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Unofficial Opinion 95-2
District 46
Persons who fall within the definition of a lobbyist in relation to county or municipal matters, as defined under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(D), (E), (F), must comply with the registration and reporting requirements of the Public Officials Conduct and Lobbyist Disclosure Act.
You have asked my unofficial opinion as to whether certain persons must register and report as lobbyists depending upon certain actions they take in relation to county or municipal governments. It is my unofficial opinion that if such persons fall within the statutory definition of a "lobbyist," they must comply with the registration and reporting requirements of the Public Officials Conduct and Lobbyist Disclosure Act, a portion of the Ethics in Government Act.
During the 1994 session of the General Assembly, the definition of "lobbyist" was modified to include persons who undertook lobbying activities in relation to elected county officials and members of county boards of education and before elected municipal officials. 1994 Ga. Laws 277-79; O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(D), (E), (F). This amendment was approved by the Governor on March 25, 1994, and was precleared on June 13, 1994, by the U.S. Department of Justice under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
As such, any natural person who, for compensation, either individually or on behalf of another promotes or opposes the passage of any county, school board, or municipal ordinance or
resolution must now register and report as a lobbyist under the Ethics in Government Act. O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(D). The same is true for any natural person who makes a total expenditure for such activities of more than $250.00 in any one calendar year, not including personal expenses of the individual for travel, food, lodging expenses or providing informational material. O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(E). Also, persons who are employees of counties, school boards or municipalities who undertake lobbying activities as defined under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(D) must also register and report as a lobbyist. O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(F).
In order to address the specific questions you have raised regarding different categories of persons involved in actions before local governments, it is necessary to review the requirements of Georgia law regarding lobbyist registration and disclosure. Under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-71(a), the General Assembly has provided: "No person shall engage in lobbying as defined by this article unless such person is registered with the State Ethics Commission as a lobbyist. The administration of this article is vested in the State Ethics Commission."
The registration process is defined under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-71(b) thru (f). Additionally, those persons registered as lobbyists have a statutory duty to file the disclosure reports outlined under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-73.
The law also provides a number of exceptions which remove certain persons or activities from coming within the definition of a "lobbyist." O.C.G.A. § 21-5-71(i). These exceptions provide that the definition of lobbying shall not include:
(1) Any individual who expresses personal views, on that individual's own behalf, to any public officer;
(2) Any person who appears before a public agency or governmental entity committee or hearing for the purpose of giving testimony when such person is not otherwise required to comply with the registration provisions of this Code section;
(3) Any public employee of an agency appearing before a governmental entity committee or hearing at the request of the governmental entity or any person who furnishes information upon the specific request of a governmental entity;
(4) Any licensed attorney appearing on behalf of a client in any adversarial proceeding before an agency of this state;
(5) Any person employed or appointed by a lobbyist registered pursuant to this Code section whose duties and activities do not include lobbying;
(6) Elected public officers performing the official duties of their public office; and
(7) A public employee who performs services at the direction of a member of the General Assembly including, but not limited to, drafting petitions, bills, or resolutions; attending the taking of testimony; collating facts; preparing arguments and memorials and submitting them orally or in writing to a committee or member of the General Assembly; and other services of like character intended to reach the reason of the legislators.
You have asked how these provisions apply to certain types of persons who are involved with counties, school boards or municipalities. Each of those categories is addressed below.
Business Councils Initially, you have asked whether paid employees or board members of local private business councils should register as "lobbyists." You have identified such "business councils" to be:
[N]onprofit "watchdog" groups with one paid employee who monitors government actions by attending meetings and speaking privately with individual members of the county commission and staff . . . . Unpaid members of the board of directors and members [of the business council] support or oppose legislation at public meetings. No funds are expended on elected officials.
If the paid employee of the business council acts to promote or oppose ordinances or resolutions during the private meetings with county officials, then that person falls within the definition of lobbying and would be required to register and report under the Ethics in Government Act. O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(D). As for the board members who are not acting for compensation and who do not make expenditures on the public officials in excess of $250.00, they would not fall within the statutory definition cited above and would therefore not be subject to the registration and reporting requirements. Id.
Chambers of Commerce You have next asked about whether paid employees of chambers of commerce who appear before local boards and commissions to promote or oppose legislation must register and report as lobbyists. The answer to that question is "yes" as they clearly fall within the statutory definition of O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(D). However, if the paid employee is merely speaking at a public meeting to provide information upon the request of a local official, that activity would not be lobbying under the exemption provided in O.C.G.A. § 21-5-71(i)(3). Finally, as with business councils, if unpaid board members of the chamber of commerce act to promote or oppose ordinances or resolutions, because they are not acting for compensation, they would not fall within the registration and reporting requirements of the Act.
Private Developers Next you have inquired whether a developer hired by a landowner to develop the owner's property must register as a lobbyist if the developer appears before a zoning board merely to relate technical information and does not specifically request approval or denial of an ordinance. You have indicated that such appearances are sometimes requested by local government planning offices and that, "the developer has the responsibility of convincing the elected body that the [zoning] request is appropriate and falls into the guidelines set for approval of zoning matters."
The initial question is whether the members of the zoning boards in question are elected. If they are not and are appointed, then they do not fall within the range of public officers covered in the Ethics in Government Act. O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(D), (E), (F); O.C.G.A. § 21-5-3(15)(F), (G). As such, persons appearing before such an appointed board would not be "lobbyists" within the meaning of the statute.
If such boards were composed of elected county or municipal officials, then the answer to your question becomes more problematic. While a developer may not openly advocate the adoption of a rezoning request before a zoning board, it would be implicit in the request for rezoning that the developer was advocating the passage of such an ordinance or resolution. It would also appear that the developer would be doing this for compensation in that there would be a financial benefit to the developer should the rezoning be approved. As such, the developer would fall within the registration and reporting requirements of the Act.
Certainly, appearances of this type before any other local elected officials (i.e., city or county commissions) would also fall within the registration and reporting requirements of the Act. Additionally, government officials and zoning applicants still must comply with the disclosure requirements of O.C.G.A. § 36-67A-1 et seq., dealing with conflicts of interest in zoning actions.
Attorneys You have also asked whether attorneys hired by landowners or developers to provide expertise and legal opinions to local commissioners regarding zoning ordinances and other matters would be subject to the registration and reporting requirements. If these persons are promoting or opposing for compensation the passage of local resolutions or ordinances by elected officials, whether they do so as "experts" or in the form of "legal opinions," or if they make expenditures in excess of $250.00, they are covered by the Act. There is no exception for lobbying activities undertaken by members of the legal profession.
However, there are circumstances where an attorney's actions would not come within this requirement. For example, under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-71(i)(4) the General Assembly indicates an intent that attorneys acting on behalf of their clients in adversarial proceedings should not be considered "lobbyists." "Adversarial proceeding" should be given its ordinary and common meaning, so such proceedings would include evidentiary proceedings and other fact-finding, quasi-judicial proceedings. O.C.G.A. § 1-3-1(b). Additionally city, county or school board attorneys who are giving their legal advice to their clients on matters of legislation would be considered public employees appearing at the request of a governmental entity to provide information and also would not appear to be being compensated specifically for promoting or opposing legislation.
Neighborhood Associations You have inquired as to whether neighborhood associations which appear to promote or oppose zoning changes would also be considered "lobbyists." Again, the question must be asked as to whether they are appearing before elected officials and whether they are doing so for compensation. If the representatives of neighborhood associations are doing this, they must register and report. If the representatives are either not appearing before the covered elected officials or are not doing so for compensation (or expending over $250.00), they do not fall within the requirements of the Act.
Consultants You have also asked whether a consultant appearing before a local commission or individual members of a local commission would have to register and report as a lobbyist if they are paid by someone else to intervene with the elected body on behalf of their employer. While there is an exception under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-71(i)(5) for persons employed by lobbyists not to also register and report, that is only for persons who are not taking any actions to influence legislation. Otherwise such employees would also be considered "lobbyists." This would include a consultant who for compensation attempted to influence the passage or rejection of local resolutions or ordinances or who made expenditures in excess of the $250.00 limit.
Speakers at Public Hearings Finally you have inquired why the law permits people to speak at public hearings without registering as a lobbyist, while others who fall within the statutory definition are subject to the registration and reporting requirements. Specifically this refers to the exclusion from the definition of "lobbyist" of persons who express their own personal views on their own behalf to a public officer. O.C.G.A. § 21-5-71(i)(1).
This exclusion recognizes an individual's right to free speech under both the U.S. and Georgia state constitutions. U.S. Const. amend. I; Ga. Const. 1983, Art. I, Sec. I, Para. V. This fundamental right cannot be burdened absent a compelling state interest. However, when a person is acting for compensation to influence legislation, those actions are fundamentally different from the expressions of personal opinion and can be subject to reporting and registration requirements. See, e.g., Buckley v. Valeo, 424 U.S. 1 (1976); Fortson v. Weeks, 232 Ga. 472 (1974) (upholding regulation and reporting requirements for campaign contributions to candidates).
It should also be recognized that the reporting and disclosure requirements of the statute do not prevent a lobbyist from exercising his or her rights to communicate with governmental leaders. They are still free to do so. However, what the statute does require is that the people of Georgia have access to information telling them what persons are contacting their elected leaders and what, if any, financial expenditures are being made in relation to these contacts.
In conclusion, it is my unofficial opinion that persons who fall within the definition of a lobbyist in relation to county or municipal matters, as defined under O.C.G.A. § 21-5-70(6)(D), (E), (F), must comply with the registration and reporting requirements of the Public Officials Conduct and Lobbyist Disclosure Act.
Prepared by:
Senior Assistant Attorney General


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316, Tanglad 1, Basud, Polangui, Albay, 4506
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subset: commoncrawl


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When Ron McCallum was a child, he loved story time. But he was sad not to be able to read a book on his own. It was the 1940s, and McCallum was blind since birth. As his mom told him, "You can't feel the pictures, and you can't feel the print on the page."
"Little did I know that I would be part of a technological revolution that would make that dream come true," says McCallum, a labor law scholar, in this incredibly sweet talk given at TEDxSydney. "Computers have changed the lives of us all in this room and around the world, but I think they've changed the lives of we blind people more than any other group."
In this talk, McCallum takes us on a tour of the people and technology that allowed him to read — from those who transcribed into braille to the maker of…
View original post 527 more words


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Yaya Han is a costume designer, model and cosplay entertainer based in Atlanta, GA. She discovered the unique creative pastime of cosplay at Anime Expo in 1999 as a young fan, with no prior trained skills in sewing or crafting. However, Yaya has always been artistic, especially with pen and ink illustrations, so she quickly absorbed the heart and soul of costume making. Yaya is completely self-taught, mostly due to lack of funds and resources to enroll in classes for fashion or costume design. At the beginning, she could only afford a used $40 sewing machine and a sewing book from a thrift store. Yaya credits persistence and repeated failure as her greatest teachers in costume creation. To this day, she has made close to 300 costumes in the genres of anime/manga, comic books, video games, sci-fi and her own original designs.
Over the years, Yaya has build a successful business in the cosplay community, creating a popular cosplay accessories line that is available online and at conventions, as well as her line of Yaya Han Brand merchandising. Her intricate and lavish creations have won awards and acclaim nationwide, and she has been invited to appear as a Guest, Panelist, Judge, Performer and Host to over 100 conventions and other events all over the world. Yaya's impact on the world of cosplay has been so great that she has been a Guest Judge on 2 seasons of TBS TV Network's "King of the Nerds" competition show, featured in a documentary about cosplay called "Cosplay - Crafting a Secret Identity", as well as is starring in the Syfy (Space) TV Network Docu-Series "Heroes of Cosplay".
But, no matter where Cosplay has taken her professionally, Yaya strives to stay true to what got her into this field originally - fun and creativity.
Through hard work, unmatched passion and infectious enthusiasm, Yaya has helped Cosplay gain respect and integrity as an artform in the fandom world and art communities, and her decade long campaign for creativity has helped raise Cosplay to the standards we know today. Everyday, Yaya continues to pave the path for the beloved art and lifestyle we know as Costume Play.
A Few Simple Facts
Name: Yaya Han
Birthday: 10th April
Astrological Sign: Aries
Ethnic Descent: Chinese (but grew up in Germany)
Languages: Fluent in Chinese, German, English; some Spanish, Latin, French and Japanese
Occupation: Costume Designer, Cosplay Entertainer and Model
Residency: Atlanta, Georgia
Former Residencies: Xian, China; Guang Zhou, China; Wiesbaden, Germany; Tucson, Arizona; Las Vegas, Nevada
Passions: ancient cultures, musicals, art, theatre, cars, cats, animals in general, spicy food, fashion, makeup, photography


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Campaign for Harkin's seat officially begins
The fight for Sen. Tom Harkin's seat has already begun.
Congressman Bruce Braley made his first official campaign stop Wednesday in Iowa.
Fort Dodge was the site for Braley's first stop outside his district, which just so happens to be in his potential opponent Congressman Steve King's district.
"It's exciting to me to get out beyond northeast Iowa and hear what people are concerned about all over the state," said Braley.
King has not officially announced a campaign for the Senate, but has said he is exploring the possibility.
"As I spend time traveling around the state, I don't think about who's congressional district I'm in, I'm more concerned about connecting with Iowans," said Braley.
King running for the Senate does concern Braley supporter Jo Ann Beall, of Fort Dodge.
"More and more I hear people not excited about Steve King and the rhetoric he's using," said Beall.
The election for Harkin's seat, which hasn't been open for more than 20 years, isn't scheduled until November of 2014.
"If you're going to take on responsibility of attempting to take the place of a legend like Tom Harkin, you owe it to the people of Iowa to spend time talking to them," said Braley.


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Canon updates SX line with PowerShot SX110 IS
When Canon launched its PowerShot SX100 compact ultrazoom, it promised that the new model would be the first in a series of new cameras with a similar design ethos. The company made good on that promise today with the announcement of the Canon PowerShot SX110 IS, the latest update to its pocket-size ultrazoom concept.
The SX110 gets a larger, higher-resolution sensor, bringing its imaging specs up to 9.0 effective megapixels on a 1/2.3-inch CCD.
The lens used in the new model is the familiar 36-360mm, f/2.8-4.3 optically stabilized unit used in the SX100. Likewise, the SX110 utilizes the previous model's DIGIC III image processor.
The SX110 earns another significant upgrade, however, with the inclusion of a 3.0-inch, 230,000 dot display – an improvement in both size and resolution over the SX100's 2.5-inch LCD.
Most of the rest of the SX110's specs sheet closely mirrors what we've seen before in this series: face detection, sensitivity from ISO 80 to 1600, a full complement of flash modes, continuous shooting at 1.2 fps, and AA power.
Much of the SX110's basic form factor appears unchanged as well. The new model, while slightly taller and broader than the previous version is also somewhat thinner, making the SX110 more pocketable than ever.
Overall, the SX110 offers a relatively mild update to the SX100. Does it pack the necessary punch to challenge the likes of the Panasonic TZ5 and Sony H10 on their home turf? Only time, and sales, will tell.
The SX110 is expected to make its way to retailers in coming months, with a suggested retail price of $299.
Canon PowerShot SX110 IS Specifications:
|9.0 megapixel (effective), 1/2.3″ CCD
|10x (36-360mm) zoom, f/2.8-4.3
|3.0″, 230K-pixel TFT LCD
|Shutter Speed
|15-1/2500 seconds
|Shooting Modes
|Easy, Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual, Scene, Movie
|Scene Presets
|Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Sunset, Fireworks, Aquarium, ISO 3200, Indoor, Kids & Pets, Night Snapshot
|White Balance Settings
|Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Custom
|Metering Modes
|Multi, Center, Spot, Face Detection
|Focus Modes
|Multi-area, Face Detection, Single Point, Selectable Point
|Drive Modes
|Normal, Continuous, Self-Timer
|Flash Modes
|Auto, Forced On, Slow Synchro, FE Lock, Forced Off, Red-Eye Reduction
|Self Timer Settings
|10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
|Memory Formats
|Internal Memory
|File Formats
|Max. Image Size
|3456 x 2592
|Max. Video Size
|640×480, 30 fps
|Zoom During Video
|Not Specified
|2 AA batteries
|USB, AV output
|Additional Features
|Face Detection, iSAPS, optical image stabilization, DIGIC III processor, manual exposure modes


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In this poll, we will suggest our least favorite female actresses. Ones that are popular and well known, just ones we don't think are that talented and cannot take seriously. Only one suggestion per person, please!
Meryl Streep
LOL! Yes! I think she's kinda overrated, too. Haven't thought about my choice on this one yet - but this might be it. :D I've got two other poll suggs like this you maybe haven't seen: IMDb Poll Board Favorite Tearjerker Movies and IMDb Poll Board Favorite Love Songs.
She has 21 oscar nomination this make no sense
I know!!! I honestly haven't seen many of her movies, but what I have seen she's not super talented (to me) and even her singing voice isn't that special (to me)! :D
Look at your trivia idea page......!!!
No critic I've followed has ever considered Streep a strong singer. So... That's not her strong suit.
She's an insanely talented actress otherwise.
She's an insanely talented actress otherwise.
Thanks, Stephen, what's your pick? (For this one and the actor one).
I posted below. Hilary Swank.
Oh, okay... thanks! :)
I respectfully have to disagree with this one ... lol. I think she is an amazing actress.
I respectfully have to disagree with this one ... lol. I think she is an amazing actress.
Are those who mentioned Streep as least favorite, overrated, or bad....are you OUT OF YOUR MINDS?? Streep is considered the GREATEST LIVING ACTRESS currently and of the entire of America's entire history (the past 243 years for anyone calculating). She's incomparable, uncomparable, has ascended to the crown of the profession...and, SHE'S not done yet! You have to have been a student of the art form of (performance) and recognize the fact she has the ability to transcend just about every aspect of the art form; Comedy, Drama, Musical, Singing, Dancing, Poetry reading and interpretation, classics of the theatre as far back as the Jacobean period, which is pre-Shakespeare, equally adept performing for the camera, television, live theatre, radio, voice overs, et al. She's a STUDENT of the art, which is much more than can be said of the majority of people performing throughout the world. She can accompany an orchestra as she provides vocal renditions, multiple characterizations within the same play, film, tv, musical, etc. She is devoid of diva behavior, gladly playing supporting player to another star. If these accolades were not enough, she has managed to remain married to the same man for over 40 years, mother of 4 and now a grandmother. She's lent her name to many humanitarian efforts and crisis throughout the world. Possibly the only thing left would be for her to author a book (though even as much of a fan as I obviously am, she may have and I somehow missed it). She is the master of disguise, interpreter of accents most others would not dare even try and be completely convincing; she is more than knowledgable in areas and fields outside of her chosen profession and well read and informed prior to speaking on behalf of a cause or of other titans of many industries. She is a proud, open, vocal and inspiring voice of the womens' movements in all of its stages since being a woman first became a cause. I would clearly say, challenge, debate, support, defend, appreciate whatever her views are; politically, sociologically, maternally, heterosexually. She can immediately identify which causes and movements she believes in. She is the All- American, the modern woman, the traditional female; the internationally identified and beloved; she is a supporter of the down-trodden, the choosers of alternative life styles, the world crisis that ravage other parts of the world so distant from her own; she recognizes the threats to the environment not so far down the road as we once thought; the elderly, the children, believes that living your life as you choose IS your choice and yours alone. She is by far and away, one of the most recognizable persons on the planet. I dare and defy to anyone, that any part of the above isn't true; she is the model and testament to a life well lived...and continuing to live. MERYL FOR PRESIDENT!
Patricia Arquette.
Rosanna is great.
Patricia's voice drives me insane.
Rosanna is great.
Patricia's voice drives me insane.
Thanks, will add!
Katherine Heigl
Can one consider Heigl popular? She has four Razzies nominations since 2013.
Stallone and Madonna have had Razzies. That's kinda the point of the Razzies sometimes. :)
Jennifer Lawrence
Thank you both - and your right! :D
That is a declaration of WAR!
:D It's okay... we all have different opinions. I wouldn't agree if someone said, for instance, Amy Adams. I'd add it, but not agree. :)
That is a declaration of WAR!Do people still follow her career? I thought she has fallen after so many terrible movies recently. Isn't she the Iggy Azalea of acting? lol
If you don't visit the trivia pages and show support than that will make them believe that trivia polls are dead in the water. It may not fit your "Idea" but it is a start. No visits or comments will kill Trivia totally..
Scarlett Johansson.
Yes! Added! If these become polls, I will eventually make a face off poll with the top male pick and the top female pick against each other! :D
It's not that I hate Scarlett, by the way. She just never justified the superlatives in my book, and her roles have become less and less interesting over the years.
Melissa McCarthy and Amy Schumer. I'd rather put needles into my eyeballs, than watch them do anything.
Rachel Maddow should never become an actress.
She already has one bad acting credit already!
She already has one bad acting credit already!
Bridge to Clarity,
will add your suggestion, and I totally agree! And please stop by my other similar posts:
will add your suggestion, and I totally agree! And please stop by my other similar posts:
Does anybody consider Hilary Swank ... popular? To me, she's Hilary "The Plank" Swank.
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls043370126/ Here's the list for now! Please do not publish as poll yet.
Polls like that are ought to spur some controversy, to be honest. Especially since many actresses and actors not always score the roles which truly use their full potential and therefore have rather undeserved reputations.
My nomination is Rosie Perez. Ugh.
I strongly nominate ANGELINA JOLIE
Cannot stand her
Cannot stand her
Mila Kunis
Not sure we can make a poll about a least favorite person, you can talk about a least favorite film because a film is a collective work so it doesn't sound like a personal attack, but maybe you should reconsider this poll, or at least talk about "most overrated" actresses.
Hey, guys! This poll sugg is not active as of now, but I will bring it back, so keep talking! Thanks! :)
Abi: Yes on Jolie, lol.
Abi: Yes on Jolie, lol.


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This pledge closed over 5 years ago
Taking this pledge publicly states your support of making communities safe for humans and pets and that you willbe attending the rally at the US Capital in an attempt to end BSL (breed specific legislation) and abuse/dog fighting. The time is now, for us, as a society to be the voice of the millions of voiceless victims and offer solutions to help end this national epidemic. PLEASE join me now in committing to attend this historical rally. WE NEED YOU! #endabuse #endbsl (*note-this is a HUMAN ONLY rally. Four legged types cannot change laws it's HUMANS who must be their voice.)
CLICK HERE to see what Barack Obama and I have to say about BSL in the Huffington Post
THANK YOU for believing in change and knowing you have the power to make our society a safer place for all living things.
With deep gratitude,
Rebecca and Angel
*for updates on the march follow Rebecca Corry on Twitter https://twitter.com/TheRebeccaCorry


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Iron (Element)
iron, metallic chemical element; symbol Fe [Lat. ferrum]; at. no. 26; at. wt. 55.845; m.p. about 1,535°C; b.p. about 2,750°C; sp. gr. 7.87 at 20°C; valence +2, +3, +4, or +6. Iron is biologically significant. Because iron is a component of hemoglobin, a red oxygen-carrying pigment of the red blood cells of vertebrates, iron compounds are important in nutrition; one cause of anemia is iron deficiency. For the history of the use of iron, see Iron Age.
Sections in this article:
The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
See more Encyclopedia articles on: Compounds and Elements


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SEO VANCOUVER launches seo for the postlife - Stairway to Heaven
- Details
- Category: Vancouver SEO
- Published on Saturday, 01 April 2017 11:28
- Hits: 123052
SEO VANCOUVER engineers have identified a way to dominate the postlife.
We Guarantee Top Spot in the Stairway to Heaven ahead of All others!
Call to sign up for the Guaranteed Top Ranking Service in the Afterlife by SEO VANCOUVER!


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Jüppala Kääpiö – Zephyr
Note: I got a massive batch of 15 tapes from Peasant Magik. I debated on either giving a few of them the regular full blown review treatment or doing the burst shot quick & dirty reviews to get through as many as possible. I chose the latter. So this is one in a slew of short portraits of some of the newest Peasant Magik releases.
Excessive umlauts aside, husband/wife duo Jüppala Kääpiö are super awesome, bringing the freaky folk drone thing to crazy new heights. 2 tracks are home recorded and 1 is a live piece from a 2010 show in Switzerland, it's amazing how many layers just two people can make. Transcendental psych drones weave & tumble, creating fluttering tapestries conjured out of instruments I've probably never heard of from countries I can't pronounce. Forest chimes jangle over scratchy strings and sun dappled streams flow through magic shaman villages where the chanting mantras & rituals run wild. Lots of folky elements but not too earthy for my tastes. Plenty of pleasing harmonies to keep your euphoria going strong.
Jüppala Kääpiö – Tomentum Totem (Peasant Magik, 2010)January 28, 2011
- Categories: Album Reviews


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Montclair, NJ (April 20, 2012)—With more than 150 family, friends, former classmates, and guests in attendance, Montclair State University alumnus and benefactor Conrad J. Schmitt '58 cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the newly renovated Conrad J. Schmitt Hall at a special ceremony at the University on Thursday, April 19.
The new home of the departments of Spanish and Italian, Linguistics, Modern Languages and Literatures, the Language Testing and Technology labs, and the Red Hawk Math Learning Center (aka "math emporium"), Schmitt Hall was named in honor of Schmitt in recognition of his generous bequest to the University. Schmitt's bequest will support scholarships and activities in the departments of Modern Languages and Literatures, Linguistics, and Spanish and Italian, and will help ensure that future students interested in language study will enjoy the same opportunities that made such a difference in his life.
"Conrad Schmitt made a decision last year that will make a positive difference in the lives of Montclair State students for generations to come." said Montclair State University President Susan A. Cole. "He decided he wanted today's and tomorrow's students to be given the same opportunities he had for an outstanding education—an education that would shape the course of their lives."
Schmitt, originally from Maplewood, New Jersey, graduated magna cum laude from what was then Montclair State Teachers College with a bachelor's degree in Spanish, French, and English. After a career in education as a teacher of foreign languages, Schmitt joined the McGraw-Hill Book Company as an editor-in-chief of Foreign Languages, English as a Second Language, and Bilingual Education. He is the author or co-author of more than 250 textbooks in Spanish, French, Italian, and German.
Crediting his grandparents for sparking his interest in languages and travel, Schmitt also paid tribute to two of his Montclair State professors. "Professionally there are two people I really wish could be here," said Schmitt. "They are Teresa de Escoriaza and Germaine Cressey, who were two of the most dynamic teachers anybody could ever have."
Formerly known as Finley Hall, Schmitt Hall's renovations began in September of 2010. The project consisted of a complete renovation of the existing two-story building and the addition of a third floor, increasing the total area from 37,000 square feet to 52,700 square feet. A new entrance tower, a new elevator on the south side of the building, and a new exterior wall system were part of the construction.
The new facility is already in use and being appreciated by students and faculty alike. Lois Oppenheim, chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures, expressed her gratitude on behalf of the faculty, saying, "His gift has provided the faculty of this University with the best possible means to educate. And he has provided the students of this University with the best possible environment in which to learn."


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Anyone who thinks that AA is a "racist and harmful" program is obviously racist. It's not about crying, whining or asking for handouts. It's about providing equal opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups. Why is that so hard for people to understand. Please provide a logical response.
Quote from: hoodscholar on March 13, 2008, 08:47:09 AMAnyone who thinks that AA is a "racist and harmful" program is obviously racist. It's not about crying, whining or asking for handouts. It's about providing equal opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups. Why is that so hard for people to understand. Please provide a logical response.I'll take a stab and then bow out because I don't want to get into this: The reason, I think, that people can't understand the justification for AA is because they do not see it as providing equal opportunity. They see it as providing more opportunities to minorities. I AM NOT ONE OF THESE PEOPLE, but I see a lot of them where I live. I think it's because there are not a lot of opportunities for people in my locale to see the real disadvantage that exists in areas with more minorities. I would not, however, go as far as to say that all of these people are racists just because they point out that it's not an equal opportunity system in all cases; because they are right, it's not. Everyone can agree that not all whites are privleged and not all minorities are unprivleged. There will be instances where an advantage (or disadvantage) will be given to someone who doesn't really need the help.The justification, as far as I have concluded is best described using something like LS admissions as an example: Say a school gets 6500 apps per year. It cannot feasibly seach into the economic and social advantage of every one of those applicants. So it concludes based on the averages. If I walk down the street, see a black guy, and assume he is poor based on his being black, I will be wrong plenty of times (on many levels). But if I make the same judgment about a white guy, I will be wrong on an economic level many more times. Sure, maybe a white applicant came from a poor background, his parents passed away early, he dealt with prejudice because is was in a wheelchair, whatever. Yeah, maybe a black girl grew up as the daughter of a wealthy businessman and got a Mercedes onher 16th, OK. But if the adcomms are going to get decisions out before August, they are going to have to trust the numbers a little bit. Besides, the white disadvantaged can indicate that they are such in additional materials and receive a boost as well. Is this racism? If making determinations about somebody based soley on race is racist, then, yes. But I bet not a single person would ever want it to be necessary. But, I think it is, right now. The people who are against AA simply disagree that anyone should be entitled to an advantage over others. Many of them do not realize just how deep American history has cut minorities. Some are racist.As someone said earlier, AA will continue to be justified until there is an proportionate number of minorities who are in influential positions. This tends to infiltrate higher education first. Asian Americans are not given URM staus because they are not underrepresented anyomre. But they still benefit from AA in the workplace as far as I have seen (although, that is dwindling too). Once the rest of the minority groups catch up, I bet you'll see URM status become less and less of an issue in higher education. To me, therein lies the only commendable reason to support AA: practice it now with the hope that doing so will prevent you from having to in the future. I think we're still a long way from the tipping point.
Which is it?Adcomms don't have the time to figure out if you're socioeconomically disadvantaged so they should just go by race and that's fair because proportionately there are more disadvantaged URMs. orAdcomms can look at your additional materials if you're white and disadvantaged and then give you the big old boost too.Honey, reality check: You could've have been raised by wolves, never seen the inside of a school and have no shoes, but if you happen to be white TOO - Guess what, you do not get the 10/12 point LSAT boost that the rich, black female is going to get.Let's not argue about what's fair. Let's just go forward on the basis that white guilt and political correctness are ruining everything this country stands for. If you're a urm, you are benefitting from this system and your opinion is irrelevant.If you are white, count yourself lucky if that urm didn't take your spot.
I posted this in another thread where a similar sentiment was voiced and then (naively) set about to see if this was an isolated occurrence. I was surprised to find a more blatant example here. Sigh.I probably should just skate on out of here and keep my opinion to myself but I find some of this spouting particularly small minded and not a little disappointing. I am in somewhat unique situation in that I am applying to law school as an older (part time) student at the same time as my oldest daughter is applying to college as an undergraduate. I am (we are) white middle/upper middle class. I have spent a good amount of time talking to my daughter who is terrific student about realizing that she is going to be competing against lots of really talented other students some of whom are of different cultural and racial backgrounds and not only are the colleges going to be trying to create a diverse student body which would be to her benefit because in the world she is going to live and work in it would be great disservice for her not to be exposed to as many different and varied peoples as is possible, but also because I hope it will continue to shape her perception of the world as place in which it is natural for all different kinds people to co-exist and function homogenously. I have also tried to prepare her for the fact that there will be people of color who will be given an advantage in the admissions process. In short, that schools will be accepting students with lesser grades and scores than she and while it might be tempting to be angry and see this as unfair, it is important to understand that it exactly the opposite; It is her chance (albeit not volitional) to help redress a situation that had been firmly entrenched in the American Psyche from it's inception (1617?) until (arguably) 1968. Perhaps it is because I remember life in the 1960s (although just a child) I realize that the disadvantages and biases that existed for so long cannot begin to be reversed or mediated in just one generation, or two or maybe even 5 and in some areas of the deep south 10 or more. Although we all would like to see the sun rise and set on our own desires and expectations I believe (and I would never assume that anyone else should have to believe what I believe) that we have a moral obligation to look at the world as being more than that-- it should be a collective, a continuum. While it is easy to say "It wasn't me who was a bigot," or "I never owned slaves, my great-grandparents never owned slaves, why should I have to be punished?" or even more insidiously "He grew up in a middle class neighborhood, His family has more money than me, why should he get in over me with worse grades?" realize that until 1954 in the Sweatt V. Painter case (thats only 54 years a long time I suppose if you're 21 but for those of you talk to your grandparents about what life was like in the 40's and 50's) blacks could be and were routinely excluded from "white" law schools (even if their scores were higher). I have told my daughter that we are able walk down the street and no one sees us and identifies us by our SAT or LSAT scores; We carry that inside and can choose or not to show or disclose it and thus can avoid being judged or categorized fairly or unfairly at our discretion. With hope, someday the same may be true of race, but until that day comes what we can do to help move toward that end is to allow with grace and dignity someone whose color has been made for centuries an ignominious badge, to stand in front of us, higher or lower scores not withstanding.I will try to take what acceptances I get and be grateful. I hope many of you can do the same.
Yeah.AA will make them whole. It will right the wrongs. I didn't realize what a beautiful thing AA really is. Diversity of ideas is far less important than diversity of skin tone.
QuoteYeah.AA will make them whole. It will right the wrongs. I didn't realize what a beautiful thing AA really is. Diversity of ideas is far less important than diversity of skin tone. I imagine you cannot be so limited in your thought process, but then perhaps my belief that anyone trying to become a lawyer must be capable of proficient critical thinking is as foolish as your statement above. I suppose by your reckoning conservation, or fair labor practices, or even driving sober are all without merit since they don't "right the wrongs" of the past, of extinct species, women killed in factory fires, kids killed in DUI accidents. Instead of seeing AA as looking to change the past look at it something trying to effect a change in the future.
I posted this in another thread where a similar sentiment was voiced and then (naively) set about to see if this was an isolated occurrence. I was surprised to find a more blatant example here. Sigh....blah blah blah...


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Supreme Court weighs expanded warnings on deportation risk
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With the future of thousands of immigrants at stake, the Supreme Court on Thursday considered whether to extend a rule that requires lawyers to tell clients who are not citizens that they can be deported if they plead guilty to crimes.
A decision could prove significant to non-citizens who had ineffective counsel before March 2010, when the court, in Padilla v. Kentucky, said immigrants deserve to be told at least some consequences of guilty pleas.
Federal appeals courts have since divided on whether the decision should apply retroactively.
Thursday's case involved Roselva Chaidez, a Mexican citizen and lawful permanent U.S. resident in Chicago.
In 2009, while unsuccessfully trying to become a naturalized citizen, Chaidez disclosed her guilty plea six years earlier for mail fraud in an automobile insurance scheme.
She challenged the government's decision to remove her from the country, saying her lawyer in the criminal case had never told her that she could be deported for pleading guilty.
But the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago found in August 2011 that the Padilla case introduced a new constitutional rule of law. This would hurt claims such as Chaidez's because, under a 1989 Supreme Court decision, such new rules do not apply retroactively.
Jeffrey Fisher, a Stanford Law School professor arguing Chaidez's appeal, told the Supreme Court that Padilla merely confirmed a longstanding rule that criminal defendants deserved reasonably effective counsel who could provide advice.
But Justice Antonin Scalia suggested that Fisher's argument was too sweeping because all decisions draw on earlier law. "We always cite some preexisting principle," he said.
In contrast, Justice Stephen Breyer suggested that advising clients about the consequences of their actions is what lawyers normally do.
"I would have thought it was common sense that a lawyer would tell a client that terrible things are going to happen to you if you plead guilty," he said.
The federal government countered that the Supreme Court decision in the 2010 Padilla case did announce a new rule.
It noted that four justices in that case found there was no duty to advise of deportation risk, and that 10 federal appeals courts had previously found no such duty.
"We might all share an intuition that good lawyers should advise their clients about the panoply of consequences that they will experience by pleading guilty," but that had not been the law, Deputy Solicitor General Michael Dreeben told the justices.
Twenty-eight U.S. states endorsed the U.S. position, fearing demands by thousands of aliens to withdraw their guilty pleas.
These states said that applying Padilla retroactively would bottle up courthouses, and often lead to new trials or outright freedom for admitted criminals.
The decision in Chaidez, expected by the end of June, will likely affect several immigration cases awaiting Supreme Court review.
The case is Chaidez v. United States, U.S. Supreme Court, No. 11-820.
(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel; Editing by Howard Goller and Doina Chiacu)
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Posts Tagged 'Beauty & the Briefcase'
I am Hillary Duff…seriously
I'm a little bit ticked off. For no real reason really, just kind of annoyed at something I read about a movie that recently came out about
a struggling freelance writer…
who finds
the pitch of a lifetime.
I googled 'struggling freelance writer' and it turned up with a quarter of a million results. Advice, tales of woe, how-to books and the like. The thing is, this simple press release for the movie reminded me why I cannot seem to get along with Hollywood. It's all so predictable. Obviously I won't be seeing the movie in theaters (or television for that matter), however it did get me to thinking about the plot and the experience it draws on. Incidentally the film stars Hillary Duff and is based on a book written by Daniella Brodsky who is anything but a struggling writer today. My issue initially was that the plot: beautiful writer, romantic comedy, love and what I suspect will be a happy ending (1). Well that's great…for Hillary Duff and Daniella Brodsky.
(1) I am by no means a newcomer to parenting and I try to teach my kids that sometimes things don't go the way we want them to. That's one lesson I try to get across. Its important I think to understand that whatever is happening right now is important. That's the focus as the rest is in your head. Anyway, I brought some books to read to my little ones as they are getting to the age where they actually have a semblance of an attention span. I break out some Brothers Grimm story and start to read. Now as an American, we all know the Grimm stories fairly well. Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc. However, what many folks don't know is that the original versions of those stories all turn out terrible. Life lessons as it were. I knew this as many have told me, however in my enthusiasm to read to my son I was just thinking of how to enunciate and change voice pitch to make it interesting. So I read to him a story about the Cat and the Mouse who found some fat in a pot and put it away for safe keeping. I had never read this story before but I dived in not knowing what to expect. Basically, said cat and mouse agree to put the fat away for a rainy day and share living arrangements. The cat immediately comes up with reasons to sneak off and eat some of the fat one time, two times and then its all gone. Obviously the mouse was not happy about this. I had completely forgotten that I was reading the story for my son, and wanted to see how everything turned out. Well, if you want to know for yourself you have to read the original Grimm story. I was pleasantly surprised at the ending (chuckle).
It's clear what I am getting at, and admittedly I don't have any new angles to this story. Perhaps I am just in a foul mood because Sony is having some logistics issues that affect my economic viability (2). What struck me though is how I could not understand HOW that story in and of itself could be appealing to the masses (like I expect this blog to be). I mean, are people supposed to imagine themselves in this role of a beautiful, talented young person who is striking out to make it, but who ultimately finds both love and financial security? That's sounds pretty cool, heck I would take it. I don't mean to take myself too seriously either (though I have been accused of that), but it just seems to me to be a bit far-fetched.
(2)I showed up at Hotlyne as cool as a cucumber, and asked them what was going on with some equipment I ordered (see previous post). Now, I live in Europe and generally people over here don't live life based on conflict resolution. However, I am an American and we're taught to stand up, and meet the challenge, and remember the Alamo and stuff like that. So I walk into the store knowing that the first person who makes eye-contact with me will be the one that gets the business. SO I saunter over to the counter, tell homeboy the deal (been waiting 6 weeks), and I just CANNOT wait another day. He tells me something about how a Sony representative will come tomorrow to give a seminar about what happened, but all I want is computing power at my leisure. After communicating this to him he was very calm and cool and told me there was nothing he could do about it. I could hardly contain my excitement as the long-awaited conflict could now begin in earnest. I told him that either I walk out of this store with a bag full of microprocessors or my money. So he gave me my money back. So much for taking my frustrations out on anyone. I went home and had a few drinks with friends…
So while I am writing this post, I got to thinking,
dude, maybe its escapism
so that folks who have no money, no job (i.e. strugglin') can feel as though there is some good just around the corner. Be happy for them. Are you jealous there, old fella? Just a supply of hope to hold us out until Obama can put out the fires raging in America, let alone the rest of the planet. Then I thought, I know better. Momma used to read stories to me as a child, in her arms and it was good because everything DID turn out right as a kid. Nowadays I don't have the tolerance for fiction, because I can do better focusing on the myriad idiosyncrasies of reality. So as these thoughts were passing through the synapses, another thought was developing. Yes, that is what it is…a vehicle for Hillary Duff. Now I imagine Ms. Duff (I'm guessing on the marital status as no actress can marry in her prime) is a nice person. I haven't gotten wind of any drunken bouts, or crotch-exposure, or whatever they do to get my attention, from her. I would guess she is a lot like anyone else, except with a lot more fans, money and a famous profile. More power.
No, I think what gets me is how this is clearly a money grab by Hollywood. Nothing new there, like I said. The formula was clear within seconds of reading the release. Successful story, actress in her prime, rags to riches, love. I guess I am some kind of post-modern curmudgeon. Raised on pop music and bubblegum in the eighties, and now I am trying to live up to the struggles of my parents raising my nine brothers and sisters and me. Really this is just a classic vehicle that really does no harm. I guess I could have done some research, or taken a look at the movie, but it's really isn't that deep. The idea stinks anyway that we just don't want to eat veggies but insist on bubblegum and sweets. Oh well, it seems it has served a purpose for me. The intended purpose I might add and I didn't even have to watch it. Apparently my frustrations have found their release…but I am still in the midst of MY struggle.
Hey, truth is not only stranger than fiction, its BETTER.
It was a pleasure!


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Rain, Rain Go Away
Quite an inauspicious start to the American League Division Series. Come to think of it, "inauspicious" might not be the word for it. "Wet" and "Soggy" are probably the operative words.
Yankee skipper Joe Girardi had one thing to say about the weather once again ruining a night of baseball at the new Yankee Stadium:
"It's too late to build a roof."
The Yankees and Tigers looked primed to be in a battle tonight, tied 1-1 heading into the bottom of the second inning. Delmon Young went the other way in the first inning for a solo home run, depositing the ball on the short porch and putting the Tigers on the board.
But the Yanks answered with a groundout by Alex Rodriguez which plated Derek Jeter in the bottom half of the first to knot it up.
Then, like many times this season, the skies opened up, rain poured down over Yankee Stadium, and we entered a rain delay. About two hours after the game officially started, it was officially called, much to the chagrin of all Yankee fans.
My Facebook and Twitter feeds blew up.
"I hate rain!"
"Screw you, Mother Nature."
"Game One postponed?!"
"This ruined my Friday night."
What This Means For the ALDS
Game One will resume tomorrow night at 8:37, picking up right where we left off: in the bottom of the second inning, the score knotted 1-1.
CC Sabathia and Justin Verlander started tonight – and they will not pitch tomorrow.
Tigers' manager Jim Leyland already knows how he is going to configure his pitching staff for the remainder of the series. Doug Fister will pitch the resumed Game One tomorrow night, Max Scherzer will start Game Two (to be played on Sunday afternoon at 3:07), Game Three he will re-send Verlander to the mound – and Game Three is Monday night.
If it goes to a fourth game, it will be played on Tuesday night and Rick Porcello gets the ball. If the series goes the distance and reaches a decisive fifth game on Thursday, it's Fister again.
This rain-out could mean good news for the Yanks: they'll only see Verlander once.
Girardi indicated that rookie Ivan Nova will start the resumed Game One tomorrow night. Freddy Garcia will start Sunday, but from there, he doesn't yet know what direction he will go in.
In his owns words, "Nova will pitch for us tomorrow, Freddy will go Sunday, and after that I can't tell you how we'll do it."
More likely than not, Sabathia will take the ball in Game Three, although from what I read he may lobby to pitch Sunday.
But the way things look right now, just as Verlander is only pitching once in this series, Sabathia might have to suffer the same fate. There is a chance the Yankees might need a fourth starter in this series, and the skipper hinted at who he will probably turn to.
"It's obviously something we're going to have to talk about," Girardi said of a fourth starter.
"A.J. is obviously the most stretched out for us, in that situation."
Cue the barf bags.
This certainly isn't what either team wanted or expected, but as the old saying goes, you cannot predict or fight the weather. I've recently learned there are things in life you can and cannot control, and rain falls into that category.
Yesterday I wrote about the similarities and differences between this ALDS and the ALDS the Yankees played against the Tigers in 2006. This rain-out is another parallel that can be drawn between '11 and '06. There was a rain-out in that series as well which affected the Yankees.
No matter what happens now, at the end of this series, whoever loses is probably going to point to tonight and say the rain-out did not help. I don't anticipate either team or manager to make excuses, but if there isn't a sweep, they have to play four days in a row – and that is not favorable to any team in a playoff series.
Unfortunately for the Yankees and Tigers, just like tonight, heavy rain is in the forecast for tomorrow night. If the game gets rained out tomorrow night, I'll be officially convinced that God is laughing so hard at the Red Sox collapse that He's crying – which in turn is creating rain over Yankee Stadium.
If that is the case: God, I love you, but please stop. And let the Yankees play ball.


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|Land Matters Discussion Area Discussion Relating to Your Land/Legislative Issues
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Have Your Voice Heard!
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest215 Melody Lane
Wenatchee, WA 98801
For immediate release: July 19, 2012
Contacts: Public Affairs Officer Roland Giller, 509-664-9314 or Public Affairs Specialist Robin DeMario, 509-664-9292
Forest Advisory Committee Members Sought
WENATCHEEThe Forest Service is seeking applicants for vacancies on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests Eastern Washington Cascades and Yakima Provincial Advisory Committees. Applications can be obtained from the national forests headquarters in Wenatchee, the Okanogan Valley Office, or online at http://go.usa.gov/faR (scroll down to the Interested paragraph). They should be submitted by September 1, 2012.
Informational meetings describing the committees and their activities will be held on July 30 and July 31 in Wenatchee and Naches.
The meeting in Wenatchee on July 30 will be held from 2-3 p.m. in the conference room of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest headquarters office, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee. The meeting in Naches on July 31 will be held from 2-3 p.m. in the Naches Ranger District conference room, 10237 Hwy. 12, Naches. Forest Service representatives will explain the application and selection process and answer questions at each meeting.
For the past 17 years, advice from provincial advisory committees has helped the Forest Service and other federal land managers implement the Northwest Forest Plan on federal lands in ecological provinces within the range of the northern spotted owl, said Forest Supervisor Becki Heath. Two of these committees provide advice on federal lands in North Central Washington. The Eastern Washington Cascades Province encompasses federal lands within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Chelan County and west of the Chewuch and Methow Rivers in Okanogan County. The Yakima Province encompasses federal lands within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Kittitas and Yakima Counties.
Advisory committee membership represents federal and state agencies, counties, tribes, and public interests including recreation and tourism, environmental groups, the forest products industry, fisheries, wildlife, forestry conservation, special forest products, mining, grazing, commercial fishing, and general citizen interests.
The Forest Service seeks gender, ethnic and cultural diversity on the Eastern Washington Cascades and Yakima Provincial Advisory Committees, including citizens with disabilities. Advisory committee membership diversity will assist the agency to foster effective program and mission delivery to all Americans.
Applicants for advisory committee positions must be United States citizens at least 18 years old. Criteria for selection will include considerations such as an applicants knowledge of local and regional resource issues as well as public land uses and activities; the ability to communicate well; willingness to work toward mutually-beneficial solutions to complex issues; and respect and credibility in local communities.
Applicants must also be willing to make a commitment to attend advisory committee meetingsgenerally one-day sessions, held in Wenatchee, every two to three months. Field trips and alternate meeting locations may also be scheduled.
Advisory committee members serve without pay, but reimbursement is provided for mileage expenses. A routine Advisory Committee Membership Background Information Form (AD-755), included in the application package, must also be completed by all persons before they assume membership on a Department of Agriculture advisory committee.
Those interested in serving on a Provincial Advisory Committee should submit an application to Becki Heath, Designated Federal Official, 215 Melody Lane, Wenatchee, WA 98801, by September 1, 2012. Faxed submissions may be sent to her attention at 509-664-9286. Letters of endorsement from groups or organizations may also be included with applications. Questions about the process may be directed to Roland Giller at 509-664-9314 or Robin DeMario at 509-664-9292.
Selections for advisory committee positions will be notified of the final selections by mail. All advisory committee meetings are open to the public.
beat me to it... Thanks Merrick
Member #40 Hombres jeep club
Region 2 landmatters chairman
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Care Assistant (Visiting carer)
Job Introduction
As Saga Care at Home grows, we need more dedicated Carers to join our fantastic team. Here, we care about you as much as you care about our clients. That's why you can expect a permanent job with contracted hours and highly competitive pay: a market-leading salary. There are also opportunities to earn premiums for sleep-in, waking nights and bank holiday working, plus paid mileage – so if you're travelling to and from our clients, you won't be out of pocket
Role Responsibility
You will be giving your clients the help they need to live independently in their own homes. By assisting with all areas of personal and domestic care, you'll be making a huge difference to their lives. Live-In Carers stay with the client in their home for two weeks at a time (although assignments can be extended). Visiting Carers visit clients in their homes on a regular basis. Both roles involve helping clients with their daily needs: anything from preparing lunch to popping to the shops. A friend and companion, you'll give your client the freedom to get the most out of life.
The Ideal Candidate
Experience is preferable but it's not essential. It's more important that you're compassionate, naturally caring and determined to make a difference to others. You should also be happy working both independently and as part of a team. Above all, you must be committed to giving clients a high quality service and treating every person with dignity and respect, so you'll need to be considerate, helpful and understanding.
Click to apply however if you would like to discuss further please speak to a member of our recruitment team on 0800 056 7183.
Package Description
It's very important to us that you feel fulfilled and rewarded in your role. That's why we offer an extensive benefits package plus the support to progress and build a career. Join us and you can expect:
- Full support in the field from our Registered Nurses and dedicated Team Leaders
- Paid mileage (25p per mile, plus travel time)
- Saga uniform and PPE
- Market leading salary and premiums of £9.20 to £18.40 per hour
- iPad provided
- Paid induction training towards the Level 1 Care Certificate, plus ongoing refresher training
- Paid enhanced DBS
- Saga employee lifestyle benefits and concessions
- Long Service Awards
- Out of Hours on-call service – we are always here when you need us
- 20 days' holiday + 8 days' bank holiday (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Pension and Life Cover Insurance
About the Company
Saga is the UK's leading provider of insurance, travel, personal finance and healthcare products and services tailored to the needs of the over 50s. Our Healthcare service is fully regulated and approved by the CQC. Led by qualified nurses, our team works to the highest standards and has built an excellent reputation. The key to our success? We make sure our people are well looked after – so they can do the same for our clients. That means you'll get expert support, ongoing training and the chance to gain recognised qualifications.
When you join Saga you will see that we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement.
We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better. Creating a culture in which everyone feels welcome and offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement is incredibly important to us. Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities. If you need support at any point with your application please let us know as we will be happy to help.
Saga Group


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Use this form to retrieve hourly data collected at Fairland. Although this is the most current data, it is not considered official until it has been certified by the technical staff. This information is updated hourly.
This web page provides the most current hourly averaged data available. Our convention for time-tagging data is the beginning of each hour. For example, values shown for the noon hour are based on measurements taken from noon to 1:00 p.m. The noon average will not be calculated until after 1:00 p.m. The noon average will then be available on our external server from 1:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. This results in an apparent one-hour time lag in the data. We also present our data in Local Standard Time for each measuring site. For most of Indiana this is Eastern Standard Time. During Daylight Savings, this introduces another apparent one-hour time lag in the data.
Use the controls below to select a different date or time format and to control cell highlighting based on measured ozone levels. Click on the Generate Report button once you have made your selections.
Click on the Plot Data button once the tabular report has been generated to open a separate window containing data plots.
The table below contains hourly averages for all the parameters and meteorological conditions measured at Fairland for Thursday, August 6, 2020. All times shown are in EST.
|Parameter Measured
|Parameter Measured
|Parameter Measured
|Parameter Measured
|Maximum values for each parameter are bold within the table. Minimum values are bold italic.
|R - Data from this instrument meets EPA quality assurance criteria for regulatory purposes.
PLEASE NOTE: This data has not been verified by the IDEM and may change. This is the most current data, but it is not official until it has been certified by our technical staff. Data is collected from IDEM ambient monitoring sites and may include data collected by other outside agencies. This data is updated hourly. All times shown are in local standard time unless otherwise indicated.


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New model computers are introduced in Nogales Arizona daily. You may love a certain brand and purchase it. But if you forget or be careless about repairing and maintaining them then you will face various technical problems.
Computers are machines made of electronic parts. It's a machine which includes both software and hardware. If there isn't proper maintenance your computer will fail to operate and you may end up with data loss and other critical errors.
If you need best computer repair and maintenance services in Nogales , DataMetrics™ is at your service. We are world's best technicians. We provide unlimited tech support. DataMetrics™ guarantees you an outstanding experience. Register with us as a customer and we will show you the true essence of remote computer support.
DIY Laptop Repair - Tips and Advice
If you manage to bang around your Macbook you may end up having to get a Macbook Cracked Screen Repair. This may also be required if you accidentally sit on your Macbook at some point. And really that is not too hard to do especially if you have young children around or travel a lot and sling your laptop around as you go. If you have managed to crack the screen on your Macbook you certainly don't want to order a replacement screen from the manufacturer but you do want to take your Macbook to a reputable Macbook repair shop and let them replace it for you. You cannot repair a screen so you must get a replacement. These screens are rather fragile and they need an expert to properly replace the screen.
If you have an older laptop instead of getting a Macbook Cracked Screen Repair you may want to get a new computer with more bells and whistles. Even though a cracked screen is not too costly to replace it gives you the opportunity to get a new computer. Just let the computer repair place transfer all of your data. In fact this even is the right time to have a custom laptop made exactly to your specifications. This way you will get the power you want to run the programs that you need run. You can get a webcam or other additions that will make your laptop and you more productive or at least have more fun on your Macbook perhaps at a faster speed.
To avoid having to get a Macbook Cracked Screen Repair you would have to realize that even though today's laptops including a Macbook are really rather sturdy they still cannot withstand heavy handling. They are not a reinforced hard sided suitcase that you can just throw down beside you. Especially since so many people don't bother with a case at all they just clutch their laptop tightly in their arms which may also crack the screen if held too tight. Also try not to slam down the laptop cover too hard as this may also damage your screen or even the circuitry that is behind the screen. Heavy handling may also break the hinges on the cover which is not good for the laptop nor for you as that will need to be repaired at some time also.
Of course if you intend to drop your Macbook regularly then you really should invest in a laptop case that should give it some protection. But if you have to go through an airport security check then you will have to take that laptop out of its case. And so many people forget about their laptop and leave it behind on the security checkpoint that you should put your name, phone number and your flight somewhere on the outside of the laptop. That way you can be paged if you leave it behind. Even going through security may damage your Macbook if it is slammed around.
Laptop Repair - Is It Always Necessary to Repair a Faulty Touchpad?
The cyber-world is full of threats such as viruses, spyware, Trojans, Worms and etc. These can affect your PC and even steal your personal information. These cyber-threats can cause huge dilemmas to your PC. Always have an anti-virus guard installed. Upgrade the program and schedule regular updates. Your software's database should be updated for a full-protection.
Monitor Repair In Nogales Arizona
While the laptop is an impressive piece of technology, problems may arise which require our attention. The cost to fix a laptop can be very expensive when you send it to a technician. The design of laptops and most of its internal components vary by manufacturer and product lines. Due to these custom design bits, getting cheap laptop repair is difficult. Of course that does not mean you cannot try to reduce the amount you will have to pay. Here are five ways in which you can reduce the cost of laptop repair, so you would not have to spend as much. Some of these are situation dependent.
5) Calling Different Repair Shops:
Depending on the nature of your problem, some of these shops may give you a preliminary figure on the cost to get your laptop repaired. What you are doing is comparing the cost of laptop repair among different repair shops. When you are finished, go to the repair facility that will repair your laptop at the cheapest cost.
4) Patronage Perks:
Being a return customer to your computer repair facility, may help in getting your laptop repaired at a reduced cost. Make sure to indicate that you have done business with them before and try to negotiate a lower price from them. How you negotiate is important.
3) Workplace Perks:
If you got your laptop from your workplace, you should find out whether your company is covering any repairs or maintenance. If they are, you will be free of any costs to get your laptop repaired.
2) Warranties:
When buying a laptop, you also get a default warranty (usually one year) or you can acquire an extended warranty (usually at an additional cost). Most warranty conditions vary and most of them only cover problems caused by manufacturer defects or errors. If you damage the laptop by dropping it, you are at fault and won't be covered. Certain credit cards allow you to get extended warranties without any additional cost. Be sure to pay careful attention to the details of warranties.
1) Knowing a Friend:
This is a rare case but if someone is willing to repair your laptop for you at a minimal cost, you're set.


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Giro d'Italia? What's that? I hear you say. Well, for anyone who has thumbed past page one in the cycling-for-dummies handbook (no, that does not exist) it is the second most famous race in the world, only beaten by a certain Tour de France. But don't tell the Italians that. For Italy, the Giro is the big deal in Pro Cycling. When young Italians are still racing around the garden on stabilizers, it is not the Tour de France they dream of winning.
The first of the Grand Tours each year, the Giro is often as tough, if not tougher than the Tour de France. The sheer peaks of the Dolomites in Northern Italy are the proving ground of the victors of this race, combined with a collection of tough sprint stages where the racing ends up in 'warp speed', according to the cyclist David Millar. The 2011 version of the race was viewed as one of the toughest Grand Tours ever, thanks to the sheer volume and ferocity of climbing in the mountains.
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'La Corsa Rosa' (literally translated as 'Pink Route') is held in such high regard that cyclists are often not considered great champions until they are able to add the Giro's very sizeable trophy to their cabinet.
The race's history is similar to that of the Tour de France – 95 editions of the Giro have been held, and the race was originally started, and is still owned, by RCS – owner of La Gazzetta Dello Sport, Italy's leading sports newspaper (much like L'Equipe in France). The pink colour of the leader's jersey reflects the colour of La Gazzetta's paper. I was on the race last year with the team before I started this blog, and I'm looking forward to every second.
Rewind to earlier this year. When asked back to join the team on the road again, excitable was an understatement. Plus, it was rumored that a certain newly appointed knight of the realm was going to contest it. We're going to split the time up a bit this year, so I'll be on the Giro, and then handing over to my best friend, and long time colleague Neil – who was with Team Sky all the way back in 2011, so they'll be in safe hands. I'll be back for the Tour of Britain though!
After counting down the months, weeks, and days, the Giro is finally here. I'm writing this in Naples where the race starts after the small matter of a two thousand-kilometre drive to get here with my equipment for the team's race cars.
It's funny; as soon as I arrived I felt like I had never been away. The mechanics were all in the truck making clinking noises and solemnly nodding with satisfaction every now and then, the rider carer team were buzzing around doing endless kit checks, and Claudio the bus driver was looking very pleased to be in his home country.
The Team Sky camp this morning as riders prepare to go out on a training ride before the first stage of the Giro d'Italia starts in Naples on May 4
I look forward to history lessons about the many Giri that Claudio will have watched over the years, which will be delivered whether I like it or not, I am sure! I just got straight in to checking over the cars before the race after a few smiles and handshakes with some of the team who had been on the races last year. The owner of the hotel even had a classic Jaguar, so I gave that a quick once over too.
Then something quite special happened; a pat on the back, a smile and a nod from our Sir Bradley. "Great to see you again mate!" he exclaimed. I wasn't really sure what to say, or whether I should bring up the fact that since we last saw each other, he had won an Olympic gold medal (his fourth), been knighted, made sports personality of the year, and rocketed to become one of the nation's most loved characters. I figured he was pretty tired of people congratulating him, so we just had a chat about the race ahead and it being nice to be back with the team.
Not a bad place to work, this.
Follow Martin on Twitter: @teamsky_jaguar
Martin Ayres has worked at Jaguar for over twelve years, and once again joins Team Sky as their performance engineer during the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta á Éspaña in 2013. Having not ridden a bike for over 20 years, Martin is a recent convert to the sport after his experiences with the Team in 2012 – including during their historic winning campaign for the Tour de France.


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Fox Playground
Fox Playground
This playground, located at the intersection of East 156th and Fox Streets, on the border between the Bronx neighborhoods of Longwood and Morrisania, honors a wealthy 19th century Bronx resident, William F. Fox. Raised as a member of the Society of Friends (Quakers), William Fox may have been related to George Fox, the founder of the Quakers. In the 1850s, Fox inherited a large estate in the South Bronx that was surveyed by the Frenchman Louis Risse, who later became Chief Topographical Engineer of Greater New York.
Fox further increased his wealth when he took the affluent Charlotte Leggett as his bride. The Leggetts first settled in the Bronx as early as 1661, where Gabriel and Elizabeth Leggett became the proprietors of what is now the West Farms neighborhood. Major Abraham Leggett participated in the Revolutionary War (1775-1783), serving with the Continental Army during the battles at Brooklyn, Harlem Heights, and White Plains. His son, William Leggett, was well known for his novels about sea travel, such as Leisure Hours at Sea, and Leggett's Naval Stories. Samuel Leggett, Charlotte's brother, was the founder of the New York Gas Lighting Company.
The Fox family was also intimately tied with the Tiffany family, who owned a significant amount of land in the Eastern Bronx during the 19th century. William Fox and Charlotte Leggett's daughter married H.D Tiffany, whose estate, named "Foxhurst", was based in Hunts Point. When William Fox died, he was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, and his mansion was demolished soon afterwards, in 1909. Today all three landowning families have streets in the South Bronx named for them.
East 156th Street was once divided into three subsections, Melrose Street, Beck Street, and Craven Street. Melrose Street was home to the prominent Winona Hotel, which closed in 1940. Beck Street, named for landowner Anna Beck, bordered Aurora Park, an old ballpark and picnic grove. In the east Bronx, East 156th Street was called Craven Street, honoring Admiral T.A Craven. The property on which Fox Playground stands was first vested in the City in 1972. On July 17, 1979 the Department of General Services granted the land to Parks, which developed the site as a playground. In 1987, the site was named Fox Playground.
The playground includes a 25-foot high sculpture by Rafael Ferrer (b. 1933) representing the sun setting between two trees. Honey locust (Gleditsia Triacanthos) and European linden trees (Tilia europaea) provide shade and greenery to the site.


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Defense attorney Russell A. Neverdon Sr. announced his candidacy for Baltimore state's attorney Wednesday, promising as the city's top prosecutor to renew efforts to lock up violent criminals.
Kicking off his challenge to incumbent Gregg L. Bernstein, Neverdon said he would balance his crime-fighting efforts by improving treatment options for drug addicts and the mentally ill.
"We can no longer afford to have a revolving door," Neverdon said. "Most crime in Baltimore City is not violent crime. That means most persons who go in are not going to serve lengthy sentences. But the question becomes what do we do when they come out?"
With the announcement at the Battle Monument outside the Baltimore Circuit Court, Neverdon became the third candidate in the running. Marilyn Mosby, a former prosecutor, has also said she intends to run.
The two challengers announced their campaigns against the backdrop of a violent summer, arguing that they would do more to prosecute hard-core criminals.
"Every other day we're seeing a news flash that things are gone awry," Neverdon said. "I don't know about you, I'm tired of being in my home and being in a state of fear."
Neverdon said in an interview after his prepared remarks that he does not want defendants with mental health or drug addiction problems to get meaningless sentences that see them walk out of court without receiving treatment.
At the same time, he said he wants to disrupt a "culture and mentality" that breeds violence "at any cost."
Derrick Greene, a spokesman for Mosby's campaign, echoed that goal.
"If elected, Marilyn Mosby will put the focus of the state's attorney's office back where it should be — successfully prosecuting violent repeat offenders," he wrote in an email.
Mark Cheshire, a spokesman for Bernstein, said that the state's attorney is "focused on investigating and prosecuting violent offenders."
Neverdon, who is 46, appeared with the Rev. A.C.D. Vaughn, a pastor at Sharon Baptist Church, and a number of fellow defense attorneys. Chris Brown, a client of Neverdon's whose son died in an altercation with an off-duty Baltimore County police officer, was also by his side.
A practicing defense attorney since 1999, Neverdon was raised by his grandparents in the city's Ashburton neighborhood. He served in the Army before heading to law school.
He was involved in the defense of Michael Maurice Johnson, who is accused of murdering North Carolina teenager Phylicia Barnes. A guilty verdict was overturned, and Neverdon said he is not sure whether he will represent Johnson in a retrial.
Neverdon is also representing Shavella Miles, the former head of security at the Baltimore City Detention Center, who was dismissed in the wake of a gang indictment. She is fighting to get her job back.
In his remarks, Neverdon frequently cited his personal connections to Baltimore and his own experiences living in the city as reasons for wanting the state's attorney's job.
"This is my house, and I'm going to protect my house," he said.
Having pointed to his own ties to the community, Neverdon questioned whether Bernstein has done enough to communicate with city residents and explain to the public what his office is doing — a criticism similar to one made by Mosby.
"Do you feel any safer today than you did three years ago? Do you feel like you've been made aware of the initiatives and the policies that are purportedly made on your behalf? And do you feel like you've been included in the process?" Neverdon asked.
"If your answer is no, then it's time to move in a new direction."


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I used another one of my new Stampin' Up! stamp sets, Holiday Home. I also tried out a few new techniques. I've always been inspired by Kristina of KWernerdesign.com. I used my distress markers to create the background on the Ranger watercolor paper. I also tried my hand at some Copic coloring.
I also pulled out the Liquid Applique that I've been hoarding for a couple of years now. This card took me way too long, and it is not one that I would do multiples of, but it was fun to create.
I attempted a night sky with this card. I also sprayed it with some Perfect Pearl mist and dotted some "snowflakes" on the background with Liquid Applique.