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Children's Health: Alternative Medicine and Your Child
About Alternative Medicine
The phrase "alternative medicine" might make you think of pungent herbal teas, poultices, chanting, or meditation. In fact, both herbal remedies and meditation, as well as dozens of other treatments, fall under the heading of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
Although there is no strict definition of alternative medicine, it generally includes any healing practices that are not part of mainstream medicine — that means any practice that is not widely taught in medical schools or frequently used by doctors or in hospitals.
But the boundaries of alternative medicine in the United States are constantly changing as different types of care become more accepted by doctors and more requested by patients. A few practices (such as hypnosis) that were dismissed as nonsense 20 years ago are now considered helpful therapies in addition to traditional medicine.
So, are any alternative medicines right for your family?
Types of Alternative Care
In the United States, the lead agency that's charged with scientific research into CAM is the The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
NIH classifies four general areas of complementary and alternative care:
Mind-body medicine. This includes practices such as meditation, prayer, Tai Chi, and music therapy, which are intended to develop the mind's ability to affect physical symptoms. It focuses on the mind's role in conditions that affect the body.
Biologically based practices. This includes substances such as herbs, foods, vitamins, and dietary supplements that are geared to help heal the body. Herbal remedies include a wide range of plants used for medicine or nutrition. They are available in grocery stores, over the Internet, in health food stores, or through herbalists and are often in the form of teas, capsules, and extracts. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate these.
Manipulative and body-based practices. These practices are based on the manipulation or movement of body parts. It includes methods like massage therapy and therapeutic touch, which manipulate and realign body parts, to help alleviate symptoms. You've probably heard of chiropractors, who focus on affecting the nervous system by "adjusting" the spinal column.
Energy medicine. This area of medicine is based on the theory (which has not been proved scientifically) that certain energy fields surround and penetrate the body. This includes practices such as Reiki, qi gong, and therapeutic touch. Also included are therapies based on bioelectromagnetics, the theory that electrical currents in all living organisms produce magnetic fields that extend beyond the body.
In many cases, there is overlap between each of these areas. Acupuncture, for example, is a healing practice that originates in traditional Chinese medicine. It involves stimulating different points in the body, mostly with thin solid metallic needles, in order to balance Qi, certain energy pathways. In addition, NIH classifies medicine systems, such as homeopathic medicine and Ayurveda, which may include elements from several of these four different areas.
How CAM Differs From Traditional Medicine
Alternative therapy is frequently distinguished by its holistic methods, which means that the doctor or practitioner treats the "whole" person and not just the disease or condition. In alternative medicine, many practitioners also address patients' emotional and spiritual needs. This "high touch" approach differs from the "high tech" practice of traditional medicine, which tends to concentrate on the physical side of illness.
Most alternative practices have not found their way into mainstream hospitals or doctors' offices, so your doctor may not be aware of them. However, new centers for integrative medicine offer a mix of traditional and alternative treatments. There, you might receive a prescription for pain medication (as you might get from a traditional health care provider) and massage therapy to treat a chronic back problem. Such centers usually employ both medical doctors and certified or licensed specialists in the various alternative therapies.
Despite the growth of the field, the majority of alternative therapies are not covered by medical insurance. This is largely because few scientific studies have been done to prove whether the treatments are effective (unlike traditional medicine, which relies heavily on studies). Rather, most alternative therapies are based on longstanding practice and word-of-mouth stories of success.
What Are the Risks?
The lack of scientific study means that some potential problems associated with alternative therapies may be difficult to identify. What's more, almost all of the studies that have been done involved adults as test subjects; there is little research on the effects of alternative medicine on children. Although approaches such as prayer, massage, and lifestyle changes are generally considered safe complements to regular medical treatment, some therapies — particularly herbal remedies — might harbor risks.
Unlike prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal remedies are not rigorously regulated by the FDA. They face no extensive tests before they are marketed, and they do not have to adhere to a standard of quality. That means when you buy a bottle of ginseng capsules, you might not know what you're getting: the amount of herb can vary from pill to pill, with some capsules containing much less of the active herb than stated on the label. Depending on where the herb originated, there might also be other plants, even drugs like steroids, mixed in the capsules. Herbs that come from developing countries are sometimes contaminated with pesticides and heavy metals.
"Natural" does not equal "good," and many parents don't realize that some herbal remedies can actually cause health problems for their kids. Medicating a child without consulting a doctor could result in harm. For example, certain herbal remedies can cause high blood pressure, liver damage, or severe allergic reactions.
Consider these examples:
Ephedra, also called ephedrine and often sold as the Chinese herb ma huang, was on the market for years until it was linked to several deaths in people with heart problems. The FDA decided the health risks associated with ephedra were too great, and banned it in December 2003.
Alone and in combination with prescription drugs, several dietary supplements — such as chaparral, comfrey, germander, and ephedrine — have been linked to severe illness, liver damage, and even death.
Parents might also give their kids much more of an herb than recommended, thinking that because it's natural, higher doses won't hurt. But many plants contain potent chemicals; in fact, approximately 25% of all prescription drugs are derived from plants.
Choosing a practitioner can pose another problem. Although many states have licensing boards for specialists in acupuncture or massage, for instance, there is no organization in the United States that monitors alternative care providers or establishes standards of treatment. Basically, almost anyone can claim to be a practitioner, whether he or she has any training.
Perhaps the greatest risk, however, is the potential for people to delay or stop traditional medical treatment in favor of an alternative therapy. Illnesses such as diabetes and cancer require the care of a doctor. Relying entirely on alternative therapies for any serious chronic or acute conditions can jeopardize a child's health.
Can Alternative Care Help Your Child?
Many parents turn to a cup of chamomile tea or ginger as first-line treatment against the flu or nausea. Anxious kids can learn to relax with the help of meditation or yoga. Some alternative therapies may be helpful for a child when used to complement traditional care.
If you want to try alternative medicine for your child, you should first talk with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure it is not dangerous and will not conflict with any traditional care your child receives. Your doctor also can give you information about treatment options and perhaps recommend a reputable specialist.
By coordinating alternative and traditional care, you don't have to choose between them. Instead, you can get the best of both.
Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Alternative Medicine, Children's Health, Sick, Your Child


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Practice is currently unfolding, but the word from Green Bay is that defensive lineman Letroy Guion is practicing for the first time since training camp opened:
Letroy Guion is in pads and appears ready for his practice of @packers training camp #Packers
— Lance Allan (@lanceallan) August 25, 2014
Guion was originally placed on the team's Non-Football Injury (NFI) list with a hamstring pull on the eve of training camp, reportedly injured while working out on his own during the offseason.
The return of Guion couldn't have come at a better time after it was recently learned fellow defensive lineman B.J. Raji would be lost for the season with a torn biceps.
Without Raji, the Packers were in need of depth on the defensive line at the very least, and Guion will join a group including Josh Boyd and Mike Pennel trying to replace him at nose tackle.
If reports are indeed accurate, Guion taking part in practice would also make him inelgible for the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to open the season. He'll necessarily be carried on the 53-man roster or be cut.
Guion was running out of time if he was going to be ready for the regular-season opener in Seattle from both a mental and physical standpoint.
Assuming there are no setbacks, there would appear to be enough time for Guion to return to action for the Packers' preseason finale on Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Smith: Monkey Face Climber's Log
cluck - Jun 1, 2005 1:34 amRoute Climbed: Pioneer Route Date Climbed: May 29, 2005
Wow - that's one of the toughest "easy" climbs I've ever done. At 5.7 A0, the rating suggests fairly straightforward climbing, but you really have to earn this one. The mix of trad, sport, and aid requires some well-thought-out strategy if you want to complete the route in reasonable time. Moving out of the mouth cave and onto the face was the hardest 5.7 climbing I've ever done. All technique went out the window and I had a death-grip on the holds.
All-in-all a spectacular climb that I can't wait to repeat!
rpc - Mar 7, 2005 1:18 pmMultiple Routes
Rising Expectations (Sept. 2007) Shirley led this as her first aid lead. Probably C1.
West Face ('gain in June 2007) this time with a 150 lbs pig for shits & giggles.
East Face (Apr. 2007) Rained all night prior. Drizzled all day. Then the wind picked up and started hosing us sideways. Bailed off after 1st pitch. Fun - a step up from West Face.
West Face (Mar. 2007) Rainy day (morning anyway) = aid climbing. Nice line for learning how to do it. P1 is mostly straightforward nutting. P2 & 3 bolt ladders can easily be run together to cave (some reachy bolts). P4 is another short bolt ladder.
Dolf's Dihedral (Mar. 2007) Direct 10a start avoids shit rock. Upper 5.8 crack is sweeeet though short.
Perpetual Motion (Mar. 2007) A decent 5.9 crack that pulls around some intimidating chockstones. Got up only to find the 3 anchor angles dangling from an ancient piece of tat.
Pioneer Route (Feb. 2003)
West Face Variation (first two pitches of the standard, route "13")
West Face (first pitch followed and later led, both times done as aid climbs)
West Face Variation (standard) to Bohn Street (Feb. 14, 2004)
West Face Variation "direct" to Bohn Street in two pitches (Apr. 17, 2004).
Pioneer Route (August 28, 2004). Took my little brother up this fun formation as the 3rd rock climb of his life (and 1st unbelayed rappel). Spinner bolt with tiny hole in the mouth cave has been replaced.
West Face Variation "direct" to Bohn Street in two pitches with variation (5.8) start on pitch 1. Shirley led the whole thing and we both thought the 5.8 variation start was kind of hard for the grade (March 6, 2005).
jhalz - Jan 27, 2005 10:28 amRoute Climbed: Pioneer Route Date Climbed: January 22, 2005
Amazing Jan. day. We were the first ones on the route. The bolt ladder was a fun new experience.
Spungdeeper - Nov 12, 2004 5:51 amRoute Climbed: Pioneer Route Date Climbed: 11/7/04
Lead the 2nd pitch and the third. There was three of us and it took a rediuclously long time, with the person seconding me on the aid pitch unable to finish the cleaning, rapped off and left gear and a headache on the ladder.
Run, get to the Chopper.
jtschanz - Sep 13, 2004 1:41 pmRoute Climbed: Pioneer Route Date Climbed: September 12, 2004
I'm putting down an attempt as well because, damn it, it was a lot of work!!
Haydar and I got halfway up the bolt ladder only to discover a bolt missing. There was no way to reach the next bolt (over 6 feet above my head). So we rapped down and started scheming. Haydar ran back to the car for the tent poles while I fashioned a clip stick out of a biner, rubber band, and two shoelaces. I then jumared back up to the ledge, belayed Haydar up, and got back on the bolt ladder. Duct taping the biner to the tent pole, I extended the 20-foot pole, reached up, and clipped the next bolt. Shocked that it actually worked, I tied slings to extend my aiders and somehow made up up the ladder. Cleaning the pitch was difficult, but Haydar made it up into the cave as well. However we had both spent too long on the aid and we were tired and hungry. I basically chickened out on the 5.7 move out of the cave, took a short fall, and lost all desire to continue. We rapped off with a new respect for aid climbing and exposed 5.7 moves ...
M and N Denyer - Mar 29, 2004 6:23 pmRoute Climbed: Pioneer Route and West Face Variation Date Climbed: multiple
We have enjoyed Monkey Face numerous times on both the Pioneer Route and the West Face Variation.
wildstar - Jan 3, 2004 6:18 pmRoute Climbed: Pioneer Route Date Climbed: April 1995
Great trip with a good friend. My first experience with aiders which was laughable but we made it. Looking forward to doing it again some day.
Brian Jenkins - Feb 17, 2003 9:37 amRoute Climbed: West Face Variation, Pioneer Route Date Climbed: February 15 and 16, 2003
oh well, guess it's ok to put down attempts, right?...............
Saturday tried the West Face Variation but with 4 of us and some interesting rope snags, it took forever. We got up 2 pitches and then rapped off as we knew we wouldn't make it.
Went back Sunday and tried the Pioneer Route. Made it to Bohn Street and the wind picked up, some snow started and my testicles were nowhere to be found looking up at the aid pitch having never done any aiding before. So, I rapped down while 2 others went on. They made it to the Nose but the snow was blowing sideways by then and they just rapped off from there.
Another group had set up a Tyrolean traverse to the Springboard with some webbing and were going back and forth. Found out they were setting up a line to try to tightrope walk it. Watched one guy get one foot on it and then back off dozens of times before it looked like they figured it was too windy.
darinchadwick - Feb 13, 2003 12:38 amRoute Climbed: Pioneer route, west face variation Date Climbed: 2.5X most recent 1999
The first time I climbed this, I had only been climbing a handful of times. Needless to say, this was an exhilirating step up in difficulty and exposure. The second and 3rd times were much easier, though the moves at Panic Point never lose their thrill. We got stormed off once, with hard rain and lightning. Rapping out of the cave in a thunderstorm is really fun! The rain wicks down the ropes, and the wind spins you around, really, a fun time.
Some advice, it's easier to lead the aid pitch, than to follow on jumars, or the second should aid the pitch as well while cleaning. The overhang and traverse makes the top awkward with just jumars.


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It's taken nine years Texans fans but you can count yourselves as fans of an elite football team today. Congrats to the Texans Organization, players, coaches, and fans. Today is a rare day!
Texans vs. Bengals
To say the Texans started out sloppy would have been an understatement. The Bengals offense and defense had their moments, but a very familiar rival came to play against the Texans yesterday. For the first time in 2011, the Texans were playing against two teams….themselves as well as the team in Orange helmets.
This is nothing new, the Texans are famous for allowing this second team to distract them, shoot them in the foot and allow defeat to be snatched from the jaws of victory.
But something was different yesterday.
If you follow me on twitter, (jeremyrice01) after the first I tweeted to Steph Stradley "the good news is….I do not think they can play any worse than they just played for the first 30 minutes". I didn't expect a win, but I expected a better effort in the second half.
The Texans came out sluggish on offense again, punted to the Bengals then caught the break they needed when Connor Barwin sacked Dalton and caused a fumble Brooks Reed recovered inside the Bengal 20 yard line.
At this point I sent out four tweets:
"there we go Texans! Ball insdie the 20!"
"Is Barwin a captain yet?"
I can post the third on a family blog
And the fourth tweet "We got a football game now! Lets see if the Kitty's get tight, now! Lets go D!"
I really felt like the Texans had shot themselves in the foot much more so than the Bengals did, I wanted to see how the Bengal's played when they were not getting all the breaks. Thanks to Wade's boys, the Texans started to make their own breaks. That is what is different about THIS Texans Team!
You could not write a better story than the drama that we have see unfold with TJ Yates coming in and the result he has delivered. Third and Second sting QB's don't do these things, they may win you a game, they may play well for a bit….but alas…..there is a Rosencopter moment, a Tony Banks, a Rex Grossmen moment….when you realize, your team is screwed.
It beyond obvious, you do not have to be a QB coach guru to see that this kid has something special, he's got an it factor, he's fearless, has the moxy, he's the flavor of the month. My god Spencer Tillman compared him to Joe freaking Montana last night. Folks are on the talk shows planning on Matt Schaub's eventual trade for two first round picks.
Anyone remember Cody Carlson? Let's slow down a bit, and remember that this kid while he has been impressive. He also is very raw, and I want to point out some of what I saw in Yates yesterday that's now on film for people to game plan around.
TJ is locking on to receivers like a mother, and following them across the field with his eyes. I saw him later in the game come off his primary twice, both times were late in the game and he was forced off to avoid a sack.
TJ does not throw the release flare out to the backs well, when I watched him in college games he was very mechanical and had problems with placement. I saw it again yesterday.
TJ was not seeing the blitz adjustments yesterday, and while he did step up in the pocket he didn't get the ball out on time.
TJ was erratic with passes though out the game. He struggles with placement and was bailed out several times by guys making some nice adjustments on poorly thrown balls. The overthrow for a pick early was also a very poor read with safety over the top.
TJ fumbles when hit. That with the erratic delivery makes me wonder about the size of his hands….Dave Kreig used to have the same problem and while he had a fine career, something about TJ made that guy pop in my head (more investigation to come). All QB's fumble when in the act of throwing, but the good ones, have a knack for feeling the pressure and pulling the ball back in. Matt Schaub has come along way in that regard.
What I am most impressed with.
Last week vs. the Falcons right off the batt I tweeted about the kids release. It is very compact and the ball comes out fast.
Feet, kid has great feet, stands tall in the pocket and doesn't throw off his back foot much. Shows no fear in the pocket and doesn't break down.
My favorite two things about the kids actual play is, he gets rid of the ball when the defense has a win. Young Quarterbacks don't do this very often, he also seems unfazed by a bad result.
For those of you who read some of my post in the pre-season I was impressed by the kid back then too, but planning Matt Schaubs departure from the Texans is pre-mature.
The great new is, the kid has shown us he has tools, and the bad stuff that I see can be corrected by experience, and film work. I just caution all you TJAMANIACS, out there ripping your shirts, saying your prayers, and eating your vitamins, that there have been LOTS of back up quarterbacks that have shown promise like TJ and failed. So, its very reasonable to be excited for the kid, its not reasonable to put him in with Brady and Montana, and think the Texans should trade away #8 just yet.
Gary Kubiak
It took Gary some time, but Gary Kubiak is a good NFL coach now. I took lots of heat last season when I said on this blog several times I thought he should come back. I got called stupid, was told I didn't know what I was talking about but I saw something in Gary that I believed in.
My three biggest complaints about Gary have been, he coaches tight at times and his running game needed adjustments made to it to keep teams honest, and that he hired morons for defensive coordinators.
I know Gary takes heat for clock management, and for replays but I always felt he'd get better on those things so they didn't bother me as much as the other stuff did.
Gary's big improvements
1. Gary darn sure didn't coach tight yesterday, and for the most part has really impressed me this season with his play calling. He flat out pwn'ed a fine defensive coordinator in Mike Zimmer yesterday. Once on that sneak out of the empty set. I tweeted to Adam Wexler before the last drive that Zimmer was going to pressure the Texans and not sit in zone, Gary knew it to because he went after Zimmer and got him on his heels. Zimmer backed off the blitz and went coverage down in the red zone and that play Gary had on was perfect. We called that a Silver ACE over RT. Double stick X slant Bingo hot. I don't know what the Texans call it, but if the Bengals squatted on Walter the out play was going to be there for the guys running the stick.
2. I've moaned and groaned about the Texans running game for years. This year, Gary started using making adjustments, and while it was not the adjustment I have been asking them to run, they were effective changes that take advantage of teams over pursuing and penetrating their zone blocking. The adjustments Gary made were to defeat the defense by using down blocks. When a defensive lineman shoots off the ball trying to keep an offensive lineman from crossing his face which is a major goal on most zone plays, he is actually running into a down block. It's a very subtle change but extremely effective. Those tweeks have helped the Texans close out games when teams flat out cheated agains the zone. If forces them to be honest.
3. However it happened, Wade Phillips was hired. I think Wade has made Gary a better coach because he is a more complete coach now with a guy like Wade on his staff. This team for the first time since Gary got here, has a system on offense they can teach, and draft their types of guys, and can now do the same of defense.
4. Gary has also improved with his teams improvement. I can t tell you how impressed I have been with Gary's handling of the young QB. He isn't out there micro managing like young offensive minded head coaches can do at times. He is letting this kid play, and attacking.
This team has frustrated us, disappointed us, caused months of angst, envy, us few die hards that have trudged though all of that waited for the day they would not break our hearts but leave us inspired.
Today is that day.
I do regret that Thomas Hilton was not here to share the thrill of victory with us.


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Bear archery season quota
met in one day
In an unprecedented and unexpected turn of events, Oklahoma black bear archery season opened and closed in one day when hunters reached the quota of 20 bears Oct. 1 in southeast Oklahoma.
A total of 32 black bears were harvested Oct. 1, which is 13 more than were harvested in about a month's time last year.
"The weather was perfect for hunting and sportsmen worked hard leading up to the season, and it culminated in an outstanding day of bear hunting in Oklahoma," said Joe Hemphill, southeast region wildlife supervisor for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
"We had a very conservative bear quota, and when we planned the regulations for the season, we took into account the possibility of exceeding the harvest quota slightly," Hemphill said. "The harvest of 32 bears is a great sign that we are doing things right in Oklahoma, since the presence of bears in an environment is considered an indicator of good habitat."
According to Hemphill, biologists have seen two extremes in the two years since bear season was inaugurated in Oklahoma, with only 19 bears harvested in 28 days in 2009 and 32 harvested in just one day in 2010. Weather and environmental conditions also were starkly different during each of the two seasons. The 2009 season opened with thunder and lightning and a plentiful acorn crop, whereas the 2010 opener was marked with mild weather and few acorns to be found. As with hunting seasons on all species, Department personnel review all available data following the season and work to provide optimum hunting opportunities.
Though black bear archery season draws fewer hunters than other species (177 resident bear licenses purchased for the 2010 season), the season includes both hard work and excitement for those who participate. Many hunters spend weeks leading up the bear season scouting, maintaining bait stations on private lands, and practicing archery. Counties open to black bear hunting during the archery season are Latimer, LeFlore, Pushmataha and McCurtain counties — all in the mountainous region of southeast Oklahoma.
Black bears once ranged across North America, including the entire area of what is now Oklahoma, but by the early 1900s, sightings had become rare. Factors like land use changes, unregulated hunting and habitat fragmentation caused black bear numbers to eventually decline drastically.
In the late 1900s, however, black bears began making a comeback in Oklahoma after the successful reintroduction of black bears in the Ouachita and Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. That initial relocation of about 250 bears from northern Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, turned into thousands of bears in the mountains of Arkansas, which then expanded into southwest Missouri and eastern Oklahoma.
This successful reestablishment of black bears led to a renewed black bear hunting season in Arkansas in 1980.
Today bears have a growing population in southeast Oklahoma and are an important part of the state's wildlife diversity. Biologists with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation have collected biological data mainly from bear surveys and research projects.
Information has also been gathered from bears killed by vehicles, poachers or while responding to nuisance bear calls.
This success of this year's black bear season is sure to be remembered by all who participated.
"I had no idea the season would open and close so quickly, but I am glad I took advantage of the opportunity," said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Wildlife Department and one of the successful hunters who harvested a bear on Friday. "Sportsmen in Oklahoma are so fortunate to have such a broad diversity of game to hunt. Even though bear season is now closed, there are still so many opportunities to hunt and so many game species to choose from."
Seasons such as deer archery, turkey archery, dove, rabbit and squirrel are currently open, with several other seasons ranging from deer gun, pheasant and quail still to open before the year ends.
For more information about black bear hunting in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Deer muzzleloader season to kick off Oct. 23
After a successful black bear season ended Oct. 1 when hunters harvested 32 bears on opening day — reaching the season quota and therefore officially closing the season — sportsmen are now enjoying deer archery season and gearing up for deer muzzleloader season Oct. 23-31.
Along with black bear archery season, deer archery season opened Oct. 1 and hunters are already enjoying cooler days afield and ample hunting opportunity statewide. Deer muzzleloader season is the first opportunity that all sportsmen can use firearms to harvest deer, and the season accounts for about 20-25 percent of the total annual deer harvest in Oklahoma.
Muzzleloader season spans nine days. The modern gun season opens Nov. 20 and runs for 16 days. Archery season remains open through Jan. 15, 2011.
Deer are plentiful in every part of Oklahoma, whether it be in wide-open prairie or pine-covered mountains, and several wildlife management areas across the state offer hunting for at least part of the muzzleloader season, some through special draw hunts that give sportsmen a unique opportunity to change up their usual hunting routine.
To learn more about deer hunting on wildlife management areas, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com. The website offers regulations, useful hunting information and an award-winning digital wildlife management area atlas. And best of all, it is free. In addition to detailed maps, sportsmen can find information such as camping locations and contacts for local biologists.
In the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's most recent Big Game Report, available in the current issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine, big game biologist Jerry Shaw calls muzzleloader season a "season of contrast."
"In the same hunting party one can see a hand-built flintlock shooting lead balls, hand molded and carefully loaded from a fringed buckskin 'possibles bag,' and then turn to see another hunter shooting a stainless-steel-barreled scoped rifle loaded with smokeless powder and pistol bullets sitting on top of a polymer sabot. While one hunter worries about keeping the powder 'in the pan, dry, the other wonders if his kids have noticed that the battery powering his electronic ignition was pilfered from the television remote just hours before. No matter which end of the spectrum a muzzleloader hunter tends to gravitate toward, one thing remains constant, it is a fantastic time to be outdoors."
During muzzleloader season, hunters can harvest a buck and two antlerless deer (at least one antlerless deer must be harvested from Antlerless Deer Zone 2, 7 or 8), and most of the state is open to antlerless hunting every day during the season. Resident muzzleloader hunters must possess an appropriate hunting license and a deer muzzleloader license for each deer harvested. Nonresident muzzleloader hunters are exempt from a hunting license while hunting deer, but they must possess a nonresident deer muzzleloader license for each deer hunted or proof of exemption. For a map of Oklahoma's antlerless deer zones, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" available online at wildlifedepartment.com or anywhere hunting licenses are sold.
Upon harvesting a deer, all hunters must attach a field tag to the animal. New this year, the date and time of harvest must be recorded on field tags placed on deer, turkey and elk in addition to the hunter's name and license number. The field tag, which can be constructed of anything (such as a business card), must remain attached to the carcass until it is checked either at the nearest hunter check station, with an authorized Wildlife Department employee or online at wildlifedepartment.com.
Hunters can harvest a turkey with their muzzleloaders Oct. 30-31 in most of the state. A fall turkey license is required, unless exempt. Turkey fall gun season runs Oct. 30 through Nov. 19, and details on the season are available in the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."
Hunters age 10-35 who have not completed hunter education can buy an apprentice-designated hunting license and hunt while accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 years old or older who has completed the hunter education course, or a licensed hunter 21 years old or older who is otherwise exempt from hunter education (includes those 36 years old or older, those honorably discharged or currently active in the Armed Forces or members of the National Guard). Hunters under 10 years old must complete a hunter education course to hunt big game or to buy any big game hunting license.
For specific information regarding which areas are open to muzzleloader season, licenses, bag limits, blaze orange clothing requirements or legal firearms, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log onto www.wildlifedepartment.com
Sixth annual Wildlife Expo draws massive crowds and rave reviews
The popular Oklahoma Wildlife Expo held each year by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation drew record crowds Sept. 24-26, with an estimated attendance of more than 51,000 visitors. Additionally, onsite surveys of Expo visitors showed that 61 percent of visitors on Saturday and Sunday were visiting the event for the first time.
"We're continuing to reach many new and different people during the Wildlife Expo, and it's the people and the outdoors that are going to benefit most from this great event," said Rhonda Hurst, Wildlife Expo coordinator for the Wildlife Department.
It's not just an event that draws huge crowd, however. The event has lasting impacts. Letters received by the Wildlife Department after the Expo confirmed that attendees take home lasting memories.
One parent of a student who attended the event on Friday's School Day said their child continued to talk about the Wildlife Expo even after it had passed.
"I'm a single mom," the parent said. "Many of the things my son did, he hasn't had the opportunity to do before. He told everyone who would listen to him about it for days."
According to Hurst, that testimony is a true measure of success.
"The Expo draws a lot of people, but the fact that a simple opportunity to shoot a bow and arrow or catch a fish can provide so much excitement and appreciation for the outdoors is exactly what we want to accomplish with the Expo. That excitement leads people to understand the value of the outdoors and the importance of wildlife conservation to our environment and to our quality of life."
Held at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City, the free Oklahoma Wildlife Expo is hosted by the Wildlife Department in partnership with a range of organizations, other state agencies, individuals and outdoor-related companies to generate an interest in the outdoors and conservation. That mission is accomplished through hands-on education and learning opportunities in which visitors can try everything from shooting a shotgun to petting an alligator. Kayaking in a pond built into the floor of the Lazy E Arena, catching a fish from a stocked pond, or riding a mountain bike on a dirt trail are all part of the experience of the Wildlife Expo.
Additionally, visitors can shoot archery, sample wild game meat, test-drive an ATV, see wildlife firsthand, watch hunting dog demonstrations and even win prizes such as a John Deere Gator off-road utility vehicle. Everything from birdwatching and birdhouse building to seminars on how to pack a mule for a hunting trip is included at the Expo, and it is all free of charge.
To learn more about the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, log on to www.wildlifedepartment.com
Land management tour on Wildlife Department WMA to offer insight for all landowners
Landowners looking to get the most out of their natural resources should plan now to attend the Fire, Wildlife, Timber and Cattle Grazing Annual Fall Field Tour slated for Oct. 12 at the Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area.
The tour will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is no cost to attend. The Pushmataha Management Area headquarters is located two miles south of Clayton off State Highway 271, approximately three miles west on a county road. Signs will be visible.
"American Indians have managed this country with fire for more than 10,000 years, and to great benefit to people, plants and animals," said Terry Bidwell, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension rangeland specialist. "Our scientific inquiries are helping to rediscover the extent of those benefits. The application of science-based management can and has helped provide for sustainable, healthy ecosystems."
Participants will gain a better understanding of how to use prescribed fire, timber harvest and cattle grazing to meet land management objectives; integrated timber, livestock and wildfire management; stocking rate and carrying capacity considerations for running cattle; and ways to maintain and promote overall forest health.
Also included will be a history of the Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area and benefits that research on its 19,247 acres has yielded.
Sessions will be led by Bidwell; Jack Waymire, senior biologist and Pushmataha site manager; and Ron Masters, director of research for Florida's Tall Timbers Research Station and a former faculty member with OSU's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
"Coming back to Oklahoma for the annual field tour is one of the highlights of my year," Masters said. "We had no idea back in 1982 that the studies we began would still be yielding valuable insights today, or that they would generate such beneficial additional areas of research. It has been quite the land-management detective story."
The tour is being sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, OSU Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, and the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit.
Anyone seeking additional information about the Pushmataha Wildlife Management Area field tour should contact Waymire by phone at (918) 569-4329, or Bidwell by phone at (405) 744-9618.
Molpus Timberlands Management, LLC Joins Honobia Creek WMA
A new cooperative agreement between the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Molpus Timberlands Management, LLC (Molpus) will allow continued public recreation on 16,311 acres of the Honobia Creek Wildlife Management Area in southeast Oklahoma.
The portion of the WMA encompassed by the agreement is private commercial forestland that sportsmen will be able to use with the purchase of a Land Access Permit, available online at wildlifedepartment.com or anywhere hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
Wildlife Department biologists will work with Molpus' professional foresters to enhance fish and wildlife resources on the property, which include wild turkey, deer, bear and quail. Some of the unique walk-in hunting areas for wild turkey will also be maintained as part of this partnership. All revenues from the Land Access Permits will be used by ODWC to manage, maintain, and enhance the WMA. This WMA is consistent with MTM's objective of managing the timberland under a sustainable forest management program.
"Molpus Timberlands Management is committed to sustainable forestry and sound stewardship practices. Well-managed forests support a tremendous variety of recreational opportunities. We are excited to be working with the State of Oklahoma in an effort to make these recreational opportunities available for the public's enjoyment," said Ken Sewell, Chief Operating Officer of Molpus Timberlands Management, LLC.
Molpus Timberlands Management, LLC and its sister company, The Molpus Woodlands Group LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor, (collectively "Molpus") have a history in the timber industry dating back to 1905. Molpus finds itself as one of the oldest timber-related companies in the nation with experience in all facets of timber management, manufacturing and marketing. Molpus acquires, manages and sells timberland as an investment vehicle for pension funds, college endowments, foundations, insurance companies and high net-worth individual investors. Molpus focuses on ensuring long-term optimum cash returns on investments while practicing responsible forest stewardship. For more information about Molpus, log on to http://www.molpus.com .
Together, Molpus and the Wildlife Department will work together to enhance the WMA's fish and wildlife resources and provide quality public recreation. For $40 (Oklahoma residents) or $85 (non-residents) visitors to the Honobia Creek WMA can enjoy some of Molpus' most scenic forests and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Zone 1
waterfowl hunters to start off duck season Oct. 23
Zone 1 duck hunters will kick off their season with youth days Oct. 16-17 and the regular season Oct. 23.
The season on ducks, mergansers and coots in Zone 1 runs Oct. 23 through Nov. 28 and Dec. 11 through Jan. 16.
Zone 1 includes most of northwest Oklahoma, excluding the Panhandle.
Duck seasons statewide remain unchanged from last season, except for adjustment of calendar dates, and the number of pintail that may be included in the daily limit of six ducks has been increased from one to two.
Every year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes frameworks to states for structuring their waterfowl seasons, and Oklahoma's 74-day season and generous harvest limits represent a liberal season framework for hunters to enjoy.
Panhandle hunters began their hunting season first, on Oct. 9. Zone 2 duck season dates will be Nov. 6 through Nov. 28 and Dec. 11 through Jan. 30, with youth waterfowl days slated for Oct. 30-31.
The daily limit of six ducks may include no more than: five mallards (only two may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two scaup, two pintails and one canvasback. The daily limit of mergansers is five, of which no more than two may be hooded mergansers, and the daily limit of coots is 15.
More information and regulations — including hunting license, waterfowl stamp and permit requirements — may be found in the current "Oklahoma Waterfowl Guide," available online at wildlifedepartment.com or at locations where hunting licenses and duck stamps are sold.
Young outdoor writers share hunting heritage, win outdoor getaways
A statewide youth outdoor writing contest is giving Oklahoma youth a chance this year to share their outdoor heritage while competing for the chance to win an all-expense-paid outdoor getaway.
According to Colin Berg, education supervisor for the Wildlife Department, the essay contest is an ideal way for youth to show their love for the outdoors and, in the process, possibly win a vacation in the great outdoors.
To participate, students must be 11-17 years of age and currently enrolled in any Oklahoma school or home school. Students also must use the theme of "Hunting: Sharing the Heritage" or "Archery: What I like about Archery in the Schools and Bowhunting" or the concept of the theme to develop a descriptive essay or short story. Winners of the previous year's contest are not eligible. Applicants must have successfully completed an Oklahoma Hunter Education course by the entry deadline, which is Nov. 19, 2010. There are two age categories — 11-14 and 15-17.
Winners in the 15-17 age category (one boy and one girl) will receive a guided antelope hunt in New Mexico, and winners in the 11-14 age category are competing for a scholarship within the Apprentice Hunter Program at the YO Ranch in Mountain Home, Texas. Safari Club International's Apprentice Hunter Program is a unique, hands-on course designed for girls and boys aged 11-14. The program covers topics such as the history of hunting, the ethical basis of modern sport hunting, wildlife management, field identification, tracking and interpreting sign, game cooking and the SCI Sportsmen Against Hunger Program. There are three sessions — each one week long — during the summer of 2011.
The four statewide winners and their legal guardians will be invited to Oklahoma City to attend an awards ceremony in March. In addition, the top 25 essay entrants will receive a one-year youth membership to Safari Club International. The Oklahoma State Chapter will reimburse trip travel expenses to New Mexico and Texas up to $500 per essay contest winner. The winning student essays will be published in the OSCSCI newsletter, "Safari Trails." Publication qualifies the winning entries for the Outdoor Writers Association of America Youth Writing Contest. Several past national winners have come from Oklahoma. Essays may also be printed in Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.
Two educators also will be awarded all-expenses-paid scholarships for an eight-day conservation education school at Safari Club International's American Wilderness Leadership School (AWLS) at Granite Ranch near Jackson, Wyoming.
The AWLS program is conducted during the summer and presents an outdoor program for educators that concentrates on natural resource management. Participants learn about stream ecology, map and compass, language arts and creative writing in an outdoor setting, fly tying, shooting sports, wildlife management, the Yellowstone ecosystem, camping, white-water rafting, educational resources and how to implement outdoor education ideas.
Both the essay contest rules and teacher scholarship applications are available from the Department's Web site at http://www.wildlifedepartment.com
Essays and applications must be postmarked no later than Nov. 19, 2010, or delivered by Nov. 19 in person to the Department of Wildlife's Jenks Office at 201 Aquarium Drive, Jenks. Address entries to: Essay Contest, Attn: Education Section Supervisor, ODWC Jenks Office, P.O. Box 1201, Jenks, OK 74037. Fax entries will not be accepted.
Wildlife Department miscellaneous auction like outdoorsmen's garage sale
Outdoorsmen and wildlife enthusiasts may find a treasure at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's upcoming miscellaneous auction, slated for Nov. 6 at Lake Burtschi.
Bargain shopping sportsmen can find deals on a range of outdoor gear, tools, generators, mowers, farm equipment, office equipment and more. Watch wildlifedepartment.com in the coming weeks for a full listing of auction items that will be available at the sale.
"There's hundreds of surplus items that will be for sale at the auction, and anybody who purchases something will be supporting the Wildlife Department at the same time," said Johnny Hill, property manager for the Wildlife Department. "Each year, buyers walk away with some real bargains, so come join us and get in on a good deal."
The public auction will be at 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at Lake Burtschi, located 11 miles west of Chickasha on SH-92. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. In case of rain, the auction will be postponed until Sunday, Nov. 7 at the same time and location.
Many opportunities left for would-be hunters to attend hunter ed class before
deer gun season
Opportunities to attend an Oklahoma hunter education class between now and opening day of deer gun season Nov. 20 are plentiful, and most hunters need the certification to hunt deer without supervision.
Hunters have about 40 class dates to choose from across the state before deer gun season arrives, with more than 30 classes scheduled for Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 alone.
"People have busy schedules these days," said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "These courses are a huge benefit to those sportsmen who couldn't make it to a class earlier in the year. While there have been more that 350 courses throughout the year, we have made a special effort to make sure no one will need to drive too far to find a class in the two weeks before deer gun season."
In recent years, the Wildlife Department has offered even more last minute courses during the weekend prior to the opening day of deer gun season, and according to Meek, the turnout is worth the effort.
"Hunters have responded very well to these offerings," Meek said. "Last year, we certified 3,236 students the two weekends before deer gun season. That's almost 20 percent of the number of students certified all year."
Courses scheduled between now and deer gun season will debut the Wildlife Department's new hunter education manual, designed specifically for Oklahoma hunter education students. Curriculum for the manual was developed by the University of Central Oklahoma with oversight from Department hunter ed instructors. Since it is an Oklahoma specific manual, unlike the manuals used in the rest of the country, students will see more Oklahoma scenes and situations.
"The thing I love about this manual is that it really focuses on the things that are important for hunter education students to know," Meek said. "The majority of the manual focuses on safety and ethics, and those are the most important things you can teach new hunters."
To hunt big game or small game alone, hunters ages 10-35 must be hunter education certified. Hunters age nine and under who are hunter education certified can hunt big game or small game alone except during youth deer gun and turkey seasons and on public lands, where additional regulations may apply.
Hunters exempt from hunter education include those 36 years of age or older, those honorably discharged from or currently on duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, and members of the National Guard.
Oklahomans who are not exempt from hunter education and who are not hunter education certified may be eligible to hunt with an apprentice-designated hunting license. For full details and license requirements, log on to wildlifedepartment.com or consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide."
Even those hunters who can hunt with an apprentice-designated hunting license are encouraged to complete a hunter education course.
Courses slated for Nov. 6 and Nov. 13 will be held in cities such as Ada, Antlers, Ardmore, Bartlesville, Bokchito, Broken Arrow, Broken Bow, Burns Flat, Enid, Grove, Jenks, Kellyville, Lawton, Locust Grove, McAlester, Miami, Midwest City, Newcastle, Oklahoma City, Prague, Sallisaw, Stillwater, Sulphur, Tishomingo, Wagoner, Wayne, Wister and Woodward. Some courses on these dates require two day's attendance, and others are offered as home study courses. For individual class details, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Every year, the Wildlife Department holds hundreds of hunter education classes taught by Department employees and volunteer instructors across the state.
The Wildlife Department offers a full listing of available upcoming hunter education courses online at wildlifedepartment.com. Visitors to the site can learn when and where classes will be held, and a phone number is provided if pre-registration is required.
Hunter education covers a variety of topics including firearm safety and handling, treestand safety, ethics, muzzleloader hunting, archery, wildlife identification and wildlife management. It is available as a standard eight-hour course, as an Internet home study course and as a workbook home study course. It is strongly recommended that anyone planning on hunting or shooting complete a hunter education class.
For more information, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Sportsmen urged to vote online for favorite 2011-12 duck stamp art
Oklahomans can help choose the artwork that will be printed on the 2011-12 Oklahoma waterfowl stamp with the click of their mouse on wildlifedepartment.com.
Every year wildlife artists from across the nation submit their rendition of a specified waterfowl species to the Wildlife Department's duck stamp design contest. In recent years the Wildlife Department has relied on input from the public to help determine the winner, whose work is printed on the Oklahoma waterfowl stamp the following year. This year, artwork was centered on the bluewing teal which can be found near Oklahoma's wetlands during early fall and spring.
"In recent years, people who wanted to vote on the next duck stamp design had to travel somewhere to see the entries, but technology is allowing us to make voting possible from home or even on the go for those folks with laptops or smart phones," said Micah Holmes, information and education supervisor for the Wildlife Department.
Duck stamp sales help finance many projects that benefit ducks and geese. Since the duck stamp program began in 1980, thousands of acres of waterfowl habitat have been created through duck stamp revenues.
Along with public input, entries will be judged on anatomical accuracy, artistic composition and suitability for printing.
The winning artist will receive a purchase award of $1,200 provided by NatureWorks, a Tulsa-based conservation organization. Additionally, the winner and three honorable mentions will appear in a future issue of Outdoor Oklahoma magazine.
"This is a good chance for duck hunters to weigh in on their favorite artwork," Holmes said. "After all, it's their duck season and their waterfowl stamp. They should have a say in what artwork is featured, and they should take the opportunity to give their input."
A selection of waterfowl stamp art from previous years is currently on display in the lobby of the Wildlife Department headquarters located at 1801 N. Lincoln, in Oklahoma City.
Prints of previous winning waterfowl artwork can be purchased at www.wildlifedepartment.com
More information about the annual duck stamp design contest, including official rules, is available online at wildlifedepartment.com
Motorists urged to exercise caution this fall when driving through deer inhabited areas
With the onset of fall, officials with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation remind motorists to be on the alert for deer in roadways, especially at night.
Fall marks the breeding season, also known as the rut, for Oklahoma's most prevalent big game species — the whitetail deer. Deer activity drastically increases during this period as deer search out mates for breeding. As a result, collisions with vehicles are common, as are regular sightings of deer along roadways in both rural and semi-urban areas.
According to Jerry Shaw, big game biologist for the Wildlife Department, that increased deer movement is accompanied by increasing hours of darkness each day.
"That combination can increase drivers' chances of being involved with a deer/vehicle collision," Shaw said.
Deer regularly weigh in excess of 100 pounds and can cause significant damage to both vehicles and the humans driving them when the two collide on roadways.
"Be extra cautious early in the morning and late in the afternoon and early evening, as these are the hours when deer are most active," Shaw said.
According to Shaw, deer spotted on the side of the road can still be a hazard for drivers.
"If you spot a deer, be extra cautious," Shaw said. "Many times it is not the deer that you see that causes the accident. While you are focused on the deer that safely made it across the road, other deer might be about to step into the roadway."
Shaw advises drivers to take it slow on roads where deer may be present or where crossings are common.
Though deer on roadways are a potential threat to drivers year-round, deer become far less active when not engaged in fall breeding activity.
For more information about deer and other wildlife in Oklahoma, log on to the Wildlife Department's website at wildlifedepartment.com.
Deer gun season to open Nov. 20; Rut Report slated prior to season
Known as one of the biggest days of the year for Oklahoma hunters, the deer gun season opener is fast approaching. This year's deer gun season runs Nov. 20 through Dec. 5.
Annual deer harvest numbers over the past several years are at an all-time high, and last year 62 percent of the total annual harvest was accounted for during the deer gun season.
"In fact, in 2009 nearly 200,000 hunters participated in some form of deer rifle season," said Jerry Shaw in the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's most recent Big Game Report. Shaw is the big game biologist for the Department who watches harvest numbers, trends and other data to help the department manage deer populations and provide hunting opportunities statewide. According to Shaw, deer gun hunters harvested almost 72,000 deer last year during the regular deer gun, youth-only and holiday antlerless deer gun seasons combined. That number contributed to a total of 116,175 deer harvested in 2009 by all methods and seasons combined. According to Shaw, that was "a slight increase (4.3 percent) over the 2008 harvest and only 3,174 deer shy of our all-time record set back in 2006."
While the deer gun season open Nov. 20, hunters who subscribe to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's free weekly wildlife news release will receive a status report of deer rutting activity statewide. The information will be collected from biologist and Department personnel stationed in all regions of the state, and will be available before opening day. To sign up to receive the free weekly e-mail, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.
Deer are plentiful in every part of Oklahoma, whether in wide-open prairie or pine-covered mountains. Additionally, numerous wildlife management areas across the state offer public hunting for at least part of the deer gun season, some through special draw hunts that give sportsmen a unique opportunity to change up their usual hunting routine.
To learn more about deer hunting on wildlife management areas, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log on to wildlifedepartment.com. The website offers regulations, useful hunting information and an award-winning digital wildlife management area atlas. And best of all, it is free. In addition to detailed maps, sportsmen can find information such as camping locations and contacts for local biologists.
During deer gun season, hunters can harvest a buck and two antlerless deer (at least one antlerless deer must be harvested from Antlerless Deer Zone 2, 7 or 8), and most of the state is open to antlerless hunting every day during the season. Resident gun season hunters must possess an appropriate hunting license and a deer gun license for each deer harvested. Nonresident deer gun hunters are exempt from a hunting license while hunting deer, but they must possess a nonresident deer gun season license for each deer hunted or proof of exemption. For a map of Oklahoma's antlerless deer zones, consult page 23 the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" available online at wildlifedepartment.com or anywhere hunting licenses are sold.
Upon harvesting a deer, all hunters must attach a field tag to the animal. New this year, the date and time of harvest must be recorded on field tags placed on deer, turkey and elk in addition to the hunter's name and license number. The field tag, which can be constructed of anything (such as a business card), must remain attached to the carcass until it is checked either at the nearest hunter check station, with an authorized Wildlife Department employee or online at wildlifedepartment.com.
Hunters age 10-35 who have not completed hunter education can buy an apprentice-designated hunting license and hunt while accompanied by a licensed hunter 21 years old or older who has completed the hunter education course, or a licensed hunter 21 years old or older who is otherwise exempt from hunter education (includes those 36 years old or older, those honorably discharged or currently active in the Armed Forces or members of the National Guard). Hunters under 10 years old must complete a hunter education course to hunt big game or to buy any big game hunting license.
For specific information regarding licenses, harvest limits, blaze orange clothing requirements, legal firearms requirements, or which wildlife management areas are open to deer gun season, consult the current "Oklahoma Hunting Guide" or log onto wildlifedepartment.com.
Zone 2
waterfowl hunters to start off duck season Nov. 6
Zone 2 duck hunters will kick off their regular duck season Nov. 6
The season on ducks, mergansers and coots in Zone 2 runs Nov. 6 through Nov. 28 and Dec. 11 through Jan. 16.
Zone 2 includes most of Oklahoma, excluding the northwest portions and the Panhandle. The Zone 2 opener will bring the entire state into duck season, as the Panhandle and Zone 1 seasons have already begun.
According to Josh Richardson, migratory game bird biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the outlook on the season has both positive and negative key points.
"On the bad side, warm weather has so far kept birds farther north of us, and an unusual dry stretch has wetland habitat in many areas in poor condition," Richardson said. "On the good side, this was another banner production year in the prairie pothole region and the birds will have to come through at some point. They may not stay for long, but they will definitely come through. Hunter's wanting the best chance of success this year will really need to pay attention to the weather and do their scouting to know when the birds are coming through and where to catch them when they're here."
Though Oklahoma weather can change and dry spells can end with a single rainstorm, sportsmen should be prepared in case dry conditions persist.
"If it does stay dry, it would be a good time to try some of our public wetland areas," Richardson said. "While many lakes and private ponds, sloughs and wetlands are dependent on natural rainfall, many of our wetland units are set up with alternate means of flooding, such as wells, pumps, or irrigation lakes — alternatives that are often unfeasible for private landowners or hunters."
Duck seasons statewide remain unchanged from last season, except for adjustment of calendar dates, and the number of pintail that may be included in the daily limit of six ducks has been increased from one to two.
Every year the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes frameworks to states for structuring their waterfowl seasons, and Oklahoma's 74-day season and generous harvest limits represent a liberal season framework for hunters to enjoy.
Panhandle hunters began their hunting season first, on Oct. 9, followed by Zone 1 hunters who started Oct. 23. Youth days for Zone 1 were Oct. 16-17, and youth days for Zone 2 are Oct. 30-31.
The daily limit of six ducks may include no more than: five mallards (only two may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two scaup, two pintails and one canvasback. The daily limit of mergansers is five, of which no more than two may be hooded mergansers, and the daily limit of coots is 15.
More information and regulations — including hunting license, waterfowl stamp and permit requirements — may be found in the current "Oklahoma Waterfowl Guide," available online at wildlifedepartment.com or at locations where hunting licenses and duck stamps are sold.
whooping cranes on annual migration through Oklahoma
One of the rarest birds in North America, the whooping crane, is expected to migrate through Oklahoma over the few weeks. The entire Central Flyway migrating population will pass through central and western Oklahoma between now and the second week of November, according to Mark Howery, wildlife diversity biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
The 2010 nesting season was a good one for the cranes. A record number of nests (74) were found by the Canadian Wildlife Service during their summer monitoring flights, and at least 46 chicks were successfully reared. The current population numbers between 285 and 300 birds, which is nearly a 10 percent increase over last winter's population.
"Although it's still small, this population size is remarkable when you consider that there were no more than 15 whooping cranes left in the early 1940s," Howery said.
Twice a year, whooping cranes face a long and potentially hazardous migration. In the fall, they travel from their nesting grounds in the remote bogs and marshes of northern Alberta, Canada, to their wintering grounds along the Texas coast at Arkansas National Wildlife Refuge.
"If you see a whooping crane, please let us know," Howery said. "Reports help us better understand the migration patterns of these birds and the types of habitats that they use."
You can report sightings to the Wildlife Department's Wildlife Diversity Program at (405) 522-3087 or (405) 424-2728. We are especially interested in information such as the date, location, habitat, number of birds seen, and what they were doing (i.e. – flying, feeding, loafing). That information will be shared with a national monitoring program coordinated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Howery said that Oklahoma's sportsmen account for between one-half and one-third of the whooping crane sightings each fall because they are often in areas with good habitat conditions and they are good at distinguishing this endangered species from more common birds.
A few distinguishing characteristics of the whooping crane are its white body and neck, black wing tips, red forehead, and height – at nearly five feet, it's the tallest bird in North America. Also, the neck extends out straight from the body when the crane is in flight rather than in an "S" pattern like the neck of a heron, egret or pelican.
Sandhill cranes have a similar body shape, but in contrast, are gray overall with dark gray wing feathers that do not have black tips. White pelicans often are confused with whooping cranes because they are similar in color. However, the pelican is stockier, usually travels in large flocks and its legs are barely visible when in flight.
Two other similar species are the snow goose and great egret. But snow geese are much smaller and egrets lack the black wingtips of the whooping crane.
Whooping cranes may be seen during the day foraging in small groups of two to eight birds in open, marshy habitats, wet grasslands, agricultural fields and river bottoms. At night, they often gather at communal roosts on mudflats and often roost alongside sandhill cranes.
Perhaps the most likely place in Oklahoma to see a whooping crane is at Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge in Alfalfa County, which has been designated as critical whooping crane habitat. Another area where these cranes have been found multiple times is the Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area in Tillman County.
For more information about wildlife in Oklahoma, log on to wildlifedepartment.com.


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OBETZ, Ohio – Steven Lenhart and Jason Garey are involved in a reality show called "Can you top this?" that the Crew hope will carry deep into the November sweeps.
The forwards have alternated goals in the past three matches, with Garey likely the next with a chance to return serve when the Crew play at Houston on Saturday.
"I think we should keep that going all season," Garey said. "That would be wonderful."
The duo had come under scrutiny for their lack of production prior to the World Cup break when they combined for one goal in 11 matches.
Adding to the drama was scarcity of playing time for highly touted offseason acquisition Sergio Herrera. The Colombian striker was supposed to fill the gap when Alejandro Moreno went to Philadelphia in the expansion draft, but he played only one minute and was released last week.
That leaves the burden up top to Garey and Lenhart as well as Emilio Renteria, who has also played well on the flank.
Lenhart started and scored the winner in stoppage time against Rochester on June 29 and added another vs. Charleston on Tuesday. Granted, the Open Cup competition wasn't at the level of MLS, but both goals were quality, including a sliding redirect of Duncan Oughton's cross against the Battery.
"I could have gone in and banged it myself, but Steve busted his butt to get back post," Oughton said. "You've got to reward a good run. It was a no-brainer to get it across to him."
The relentless work rate is the trademark of both forwards.
"When Steve starts he wears down defenders, and I come in and have a little more space," Garey said. "I try to do the same thing, wear down defenders then he or Emilio comes in and really causes problems."
Garey got the deciding goal against Chicago last Saturday with a determined run down the middle and a diving header off Eddie Gaven's assist. He has started the past two league games.
"We both have a strong work ethic, and we want the team to do well," Lenhart said. "We also want each other to do well. I'm in his camp. I want him to score every time he's on the field. It means our team is doing well."
Coach Robert Warzycha has full confidence in each, even when they aren't scoring.
"Sometimes you have a forward that is doing a good job," he said. "He doesn't score a goal, but he does enough running and other stuff that the other guys get open. That's why sometimes a forward isn't scoring goals, but we keep him on the field.
"Every time they step on the field they give 100 percent," he added. "Sometimes they don't score the goals, but the attitude is good."
However, his life would be easier if they regularly found the back of the net.
"You can't go 15 games without a goal," Warzycha said. "You don't have to score to be on the field to play but for only one or two games. A forward has to score goals."
Lenhart said he's never wavered in his abilities, even though it's been May 1 at Seattle since his lone MLS goal this season.
"I can't have my confidence based on whether I'm scoring or not," he said. "Obviously I want to score and I want to put myself in position to score but showing up every day and putting in the hard work, that's the stuff that builds my confidence."
As for any controversy as to who should start? Forget about it.
"We have a good relationship," Garey said. "Whichever of us is in there is going to do a good job, and if he gets tired, the next guy is going to come in and be even more of a problem.
"We have a great time playing together. Right now we're not playing together, but we're still getting results. You can't argue with getting results no matter who's playing."


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The Seamless Old Cobblestone Wall Textures can be bought online from the SL Market Shop or from our inworld main store at MDM Moon.
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Thursday, 16 June 2011
Being quiet
I even stopped knitting for a while but I do have a few photos of some finishes and half finishes to show you like this dragonfly sock that I finished this afternoon
this no-purl monkey that I finished ages ago but haven't got round to photographing
my finished PAIR of tadpoles - that I've even worn - and they're lovely!
(I make a point about the fact that I've worn them as they are the only pair of socks that I have finished this year that have actually made it anywhere near a pair of feet - I think I just enjoy the knitting process and don't actually need to wear any of my finished items - bizarre)
and a Hitchhiker scarf that was going so well until I realised I was going to get some really long rows to knit.........
I cast on another mystery sock with this lovely hand-dye and gorgeous beads
but unlike Mrs Moogs, I got totally sick of it part way through the second clue and frogged it with glee! Lesley's finished socks are lovely but mine were never going to work out.
I've also bought some more, specially dyed for me, Ring-a-Rosie handpainted sock yarn in a lovely turquoise that I'm planning on keeping until our holiday in Scotland.
We've had two little Lockets' birthdays in the last couple of weeks which have been fun
And my other main focus of attention over the last couple of months has been good old Slimming World so I am now food obsessed but successfully so as I have lost 1 stone 3lbs in 9 weeks - shame there's another 4 stone to go ;o)
Now the reason for this post is to ask your opinion
Should I frog this sock???
I absolutely love the hand-dyed yarn that Quinn sent me, and I like the look of the sock, and I've nearly finished the first one, but I hate the actual knitting of the pattern - it just doesn't work for me at all and I really want to put Quinn's beautiful yarn to the best possible use.
I think I have pretty much decided to rip it out - partly because I have already cast on a Tadpole with the other half of the yarn! Now that's a much nicer pattern to knit.
I could always have odd socks though, couldn't I, matching wool but different patterns?
14 comments:
- Gina said...
Lovely to see you back Lucy. Lots of fabulous socks... I actually like the pattern on the green socks (though it's probably too late by the sound of things). Happy birthday to those little Lockets.
- 16 June 2011 at 18:48
- French Knots said...
Good to hear from you, well done for loosing so much weight. Think of the pounds you have lost rather than how many more you have to go. xx
- 16 June 2011 at 21:00
- Suzie Sews At DOTTY RED said...
wow, over a stone, you go girl. Oh and as for the sock, I couldn't bear to frog, its physically hurts me, it looks so pretty too....
- 16 June 2011 at 23:08
- Jodie said...
Hi Lucy, nuice to hear your news. I am with you on the slimming part- with a looong way to go. I can't offer any knitting advice-they all look great to me!
- 17 June 2011 at 00:24
- Annie said...
Frogs, and tadpoles . . . socks . . . knitting . . . all another language to me, but great to hear from you Lucy. I too am on the weight loss plan. So far I've lost 2.9kg but still a long way to go. One day at a time hey!
- 17 June 2011 at 03:58
- Thimbleanna said...
Oooh, wouldn't that be a fun idea -- matching wool socks with different patterns. And whaddya mean you haven't been doing much -- you've accomplished way more than I have in the last few months (this kitchen re-do is for the birds!) It's wonderful to see you back, I hope you won't be gone quite so long next time!
Oh -- and Happy Belateds to the cute little Lockets!
- 17 June 2011 at 04:04
- Leanne said...
Good to hear from you. I could do with some lovely knitted socks it is freezing here at the moment. Well done on the weight loss. I have just lost 17 kilos. Now not to put it back on urrrrrrrr.
- 17 June 2011 at 08:59
- Ali said...
I wonder if anyone would notice the mismatched yet matching socks? I think you should try it and see!
Am v impressed with your weight loss - I was good all the way into the 'Ideal'zone of the Wii and then congratulated myself by eating whatever I pleased again. Sigh, just not designed to be skinny I guess.
- 17 June 2011 at 13:01
- ladydi said...
So good to hear from you, Lucy! I like the idea of mismatched yet matching socks. I sometimes wonder if the amputee unit at a hospital would like sock donations from people who don't want to knit the second one. I can never remember what a stone is, and had to look it up (again). Good for you! I am participating in the endless battle of keeping off the 48 pounds it took me eight years to lose. :>}
- 17 June 2011 at 13:13
- julie said...
NIce to see you here again and catch up with all of your news. You've been very busy on the sock front - I'm a little jealous here as I just can't seem to handle socks - all that knitting in the round still scares the pants off me! You always seem to pick the perfect yarn for your socks and they all look lovely - if you want to frog and turn that one into a tadpole (sounds funny!) then you go for it - otherwise it might be quite fun to have different patterned ones in the same yarn, like Anna says. Belated happy birthday to the getting-bigger Lockets. Like Daisy, Amy is so excited about senior school in september. Unfortunately they don't do a summer school or she'd be there like a shot! Lastly, well done on your weight loss - that's pretty impressive! Don't go to far and loose your cuddly quality though!
It's nice having you around again, you leave a significant gap when you're not around and I often wonder what you're up to. Wishing you lots of lovely relaxing knitting and peaceful, fun times over the summer, keep in touch when you're able, J xxx
- 18 June 2011 at 11:39
- Moogsmum said...
Hello Locket!!
Happy birthdays to Daisy and Fred. Monster is looking forward to secondary school too and Minx is looking forward to year 6 as her year 5 teacher is turning out to be more than a bit of a nightmare!
I love the idea of odd matching socks. Is it too late or have you already frogged? Maybe the adventure socks would be good in that lovely green?
Well done on that fantastic weight loss :o) I'm right there with you, although I seem to be going a lot slower than you!
- 18 June 2011 at 21:27
Happy birthday to the little Lockets. I think odd matching socks would be cool and a fashion statement. Bella starts high school in September too - time flies. Well done on the weight loss - I've lost, and then stalled. I really need to get back on with the losing.
- 18 June 2011 at 23:28
- Helen said...
Lovely to see you yesterday Lucy, a gorgeous slimmer you!!
- 20 June 2011 at 08:33
- Twiggy said...
Well done on the weight loss Lucy. Happy Birthday Little Lockets (although they are not so little:)
Your socks are fab, keep up the good work.
Twiggy x
PS Hope you enjoy your hols as much as we did !!!
- 20 June 2011 at 20:09


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Spot Festival took place in Aarhus, Denmark, from May 21 to 23 2009
The eagle-eyed amongst you will notice a recurring theme: Scandinavian bands and festivals getting themselves noticed.
Because, while our economy is speeding to hell in a handcart, up north they are still enjoying generous state backing for music; while British bankers are staring tearfully down at the Thames from the middle of London Bridge, Danish bacon-makers are bringing home the Krones which allow Music Export Denmark to put on flash showcases like this.
Think of SPOT as the Danish CMJ or Great Escape. In its 15th year, SPOT is small, but offers dozens of new Nordic bands in several venues around pretty Aarhus.
But why should we care about Danish music? Well past SPOTs have launched the careers of Mew, Efterklang and (drum roll) Junior Senior. So DiS went to see examine the next wave of Viking invaders. What we discovered was a friendly festival in a cute little town.
DiS' Discovery of the weekend Giana Factory @ Outdoor Stage
So fresh they weren't even listed in the programme, Giana Factory could be the next great Danes. During the course of their short set DiS was asked in Danish by no less than three people who this exciting, unbilled band on stage was. Well either that or they were asking me the time.
Copenhagen-based, Giana Factory are a quartet led by Loui Foo - sister of The Raveonettes' Sharin Foo. Loui's vocal is brooding and bellowing like her sister's, but Giana Factory's sound is far more dense and layered than The Raveonettes' stripped-down rock 'n' roll. GF crackle with Joy Division's dark intropsection, but also bash synthesisers to create Eighties stadium stomps.
The quartet's first ever gig was supporting dour Scots Glasvegas at Copenhagen's legendary Vega, and their debut album is being produced by techno star Trentemoller. Despite their lack of songs at this stage, it all comes together to make this unsigned bunch of achingly cool kids look like they'll have A&R men sniffing round them as soon as they set foot on British soil.
Pick of the rest
Le Corps Mince De Francoise @ Musichuset Aarhus
Like a long slug on a sugary drink, these three Finnish femmes fatales proffer sweet and stimulating nu-rave bangers which they yell over the top of. The feisty trio may peek out nervously from behind hipster fringes, but seem to be having fun at all times.
Video: Le Corps Mince De Francoise: 'Cool And Bored'
Emiliana Torrini @ Musichuset Aarhus
This Icelandic angel (pictured, top) fills a packed main auditorium at the Music House with her breathtaking voice. The ex-Gus Gus songstress is criticised in some quarters for having gone bland on us of late, but her tonsils still pack a punch, despite the naysayers' grumbles.
Slagsmalsklubben @ Train
In Swedish, their name means Fight Club, and this hyperactive sextet of geeks are forced to battle against duff sound at Train. But their pumped-up Hot Chip schtick is incredibly enjoyable, gets a packed room of local kids jumping, and is all the more remarkable for being made almost entirely on old analogue machines.
Turbo Weekend @ Voxhall
Dark dance-rock dudes Turbo Weekend proffer slices of doom-laden grunge with synthesised beeps and drumloops jutting out at right angles. As a Nine Inch Nails support band, we could see them excelling.
Diefenbach @ Voxhall
Diefenbach thought their moment might have come when they tried to crack Britain in 2004 with a Wall Of Sound album, Run Trip Wall. That didn't exactly work, but they haven't given up and they still mine the rich seem occupied by Doves and South.
Wildcard of the weekend
Je M'Appelle Mads @ Train
Imagine Tim Harrington and the weedy drummer from Les Savy Fav performing songs that would soundtrack the end credits to Eurotrash. These two plonkers (one fat, one thin) are primetime Danish TV comics who change leotards between each song, bare their backsides, and despite having the same exactly amount of musical prowess as Gary Go, provide us with 20 minutes of belly laughs.
Foto: Steffen Jørgensen / www.photo.jint.dk / Gaffa Magazine


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"Battle of the Badges," Women's Basketball Vs. Dartmouth Highlight Daylong Slate
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Yale University Athletic Department will host its fourth-annual Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone event on Saturday, Feb. 12, at Payne Whitney Gymnasium.
The festivities begin with the annual "Battle of the Badges" competition, a bench press fundraiser to beat breast cancer, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Payne Whitney Gymnasium Fitness Center.
The event will consist of teams of three, with each participant in the competition bench-pressing a percentage of his or her body weight. The team posting the most total repetitions will be declared the winner. One division will be exclusively comprised of police, fire and emergency medical personnel, who will compete for the right to call themselves the 2011 "Battle of the Badges" Champions. There will also be an open division, which will feature several teams comprised of Yale football players and other Yale Athletics personnel, and a fraternity and sorority division.
At 1 p.m., the Yale gymnastics squad will host the Bulldog Invitational, featuring Springfield College and Temple, in the John J. Lee Amphitheater.
Also at 1 p.m., the men's and women's swimming and diving teams will host Brown in the Kiphuth Exhibition Pool in the final home meet of the season.
The Pink Zone event schedule will culminate with Ivy League women's basketball action as the Yale women's basketball team plays host to rival Dartmouth in the John J. Lee Amphitheater at 7 p.m.
Admission to the game is free, but fans are encouraged to wear pink. PinkZone T-shirts, along with pink cupcakes, lemonade, and cotton candy will be for sale.
A raffle and a silent auction will be offered throughout the day, with many chances to win great prizes to support this important cause.
All proceeds from the entire schedule of events will benefit breast cancer research at the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven.
Each season, the Yale Athletic Department is dedicated to the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone initiative.
The WBCA began the Pink Zone initiative, formerly known as "Think Pink," in 2007 as a way to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses and in communities. Kay Yow, former North Carolina State University head women's basketball coach, served as the catalyst for the initiative after her third reoccurrence of breast cancer in 2006.
Breast Cancer is the second-leading cause of death for all women and the leading overall cause of death among women between the ages of 20 and 59. These alarming statistics, among others, inspired 120 schools to participate in the initiative in its inaugural season. Since 2007, the WBCA Pink Zone has grown exponentially. In 2008, over 1,200 teams and organizations participated, reaching over 830,000 fans and raising over $930,000 for breast cancer awareness and research. The 2009 campaign raised over $1.3 million, reached over 912,000 fans, unified more than 1,600 participating teams and organizations, and saw 56+ schools break attendance records at their event. In 2010, over 1,800 participants came together to surpass $1,045,000 in donations and reached more than 922,000 fans across the nation. Over 22 schools broke attendance records through their participation.
Overall, the WBCA Pink Zone has raised nearly $3.3 million, has reached almost 2.7 million fans, and has unified over 4,700 participants in only four years. The WBCA's charity of choice is the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, in partnership with the WBCA and The V Foundation. The WBCA strongly encourages all donations from Pink Zone games to be given to this Fund.
Coach Yow, who lost her long battle with breast cancer in January 2009, established the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund that, in partnership with the V Foundation, has grown to encompass the WBCA Pink Zone initiative. To quote the legendary head coach:
"Despite all the games that I have coached and all the great opponents that I have battled on the court, breast cancer has by far been the toughest opponent that I have faced. My hope is that this funding will help to change the lives of many men and women who face this opponent daily. Cancer is something that touches everyone's life, and it is important to understand that we call can make a difference. Each of you can be a part of finding an answer. Join me today, and let's beat cancer once and for all!"
Did You Know?
- Excluding cancers of the skin, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer among women. Today, approximately 1 in almost every 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
- The risk of breast cancer increases as a woman grows older. During 2002-2006, 95% of new cases and 97% of breast cancer deaths occurred in women aged 40 and older.
- During 2002-2006, the median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis was 61 years. This means that 50% of women who developed breast cancer were age 61 or younger at the time of diagnosis.
- In 2010, it was estimated that there would be 207,090 new cases of breast cancer in women and 1,970 cases of breast cancer in men. Of these, an estimated 39,840 women and 390 men will die from the disease.
- The best available method to detect breast cancer early is a mammography screening.
Please join the Yale University Athletic Department and the WBCA in continuing to raise awareness and support breast cancer research. In order to build upon the success year after year we need all the help we can get. Please visit www.wbca.org to find out how you, your school, your community or your organization can be involved in the movement that has been embraced by so many.
Report filed by Jon Erickson Jr., Yale Sports Publicity


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NM Tech Names Top Engineering Students, March 7, 2006
by George Zamora
SOCORRO, N.M., March 6, 2006 – New Mexico Tech has named its top engineering students of 2006. Korrie E. Collins, a a senior majoring in mechanical engineering was named "Engineering Student of the Year." Two runners-up were named: Antonio D. Chavarria, an environmental engineering major, and Nathan Goulding, a computer science and electrical engineering major.
Korrie Collins is a graduate of Albuquerque's Eldorado High School and the daughter of Michael and Janet Collins of Albuquerque.
Collins currently attends the university on numerous prestigious scholarships, including the New Mexico Tech Silver Scholarship, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) New Mexico Section Scholarship, the Chevron Scholarship, and the New Mexico Lottery Success Scholarship.
In addition to her studies and related class work, Collins serves as the student representative at mechanical engineering faculty meetings and has developed a student forum for New Mexico Tech's Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Over the past few years, she also has helped design and build four Rube Goldberg devices as team projects entered in the university's annual Engineering Weekend. Three of those devices have gone on to win first place at the associated design competitions.
When she's not busy attending classes, studying, or involved in engineering design projects at New Mexico Tech, Collins says she enjoys swimming and competing in water polo.
Collins also is an active volunteer at Albuquerque's Roadrunner Food Bank and Project Share.
Collins currently serves as president of the New Mexico Tech chapter of ASME and is a member of the Tau Beta Pi national engineering honor society.
Antonio D. Chavarria, a graduate of Gallup High School, is now concurrently enrolled as both a senior and graduate student majoring in environmental engineering. He is the son of Julio and Maria Chavarria of Gallup.
In previous semesters, Chavarria has consistently been named to the university's prestigious Academic Honor Roll for his demonstrated academic excellence in the classroom.
In addition to his studies and related class work, Chavarria currently works as a research assistant with New Mexico Tech environmental engineering professor Frank Huang on an ongoing research project on enzymatic treatment of bio-film membrane fouling on reverse osmosis systems.
When he's not busy attending classes, studying, or conducting research at New Mexico Tech, Chavarria says he enjoys singing and strumming his guitar, mountain biking, and playing soccer.
Chavarria also currently serves as the vice president of the Tech Environmental Engineering Club and is a member of the local chapter of the Tau Beta Pi national engineering honor society.
Nathan R. Goulding, a graduate of Albuquerque's La Cueva High School, is the son of Robert and Barbara Goulding of Albuquerque.
In previous years, Goulding was named a recipient of the university's prestigious Macey Scholarship and Student Appreciation Award, and was designated a New Mexico Tech Scholar for his demonstrated academic excellence in the classroom.
In addition to his studies and related class work, Goulding currently works as a peer facilitator for New Mexico Tech's Advising Resource Center and has previously worked for the Institute for Complex Additive Systems Analysis (ICASA), a specialized research division of the university.
When he's not busy attending classes, studying, or conducting research at New Mexico Tech, Goulding says he enjoys rock climbing or mountain biking.
"I love it here," he says.
Goulding also serves as chairperson for the university's student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and is president of the local chapter of the Tau Beta Pi national engineering honor society.


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I'm starting a small web design shop. We does not have much money so we would like to keep our costs as low as possible.
All we need is a @ourcompany.com mail address and a few web pages to showcase our work and we are looking at Google Apps which gives enough functionality for us. However, to verify ownership of the domain to google apps, there are 2 possible ways:
- Upload a file with special name to tell google that we have access.
- Change a CNAME record to point to google.com to show that we do control the domain.
Both methods require a internet-facing machine with a fixed IP in which we have none.
So we are looking at free DNS services like zoneedit.com and such... which seems promising but we are concerned about security/reliability issues. So I thought I'd ask here first.
Do you recommends using a free DNS hosting and if so or if not, why?


text:
VTRF results from the accumulation of station coordinates from the combined normal equations of any 24h session since 1984 of six IVS Analysis Centers.
The VTRF is a quarterly product of the IVS Combination Center that aims to provide the most up-to-date station coordinates possible to the user. The VTRF contains station positions and velocities of new stations and stations that underwent displacements. This occurs as soon as enough observations in order to allow a reliable estimation of its (new) station position have been performed. Through this, the VTRF fills the gap between the current ITRF by publishing a new version of the VTRF four times a year.
Quality control of the estimated station coordinates and their associated velocities is carried out with respect to the ITRF. Plots and tables with the residual differences in position and velocity are available, as well as the applied transformation parameters for all available VTRF.
The VTRF can be downloaded directly from the website.
An interactive tool allows the user to enable and disable every station, and to recompute the transformation parameters using only the selected stations.