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The Chinese presence at the Huddersfield Festival in November (see review
in S&H, December
'99) has prompted increased interest in Chinese music, old and
new. Nimbus is an acknowledged leader in introducing unusual musics
to Western listeners. That of China remains strange to us and understandably
This CD is revelatory. It will not be to everyone's taste, but approached
with open minds and ears the rewards are substantial. It is not 'difficult'
music, indeed first reactions may be that it is too simple and repetitive,
but gradually it all comes into focus. Derived from ancient temple music,
it still flourishes in folk rituals, with a major revival since the end of
the disastrous Cultural Revolution. In northern China wind and percussion
music predominates. Melodies are decorated according to the idiom of each
instrument, and played together in heterophonic patterns.
The Tianjin Ensemble toured Europe in 1993 and made this CD in London.
The lead musician, Li Jinwen, was formerly a Buddhist monk; the others are
peasants. These elderly musicians are all versatile multi-instrumentalists
Li Jinwen is a virtuoso performer on the guanzi, a double-reed
wooden pipe. It is often supported by the sheng, a mouth organ with
seventeen pipes, about thirteen of them with reeds. There are 'cloud gongs'
and pitched gongs, barrel drums and cymbals, the melodic instruments
counterpointed by elusive and subtle drum rhythms.
The pieces mostly begin freely, leading to faster, more extrovert sections,
with interludes on percussion and large ritual cymbals. The whole effect
is mesmerising and draws one in. Unusually for me, we played it right through,
with increasing enjoyment.
As always with this Nimbus series, the notes (by Stephen Jones) are comprehensive
and fascinating, with lots of photos. This CD is a wonderful window onto
a strange world which, unlike many natural species, is not now threatened
with extinction. Ritual music in China is alive and well and has much to
offer us. Because I cannot guarantee you will share my pleasure, I give it
a cautious rating, but at Nimbus's very reasonable pricing, why not take
Peter Grahame Woolf
Peter Grahame Woolf
Reviews from previous
Reviews carry sales links but you can also purchase | <urn:uuid:79404ecb-55fe-4bf2-b5c7-f10d561ab976> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2000/feb00/buddhist.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00025-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937857 | 517 | 1.507813 | 2 |
I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share this video of this two-bit Congressman, Patrick McHenry. In this video he mocks the democrats for suggesting that encouraging Americans to ride their bicycles will help get through the current energy crisis.
I have to give some credit to this guy for being the youngest congressman in the United States; he was born in 1975 (Though when I first saw him I thought he was 45 years old). The video was taken in August of 2007, so he would have been 31 at the time. But his credibility disappears pretty quickly after watching this video.
In case you can’t watch the video, here is the transcript:
“A major component of the Democrats’ energy legislation and the Democrats’ answer to our energy crisis is, hold on, wait one minute, wait one minute, it is promoting the use of the bicycle. Oh, I cannot make this stuff up. Yes, the American people have heard this. Their answer to our fuel crisis, the crisis at the pumps, is: Ride a bike. Democrats believe that using taxpayer funds in this bill to the tune of $1 million a year should be devoted to the principle of: “Save energy, ride a bike.” Some might argue that depending on bicycles to solve our energy crisis is naive, perhaps ridiculous. Some might even say Congress should use this energy legislation to create new energy, bring new nuclear power plants on line, use clean coal technology, energy exploration, but no, no. They want to tell the American people, stop driving, ride a bike. This is absolutely amazing. Apparently the Democrats believe that the miracle on two wheels; that we know as a bicycle; will end our dependence on foreign oil. I cannot make this stuff up. It’s absolutely amazing. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you the Democrats. Promoting 19th Century solutions to 21st Century problems. If you don’t like it, ride a bike. If you don’t like the price at the pumps, ride a bike. Stay tuned for the next BIG IDEA from the Democrats improving fuel efficiency by the horse and buggy.”
I guess our friend Patrick has never been to Amsterdam, where there are far more bicycles than cars. Suggesting that bicycles are a “19th century solution to a 21st century problem” only illustrates McHenry’s ignorance to the problems his country faces. In the days of $10/gallon gas prices, I promise you that you’ll see a lot of people riding their bikes. | <urn:uuid:1c6bf729-2f30-4b1e-af9b-a1192a450163> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.theurbancountry.com/2008/07/two-bit-congressman-patrick-mchenry.html?showComment=1215799860000 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963849 | 530 | 1.789063 | 2 |
Small Business Development and Management Institute
Small Business Incubator (SUNO, Inc.)
The Small Business Development and Management Institute at Southern University at New Orleans offers workshops and free consulting services to fuel the establishment and growth of small businesses, primarily in New Orleans East. Whether you are considering starting a business for the first time or considering ways to grow your established business, we will connect you with the resources and tools to help your small business prosper and grow. How do you get started? It depends on where you are in your entrepreneurial career…
The SUNO Small Business Incubator (SUNO, Inc.) was made possible by a HUD grant, the program serves the local community in successful development of start-up and fledgling companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of targeted resources and services. The business incubator’s main goal is to produce successful enterprises that will leave the program financially viable and freestanding. Incubator graduates have the potential to create jobs, revitalize neighborhoods, and strengthen local and national economies. | <urn:uuid:15e605ad-f2f3-4224-a55a-d19bbc3f49ce> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://suno.edu/colleges-and-schools/business-public-administration/small-business-development-management-institute/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00037-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.930716 | 210 | 1.601563 | 2 |
Don’t have time to wait in line at the library? Well now the Bellevue Library has a solution for you. They now have two self-checkout computers.
The idea is to cut down on lines and free up library workers so they can help other people find books. Library Director Guadalupe Mier said there are many benefits of the new machines, “You can checkout, renew, and you can look at previous records. What you have out, what you have on hold and if it is on the hold shelf.”
The library workers will be training people on the new machines as they come in. | <urn:uuid:a0213125-89c3-45e6-bf81-666f831ea0d0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.wowt.com/news/headlines/New-Self-Checkout-Computers-At-Bellevue-Library-191474541.html?site=mobile | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00026-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.981047 | 130 | 1.679688 | 2 |
Lori’s friend Susan sent her an article from her local paper about the closing of the Star Trek Experience at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas. This was a exhibition and simulator ride based mostly around Star Trek: The Next Generation. Given that the show has been off the air for fourteen years, it really isn’t a surprise that they finally shut it down.
And yet, it’s sad.
These were the Voyages of the Star Ship Enterprise
Her 5-year mission was extended several times – The original show, The Next Generation, Voyager, and Enterprise. Each series had its own unique flavor, but they all stretched our imaginations and made us wonder about “what is out there” beyond the limits of our solar system.
We don’t consider ourselves to be Trekkies, although our lives have been heavily influenced by Star Trek. As children, we watched the original series with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock. (Lori, of course, had a crush on Spock at the time.) Corey still remembers sitting on a couch with his family watching the season previews and how excited they were about the upcoming Star Trek show. Corey’s father helped run his father’s corner store in New York City and read every issue of Astounding Stories, If, Galaxy, and other pulp science fiction magazines. Corey grew up in a living room filled with books and magazines, many of them science fiction and fantasy.
The Prime Directive
Although the Enterprise crew seemed to forget it occasionally – when to do so was convenient to a story line – all starship crews were required to follow the Prime Directive. They were not to interfere with other civilizations, nor even to reveal the existence of the Federation or star ships to pre-spacefaring worlds. Wikipedia quotes it as:
“No identification of self or mission. No interference with the social development of said planet. No references to space or the fact that there are other worlds or civilizations.”
Of course, they proceeded to break the rules right and left, all in the name of the Greater Good. Sort of like the concept of the Quest for Glory Paladin who must decide between the laws and justice.
The Star Trek series took on issues of war and authoritarianism, of personal heroism and working for peace. It was set in a world with no borders and no race or sex barriers – no limits. Then there was the overall message of hope – we will make it to the future, and the stars will be ours to explore.
Those were pretty good lessons to grow up with.
To Seek Out New Life and New Civilizations
Quest for Glory owes much to Star Trek. Yes, there’s the USS ‘Exitprise’ in the Magic Shop of Shapeir. On the hero’s way in to Shapeir, the magic carpet almost gets hit by the starship going into warp drive. But there’s much more than that below the surface.
Star Trek was always about going to new lands and new civilizations. The crew’s missions were all about bringing peace to war-torn worlds and creating a better future. Uhura, the Warrior and Adventure Guildmaster in ‘Trial by Fire’ and in ‘Wages of War’ was named after the character in Star Trek for a reason. In Swahili, the word uhuru means freedom. (We learned this from a Star Trek filk song!) We wanted the player to set people free from fear and evil. We wanted the players to feel like true heroes.
To Boldly Go where no one has Gone Before
We have seen the Star Trek Experience in Las Vegas several times. We ate at Quark’s Bar and Restaurant and talked to Klingons and Ferrangi there. We even got an Evil Tribble from it. This was a battery powered tribble that would wiggle and purr when we first got it… but little did we know its true nature. After a while, it would turn itself on at odd times and give low, growling noises and it wouldn’t shut itself down. I think we locked it away in a chest somewhere. Perhaps by now it has escaped and plotted to take over the world with the Evil Meep… but that’s another story.
We have a garland beside the kitchen with a string of lights and Star Trek ornaments. Our favorite drinking mug has a Klingon Bird of Prey. Lori even has a pressed coin with the Bird of Prey symbol on it from the Experience in her purse. She isn’t quite sure where she can spend that, but she’s well prepared for the Klingon Invasion. She even has a Klingon font on her computer, since you never know when you may have to answer an ultimatum from an invading alien species.
We’ve even played Klingon characters in D&D. Well, technically they’re Uruks, but the DM based them on Klingons, and they’re pretty much indistinguishable personality-wise.
We’re still not Trekkies. Er… by some definition. Even if we have gone to a Star Trek convention or two. And Grok Spock.
All Good Things…
Anyway, we’re sad that the Star Trek Experience has gone away. It’s sad that all of the Star Trek TV series have come and gone. Then again, they all seem dated and hokey in today’s world. They had their final voyage, and it’s time to let them sail away.
But the Legacy of Star Trek will live on.
Live long and Prosper. Q’plah!
Photos of ‘Corey gets Borged’ (he got better) and ‘Klingon Warrior’ were taken at the Star Trek Experience four years ago. ‘To Boldly Go’ is original art by Lori. | <urn:uuid:352b2e56-4250-4749-a172-58a0b5973e54> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.theschoolforheroes.com/questlog/168/star-trek/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704713110/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114513-00041-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962551 | 1,224 | 1.5 | 2 |
Elenga Zacharie, better known as Jhimmy, was one of the founding fathers of modern Congolese music. Coming from what is now known as the Central African Republic, he came to Leopoldville to work as a shorthand typist with the Solbena trading firm of the Benatar brothers. When the Benatar brothers started the Opika record label, Jhimmy started his career as guitariste. His stage name was taken from American country legend Jimmy Rodgers.
His first hit was a track called "Ondruwe" which co-starred his Angolan friend Mwanga Paul, who also composed the track "Henriette" on the other side of the record. When others -like Kabasele, Goby, Déchaud and Taumani- came to the Opika label and became 'stars', Jhimmy faded into the background.
Here are four tracks recorded in April 1951. The group accompanying Jhimmy was called the Cuban Jazz orchestre. The main vocalist is Mwanga Paul.
I have added two tracks from 1952, of a slightly better quality, with some lovely plucking from Jhimmy and Mwanga Paul crooning away. My favorite is "Likambo Te", which I am told translates as "there is no problem"...... Very true.
Opika 431, 432 and 458 (new link March 4, 2010) | <urn:uuid:acea829a-f911-4381-9d6d-87fa17080225> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://wrldsrv.blogspot.com/2008/10/le-guitariste-hawaien.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697974692/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095254-00006-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.978817 | 293 | 1.5625 | 2 |
| Have a map of this location?|
Then please upload it!
It's a river, located mostly in The Reach, that flows northwards from the Jerall Mountains, passing to the east of Markarth, before flowing through Karthwasten, Dragon Bridge and beneath the great arch of Solitude.
It merges with the Hjaal River at its estuary and finally terminates in the Sea of Ghosts. Along the way it picks up several tributaries flowing down from the mountains to the west, including that passing through Markarth. For much of its course, the river flows through a deeply cut canyon that bisects the rocky hills of the Reach.
The Karth River's source can be traced as far back as Bard's Leap Summit, specifically to the large waterfall towering over the ruin. The waterfall itself can be traced back to somewhere within the Jerall Mountains.
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (First appearance) | <urn:uuid:ebf79545-b10c-47d6-8486-411d3e75dfab> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://elderscrolls.wikia.com/wiki/Karth_River | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00026-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.952892 | 196 | 1.601563 | 2 |
Author dismisses Kate as plastic doll
Hilary Mantel says duchess lacks personality, human frailty shown by Diana
An award-winning author has whipped up controversy by describing Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, as a "machine-made" doll with a "plastic smile" who lacks the personality and human frailty shown by Princess Diana.
Hilary Mantel, who has twice won the Man Booker Prize for her historical novels set in Tudor times, made the comments in a talk for the London Review of Books titled "Royal Bodies," looking at how royal lives play out under the public gaze.
The furor over her comments came as Catherine carried out her first official engagement since she announced her pregnancy, with a visit to an addiction treatment clinic in London.
While there, she told reporters it would be "unnatural" if she was not nervous about having a child.
The duchess, who is patron of the charity that runs the clinic, Action on Addiction, was briefly hospitalized late last year with acute morning sickness. She and husband Prince William are expecting a baby in July.
In her lecture, Mantel described how Catherine's public image was first defined by her clothes, and then her pregnancy.
Before she became a mother-to-be, "I saw Kate becoming a jointed doll on which certain rags are hung," Mantel said, and "a shop-window mannequin, with no personality of her own, entirely defined by what she wore." Now, she will be portrayed as "her only point and purpose being to give birth."
The author also suggested the chief attribute brought by Catherine to her royal marriage was good manners, adding that the duchess "appeared to have been designed by a committee and built by craftsmen, with a perfect plastic smile and the spindles of her limbs hand-turned and gloss-varnished."
And Mantel contrasted that with the potential for disaster that Diana, the late Princess of Wales and mother to princes William and Harry, carried with her, saying Kate was "irreproachable: as painfully thin as anyone could wish, without quirks, without oddities, without the risk of the emergence of character."
Unlike Diana, "whose human awkwardness and emotional incontinence showed in her every gesture," Mantel said, Kate appears to be "precision-made, machine-made."
In the first official portrait of the duchess, unveiled by artist Paul Emsley in January, her "eyes are dead" and she wears a strained smile, the author added.
Mantel was also critical of the public and the media, which, she suggests, place royal women under unhealthy scrutiny, particularly when it comes to producing a royal heir.
Nonetheless, her words attracted fierce criticism Tuesday.
Royal commentator Robert Jobson dismissed Mantel's remarks as "a cheap publicity stunt" and questioned whether she had ever met Catherine or seen her at work.
"People who meet Kate warm to her," he told CNN. "She has a winning smile and easy charm. Yes, she has a long way to go, and is not the new Princess Diana as many in the media are hoping for.
"But I think she is slowly but surely carving out a role for herself."
In the Telegraph newspaper, women's editor Emma Barnett branded Mantel's comments "not only unfounded, but incredibly cheap."
It is very early days for Kate as a royal, and her image is being carefully managed, Barnett said. "She has ample time to develop her public persona and become a fully-fledged role model if needs be," she said.
Nor does Catherine have the luxury of answering criticism, she added. "As a fully paid-up member of the royal family, she can only respond by doing the very same thing Mantel has criticized her for: staying quiet."
The Daily Mail also blasted Mantel's comments as "an astonishing and venomous attack."
Mantel's literary agent, Bill Hamilton, said Tuesday the author had no comment on the controversy over her lecture. "The article speaks for itself," he said.
Mantel last year became the first woman to twice win the Man Booker Prize, for her novel "Bring Up the Bodies." She previously won in 2009 with "Wolf Hall."
Her novels focus on the Tudors -- and in the lecture, she draws a parallel between the current fascination with Catherine's body and the public scrutiny under which the wives of Henry VIII sought to produce a male heir.
Last week, an Italian magazine provoked an uproar in the UK media when it published pictures of a bikini-clad Catherine on vacation, with her "baby bump" visible. Palace officials said they were disappointed by what they said was a clear breach of privacy.
"Long before Kate's big news was announced, the tabloids wanted to look inside her to see if she was pregnant," Mantel said.
"Cheerful curiosity can easily become cruelty. It can easily become fatal. We don't cut off the heads of royal ladies these days, but we do sacrifice them, and we did memorably drive one to destruction a scant generation ago."
The institution of monarchy may be irrational, Mantel added, but those outside don't have to forget their principles as they observe the "entertainment" the royals provide.
"I'm not asking for censorship. I'm not asking for pious humbug and smarmy reverence. I'm asking us to back off and not be brutes," she said.
Emily Bell, director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at the Columbia Journalism School, defended Mantel via Twitter, saying the furor exemplified the author's point about the media's role.
"The Middleton row is caused by the Mail turning Hilary Mantel's rather wonderful lecture into an example of exactly what Mantel warns of..." she said.
Copyright 2013 by CNN NewSource. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. | <urn:uuid:a1d08ba3-1a4f-45ac-bce4-1ca49b5f746b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.wcvb.com/news/national/Author-dismisses-Kate-as-plastic-doll/-/9848944/18980042/-/format/rsss_2.0/view/print/-/hnaesoz/-/index.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00011-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.978418 | 1,241 | 1.679688 | 2 |
AN IBM SUPERCOMPUTER has whipped two Jeopardy game show champions in a face-off.
Biggish Blue's data analytics and natural language processing computer called Watson has beaten Jeopardy champions Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter in trial demonstration. The actual man versus machine competition will have three rounds that will air on television in February.
When we say whipped, it wasn't an unequivocal thrashing. The two blokes are known as the best Jeopardy players in the US and managed to get many answers right, but not enough to win. The computer racked up $4,400 to win and Ken fared well with $3,400, but Brad came third with just $1,200.
Most unnerving was hearing Watson choose the "chicks dig me" category and doing a good impression of Hal from 2001. The audience laughed in the background but we felt a shiver go down our spine as we realised that the Singularity, if not end of the world, is nigh. Would the last human being please turn out the lights before we hand over power to our new computational overlords?
"We are at a very special moment in time," Dr John Kelly, IBM SVP and the director of IBM Research told Wired.
"We are at a moment where computers and computer technology now have approached humans. We have created a computer system that has the ability to understand natural human language, which is a very difficult thing for computers to do."
The Watson supercomputer is named after IBM's founder, Thomas J. Watson, not Sherlock Holmes' roommate Dr Watson, and it has taken 25 IBM boffins four years to program. So far Watson has had 200 million pages of information entered into its database and it isn't networked so it's not quickly referencing Wikipedia online when it's answering Jeopardy questions.
Watson consists of ten racks of IBM Power 750 Linux servers with 15TB of memory. It has 2,880 CPU cores to process a question, search for the answer and produce it in less than three seconds. µ
Uses 20 percent less power than traditional systems
It's becoming more prevalent in car research and development
Sign up for INQbot – a weekly roundup of the best from the INQ | <urn:uuid:5e4c89fa-1239-4474-bd06-22e7c45a3e82> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1937273/ibm-beats-human-jeopardy-champs | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00001-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.959569 | 461 | 1.742188 | 2 |
A video from TEDx Goteborg, with this description;
How can herring farts in the Stockholm archipelago almost lead to a diplomatic crisis? Or a bra be converted into a gas mask in case of emergency? To Magnus Wahlberg this is everyday stuff, and proof that science doesn’t have to be dull to be important. He is a biologist and Scandinavian desk chief of the science humor magazine Annals of improbable Research, and has himself been awarded the Ig Nobel Prize (for those herring farts). It is an alternative Nobel Prize that honors achievements that first make people laugh, and then think. | <urn:uuid:ad94c7cb-260e-46e4-bdd8-f0ee5b5e43ba> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.improbable.com/2012/11/06/how-herring-farts-almost-led-to-a-diplomatic-crisis/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704713110/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114513-00041-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.930219 | 128 | 1.726563 | 2 |
The TRiO/Upward Bound Math and Science program helps young students to prepare for higher education. Participants receive instruction in mathematics, and science at high school and college campuses after school, on Saturdays, and during the summer. Currently, 774 programs are in operation throughout the U.S. Upward Bound Math/Science helps students from low-income and first generation families to strengthen math and science skills.
Our office is located on the COS Visalia Campus in the Manzanita Building. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. If you have any questions, comments please contact our office for assistance.
TRiO/Upward Bound Math and Science
College of the Sequoias
915 S. Mooney Blvd.
Visalia, CA 93277
10/19/2011 3:36 PM | <urn:uuid:1d4a5827-af65-436c-aa42-ece83d3558f9> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cos.edu/StudentServices/StudentSupportServices/TRiO-UBMS/Pages/default.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704392896/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113952-00008-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.930486 | 183 | 1.703125 | 2 |
Stop signs might replace traffic signals at four residential intersections as a city cost-cutting measure.
Monday, Public Works Manager James Rich and Dolph Bradford outlined a plan to eliminate traffic signals at Madison and Bryan streets; Fifth Avenue and Sanders Street, and Pryor and Sanders streets.
“We’ve been studying these intersections for months and getting traffic counts,” said Rich. “Utilities say that these signals need replacing with replacements costing from $15,000 to $20,000 a piece. Now, we are paying from $1,500 to $2,000 each year to maintain them. We think this is the right way to go.”
Rich didn’t ask the City Council for immediate action on a resolution but asked them to introduce it at Monday’s meeting to give residents in the neighborhoods affected by the changes to respond.
Under the plan the intersection at Madison and Bryan streets would become a four-way stop; the intersection at Fifth Avenue and Sanders Street would become a four-way stop, and the intersection at Pryor and Sanders streets would be a two-way stop with Sanders being the stop street.
“I don’t think the traveling public will be affected by these changes, but we wanted to introduce them so the public is aware and have an opportunity to express their concerns,” said Rich. “They could contact the city through the mayor’s office.”
Council President Jimmy Gill said he would have the measures put back on the Oct. 22 agenda.
In other council business:
• Micah Cochran and James Rich of the Public Works Department made a presentation showing that it was time for a new aerial map of the city and county. The city is part of a consortium that benefits from the aerial mapping and shares in different percentages in the cost. Those departments using the aerial mapping are the city of Athens; Limestone County Water and Sewer Authority; Athens Utilities; Emergency Management Agency; E-911; county Revenue Department in tax assessing. The last aerial mapping was done in 2009 and several new subdivisions and roads have been built since then. The city’s cost on the mapping project is from $35,000 to $40,000 down from the 2009 cost of $60,000. Rich said he would bring the matter back to be voted upon at the Oct. 22 meeting.
• The council suspended rules to readopt the Municipal Lodging Tax, which passed unanimously with one member absent, Councilwoman Mignon Bowers.
• The council accepted Charter Communications as the low bidder for the city’s part of Internet services shared on the city’s and county’s fiber optic lines. The cost is $1,750 per month to be split with the Limestone County Commission. Of the city’s $875 per month, half of that – or $437.50 – will be paid by Athens Utilities.
• The council approved agreements with CSX Railroad for water line construction on McClellan Street and sewer line construction on Hobbs Street.
• The council heard a recommendation from citizen Ralph Diggins that they wait until the new council is seated in November to pass the first increase in city sales tax since 1975 and to hold work sessions with the new council members so they would understand the necessity for the increase and also to publicize in a line-item report where the new revenue would be allocated. The City is proposing raising sales tax by one cent to nine percent.
• Council President Jimmy Gill said he would ask for a decision at the first meeting in November on a new Athens City Board of Education member to replace Gary Hill, who recently resigned. Gill said the city would accept applications and would also review school board applications already on file.
• The council approved $295.76 in travel and education expenses for Water Services. | <urn:uuid:9b07f5ee-7a25-4561-82bc-80da46617cb7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://enewscourier.com/local/x62498266/Four-intersections-might-lose-traffic-signals | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699273641/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516101433-00005-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963487 | 790 | 1.8125 | 2 |
governor of New Jersey, announced in August that he would resign because he had had an affair with another man. “My truth is that I am a gay American,” he said. Golan Cipel came forward and said he was the man with whom the governor had the relationship. Cipel said, however, the relationship was not consensual, and threatened, but did not follow through on, a sexual harassment lawsuit. McGreevey had given Cipel a number of government jobs for which he was clearly unqualified.
Information Please® Database, © 2007 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
More on James McGreevey from Infoplease: | <urn:uuid:dcbb3c23-197e-4656-8c28-49341fce7d93> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0922538.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696382584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092622-00000-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.989852 | 136 | 1.835938 | 2 |
|Not all technical assistance|
has military significance ...
"Following some recent media attention and requests for information from certain member states relating to WIPO’s technical assistance programs, WIPO Director General Francis Gurry provided the following information and clarifications concerning the actions that have been undertaken, or are being undertaken, by the Organization in relation to the provision of technical assistance to countries that are the subject of United Nations (UN) sanctions.Only two countries are mentioned here but, with the help of the Hong Kong Trade and Industry Department's list, the IPKat has counted no fewer than 12 countries -- including some of the poorest and most war-torn -- which are subject to UN sanctions of one form or another. To the extent that the intellectual property infrastructure of any country fulfils its functions, it provides a means for identifying and accessing technologies that can be put to tragically wrongful use as well as those which assist the most needy.
The Director General reiterated that the Secretariat is treating concerns relating to the Organization’s technical assistance programs to countries that are the subject of UN sanctions with the utmost seriousness.
The actions undertaken include:
The Director General reiterates his commitment to transparency and re-affirms the readiness of the Secretariat to continue to provide any information requested by any of the member states of the Organization.
- Following the expression of initial concerns over the provision of standard IT equipment to patent and trademark offices for the processing of intellectual property (IP) applications, new internal procedures were established and made operational on May 1, 2012. Under these procedures, all managers must refer any activity proposed in a country subject to UN sanctions to WIPO’s Legal Counsel for guidance and clearance. The Legal Counsel will, wherever necessary, consult the appropriate UN Sanctions Committee. Additionally, any work plan for a country subject to UN sanctions will be submitted at the commencement of each calendar year for guidance by the appropriate Sanctions Committee.
- The provision of standard IT equipment to the IP offices of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the Islamic Republic of Iran that occurred in the preceding years, within the context of the Organization’s business modernization program for IP Offices in developing countries, is being referred to the relevant UN Sanctions Committees for their information and guidance.
- The initial steps are being undertaken for a full external and independent review of the technical assistance provided to countries subject to UN sanctions.
- A new internal instruction has been issued ending any provision of IT hardware in any of WIPO’s technical assistance programs.
While the legal advice received with respect to the technical assistance provided to DPRK and Iran was that the technical assistance was not in breach of UN Sanctions, it is hoped that the measures outlined above will provide assurance that the Organization is treating this matter with the seriousness that it warrants".
This Kat looks forward to a time when the UN's member states forge a true community in which none threatens its neighbours and in which the UN's agencies can deliver their services to all without the impediment of sanctions. In the meantime he welcomes the Director-General's statement and his commitment to transparency and to the seeking of appropriate sanctions advice, which is the only proper and responsible course that a UN agency such as WIPO can realistically take. | <urn:uuid:0e9016ff-8e4f-4c29-823c-5219e2589473> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://ipkitten.blogspot.com/2012/07/wipo-technical-assistance-and-un.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368709037764/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125717-00016-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.945449 | 671 | 1.804688 | 2 |
We went to visit the Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in December and it's just beautiful. The spring and fall are really the best times to visit the refuge, but it was pretty breathtaking in December too. The refuge is located around the Niobrara river and is about 77 km2 in size. There are a lot of bisons, elks and birds around. If you want to know more about the refuge, please check U.S Fish & Wildlife Service's website
Here are some photos from the Refuge and around Cherry County, Nebraska.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful week! | <urn:uuid:16765808-15fa-484f-8b76-24b7a9d77946> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://sugarantelope.blogspot.com/2012/02/fort-niobrara-national-wildlife-refuge.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698924319/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516100844-00032-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.980912 | 123 | 1.570313 | 2 |
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Summary form only given. Distributed computing environment composed of interconnected machines with varied or same computational capabilities is well suited to meet the computational demands of diverse groups of tasks. The most popular model characterizing tasks' dependence is to utilize DAG (directed acyclic graph). We present a novel model called TTIG that is more realistic and universal than DAG and its corresponding algorithm called MATE for static mapping of parallel application. We extend TTIG model, and propose a new static scheduling algorithm called GBHA (group-based hybrid algorithm) and two versions (GBHA1 for homogeneous systems and GBHA2 for heterogeneous systems). In this work, our algorithms are compared with MATE and some well-known scheduling algorithms for multiprocessor systems based on DAG The simulation experiment results show that our algorithms outperform MATE significantly in both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems and can be comparable to efficient scheduling algorithms based on DAG in multiprocessor systems but with much lower complexity.
Date of Conference: 26-30 April 2004 | <urn:uuid:6f36fc7a-f60b-46f5-9f7d-34c27199ec05> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/articleDetails.jsp?reload=true&arnumber=1302901&contentType=Conference+Publications | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00002-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.934356 | 217 | 1.625 | 2 |
Should you be enthusiastic about looking at quite a few portable generators deciding on a good investment, there are certain considerations you must fully familiarize. It is important to seek information completely for anyone who is to make sure you pick a generator that most closely fits your wants.
Today there are 1000s of options offering excellent valuable. You simply must be clear of what makes use of the generator is going to be primarily offer. By way of example, could be the unit for being installed as support power for ones home in the instance of outage, can you choose to use the generator on hand when going fishing or camping from the wilderness, or perhaps is it an investment that you use within your career. Keep in mind you cannot assume all portable generator have been manufactured for the exact same style of consumer.
For anybody who is excited about purchasing generator to supply validate power, perhaps in a storm, it is critical that is certainly is going to run all of your important appliances. A model featuring a wattage of 2000 units or maybe more really should be sufficient to power your fridge, water pump, light, TV, and Air conditioner.
Another significant factor is definitely the mobility within the device. Want . generator is branded portable does not necessarily mean it may be lightweight and simple to cart. Find out you will end up moving the generator around all the time, makes it few heavy that you have got difficulty in pulling or carrying it. Decide on a design which has strong wheels and handles.
Evaluate the fuel source that may provide capability the portable generators. In case the unit might be used mostly as cover during an urgent situation situation, or taken on camping trips, select a design fuelled by propane or propane. These are generally quieter and fewer polluting than gasoline or diesel fuelled models. | <urn:uuid:85589119-810e-4572-bd01-40c806606370> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://homeportablegenerators.blogspot.com/2011/04/types-of-portable-generators.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697974692/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095254-00018-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.962244 | 362 | 1.71875 | 2 |
Now On Pulse Insights: Election 2012 Retrospective
Our first Pulse Insights post is here!
We’ve taken a look at the 2012 Election, examining the role media coverage played over the course of the campaign. What issues dominated the news? What events shaped the race to the presidency? Find out at our special Pulse Insights page, insights.pulse.me.
How did we gather the info? Pulse data scientist Doug Puett explains the process:
“The Pulse data team used Latent Dirichlet Allocation, a statistics technique that categorizes articles based on key words within them. Using the Pulse ‘Best of Politics’ feed, we were able to find the key words that were most often mentioned over the course of the year, and then grouped those words into larger topics. We plotted the number of documents per day for each topic, and compared the issues with the number of headlines featuring ‘Romney’ or ‘Obama’.” | <urn:uuid:5268cce0-035f-4e5c-98a9-2e92294236f5> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://blog.pulse.me/post/36087019381/now-on-pulse-insights-election-2012-retrospective | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00041-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.938784 | 203 | 1.578125 | 2 |
OPB Wins Cine Eagle Award
Posted June 28, 2012
Oregon Public Broadcasting is pleased to announce that OREGON EXPERIENCE "Modoc War" has won a prestigious CINE Golden Eagle Award. The CINE Golden Eagle awards, distinguishing excellence in professional, independent and student works, are recognized internationally as symbols of the highest production standards in film and television production.
This one-hour documentary examined The Modoc War of 1872 to 1873, one of the costliest American Indian wars in U.S. history. For nearly seven months, a handful of Modoc Indian warriors and their families held off hundreds of U.S. Army soldiers in the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon. The film features interviews with Modoc War experts and descendants of tribal members who were involved in the conflict, along with historic images and present-day film of the area where the battles took place.
"Modoc War" was produced by Kami Horton. Bruce Barrow was the editor; Greg Bond and Nicholas Fisher the videographers and William Ward the audio technician for the documentary.
Watch The Modoc War An Oregon Experience online, anytime at watch.opb.org.
Since its founding in 1957, CINE has been dedicated to discovering, rewarding, educating and supporting established and emerging talent in film and video. Among great talents whose first major awards included the CINE Golden Eagle are Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Ken Burns, Charles Guggenheim, Stanley Nelson, Albert Maysles and Frederick Wiseman.
About OREGON EXPERIENCE
OREGON EXPERIENCE is an exciting history series on OPB TV that brings to life fascinating stories that help us understand who we are and that reinforce our shared identity as Oregonians. The series, co-produced by the Oregon Historical Society and Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB), takes advantage of the extensive film, video and stills from the archives of OHS and OPB, and draws upon the expertise of OHS researchers and historians. Each half-hour show features captivating characters – both familiar and forgotten – who have played key roles in building our state into the unique place we call home. Funding for OREGON EXPERIENCE is provided in part by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation and Oregon Cultural Trust.
OPB is the largest cultural and education institution in the region, delivering excellence in public broadcasting to 1.5 million people each week through television, radio and the Internet. Widely recognized as a national leader in the public broadcasting arena, OPB is a major contributor to the program schedule that serves the entire country. OPB is one of the most-used and most-supported public broadcasting services in the country and is generously supported by 115,000 contributors. | <urn:uuid:7b8be98e-b4ad-4c85-a792-59d97eb187d7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://pressroom.opb.org/press-releases/cine-eagle-award-2012/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00027-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94354 | 563 | 1.523438 | 2 |
Atlantic Seaboard NCSY, New York NCSY Set New Chanukah Guinness World Record
December 12, 2012
ATLANTIC SEABOARD NCSY AND NEW YORK NCSY SET GUINNESS WORLD RECORD FOR MOST SIMULTANEOUS MENORAHS LIT
Members of Atlantic Seaboard and New York NCSY lit 1,000 menorahs, together with members of the Stamford community.
Baltimore-based Atlantic Seaboard NCSY, together with New York NCSY helped set a new Guinness World Record this Chanukah when they united for the world’s largest menorah lighting event in history. Held at the Stamford Hilton in CT, 1,000 menorahs were simultaneously lit on the first night of Chanukah.
NCSY | Jewish Youth Leadership is the international youth movement of the Orthodox Union.
Members of the local Stamford Jewish community joined teens and adults from the Atlantic Seaboard and New York NCSY regions.
According to Rabbi Jonah Lerner, Regional Director of Atlantic Seaboard NCSY, “There are no words to describe how meaningful and inspiring it was to watch more than 600 high school teens light Chanukah candles together -- many of them for their first time. Earlier that day, as Shabbat came to an end, I spoke about how much potential each person has and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. Together, as we set a new record, we showed the world that Judaism is still relevant and important today.”
NCSY originated the idea to break the Guinness World Record after reflecting that just over a month ago, hundreds of our participants suffered greatly from Hurricane Sandy and encountered a variety of challenges disrupting their daily lives.
Rabbi Aryeh Lightstone, Regional Director of New York NCSY, felt strongly that “this year’s NCSY Winter Regional menorah lighting must be more than just an ordinary menorah lighting. As the events of the last several weeks left so many in a state of both physical and spiritual darkness, the holiday of Chanukah -- also known as the Festival of Lights -- fortuitously provided an opportunity to ‘turn the lights back on’ for all the individuals and families affected by the storm. Thus, teens from throughout the East Coast came together for this moving act of persimui nisa (publicizing a miracle/mitzvah).”
Rabbi Lerner noted that “The event required tremendous amounts of logistical coordination, clever marketing, and more than 800 participants working in tandem. Any teen who needed a menorah or candles was provided with them in hopes that this would not merely be a once in a lifetime act, but would serve as a first in a lifetime opportunity.”
With the menorahs in place and live music ready to perform in celebration, Rabbi Lightstone took a few moments to set the tone for such a monumental occasion. He spoke of the Jews in the past that risked their lives to light; and he shared stories of inspiration by the current events in Southern Israel, where residents built menorahs out of shrapnel from rockets fired at their homes and schools.
Rabbi Rocky Caine, Assistant Regional Director of Atlantic Seaboard NCSY, expressed that, “The breaking of a world record was an opportunity for the teens of NCSY to take the ordinary first night of Chanukah and make it into something truly extraordinary. It was an event these teens will remember for a life time.”
NCSY | Inspiring the Jewish Future | <urn:uuid:a4f49d77-2a69-4d8c-b370-2822fcd1a706> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.ou.org/index.php/news/article/98946/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706153698/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120913-00014-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.945707 | 742 | 1.671875 | 2 |
Peace Corps Grieves Over Loss of Volunteer Marilyn Foss
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 25, 2007 - U.S. Peace Corps Director Ron Tschetter is saddened to report the loss of a member of the Peace Corps family. Marilyn Foss, a Peace Corps Volunteer in China, passed away this morning. Marilyn collapsed earlier this week while teaching English in her classroom, and she had been hospitalized since that time.
"Marilyn was a remarkable lady," said Director Tschetter. "I had the opportunity to meet her when I was in China just last month. She was 74 years old, and it had been a dream of hers to become a Peace Corps Volunteer for many years. After raising her kids, she felt this was the right time. In her motivation statement on her application, she said, 'I want to join the Peace Corps because I think there is something I can do or help with. I also need a new adventure.'"
Ms. Foss was part of the Peace Corps University Education Teaching program in China and began her Peace Corps service on June 28, 2006. She was teaching English at Mianyang Teachers College, in the city of Mianyang, in Sichuan Province.
Ms. Foss's passing is a tremendous loss for her family, the Peace Corps, and for the people of China, especially her students at Mianyang Teachers College. Ms. Foss was from Max, Minnesota. She is survived by three children, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.
Ms. Foss was truly a model Peace Corps Volunteer, enthusiastic about her Peace Corps service and an inspiration to her fellow Volunteers. Said Ms. Foss prior to serving, "I plan on using my Peace Corps experience to encourage people of all ages to dare to do something that they never would have thought of doing. Age is no barrier to being a pioneer in something new."
Since 1961, more than 187,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have helped promote a better understanding between Americans and the people of the 139 countries where Volunteers have served. Peace Corps Volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment.
The Peace Corps China program began in 1993. Currently, there are 97 Volunteers teaching English in the country. A total of 453 Volunteers have served since 1993.
# # # | <urn:uuid:8dd8c4fc-f84d-4cd4-9db6-0082f3631ed5> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.peacecorps.gov/resources/media/press/1217/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705953421/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120553-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.982593 | 482 | 1.539063 | 2 |
New York v. Class - 475 U.S. 106 (1986)
U.S. Supreme Court
New York v. Class, 475 U.S. 106 (1986)
New York v. Class
Argued November 4, 1985
Decided February 25, 1986
475 U.S. 106
When two New York City police officers observed respondent driving above the speed limit in a car with a cracked windshield, both traffic violations under New York law, they stopped him. He then emerged from the car and approached one of the officers. The other officer opened the car door to look for the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is located on the left doorjamb in pre-1969 automobiles. When the officer did not find the VIN on the doorjamb, he reached into the car's interior to move some papers obscuring the area of the dashboard where the VIN is located on later model automobiles. In doing so, the officer saw the handle of a gun protruding from underneath the driver's seat and seized the gun. Respondent was then arrested. After the state trial court denied a motion to suppress the gun as evidence, respondent was convicted of criminal possession of a weapon. The Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court upheld the conviction, but the New York Court of Appeals reversed, holding that, in the absence of any justification for the search of respondent's car besides the traffic violations, the search was prohibited and the gun must accordingly be excluded from evidence.
1. The New York Court of Appeals' decision did not rest on an adequate and independent state ground, so as to deprive this Court of jurisdiction. The Court of Appeals' opinion, which mentions the New York Constitution only once and then in direct conjunction with the Federal Constitution, and which makes use of both federal and New York cases in its analysis, lacks the requisite "plain statement" that it rests on state grounds. Moreover, in determining that the search in question was prohibited, the court looked to the Federal Constitution, and not to a state statute that authorizes officers to demand that drivers reveal their VIN, merely holding that that statute provided no justification for a search. Pp. 475 U. S. 109-110.
2. The police officer's action in searching respondent's car did not violate the Fourth Amendment. Pp. 475 U. S. 111-119.
(a) Because of the important role played by the VIN in the pervasive governmental regulation of automobiles and the efforts by the Federal Government through regulations to assure that the VIN is placed in plain view, respondent had no reasonable expectation of privacy in the
VIN. The placement of the papers obscuring the VIN was insufficient to create a privacy interest in the VIN. Pp. 475 U. S. 111-114.
(b) The officer's search was sufficiently unintrusive to be constitutionally permissible in light of respondent's lack of a reasonable expectation of privacy in the VIN, the fact that the officers observed respondent commit two traffic violations, and concerns for the officers' safety. Pp. 475 U. S. 114-119.
63 N.Y.2d 491, 472 N.E.2d 1009, reversed and remanded.
O'CONNOR, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which BURGER, C.J., and BLACKMUN, POWELL, and REHNQUIST, JJ., joined, and in Part II of which BRENNAN, MARSHALL, and STEVENS, JJ., joined. POWELL, J., filed a concurring opinion, in which BURGER, C.J., joined, post, p. 475 U. S. 120. BRENNAN, J., filed an opinion concurring in part and dissenting in part, in which MARSHALL and STEVENS, JJ., joined, post, p. 475 U. S. 122. WHITE, J., filed a dissenting opinion, in which STEVENS, J., joined, post, p. 475 U. S. 131. | <urn:uuid:af22afca-6312-4c67-ae5e-02751f7e8fb9> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/475/106 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698924319/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516100844-00001-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.940667 | 839 | 1.59375 | 2 |
Green Tory & LibDem MPs May Rebell Over UK Energy Bill
Pro-green Tory and Liberal Democrat MPs are considering a plan to defy the Government and rebel over the Coalition’s compromise Energy Bill.
The Bill, which is published tomorrow, is expected to fall short of demands by environmentalists that it should commit the UK to cut carbon emissions produced by generating electricity to a specified level by 2030.
But in a move which will dismay Conservative ministers a cross party group of MPs led by the members of the Energy and Climate Change Committee are considering tabling an amendment to the Bill to re-introduce the commitment.
With Labour and back-bench Liberal Democrat support the move could potentially have enough backing to defeat the Government in the Commons. Even if it failed there it could be reinstated in the House of Lords where campaigners believe they have a majority in favour of the move.
Speaking to The Independent Tim Yeo, the Conservative chairman of the Energy Committee said such an amendment was a “real possibility”.
“I think it would most likely be done at report stage in the New Year but I think there could be a worthwhile debate about amending the Bill to introduce a target range for emissions from the energy sector by 2030,” he said.
Liberal Democrat sources said Government ministers would almost certainly be whipped to vote against any amendment. However they added that the 2030 target had been agreed as policy by the party’s conference in October and backbenchers might be free to support it. | <urn:uuid:5165d5bc-be34-492e-b545-a898c44be4ec> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.thegwpf.org/green-tory-libdem-mps-kill-uk-energy-bill/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706153698/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120913-00007-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972506 | 306 | 1.53125 | 2 |
A relic of the days of my youth has resurfaced, an anthology of "creative" short stories composed by 6th and 7th grade Verbal (advanced English) students c. 1998. Alas, the collection for my class remains missing, but there are plenty of stories with which to embarass my friends. Also among them is this μυθος, the tantalizing, imaginative creation of...well, not even I could do that to someone. The text is an exact transcript (excellent emphasis mine, though); the images are best-possible substitutes for the actual reproduction.
A sincere thanks to Shelly, for unearthing this gem.
Why Lockers are So Small
One day Zeus and Hera decided that Aphrodite should go down to earth and see how the human children got an education. They decided that she would be a sixth grader at Hammarskjold Middle School. Aphrodite absolutely hated the very idea of her going to a MORTAL school. She argued and argued but in the end (as parents always do) Zeus and Hera won the dispute. However Aphrodite was not done yet. The way she saw the situation, since she was a god, and was only going to that horrible school for one day, she would cause a huge ruckus. Aphrodite was determined to bring master chaos upon the school. What she was looking for was revenge.
The next day it was arranged that Aphrodite would go to school as a human teenager. She would wear baggy jeans and a tie-dye T-shirt. That way she would blend in with the rest of the mortals. Since Aphrodite was the goddess of love and beauty, she was the most beautiful of all the gods and goddesses (besides Hera). Although Aphrodite protested repeatedly the rest of the gods transformed her into a lovely looking young girl. She had very long blonde hair, big blue eyes, and she was medium height. Her hair was styled into an odango (see image). Her human name was to be Serena Serenity. Aphrodite was so determined to get back at her parents that she was ready to do anything. Aphrodite would do anything to aggravate them! However her parents expected her to rebel. Even they would not have liked to be reduced to a mortal for a day. So they tried to console her rage with many wondrous gifts. Some of these were a television, computers, and even a new CD set! Although nothing could console the screaming Aphrodite.
At that moment Demeter came in and asked what all of the commotion was about. Aphrodite told the entire story with no interruptions from either of the superior gods. When she was finished, Demeter exclaimed, "I think that this will be a wonderful experience for Persephone as well!" I think her mortal name will be Rini. Rini Serenity. She will be Aphrodite's younger sister. She will look just like her except Rini will have pink hair and red eyes. At that precise moment Persephone decided to enter. Demeter excitedly told her about adventure that she was to embark on the next day with Aphrodite. This goddess had the exact same reaction as the other, uncontrollable rage. Consequently, before she could say anything, Aphrodite told her that it was no use, and that they were being forced to go against their own will. She also told her that she had a plan. Aphrodite's plan was to find something that she children needed, and to make it harder to use.
The next day they were escorted to the school on Apollo's golden sun chariot. As they flew across the sky the felt the heat of the sun upon their backs. The young goddesses wanted to get to Hammarskjold, but they didn't. The goddesses wanted to get there so they could destroy something, and they did not because it was humiliating to be seen as a mortal.
Finally they were there. Everything was so exciting. Aphrodite and Persephone were so ecstatic that they barely noticed that very thing that they were looking for. The children were all running about slamming lockers, and trying to open them. There were even some bullies that came up behind some of the children, and spun their locks while they were being opened. It was chaotic. They both laughed their heads off. As they were laughing, all of the heads one by one slowly turned to stare at them. Soon the goddesses realized this, but by then it was too late, and the hall had grown quiet. They realized that they were giving themselves away so they both said, "Inside Joke!" Then slowly everyone went back to his or her own business, and they let out a huge sigh. Then a tremendous light bulb went off in their heads. "The lockers!" they screamed. It was so thrilling that they had found what they were looking for.
The rest of the day dragged on, class after class. Then finally after seven hours of hearing about the innovations and discoveries that their parents and friends had created, and found, the final bell rang. They went out of sight and were picked up speedily by Apollo. They were on their way home!
Then, just as the building was fading out of sight, the goddesses bestowed their terrible gift upon the world. The gift of small lockers. Childrens and teens everywhere were devastated. They now only had small lockers, with tiny boxes on top.
When the got home Aphrodite and Persephone's parents were burning with anger. Steam was coming out of their ears. As soon as they came into the room, they were about to be yelled at like they never had been before.
What did you two do? You are in big trouble now. The goddesses played it cool. They said that they did not think what they did was that terrible. They stated their side of the story. Zeus and all the other gods and goddesses involved realized that sending them off without their approval was wrong and unkind. The gods and goddesses apologized right then and there and politely requested that the goddesses take away their gift. It was only then that they remembered that once a god's gift has been given, it cannot be taken away. They said that no punishment would be brought upon them for their treachery. However, they made the goddesses bestow another gift (The school day ended at four o'clock then). Zeus made them shorten the school day to 2:57 p.m. That way it was fair to everyone.
May it live on forever in the Greco-Roman corpus. | <urn:uuid:f2ea674e-fc50-43bf-bdcf-65869ba5eac3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://degrypis.blogspot.com/2008_09_01_archive.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705953421/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120553-00000-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.993523 | 1,371 | 1.585938 | 2 |
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Studies of nineteenth-century southern political economy abound, but they usually focus historical analysis on either the antebellum or the postbellum periods. Scholars often interpret the war itself only as either the terminal moment for the southern slave system or the seed of later political and economic trends in southern life. One can only speculate that the paucity of historical interpretation of Confederate political economy may be a result of several factors. The Confederate experiment existed only for a relatively short duration and ultimately failed, thus a broad interpretation of Confederate political economy may seem fruitless to some historians. In addition to the problems of brevity and eventual failure of the Confederate experience, the focus of most Civil War studies in political economy continues to be the industrial mobilization of northern society and the consequent postbellum rise to industrial prominence of the victorious northern states.
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Select a Shoot Out contest credit package below. | <urn:uuid:c09a6748-2149-49ed-b212-2b7c80a549f9> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://jpgmag.com/photos/2911962 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00005-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.941779 | 518 | 1.734375 | 2 |
Christopher Columbus Explorer Of The New World DVD
SKU ID #67892
You Save: $7.18 29% off
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- Additional Details
- Format: DVD
- Rating: Not Rated
- Number of Discs: 1
- Run Time: 50 Minutes
- Region: Region 1
- Aspect Ratio: Fullscreen
- Language: English
- Studio: A&E Video
- DVD Release Date: June 28, 2005
- Audio: ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Stereo
- Genre: Documentary
- Color: Black & White / Color
- Release Date: 1995
Christopher Columbus wanted to find a new route to Asia, but became the first European to set foot on the New World. Evidence now proves that the Vikings were there long before him, but even in his own time later explorers usurped his glory!
BIOGRAPHY® uses period accounts, rare art and artifacts and interviews with world-renowned historians to tell Columbus's often-reinterpreted story. See how he convinced Ferdinand and Isabella to fund his journey and how he never gave up believing that he had reached Asia. Discover how his fortunes and reputation sank so quickly that by the time of his fourth voyage Spanish officials would not let him anchor in their waters.
From the dream that led him across the horizon to the fortunes that deserted him and the ongoing controversy over his true place in history, this is the dramatic story of Christopher Columbus. | <urn:uuid:97d208d3-e614-4ab7-8a87-8bfe4ae4e8d8> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://shop.history.com/detail.php?p=67892&v=biography_sale&mobile_browser=on | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00013-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.949912 | 328 | 1.710938 | 2 |
Last chance to see
The sculptor Phyllida Barlow has recently been elected an RA. Born in 1944, she has long been one of the art world's best kept secrets. A professor at the Slade, who has nurtured the careers of many successful artists, her striking and very physical work has long been appreciated by other artists but has only recently come to the attention of a wider public.
Watch highlights from the exhibition:
Barlow has recently been taken on by blue chip international gallery Hauser & Wirth,
who are staging a major commercial show of her work ('RIG', last day 22 October) that takes over their entire Piccadilly space, a vast Edwardian banking hall.
It is worth making a special trip to catch the last day of this show because of the sheer thrill of encountering Barlow's oversized, all-encompassing work that surrounds viewers and occasionally emits an eerie sense of the architecture deconstructing itself into raw elements of form, colour and texture. | <urn:uuid:576404a3-b748-4cb7-b9ef-04bd82538e7c> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://royalacademy.org.uk/ra-magazine/blog/ra-magazine-blog-phillida-barlow-ra,149,BAR.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00026-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.961007 | 207 | 1.5 | 2 |
Syrian opposition activists are calling for a "day of rage" Tuesday to protest what they see as Russian support for the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
On Monday, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev rejected calls from the United States and Western Europe for increased sanctions against Syria for its violent crackdown on protesters.
Medvedev said there is no need for additional pressure on Syria. He also said any possible United Nations resolution on Syria must be "tough" but "balanced."
Russia has veto power in the U.N. Security Council and can stop the passage of any resolution against the volatile Middle Eastern nation.
U.S. State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Monday she "strongly disagreed" with Medvedev, saying the U.N. Security Council should "take stronger action" in imposing sanctions against the Syrian government.
Violence against protesters continued in Syria on Monday. Syrian human rights activists said security forces killed at least 17 people, mostly around the central city of Hama.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay said Monday during an address to the Human Rights Council that 2,600 people have been killed in the Syrian uprising in the last six months.
An aide to Assad disputed those U.N. figures Monday, saying that 1,400 have died. Syrian government spokesman Bouthaina Shaaban said the casualties have been evenly split, with 700 government forces and 700 opposition activists killed.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP.
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and discuss them on our Facebook page. | <urn:uuid:884235b9-4c02-41a5-b7f9-4c9dc1bf0370> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.voanews.com/content/syrian-activists-call-for-day-of-rage-against-russia-129712253/145162.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00038-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.955562 | 325 | 1.648438 | 2 |
October 25, 2011 > Gorbachev says he would join Wall Street protests
Gorbachev says he would join Wall Street protests
By Bob Moen, Associated Press
LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP), Oct 14 - Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev (mih-kah-EEL' gohr-bah-CHAHV') says he is sympathetic to the protest movement against poverty, corporate greed and injustice that has sprung up in the United States and elsewhere.
Gorbachev said in a speech to about 6,000 people at the University of Wyoming on Friday that he would join them if he were on Wall Street.
But the 80-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner warned that extremists must not be allowed to exploit the protests. He didn't specify what he meant by extremists.
Gorbachev is popular in the West for the role he played in ending the Cold War but is disliked by many in Russia for the collapse of the Soviet Union and the years of social and economic turmoil that followed. | <urn:uuid:9245b26f-43d4-4e38-978a-1eb8c2e27617> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://tricityvoice.com/articlefiledisplay.php?issue=2011-10-25&file=Gorbachev+++TCV.txt | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698924319/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516100844-00002-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.973191 | 213 | 1.742188 | 2 |
On this day in 1879, Frank Woolworth opens the first of many Woolworth stores in In Utica, New York. He unwittingly inspired the Marx Brothers’ routine in which Rufus T. Firefly suggested that Chicolini be given “ten years in Leavenworth, or 11 years in Twelveworth”; and Chicolini responded, “I’ll take five and ten in Woolworth.”
And now…The Mash!
We begin in Florida, where a 45-year-old law, passed as part of a turf war among big brewers, has the unintended effect of banning the sale of growlers. Lawmakers are trying to fix that.
FirstWeFeast.com has compiled a list of 12 celebrities who ought to be spokespersons for craft beer. They include Kat Dennings, the cast of How I Met Your Mother, and, of course, President Barack Obama.
You can buy a beer at many college basketball arenas, including seven of the 20 largest. Beer sales can bring in money through concession revenues, added ticket sales, or both.
Beer and video games have always gone together, but an arcade fighting game called Beercade goes one step farther. It rewards the winning combatant with a cup of beer.
To celebrate their city’s Beer Week, the San Francisco Brewers Guild has rolled out “Green Death”, a malt liquor inspired by the 50s-60s version of Rainier Ale. Paper bag not included.
Don’t expect Anheuser-Busch to advertise this anytime soon. According to a nationwide survey, beer is the favorite beverage of underage drinkers and Budweiser is their favorite brand.
Finally, if you have a ticket to tomorrow’s Winter Beer Festival in Grand Rapids, John Serba of MLive.com has some friendly advice: dress warmly for 33-degree temperatures and snow flurries.
Forty-two years ago today, the NASDAQ stock exchange was founded by the National Association of Securities Dealers. Once the home of lowly over-the-counter stocks, it’s now the exchange where companies like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are traded.
And now…The Mash!
We begin in Britain, where health officials would like the beverage industry to disclose the number of calories in their products. They hope that people will drink less to avoid getting fat.
Add the Morrow Royal Pavilion in Henderson, Nevada, to your list of beer landmarks to visit. It’s made from recycled beer and liquor bottles–more than half a million of them.
The latest environmentally-friendly innovation is The Crafty Carton, a paper growler that holds one quart of beer and, according to Foodbeast.com, is suitable for origami.
Here’s a beer pairing we’ve never seen before. Dr. Greg Zeschuk, a video game industry veteran and craft beer aficionado, chooses the right beer style for the genre of game you’re playing.
World of Beer, which serves craft beer in a tavern-like setting, could be coming to your town. The chain has 36 locations in 11 states, and company CEO Paul Avery wants to take it nationwide.
Glyn Roberts, The Rabid Barfly, unleashes a rant about people who decide to go on the wagon during January, which is the quietest time of the year for British pubs.
If you love driving fast cars, drinking beer, and playing video games–and if you have an extra $6,000 or so lying around–you might enjoy an Octane 120 Beer Arcade.
The arcade–which you can’t take out on the highway–has a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a kegerator behind the seat, an extra tap in the dashboard so you don’t have to get up to refill, and a cup holder. There’s a 1080p Full HD projector up front. and you can attach your PS3 directly to it. There’s also a fully integrated gaming PC with 200 racing and arcade games built in.
Now comes the bad news: the beer costs extra. | <urn:uuid:4f0086f1-affb-445e-9718-1c2dbd87777d> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://ludwigroars.com/?tag=video-games | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697974692/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095254-00027-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.934732 | 867 | 1.570313 | 2 |
There's nothing more satisfying to an angler than enjoying a home-cooked meal of fresh caught fish. The aromas, the taste, and that prerequisite feeling of fullness should be icing on the cake to an otherwise productive day spent on the water. Now, actually catching those fish is always a hit and miss possibility. Using the right tools to prepare your catch, however, should essentially be a no-brainer.
An "all-around knife" would consist of a 7.5-inch blade - this model will allow you to fillet small and large fish quite satisfactory.
The World of Knives
Choosing a fillet knife can be a daunting task for those that are new to the cooking arena. Many of the fillet knives out on the market have very similar characteristics, often making it hard to realistically tell the good from the bad. The truth of the matter is, an inferior knife can be responsible for wasted meat, excessive time spent filleting and an ever-present danger of personal injury due to slippage. Pretty good reasons for choosing wisely, aren't they?
The Size Factor
Fillet knife blades average between 4 and 9 inches in length, with the standard sizes being 4, 6, 7.5 and 9 inches. Quite the variety, but the main reason for these variances is in correlation to the size of fish they are used for. Bigger fish require a longer blade, due in part to the wider girth and extra surface area you will be faced with. Smaller fish, on the other hand, require a shorter blade for easier handling and less overkill.
For those that target panfish (crappie, perch and bluegills) a 6-inch blade would be an optimum length. Bass or small trout would be best suited to a 7.5-inch blade, whereas pike, salmon and larger fish will require a 9-inch blade.
An "all-around knife" would consist of a 7.5-inch blade - this model will allow you to fillet small and large fish quite satisfactory, and with the least amount of struggle and effort. If you can only choose one for a wide-variety of situation, my advice would be to go this route. For optimum efficiency and ease of use, pick two or more to cover all of the bases correctly.
Stainless steel is the standard of the fillet knife world. But not all stainless steels are created equally. Unfortunately, most fillet knives do not say what type of stainless steel they are so your best bet is to go with one from a reputable company that will provide a metal blade that is extremely strong, durable, and corrosive resistant.
The amount of flex a blade possesses is an important consideration when it comes to choosing a knife. Flex can be critical to optimum cutting and slicing, and will make your task of filleting all the more easier.
For the most part, flex is contingent on the thickness of the blade. The thicker the blade, the less flex it will hold, and vice versa. Shorter blades should have more flex, as the smaller fish you are working on will require tighter angles and sharper cuts. Longer blades should still have a certain degree of flex to them, but it is not quite as important as maintaining it in the shorter steel. Four- and 6-inch blades should be quite thin and considerably flexible. (The blade should 'bend' an inch or more either way when the tip is pressed straight down and pressure is applied.) As blade lengths increase, flex should still be maintained throughout the blade, but with length comes an added thickness, due to the higher strength capabilities they need to exude.
Rubber will provide a slightly greater grip, due to the fact it can be squeezed slightly.
Although the blade is the business end of a fillet knife, the handle certainly plays an important role. Comfort, grip, and execution can all be derived from a well-constructed handle, allowing an angler to fillet safely and effortlessly.
Material is the first consideration to look at. Although wood has been the standby in years past, plastic and rubber are certainly taking over the market in the present day. The one downside to wood has always been its ability to get extremely slippery when wet, leading to a lack of control and the possibility of slippage, often leading to the dangerous aspect of blade to flesh contact. The other negative surrounding wood is its ability to 'soak' up fish smells, engraining them in the handle and causing difficulty in regards to cleaning and sanitizing purposes.
Plastic and molded rubber are both excellent choices. Rubber will provide a slightly greater grip, due to the fact it can be squeezed slightly. They both provide good traction. Both rubber and plastic can be cleaned easily and thoroughly, so germs and fish smells need never be a worry. Of course, both materials are corrosive resistant, so your investment is bound to last a long time.
Make sure that the knife you purchase has a beveled area for your index finger. This is found at the spot where the blade meets the handle, and will provide extra insurance against slipping, while providing extra leverage.
Recessed finger holds can be great for extra grip, yet they only work well if your fingers are of a similar size. If your hands are of an overly large size, this setup may prove more uncomfortable and constricting, as they won't form-fit to each individual finger.
Knife Sheath and Sharpening Stone
Most knives on the market come with a sheath. This is great for storing your knife in a cupboard or tackle box when not it use, but can also be handy for attaching to your belt when out in the boat, or while preparing a shore meal. To lessen any chance of injury, always keep it covered unless actually in the process of filleting.
It goes without saying that your knife will lose its sharpness over time, rendering the cutting surface dull and ineffective. Some knives will come with a small hand-held sharpener, making the task of keeping a sharp edge quick and easy. (I actually give it a few swipes through the sharpener before each use, always keeping it at its optimum condition.)
Buying a knife that comes with a sharpener is advantageous, as it is manufactured for that specific blade, meaning that it will excel at the job it is designed for. It also means that you will never have an excuse for keeping a dull blade.
For those that like to clean a mess of fish regularly, an electric fillet knife might be the perfect option for you. These machines can effortlessly work through fish like a hot knife in butter, saving time, effort and patience. Although they have a bit of a learning curve, and will take some time to get used to, the benefits are certainly viable.
Many models out on the market have rechargeable battery packs, 12V lighter plug (great for back wood fishing when your vehicle is the only source of power), 110V wall plugs, and even 12V battery post clips. The options for powering these units really are limitless.
Throw in a travel case, and you're set for some heavy duty filleting.
Keep this option open if eating fish is a favorite hobby of yours - the advantages of going electric certainly speak a strong argument.
Eating your catch has become a tradition that most of us share in. Nothing beats the taste of fish, and of course, the family and friend gatherings that they always provide. Fillet knives are an important part of the cooking equation, and selecting the right one is paramount for success.
Click here to see our entire selection of fillet knives. | <urn:uuid:afeebd53-c7f7-42d0-b700-9dbf4aeb8818> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CFPage?storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&mode=article&objectID=30015&cat=Fishing&subcatID=50&cmid=OLBUYINGGUIDE_30015_TITLE_50 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00025-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.948003 | 1,579 | 1.734375 | 2 |
CAIR-Chicago Hosts Brown Bag Lunch Panel on American Activists’ Trip to Egypt
By Noor Salahuddin, Communications intern
CAIR-Chicago hosted a brown bag lecture featuring Joshua Hoyt, the Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR), Lawrence Benito, Deputy Director at ICIRR, Merhdad Azemun from the National Peoples Action, and Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director of CAIR-Chicago. The event took place at CAIR-Chicago’s gallery on Tuesday, October 18th. The four discussed their recent trip to Egypt and reflected on the development and successes of the Egyptian uprising.
Rehab, who is also a board member of ICIRR, spoke on whether the constitution or the elections should have been decided on first. The Egyptian military and the Muslim Brotherhood, an influential Islamic political party in Egypt, wish to hold parliamentary elections before deciding upon the constitution. More than 75% of Egypt’s population has supported this bid, solidifying the Muslim Brotherhood’s popularity in the country. The parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held from November 2011 to January 2012.
“I am hopeful about Egypt’s future and believe in a long-term vision instead of short-term goals. It will take at least two to five years for stability in Egypt,” Rehab commented.
Azemun discussed his Iranian background and recalled how the Shah’s regime in Iran was overthrown in a similar way. He also elaborated upon the labor movement and how it influenced the Egyptian uprising. Change swept in slowly with the textile mill protests in 2006 to the labor union’s strike in 2008 to the independent labor unions’ first full blown protest in 2010. Azemun clarified that while social media played an important role in the uprising, it was far from the only deciding factor. “Self-organization was the most important and noticeable aspect of this uprising. The protesters on the street were there without any prompting or help,” Azemun explained. Azemun agreed with Rehab that long-term stability and freedom were the main goals of the Egyptian people.
Benito discussed the strength and conviction of the Egyptian people and how it related to his immigrant background. He said that the freedoms and opportunities Americans take for granted were unavailable to Egyptians under Hosni Mubarak’s rule.
Hoyt, who also wrote a Huffington Post article about the visit, said that the military presence in Egypt did much damage, killing many innocent civilians and protesters. He explained that the military hired thugs to beat up Coptic Christians and create unnecessary conflict and bloodshed. Even though the uprising seems overnight, he noted, it was a slow gathering storm, taking everyone but the Egyptians by surprise. Hoyt remained hopeful about the future and urged political dissenters to persevere. “If people weren’t actively pushing back, things would be worse off in the long-run,” Hoyt surmised, ending the meeting on a hopeful note. | <urn:uuid:44f85497-b001-4ac4-8b1d-e246094ffef8> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cairchicago.org/2011/10/18/cair-chicago-hosts-brown-bag-lunch-panel-on-american-activists%E2%80%99-trip-to-egypt/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00030-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.961802 | 623 | 1.539063 | 2 |
Lorraine Gerard, the wife of a bebop pianist named Vinnie Gerard, was nearing eighty in 2005, but time had not dimmed a particular memory from her Depression-era childhood. She grew up in Canarsie, a bayside neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. Her family took her for weekend fun to the shore, where buskers entertained for coins on a well-known pier.
In 1933, Lorraine got her first glimpse of a lovely, waiflike teenager whose name, she heard, was Lena Horne. "Every Saturday and Sunday she used to sing and dance on the beach for pennies," Lorraine recalled. "She appeared to be extremely poor. I thought she had the ugliest legs, and I wasn't the only one that thought that. Scrawny, you know? Her dresses were skimpy-looking; you could tell that she was in need." Lorraine's family never spoke to the girl, but she earned their sympathy, and they tossed some change her way.
Her household needed all the help it could get. Lena's mother was a jobless and sickly actress; her Cuban stepfather was unemployed, too. They could barely pay the rent on their small Brooklyn apartment and lived on groceries from relief organizations. For Lena—who'd been born into the well-heeled respectability of the black middle class—life now held considerable shame.
A decade later she had good reason to obscure her past. M-G-M had signed her to a long-term contract, the likes of which no one of color in Hollywood had ever known. In the black community, all eyes were on her. As a sex symbol of uncommon refinement, Horne would have to revolutionize the Negro persona in Hollywood. Among the reams of press she received was a profile in PM, a Manhattan leftist newspaper. For an article called "The Real Story of Lena Horne," she told reporter Robert Rice about her distinguished family, which included schoolteachers, activists, and a Harlem Renaissance poet. Apropos of nothing, Horne mentioned that an interviewer had asked her if she'd ever "danced for pennies on the street" as a youngster.
"I told him no," she said.
Keeping up appearances would always be crucial to Horne, as it was for so many black people throughout her lifetime. They had to take great pains to counter the stereotypes that the white community associated with them. A veneer as painstakingly wrought as Horne's wasn't easily dropped; it was the armor she needed to survive, and it hid lots of secrets. Only in 1963, when the civil rights movement had forced much of America to take an honest look at what it meant to be black, did Horne start delving behind her own mask. She did so for an autobiographical article in Show magazine, "I Just Want to Be Myself."
"I came from what was called one of the First Families of Brooklyn," Horne explained. They shunned discussing the slave ancestry that had spawned them all—"yet it was the rape of slave women by their masters which accounted for our white blood, which, in turn, made us Negro 'society.'" Home was an immaculate four-story brownstone in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant section. An iron fence with sharp black spikes protected 189 Chauncey Street on three sides. That barrier told passersby to keep their distance; and for Lena's grandmother Cora, the lady of the house, it shut out the neighborhood's seamier elements—the poor Irish in tenements across the street, the Swedes who ran a garage a few doors down.
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You can bet Cinemark won't skimp on security Thursday when it re-opens the Aurora theater where mayhem reigned last July. But should it have employed stricter security the night a gunman dressed as the Joker slaughtered 12 moviegoers and injured at least 58 others?
Multiple lawsuits contend as much — with one, for example, insisting Cinemark "knew or should have known of the dangers and risks caused by its failures" to employ security guards, secure the back door so it couldn't be opened without triggering an alarm and train its employees to respond to such chaos.
A major tragedy was not only foreseeable, they argue, but could have been prevented.
University of Denver Professor Thomas Russell is not so sure. "Look," he told me this week, "I couldn't be more sympathetic. I'm a complete bleeding heart, plaintiffs' attorney law professor."
"If this had been a situation where someone had been mugged in the parking lot or injured by gang violence, now that would be a good lawsuit," he added. "But to make the leap from an armed robbery in a parking lot to a guy coming into the theater contemplating a massacre won't be easy."
It's not enough to say the theater didn't take every possible precaution, because of course it didn't. You have to prove it acted unreasonably, Russell explained. "And if the theater had employed those precautions, can we be sure that he wouldn't have done this anyway? I think the answer is no."
To be sure, Chechen rebels seized a Moscow theater in 2002. When Russian police clumsily stormed the building, more than 100 hostages died. But is that an incident U.S. theaters should have taken to heart?
Still, we can't be sure how the cases will unfold if they go to trial. Maybe attorneys will be able to demonstrate the gunman would have been deterred by a simple alarm system or roaming guard, and that he chose this specific theater because of its unsecured door — although that would hardly clinch the case.
Maybe prior violence in and around the theater was more serious than we've been led to believe. Maybe Century Aurora 16's security standard fell way beneath the national norm, or management ignored official warnings to step up safety measures.
Maybe the jury will be impressed by the fact that security guards were reportedly used on Friday and Saturday evenings, but not at the midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises" on July 20.
Moreover, as Dave Kopel of the Independence Institute and adjunct law professor at DU reminded reminded me this week, "Tort cases are often won by good attorneys who venture into gray areas where there is no precedent."
As we proceed into this gray area, however, we should try to keep our heads. We are a nation in which the Bureau of Justice Statistics reported last February, "The percentage of youth homicides occurring at school remained at less than 2 percent of the total number of youth homicides" — meaning it's much safer for a kid to be in school than not. And yet we are now seriously debating whether to install legions of police at schools across the land because of the Newtown massacre last month.
Another scholarly attempt to assess school violence found that based upon the number of murders in schools during the 10-year period ending in 2005-06, "any given school can expect to experience a student homicide about once every 6,000 years."
What is the corresponding figure for massacres at movie theaters, do you suppose? Is it safer to sit in a theater or in your car? And how should juries assess such odds in the context of an unmonitored back door on a fateful summer morning?
Hindsight can be a powerful tool for righting wrongs. It can also be a blunt instrument used to scapegoat.
E-mail Vincent Carroll at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @vcarrollDP | <urn:uuid:4551de8d-be37-454a-8ea7-e65a247235eb> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.denverpost.com/recommended/ci_22380504 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00037-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972573 | 800 | 1.523438 | 2 |
If you're cutting calories, diet soda is probably part of your life. But are you one of the many Americans who have heard the rumor that diet soda can actually make you feel hungrier and causing you to overeat?
The debate and research has been ongoing for years. Dieticians say that what we've seen is a couple of comparisons that people who are overweight are using diet drinks so, could the diet drink be causing them to be overweight? It's probably more the reverse that people who are overweight take steps to try and change their calories.
In a 10-week study, Danish researchers found people who drink sugared sodas gained about three pounds while diet soda drinkers lost nearly two pounds.
There's no proof that drinking diet sodas makes you feel hungrier. But if cutting calories to lose weight is your goal, diet drinks could help you get there.
Dietitians say if you use diet soda in place of sugared soda, you're consuming less calories and you're more likely to lose weight.
Some doctors say water with lemon or a drink like V-8 would be an even better choice than diet soda. | <urn:uuid:0206de65-557b-473f-a329-d174bed95ea5> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.wilx.com/home/headlines/369786.html?site=mobile | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00009-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.969429 | 235 | 1.757813 | 2 |
A spokesman for al-Qaeda in Iraq said Friday that a Sunni Muslim war against Shiites in Iraq is inevitable and threatened relentless waves of attacks like the one a day earlier that killed at least 55 people.
The statement by Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, spokesman for the Qaeda-linked Islamic State of Iraq, tap into fears in Iraq and abroad about the country’s future stability and the government's ability to protect its citizens following the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops in December.
Despite deadly assaults against the Shiite-led government’s security forces and Shiite pilgrims, there has been no indication that Iraq is returning to the sectarian bloodshed of 2006 and 2007 that pushed the nation to the brink of civil war. But Iraqis are increasingly frustrated with the government's failure to prevent attacks that continue to kill scores of Iraqis every month.
In the latest attack, a series of bombings and shootings across the country on Thursday killed 55 and wounded more than 225. Qaeda in Iraq claimed responsibility for the attacks.
In a 33-minute audio statement posted on an extremist website, al-Adnani warned of an impending “stage of real confrontation and war against the despicable (Shiites).”
“The war of the Sunnis with the (Shiites) is a religious war, a holy war of faith,” he said, according to a translation of the remarks provided by the SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks Islamist extremist messages. “There is no way out of it and there is no swerving from it.”
His comments played on fears of a new surge in sectarian violence two months after the American military withdrawal from Iraq. Attacks are nowhere as frequent as they were during the tit-for-tat sectarian fighting from 2005 to 2007.
Tensions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims have lingered for centuries since Islam split into the two sects after the death of the Prophet Muhammed in 632. In Iraq, the minority Sunnis have feared being politically sidelined since the overthrow of Saddam's Sunni-led regime.
On Friday, an aide to Iraq’s most prominent Shiite cleric, demanded that the government protect its citizens.
“Is there a glimmer of hope that these explosions come to an end in Iraq?” Ahmed al-Safi, an aide to Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, said during a Friday sermon in the Shiite holy city of Karbala. “After a few days, when people calm down and forget, these explosions take place again. We live in the whirl of this unsolved security problem. How long will the situation last?”
Claiming responsibility for Thursday’s attacks, a separate Islamic State of Iraq statement said it targeted security forces and government officials to avenge what it described as executions and torture of Sunnis in government prisons.
Iraq’s Shiite-led government has executed at least 68 prisoners so far this year, a rate that has alarmed human rights groups. Additionally, last fall Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, a Shiite, ordered detentions of hundreds of former Saddam Hussein loyalists, most of whom were believed to be Sunni. | <urn:uuid:f8595b62-de29-4d1d-a594-ff2e58fbf92a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2012/02/25/196820.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00016-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95005 | 653 | 1.726563 | 2 |
U.S. International Exchange Fellowships: Tips And Insights From Humphrey Fellow Özlem Durmuş
President Jimmy Carter announced the establishment of the Humphrey Fellowship Program in 1978, to honor the public service career of the late Senator and Vice President, Hubert H. Humphrey (1911-1978). The Humphrey Program brings young, mid-career professionals from designated countries to the United States for a year of non-degree graduate-level study, leadership development, and professional collaboration with U.S. counterparts. Humphrey Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their commitment to public service in either the public or the private sector. A year after Carter’s declaration, 27 Humphrey Fellows from 24 countries arrived in the U.S. to study at 11 U.S. universities and institutions. Since that year, more than 4,600 Fellows from 157 countries have participated in the program.
Özlem Durmuş, an Industry and Technology expert in Turkey, had the extraordinary opportunity to come to the U.S. as a Humphrey Fellow in 2010-11, and spend a year at Cornell University in upstate New York. Intrigued by this unique Fulbright program, we asked if she could share her insights about the experience and her tips for the application process.
1. What inspired you to apply for the Humphrey Fellowship and spend a year at Cornell University?
I was curious about my field and about the world. Before applying for the Humphrey Fellowship, I had a B.S. in Environmental Engineering, a M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences and five years of work experience as an expert in the public sector. But still, I wasn’t satisfied with what I knew and didn’t want to settle for the status quo. Coming from the developing part of the world, I wanted to explore how things are different at the other side, the developed part. I wanted to experience the state of the art. But I had no idea about how far I could go, until I discovered the Humphrey Fellowship Program. The offerings of the program were very tempting: the opportunity to have one year of graduate level academic study in an American university and professional work experience in the US. So I decided to take the challenge and applied for it.
Around 13-14 universities have arrangements with the Institute of International Education (IIE) and provide placements for Humphrey Fellows. Each one hosts fellows in a different field. The year I applied, Cornell University in Ithaca, New York was hosting fellows studying environment and natural resources and that’s how I found myself at Cornell. At the beginning of each semester, during the add/drop period for courses, I found that choosing among the more than 4,000 courses that Cornell offered was like being in a candy shop, a gourmet one! During my studies at Cornell, I was impressed by its open door policy and the open-minded academic community of this Ivy League institution. Although I was not a big fan of Ithaca’s long, snowy winters, with time, Ithaca captured me by its diverse, friendly people and beautiful setting.
After I finished my academic studies at Cornell, I earned a short term consultancy position at the World Bank and moved to Washington DC, where I experienced an international perspective and a different level of professionalism, before I completed my Humphrey Program and returned to Turkey. Though challenging in many ways, being a Humphrey Fellow was the best thing I ever did for my professional development!
2. What was your most eye-opening experience during your Humphrey Fellowship?
I think the most eye-opening experience I had through the Humphrey Fellowship was stepping outside from my world and standing apart from the familiar for a year. It created such a strong alienation effect that change was inevitable. Obviously, I was not expecting such a drastic change. At the beginning, I focused on learning new things by seeking more knowledge. But the gap between what I knew of environmental management so far and what I saw in the US was so broad that I couldn’t just simply learn and build upon my previous knowledge. I had to un-learn my old perceptions and assumptions and develop a new lens to be able to interpret and re-learn new things. I don’t know what exactly forced me to stop learning and start un-learning and re-learning. It was not simply because everything looked different from a distance, and it was more complicated than simply being out of the routine. I don’t know the exact mechanism but whatever it was, it challenged my mindset, both forcing and stimulating me to find a new way of thinking. Once I had that awareness, I could now be more critical, ask more questions and be more curious.
I think all Humphrey Fellows have different and unique experiences of their own. Given the freedom to design their own plan, Fellows from all over the world get exactly what they need from the program. Some need more knowledge, some need more experience and some need more freedom. I asked for freedom to un-learn and re-learn, and I got what I wanted.
3. What tips would you give others applying for the Humphrey Fellowship?
Before you begin, you need to know it is a long, five step selection process. The first step is the national screening process, carried out by the Fulbright Commission in collaboration with the American Embassy. They evaluate written applications, interview selected applicants, select the applicants to be nominated and forward the nominations to IIE, which is based in Washington, DC. So, it is important to put all your focus and energy into the first step, your written application and your interview.
For the application, you will be asked to write a few essays on topics like your achievements (awards, publications, projects, problems solved, anything counts!), your proposed program plan, opinions about your field, and your career plans. This is a fellowship for mid-career professionals, not for recent graduates, and it’s highly competitive! So the more you have accomplished early in your career, the stronger your application will be. Another thing you may want to communicate in your written application are your future plans when you return to your home country after the fellowship. It will be good to take some time to think about what your post-fellowship goals are and how the fellowship will help you meet these goals. You are expected to fully understand that the program is academic and professional. In both components, it helps to do some research beforehand, so that you can name a few classes, seminars, and projects you would like to take part in.
For the professional affiliation component, it will be good to list a few possible organizations you would like to be affiliated with and the reasons why you want to work with them and what you want to learn from them. Because these plans are not set in stone, they don’t need to be very detailed. You will have time to make your actual plans after you are selected. It is just helpful to let the selection committee know that you are prepared for the fellowship program and that you’ve done your homework. Another tip I would give is to mention your social and cultural expectations. Cultural exchange and social interaction is an essential part of the program. Discuss your willingness to give back to the local community through some volunteering during your Humphrey year. After all, life is not all about receiving, isn’t it?
When you complete your essays, make sure someone else reads them before you submit them. You can ask your friends or people you know who will give good advice. A very good friend of mine went through my essays over and over and made great suggestions. Ask for criticism and be sure your essays are clear, appropriate and goal-oriented.
The written application includes two recommendations, one academic and one professional. Make sure you will get specific, goal-oriented recommendations rather than generic ones. My thesis supervisor and ex-professor from grad school was a Fulbright alumnus and she knew exactly what she was doing when she was writing my recommendation letter. If you’re asking for recommendations from people who are not familiar with the Humphrey Fellowship or the Fulbright Programs, make sure they get enough information beforehand.
Are you invited for the interview? Congrats! The interview was about 20 minutes. The interviewers will politely welcome you to the room ask you to briefly introduce yourself. Since they have already read your written applications form, it is important to be concise. In my case, there were four interviewers; some of them were Humphrey alumni, and some of them from the Fulbright Commission and the American Embassy. From what I remember, they asked me to make a brief evaluation of the environmental problems in Turkey and my opinions about them. The interview actually turned into a conversation amongst the interviewers, so don’t be surprised if they start to talk and disagree among themselves, it’s not a trick! Things like this can happen. To make a good impression, it’s best to let them finish their talk and not interrupt. The purpose of the interview is not to evaluate your knowledge or technical skills-they already do this when they review the written evaluations. The point here is to see your abilities and your own unique ideas – not to judge them, but to see how you communicate your ideas. They also asked me why I want the fellowship and what I am planning to do if I get it. Those questions are easy to predict, so be prepared for them.
I don’t know what exactly they are looking for in a candidate, but you can put yourself in their shoes and try to imagine what you would like see in a potential fellow. For example, if I was on the selection committee, I would like to see unique people with authentic ideas who love what they are doing and who are brave and strong enough to stand for their ideals. The key here is, you will be evaluated in terms of your potential and willingness to grow and develop. You need to demonstrate why you are a good investment.
If you are selected, congratulations and my best wishes to you! Fulbrighters are selected among the best and brightest. Welcome to the Humphrey Family! Be well and make the most of your Humphrey year. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so enjoy it!
Özlem Durmuş earned her BS in Environmental Engineering at Dokuz Eylul University and a MSc in Environmental Sciences at Bogazici University in Istanbul, Turkey. She worked for the National Productivity Center of Turkey as a Productivity Expert. During her Humphrey Fellowship in the US, she studied Environment and Natural Resources at Cornell University and worked as a short term consultant for the World Bank. She is now an Industry and Technology Expert at the Turkish Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology in Ankara. She is fluent in English and Turkish.
To learn more about the Humphrey Fellowship, please contact the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy or Binational Fulbright Commission in your country for information about application procedures and deadlines. Embassies and Commissions must submit their nominations to the Institute of International Education office in Washington, DC by October 1. The deadlines for applicants vary by country.
© Victoria Johnson 2013, all rights reserved.
- Finding a Fulbright Host: Tips From Fulbright Norway Alumnus Joanna Blaszczak
- Pursuing a Passion: 3 Questions with Cornell’s Public Garden Leadership Fellow…
- #9: Nailing the Individual and Group Interviews
- Fellowships for International Students: Insights From Pakistan’s Fulbright Scholar…
- Funding An International Education In Science: Tips From NSF and Fulbright Fellow…
Join the crowd
Our step-by-step guide for a competitive fellowship application
1. Create a plan
2. Project proposal ideas
3. Talk to current / former fellows
4. Prepare an effective resumé
5. Find a host institution
6. Write a compelling personal statement
7. Prepare a strong project proposal
8. Get great recommendation letters (P1)
9. Get great recommendation letters (P2)
10. Nail the individual and group interviews | <urn:uuid:16c696b0-8871-4930-8124-f51e883dc484> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.profellow.com/fellowships/u-s-international-exchange-fellowships-tips-and-insights-from-humphrey-fellow-ozlem-durmus/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702448584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516110728-00009-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963691 | 2,524 | 1.523438 | 2 |
Osvaldo Golijov (1960 – )
Osvaldo Golijov is the composer of such blockbuster classical hits as The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind and the toe-tapping Pasión según San Marco:
Mr. Golijov’s pieces often have more the flavor of an ethnomusicological exploration, which makes a certain amount of sense for a composer of Argentinian birth who grew up on klezmer and tango and who has also lived in Israel and the U.S. [Although, is it really ethnomusicological if it's actually your ethnicity? Discuss.]
Anyone who attended Thursday’s lecture was privy to insights from the work’s dedicatee, Mr. Henry Fogel. Boosey & Hawkes has provided an equally enlightening interview with the composer about the genesis of the work. You can listen to the work online in a performance conducted by Mei-Ann Chen (who gave the première in October 2010 in Memphis) with the New England Conservatory Philharmonia. Also of note is Mr. Golijov’s growing filmography since becoming the go-to composer of Francis Ford Coppola.
Lest there be any confusion, the title of Mr. Golijov’s latest work, Sidereus, is in no way meant to sound like an hilarious mispronunciation of the next composer on the program.
Jean Sibelius (1865 – 1957)
Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 (1903, rev. 1905)
Sibelius’ violin concerto is far and above my favorite work in the genre, and one of my favorite works by the composer. In fact, it’s one of the first pieces that got me into classical music. You can view an introduction to the work here by the violinist Ida Haendel, who actually received a letter of appreciation from Sibelius after he had heard her performance of the work, and whose Wikipedia entry actually says the following:
She has the reputation of being as accomplished and brilliant a violinist as Yehudi Menuhin and Isaac Stern; but has said that had she been more photogenic, she would have been as famous.
People sometimes said the same thing about Sibelius himself, but never to his face (see above).
But seriously folks, if you’re really into the Sibelius concerto, it’s worth your 10 bucks to invest in Leonidas Kavakos’ recording of the 1903 and 1905 versions of the work. He is still the only artist to record the 1903 version, due to the Sibelius family’s wishes, which is pretty impressive. He is also way, way hotter than Ida Haendel.
You’ll get to hear the intricate, Bach-like second cadenza that Sibelius later cut from the first movement of his concerto:
amongst many other interesting tidbits.
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906 – 1975)
Suite from Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District
OK, first of all, if you’re anything like me, you’ve always wondered just where IS the Mtsensk District. It’s here:
The rest of this discussion I’m gonna cut and paste from my March 4, 2010 post about Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 11:
Shostakovich’s troubles with the government began in the year 1936, at which point Joseph Stalin, eager to send a message to the artistic community, denounced Shostakovitch’s opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District as immoral and anti-soviet. Let’s watch a bit of the opera and see if we can spot anything that Stalin may have found objectionable. Remember to look very closely now:
At first glance, it looks pretty tame, but that Stalin always had a fine eye for detail. Anyhoo, that led to this very famous headline from the Soviet newspaper Pravda:
which roughly translates to “Muddle instead of Music”, and which began a nightmarish 20 year period of heavy government repression and scare tactics aimed at keeping Shostakovitch in line.
I’d like to recommend two more valuable resources pertaining to Shostakovich’s music and life:
The first is the audio guide to chapter 7 of Alex Ross’s phenomenal book, The Rest is Noise. Even if you haven’t read the book or don’t have a copy handy, the audio guide gives you a nice synopsis of the chapter on music in the 1930′s and 40′s USSR.
The second is an article by everybody’s favorite Slovenian Marxist-Lacanian-psychoanalytic philosopher, Slavoj Žižek, entitled “Shostakovich in Casablanca“. In this article, Žižek compares Soviet repression of classical music to the Hollywood Hays code, in terms of what the censors expected and how an artist was meant both to abide by the code and simultaneously to circumvent it. He posits that Shostakovich found whatever success he could with the Soviet regime because he understood this Janus-faced censorship, whereas Prokofiev just couldn’t figure it out. | <urn:uuid:8a918563-cf01-40da-bf60-51d687da0e54> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.willcwhite.com/2011/04/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00022-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.944886 | 1,134 | 1.570313 | 2 |
- Special Sections
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The Republican Women of West Texas and State Representative Susan King co-hosted a coffee at the Pioneer Museum on Monday morning, December 3, 2012.
King was elected in 2006 and will be serving District 71 for the fourth time when the Legislature re-convenes on January 8, 2013.
King opened the event by praising the involvement of Republican women in the area and for their insight that is different than their male counterparts. She stated that these women are probably disappointed by the outcome of the federal election as great challenges will still be faced, especially at the state level.
She has served on the past committees for public health, education, human services and appropriations, and King held a brief discussion on what the legislature does when they meet. But through online access, citizens can learn about the bills being presented and can track down vital information.
However, this next session will have big issues, said King, like the budget. Particularly, there are concerns with Medicaid--which makes up between 25-30% of the entire state budget. As federal reform will place more people under this umbrella, King posed the question of how it will be paid with the possibilities of budget cuts or the state's Rainy Day Fund.
Also mentioned was the idea of drug testing individuals who receive government assistance and how that matter would be funded. Other things which will be looked at are in regards to water and transportation.
King noted that the budget, for this session, is not as bad compared to past sessions, but it is not where it needs to be. She cited the federal stimulus package from 2009, which was a one-time deal but people failed to realize its brevity.
She said the upcoming session would be "great but difficult" and noted the representation of West Texas, which covers around 75% for landmass but only has 15 representatives. And currently, only 30 women are in the Texas House.
Questions on the issues King noted were asked by those in attendance, most of which centered around health care. For Medicare and Medicaid, the majority of the changes come from the federal level, meaning that little can be done within the state.
One such change will be for hospitals, who are required to offer treatment; King said these changes are already leading to a "slippery slope." Federal law states that emergency rooms must offer treatment, following past "dumping" practices where care was not given.
In addition, Medicaid alone for the state--which covers all ages--is at a $4.5 billion deficit.
HMOs were also discussed as a "60 Minutes" piece which aired on Sunday night was cited, which dealt with HMO fraud. HMOs were described by King as one who manages the health care between the patient and doctor and are contacted by the government.
Studies are taking place to absolve the problem, but it does cost money. However, early steps being taken by some facilities are to become "cash-only" health care providers.
But, King noted that the poor practices by the HMOs are a "tragedy," in that these outsiders are the ones who end up dictating and almost practice medicine to people they've not met.
The issue of drug testing for benefits made its way into the questions as well. King said that while the costs and details are unknown, it is a certainty that the issue would be costly.
However, this would open the door to which programs would be tested or not tested. The Lieutenant Governor of Texas, the representative stated, is already trying to promote the testing, but this is not a new issue to the state.
King stated that two sessions ago, this notion was brought up with much negative reaction, but that it could always come back into discussion within the legislation.
Additionally, the question was asked on King's thoughts on state sovereignty as more federal regulations trickle down. She said that there is already a committee for state sovereignty.
People already are discussing the far options of secession and/or nullification, in which complete removal would bring about penalties. King noted that while Texas tends to be an independent-minded state, we must look at the idea at a realistic perspective.
Much of the secession discussion goes back to the federal government's role in Medicare and Medicaid, as they use scare tactics throughout their mandates. But, she did note that when talking about secession, it is a sensitive topic.
Brief questions were also taken on the Rainy Day Fund and immigration. King concluded the forum by stating that while we are faced with many issues, we are fortunate enough to live in the United States.
Wrapping up the event were acknowledgments to King's office for their work and to Aroma's Casual Bistro from downtown Sweetwater for providing the refreshments. It was also noted that a representative from Congressman Randy Neugebauer's office was at the meeting, as the Republican Women of West Texas are also preparing for a coffee with the congressman at a later date to be announced, among other upcoming events. | <urn:uuid:d8046840-48c8-47d7-a031-724859700606> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://sweetwaterreporter.com/content/coffee-co-hosted-republican-women-west-texas-rep-king?quicktabs_2=0 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00025-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.983796 | 1,029 | 1.539063 | 2 |
Georgia has killed an innocent man
Editor's Note: This letter was written by NAACP President Ben Jealous shortly after the State of Georgia executed Troy Davis. Davis was executed at 11:08 p.m. Wednesday night after his final appeal to the United States Supreme Court was denied.
Tonight the State of Georgia has killed an innocent man.
In recent weeks, we fought hard for the commutation of Troy Davis' sentence. More than one million of your petitions were delivered. Protests, rallies and vigils were organized around the globe. Tonight, we fasted and prayed together as a community.
I have spent the past week with Troy's family. He wanted the world to know that he understood that this struggle goes beyond just one man. Troy was prepared to die tonight. As he said again and again, the state of Georgia only held the power to take his physical body. They could not take his spirit, because he gave his life to God.
Let's remember and heed Troy's words: We must not let them kill our spirit, either.
Troy's execution, the exceptional unfairness of it, will only hasten the end of the death penalty in the United States. The world will remember the name of Troy Anthony Davis. In death he will live on as a symbol of a broken justice system that kills an innocent man while a murderer walks free.
The world will remember Troy's name, as the death penalty supporters who expressed doubt in this case begin to doubt an entire system that can execute a man amidst so many unanswered questions.
The world will remember Troy's name, as death penalty opponents who remained silent in the past realize that their silence is no longer an option.
The world will remember Troy's name because we will commemorate September 21st each year as both a solemn anniversary and a call to action. The night they put Troy Davis to death will become an annual reminder that justice will not be achieved until we end this brutal practice of capital punishment.
"This movement," Troy said, "started before I was born." After tonight, our movement will grow stronger until we succeed in destroying the death penalty in the United States once and for all.
I know you will join me. Together we will secure his legacy, and the world will remember the name Troy Anthony Davis.
Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO NAACP
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The NAACP views it as "lynching's cousin". In a nutshell, that's the reason that NAACP President/CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous predicts the end to the death penalty in America within the next 10 years. "We're moving fast," says Jealous. "This is one of our top national priorities as it has been for the last 104 years..."
On Monday, January 14, 2013, at 8:50am, a five year-old female student was abducted from Bryant Elementary school, located at 6001 Cedar Avenue. The child was taken out of the Hazel Street exit of the school, then left on 61st Street.
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Wearing a T-shirt with his son's picture on it that says "Kill Guns, Not Kids," Ron Davis said he is staying positive and focused four days after laying his son to rest. He is organizing a candlelight vigil that will be held at Friendship Fountain on Saturday, December 15th.
President - Barack Obama (D)
Vice President - Joe Biden (D)
U.S. Senate - Bob Casey Jr. (D) | <urn:uuid:ba2ccf20-79c5-42fe-bcef-4c508ce06836> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.philasun.com/news/2136/24/Georgia-has-killed-an-innocent-man.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00006-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.969828 | 935 | 1.695313 | 2 |
I can now, finally, take a short break.
"Recently" expalins when the exams happened.
To "take" an exam. To complete, to undergo, to sit, to do.
It should read "one exam after another" - (another example is "one problem after another") and the noun (exam) doesnt require an "s" - it is singular.
I've added "now" to show that, at this present time, you are currently taking a break. I have also added some punctuation to the sentence.
I have also reversed the sentences, so that the first one explains what has happened (in the past) and the second explains what is now happening (in the present). This seems clearer to me.
I am not a teacher. These are just my opinions and thoughts.
- For Teachers | <urn:uuid:ae1873b7-c445-472c-97c3-41f243a60a07> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.usingenglish.com/forum/ask-teacher/71368-day.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00038-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.9665 | 176 | 1.578125 | 2 |
Thu 16th February 2012, 11:34pm
This article reflects the general consensus I've seen of those who have only looked rather shallowly into the Wikipedia rabbit hole:
If Wikipedia hesitated to change its article ahead of the scholarly consensus, that is an artifact of academia's own inability to quickly adopt a new consensus, not a failing of Wikipedia.... [T]he whole fracas reflects that though people will rant and rail over Wikipedia's faults, we hold this massive experiment in collaborative knowledge to a standard that is higher than any other source. We don't want Wikipedia to be just as accurate as the Encyclopedia Britannica: We want it to have 55 times as many entries, present contentious debates fairly, and reflect brand new scholarly research, all while being edited and overseen primarily by volunteers.Emphasis not in the original.
No, Ms. Rosen. We do not hold Wikipedia to a higher standard. No one has demanded that Wikipedia host the insane number of articles that it does. No one truly believes that Wikipedia treats "contentious debates" as anything but an anarchic tug-of-war. No one is demanding that Wikipedia "reflect brand new scholarly research", it's just a problem when the mob runs the scholars out of town on a rail. In fact, this is not our standard. The standard being demanded of by its critics is that Wikipedia-boosters get the fuck down off of their "encyclopedia" horse, that the governance structure acknowledges that Wikipedia is a hosting-service subject to the whims of a fickle and dysfunctional community of predominately anti-social adolescents and kid-ults just like the internet at-large, and that the more seedy characters involved there get their just desserts.
That is all. | <urn:uuid:e22decbc-4c35-4ee4-a16e-b41133ac963a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://wikipediareview.com/lofiversion/index.php?t36875.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00028-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.948834 | 353 | 1.515625 | 2 |
Publisher: Balzer + Bray (February 28th, 2012)
Reading Level: Young Adult
Hardback: 472 pages
Series: Partials #1
Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out.
When sixteen-year-old Kira learns of her best friend’s pregnancy, she’s determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the war’s origin that she never knew to ask.
Review:If you are a reader who likes a challenging book, Partials is the one to grab! Partials was a surprising read for me. I expected it to be great but it really brought a lot of science and detail into a dystopian world. Most of the humans have been killed by an airborne virus. The ones who have survived are scrambling to find a way to save the children being born, and soon dying, from the disease as well. So far, no child has been born immune and it seems the human race will soon die off completely.
Kira is a medic. She is a 16-year-old who is intelligent far beyond her years, and her and her friends are well aware of the issues that plague the human race. To make things worse, it's not just the virus causing issues. Politics are causing people to rebel and now the leaders are trying to show more power as a way to make people listen.
Soon, Kira comes up with a plan that she feels will help save the humans. She will study a Partial, an engineered being that everyone feels is responsible for the spread of the virus years ago. Her and her friends go into dangerous territory to find a Partial and this journey shows her a lot more than she expected.
Dan Wells is a brilliant writer. The world we are introduced to in Partials is scary, desolate, and all too possible. A virus spreading quickly across the planet is a real threat so I think that's why Partials is such a frighting story. Dan brought a lot of science into this story. He didn't leave us with questions as to what exactly had happened to the rest of the humans. We know about the virus, what it did to the victims, and how it spreads. I loved that the readers can really feel like they take part in deconstructing the virus itself and seeing what can be done to stop it. This was really a book that allows readers to step back and think about what's going on, and attempt to figure it out with the characters.
Although few humans survived, I got a good idea of how the remaining population lived in their new surroundings. The young adults (and very young teens) were critical to the survival of the race. The political figures always made that clear and in a way it showed how the younger population had more power than one would think
The characters we meet in Partials were so well developed and interesting. Kira was intelligent, focused, and extraordinarily brave. She thought of herself last. Her friends were always at the top of her list. Kira's friends were each so different and brought so much to the story.
Probably the most surprising part of this book to me was just the visuals. Dan Wells used honest, descriptive language to describe a world that is harsh and ruined. Everything from the broken roads, abandoned homes and skyscrapers, decaying remains, and wild animals were things I could picture with such clarity. I saw it like a movie or one of those Discovery shows that that go through what would happen if humans didn't exist. It's so frightening.
If you are thinking of taking a chance and reading a post-apocalyptic/dystopian novel, pick up Partials!
Dan Wells did a remarkable job bringing this world to light and showing a harsh reality. Partials had everything I could hope for in a fabulous YA novel!
Recommended: Lovers of post-apocalyptic/dystopian, science fiction, with strong characters and outstanding world-building. | <urn:uuid:94b5c5a7-40d7-4ec2-9296-3e2419f04cc3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.totalbookaholic.com/2012/03/blogger-talk-review-partials-by-dan.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697974692/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095254-00011-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.979882 | 940 | 1.632813 | 2 |
Think of eject for usb drives the same way as with CD's being ejected.
If you eject a CD it unmounts it and opens the CD draw or pushes it out physically. So you will have to physically put it back in to read it again. If you unmount a CD the CD stays in the CD drive, ready to be mounted again.
If usb ports could physically push out devices, when you eject the usb drive the plug/cord/pendrive would fall out the port. So again you would have to physically plug it back in again to read it.
So eject for a CD and usb are logically the same but physically usb cant eject the cord/plug/drive.
clear as mud!!! | <urn:uuid:8cae76d6-3bbe-40ca-837a-e737c42e84d6> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=2042 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00022-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.955517 | 148 | 1.820313 | 2 |
NEW DELHI: India and China tip-toed around the thorny issues between the large South Asian neighbours in a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held talks on Thursday. While the two countries committed to increased co-operation in banking and a more balanced trading relationship, contentious issues such as China's silence on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and the practice of stapling visas for certain Indian visitors remained conspicuous by omission.
Wen's three-day visit to New Delhi caps a year that saw heightened tension in bilateral ties due to China's repeated claims on Arunachal Pradesh, its increased presence in disputed Kashmir and its policy of issuing stapled visas to Indian visitors from Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh.
"China is causing grave misgivings throughout Asia by its assertive behaviour towards its neighbours ranging from Japan and Vietnam to Indonesia and India. His visit is designed to correct this widespread perception. Nothing substantive has been achieved, but it does signal Chinese recognition about the need to change its recent behavioural patterns," said G Parthasarathy, veteran diplomat and former Indian high commissioner to Pakistan.
The two countries set a bilateral trade target of $100 billion by 2015 and agreed to take measures to bridge the rising imbalance in trade. Bilateral trade is set to touch $60 billion this fiscal, but India's trade deficit (China's surplus), too, is expected to widen to $20 billion.
"The two sides agreed to take measures to promote greater Indian exports to China with a view to reduce India's trade deficit," the statement said. A high-profile business delegation is accompanying the Chinese premier. India has been mounting pressure on China since early this year for removal of non-tariff barriers such as stringent quality norms and registration requirements that effectively muzzles Indian exports.
Commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma had handed China a list of demands during his visit in January, none of which have yet been met, a commerce department official said.
The two countries have also decided to establish a strategic economic dialogue for better co-ordination in policy formulation, promoting exchanges and interactions and jointly addressing issues and challenges that crop up while enhancing economic development and cooperation.
"There is enough space in the world for the development of both India and China and indeed enough areas for India and China to co-operate," the joint communique said.
The two countries also agreed to encourage greater mutual investment and project contracting cooperation between businesses, appropriately handle economic and trade frictions and differences and jointly oppose protectionism in all forms. An India-China CEO forum has also been set up to make recommendations on expansion of trade and investment cooperation.
China also agreed to work on giving India more market access in areas such as pharma, information technology and services.
On the issue of stapled visas, which is a gesture that undermines India's authority over territories such as Arunachal Pradesh and Kashmir, China has agreed to let bureaucrats work out a solution.
From a diplomacy perspective, it is notable that there is no mention of the 'One-China' policy that India has long supported (countries that subscribe to this policy only recognises the People's Republic of China).
"It was unrealistic to expect any movement forward on issues like China's support for Pakistan or its unwillingness to empathise with India on the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism," Parthasarathy said, reflecting the low expectations held by India's diplomatic community from the visit. | <urn:uuid:d5f7a19b-0fa5-48c9-b06d-d0bc8e305008> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2010-12-17/news/27618837_1_bilateral-trade-indian-exports-wen-jiabao | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.964588 | 712 | 1.734375 | 2 |
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Senate Confirms Brenda Dann-Messier As the Department's Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Brenda Dann-Messier as the Department's new assistant secretary for vocational and adult education, and she plans to be in her OVAE office as early as Oct. 13. Dann-Messier has served as president of the Providence, R. I. program Dorcas Place for the past 10 years. She also served on the R. I. Board of Governors for Higher Education and the board of the R. I. Higher Education Assistance Authority. Dann-Messier was the secretary of education's New England regional representative during the Clinton administration. She holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Johnson & Wales University, Providence campus, and a master's degree in instructional technology from Rhode Island College.
Dorcas Place Adult and Family Learning Center, which she led, is in its 28th year of providing comprehensive adult education programs to low-income Rhode Islanders. The center assists low-income adults in realizing their full potential through literacy training, employment, advocacy and community involvement. Nearly 1,000 students each year are enrolled in day and evening adult basic education, English language learning and GED classes; college transition programs at two campuses of the Community College of Rhode Island; family literacy and after-school programs to enhance the learning gains of children in local elementary schools; and workforce literacy training. The National Coalition for Literacy (NCL) presented a NCL Literacy Leadership Award to Dorcas Place in September 2009 for its contributions to improving literacy and raising literacy awareness. Under Dann-Messier's leadership, Dorcas Place was recognized for promising practices by the New England Literacy Resource Center, the National College Transition Network, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, the Commission on Adult Basic Education and ProLiteracy America, and U.S. News and World Report. The R. I. Department of Education in February 2009 rated the center as one of the highest performing adult education programs in the state.
If you have a request for an earlier copy of Thursday Notes that is not available in the archive, please contact Sarah Newcomb. | <urn:uuid:e2274b66-a940-4c49-812a-929828e8a603> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www2.ed.gov/news/newsletters/thursdaynotes/2009/10092009.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699881956/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516102441-00001-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.941333 | 563 | 1.5 | 2 |
May 22, 2011
AIPAC likes Obama’s clarification on ‘67 lines
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee said it “appreciated” President Obama’s clarification that he did not expect Israel to return to its 1967 lines.
“In particular, we appreciate his statement that the U.S. does not expect Israel to withdraw to the boundaries that existed between Israel and Jordan in 1967 before the Six-Day War,” the pro-Israel lobby said in a statement released after Obama delivered a speech Sunday to its annual policy conference.
In a speech three days earlier outlining his Middle East policy, Obama had said that negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians should be on the basis of the 1967 lines, with agreed-upon land swaps. He also criticized the recent pact between the Palestinian Authority and the Hamas terrorist group, and rejected attempts to achieve recognition of Palestinian statehood absent negotiations.
Story continues after the jump.
Some pro-Israel groups such as the Anti-Defamation League and American Jewish Committee praised the May 19 speech for its pro-Israel remarks, while others like the Zionist Organization of America and the Simon Wiesenthal Center condemned the reference to 1967 lines. AIPAC was notably silent.
In its statement after his speech to the group Sunday, AIPAC also said it appreciated Obama’s posture on Hamas and Iran.
“We also commend President Obama for his explicit condemnation of Hamas as a terrorist organization and his recognition that Israel cannot be expected to negotiate with a group that denies its fundamental right to exist,” AIPAC said. “We also welcome the president’s reaffirmation of his longstanding commitment to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.” | <urn:uuid:25a38fe9-fe9e-4e1b-93d5-a582157d41c3> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.jewishjournal.com/nation/article/aipac_likes_obamas_clarification_on_67_lines_20110522 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00036-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.967326 | 355 | 1.632813 | 2 |
Sandra Begay Campbell was featured in the November issue
of New Mexico Woman Magazine in the article Influential
Native American Women.
at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Begay Campbell was appointed
to the Board of Regents by Governor Gary Johnson in 2001.
leader of SNLs Native American Renewable Energy Program,
she pioneered efforts to harness solar energy for electricity
of Law Professor James Ellis has been honored with awards
from the New Mexico Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,
Association of Retarded Citizens (ARC) of New Mexico and his
alma mater, Occidental College.
in constitutional law, Ellis was noted by all three organizations
for his work to ban executions of the mentally retarded.
2002, Ellis argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in the case
Atkins v. Virginia. The court agreed that capital punishment
of those with mental retardation was cruel and unusual punishment
under the Eighth Amendment.
Ellis was honored with the ARC of New Mexico Presidents
Mexico Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers honored Ellis
with its Champion of Life award this fall. Professor
Ellis won a seminal victory defying overwhelming odds and changing
the face of death at a national level, said member attorney
College honored Ellis, class of 1968, with the Alumni Seal Award,
in June. The award pays tribute to alumni who, through concern
for their profession, community and college, have distinguished
themselves and brought honor to Occidental.
profiled in the 2004 issue of Quantum Magazine, UNMs publication
of research, scholarship and creative works, published online
Dec. 10 at http://www.unm.edu/~quantum.
Deese-Roberts, director of the Center for the Advancement
of Scholarship in Teaching and Learning (CASTL) and General
Library faculty, was awarded the College Reading & Learning
Associations Karen G. Smith Special Recognition Award
at the associations annual conference held recently.
has approximately 1,200 members learning assistance professionals
in colleges and universities across the United States and Canada.
an outstanding member of the association who mentored and worked
tirelessly for the profession, the award is one of its highest
honors. Deese-Roberts is the first recipient of this award.
has won several other high honors from the association,
including the Robert Griffin Long and Outstanding Service
Roberts, chair of the Political Science Department and UNM
associate professor, was invited by the Carter Center and the
Organization of American States (OAS) to serve as an election
observer in Venezuela.
of international experts was sent to Caracas and other Venezuelan
cities to observe two scheduled collections of recall signatures
Nov. 21-24 and Nov. 28-Dec. 1.
has served as an international electoral observer twice before.
He was invited by The Carter Center to be a member of election
observation delegations to Venezuela in December 1998 and May
and writing focuses on political economy, party systems, labor
and social movements in Latin America. He is the author of Deepening
Democracy? The Modern Left and Social Movements in Chile and
Peru (Stanford University Press 1998).
Center, in partnership with Emory University, is guided by a
fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of
human suffering. The center seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts,
enhance freedom and democracy and improve health.
Trainor, UNM School of Law registrar, has been elected executive
director for the National Network of Law School Officers (NNLSO).
has a membership of more than 600 members at 133 participating
American Bar Association accredited law schools, which represents
71 percent of all accredited law schools.
of the network for eight years, she has also served as chair
of the by-laws committee and nominations and elections committee.
director, Trainor will preside over all meetings and serve as
chair of the NNLSO executive committee.
initial goal as executive director is to increase the amount
of research that our organization endeavors in. Hopefully, this
research will result in better delivery services in the student
services area for law schools, Trainor said.
Wohlert, chair of the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences,
has been elected president-elect of the Council on Academic
Accreditation of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
(ASHA), the professional, scientific, and credentialing association
for more than 110,000 audiologists, speech-language pathologists,
and speech, language and hearing scientists.
looking forward to gathering ideas from innovative programs
nationwide and to gaining insight into accreditation processes
in a wide variety of disciplines, Wohlert said. Of
course that knowledge will be used to benefit the councils
functions, but Ill be able to apply it directly here at
will serve a one-year term as president-elect followed by a
two-year term as president. | <urn:uuid:41badbf1-b900-4111-a963-4a6289543599> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.unm.edu/news/03-12-08/notables.htm | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00037-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.938266 | 1,035 | 1.53125 | 2 |
WASHINGTON — The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week by the most in nearly a year. The figure was a hopeful sign one day before the government releases the April jobs report.
The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly unemployment aid applications fell 27,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 365,000. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, ticked up to 383,500 last week.
Applications are a measure of the pace of layoffs. When they fall below 375,000, it generally suggests that hiring will be strong enough to lower the unemployment rate.
Last month, applications jumped after steadily declining since the fall. At the same time, hiring slowed. Those figures sparked concerns that the job market was worsening after strong gains during the winter. But some economists said temporary layoffs stemming from the spring holidays might have inflated benefit applications.
Last week's drop reversed the increase during April. Applications are now roughly back at their level four weeks ago.
"These data are consistent with the notion that while the labor market is not as robust as December-February data suggested, neither is it in the process of falling apart," said Joshua Shapiro, an economist at MFR Inc.
Other recent data have been mixed. A survey by payroll provider ADP, released Wednesday, said businesses sharply cut back on hiring in April.
A report earlier this week showed that the economy's manufacturing sector expanded at the fastest pace in 10 months. Measures of new orders, production and exports rose. And a gauge of employment reached its highest level in 10 months.
On Friday, analysts expect the government to report that employers added 163,000 jobs in April, while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 8.2 percent. That would be an improvement from March, when job growth slowed to just 120,000. But it would be below the average of 246,000 jobs a month added from December through February.
Many economists downplayed the weak hiring in March. They said a mild winter led employers to accelerate hiring in January and February. That made March's job figures weaker.
ADP's report said companies added only 119,000 jobs last month. The ADP report has deviated sharply from the government's figures in the past and isn't always a reliable indicator. For example, the government's estimate of 120,000 jobs created in March was much lower than ADP's estimate of 201,000.
Most economists said the ADP figures would not lead them to change their forecasts for job creation during April.
The number of people receiving benefits also declined. In part, though, that's because some extended benefit programs are winding down. Nearly 6.6 million people received benefits during the week of April 14. That's down from about 6.7 million the previous week.
The unemployment rate has fallen to 8.2 percent in March from 9.1 percent in August. Part of the reason was that some people gave up looking for work. People who are out of work but not looking for jobs aren't counted among the unemployed. | <urn:uuid:b8996c51-e6af-407f-829f-2dd972833358> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.caller.com/news/2012/may/03/us-applications-unemployment-aid-drop-sharply/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704392896/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113952-00029-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.976983 | 617 | 1.8125 | 2 |
The ways in which Barack Obama’s historic same-sex marriage announcement might be bad politics are obvious, and I’ve discussed them. This could bring right-wing religious voters out to the polls in numbers far greater than Mitt Romney could ever have had reason to expect. But since the announcement, I’ve been trying to think about how it might be good politics. The obvious things—energizing the youth vote and the liberal- donor base—are true enough. But there may be more. Obama and Romney will now inevitably have a running and fundamental debate that won’t be about just gay marriage, but will be about fairness and justice and which American history we’re building on as we go forward. That’s a debate that Obama—with some help from Romney—can win.
Let’s examine Romney’s reaction on Wednesday. He met the press a couple of times, first in Colorado, and then in Oklahoma. In Colorado he said that of course he was against same-sex marriage, but threw in that he also opposed civil unions: “If a civil union is identical to marriage other than in the name, I don’t support that.” He said he supported things like hospital-visitation rights and “benefits that might accrue to state workers”—presumably, putting partners on health plans and so forth. But if a civil union would allow couples to file taxes jointly, say, or engage in other activities that would force the law to recognize their couple-ness, he would oppose that.
Obama, of course, has supported the kinds of civil unions Romney said he’s against, and now he’s said he backs same-sex marriage on a personal level but would leave the states the power to make their own determinations. So we have one candidate who says no and no (marriage and unions), and one candidate who says yes and yes, fighting for votes in a country that thinks yes emphatically on civil unions and yes very narrowly on marriage. Put it on a grid. Obama is closer to, or indeed has, the majority position on both questions.
The single most important position here is not Obama’s, but Romney’s: specifically, his continuing opposition to civil unions. That one is mystifying to me. In many polls, something north of 60 percent of Americans back civil unions. George W. Bush backed civil unions in 2004. It’s yesterday’s news. Outside of right-wing circles, it’s not controversial. Yet Romney happily slid his leg into this manacle, slammed down the padlock, and threw the key into the river. He’s stuck with this one.
He’s stuck with another one, too. He signed a pledge promising that he would pursue a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage nationally. Now it may be that he “doesn’t really believe that.” That doesn’t matter. He signed it. He’s stuck with that one, too.
It’s a simple rule of politics: When you’ve done something controversial, don’t play defense, play offense. If Obama does that, he can expose the extremism of Romney’s positions.
So this is what Obama needs to do: When the subject turns to this issue, he needs to make sure that Americans know that Romney opposes even civil unions, and that he would seek to outlaw gay marriage across the country, and he needs to make Romney defend those positions. Obama, in contrast, can say: “Hey, look, I took a personal position. I’m not trying to make Alabama or Oklahoma do anything they don’t want to do. But you, sir, would take already-won rights away from gay couples whose unions are now recognized in a number of states.” And then he drops this bomb: “My position is no different from Dick Cheney’s. Is he outside the mainstream?” And then, after that, he can say something like: “Governor, your own father bravely broke from his party on a great civil-rights matter. Why can’t you?”
It’s a simple rule of politics: When you’ve done something controversial, don’t play defense with it, play offense. If Obama does that, he can expose the extremism of Romney’s positions. He’ll give substance to the “forward” idea. He’ll look like, and will in fact be, a politician who has taken a gutsy stand. He’ll be able to say, entirely justifiably, that he is operating in the country’s best traditions. Romney is acting in accord with our worst ones. And if Romney changes his stance on civil unions, then he’s a flip-flopper, again, and looks incredibly weak next to the guy who took an actual stand.
President Obama announces his support for gay marriage
So that’s the best case. It may or may not work. We’ll have to see how many millions of dollars will be poured into energizing anti-Obama voters who might otherwise have stayed at home. There are a lot of those votes to be had, and they aren’t just down South. They’re in Ohio, and Michigan, and most swing states.
But tolerant people live in those states too. In any case, even though I confess I was advising against it, I find it quite pleasing to see a Democrat stake out a chancy position and quit being mealy-mouthed out of fear of what bad things might happen to him. Obama undoubtedly has that fear, but he acted on faith that good things might happen. He is much to be admired for this. Now, having secured the beachhead, he has to hold it and even advance. | <urn:uuid:18d19126-724e-4c01-b16c-2e029faffc52> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/05/10/michael-tomasky-obama-s-high-stakes-gamble-on-gay-marriage.print.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00005-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.966877 | 1,236 | 1.570313 | 2 |
Current Temp 45.0 °F
Wind : Southeast at 4.6 MPH (4 KT)
Humidity : 93 %
Pressure : 1023.4 mb
Cold weather makes for busy days for AAA: Tips to keep your batteries running
UTICA, N.Y (WKTV) - AAA deals with hundreds of calls a day when the temperatures drop below zero, and Thursday was no exception, with roughly 50 calls an hour about dead batteries coming in amid the frigid temperatures and more than 100 people waiting for a jump start to their car.
Ed Welsh of AAA says that a car battery loses half of its power when the mercury hits zero.
"If you have an 800 amp battery at 60 degrees Fahrenheit, at zero out, you have about 400 amps," Welsh said. "It loses half its power at zero."
He offered some tips to avoid waking up to a dead battery, including backing into your driveway or garage, charging the battery a little at a time overnight to make sure the battery doesn't freeze up, and don't bother with dry gas. Welsh said today's gas has ethanol in it, which he says is basically the same thing.
AAA not only offers roadside assistance, but battery replacement as well. | <urn:uuid:a2fe3283-c5c4-42c7-b30f-cfc44860f7ab> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.wktv.com/weather/news/Cold-weather-makes-for-busy-days-for-AAA-Tips-to-keep-your-batteries-running-188232201.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00034-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951342 | 255 | 1.84375 | 2 |
Officials in Japan have performed CT scans on faulty Boeing Dreamliner batteries but remain uncertain if the cells failed because of an electrical or chemical cause.
Investigators may now widen their tests to other equipment on the technologically advanced aircraft, Japan Transport Safety Board (JTSB) chairman Norihiro Goto said.
The batteries, from a 787 operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA), overheated last month and forced the plane to make an emergency landing.
Investigators in Japan and the US continue to examine two incidents with the plane's lithium-ion batteries - a battery fire on a Japan Airlines (JAL) 787 at Boston airport and the emergency landing on the domestic ANA flight after battery problems triggered a smoke alarm.
Another aircraft suffered a cracked cockpit window on a domestic flight in Japan.
Mr Goto said CT scans showed six of the main battery's eight cells on the ANA Dreamliner were badly damaged, charred and deformed.
The news comes as Boeing (NYSE: BA - news) has asked the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) for permission to undertake test flights on the troubled model, which has been grounded since the incidents.
He said Boeing had not discussed its test flight request with the Japanese agency, and he did not know if the plane maker had found clues to the cause of the battery problems.
Approaching the FAA for test flights "could mean they have made progress,"the JTSB spokesman said.
ANA is the world's biggest Dreamliner operator with 17 of the jets while local rival JAL owns seven.
Japan accounts for almost half the 50 787s that have been grounded since January 17.
Around a third of the composite construction aircraft's components were sourced in Japan by Boeing.
Last Friday, US officials said they were making progress in their investigation into the battery fire on JAL's jet in Boston, although they have yet to set any timetable for completing their work.
ANA said it lost around £11m in revenue as a result of the Dreamliner grounding, while JAL said the halting of 787 flights would shave £5m from its operating profit in the year to the end ofMarch.
Both companies have said they will discuss compensation for the losses with Boeing.
More From Sky News | <urn:uuid:6b57e3d4-28db-4af9-8e89-66e35150d365> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/dreamliner-batteries-ct-scans-over-091446267.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699881956/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516102441-00001-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.964435 | 464 | 1.804688 | 2 |
Filed underPolitical Blog Progressive
Last night America saw a president in command and a challenger in retreat from his own positions. Obama dominated the stage and the discussion at Lynn University.
He emerged the clear victor.
In what was once the Republican’s strong suit, the Romney/Ryan campaign tonight completed their complete capitulation on foreign policy in the 2012 election.
As he has done throughout the month of October, Romney abandoned numerous positions throughout the night. The biggest piece of news from the debate was Romney’s capitulation on Afghanistan. On the rare occasion that Romney takes up foreign policy during the campaign it always includes a critique of Obama’s decision to give a date certain for withdrawal from America’s longest war.
Through the night’s discussion another key difference was revealed between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama: only President Obama that talks about our troops and their families when discussing foreign policy.
Tonight Mitt Romney failed the “Troop Test.” He showed himself to be inconsistent, unprincipled, on every side of the issue and not serious about the world we live in today. That is the kind of attitude that endangers our soldiers.
Romney preferred to focus on the robotic delivery of a the few talking points that he returned to repeatedly. He also seemed to have prepared for this debate with word association cue cards that matched countries with a specific group or word that he regurgitated in his answers.
Meanwhile Obama used Romney’s record to methodically dissect his opponent. Romney sat across the table and took the criticism lying down.
Obama showed a command of the issues and dealt with questions with toughness and precision.
While Romney ran from his record, President Obama delivered a number of global lessons to his ambitious opponent.
The most brutal may have been in response to Romney’s talking point about the military having fewer ships than a century ago thereby, in Romney’s estimation, proving the weakness of our Navy.
Obama stepped in and chastised Romney for not understanding the military, reminding him that we have fewer horses and bayonets than we had in 1918 also and that there are these things called aircraft carriers and submarines now.
There was no fight in Mitt Romney tonight and, most pathetically, Romney did not even push back that he understood how the military works.
If you cannot make a powerful argument about our military in a presidential debate you are not prepared for the world stage.
Romney also made an embarrassing mistake when it came to basic geography. He referred to Syria as Iran’s access to the sea – ignoring the basic fact that Iran sits on the Persian Gulf.
Not since Gerald Ford asserted that Russia would not dominate Eastern Europe in a Ford Administration has a Republican said something so fundamentally stupid about the way the world is.
Romney again tried to criticize the president for traveling to the Middle East early in his administration and not traveling to Israel. Obama was again ready with a crushing reply that he traveled to Israel not with campaign donors on a junket but as a way of preparing to be president and command our troops.
Again, Romney took the punches and moved on.
In the first debate I wrote that the president seemed to be employing a boxing strategy called rope-a-dope, letting Romney talk and talk putting himself in an indefensible rhetorical place by the end of the night.
If these three matches started with a rope-a-dope strategy they ended with Romney clutching his opponent and agreeing with every Obama policy and strategy, trying to toss the occasional rhetorical blow and surrendering when his opponent returned tougher blows in response.
Romney was just trying to survive the night.
But in the closing minutes the challenger had grown frustrated and impatient. Romney decided to revisit his “Let Detroit Go Bankrupt” policy. It was the mistake of the night.
Romney seemed to feel unburdened by talking about business instead of boring issues of war and international relationships.
During his answer, showing a mix of arrogance and testiness, he admonished the president that “I’m still speaking” as he recreated his auto policy in a way that was completely divergent from the truth.
Flustered and frustrated Romney lashed out and told the biggest lie that could do him the most damage – claiming to have never walked away from the auto industry is laughable on its face.
Romney tried to pick himself back up with a rehearsed critique of Obama before the closing statements but the damage was done. He was stammering and at a loss following Obama’s critique.
The president closed describing the clear choice voters have in November, what is at stake and what the competing visions are between the two candidates.
Romney closed by delivering the worst prepared remarks since his Convention speech.
Once again, GOP surrogates seem lost about what to say. Earlier in the day, John McCain ripped Obama’s foreign policy on behalf of the Romney campaign. Then Mitt Romney walked on to the stage at Lynn University and undermined everything that McCain and other campaign supporters had been saying.
Ohio surrogate Rob Portman could not explain Romney’s latest version of his auto policy. Conservative foreign policy experts were baffled by Romney’s new positions.
It was a stunning reversal of positions for the two campaigns.
About Bill Buck
Bill Buck is a Democratic strategist, President of the Buck Communications Group, a media relations and new media strategies consulting business based in Washington, DC, and Managing Director of the online ad firm Influence DSP. He has over twenty years of international and national communications experience. The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CBS Local. | <urn:uuid:8b033f69-2aac-4b66-ad6b-00bd424a5efc> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2012/10/23/opinion-in-clear-victory-obama-shows-romney-isnt-ready-to-be-commander-in-chief/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702810651/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516111330-00025-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.973187 | 1,170 | 1.570313 | 2 |
Late Breaking News
Bill Helps Camp Lejeune Veterans Impacted by Toxic Water
WASHINGTON, DC—A bill that will make health care available to veterans and their families who have been impacted by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune passed the House this week and was sent to President Obama for his signature.
The bill was passed as part of the Honoring America’s Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 and approves VA medical coverage for certain illnesses to veterans and their families who served at Camp Lejeune between 1957 and 1987. Under the bill, for family members VA will be the “payer of last resort.”
The House passage of the bill followed the Senate’s passage of the bill in July.
“This has been a long time coming, and unfortunately, many who were exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune over the years have died as a result and are not with us to receive the care this bill will provide,” Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) said in a written statement after the Senate passage of the bill. “While I wish we could have accomplished this years ago, we now have the opportunity to do the right thing for the thousands of navy and marine veterans and their families who were harmed during their service to our country.”
Burr’s office said in a press release that an “estimated 750,000 people may have been exposed to probable and known human carcinogens in the base’s water supply between the 1950s and 1980s,” making this is the largest recorded environmental incident on a domestic DoD installation.
Advocates have for years pushed for the passage of such a bill and have told Congress about their personal stories. One vocal advocate who has been instrumental in drawing attention to the issue, retired marine Jerry Ensminger, has said he believes his nine-year-old daughter’s death from childhood leukemia is linked to exposure to the contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune.
Rep. Jeff Miller, chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said that the legislation “will make an immediate impact in the lives of veterans, their families, and survivors by providing the care and support they have earned through their service to our nation.”
Join Our E-Mail List | <urn:uuid:f329b4ee-496e-48cd-b91e-6e522da63f60> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.usmedicine.com/news/2012/08/02/bill-helps-camp-lejeune-veterans-impacted-by-toxic-water.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00029-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.978614 | 481 | 1.789063 | 2 |
The bombing in the Moscow subway is a typical Islamic terrorist horror, complete with suicide bombings, mass death, and sneaky female perpetrators. But Russia, like Israel, has within or lives alongside a large number of Muslims. It acquired its Caucasian Republics as part of its 19th Century drive to have a warm water port. As a consequence, an historically Nordic and homogenous group–the Russian Slavs–acquired a multinational empire of Tatars, Chechens, Ingushetians, Ossetians, and all the rest.
Israel, likewise, was born in the post World War II Jewish reconquest of their ancient homeland, which, in the 2,000 years of their exile, had become populated by a majority of Christian and Muslim Palestinian Arabs.
In other words, both of these nations because of where they are located and the settled facts of their ancient and recent history must deal with Muslims, and that means they must deal with Muslim terrorism. The United States, by contrast, is protected by two oceans, has a miniscule Muslim population, and benefits in spite of it all from a great deal of historical homogeneity, particularly on the matter of religion.
Our Muslim population is of recent vintage, often speaks with an accent, is easily identified, and is here because of the 1964 immigration reforms, which were deliberately designed to turn the white majority into a minority. While we’re told repeatedly that “diversity is our strength,” the facts suggest otherwise. Muslims do nothing extraordinary in America that Americans cannot do themselvses. They are not particularly talented and seem concentrated in low skill merchant occupations, with a smaller cohort in medicine and engineering. In other words, they do things we can easily do for ourselvs. But since this ”reform” we’ve had the ’93 WTC attacks, 9/11, the El Al airlines shoot up, Major Nidal Hasan, and many other Muslim attacks and associated inconveniences.
Is this what we want? We are not fated to live this way. The risk is completely artificial, a creature of immigration policy that is fairly easily reversed in this instance, as evidenced by the mass self-deportation of Arabs and Muslims in the wake of the increased scrutiny following the 9/11 attacks. Russia and Israel, if they mean to preserve themselves, may have to resort to extremes. Some view their common terorrism problem as requiring solidarity and American activity in the region. But our common threat allows us (unlike Russia and Israel) a low effort, high reward solution not available to the fellow victims of Muslim terrorism. America can do defend itself by simply shutting the front door through which the terrorists keep coming in and by reducing our presence in the neighborhoods in which they reside, which focuses their attention unduly upon us. We should not allow a common threat obscure from us an uncommon advantage of geography and history. | <urn:uuid:41f01783-07f7-4faa-a2f5-a0b0f2a2096f> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://mansizedtarget.wordpress.com/category/terrorism/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00019-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.971053 | 592 | 1.710938 | 2 |
Utilize educational skills appropriate to the advancement of the respiratory therapist
Utilize administrative skills appropriate to the advancement of the rspiratory therapist
The class project must consume at least 45 hours of student time with the student keeping an ongoing journal of time spent in each area of project preparation. For example if 3 hours are spent in researching the topic the student should make an entry recording the exact amount of time spent (i.e. research, preparation, presentation), and submit this with the topic to me.
Projects will be graded according to the following criteria:
STUDENT HONOR CREEED
"As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."
As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.
Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.
We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.
We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.
All components of RESP 4233-X20 are designed to represent the efforts of each student INDIVIDUALLY and are NOT to be shared, copied, or plagiarized from other sources. When students submit their efforts for grading, they are attesting they abided by this rule.
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or completing other assignments; or (3) the acquisition of tests or other academic materials belonging to the university faculty or staff without permission.
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the use of, by paraphrase or direct quotation without correct citation in the text and on the reference list, the published or unpublished works of another person. Students may NOT submit papers and assignments that they have previously submitted for this or other courses. The use of materials generated by agencies engaged in "selling" term papers is also plagiarism. Students are encouraged to review the tutorials and suggested websites for more information about plagiarism.
Academic dishonesty (cheating, plagiarism, etc.) will not be tolerated in this class. Whenever a student is unsure of whether a particular situation will be interpreted as academic dishonesty, he/she should ask the instructor for clarification. If students are guilty of academic dishonesty, a grade of zero (0) will be given for the quiz, assignment, etc. Cases may also be referred to the Dean of Students for possible dismissal from the university.
By enrolling in this course, the student expressly grants MSU a “limited right” in all intellectual property created by the student for the purpose of this course. The “limited right” shall include but shall not be limited to the right to reproduce the student’s work product in order to verify originality and authenticity, and for educational purposes. Specifically, faculty may submit student papers and assignments to an external agency to verify originality and authenticity, and to detect for plagiarism. | <urn:uuid:e6802914-5975-4fd6-8b07-95926409209b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.mwsu.edu/profiles/courseDetails.asp?CID=5076 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00003-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.93243 | 849 | 1.507813 | 2 |
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (CNN) -- A Fort Lauderdale nurse has resigned and more than 1,800 patients have been notified that they may have been exposed to diseases such as HIV and hepatitis, after the nurse allegedly admitted to the hospital that she used disposable IV equipment on multiple patients, a violation of safety standards.
Reuse of disposable equipment violates "universal, standard" safety policy, a hospital official noted.
Fort Lauderdale Police are investigating to determine whether any crimes were committed after an anonymous caller reported seeing the nurse use the same saline bag and a portion of tubing more than once, during adult cardiac chemical stress tests.
The hospital, Broward General Medical Center, said that a review of the nurse was conducted when administering intravenous fluids during the stress tests and that she was suspended pending the outcome of a full investigation. The nurse subsequently resigned, according to the hospital.
Police have identified the nurse as Qui Lan of Fort Lauderdale.
On Friday, an attorney for Lan told CNN: "Ms. Qui Lan has been a registered nurse for over 37 years providing excellent medical care to all of her patients. She has an excellent reputation in the medical community due to her professionalism and ethical manner. We are confident that once the facts surrounding this incident are revealed, Ms. Qui Lan will continue to be seen in the same light."
"She's not a suspect," said police Sgt. Frank Sousa. "We don't have a crime at this point....If any victims come forward, we're going to investigate." Police have not released an incident report.
"It's heartbreaking to every employee here," said Cathy Meyer, a spokeswoman for Broward General Medical Center.
"She was aware that she was doing this. It's no different than changing a sheet, or a BandAid. This is what nurses go into nursing school for," Meyer said.
"It's a violation of standard nursing infection control procedures," she said. "It's a universal, standard policy which was violated."
The hospital says a review of medical files from the nurse's date of employment, January 2004, until today identified 1,851 patients to whom the nurse administered cardiac chemical tests. These patients are being urged to get tested for the hepatitis B and C virus, and HIV.
Alice Taylor, the hospital's chief operating officer, said the nurse admitted to a hospital investigator that she should have used new equipment for each patient. When asked why she didn't, the nurse did not respond, Taylor said, through a spokesperson.
"She admitted to inconsistencies in replacing the saline bag," Taylor said.
A cardiac chemical stress test is designed for people who cannot tolerate a traditional stress test, which involves walking on a treadmill with electrodes attached to their body.
So, the chemical test is performed, using specific medicines that increase the heart beat as if the person were exercising. It was during this intravenous process that saline bags and tubing were allegedly used more than once, according to the anonymous individual. The hospital believes the risk of exposure is low but said it's important for patients to be tested and will pay all necessary costs.
"This is an individual's unacceptable practice that once discovered was immediately corrected," said James Thaw, CEO of Broward General Medical Center, in a written statement.
As of Tuesday morning, the hospital had already received more than 600 calls and had counseled 30 people inside the hospital.
"It's prudent for our hospital to go into an investigation and notify every patient. We took a conservative approach," said Meyer, the hospital spokesperson.
But whether the nurse's actions result in criminal charges remains to be seen. The police have sealed the incident report and have not yet interviewed the nurse. "We are investigating to see whether or not there was a crime that was committed," said Sgt. Frank Sousa of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.
In the meantime, a 24-hour patient hotline has been established. The hospital asks concerned patients to call 800-545-5716, or go to their Web site at www.browardhealth.org/patientnotice/#.
|Most Viewed||Most Emailed||Top Searches| | <urn:uuid:dc03f910-44c0-4583-9508-3bc1bdad81db> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/08/rogue.nurse.diseases/index.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00031-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.974905 | 853 | 1.609375 | 2 |
Across the States
The letter urged families to return two forms “as soon as possible”—a “Homeschool Temporary Waiver of Confidentiality” form and an “Alternative School Program Partial Waiver of Confidentiality.”* The only explanation the letter provided as to why families were suddenly being urged to sign these forms was that it was “very important.”
HSLDA Staff Attorney Scott Woodruff called the homeschool secretary to ask if families’ privacy would be jeopardized if they simply ignored the forms, but the secretary could not provide an answer.
HSLDA will take steps to ensure that the school administration understands that homeschooling families’ privacy must be protected even if they disregard the “partial waiver” form, and we will strongly discourage the school from sending “temporary waiver” forms out wholesale again.
The right to privacy is the right to be left alone, and only active citizens can prevent intrusions on this freedom. With the help of vigilant homeschooling families, we will defend the important privacy protections won in 2004.
— by Scott A. Woodruff
* See “A plethora of forms” | <urn:uuid:da5cccec-217e-4772-b45e-429c92a19163> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.hslda.org/courtreport/V22N6/V22N6SD.asp | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706890813/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516122130-00015-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.943505 | 249 | 1.632813 | 2 |
I have been assigned a course at the University of Colorado in summer
school called "Philosophy and Society." It's a lover-division class and the
course description is very broad, allowing the instructor to do just about
anything. Most instructors do social and political theory, but I'd like to
do something on science, tenchology and society. (I haven't thought about
social/political philosophy for a long time!) Trouble is, I can't find a
good textbook to use. It would need to be aimed at a general audience
rather than science majors, and should (to meet my goals) deal with such
things as how society can understand rather than be suspicious of
science/technology, what might be some models of the role of society at
large in defining the ethical boundaries of scientific research (eg. the
human cloning issue), and so forth.
If any of you have a suggestion, I'd certainly appreciate it. I think that
a private reply would be better than a reply to the listserv in general. | <urn:uuid:bfecfefb-38d0-4069-8dff-6d57c214659f> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www2.asa3.org/archive/asa/199802/0324.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700264179/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516103104-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.958159 | 217 | 1.679688 | 2 |
One of the problems with modern politics is that the debate on issues such as Islam is defined by the media, not the truth. The media rely on stereotypes in order to simplify issues for an increasingly dumbed down public whose attention spans and literacy falls year after year and hence politics, reflecting the media, becomes fixated also with stereotypes.
For instance - these are some of the usual stereotypes we see promulgated in the media and politics - the BNP are all knuckle dragging skinheads, Ethnic Minorities are the primary victims of racism, Islam is a religion of peace, racism is a problem of whites etc etc.
The tragedy is that rather than confronting the media, politics has been often complicit with the media.
This stereotype thinking now even infects nationalism.
For example how many times have I had to read the statement from nationalists that Islam is a threat to the West.
Many nationalists seek to peddle this nonsense, and by so doing merely empower the enemies of nationalism.
This statement that 'Islam is a threat to the West' now seems to run alongside the old classic 'the Jews run the world' in the margins of nationalism as the two classic conspiracy theories of the far right.
Both are utter nonsense.
Islam has never been a threat to the West. The time has come for a more cohsive critique of Islam that is based on reality and not the media stereotypes.
It is mass immigration which is one of the primary threats to the West, not Islam.
Islam is a meme, a religious idea. It is not even a single meme, it is a collection of various different memes which each exist in constant opposition with the others.
Islam does not exist other than an expression of adopted human beliefs.
Islam is neither a monolithic religion nor a set of cohsive ideas. At the moment the primary cause of so many muslim deaths in the world is not due to the JIA (Jews, Infidels and Americans as the insurgents in Iraq call the occupation forces), it is due to the internicine warfare on obscure theological points between the various sects of Islam.
The myth of muslims being slaughtered by the US and UK and Crusaders, is simply nonsense. It is Muslims killing Muslims that is the primary threat to the safety of Muslims in the world today.
Islam has never been a single entity, as it is as much a single religious entity as Christianity.
The idea that Catholicism and Protestantism are both to be labelled as 'Christian' and therefore the history of violence, wars and hatred between both them minimised to irrelevancy is anti-history and anti-truth.
Christianity is defined by the sects and conflicts within it, and so is Islam.
The historical record also shows that Islam has never been the primary cause of Christian deaths, it is Christians killing Christians that has been the primary cause of Christian deaths in history.
Even the times when one section of Islam has been resurgent historically and posed a threat to the West, these incursions into the West by one section of the resurgent Islamist fath were caused by weaknesses in the West which arose as a result of wars, schisms and religious divisions between Western nations within 'christendom'.
It was our weakness which invited attack.
The issue is not Islam.
If the people who hold extremist Islamist beliefs were never allowed to enter our society in the first place, or they were removed from our society once discovered, then the issue of Islam would be meaningless.
It is demographics that threatens democracy not Islam.
It is the fact that Britain has been allowed to become Britannistan, the central orgainising hub for global jihad, that is the threat we face. And that threat has been as a result of the actions of the same politicians and political elite that have now sent our troops to fight in their wars against 'Islamist terrorism'. They invited the extremists into the UK to claim asylum once they were being hunted in their own nations for slaughtering their own people.
The UK is under threat because we allowed the terrorist scum and extremist scum of the world to enter the UK and claim asylum, with their hands still wet with the blood of those they had killed. Our politicians allowed them to enter and organise their terror networks from the UK. We allowed extremists and extremist literature funded and supported by saudi Arabia and Pakistan to enter our country and infect the moderate Muslim communities in the UK.
In the name of political correctness, asylum, multi-culturalism and political correctness we allowed the terrorists and extremists to take over sections of the muslim communities in the UK.
In the event of any extremist sect within Islam becoming resurgent within the UK and threatening the state, then the primary victims of this sects expansion will be their fellow Muslims.
Then it will be the Jews, Homosexuals, Nationalists then Christians.
Just like Christianity the primary victims of muslims has always been fellow muslims.
A few years ago I read the 'Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam' by Robert Spencer. Then a few months ago I found out that Spencer was a raging Zionist nutcase whose loyalty to Israel was the primary basis of his hatred of Islam.
It was then that the reality dawned. It is the division within Islam between Sunni and Shiite which is today the primary driver of the New Axis of the world - that of the US / Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Take for instance Iraq. The US invasion of Iraq occured for three primary reasons ;
1)To get hold of the oil as Peak Oil hits
2) To secure safety of Israel from Shiite Iran
3) To ensure the safety of Sunni Saudi Arabia from Shiite Iran
So called nationalists will talk about issue 2 but never 1 or 3.
The media will talk about issue 2 but never 1 or 3.
Each has their own reson to lie and distort reality for their own ends.
It was the Israeli AIPAC lobby in the US who used the American media to start the drum beat for war. Without the US media pumping out the propaganda against Iraq then no ar could have begun. The public had to be indoctrinated first to accept a war. This is proved by the utter lies and falsehoods that the media pumped out to get us into the war.
The next time someone suggests we 'go easy ' on the media then remind them that the blood of British soldiers that flows in Afghanistan and Iraq is down to them pumping out lies in their papers in order to get us to go to war in the first place.
If it was not for the support of the Saudi Arabians and their oil and their funding of the US SHADOW GOVERNMENT of the Military-Industrial Block whose arms they buy in their billions, and their fear of a resurgent Iran uniting with Shiite dominated Iraq, then the war would not have occured.
It was only because the US media, AIPAC, the Saudi Arabian lobby groups and the Shadow Government wanted war that the war went ahead.
The fact that the terrorists who flew the planes on 911 were mainly Saudi Arabians, that it is Saudi Arabia who is the biggest funder of Wahhabist extremist groups linked with terrorism around the world, that AIPAC runs the US foreign policy to put the interests of Israel first and that the US and UK media told lies to get us into the war in Iraq are all issues we are just expected to forget.
Those that seek to propagate the idea that Islam is the threat do so because they have an agenda.
It is not Islam that is the threat, it is sections of Islamist thought that have been allowed to grow beyond control and infect communities that is the threat - not Islam.
Islam, as I explained above, does not exist as a single entity. It is a set of competing ideas seeking to secure a hold on human minds.
If the leaders of the West, who were all white, had never opened the gates to the West and allowed in immigrants infected with their own extremist variants of the memes of Islam, then those variants of Islam would now not be infecting minds and be a terrorist threat to the West.
Those terrorists in the West that threaten our safety should be executed or deported, but whilst we are pepared to send our soldiers to die in Iraq and Afghanistan fighting terrorists the same politicians that sent them to war refuse to either execute the terrorists in our nations or deport their supporters from our own nations.
This is pure insanity.
The fact is a small and tiny minority of Islamist lunatic terrorists do represent a threat to our society is real, but the threat they offer is minimal compared to the dangers the media, the military-industrial blocks, our dependence on foreign oil and the lobby groups represent to our democracy.
Blaming the bogeyman of 'Islam' as being the primary 'threat' to the west is rubbish.
It is immigration, the media, the military-industrial blocks, our dependence on foreign energy sources and the power of the lobby groups in our political systems that are the primary threats to the democracies of the west.
It these groups who have undermined the ability of the West to close the gates and end immigration and return many of those present within our nations and who block us from dealing with the tiny groups of various Islamist terrorist sects that threaten our social safety in the name of political correctness.
What I would hope to see arise one day is an Islam of the Spirit, as opposed to an Islam of the Book.
This would be an Islam that no longer kills in the name of God but that sees that all life is holy and is an manifestation of God.
This would be an Islam that no longer kills their fellow Muslims and that regards the territory it needs to conquer is not the earth, but the souls of men with spiritual enlightenment.
Christianity also needs this internal spiritual revolution as well.
Many years ago I visited Tunisia on holiday. I was walking with some friends on the shoreline when we got caught in a sand storm. The sand was flying so hard that it was literally scouring our eyes.
I told the people I was with to sit down and began to build a shelter from some wood that lay in the sand to deflect the sand and wait until the storm passed.
From seemingly out of nowhere a man in long black robes appeared from behind the sand dunes and began to help me build the shelter.
When we had finished I said thank you and he smiled and walked away.
In the hearts of all people is a capacity for kindness and humanity.
For nationalists to do as the media do and depict all Muslims and the variants of Islam as the same is merely a way to get us to take our eyes off the real enemy that has usurped and destroyed our democracy. | <urn:uuid:13121bac-bba2-4d4d-aace-1ec641c75337> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://leejohnbarnes.blogspot.com/2008/06/islam-is-not-threat.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00022-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.97011 | 2,202 | 1.757813 | 2 |
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The collapse of the Dutch government after marathon talks on Afghanistan raises difficult questions both for future of NATO’s mission against the Taliban and the nature of politics in the Netherlands.
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende announced in the small hours of Saturday morning that Labor Party ministers were resigning from the coalition government.
Balkenende’s center-right Christian Democratic Appeal and the conservative Christian Union party will stay on in government until elections likely to be held in May.
The cabinet split over a request from NATO for the Netherlands to extend the mission of its troops serving in Afghanistan’s troublesome southern province of Uruzgan. Most of the 1,900 soldiers in Afghanistan are stationed in Uruzgan.
NATO believes the Dutch troops have played an important role in providing relative stability in the province by building up close ties with local leaders and marginalizing the Taliban through a focus on diplomacy and development.
Allied commanders say the Dutch approach has been a model for the new wider NATO approach of focusing on building confidence and security in Afghanistan’s main population centers.
However, the Dutch parliament voted in 2007 to pull the troops out of Uruzgan mission this autumn, the Labor Party flatly refused to consider the NATO request for an extension, despite a direct appeal to its leader Wouter Bos from the Obama administration.
NATO officials fear any incoming replacement force will struggle to rebuild the trust Dutch officers have developed with tribal leaders in Uruzgan, undermining the fragile security there. They are also concerned a pull out could set an example for other allied nations — notably Canada which is under public opinion pressure to wind down its operation in Kandahar.
The Afghan mission in unpopular among Dutch public opinion. The Labor Party which has been dropping in the polls was unwilling to change its position on pulling out of Uruzgan ahead of municipal elections scheduled for next month.
The Netherlands now faces a period of political uncertainty ahead of the parliamentary elections. The in-fighting between Labor and the Christian Democrats within the coalition government may damage both the main parties in the eyes of the electorate, which could benefit the two rival opposition liberal parties or the radical new force in the country’s politics — the far right Freedom Party.
Over the past few years, the Freedom Party has risen to prominence under its stanchly anti-Islamic leader Geert Wilders who has likened the Koran to the writings of Adolf Hitler and warns about the growing influence of Muslim immigrants in the country. Mainstream politicians fear the Freedom Party could emerge as the biggest winner from the squabbling among traditional politicians.
Although the centrist parties are likely to band together to stop Wilders getting a toehold in the government, any gains by his party could see a further hardening of the traditional Dutch tolerance towards new immigrants.
As for NATO’s headache in Uruzgan, Western alliance could hope that Balkenende’s Christian Democrats and the liberals are able to form a new coalition more amenable to extending the mission. But the liberals are divided on the issue, and both the Freedom Party and smaller parties on the left are opposed to keeping the troops there. It looks likely allied commanders will have to draw up contingency plans for a Dutch withdrawal by the end of the year. | <urn:uuid:f9c400d7-a16c-4910-897f-60cce8e3876f> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.globalpost.com/notebook/benelux/100220/dutch-government-collapses | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.948333 | 673 | 1.679688 | 2 |
Experience and in depth visit to the pristine Amazon Rain Forest within the Yasunì National Park, an important UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the largest tract of tropical rain forest in Ecuador. Begin, by flying into Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and enjoy a night in the city. Then, head to the airport and fly to Coca, the gateway to the deep Amazon Rainforest! The principal Amazon artery for visitors is the Napo River, a major tributary of the main Amazon River. Its basin is 1400km long and one to three miles wide. Napo's 130 islands are covered by young forests, which provide refuge and nesting sites for a multitude of bird species. Along the length of the Napo, natives and settlers have established communities. Most of the shore is covered with tropical forest and over thousands of years, many lakes have formed. All meals and excursions are included.
Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will help you locate your vehicle.
Enjoy a private airport transfer with a professional driver.
The Mecure Hotel is located in the centre of Quito; guests are within walking distance to visit local shops, restaurants, museums and antique churches. With 147 comfortable rooms with high speed internet access, the hotel offers you a pleasant environment for combining business with pleasure.
Enjoy a direct flight from Quito to Coca. The flight duration is approximately 30 minutes.
Transfer by boat and land 30-90 minutes.
To get to Napo Wildlife Center, guests fly by jet from Quito to the town of Coca (officially known as Francisco de Orellana) on the Napo River. After a short drive from the airport to the dock, board a large, motorized, covered canoe for a scenic two-hour trip down the Napo River. Upon arriving at the entrance to the Napo Wildlife Center Reserve, switch to smaller, dugout canoes. You are paddled up the blackwater creek to the lake and lodge (motorized transport is not allowed on the creek or lake so that wildlife is not disturbed). This paddle can take anywhere from one to three hours, as on the creek guests may see Giant Otters, potoos, kingfishers, Hoatzins, jacamars, hawks, and monkeys. Enjoy lunch en route and arrive at the lodge by late afternoon.
The Napo Wildlife Center supports a unique, 82-square-mile, private nature reserve on the northern edge of the Yasuni National Park. The reserve and associated lodge were created and built by traditional Quichua Indian Community of Anangu. The Napo Wildlife Center is the only lodge on the south bank of the Napo, which harbors 30% more bird and animal species than the north bank. With parrott licks, Giant Otters, Woolly Monkeys and ten other primates, Napo WIldlife Center is the finest wildlife destination in Ecuador. The lodge consists of 12 luxury cabañas, 2 suites and a large dining hall with a library and a well-stocked bar. Attached to the bar is a 50-foot viewing tower from which you can see the Andes on a clear day! Cabanas are comfortable and spacious and include: one king-sized bed and one twin-sized bed, private bathrooms with hot water showers, private porches with lake views, 24-hour electricity, ceiling fans and secure screens for plenty of bug-free ventilation.
Early wake up to reach the parrot clay licks about 1 hour away from the lodge, guests arrive just before parrot activity kicks off at the clay lick between 7:30 to 8:30. A total of 11 species of parrots, parakeets and macaws can be seen. A visit that depends on weather conditions but usually successful.
Later, hike along forest trail to visit to the Quichua community of Añangu where you will learn more about the local culture. Return to the creek and hike through Terra Firme Forest for about 30 minutes until arriving to the second parrot clay lick where if the weather conditions help several different species of parrots, parakeets and even macaws may be identified. Box lunch at the parrot clay lick observatory. Late afternoon arrival to the lodge.
After early breakfast, depart from the lodge visit the canopy tower located about 20 minutes from the lodge deep within the Terra Firme forest. As you ascend the 12-story tower, pass through different levels of the forest and emerge on top of a huge Ceiba tree. Here you cross onto a wooden platform that is actually built into the tree. Experience magnificent views formerly reserved only for the birds. The metal tower itself was constructed to the highest standards, galvanized, and carefully inspected by engineers. Safety is the priority. The platform at the top of the tree was constructed by tree platform specialists as well.
Flocks of colorful tanagers pass right through the canopy of the tree, Blue-and yellow Macaws fly past, in nearby trees Spider Monkeys search for fruit, two species of large toucans call in the early mornings and afternoons, and the life of the forest canopy opens before you. Birds that are virtually impossible to see from the forest floor far below are suddenly right beside you, oblivious to your presence. The canopy tower opens a whole new world to guests of the Napo Wildlife Center.
Served lunch at the lodge. Afternoon visit to a terra firme trail, hike along primary forest to discover the forest interior, possibilities of finding lizards, colorful manakins or the unique and endemic Golden mantle tamarin monkeys. After the hike, explore the lake and creeks by dugout canoe with great possibilities of running into a Giant otter family on the way.
Early departure and last excursion canoeing back to the Napo river, the creek may reveal new sights of Giant otters, Monk Saki monkeys or many other rare birds. Entry docking area, use of restrooms and embarking on motorized canoe in order to return back to Coca, arrival approximately after 2 hours boat ride up river, in order to check in for Coca - Quito flight.
Enjoy a flight from Coca to Quito. The flight duration is approximately 30 minutes.
A departure tax must be paid upon departing Ecuador through the Quito airport. The payment must be made in cash and the cost is of USD$44.30 per person. Subject to change without notice.
Depart from Quito International airport - end of itinerary
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Ecuador for the most up to date visa information.
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Please enter a destination | <urn:uuid:bb0fe4de-0808-491f-9a53-0ca7e634b542> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.kensingtontours.com/tours/south-america/ecuador/deep-amazon-experience/travel-news/cologne-s-christmas-markets-are-a-yuletide-tradition | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00014-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.939521 | 1,395 | 1.59375 | 2 |
Regarding the McClellan at Gettysburg theme, I edited a grouping of a Union captain's letters that was published in 1998 called Inside the Army of the Potomac. In the letters, my subject, Captain Francis Adams Donaldson of the 118th Pennsylvania, noted that on the night of July 1-2, while the 5th Corps was en route to Gettysburg via Hanover, that an officer with a lantern standing by the roadside (this was at 3:30 AM) read an "order" claiming McClellan had again been placed in command.Excellent! Keep them coming, please.
"The men became perfectly wild with joy, and the scene was very exciting where we halted. Here were divisions of infantry intermingled with artillery and cavalry cheering each other as they passed, while the name McClellan rang thro' the ranks. Everyone seemed filled with enthusiasm, and each battalion as it moved past stepped to the encoraging shouts of thousands of voices in one grand chorus for Little Mac"
I found similar mentions in History of the Twenty Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Birney's Zouaves, pg. 93: (6th Corps regiment-8 PM July 1)
"A rumour being circulated just at this time, that General Hooker had been relieved and he was to be succeeded by General McClellan, the men exhibited their joy while on the march by singing and in other ways manifesting pleaasures, but we soon found the report was without foundation, and that the new commander of the Army of the Potomac was a Pennsylvanian-- General George G. Meade-- who remained in that position until the close of the war."
Additionally, the Regimental Historians of the 155th Pennsylvania (also 5th Corps) note on pg. 154: (They had just united on the march to Gettysburg with other Pennsylvanians of SBW Crawford's command)
"With the arrival of these troops also came the report, which was circulated all along the line, that General McClellan had been restored to the command of the Army of the Potomac and was on his way to join the army. General McClellan's name and popularity on this report were also enthusiastically received, but alas! it was doomed to contradiction as a mere camp rumour, as developments soon demonstrated."
It is also worth noting that in the same brigade (and thus, the same line of march) as Donaldson's 118th Pennsylvania was the veteran 22nd Massachusetts. Their reaction differed greatly from that which Donaldson recorded in the Corn Exchange Regiment when they heard of the re-appointment: (22nd Massaachusetts, p. 244-245)
"(McClellan's) name had lost its magical impact, for beyond a few feeble cheers from some of the commands, the column stalked on in moody silence"
Finally, Henry Hunt, writing about the second day at Gettysburg in Battles and Leaders (Vol. III, pg. 301), also makes note of this phenomena.
(This thread, as always, is about the sanitizing of history by storytellers. Of course McClellan was not at Gettysburg, so such incidents as these are "meaningless" and can be excised from the "true" record of events.) | <urn:uuid:1a4be75b-7e6a-434b-b013-12b4a53d10be> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://cwbn.blogspot.com/2009/01/mcclellan-at-gettysburg-cont.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696383156/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092623-00009-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.981767 | 675 | 1.726563 | 2 |
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Whether it's through a parent, a spouse, a child, a grandparent, a friend, or even ourselves, cancer will reach out its deadly hand and touch us all. And that's why we should all be concerned with research into its cure.
What would have killed us 50, 20 or even just five years ago, is now treatable - thanks to research.
And that's what gives us hope.
As the second leading cause of the death in the U.S., cancer will affect all too many of us. We each have a risk - experts say half of all men and a third of all women will be diagnosed with some form of the disease.
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If you are new to the award winning KY News Journal and wish to get a subscription or simply gain access to our online content then please enter your ZIP code below and continue to setup your account. | <urn:uuid:4603ef07-a793-4f55-9b6e-96b52f0d6e6b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.cknj.com/content/skinheads-send-message-about-child-cancer?mini=calendar-date%2F2012-11 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00012-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.938768 | 236 | 1.640625 | 2 |
(1) "Annual report" means an annual financial report for the covered facility's or related organization's fiscal year prepared by an accountant or the covered facility's or related organization's Auditor.
(2) "Board" means the West Virginia Health Care Authority.
(3) "Covered facility" means any hospital, skilled nursing facility, kidney disease treatment center, including a free-standing hemodialysis unit; intermediate care facility; ambulatory health care facility; ambulatory surgical facility; home health agency; hospice agency; rehabilitation facility; health maintenance organization; or community mental health or intellectual disability facility, whether under public or private ownership or as a profit or nonprofit organization and whether or not licensed or required to be licensed, in whole or in part, by the state: Provided, That nonprofit, community-based primary care centers providing primary care services without regard to ability to pay which provide the board with a year-end audited financial statement prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and with governmental auditing standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States shall be deemed to have complied with the disclosure requirements of this section.
(4) "Related organization" means an organization, whether publicly owned, nonprofit, tax-exempt or for profit, related to a covered facility through common membership, governing bodies, trustees, officers, stock ownership, family members, partners or limited partners, including, but not limited to, subsidiaries, foundations, related corporations and joint ventures. For the purposes of this subdivision "family members" shall mean brothers and sisters whether by the whole or half blood, spouse, ancestors and lineal descendants.
(5) "Rates" means all rates, fees or charges imposed by any covered facility for health care services.
(6) "Records" includes accounts, books, charts, contracts, documents, files, maps, papers, profiles, reports, annual and otherwise, schedules and any other fiscal data, however recorded or stored.
Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session | <urn:uuid:6d90a276-7c23-40cd-a077-0c6a8591c37b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.legis.state.wv.us/wvcode/ChapterEntire.cfm?chap=16&art=5F§ion=2 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701459211/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105059-00034-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.931531 | 420 | 1.546875 | 2 |
Stonewall, Texas – Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site and the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm invites everyone to kick off the holiday season here at the park. The Annual Holiday Cookie Decorating and German Traditions is a family fun event. The activities begin Saturday morning at 10:00am, November 26, starting at the Visitor Complex. Bring your family and guests who are here for the Thanksgiving weekend and show them one of the jewels of the Hill Country, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park. Guests are sure to get into the holiday spirit watching and participating in many activities kicking off the holiday season. Enjoy watching confections come to life as local volunteer Charlie Randal constructs a beautiful gingerbread house. Children can enjoy decorating their own wooden gingerbread ornament to take home and hang on the tree. This ornament becomes an instant special treasure of children’s creativity. A great holiday photo opportunity awaits children of all ages as they pose for their holiday photo with one of our Park’s life-sized gingerbread men. Bring your camera and join in the photo fun!
Next, take advantage of the wonderful weather and walk the trail to the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. Get caught up with the hustle and bustle of transforming the traditional German farmstead into a beautiful 1900s celebration of the holidays. Holiday traditions from the early 1900s are hand crafted and simple at the Sauer-Beckmann Living History Farm. With the help of costumed interpreters, the entire family will find fun things to do, such as decorating cookies to adorn a German Christmas tree, participate in candle-making as it was done in holidays past, and see the traditional cedar wreaths. Smell the aroma of freshly baked cookies and holiday breads as they come out of the old wood-burning stove in the kitchen. See and tour the century old farm buildings and grounds. Hear the sounds of the cows, sheep, pigs and chickens. See why “Life is better outside” and walk the beautiful nature trail back to the Visitor Complex and see all of the wonderful fall colors and sights as well as the wildlife in the game enclosures. This is sure to be a day filled with history and fun for the family.
Don’t forget to stop by the State Park Gift Shop. The gift shop is one of the largest State Park Stores and one of the most unique. Shoppers will find extraordinary one of a kind pottery gifts, hand made ornaments and decorations.
Visitors are encouraged to make it a family day. Pack a picnic lunch, bring the family, a camera, and dress for outdoor holiday fun as you start a new tradition or continue an old one. Park staff recommends visitors come to the Visitor Complex first to get all the park daily event details, map, and free day park permit.
In addition to all the special holiday fun in the park, visitors can also enjoy a historical self-guided CD or GPS Ranger vehicle tour through the State Park and on to the LBJ Ranch, and Texas White House. Time permitting, enjoy the many seasonal lighted activities in the Texas Hill Country late into the evening.
Lyndon B. Johnson State Park & Historic Site is located just one mile east of Stonewall, or 14 miles west of Johnson City, just off Highway 290 at 199 Park Road 52 in Stonewall. For more information on this event and coming park events visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/lbj or call the park at 830-644-2252. | <urn:uuid:70b5e028-8c3a-4782-84fb-7fe603f276a9> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.blanconews.com/news/101434/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368698207393/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516095647-00002-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937311 | 738 | 1.632813 | 2 |
(Fortune Magazine) -- On the day Paul Hanrahan became employee No. 81 at a startup company known as AES in 1986, he felt liberated.
Hanrahan, who is now CEO of the sprawling global energy firm, had graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and spent five years on a nuclear-powered spy submarine, where rules and regulations governed everything.
AES (AES, Fortune 500) was different. Really different. The company operated without rules, regulations, or even a well-defined hierarchy. "We don't have procedures," an executive told him. "If we had a procedure, you'd assume we knew what we were doing when we wrote it, and we didn't. So figure it out and use your common sense."
Setting itself apart from the stodgy world of regulated electric utilities -- or any conventional company -- AES trusted people to do good and encouraged them to "step a little bit outside the norm," says Hanrahan. "That was what made AES fun."
At least while it lasted. AES's radically decentralized entrepreneurial culture has been the company's greatest strength and most glaring weakness since its founders, Dennis Bakke and Roger Sant, set up shop as a consulting firm called Applied Energy Services in 1981.
For the next two decades Bakke and Sant took AES on a thrill ride, expanding at a breakneck pace and bringing electricity to remote corners of the globe before nearly driving the company off a cliff. Its stock topped $70 in 2000, then plummeted to less than $1 when the company faced a liquidity crisis in 2002 and called on Hanrahan to right the ship.
Today AES is a case study in how to bring discipline to a large company without killing its essential spirit. AES recorded $16.1 billion in revenue last year, up 16%, and its stock is back up to about $15 a share. Global investors, including China's sovereign wealth fund, China Investment Corp., have approached AES about taking a stake in the company.
Based in Arlington, Va., AES owns and operates power plants and utilities in 29 countries on five continents, ranging from hydroelectric plants in Argentina to coal plants in Kazakhstan to a regulated utility in Indianapolis.
Founders Bakke and Sant met while working on utility deregulation in the Carter administration, after which they saw that business opportunities would arise as the U.S. deregulated power markets and countries around the world privatized their bloated, state-owned utilities.
Brimming with ideas, they made a business out of energy efficiency (showing industrial companies how to save electricity), created the first carbon offsets (planting millions of trees in Guatemala to neutralize emissions from a Connecticut coal plant), and led the company into uncharted territory (building the first privately owned power plants in Mexico and Jordan).
They purposely built a different kind of company. When AES went public in 1991, the company's prospectus said that its core values -- integrity, fairness, fun, and social responsibility -- were more important than the bottom line.
Meanwhile AES built power plants as fast as it could, borrowing whatever money it needed. The payroll grew from 1,400 people to 50,000. "We really did test the limits of how fast a company can grow before things start to fray around the edges," Hanrahan says.
The thrill ride came to an abrupt halt when banks refused to lend to AES after Enron failed. That was ironic because AES was, in many ways, the anti-Enron. It owned hard assets and avoided the energy-trading business and fraud that bankrupted Enron. But AES made mistakes of its own, like overinvesting in Latin America before the 2001 economic crisis. Most of all, AES assumed that it would always be able to borrow whatever money it needed. "You don't finance long-term assets with short-term debt," Hanrahan says. "That was the lesson learned."
Cleaning up the mess has taken years. Between March 2005 and March 2008, AES restated its financials no fewer than six times. "Now I understand what AES stands for," one investor told Hanrahan. "Always explaining something."
A new chief financial officer, Victoria Harker, was hired in 2006; she'd come from WorldCom, where as acting CFO she'd worked her way through the biggest accounting scandal of all time. Even so, she was surprised by what she found at AES. "In some businesses, people who were previously meter readers were providing accounting functions," she says. Not until 2008 did AES comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley requirements.
In the overhaul, Hanrahan and his team had to centralize functions like finance and business development and in some cases even create departments that hadn't existed, like human resources.
Yet the new discipline isn't throttling AES's ambitions. Coming out of the recession, dozens of new plants are on the drawing board, including a coal plant in Vietnam that will be the largest U.S. investment ever in that country. At the same time, AES is making a big push into wind, solar, and other alternative energy projects.
Hanrahan thinks the company has finally found a cultural balance. "There's still a lot of freedom to experiment, to find better ways to do things," Hanrahan says. "But we don't want people to come up with new ideas about how to report income."
|Bank of America Corp...||13.67||0.23||1.71%|
|Ford Motor Co||15.23||0.28||1.87%|
|JPMorgan Chase and C...||54.67||1.65||3.11%|
|General Electric Co||24.02||0.36||1.52%| | <urn:uuid:7ca3de95-0536-4503-8e13-e91eac4b2ffe> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://money.cnn.com/2009/10/16/news/companies/aes_corp.fortune/index.htm?section=money_latest | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00012-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.972463 | 1,190 | 1.507813 | 2 |
GENEALOGY: Our (Merrill H. Maylett Jr's and Janice Mortensen Maylett's) families mostly originated in England and Denmark. They include, among others, the surnames Maylett, Wilson, Boyington, Petersen, Braithwaite, Lockwood, Draper, Vaughan, Mortensen, Christensen, Tuttle, Billings and Nielsen. Most of these lines immigrated to America as converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but many of their ancestors and relatives are included in this site, as well.
Disclaimer: The genealogy information on these pages is only as good as that gathered from church sites, relatives, governments, parish records, etc. — not everything is authenticated. I always appreciate feedback, corrections and additional information. You can send me an e-mail from the contact page. — Merrill Maylett | <urn:uuid:f238fae5-b23f-4a9e-a15b-2e83b58c7cee> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.genmayle.com/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703682988/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112802-00022-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.935999 | 178 | 1.546875 | 2 |
Gov. Mike Beebe (D) has joined what is now a 22-state “bipartisan” effort to convince major automakers to build more affordable compressed natural gas vehicles.
In early April, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin (R) and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) were leaders in a 13-state effort asking auto manufacturing chiefs to send them a plan to provide the states “a cost-saving measure for states and a means to incentivize the manufacture of affordable and functional CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) vehicles.”
“Our two state fleets have well over 10,000 cars and trucks between them,” Fallin noted in an “Oklahoma Now” column released today (Oct. 1). “Introducing CNG vehicles to these fleets will save taxpayer dollars on fuel costs and encourage the creation of CNG infrastructure and fueling stations, which in turn will make it easier for families and businesses to also use CNG.”
A delegation of Governors visited the automakers in Detroit, and in late July the states issued a request for proposal soliciting bids for compressed natural gas sedans, pickups, and vans to be used in state fleets.
When asked to join the multi-state effort originally launched with 13 governors, Beebe said state officials were reviewing “how we could best approach a significant change in the ways state vehicles are fueled.” One outcome of that review is the need to also address infrastructure if CNG conversion is to be widespread.
Beebe also encouraged Fallin and Hickenlooper to seek the expansion of liquified natural gas. LNG is natural gas converted to a liquid form for more efficient transportation when a pipeline is not possible. LNG, because it is more expensive to produce and store, is not considered as economically feasible for all vehicles, but could provide cost advantages for use in the trucking industry.
“I urge you to add infrastructure and liquified natural gas to your list of priorities in pursuing more opportunities for natural gas. As such, I am committed to the expansion of compressed natural gas, so with this letter, I authorize the inclusion of my signature and the Seal of the Great State of Arkansas to be included in this MOU,” Beebe noted in a July 24 letter to Fallin and Hickenlooper. (Link here for a PDF copy of the letter.)
Fallin and Hickenlooper are expected to announce the results of the effort on Thursday (Oct. 4) during the Governor’s Energy Conference held at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.
“What was originally an idea between two governors has grown into something very big,” Fallin said in a recent statement. “With 22 states now participating, Gov. Hickenlooper and I are excited to be able to share what can be accomplished when politics are put aside and states work together. We believe that our CNG vehicle initiative will jump-start state use of CNG automobiles, save taxpayer dollars on fuel costs and help to support the use of an American-made fuel that supports American jobs.”
You can read more on the subject from our content partner, The City Wire, at this link. | <urn:uuid:1a89a1b1-4d24-4f90-bee5-2c682db91e94> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://talkbusiness.net/2012/10/gov-beebe-joins-22-state-cng-effort/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708766848/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516125246-00007-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.949163 | 665 | 1.632813 | 2 |
Posted: Feb 29, 2012 9:15 AM by AP
Updated: Feb 29, 2012 9:27 AM
DELCAMBRE, La. (AP) - Commercial fishermen can learn how to market their catch and meet regulations at one of two free two-hour workshops sponsored by the LSU AgCenter. The first will be in Vietnamese and the second in English, with lunch in between.
There also will be a drawing for $100 worth of fuel, open to people registered for the workshop who have a photo ID and a valid Louisiana commercial fishing license.
Topics include labor training for commercial fishers, how to find workers, labor challenges, direct marketing and quality issues for the seafood industry.
It's March 1 at the Shrimp Festival building in Delcambre, with the Vietnamese class from 10 a.m. to noon, and the English class from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information, contact Tom Hymel at (337) 276-5527. | <urn:uuid:739e7147-f30c-411d-b596-d5dea5d85abf> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.katc.com/news/marketing-seafood-workshop-march-1-in-delcambre/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705953421/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120553-00042-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.944387 | 208 | 1.515625 | 2 |
"For I was headed for some tall timber gunning and never believed in sending a boy on a mans errand."
---Nash Buckingham, on the virtues of using a heavy 3-inch, full-choked 12-gauge shotgun for serious duck hunting.
When Buckingham wrote those words ("Great Day in the Morning", Field & Stream, April 1941), he was regarded as one of the finest waterfowl hunters in the world. This ranking was based on a natural talent plus the opportunity to shoot thousands and thousands of ducks dating to the late 1800s.
He reigned amid marsh and prairie and timber when seasons were long, limits were liberal (or non-existent), and techniques such as baiting and live decoys were standard. Most important, ducks funneling down the Mississippi and Central Flyways literally blackened the autumnal sky.
And, based on this experience, Buckingham was a firm believer in using a big gun. In this stance, he echoed the great Fred Kimble, originator of choke boring during the late 1800s. If anything, Kimble (an ex-market hunter) killed more ducks than Buckingham.
Buckingham wrote in Long-Range Duck Shooting (Derrydale, 1938), "Mr. Kimble still favors long, heavy guns and big shot for rough wildfowling."
During his 70-year gunning career, Buckingham shot Winchester pumps, Parker doubles, Winchester 21 doubles, and, ultimately, "Bo Whoop"--a 3-inch magnum, 32-inch, side-by-side 12 gauge built by Burt Becker on a heavy A. H. Fox action.
Bo Whoop, choked full and fuller, reportedly could average patterns of "91 and 92 percent" with coppered 4s (lead, of course) at 40 yards on a standard 30-inch circle. Put another way, it was not a quail gun.
I recall these things because Buckingham was a beautiful wordsmith and I greatly enjoyed reading his stories. Plus, he could back up his typewriter in the field.
According to Buckingham, 40 yards represents the start of legitimate long-range duck shooting. The qualified shooter can crumple birds at 50-plus with a full-choked 3-inch 12. Beyond that--well, you should know your limits.
(Incidentally, on the subject of big guns, I suppose we could include the 3 1/2-inch 12s and 10s, but these really are specialized goose guns, a different realm.)
Conversely, a light 26-inch barrel tends to be jerky, too easy to stop. And the open pattern from an improve cylinder starts blowing apart beyond about 30 yards, creating holes and gaps for missing or, worse, crippling.
Now heres the strange part: During the early 80s I bought a classic long-range mallard boomer--a Winchester Model 12 Heavy Duck Gun. I think I paid $400. The old 3-inch magnum was built in 1951; its all factory-original and still retains most of the bluing.
It sports a thick-walled 30-inch barrel and a very cool solid rib. To help absorb recoil and balance the heft, a length of lead weight was inserted into a drilled hole in the butt of the stock. A hard-rubber red pad was fitted to the butt, and a three-shot magazine plug was installed to conform with federal migratory bird regulations.
The wooden fore end is of the slim "corn cob" style, but with a rounded semi-flat bottom. It looks graceful, feels positive, and "shucks" the big cases with authority. The length of pull (trigger to butt) is only 13-1/2 inches, deliberately cut short to accommodate the waterfowlers bulky jacket.
The Duck Gun weighs a manly 8-1/2 pounds unloaded; according to Winchester records, the big 3-inch Model 12, available with a 30- or 32-inch barrel, was not a major seller (probably because the typical buyer on a budget wanted an all-around gun, not a heavy magnum).
On long or high ducks the heft and length encourage a confident swing and a smooth follow-through; indeed, the gun wants to keep moving--a huge and often-overlooked advantage in deliberate shooting.
This great gun with its time-honored attributes sat mostly neglected in my gun cabinet for 25 years. Early on, I shot a couple of turkeys with it but lacked the resolve to tote it into a duck blind. I guess, with tight-patterning steel shot, I was afraid of looking bad with the full choke.
This past duck season I eyeballed the patient old boomer and, with a nod to Messrs. Buckingham and Kimble, pulled it from the rack. We finally started going duck hunting together.
I, well ... shot well. Surprisingly well. The old Winchester Duck Gun has authority. It radiates confidence.
My point here: During the sum of a duck season, for every one of those classic 20-to 30-yard, webs-down, decoying birds, youve probably got at least three or four 40-yard (plus-or-minus) chances outside the blocks. Some days, thats about all you get.
The Model 12 supposedly is safe with steel, but Im afraid to touch that hyper-stuff. I really am drawn to the aura of the old pump; Id rather have it than several modern guns of comparable thump and purpose, and dont want to risk "ringing" or otherwise damaging the barrel.
If the conscientious hunter has the resolve to wait with an open choke for nothing but the "ice cream" shots inside 30 yards, great--but Winchesters "perfect repeater" is a classic reminder of what all-around duck shooting is all about.
In the words of master waterfowler Buckingham, "The whole force behind such tools is to be overgunned rather than undergunned when birds wont decoy, and cannot be called within reasonable range."
The biggest mystery is why it took me more than 25 years to figure that out. | <urn:uuid:c7598a02-9921-43cf-a9ba-2bb40dc077c8> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://fishgame.com/article.php?ArticleID=6138 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368700958435/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516104238-00004-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.955924 | 1,278 | 1.820313 | 2 |
The first hearing took place on Monday, 28 January 2008.
The second hearing will take the form of an interactive debate and will provide an opportunity for dialogue and an exchange of views among representatives of UNCTAD member States and representatives of civil society and the private sector and parliamentarians on issues relevant to the theme and sub-themes of UNCTAD XII:
|Addressing the opportunities and challenges of globalization for development |
- Enhancing coherence at all levels for sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in global policy making, including the contribution of regional approaches
- Key trade and development issues and the new realities in the geography of the world economy
- Enhancing the enabling environment at all levels to strengthen productive capacity, trade and investment: mobilizing resources and harnessing knowledge for development
- Strengthening UNCTAD; enhancing its development role, impact, and institutional effectiveness
The outcome of the hearing will be summarized in a report of the Preparatory Committee to UNCTAD XII.
Members of the Trade and Development Board are requested to submit to the UNCTAD secretariat by Monday, 25 February 2008, the credentials of their representatives and the names of the alternate representatives and advisers who will participate in the hearing.
Other participants (members of UNCTAD who are not members of the Board, specialized agencies, intergovernmental bodies and non-governmental organizations in the general and special categories) are requested to inform the UNCTAD secretariat by Friday, 22 February 2008, of the names of their representatives. | <urn:uuid:53cf73ef-16af-44d6-9805-fd8d03d263dd> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://unctad.org/en/Pages/About%20UNCTAD/UNCTAD%20and%20Civil%20Society/Preparatory-Committee-for-UNCTAD-XII-2nd-Hearing.aspx | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00011-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.933383 | 307 | 1.554688 | 2 |
...Those who can't, teach .
Sir Roderick Floud, former vice-president of the European University
Association, said the UK was a clear market leader in higher education
in Europe, which by 2010 would offer a potential market of one billion
people as a result of the Bologna Agreement, designed to unify higher
education systems across the continent.
find it completely extraordinary and short-sighted that British
universities are so well represented in recruitment terms in south Asia
and the Far East, and so badly represented in the rest of Europe,"
Floud told the Guardian's Higher Education summit in London.
As Sir Roderick recently (March 2006) retired as President of London Metropolitan University, his surprise is. umm, surprising. The reason universities try to recruit overseas students is because they can charge them lots of money for attending their elite insitutions. Domestically sourced students have their charges capped...and one part of the delights of the European Union is that students from other parts of the EU are to be treated as domesticaly sourced. Thus they can only be charged the (c.) £3,100 a year that a Brit would pay while someone from South Asia or the Far East might pay £11,000 or so.
These fees from overseas students have in fact been the lifeblood of the entire sector for some years now: possibly a third of the entire fee income of the whole higher education sector. This isn't extraordinary nor is it short-sighted: it's simple economic rationality.
A market of one billion people in a population of just under 500 million also looks a bit of a stretch.
So does the phrase finish with "those who can't teach, administrate"? | <urn:uuid:ffcae66f-e7b2-4e58-b5f3-32d56df45354> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.adamsmith.org/print/12 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368697380733/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516094300-00028-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.971145 | 358 | 1.75 | 2 |
Failure in Geneva
Failure in Geneva - by Stephen Lendman
Morning headlines belie continued conflict on the ground. East/West divisions remain. Nothing changed but political rhetoric from Geneva.
After Annan's so-called peace plan, violence increased because Washington planned it that way.
Expect it to continue now. America needs conflict and instability to further regime change plans. Peace and stability defeat its interests.
AP ran a June 30 headline with no text, saying:
"Clinton urges UN Security Council to pass sanctions authorizing military action in Syria"
She insists Assad must go. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said he and his close associates can't lead a transition. He called for Security Council action to tighten sanctions.
Reuters headlined "Assad's fate unclear in world powers' Syria plan," saying:
Geneva participants struck a transitional government agreement. "(T)hey remained at odds over what part (Assad) might play in the process."
Talks were billed as a "last-ditch effort" to halt violence. Similar headlines followed Annan's peace plan. Months later, things are worse, not better.
After Geneva discussions ended, Washington and Moscow issued contradictory statements. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he was "delighted" with the result. Key for him were no preconditions and no attempt to "impose a process" on Syria.
Clinton told reporters:
"Assad will still have to go. What we have done here is to strip away the fiction that he and those with blood on their hands can stay in power."
Washington bears full responsibility for 15 months of conflict. Syria was calm and stable until US-enlisted, armed, funded, trained, and directed death squads began ravaging the country.
Syrian blood is on Washington's hands. The Obama administration ravages one country after another.
Fingers pointing the right way demand indictments for genocidal crimes of war and against humanity.
Assad is more victim than villain. Syrians most of all are harmed.
During Saturday discussions, dozens more were killed. Death squad attacks remain unabated. Lavrov told reporters:
"Some armed groups and the sides sponsoring them are using provocation to spread violence, and there are many facts in this regard that can be seen in western and US media sources."
"(T)his happening in several towns and villages where there are attacks on administrative establishments, government and private properties, the army forces and the police."
"(T)here are more facts that turn up successively, showing the presence of sectarian instigation."
He added that "(w)e cannot call upon the government forces to withdraw from cities while armed groups are receiving weapons....US and European media show this."
He also criticized Western media and Al-Jazeera biased coverage. He noted that several Al-Jazeera correspondents resigned in protest.
Ahead of Geneva discussions, AFP headlined "Syrian rebels dismiss interim govt plan," saying:
Syrian National Council (SNC) leaders said they're "opposed in principle to joining any interim government before Assad stepped down." Spokesman George Sabra said:
SNC's "firm position remains that the opposition would not participate in any political project unless (Assad) is removed from power."
Washington scripted his comments. He spoke them. Conflict rages out of control because Obama officials plan it that way.
June 30 Geneva Agreement Text
Participating countries (the Action Group) included America, Russia, China, Britain, France, Turkey, Iraq (Chair of the Summit of the League of Arab States), Kuwait (Chair of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the League of Arab States), and Qatar (Chair of the Arab Follow-up Committee on Syria of the League of Arab States).
Foreign Affairs and Security Policy High Representative Catherine Ashton and UN/Arab League for Syria Kofi Annan also attended.
Iran and Syria were notably absent. Excluding them compromised discussions to resolve conflict peacefully.
Action Group members:
"(1) identified steps and measures by the parties to secure full implementation of the six-point plan and Security Council resolutions 2042 and 2043, including an immediate cessation of violence in all its forms;
(2) agreed on guidelines and principles for a political transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people; and
(3) agreed on actions they would take to implement the above in support of the Joint Special Envoy’s efforts to facilitate a Syrian-led political process."
Steps and measures include:
• ending armed conflict;
• implementing Annan's peace plan;
• adhering to provisions of Security Council Resolutions 2042 and 2043;
• releasing detainees;
• ensuring "freedom of movement throughout the country for journalists on a non-discriminatory visa policy for them;"
• respecting freedom of association and right to demonstrate peacefully;
• respect for and cooperation with UNSMIS (UN Supervision Mission in Syria) observers and securing their safety and security;
• allowing immediate and full humanitarian access to areas needing help;
• evacuating the wounded and civilians wishing to leave; and
• adhering fully with international law provisions.
Political transition guidelines and principles include:
• a Syrian-led transition for everyone in the country;
• establishing clear steps and a firm time frame toward realizing stated goals;
• ensuring safety, stability and calm to assure doing so; and
• avoiding further bloodshed and violence.
Transitional government must be "genuinely democratic and pluralistic." It must conform with "international standards on human rights. It must include an independent judiciary respecting rule of law principles, and must offer "equal opportunities and chances for all."
Ending conflict depends on establishing "a transitional governing body" with "full executive powers. It could include members of the present government and the opposition and other groups and shall be formed on the basis of mutual consent."
Syrians must "determine the future of the country." All groups and segments of society must be able "to participate in a National Dialogue" process. Outcomes achieved "must be implemented."
"The result of the constitutional drafting would be subject to popular approval."
Once established, "free and fair multi-party elections" must be held. Women must be "represented in all aspects of the transition."
More on Syria's 2012 constitution and parliamentary elections below.
Safety, stability and calm must be established. All sides must comply. Vulnerable groups must be protected. Humanitarian issues must be addressed. Order must be restored. Efforts must commit to "Accountability and National Reconciliation."
Syrians must "come to a political agreement."
"The sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Syria must be respected."
Conflict resolution through peaceful dialogue and negotiation is key.
Agreed on actions include:
• sustaining pressure to implement Syria's transition;
• halting violence and conflict;
• appointing "an effective empowered interlocutor" to implement peace and transition;
• "urg(ing)" "cohesion" of opposition groups...."to work on the basis of" Annan's plan and points agreed on in Geneva; and
• convening other meetings as necessary to review progress and determine additional steps and actions as needed.
Syria's New Constitution and Parliamentary Elections
In February, Syrians overwhelmingly approved new constitutional provisions. Despite opposition boycotts and violence, 89.4% of eligible voters approved it. Another 9% opposed, and 1.2% of ballots were declared invalid.
Overall, 57.4% of Syrians participated. Given the risks taken to vote, turnout was impressive.
The Constitution includes 157 articles. From its initial draft, 14 are new, 37 were amended, and another 34 reformulated. Among other reforms, political pluralism was established for the first time. So were presidential term limits and press freedom.
Most Syrians support Assad. On May 7, first time ever parliamentary elections were held. It was a milestone political event. Independent candidates participated.
Despite ongoing insurgent violence, turnout was high. Voting went smoothly. Independent monitors supervised the process. They included intellectuals, legislators and judicial authorities from other countries.
For Syrians, it was historic. Ba'ath party members won a 60% majority. Previously they held just over 50% control. With support from independent MPs, they comprise 90% of Syria's parliament. Opposition party members were also elected.
Washington called elections farcical. US and other Western reports mocked them. In lock step, scoundrel media regurgitated official lies.
At the same time, they ignore America's fraudulent political process. Duopoly power runs the country. People have no say. The process repeats each electoral cycle. Voters get the best democracy money can buy.
Syrians voted earlier. They did so freely. They expressed their will. Why should a transitional or sitting government repeat what's accomplished?
Action Group members didn't explain. Nor was conflict resolution achieved. The ball advances closer to war. Washington plans it. It's coming.
Stephen Lendman lives in Chicago and can be reached at [email protected]. His new book is titled How Wall Street Fleeces America: Privatized Banking, Government Collusion and Class War:
Visit his blog site at www.sjlendman.blogspot.com and listen to cutting-edge discussions with distinguished guests on the Progressive Radio News Hour on the Progressive Radio Network Thursdays at 10AM US Central time and Saturdays and Sundays at noon. All programs are archived for easy listening. | <urn:uuid:3e3b58b0-3236-410f-9a72-a294d52e9d37> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://mostlywater.org/node/134983 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705559639/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115919-00012-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951634 | 1,961 | 1.664063 | 2 |
(Grace) Beatrix Helen Havergal (19011980), by Valerie Finnis, 1960s
Havergal, (Grace) Beatrix Helen (19011980), horticulturist and teacher, was born on 7 July 1901 at Roydon Manor House near Bressingham, Norfolk, the second of three children of the Revd Clement Havergal (18581941), vicar of Bressingham, and his wife, Eveline Mary Barrett (18691931). The children had a happy life despite friction between their father, an eccentric and repressive character, and their artistic and romantic mother. In 1902 the family moved to Inkberrow, near Redditch, after which they moved to Paris, where the Revd Havergal was assistant chaplain to the British embassy for two years. After a short stay in Bagthorpe about 1905, he became rector of Brent Eleigh, in Norfolk. At first the children were educated at home by a governess but in 1912 Trix, as she was called, and her elder sister, Frances, went to St Katherine's, a boarding-school at Walmer in Kent. In 1914, after a legal separation, Mrs Havergal took the children to live at 13 Sidney Road, Bedford, and they then attended Bedford high school.
Trix left school in 1916 and took on local gardening jobs under the auspices of the Women's War Agricultural Committee. Clement Havergal rejoined the family and fortunes improved sufficiently for his daughter to consider some training; she had to choose between an outdoor life and a musical career. She had a strong and beautiful contralto voice and played the cello with a skill that matched the family traditions. Both her paternal grandfather and great-grandfather had been talented musicians and her great-aunt, Frances Ridley Havergal, was a well-known composer of Anglican hymns.
Trix chose horticulture and went as a student to Thatcham Fruit and Flower Farm near Newbury, Berkshire, where women were trained in the art and craft of gardening. She spent three years there and in 1920 she obtained the Royal Horticultural Society's certificate with honours. Her first challenge was to design and make a garden at Cold Ash, near Newbury. Here chance played a part, for her excellent work was noticed by Miss Willis, the founder and headmistress of nearby Downe House boarding-school, who asked her to become the head gardener and to make six grass tennis courts, later known as the Havergal courts.
Inspired by Miss Willis's gift for making learning exciting, Beatrix Havergal longed to teach as well as to do. This strong desire and her outstanding ability to illustrate how each job should be done led to the idea of starting her own school. At Downe House she met Avice Sanders, the school's housekeeper, who was to become her lifelong partner and who made the creation of their school of horticulture possible. Music was not forgotten, however: Beatrix continued to play the cello and to sing with the Newbury choral society and later with the Bach Choir in Oxford. She also joined the Thatcham special police rifle club and became a skilled shot.
In 1927, with the help and encouragement of Miss Willis and with less than £250 capital, Beatrix Havergal and Avice Sanders moved to a cottage at Pusey near Faringdon, rented some land, and took their first students. Money was very short, so cash crops were grown for sale in Swindon market. The partners and students worked together, the course aiming to combine theory and practical expertise with high standards of efficiency and speed. This unique training endowed the students with a good reputation. Beatrix Havergal studied in her spare time and in 1932 obtained the Royal Horticultural Society's national diploma of horticulture (later master of horticulture).
By 1932 larger premises were needed and Havergal and Sanders moved to Waterperry House, near Wheatley, Oxfordshire, a small manor house which they rented from Magdalen College. At the outbreak of war the school was well established, offering a two-year course for fifteen to twenty students; these came from every type of background, from all over the British Isles and abroad. At first all paid their own fees but after 1958, when the school was inspected and officially recognized by the Department of Education, scholarships were granted by some county councils. The syllabus covered all aspects of gardening. The working day began at 7 a.m. and tasks were arranged so that each student became proficient at every job. Crops were sold in Oxford market, where students soon learned if their produce was not up to standard. Each had charge of a section of glasshouse and took turns to stoke the boilers before the introduction of an oil-fired system. Towards the end of their two years students took the Royal Horticultural Society general examination and the Waterperry diploma, which was examined externally and became an accepted qualification. Beatrix fought to have her women's qualifications recognized on an equal footing with those of men, particularly in the public parks department. The Waterperry diploma was accepted by the Institute of Parks Administration in 1960 as one equivalent to the Kew and Edinburgh diplomas for exemption purposes, and in 1962 as an appropriate qualification for associate membership of that institute.
Students and staff at Waterperry worked side by side, shared accommodation, and often spent free time together, boating, fishing, playing tennis, rehearsing plays, or going into Oxford to the cinema or theatre. Although the principals were strict, even stern at times, they were deeply interested in and concerned for their students' welfare and happiness. Miss H., as she was known, was always the life and soul of any gatheringeven a cinema queue! She held prayers for students and staff each morning in the village church, where she was also church warden and played the harmonium for regular services.
Waterperry Gardens were gradually developed to establish a series of teaching units: fruit, flowers, and vegetables were grown, and new glasshouses were built. Growing fruit was Beatrix's particular joy but she also loved the herbaceous border and took great pride in its design. During the war the two-year course was suspended in favour of short courses for women in the land army, and a further 30 acres were cultivated for food production as part of the war effort; Beatrix herself chaired the horticultural sub-committee of the Oxfordshire agricultural committee. The two partners also wanted to reach a wider audience and from 1943 onwards gardening demonstrations were held for the general public in aid of the Queen's Institute of Nursing. The estate had nearly been sold to the John Innes Institute in 1940 but the sale had fallen through at the last moment and in 1948 Havergal and Sanders were finally able to buy the estate with the help of an anonymous benefactor. In 1963 a further gift allowed day classes to be started.
Beatrix Havergal was appointed MBE in 1960, and was awarded the Royal Horticultural Society Veitch memorial medal and Victoria medal of honour in 1966; she was also president of the Horticultural Education Association. She published little, though she took part in various radio programmes, and she took films of the work in the gardens from which a short video was made. She was liked and admired throughout the horticultural world and was well known to a wider public for her exhibits of strawberries at the Chelsea flower show, where she received fifteen gold medals.
Beatrix Havergal was a well-built, handsome woman, nearly 6 feet tall, and a commanding figure in her uniform of green breeches, green overalls, and felt hat. She had a warm personality and infected others with her tremendous zest for life and work. Her generous spirit and obvious enthusiasm created a loyalty in her staff which was vital in developing and maintaining the high standards of workmanship and attention to detail which she demanded, but she did not delegate easily. However, though she was strict and had high moral standards, she was also great fun with a keen sense of humour and a flair for, and constant flow of, anecdotes. Her partner was shy and retiring, but of vital support behind the scenes, running the domestic side of the school with great skill and efficiency. Avice Sanders died in 1970 and was buried at Waterperry.
In 1971, in failing health, Beatrix Havergal sold the estate and retired to live in one of the cottages in the grounds. She died on 8 April 1980 at Tower House, Woolton Hill, near Newbury, when visiting her brother. She was buried in Waterperry churchyard on 14 April 1980.
U. Maddy, Waterperry: a dream fulfilled (1990) · personal knowledge (2004) · Oxon. RO · private information (2004)
Oxon. RO, Oxfordshire Archives
priv. coll., films of Waterperry by B. Havergal
V. Finnis, photograph, 196069, Royal Horticultural Society, Lindley Library [see illus.] · C. Hardaker, oils (after a photograph; posthumous), Waterperry Gardens Ltd, Wheatley, Oxford · photographs, Oxfordshire Archives, County Hall, Oxford · photographs, repro. in Maddy, Waterperry (1990)
Wealth at death
£31,046: probate, 1 July 1980, CGPLA Eng. & Wales | <urn:uuid:60f240a3-db33-4932-8530-ab3640351b37> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.oxforddnb.com/templates/article.jsp?articleid=48828&back= | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00040-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.985062 | 1,948 | 1.71875 | 2 |
October 5, 2012
A report released by the Hinckley Institute of Politics at the University of Utah delves into the human and environmental consequences of an Israeli military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities.
“In our assessment, it is highly likely that the physical and thermal casualties as the result of the strikes will exceed 5,000 personnel at the nuclear sites. The secondary civilian casualties as a result of exposure to the release of toxic and radioactive materials could increase this number to over 80,000 citizens,” the executive summary states.
Hundreds of thousands of Iranian civilians will be “exposed to highly toxic chemical plumes and, in the case of the destruction of operational reactors, radioactive fallout in Arak and Bushehr.”
Afshin Molavi, an Iran expert and a senior fellow at the New America Foundation, told Golnaz Esfandiari, a senior correspondent with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, that the study covers a topic rarely broached in the discussion about Israel and the U.S. attacking Iran over its perceived nuclear weapons program.
“People talk very callously about the prospect of military strikes, and they frame it in the geopolitical fallout, the geo-economic fallout, what will happen to the oil price and all of these issues. But nobody has ever talked about the humanitarian consequences of a military strike on Iran,” Molavi said. “Those humanitarian consequences are grave, so I think this report fills a very important vacuum. It needs to be read by policy makers at the highest levels in Western governments; it needs to be read in Israel; it needs to be read all over the world.”
In addition to detailing the cost in human life an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would have, the report covers the psychological impact on the Iranian people. “The potential long-term political and psychological impact of military strikes on the Iranian population cannot be underestimated. An entire generation will likely feel enmity toward those who supported the attack, or failed to prevent it,” the executive summary states.
Earlier this week, former Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the “results of an American or Israeli military strike on Iran could, in my view, prove catastrophic, haunting us for generations in that part of the world.”
On Friday, arch globalist Henry Kissinger weighed in on the prospect of an attack. “We cannot subcontract the right to go to war. That is an American decision,” he told the Washington Post. The United States should draw a “private red line” that would be “publicly decided in terms of tactical necessities,” Kissinger said.
On September 28, Italy’s foreign minister said an Israeli attack against Iranian nuclear facilities is a distinct possibility. “The card of military intervention by Israel to hit Iranian nuclear sites … is certainly a card that is still on the table,” Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi said. “I consider it an option of extreme last resort that would have such a grave backlash that everything must be done so that this does not happen.”
This article was posted: Friday, October 5, 2012 at 8:35 am | <urn:uuid:d233e8fd-9771-4b1b-88d8-bfe37ff13436> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.prisonplanet.com/iran-attack-80000-casualties-from-exposure-to-radiation.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00032-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94895 | 655 | 1.703125 | 2 |
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service's Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team is currently assisting in a trial of the latest application of wireless broadcast technology - for dogs!
The application is called PAWS, an acronym for portable, all-terrain, wireless system and comprises of a lightweight head cam and harness especially adapted for use by search dogs. Byron an experienced seven year old border collie was recently fitted out with this latest technology and he and handler Robin Furniss of the Service's USAR team put it to the test at a simulated disaster scene at Fort Widley, near Portsmouth.
The Service's search and rescue team including specially trained search dogs, is sent to disasters all over the world. Team members recently attended the aftermath of both the Japanese and New Zealand earthquakes.
Robin Furniss said: "We are helping to trial the ‘dogcam' using the equipment when training with the dogs. It could prove useful in the future, as it is not always possible for firefighters to enter a collapsed building due to the unstable nature of the structure, on these occasions a dog can be sent in as they are lighter and able to move around more safely in these confined conditions. The use of this technology would enable the firefighters outside the building see what situation the dog is working in and the position of the casualty, when the dog is working out of sight of the firefighter."
This latest technology has been developed by the UK firm Wood & Douglas, which specialises in wireless broadcast technology applications.
The British firm grew out of one man's hobby in a spare room. Now Alan Wood's company has a turnover of around £7m, employs over 60 people, and has just opened a million pound technology manufacturing centre, in Berkshire.
The company's wireless portfolio includes remote surveillance equipment for railway lines, to combat cable theft, and radio devices for anti-piracy operations at sea.
Its latest product applies wireless video broadcast technology to the field of search and rescue - as practised by dogs.
Grant Notman of Wood & Douglas explained "a car or other vehicle can be kitted out as a 'receive station'. It contains a large monitor where the person co-ordinating the rescue can see the video come in live. An antenna is set up to receive the information that the dogs will broadcast.
A smaller monitor that straps to the hand is also available and is designed for those getting closer to the action."
Mr Notman continued, explaining why - despite the complex broadcast technology - making the product dog-friendly has been the hardest part of the product's journey.
"First of all the smallest and lightest possible kind of camera had to be sourced. Previous cameras - suitable for human head cams - weighed too heavily on the dogs' heads, and were unworkable. The body harness and head strap had to be as light and unobtrusive as possible too - no mean feat when dogs come in different shapes and sizes, even within breeds." | <urn:uuid:4872a311-2446-4c94-9c55-7d56a2ee82dd> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.sara.org/news.php?subaction=showfull&id=1325805389&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00040-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.963901 | 604 | 1.695313 | 2 |
Stressed and know why but really can't change the situation? Try this advice from Melissa at Too Much on Her Plate on how to lower your stress even if you can't change your life.
It's been a question for a while whether zero-calorie sweeteners actually increase our appetites. The latest research published in the jounal Appetite says no. We still encourage moderation in their use because their intensively-sweet taste can make naturally sweet foods pale in comparison. Interesting tidbit from the study was that stevia actually reduced blood sugar and insulin levels. Stevia is the zero-calorie sweetener of choice among food as medicine advocates.
More on the food as medicine front: Research has already suggested green tea can help regulate blood sugar. Now a test-tube study points to the polyphenol ECGC, a chemical found naturally in the tea, as potentially beneficial in helping manage LDL-cholesterol (the bad kind) levels. Try at least one cup a day, steeped for about 5 minutes before enjoying.
Summer is the time for salad. If you're bored with the same ol', same ol', try these salad presentation ideas. I had a wonderful salad last night: freshly picked greens from the garden topped with watermelon chunks, a few slices of green onion and dressed with fresh lime juice and extra virgin olive oil with a little salt and pepper, courtesy of my great friend and colleague Donna Shields, RD, who is here helping me this summer with our Food as Medicine program.
Sunday is the first Be Body Positive Day! Join me and the organizers and many others in doing something on Sunday that makes you feel great in your body!
Have a wonderful weekend! It's going to be beautiful here in the Green Mountains and I plan to get out and enjoy it. As Trish from I Am Succeeding pointed out on Twitter this week, the warm weather doesn't last long in these parts. If you snooze…or spend too much time indoors working…, you lose! | <urn:uuid:ec6450bd-f53c-49bc-8736-28715d26c86b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.fitwoman.com/blog/2010/07/30/it-happened-this-week-stress-sweeteners-salads/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705953421/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120553-00032-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.944744 | 414 | 1.546875 | 2 |
Armed Forces Day on the 30th June is the chance for the country to celebrate the bravery and professionalism of our Armed Forces.
This important event gives us a chance to thank those who serve. Indeed, in my own constituency in East Renfrewshire I’ve been honoured to be involved in an on-going campaign for a War Memorial in the village of Neilston.
Nowadays, whether it is over the phone, online or on the high street, we are often asked to get involved in campaigns and give our time and money to support causes.
For Armed Forces Day I only want to ask for three seconds of your time - that's all it would take to say 'thank you' to a member of our Armed Forces.
That must be the easiest thing we have ever asked you to do.
You may have read about soldiers who had been pallbearers at a corporal's funeral being turned away from a pub on Monday because they were in uniform (here
is the BBC story for your information).
Over the past few months I have been calling for cross Party talks to end such disgraceful discrimination against our Forces. Please support the campaign here
So while Armed Forces day is a day to say thank you – it is also a day to ensure that discrimination against the Armed Forces becomes a thing of the past. | <urn:uuid:933019f9-2df5-4751-8b6a-d99484faff43> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.jimmurphymp.com/news-room/News-desk/news.aspx?p=1041359 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00014-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.973524 | 273 | 1.53125 | 2 |
KODIAK -- More than two decades after a daring rescue, the Coast Guard awarded medals to the helicopter crew that saved two people from the sinking fishing vessel Wayward Wind.
"It was a serendipitous surprise," said Cmdr. Joe Mattina, the helicopter's commander. "I had kind of moved on. The most important thing was that lives were saved."
The Coast Guard held the awards ceremony earlier this month at Air Station Kodiak, and Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo traveled from Juneau to present the awards.
Although the rescue took place 24 years ago, the crew remembers it vividly.
On Jan. 18, 1988, the crew of the HH-3F Pelican helicopter was called to aid the sinking vessel. The Coast Guard crew battled 15-foot waves, blowing snow and 40 mph winds to reach the boat.
"It was a nasty night and the boat was going down," said Marty Heckerman, who was an air crewman aboard the helicopter and still lives in Kodiak.
The helicopter crew searched the area for about an hour and a half, and was getting ready to depart to refuel when a C-130 overhead picked up a strong emergency locator transmitter signal.
The crewmen made the decision to stay out and continue the search despite running low on fuel.
The C-130 guided the helicopter to the survivors by dropping flares, and then the hard part began.
"By the time we got there, the boat had gone down and people were in the water," Heckerman said.
The crew had a hard time spotting the people in the water, and had to drop down fliers to see. Heckerman scooped the two survivors out of the water. The helicopter then headed for Sitkinak Island, about 20 miles from the site, in order to refuel before going back to look for the four other people who didn't survive.
"It took time to scoop them out of the water," Heckerman said. "It was like scooping a goldfish out of the tank. We hit bingo after we got Jay in, and had to go get fuel. We landed on fumes."
The two survivors, Debra Nielsen and Jay Rasmussen, struggled against 15-foot waves for four and half hours before they were rescued.
Nielsen, who became pregnant not long after the rescue, thanked the crew during the July 19 ceremony, and gave them all a picture of her 23-year-old daughter.
The idea to honor the crew's efforts came up when Heckerman mentioned the rescue to command support staff and Cmdr. Joseph Deer, who is now in Detroit.
"I just thought it needed to be relooked at," Heckerman said. "A lot came out of that search and rescue case like laws, better EPIRBs (emergency position-indicating radio beacons) and survival suit inspections."
In addition to Mattina and Heckerman, co-pilot Lt. Chris Broxterman and avionicsman AT2 Claude Brown were honored at the ceremony.
"It was so surreal," Heckerman said. "Seeing them all together brought back a lot of memories. I was really nervous during the ceremony. It's Coast Guard history for this to happen." | <urn:uuid:54f9674b-afb0-4447-ae47-468d3d33dc80> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.adn.com/2012/07/29/2562462/copter-crew-honored-for-1988-rescue.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368705195219/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516115315-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.979486 | 671 | 1.757813 | 2 |
This weekend comScore reported that for the first time Black Friday online sales topped $1 billion. The expectation is that today, the awkwardly named “Cyber Monday,” will see potential online sales exceeding Friday’s totals, perhaps reaching $1.5 billion as Americans throw off the shackles of austerity that have limited holiday spending over the past few years.
Black Friday originally was a reference to aggressively discounted in-store sales, while Cyber Monday was so named for the day when people returned to work and could shop online with a high speed connection. The reality today is more complex, with most people having access to “broadband” internet connections at home and more than half of mobile subscribers owning smartphones. Cyber Monday has thus become just another day of deals and discounts.
The online deals started Thanksgiving day in the US. Indeed, online sales on Thanksgiving are growing faster than any other holiday shopping day, up nearly 130 percent over the past five years according to comScore.
According to Hitwise traffic to the top 500 retail sites was up compared with last year. Amazon was the top online retail site, followed by Walmart, Best Buy, Target and JC Penney.
Hitwise reported that “Among the top 5 sites, JC Penney saw the biggest day-over-day growth at 26%. Looking at the top 20 retail sites on Black Friday, the Apple Store site saw the biggest day-over-day growth at 99%.” ComScore had a similar though slightly different list of the top five sites on Black Friday:
According to the National Retail Federation (NRF) roughly 250 million consumers shopped in stores or online over the course of the long Thanksgiving holiday. On average people spent about $423 this year over vs. $398 in 2011. The NRF said that overall spending rose about 13 percent to just over $59 billion over the four-day shopping weekend.
The online metrics firms continue to juxtapose and perpetuate a kind of false dichotomy between online and offline sales. Consumers don’t make the same distinctions and move freely between online and in-store purchases, with smartphones as a bridge between them.
US consumers who visited stores checked prices and shopped online through their smartphones simultaneously. In some cases those smartphone lookups led to later online purchases.
IBM reported this year that “Mobile purchases soared with 24 percent of consumers using a mobile device to visit a retailer’s site, up from 14.3 percent in 2011. Mobile sales exceeded 16 percent, up from 9.8 percent in 2011.”
We’re now firmly in a multi-screen world with consumers moving fluidly between online, offline and mobile shopping (including tablets). Retailers and researchers have yet to catch up and integrate these views of the multi-channel shopper.
While the kick-off weekend for holiday shopping was a very good sign for the retail economy, we’ll have to see whether consumers sustain these spending levels throughout December. | <urn:uuid:d4a84514-f8a8-450c-b91a-4b42e52f76c4> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://marketingland.com/black-friday-sales-top-1-billion-as-web-prepares-for-even-bigger-cyber-monday-shopping-surge-27164 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00031-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.951547 | 611 | 1.8125 | 2 |
Ambassador Donahoe: The Syrian People Cannot Wait
Statement by Ambassador Eileen Chamberlain Donahoe,
U.S. Representative to the Human Rights Council,
at the Special Session of the Human Rights Council on the Situation in the Syrian Arab Republic
August 22, 2011
Thank you Madame President.
For the second time this year, we join a special session on the human rights situation in Syria to make clear the international community’s grave and growing concerns over the rapidly deteriorating situation there.
We condemn in the strongest terms, the ongoing slaughter and callous brutality unleashed by the Assad regime against the Syrian people.
The Syrian government’s abuses have been condemned by leaders in the region and from every region of the world. Increasingly, the international community is speaking with one voice to denounce the Syrian regime’s horrific violence.
The condemnation from Syria’s neighbors shows that the Assad regime is more isolated than ever.
Our message to the Syrian Government is clear: We will not turn a blind eye as you deliberately and ruthlessly imprison, torture, and kill your own citizens.
To the brave people of Syria who are demanding freedom and dignity, we send the message that the world stands by you, and we will not ignore your plight.
The human rights situation in Syria is extremely grave and deteriorating. The death toll continues to rise. Regime security forces continue to engage in house-to-house raids, mass arrests, and the torture of prisoners. We have heard multiple accounts from human rights groups of the Assad regime’s security forces interrogating and abusing detainees in large facilities such as stadiums and factories. There are also credible reports of detainees being tortured to death and of bodies returned to families bearing signs of torture.
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict also reported this week of allegations that children have been tortured by security forces.
The United States deplores Assad’s campaign of ever-increasing brutality and terror against unarmed innocents, which may amount to crimes against humanity. The regime’s horrific actions – the systematic violence, the mass arrests, and the outright murder of civilians – show its disdain for the will of the Syrian people, and for the calls of the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, regional leaders and the international community to end the violence immediately.
Assad’s chosen course also defies the clear demands contained in the UN Security Council’s Presidential Statement. And the regime’s continued assault on civilians flies in the face of a commendable initiative by the Turkish government, which warned the Assad regime that it must halt its attacks on civilians immediately and unconditionally.
This is not the work of the fictional “armed gangs” invoked by Assad’s propagandists. The regime has made a conscious choice to continue to deploy security forces throughout the country to prevent demonstrations, to attack civilians, and to arrest activists and protesters on a massive scale. The Assad regime has no intention of ceasing its violent attacks against the Syrian people.
We welcome the recent report of the Syria Fact Finding Mission, called for at this Council’s April 29 Special Session. We also welcome the statements made by the Security Council, including the August 3 Presidential Statement. Today we must take firmer actions to halt the ongoing crackdown against the Syrian people. The United States supports the call for an international, transparent, independent and prompt investigation into alleged violations of international human rights law by Syrian authorities. And we will work with our partners so that those responsible for crimes will be held accountable, either through the courts of a democratic Syria or through international processes.
The Syrian people cannot wait. As President Obama said last week, “the time has come for President Assad to step aside… We recognize that it will take time for the Syrian people to achieve the justice they deserve. There will be more struggle and sacrifice. It is clear that President Assad believes that he can silence the voices of his people by resorting to the repressive tactics of the past. But he is wrong…It is time for the Syrian people to determine their own destiny, and we will continue to stand firmly on their side.” | <urn:uuid:2fda5be0-2b2f-49f2-b42d-9b584b621d9b> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://geneva.usmission.gov/2011/08/22/ambassador-donahoe-the-syrian-people-cannot-wait/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706153698/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516120913-00025-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.946632 | 853 | 1.742188 | 2 |
Memorable Commencement Speeches?
In this season of rapid-fire wisdom condensed and delivered at campuses all over the world, I cannot help recalling my favorite commencement speech. (NB: I wasn’t “commencing,” mind you, but keeping in touch with the old turf.) J.K. Rowling addressed Harvard in 2008, recommending to them that they consider the benefits of failure. And consider the audience–not a group generally considered, at least as they gather at graduation, to be failure-prone. A courageous move. Whole text/video here. Money quote:
So why do I talk about the benefits of failure? Simply because failure meant a stripping away of the inessential. I stopped pretending to myself that I was anything other than what I was, and began to direct all my energy into finishing the only work that mattered to me. Had I really succeeded at anything else, I might never have found the determination to succeed in the one arena I believed I truly belonged. I was set free, because my greatest fear had been realised, and I was still alive, and I still had a daughter whom I adored, and I had an old typewriter and a big idea. And so rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life.
You might never fail on the scale I did, but some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.
She’s not saying that failure is a good thing. Nor is she saying that bad news always has a silver lining, and it’ll all be OK. She directs their attention to the askesis of failure engaged mindfully. Not, perhaps, unlike the way Ignatius reminds us to remember desolation in times of consolation, to prepare ourselves for what will come. (And vice versa.) She went on to discuss imagination. Hmmm….Rowling an Ignatian? Seems so…
And you? Commencement speakers, new or old, who stick out in your mind? | <urn:uuid:39777e07-0ab5-4ba8-818b-59e020e9a240> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.commonwealmagazine.org/blog/?p=13634 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00033-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.9703 | 441 | 1.578125 | 2 |
Jacqueline Dee Parker’s work cross-pollinates the artist /painter and poet psyche, she calls these art forms a visceral construction of space.
Dee Parker teaches at the College of Art & Design at Louisiana State University, she is a mixed media painter and published poet. She was awarded the juror’s prize in the 2009 Rauschenberg Tribute Exhibition (Museum of the Gulf Coast).
The work on paper is two dimensional with a topographic surface made up of collected ephemera, paper, canvas, music, and cloth book spines. The exhibit consists of 12 large works on paper and 20 small works on canvas. Collaged elements composed of circular and rectangular shapes are arranged in a manner suggesting architectural structure. In some compositions she uses perspective line drawn with graphite and adds color sparingly, creating a subtle and harmonizing construction.
Jacqueline Dee Parker's poems appear in many literary journals and anthologies, including Atlanta Review, The Southern Review, Chelsea, and American Diaspora: Poetry of Exile, among others, and her work has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize. She is the recipient of a 2007 Artist Fellowship from the Louisiana State Division of the Arts. | <urn:uuid:6072f719-f07f-44e1-a75d-67f785a4962e> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.artfixdaily.com/artwire/release/5623-dream-houses-jacqueline-dee-parker-june-23-july-21-2012?tab=most_viewed | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368701852492/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516105732-00000-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.952534 | 251 | 1.671875 | 2 |
The gap between consumers' attitudes - and advisors' perceptions of those attitudes - about disabilities and their potential threat to their financial security.
When asked what source they'd likely tap in the event they became disabled and couldn't work, over 40% of consumers said they'd rely on employer-funded sick/vacation leave.
Other perceived top sources of income include disability insurance payments, a spouse's or partner's income, and debt. But many of the sources cited are probably not sufficient to cover living expenses for an extended period.
Most consumers (65%) said they could not survive financially for more than one year without income.
What's also interesting to note is that Gen Y respondents were more likely than other groups to consider tapping into their retirement savings - not likely to be a significant asset at this stage in their careers.
Advisors predict their clients would rely on completely different income sources than those actually cited. In fact, consumers' top pick - sick pay and vacation - ranked seventh out of 10 choices on the advisors' list.
Interestingly, "disability insurance payments" ranked fifth on the advisors' list versus second on the consumers' list. Perhaps some consumers' overestimate their coverage - others think they have coverage when they really don't. Advisors typically recognize that many consumers' incomes are not well enough protected, or not protected at all. Most consumers have not thought much about how they would replace their most valuable financial resource - their income, and most overestimate their ability to maintain their lifestyle for any extended period of time should they suffer an income loss.
Recognizing that income protection planning is inadequate, advisors are far more pessimistic - or perhaps realistic - about how long consumers can last without income. | <urn:uuid:ace95c58-e161-4765-a91c-7afc106fc282> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.disabilitycanhappen.org/research/producer/page_7.asp | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00039-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.978702 | 349 | 1.507813 | 2 |
Activation: I am activating my product and I get an error. What do I do?
The problem depends on the specific error you are receiving. Most errors that occur during activation will provide a toll-free number that you can call for assistance from Microsoft. You should be at your computer when you call this number.
If the error states that the product key entered is not valid (most likely to occur during installation), it is likely that you mistyped the product key. The product key is 25 characters in five sets of five characters. There may be an eight-character part number beneath the key; this is not the product key. Please note that the product key is printed in a machine-readable font in which "B"s and "8"s often look similar.
If, after verifying that you are entering the key correctly, you are still unable to install the product, you should contact Microsoft Installation Support. Microsoft offers unlimited installation support free of charge (long distance charges may apply) for products currently available. Please see http://support.microsoft.com/ for information on contacting Microsoft installation support for your specific product.
If the error states that you have exceeded the allowed number of activations, you may have to call Microsoft to have the activation count reset.
If the error states that the product is already registered on a different machine, you may be trying to install a second copy of the product when it is not allowed. When you first activate a Microsoft product, the activation software creates a "hash"1 for your computer. If you attempt to install the software on a computer that generates a different hash, either because you have materially changed the hardware in your computer or because it is a different computer altogether, the activation attempt will fail.
Please note that MSCA products can be installed on one computer and one computer only. If you have upgraded your hardware, or are permanently moving the software from one computer to another, you must call Microsoft in order to reset your activation information.
Last updated March 27, 2012 @ 8:48 am | <urn:uuid:345e91b1-6a17-42a8-9629-bc2d606f5ff5> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.utexas.edu/its/help/microsoft-campus-agreement/1227 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368711005985/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516133005-00030-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.930535 | 419 | 1.539063 | 2 |
Maximising the relevance and accessibility of the material for Australasian readers, Abnormal Psychology: Leading Researcher Perspectives 2E has been written by specialists working within the Australian and New Zealand context. Each chapter provides readers with an understanding of the history, diagnosis, epidemiology, aetiology and treatment of specific disorders, as well as highlighting current challenges and controversies in the field. This edition includes enriched pedagogy to enhance students' understanding and promote critical thinking. Abnormal Psychology is an essential resource for students undertaking tertiary studies in the area of abnormal and clinical psychology.
I rarely keep my textbooks. I thrive off those few dollars the bookstore shoves at you at the end of the semester just to get rid of the things. But this is one I have kept in my library. It's a great introduction to psychological disorders. It's easy to read & has a great flow to it. I actually read this book. Who reads their entire textbook? Honestly? I've encountered many texts that were basically impossible to read - too boring, too complicated, etc. I've had friends over (non-psych students) that have flipped through it more than once because it's truly interesting to read! If your instructor has assigned the book - congrats! If you are just interested in purchasing for your own entertainment - go for it (if you're into buying textbooks, that is)!
You can earn a 5% commission by selling Abnormal Psychology: Leading Researcher Perspectives paperback book on your website. It's easy to get started - we will give you example code. After you're set-up, your website can earn you money while you work, play or even sleep!
Are you the Author/Publisher? Improve sales by submitting additional information on this title. | <urn:uuid:86580ec1-8ce5-4fb2-acb9-8c2a4292c005> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.fishpond.com.au/Books/Abnormal-Psychology-Elizabeth-Rieger/9780070287273 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368708142388/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516124222-00017-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.955556 | 360 | 1.726563 | 2 |
These cookies are so much fun to make — and to eat!
My six-year-old daughter has been asking to take cookies to share with her friends at our weekly Classical Conversations homeschool group, and she had fun surprising them with Christmas cookies in October last week.
These are just basically sugar cookies that are rolled rather than cut or divided into balls, but the sugar layer makes a pretty pinwheel design that evokes images of sugar plum fairies, perfect for the holiday season!
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups non-bleached all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 6 tablespoons colored sugar crystals
Mix flour and salt in a small bowl. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg, milk and vanilla. Slowly add flour mixture mixing until well blended.
Divide dough in half and wrap each half in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Remove half the dough from the refrigerator and roll out into a 1/4″ thick rectangle on a floured surface. Sprinkle the rectangle with half of the sugar and begin rolling from the short end. Be sure to roll tightly!
Wrap the cookie log in plastic wrap and refrigerate for another hour.Repeat with the other half of the dough and sugar.
When ready, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Remove cookie log from refrigerator and cut into 1/4″ slices. Arrange the slices on a cookie sheet or baking sheet and bake for 10-13 minutes or until edges are light brown and the dough begins to lose its sheen. Let cool on cookie sheet or stone for 3 minutes and then move to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Join us as we celebrate 101 Days of Christmas with new DIY projects, gift ideas, traditions and more every day from now through Christmas!
|Mandi Ehman is the founder and publisher behind Life Your Way and the co-author of All in Good Time, as well as a wife and the homeschooling mom to four beautiful girls. She lives with her family on a little slice of heaven in wild, wonderful West Virginia and loves coffee, chocolate, easy meals, beautiful things and minimalist spaces.| | <urn:uuid:fe3afbb3-d1ff-4c7c-84d5-e37defc98043> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://christmas.yourway.net/holiday-pinwheel-cookies/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=holiday-pinwheel-cookies | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704713110/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516114513-00025-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.937243 | 477 | 1.695313 | 2 |
Modern Design Starck Kitchen
Warendorf tried to introduce the best design of a kitchen, there are three kinds of designs that try to show them. All kitchen designs are designed by Philippe Starck. The three kitchen designs they have the character and different criteria from the conventional concept that is often used by designers. Philippe Starck tried to provide innovation and choice will be a flexible and multifunctional kitchen that will provide optimal service. The three kitchen it is Duality Kitchen Design, Primary Kitchen Design and Library Kitchen Design.
The versatility of the new Philippe Starck designer kitchens is showcased by Warendorfer Küchen GmbH in four different display kitchens: The “Library” kitchen with its bookshelf elements which Philippe Starck has conceived to reinforce the connection between culture and food in domestic life. The “Primary” kitchen brings neobaroque design to the kitchen with its bright yellow mirrored glass fronts, etched decorative flourishes and pretty wall accessories. The “Duality” kitchen, which can be accessed from two sides | <urn:uuid:13118cd0-f6eb-459c-9854-59ef11bbed47> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.rexahome.com/modern-design-starck-kitchen.jsp | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00004-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.952711 | 215 | 1.507813 | 2 |
Students in failing city schools will be allowed to transfer, the Department of Education said.
The city is in the process of phasing out 39 struggling schools. The Panel for Educational Policy will vote in March on whether to phase out another 22, including three in Queens.
The transfer option will give students a chance to succeed at better schools. This is the first year all students at phase-out schools have been given the choice.
“We believe in providing good school choices for all students and families, and this new transfer option will enable families in low performing schools to gain access to higher performing ones across the city,” said DOE spokesperson Devon Puglia.
Transfer applications with a list of high-ranking schools will be sent to about 16,000 eligible students in March, the department said. Priority will be given to students with the lowest scores and “greatest need.”
Students who are granted the transfer would be able to start at their new school in September.
The three Queens schools proposed for phase out this year are P.S. 140 in Jamaica; Law, Government and Community Service High School in Jamaica; and the Business, Computer Applications & Entrepreneurship High School in St. Albans.
P.S. 156 in Laurelton faces a possible truncation, which will eliminate its middle school.
One grade would be eliminated at a time from the troubled schools under the phase-out process.
- Parents oppose P.S. 140 phase out
- Queens Village high school students paint over the past
- City plans to put new schools inside Flushing, Newtown high schools | <urn:uuid:02d31eed-4ea1-4c7e-befe-35cdb9e29ca9> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://queenscourier.com/2013/doe-students-can-transfer-out-of-failing-schools/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368702448584/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516110728-00027-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.952407 | 329 | 1.59375 | 2 |
I advertised that I would follow up with explaining why observing K-12 teachers, rather than using standardized testing to evaluate education practice, would be a hard sell.
At least, I will try to explain.
Teachers are defensive. It may be hard for people who have not taught to understand how vulnerable teachers are. And I don’t mean vulnerable to school boards and administrators. You are putting yourself on the line every day in front of a classroom.
In my first year, I was called out on absolutely everything: my knowledge of my subject, my dating status, my clothes, my hair, my politics, my religion, my discipline decisions, the arrangement of the furniture in my room, the temperature in my room. In your first year, you have to expect to make stupid mistakes constantly. I performed as expected. To absorb, judge, and respond or deflect all this feedback from students is one of the greatest challenges of learning to teach. The last thing teachers want to hear is that some outside adult will walk in and judge them further. It would be a hard thing for teachers to get used to.
On the other hand, I believe that any taxpayer should have the right to observe my classroom. They are the ones paying my salary. We need privacy and safety to have delicate conversations and share ideas, but we have to balance that with a dedication to transparency that should be the standard for democratic institutions.
Observing teachers takes time. More time than giving tests. More time and more money. We have a whole industry of test writing now. It would be such a shame to disrupt their carefully constructed state pigeonhole of funding! (It’s always been a source of annoyance to me how loosey-goosey our state test creation is. The College Board tweaks the SAT over decades, while our schools live and die according to brand-new tests written by people who are hardly experts in the field of test writing.)
Observing teachers results in muddier numbers than testing students. I suspect that after the recent trend toward hard numbers in education, things will swing back to an appetite for more anecdotal and qualitative research data. The state can only change their tests and their goals so many times before we realize that “hard numbers” are just as slippery as everything else in the real world. I know that as a parent, or as a coworker, I’d rather see your observation notes and scores in interacting with kids than the standardized test scores your students received.
(I should add that unions would probably have a rough time with this idea, but I haven”t have the choice to join a union, as a public charter school teacher, so that’s really outside my frame of reference.)
Lastly, the conflict of interest. The fox guarding the henhouse. In my experience, gathering research requires a careful balance between objectivity and intuition. It would be difficult to set up a system in which teachers can be observed by people they consider neither friend nor foe. But no more difficult than trying to write test questions that capture learning and lead to a black and white choice of A,B, C, or D. That’s the theory that truly confounds me.
Standardized testing teaches us mainly that students from families with enough money do well in school, while students from families without enough money do poorly. This is not news. And it’s an outrageous waste of money to continue to “discover” this year after year. I hope that we can learn something more helpful about our teachers, our students, and our schools. Observing classrooms could give us a better picture of what is being done, and what needs to be done. | <urn:uuid:a48e1cbc-e651-41aa-aefb-6b05afc88fbb> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://elizabethschurman.wordpress.com/2009/10/13/resistance/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00010-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.969555 | 757 | 1.734375 | 2 |
"Russia is much interested in Iran's cinema and we know that the movies of the former Soviet Union are also welcomed in Iran," Medinskiy said during the meeting, adding that in a bid to fight back the western propaganda against the Iranian society, displaying Iranian movies in Russia can give an explicit and true image of the country to the Russian audience.
Hosseini, for his part, welcomed Medinskiy's proposal, and said his ministry is ready to hold talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) to show Russian movies and documentaries, and reciprocally, provide Russia with Iranian movies to be displayed on Russian TV channels.
Iran and Russia have recently boosted efforts to develop their bilateral ties in cultural fields.
Russian Deputy Culture Minister Andrei Busygin and Head of Culture and Islamic Communications Organization of Iran Mohammad Baqer Khorramshad in a meeting in Moscow in June explored avenues for the further bolstering of the two countries' cultural relations.
The two sides emphasized the need for broader bilateral cultural cooperation, referring to the two nations' interest in each other's cultures, literatures, and arts.
Busygin referred to the special status of the Iranian culture and literature among the Russian people, arguing, "We are pursuing the policy of expanding relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran seriously." | <urn:uuid:bc10fdce-8273-4123-83e1-f00ec90a491f> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://english.farsnews.com/newstext.php?nn=9107127271 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368707435344/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516123035-00011-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.953562 | 270 | 1.59375 | 2 |
MU Extension events calendar
Professional development events
Summers @ Mizzou (Session 6 of 8)
Sunday, July 22, 2012, 6:30 p.m. to Thursday, July 26, 2012, 4:30 p.m.
University of Missouri
Summers @ Mizzou is a program designed to bring youth to the University of Missouri campus. Youth will have a chance to experience life as a college student by living in the dorms, eating in a dining hall and exploring campus and Columbia. These camps are great for those beginning to think about college and their future career. Please share the attached brochure with any students or faculty who may be interested.
Learn to keep your bike in top working order with basic bike mechanics, learn to bike safely and legally anywhere you want to go through bike skill drills and explore Columbia by bike. You are encouraged to bring your own bike and helmet to camp. | <urn:uuid:d1e3c5a6-78cf-4404-b579-f90d763ab5a7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://extension.missouri.edu/calendar/DisplaySingleEvent.aspx?E=149593&S=6 | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368699881956/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516102441-00025-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.946699 | 187 | 1.507813 | 2 |
The latest news on capitalism
Over the next two decades the U.S. economy could drift toward one extreme or the other.
President Obama doesn't give the super wealthy credit for their charity and voluntary giving, instead criminalizing them for being successful.
Big business endangers American capitalism, but the problem can be eliminated by closing tax loopholes.
The American Dream has become increasingly harder to achieve, but here is what we can do about it.
Vaclav Havel's spirit of left-leaning libertarianism fought communist totalitarianism.
American business should not envy China's economic policies.
When Europe outdoes the United States, it's not necessarily because of socialism.
George Will's flip-flops are relevant to the current political strife the United States faces.
Karl Marx was dead wrong on communism, but he was spot on about the pitfalls of capitalism.
Democracy is good--but democratic capitalism is an even better alternative to violence and extremism. | <urn:uuid:76d5ba83-99b2-44f2-a294-5812800feaa7> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://money.usnews.com/topics/subjects/capitalism/usnews | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00000-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.94144 | 197 | 1.59375 | 2 |
Rare though they are, horrific events like the Newtown shooting inevitably provoke a variety of responses. The intent is to head off a recurrence of the sort of crime that, truth be told, very likely can't be completely prevented, if for no other reason than that so many of the perpetrators seemingly have little interest in surviving their deeds. But some of the responses, like encouraging people to take responsibility for defending themselves and those around them, offer the possibility of reducing the damage done by rampage killers. Some responses, like gun restrictions and video-game censorship, put widespread civil liberties at the mercy of opportunistic control freaks. And some responses seem designed to turn public schools into replica prisons. On that last point, I'm talking about Albuquerque's scheme for multi-school surveillance, centrally monitored at the Albuquerque Public Schools Police headquarters dispatch center.
That Albuquerque actually has something called "Public Schools Police" is a strong clue that the local educational establishment has been wandering down the road to Sing Sing for quite some time, now. So the network of surveillance cameras isn't a new thing — but it's growing and probably not likely to face any budgetary pressure or policy challenges in the near future. As KRQE Reports:
The digital cameras are motion activated, grabbing onto people as they move. They're in hallways, libraries, cafeterias, playgrounds and parking lots.
"Someone watching the camera can see if a person comes on campus who doesn't belong there, and they can immediately call help if they need to or go to the door and see who the person is," explained Lt. Rider. "They can address them before they even enter the campus."
So far they've helped solve vandalism and even keep an eye on teachers, but they're also tracking students.
You think they're creepy? Why do you hate children? Well, that's the likely response to anybody raising even the mildest objections to authoritarian power-grabs that are justified in the name of keeping the little darlings out of harm's way. Though it's a bit difficult to fathom the benefits of a security system based on centrally monitored video cameras when "officers can not be everywhere" and, in fact, may be nowhere near the school in question. You'd think something a bit more flexible and on-the-spot would make more sense.
But then, nobody would get to sit in a room, watching kids on a mosaic of video feeds. And besides, "APS also uses the cameras for other things. Monday they used them to monitor weather conditions especially at their East Mountain campuses." | <urn:uuid:88334afe-f779-42ea-9332-d3c51a72c8e4> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://reason.com/blog/2013/01/15/albuquerques-solution-for-school-safety/print | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368710006682/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516131326-00039-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.97133 | 525 | 1.773438 | 2 |
Got Questions? We've got answers from experts and parents who've been there.
What could I do to make bedtime less stressful?
My daughter is 18-months-old with a very scheduled routine and no matter what time I put her to bed she screams bloody murder for 15-30 mins every night. I took her to the doctor and nothing is wrong. I feel like I have tried everything. What can I do? Any suggestions?
First of all, some children do cry every night at bedtime, no matter what. It’s almost as if it’s their last gasp before conking out for the night. However, 15 to 30 minutes of crying seems like a long time for it to be just a final protest. First of all, she may be going to bed too late. If your little one is overtired, she is going to have a hard time settling down. So be sure that she is going to bed early, possibly even as early as 7:00. Second, be sure that you are totally consistent in how you respond to her crying every night. If sometimes you go in and calm her down, it can prolong the protesting. So it’s best to give a hug and kiss good night, and let her know that you’ll see her in the morning.
The answers from our experts are for educational purposes only. Please always refer to your child's pediatrician and mental health expert for more in-depth advice. | <urn:uuid:248b962a-9d09-4b88-b882-6868a0a245e6> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.parents.com/advice/babies/sleep/what-could-i-do-to-make-bedtime-less-stressful/ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00030-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.985459 | 303 | 1.71875 | 2 |
The places grace empowers us
Thu May 23, 2013
by Justin Holcomb
‘Each next risk is the biggest one’: James MacDonald talks with Mark Driscoll
Wed May 22, 2013
by Mark Driscoll
Tue May 21, 2013
by Amanda Edmondson
From prison to ReTrain: Russell’s story
Mon May 20, 2013
9 types of leaders in Scripture
Mon May 20, 2013
by Justin Holcomb
The Danger of Moralistic Parenting
If a majority of our children are leaving the faith as soon as they can, something has gone terribly wrong.
Certainly the faith that has empowered the persecuted church for two millennia isn’t as thin and boring as “Say you’re sorry,” “Be nice,” and “Don’t be like them.” Why would anyone want to deny himself, lay down his life, or suffer for something as inane as that? Aside from the “Ask Jesus into your heart” part, how does this message differ from what any unchurched child or Jewish young person would hear every day?
Turning God into Santa
Let’s face it: most of our children believe that God is happy if they’re “good for goodness’ sake.” We’ve transformed the holy, terrifying, magnificent, and loving God of the Bible into Santa and his elves. And instead of transmitting the gloriously liberating and life-changing truths of the gospel, we have taught our children that what God wants from them is morality. We have told them that being good (at least outwardly) is the be-all and end-all of their faith.
This isn’t the gospel; we’re not handing down Christianity. We need much less of Veggie Tales and Barney and tons more of the radical, bloody, scandalous message of the God-man crushed by his Father for our sin.
Instead of the gospel of grace, we’ve given them daily baths in a 'sea of narcissistic moralism.'
This other thing we’re giving our children has a name—it’s called “moralism.” Here’s how one seminary professor described his childhood experience in church:
The preachers I regularly heard in the . . . church in which I was raised tended to interpret and preach Scripture without Christ as the central . . . focus. Characters like Abraham and Paul were commended as models of sincere faith and loyal obedience. . . . On the other hand, men like Adam and Judas were criticized as the antithesis of proper moral behavior. Thus Scripture became nothing more than a source book for moral lessons on Christian living, whether good or bad.
Teaching Good Manners Instead of Salvation
When we change the story of the Bible from the gospel of grace to a book of moralistic teachings like Aesop’s fables, all sorts of things go wrong. Unbelieving children are encouraged to display the fruit of the Holy Spirit even though they are spiritually dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Unrepentant children are taught to say that they’re sorry and ask for forgiveness even though they’ve never tasted true Godly sorrow. Unregenerate kids are told they are pleasing to God because they have achieved some “moral victory.”
Good manners have been elevated to the level of Christian righteousness. Parents discipline their kids until they evidence a prescribed form of contrition, and others work hard at keeping their children from the wickedness in the world, assuming that the wickedness within their children has been handled because they prayed a prayer one time at Bible club.
The Bible Isn’t a Book of Fairy Tales
If our “faith commitments” haven’t taken root in our children, could it be because they have not consistently heard them? Instead of the gospel of grace, we’ve given them daily baths in a “sea of narcissistic moralism,” and they respond to law the same way we do: they run for the closest exit as soon as they can.
Good manners have been elevated to the level of Christian righteousness.
Moralistic parenting occurs because most of us have a wrong view of the Bible. The story of the Bible isn’t a story about making good little boys and girls better. As Sally Lloyd-Jones writes in The Jesus Storybook Bible:
No, the Bible isn’t a book of rules, or a book of heroes. The Bible is most of all a Story. It’s an adventure story about a young Hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure. It’s a love story about a brave Prince who leaves his palace, his throne—everything—to rescue the one he loves. It’s like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life.
This is the story that our children need to hear and, like us, they need to hear it over and over again. | <urn:uuid:1094f4b9-6271-47e1-8098-a386103236c0> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://theresurgence.com/2011/05/27/the-danger-of-moralistic-parenting | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368704132298/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516113532-00018-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.959784 | 1,062 | 1.515625 | 2 |
Barack Obama spoke to one audience on his surprise overnight trip to Afghanistan, but was, in fact, addressing four. To a war-weary American public, he was saying: "We are out." To Afghanistan it was: "But we are still in." The Taliban heard: "We are still on your case." And Pakistan was supposed to be calmed by: "Although we are still in, you don't have to worry about us." This was a mixed message if ever there was one.
After a war this long, the menu of optimistic claims about Afghanistan's current state of health is running low. Mr Obama chose the following: that he had broken the Taliban's momentum (but not their campaign); that US troops would be coming home (although in November there will still be nearly twice as many troops as there were when he assumed office in 2009). Lastly he claimed the tide had turned. A sixth-monthly Pentagon report only partially reflected their commander-in-chief's feelgood vision. While the Taliban had been unable to reclaim territory taken in Kandahar and Helmand provinces , and while the Afghan army had made strides, the Pentagon said that the Taliban remained a "resilient and determined" enemy that will attempt to regain lost ground and influence. Just hours after the president left, a car bomb blasted the gate of a compound east of Kabul where hundreds of UN staff and EU trainers live, followed by a prolonged gun battle between Afghan forces and the attackers. The light of a new day?
The signing of a strategic accord with Afghanistan may pave the diplomatic way for the forthcoming Nato conference in Chicago. It projects some level of stability into a relationship that is naturally fraught. But the underlying tensions remain. Afghan governance and corruption, seen as the pre-condition for progress in rural areas dominated by the Taliban, have not abated. One indicator is this year's poppy crop. A report which the UN in Afghanistan released recently with little fanfare predicted an increase in opium farming this year, sending Afghanistan back four or five years. While the Taliban take their cut, the lion's share of this income goes to Kabul's drug barons. The link between opium cultivation and security levels is explicit. As opium is a commodity that can keep for years, it's the biggest hedge fund Afghan farmers have. Production in Helmand, which grows more opium than the rest put together, has stabilised. You would expect it to, if it is flooded with US and British troops, but will that still be the case when they leave?
The other pillar of Mr Obama's exit strategy is a negotiated peace with a Taliban that cuts its links with al-Qaida. As Michael Semple, who has more experience than most of talking to the Taliban, has written, the issue is not whether Mullah Omar has links with senior al-Qaida. The US military response to 9/11 not only drove Taliban fighters and al-Qaida across the Pakistan border. It drove them strategically together. The issue now is how to reverse that. The default position of the Taliban is to keep on fighting, but among pragmatic factions there is war fatigue too. They, too, fear another civil war which is why they initiated the talks. Most of their people signed up for a war against foreigners, not another round of bloodletting between Afghans. Their war aims differ from al-Qaida's and yet little is being done to address this.
The Taliban have not been asked to declare their hand. The process of setting up a liaison office in Doha stalled over the Pentagon's refusal to release five Taliban leaders from Guantánamo Bay. Mr Obama may calculate that this is one battle too many in a pre-election period. But any future US president, even if he be Mitt Romney, knows the price of kick-starting a new round of talks. If that happens, the Taliban could be forced to make real political and strategic decisions. The Pentagon currently has a lock on talks that the White House and the state department want to pursue. With no forceful leadership from the president, the opportunity to bring the Taliban into a settlement is being lost. | <urn:uuid:8d4a64ae-9ef2-4bc0-87e5-0944fe57091a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/may/02/obama-afghanistan-taliban-settlement | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368706499548/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516121459-00018-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.971232 | 834 | 1.75 | 2 |
|1. Tin Angel|
|2. Chelsea Morning|
|3. I Don't Know Where I Stand|
|4. That Song About The Midway|
|5. Roses Blue|
|6. The Gallery|
|7. I Think I Understand|
|8. Songs To Aging Children Come|
|9. The Fiddle And The Drum|
|10. Both Sides Now|
'Clouds' is, in my estimation, a weak link in Joni Mitchell's early works, but that criticism must be tempered by the recognition that 'Ladies of the Canyon', 'Blue', and 'For the Roses' are all classics of the era. It should also be noted that the album does include what may well be Joni's finest composition, 'Both Sides, Now', which is to Mitchell what 'Like a Rolling Stone' or 'Blowin' In the Wind' is to Bob Dylan: a defining composition. Judy Collins, whose status as a performer was advanced well beyond Mitchell's at the time, turned 'Both Sides, Now' into a Top Ten hit, but despite her undeniable vocal talents the charting version has nothing on the take Mitchell offers here. Interestingly Collins also took another of Mitchell's songs from this disc, 'Chelsea Morning', and parlayed it into another hit song.
Sad to say, most of the rest of 'Clouds' does not live up to these two quality tracks. The one exception is the a capella 'The Fiddle and the Drum'. Mitchell's stark delivery of this thoughtful, persuasive composition draws even greater poignancy to an anti-war song not steeped in anger, as most anti-war songs are, but in self-contemplation. Two key verses in the song, "and I ask you why", and "so we ask you please" alternate twice in four stanzas. In 1969, at the height of the Vietnam conflict, the first question was looming deep in the psyche of America, especially those most likely to be listening to Mitchell, and the second question was provided a lyrical response: "find the peace and the star" and "trade the handshake for the fist". The song doesn't demean the war-maker, but draws him to a higher calling. Like Mitchell's 'Woodstock', the attempt is to turn the bomber planes into butterflies above our nation.
The remaining songs on 'Clouds' have melodies that are less distinct, and lyrics that are less compelling than what we are use to from Mitchell, or deal with themes intimate and personal to Mitchell, but perhaps of less consequence to the typical listener. 'Roses Blue', for example, deals with a woman's descent into "mysterious devotions", such as Tarot card reading and Zen. Many of the songs of course deal with Mitchell's favorite topic: romantic entanglements and the nuances therein. All are draped in Mitchell's trademark piano or guitar accompaniment. In fact, there are no credits to contributing musicians on any of the tracks.
In assessing 'Clouds' I'm tempted to tap that familiar bumper sticker that says, "A bad day ________ (fishing, shopping, etc.) is better than a good day at work", because a weak Joni Mitchell album is better than what most artists produce in a good day in the studio. It's all relative, and it's instructive to note that Joni has never produced anything inconsequential or lacking gravity and substance. Lyrics are included in this, one of Mitchell's few early works available in a High Definition configuration (go configure).
Clouds, on the other hand, introduced a more wide-open Joni, her soaring soprano far freer than on the debut, with simpler song and lyrical structure and a mountain-spring-water-purity to the recording after Dave Crosby's muddy castle-fortress echo. Once again, the arrangements consist mainly of singer and guitar, although her voice is doubled and trebled more often, and the playing is closer to campfire strumming than on Song to a Seagull. The songs on Clouds convey a lush romanticism made heartbreaking and wistful by tales of love that is at turns found, lost, uncertain, or doomed. The album also unveils her own interpretations of several of her standards - "Tin Angel," "Chelsea Morning," "I Don't Know Where I Stand," "Both Sides Now." The playing and lyrics are Joni at her most straightforward, and her voice is at its gorgeous best on some of the tracks.
Although I love this album, I would rank it below several of her other pre-"Don Juan" discs - it is certainly my least favorite of her first period (the straightforward acoustic period, coinciding with her first four albums). It doesn't have the curious charm of the debut or the soul-deep passion of Blue. Ladies in the Canyon has a similar mood, but with far better arrangements and songwriting. Her singing on some of the songs here - "Tin Angel" and "The Fiddle and the Drum" stand out - is a rehash of her glum alto affectations on much of the debut. She's better off when she climbs up into the high end of her range (away with those philistines who consider her top end unlistenable), especially on "That Song about the Midway," in which Joni's high C's send haunted tingles down my spine. "Chelsea Morning" certainly conveys a certain joyful ebulliance, but of Joni's "token happy songs" on her early albums ("Night in the City," "Big Yellow Taxi," "Carey") I find it the weakest.
Clouds is, of course, home to "Both Sides Now," which is arguably Joni's signature song. Melodically gorgeous and lyrically reflective, it seems to draw all of her epic romantic experiences into a sorrowful lesson - "I really don't know love/life at all." | <urn:uuid:f18aa627-5cf6-4d60-8992-a462b094d524> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://www.amazon.ca/Clouds-Joni-Mitchell/dp/B000002KOJ | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368703298047/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516112138-00039-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.95877 | 1,241 | 1.679688 | 2 |
In response to questions raised by Gov. Marc Racicot's executive order to apply Level V restrictions to 10 western Montana counties, FWP officials say there will be a hunting season this year, but due to the extreme fire danger some hunting season openings may be delayed in some western Montana areas.
FWP Director Pat Graham said the Level V restrictions prohibit outdoor recreation in the affected area, including fishing, hiking, picnicking, hunting, and the use of most State Parks, Fishing Access Sites and all FWP Wildlife Management Areas.
The Level V zone restrictions went into effect Aug. 11 and include: Deer Lodge, Granite, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders and Silver Bow counties, and the portion of Lewis & Clark County that lies west of the Continental Divide. In addition, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal land in the southern portion of Lake County is also closed to recreation.
If weather and climate forecasts are on target, Graham said the restrictions on outdoor recreation in west central Montana are likely to extend beyond the scheduled opening day of several of Montana's early September hunting season openings.
Most upland game bird seasons and some moose, big horn sheep, and mountain goat seasons are scheduled to open statewide on Sept. 1. Montana's archery season is set to open statewide on Sept. 2.
"Unless there is a significant change in the predicted weather patterns, the early September opening of archery season, upland game bird season and our moose, sheep and goat seasons in west-central Montana will likely be delayed and similar delays could emerge in other areas," Graham said
In addition to the Level V designation for the 10 counties in western Montana, a Level IV designation has been issued for 16 additional counties in western Montana: Beaverhead, Broadwater, Cascade, Lincoln, Flathead, Gallatin, Glacier, Jefferson, Lewis and Clark east of the Continental Divide, Madison, Meagher, Park, Pondera, Sanders County that lies within the Kootenai National Forest, and Teton and Toole counties.
While Level IV does not prohibit recreation, it does impose restrictions on open fires, smoking, vehicle use, equipment use and other activities.
"We are experiencing tragic drought and fire conditions that we know are now affecting our fisheries and our wildlife," Graham said.
Graham said FWP has fielded hundreds of calls from resident and out-of-state hunters on whether the hunting seasons will be affected by the drought and recent forest closures.
"Today, we can only say that the drought and severe fire danger may delay the opening of some seasons in west-central Montana. Each day we will be monitoring how closures and restrictions in other parts of the state may affect the hunting seasons and immediately communicate that information to hunters and anglers in Montana and to our out-of-state visitors."
Extensive fire and drought information is available on FWP's website at fwp.state.mt.us. Look for the "Fire/Drought Update" link on the homepage. Other fire-related information is available by calling toll-free 1-800- 472-8455. | <urn:uuid:00157d21-4728-44ee-a749-9d7670fbbc7a> | CC-MAIN-2013-20 | http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/headlines/nr_0570.html | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2013-20/segments/1368696381249/warc/CC-MAIN-20130516092621-00004-ip-10-60-113-184.ec2.internal.warc.gz | en | 0.940095 | 644 | 1.570313 | 2 |
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