Falls, IA @ Bigs Bar*
4/4 – Chippewa Falls, WI @ Every Buddy's Bar & Grill*
4/5 – Braidwood, IL @ Top Fuel Saloon*
4/6 – Newport, KY @ Thompson House*
*= September Mourning Only
Announcing New Signing with The Oracle Management
September Mourning are also pleased to announce their recent signing with The Oracle Management. Founded by Dez (DevilDriver, Coal Chamber) and Anahstasia Fafara, The Oracle Management is powered by passion, honesty, integrity and a militant devotion to the creative arts.
September Mourning says about signing with The Oracle Management, "We have been preparing to bring the next chapter of our trans-media story to life and cannot express how excited we are to bring The Oracle Management on board to help facilitate this. With such a solid roster of established and emerging artists, alongside an insatiable drive and dedication to each individual acts' success, The Oracle promises to be just what we need to achieve our future goals."
The Oracle Management Vice President and COO Dez Fafara adds, "The Oracle Management is proud to sign September Mourning to our management roster. This band is fire, so get ready! It will be our pleasure to guide them to a very bright future. Here we grow!"
September Mourning Is:
Emily Lazar (September) – Vocals
Rich Juzwick (Riven) – Guitar
Patrick Romanelli (Wraith) – Guitar
Kyle Mayer (Stitch) – Drums
September Mourning Online:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Twitter | YouTube | Snapchat
Featured photo (top) by Curtis Noble
New TourSeptember MourningSmile Empty SoulThe Oracle ManagementUS tour
Industrial-Electronic Icons ORGY Welcome Two New Members + U.S. Tour Kicks Off August 17
July 26, 2018 Kataklizmic Design	Leave a comment
Electronic rock icons ORGY recently announced their upcoming "Bring Your Army" tour featuring support from Motograter, Brand of Julez and the Crowned, kicking off on August 17 in Salt Lake City, UT. Joining the band on this tour will be their two new members – multi-talented guitarist, singer and producer Ilia Yordanov, and drummer, electronic music producer and DJ Ryan Browne.
New ORGY guitarist Ilia Yordanov (pronounced ileeah) was born in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and grew up in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA. Ilia began playing shows at age 13 with numerous bands until assembling his own band, Red Museum, in 2006. The band went on to release four EPs. Ilia moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and has been living and performing there for the past 10 years so he could focus on his acting career, and has predominantly remained a solo artist, producing and engineering his own musical work. Additionally, Ilia directed the video for his single, "Fire in the Middle", released in 2016. Ilia has also supervised and composed music for film. In addition to music, Ilia regularly performs stand-up at The Comedy Store, and has self-published a book titled, Dirty Mirror Talk.
LA native Ryan Browne grew up playing drums in bands and took his playing to the professional level at 15 by playing for Jive records' pop duo, Axiz. Ryan attended Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA) and studied drum set, Afro Caribbean hand percussion, music production, engineering and music business. Upon his early graduation, he accepted an instructor's position at the prestigious Icon Collective music production school back in Los Angeles. Since diving into electronic music production, Ryan has released through Geffen Records, Borgore's imprint, Buygore Records, Tommie Sunshine's Brooklyn Fire, Pantheon, and more. He has worked alongside artists such as 2018 Grammy Award Winner Latroit, Sullivan King, Whyel, Warden, and Trentino, amongst others. He has also mixed/mastered music for 2ToneDisco, works closely with Dennis White at White House Music doing sound design and writing for sync libraries, and plays drums for genre-bending hybrid Monstercat/Mau5trap artist Grabbitz. Ryan's diverse musical palette has earned him consistent support from major electronic publications like NestHQ, Dancing Astronaut, and Your EDM, which puts him in a unique and influential position, ready for an explosive and exciting future.
ORGY frontman Jay Gordon says, "It's always tough when bands go through lineup changes. When it comes to the fans, sometimes it's just gotta be done… I needed to upgrade and I knew Ilia would be the way to go for guitar – I had asked him a while back and was waiting on a call back. We've worked together in the past and I'm a fan, so I'm glad we waited for him. He is a sick guitar player and can totally sing, as well. He is also an actor… his superior talents will not disappoint.
"Our former drummer Bobby recently opened a music school in Orange County and we are excited for him. With the drumming position open, we quickly found Ryan Browne, a Berklee College of Music graduate and instructor at Icon Collective who specializes in colliding metal with electronic bass music and makes drum videos for his own original songs and remixes. I saw one of his videos and knew instantly that he was the guy we had been looking for. We're only a week into rehearsals so far and both Ilia and Ryan have greatly exceeded my expectations. This is going to be an epic tour, to say the least."
BRING YOUR ARMY TOUR 2018;
with Motograter, Brand of Julez & the Crowned
8.17 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Liquid Joes
8.18 – Greeley, CO @ The Moxi Theater
8.20 – San Antonio, TX @ Paper Tiger
8.21 – Oklahoma City, OK @ The Diamond Ballroom
8.22 – Dallas, TX @ Trees
8.23 – Houston, TX @ Scout Bar
8.24 – Austin, TX @ 3TEN ACL Live!
8.25 – Laredo, TX @ Ethos Live!
8.26 – Hidalgo, TX @ State Farm Arena
8.28 – Jefferson, LA @ Southport Hall
8.30 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell)
8.31 – Sanford, FL @ West End Trading Co
9.01 – Tampa, FL @ Brass Mug
9.03 – Concord, VA @ Devault Vineyards
9.04 – New York, NY @ The Gramercy Theatre
9.06 – Stanhope, NJ @ Stanhope House
9.07 – Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall
9.08 – Amityville, NY @ Revolution Music Hall
9.09 – Easton, PA @ One Centre Square
9.10 – Warrendale, PA @ Jergel's Rhythm Grill
9.11 – Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
9.12 – Joliet, IL @ The Forge
9.13 – Highland, IN @ The Room
9.14 – Dundee, IL @ Rochaus
9.15 – Chesterfield, MI @ Diesel
9.17 – Omaha, NE @ Bourbon Saloon
9.18 – Denver, CO @ The Oriental Theater
9.19 – Colorado Spr., CO @ The Black Sheep
9.21 – Anaheim, CA @ The Parish @ House Of Blues
9.22 – Scottsdale, AZ @ BLK Live!
9.23 – Los Angeles, CA @ Club 1720
9.25 – Seattle, WA @ Club Sur Rocks Seattle
9.26 – Portland, OR @ Bossanova Ballroom
9.28 – Las Vegas, NV @ Beauty Bar
9.29 – San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
New Album #newmusic Coming Soon
ORGY recently revealed their latest single, "Army To Your Party", which you can stream a sample of here. "Army to Your Party" can be ordered now via iTunes, Amazon and Google Play here.
"Army to Your Party" is cut from the upcoming new ORGY album, entitled #newmusic – stay tuned for more details coming soon! The track was mixed by Jay Baumgardner of NRG Recording Studios, and is a full collaboration written by ORGY, Sullivan King, and Crichy Crich. #newmusic and "Army for Your Party" are being released via the joint venture between D1 Music and Pacific Rising Entertainment, a company run by ORGY fan Adrian Stinson that aims to assist artists in making their vision come true, whether they are already an internationally known touring act or just getting their feet wet in the music industry.
"Army to Your Party" is impacting a rock radio now and is also featured on the MX vs ATV All Out video game by THQ Nordic and Rainbow Studios – available now for Playstation4, Xbox One, and PC. Learn more here: https://mxvsatv.com/
About ORGY
ORGY emerged in the Goth music scene in 1998 with their incredible remake of 'Blue Monday'. The track sold over one million copies and is still selling 20 years later. In late 2005, after the release of Punk Statik Paranoia via D1 Music and Associates, their independent DVD TRANS GLOBAL SPECTACLE via D1 Music /DLC Records, and a promotional tour, the band went on a hiatus to work on their side projects. In 2011, after seven years of demand from fans for new music and a tour, founding member Jay Gordon (vocals) decided it was time to kick things back up and begin recording and touring again in support of ORGY's fans.
After several years of releasing earworm singles to the masses, ORGY has proven their long-lasting potency with a refreshed line-up and sound. The modern incarnation of ORGY has been transformed and sees the band poised to re-establish themselves in the EDM, industrial and hard rock scenes. Make no mistake about it, the ORGY brand is not going away anytime soon. As long as the fans demand new music and tours, the band is ready, willing and able to fill their request.
ORGY Online:
www.orgymusic.com
Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Twitter
ORGY is:
Jay Gordon – Vocals
Carlton Bost – Guitar/Vocals
Nic Speck – Bass/Vocals
Ilia Yordanov – Guitar/Vocals
Ryan Browne – Drums
Army to Your PartyBring Your Armynew membersnewmusicOrgyTourTour AnnouncementUS tour


Tony Hannington
Home Our Team Tony Hannington
Head of Lime Solicitors
Tony graduated from Nottingham University and the Chester College of Law. He undertook his training at the firm and following 25 years' of service now oversees Lime Solicitors.
Tony initially acted for Insurers defending personal injury compensation claims and specialised in:
malicious prosecution and wrongful arrest claims
gas explosions and utility claims
defamation claims
claims against Local Authorities.
Over time Tony undertook more and more claims on behalf of the injured and looked to grow a claimant personal injury team. Tony's experience in acting for Insurers and Loss adjusters has given him a unique insight into the litigation process and a tactical advantage which enables him to secure the best results for his injured clients.
Tony has had significant experience of dealing with the whole range of injuries and accident types but in particular has been regularly instructed on:
cyclist claims
Tony's empathetic but tenacious approach has enabled him to secure financial security for many spouses and dependent children following the death of their loved one upon who they were financially reliant. He provides support, advice and assistance from the Inquest right through to the end of the Litigation process.
Catastrophic injury claims
Tony has vast experience in dealing with accidents causing brain injury ranging from minor injuries causing small but perceptible changes in character and brain functioning to those where there is significant cognitive deficit requiring significant assistance in dealing with day to day affairs and personal needs – he is adept in coordinating case managers, carers, professional deputies, architects in charge of house adaptations, medical experts and accountants so as not only to be able to secure the best settlement but also to put systems and help in place to meet the client's needs. Tony has a keen interest in brain injuries and studied for Headway's Certificate in Brain Injury Studies via the University of Northampton
He also has a wealth of experience in dealing with accidents causing traumatic amputation of limbs or causing injury sadly requiring amputation as part of treatment. In such cases Tony understands the significant impact on daily life and regularly liaises with specialist Prosthetic supply organisations on behalf of his clients as part of the Claims process.
Tony has represented a number of Union members over the years and has built of a wealth of knowledge and experience in dealing with noise induced deafness cases (including heading the team that dealt with over a 1000 employees suffering hearing loss as a result of using tone and amp oscillators at BT), mesothelioma and asbestosis cases, vibration white finger and work related upper limb disorders, work related dermatitis, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD).
Through his Union member client base Tony has developed an acute understanding of many work place environments and the dangers they can hold for employees and leads teams specialising in dangerous and /or unguarded machinery, failures to provide sufficient protection from harmful products ranging from dust, molten steel and carcinogenic paints; and slips and trips in the workplace.
Tony is a keen cyclist and through his work, and several close shaves, he has a particular awareness of the hazards for cyclists on the Country's roads and had developed a specialism and reputation for dealing with minor injuries to fatalities in this field.
Acted for a teenager run over crossing the road causing permanent brain damage. Multi million pound lump sum and annual payments from Insurer recovered.
Acted for the widow of a cyclist killed whilst cycling home from work – successfully recovering compensation where liability was disputed.
Acted for a student who suffered a traumatic amputation on his leg at the hip as a result of being pulled under and ran over by a train – Significant damages recovered after progression to trial.
Lead a team recovering £2m damages for its Union member clients for Noise Induced Hearing Loss claims against BT.
Acted for a widow in a car accident whose husband suffered significant injuries in an accident requiring hospitalisation who then tragically died after an alleged failure in treatment. Damages in excess of £1m recovered both for the loss of financial dependency and the widow's own significant injures where there was a risk of leg amputation.
Acted for a widow and the children of the Deceased killed in an accident where the widow also suffered Brain Injury and the Children PTSD.
Tony acted in the Court of Appeal in the leading case of Lawrence v Chief Constable of Staffordshire confirming the rate of interest to be paid on personal injury damages awards.
Tony is a keen cyclist and Squash Player when not ferrying his three children around!
Cycling from London to Paris
The State of Our Roads – a Hazard to Cyclists?
Action Mesothelioma Day – 1st July 2016


Below are your search results. You can also try a Basic Search.
Title/Headline:
Month January February March April May June July August September October November December Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Writer/Photographer:
Any article media page section comment
police-jpeg.jpg
(10/28/19 2:30am)
U.Va. Police will be fully staffed tonight in anticipation of the increase in "high-risk situations" tonight and the rest of this weekend.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/f8a27a57-d408-4724-9fbf-b013edf670cc
anton.op.ledit.jpg
If the New College Curriculum is as great as its advocates contend, then there should be no reason to mandate enrollment in it.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/e6e5fb0e-6143-47b6-95f7-8ee8266fa131
TrudeauandTrumpop.jpg
Voters must support politicians who represent their values, in their own lives and in their official capacities.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/91a53074-098b-4a36-8286-3ebba4a8c330
Double Take 2019
(10/27/19 5:17pm)
The University's second Double Take event featured 10 storytellers from staff, faculty and the student body.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/2ed6274d-cff4-4867-85f6-63109907cbb9
sports football 2019.jpg
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/d66bd7a0-0f5e-4b00-893d-c93cded89c39
sp-Dubois-EmmaKlein.jpg
Senior wide receiver Hasise Dubois leads Virginia in receiving yards with 489 yards so far this season.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/37ec75ac-558d-49ee-8283-a35ae446e30d
Hoos on First, Ep. 1, Season 2 — Grant Kersey and bold predictions
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/7f0ed054-5cf9-43dd-a36a-2b1ea7c32367
Hoos on First Ep 1, Season 2 — Grant Kersey and bold predictions
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/d2e648b1-ce55-4382-9bd3-227ccbd1831f
STR.101719.Children'sHospital.jpg
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/553cdfa9-312e-48ee-b625-b785124956c1
op-WarrenBuffett-CourtesyWikimediaCommons.jpg
(10/25/19 12:07am)
The Blue Ridge Guild, by asserting their intention to unionize shows a path to resist corporations' carving up of newspapers.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/baa59b61-33c3-4526-a1e1-8a181ad17c8e
(10/24/19 10:54pm)
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/5f1a3753-dad1-4473-8d27-1ebcbe1cf78c
Audience members gathered Thursday in the Old Cabell Auditorium for the second iteration of Double Take.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/d9715f84-edb1-4254-b165-1d59dc0f3ccc
Madison Hall
University President Jim Ryan said that offering a living wage to both contracted and non-contracted employees is one of the most important initiatives the University can pursue to improve its relationship with the broader community.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/3249d9fa-34ed-42d5-a7a1-edd212663ca5
72681027_738364706643429_10992749750779904_n (1).png
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/05fb0be8-3820-4980-abc2-b5b5cc69b466
transfer headshots collage- Jenn Brice Ariana Gueranmayeh Paige Waterhouse Courtesy Kendal Madar.jpg
Top: Kendal Madar, Natalie Groder. Bottom: Brian Lee, Raheel Tauyyab.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/fce0181a-b151-4c51-b77c-0bf7f67a3055
ns-downtown-XLi.jpg
The newly-established council will analyze the University's impact throughout the Charlottesville community.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/fb89bd42-6b4f-427b-aabb-a1ecf5b1afbc
ns-classroom-SRoehse.jpeg
The curriculum features engagement classes on the themes of aesthetics, ethics, difference and empiricism.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/6cd0a625-7278-4d93-95b8-7a15577c38da
hs-artscience-AGueranmayeh.jpg
Through sculpting, Margaret Kim utilizes her science background to envision the formation of life for a new fictional species.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/7347e620-4902-421e-824e-ac836f6aa716
ns-Peabody-RichardDizon.jpg
Peabody Hall is home to the University's Office of Admissions.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/cf4e2208-d2b6-41c3-923a-2d39272a4455
hu-justine-RileyWalsh.jpg
Humor columnist Justine Baird puts the recent impeachment proceedings into context.
https://www.cavalierdaily.com/multimedia/fd69f40f-cdf6-48c1-a636-4f5ffaef2081


Weather Fronts
Literacy Framework
Science, Evolution, and Creationism, by the National Academies, focuses on teaching evolution in today's classrooms. Check out the other publications in our online store.
Tornado observed by the VORTEX-99 team on May 3, 1999, in central Oklahoma. Note the tube-like condensation funnel, attached to the rotating cloud base, surrounded by a translucent dust cloud.
Courtesy of NOAA
Earth's Weather
Tornadoes Section
Tornado Scales
Before 1971, there was no way to categorize tornadoes by their strength. Without a standard system to rank tornadoes, there was no way to keep an accurate storm record; everybody had their own idea of how strong the storm was. In 1971, T. Theodore Fujita, a professor at the University of Chicago, came up with a system that equated wind speed with tornado damage. This original Fujita tornado scale had six categories from F0 to F5.
A new scale for rating the strength of tornadoes became operational on February 1, 2007 and it is called the Enhanced Fujita Scale.
The Enhanced Fujita Scale or EF Scale has six categories from zero to five, with EF5 being the highest degree of damage. The Scale was used the first time as three separate tornadoes took place in central Florida early on February 2, 2007. These tornadoes destroyed many houses and businesses and killed at least 21 people. And these tornadoes were only rated EF3 tornadoes.
The first time the EF5 measurement was recorded was in the Greensburg, KS tornado that occurred on May 4, 2007. The tornado was estimated to be 1.7 miles in width and traveled for over 22 miles. Its winds reached 205 mph. The city of Greensburg was virtually destroyed and 12 people lost their lives that day. Tornado sirens were sounded in Greensburg twenty minutes before the tornado hit, certainly saving countless lives. Still, much better tornado forecasting is needed to give even earlier warnings.
Scientists have to figure out how strong a tornado was after it is over. Because the scale is based on the damage caused by it, they can't predict how strong a tornado would be before it strikes.
Last modified May 8, 2008 by Jennifer Bergman.
Cool It! is the new card game from the Union of Concerned Scientists that teaches kids about the choices we have when it comes to climate change—and how policy and technology decisions made today will matter. Cool It! is available in our online store.
Ready, Set, SCIENCE!: Putting Research to Work in K-8 Science Classrooms
What types of instructional experiences help K-8 students learn science with understanding? What do science educators teachers, teacher leaders, science specialists, professional development staff, curriculum designers, school administrators need to know to create and support such experiences?...more
Tornadoes form from severe thunderstorms. They have a very high energy density which means that they are very destructive to a small area. They also don't last very long which makes them hard to study....more
Tornado Forecasts
The short duration and complicated nature of tornadoes make them nearly impossible forecast. Meteorologists don't really know the specifics of how they form, but they do know what atmospheric conditions...more
Tornado Notification
Tornadoes are very destructive, so it's important to know when one may form so you can take shelter. Forecastors at the National Weather Service are always on the lookout for developing storms. Even though...more
Sizes of Tornadoes
Tornadoes come in three different sizes, each with different characteristics. The three sizes are: weak, strong, and violent. Their size is dependent not only on their physical width but is part of the...more
Wave Beats
Sound travels in waves. These waves have both a frequency and an amplitude. The frequency is measured in hertz, which is one wave cycle per second. A cycle is a repeated pattern of positive and negative...more
Chasing Tornadoes
Storms chasers are different than storm spotters. Chasers travel around Tornado Alley looking for severe storms and tornadoes. This area in the Great Plains is the best for chasing. Besides having a lot...more
Energy Density
A tornado is the most destructive force in nature; that doesn't mean it has the most energy. Thunderstorms which produce tornadoes can have 40,000 times as much energy as a tornado! Tornadoes are so destructive...more


'X-Men: Days of Future Past' Continues to Ply Viral Marketing Strategy
Tim Falkenberg November 26th, 2013 - 7:20 PM
Did you know it was Erik Lehnsherr, aka Magneto (played by both Michael Fassbender – above – and Ian McKellen), who was actually responsible for the death of President John F. Kennedy? So says the alternate history of X-Men: Days of Future Past in a new viral marketing site and video. Though it feels a bit exploitative to say so, the film appears to be taking full advantage of the current interest in the JFK assassination, driven by last Friday's 50th anniversary of the real tragedy.
The new promo site follows the example set by earlier marketing materials released in July, posing as a real site and revealing little to nothing that would suggest it's actually in service of a movie. The earlier site was one for Trask Industries, a corporation headed by Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) which is effectively the antagonist in Days of Future Past. As the site explains in friendly, consumer-driven terms, Trask industries is not only the manufacturer of the anti-mutant robots protecting the peace, but is on the forefront of technology to mitigate effects of the X-Gene that gives mutants their powers.
This new site takes on the appearance of a news editorial, including a lengthy piece which meticulously reports the events of the day fifty years later, with Magneto long in government captivity. The article was "written" by Harper Simmons, an accomplished investigative reporter in the X-Men comics cannon, and presents an amended Warren Report which says Magneto was the man on the grassy knoll, and that he bent the trajectory of Oswald's bullets to wound, then kill, the President and others in the limo. Contextually, the article plays off the revelation of mutant activity explored in the Cuban Missile Crisis in X-Men: First Class, and presents a world that became increasingly divided not only by racial and geopolitical issues, but by questions of how to deal with the X-Gene and mutants, leading to the alternate universe that will be explored in the new movie.
Included also is a Nightline-style video which effectively presents a short version of the article. Check it out here:
X-Men: Days of Future Past is due out May 23rd. Check out the trailer and some of our previous coverage here.
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Tim Falkenberg
[READ FULL BIO]
Follow @mxdwnmovies
mxdwnmovies


Sand Springs Public Schools launching new app to anonymously report bullying
By: Megan Allison
SAND SPRINGS, Okla. -- Sand Springs Public Schools is constantly looking for the latest technology, preparing for the worst.
On Tuesday they're introducing the STOPit app, with the goal of addressing everything from cyber bullying to self-harm.
"You never want to be caught in a situation where something bad happens and you could have prevented it. That's why you have to look into whatever is going on and see what you can do to make your rules, your protocols be better," Central Ninth Grade Center principal JJ Smith said.
The app allows people to report anonymously, putting in pictures and information that go to administrators. Staff then talk to students to learn more about what's going on.
"Bullying dictates a lot of behavior in the classroom that I see. I know there are kids that are completely silent because they're terrified to draw any attention to themselves," ninth grade teacher Becky Painter said.
Earlier this semester the district launched the CrisisGo app, which walked teachers through emergencies and pulls up rosters to keep track of everyone in the classroom. Educators said it gives peace of mind to have so many resources available in case of an incident.
"You always have it in the back of your mind when you see a kid with their head down that doesn't normally have their head down. You're always thinking about that. What's going on with them today? You really never know. Sometimes you learn things about your students where you're like "no wonder they're struggling," Painter said.
Smith is head of the safety committee and said they continue to look at new drills and technology, as well as input from parents.


Jack Rusenko
Sept 16, 2001 Video
Jack was a visible part of the Christian community in Morocco. He served as Senior Warden of St. John's Anglican Church from 1997 to 2010. He participated in the visit of H.R.H. Prince Charles in 1996 and H.R.H. Prince Andrew in 2003. He also served as a member of the Council of Churches (made of two representatives of each of the five officially recognized churches in Morocco) from 1998 to 2010.
Jack served in a volunteer capacity as Interim General Manager of the United Bible Society in Morocco (SBAM) from 1998 to 2000.
Jack attended the National Prayer Breakfast from 2002 to 2008 and brought several Moroccan officials as part of a Moroccan Interfaith delegation.
In 1998, on behalf of the Bible Society and the local Anglican Church, Jack presented an Arabic copy of St. Augustine's "Confessions" to the late King Hassan II.
On September 16, 2001, Jack helped coordinate a memorial ceremony held in St. Peter's Cathedral in Rabat. He spoke on behalf of the Christian community and also led prayers.
In 2010, shortly after returning to the USA, Jack was shocked by the unchristian public actions of Pastor Terry Jones. Jack wrote an open letter to Pastor Terry Jones (VF: Une lettre ouverte au Pasteur Terry Jones) of Gainesville, Florida in order to voice an opinion of many Christians living in Muslim countries. Copies of the letter in English and French are below:
an_open_letter_to_pastor_terry_jones.pdf
une_lettre_ouverte_au_pasteur_terry_jones.pdf