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Forest Plantations and a Vision for Restoring the ForestsConference/Workshop Report
David G. Victor
March 2003
As the world ponders how to stem the loss of our forests, it is crucial to articulate visions of the future that are feasible and desirable. For forests, especially, change is slow. Goals are needed to help orient our actions today and to focus hope, where it merits, on the real levers that can spare and restore forests.


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The Gap Featuring Tops & Bottoms
In the event that you were somehow under the misapprehension that The Gap was merely a large retailer specializing in trendy clothing produced in sweatshops, allow me to enlighten you on the gap of which I truly speak: The Wage Gap. Yesterday, the Center for Economic and Policy Research issued a press release in response to a proposal to raise the federal minimum wage:
The federal minimum wage is at its lowest point in 50 years. Congress has not raised the minimum wage in a decade. As of December 2006, this will be the longest time Congress has ever gone without raising the minimum wage.
According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, increasing the federal minimum wage to $7.25 per hour over the next 26 months — as proposed by Sen. Edward Kennedy in an amendment to the Department of Defense Authorization bill — would raise the annual earnings of the average full-time, full-year, minimum-wage worker by $1,520.
Raising the minimum wage is only the first step in helping families to make ends meet. First, it is important to recognize that a substantial share of minimum wage workers are adults making significant contributions to the total family income. In the early 2000s, fewer than one-in-five minimum wage workers was under the age of 20 and half were between ages 25 and 54. In 2002, minimum wage workers earned an average of 68 percent of their total family income. [full text and graph]
Of course, as noted by the Center for Policy Alternatives, "[a]n individual who works full-time at the current minimum wage earns about $10,700 a year—$5,900 below the 2006 poverty line for a family of three, and $9,300 below the poverty line for a family of four.� Thus, even with an increase to $7.25/hour, the minimum wage will still fail to be a living wage for a great many families. Now, contrast this data with what's happening on the other end of the economic spectrum, as reported this past April by Derrick Z. Jackson in the Boston Globe:
AS TREASURY SECRETARY John Snow meandered through his thoughts about the pay gap between CEOs and workers, it brought back memories of 1992 when the first President Bush toured a mock-up of a grocery checkout counter, watched a carton of milk, a lightbulb, and some candy ring up via a scanner and said about the technology, "This is for checking out?"
The scanner came to mind because, as the average American worker watches corporate America slash pensions and healthcare, as the average American has seen real wages decline in the last quarter century, and as the average American family has to work harder to maintain the standard of living it inherited, Snow talked about this as if it were not much of a problem.
He told Globe reporters and editors yesterday that the pay gap was symbolic of the nation's "aspirational" compensation system, a star system in which, for example, top baseball players are paid $30 million. But he thinks that the US economy shows there is still plenty of trickle-down money to go around, making our country one that still "shares the spoils of the game…."
All we are left with is our aspirations in a game where the average share of the American dream is being spoiled. The Institute for Policy Studies and United for a Fair Economy, the two liberal think tanks that annually chart the gap between CEOs and workers, currently list the gap at 431-to-1, or $11.8 million to $27,460. That compares with a gap of 107-to-1 in 1990. If salaries of the average worker had kept up with that of a CEO, he or she would be making $110,136. Had the minimum wage risen at the same pace as CEO compensation, it would stand today at $23.01. The federal minimum wage of $5.15 has not risen since 1997.
In 1980, the gap was only 42-to-1. Where the spoils go are quite clear. According to 2005 federal data from the Congressional Budget Office, the share of America's income that went to the highest 20 percent of households increased from 45.5 percent in 1979 to 52.2 percent in 2003. The remaining 80 percent of American households all saw their share of the nation's income drop.
The higher you go in that top 20 percent, the more the rise in their share of the income. The top 1 percent of Americans saw their share of America's income zoom from 9.3 percent in the last quarter century to 14.3 percent. The top 10 percent saw their share go from 30.5 percent to 37.2 percent.
How Snow thinks that 10 percent of Americans holding 37 percent of the income represents a sharing of the spoils is checkout-counter economics. His claim falls especially short considering that 46 of the nation's 275 largest companies, according to the Institute for Policy Studies, the United for a Fair Economy, and another liberal think-tank, Citizens for Tax Justice, paid no federal income tax in 2003. Eighty-two of the largest 275 companies paid no federal income tax at some point during 2001-2003 as the current President Bush cut taxes for the wealthy. [full text]
In case you were curious, Gap, Inc.—which is currently ranked 139th among the Fortune 500 companies—did apparently pay federal income taxes during the aforementioned time period. Don't you feel better now? So what if this country would prefer to wage war rather than war about wages and inequality. So what if some 37 million Americans and nearly 18 percent of all children in this country are living in poverty. So what if a sizable number (1/3 to 1/2) of those seeking emergency food assistance are among the working poor. Let them eat cake.
Moms Wanted — Fantasy Salary Range: 85K to 134K
Perhaps this will provide consolation for moms and dads who are feeling underappreciated and devalued for the time they spend with their little ones.Salary.com has a breakdown of what mothers (or fathers) would be paid if they were to be paid for all the various jobs they do in their role of parenting their children.
MSM Lovefest over Blogs May Be Ending Soon
And at the Projo, I'm not sure the lovefest ever really got started. References to blogs are few and far between in the Projo, so imagine my surprise when I found today's column by Froma Harrop, in which she warns Ned Lamont of the great evils that will befall him should he drink too heavily from the martini fountain of the liberal blogosphere.
Blogs are doing a great many things to affect modern communication. They offer an unprecedented diversity of voices for the avid reader. They also offer an amazing diversity of emphasis, with their writers often blending their professional and personal life into their own unique brand of citizen journalism. I would also argue that blogs are changing our language, that new words are being introduced at a faster rate, and that *punctuation in writing* is being taken in all sorts of new directions. Finally, blogs are about passion. Most of us are not doing it because it's our job and if we don't we won't get paid. We're doing it because we honest-to-beeswax care.
In politics, Blogger Cenk Uygar argues that blogs are a leading indicator of where the country is likely heading. The problem as indicators go is that blogs tend to be way ahead of the trend, so that most people think they sound kind of "out there" when they are often telling people something that they will eventually come to believe. From Cenk Uygar:
Currently, the political blogs are seen as agitators and outsiders. That's true now. But that doesn't mean it will stay true through all of time. In fact, not only do blogs have a bright future, but they are an indication of what the future might hold for the whole political system.
People who read blogs are among the most politically educated people in the country. They care to know what's happening in current events and politics. So, they knew there was no link between Al Qaeda and Iraq well before the general population. Not because they were privy to some secret information, but because they cared to find out right away.
The facts always catch up to the American people. But sometimes it takes awhile. Bush didn't earn his 30% approval rating over the last year and a half, he did that in the last five and a half years. It just took awhile for the general population to catch up to what the bloggers and blog readers already knew about.
Because blogs are relatively small and new to the scene, they are the classic Cassandras of their time — an army of independent thinkers who are often perceptive enough to portend the future, with the tragic fate of not being listened to or believed. I distinctly remember telling a friend, a school teacher, about how we were publishing an article on fuel cells in the second issue of Kmareka back in July 2002. I told her that the country would be moving toward alternative fuels. She laughed and said, "You're kidding, right?" I wasn't. And while fuel cells for cars are not on the market yet, look for ethanol to be coming to a gas station near you very soon.
While some of the lefty blogs have shrill, angry moments (a side effect of being a Cassandra), another significant thing that blogs do is reject the mainstream media as the best source for accurate information about politics. This means politicians of every stripe get scrutinized. Even the shrillest lefty blogs show little loyalty to the Democrats as a whole, and are often willing to criticize sleazy Dems and Dems who have abandoned positions consistent with the basic principles of the party.
So that Froma Harrop is suggesting that blogs are a dangerous medium with which to associate yourself as a political candidate is the kind of thinking that many old school consultants to Democratic party are likely telling candidates like Sheldon Whitehouse and Ned Lamont. The natural tendency of people to be wary of change corroborates their argument. But the larger story is that blogs are here and they're here to stay. Why? Because they serve a marketable function that the mainstream corporate media does not.
Harrop's piece suggests that bloggers have a lot of weight to throw around in the world of politics, and this may not be a good thing for Dems. John Dickerson at Slate begs to differ, suggesting that blogs should not believe the hype that the mainstream media has put them through for the past few years. From John Dickerson at Slate:
It's not in bloggers' short-term interest to knock down the story of their own throw-weight, but it may be to their long-term benefit. Not only do bloggers lose standing as critics if they stop being critical, but insufficient wariness will lead to an inevitable messy breakup. Media infatuations never last. When expectations get too high, the press reverses itself, because one of the laws of journalism is that the story has to change. In this case, political reporters will turn on bloggers if the promised revolution doesn't materialize in the form of a Democratic sweep in the midterms. We are probably just under five months away from a wave of coverage positing that bloggers weren't that powerful after all. After we build up the Markos regime, we will help to tear it down.
Aw, Rats!
It was only a matter of time before scientists tackled the problem of why gutter rats like Tom DeLay, Karl Rove, Bill O'Reilly, and Rush Limbaugh (to name just a few) thrive while more clean-living folks seem to do less well. AP science writer Seth Borenstein reports on a pair of recent studies suggesting that cleanliness may be next to godliness but not necessarily healthiness:
Rat Study Shows Dirty Better Than Clean
Gritty rats and mice living in sewers and farms seem to have healthier immune systems than their squeaky clean cousins that frolic in cushy antiseptic labs, two studies indicate. The lesson for humans: Clean living may make us sick.
The studies give more weight to a 17-year-old theory that the sanitized Western world may be partly to blame for soaring rates of human allergy and asthma cases and some autoimmune diseases, such as Type I diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The theory, called the hygiene hypothesis, figures that people's immune systems aren't being challenged by disease and dirt early in life, so the body's natural defenses overreact to small irritants such as pollen.
The new studies, one of which was published Friday in the peer reviewed Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, found significant differences in the immune systems between euthanized wild and lab rodents.
When the immune cells in the wild rats are stimulated by researchers, "they just don't do anything they sit there; if you give them same stimulus to the lab rats, they go crazy," said study co-author Dr. William Parker, a Duke University professor of experimental surgery. He compared lab rodents to more than 50 wild rats and mice captured and killed in cities and farms.
Also, the wild mice and rats had as much as four times higher levels of immunoglobulins, yet weren't sick, showing an immune system tuned to fight crucial germs, but not minor irritants, Parker said. He said what happened in the lab rats is what likely occurs in humans: their immune systems have got it so cushy they overreact to the smallest of problems. more…
Who'd've thunk it? I'm living in the immunological equivalent of a gated community. So how come the neighborhood's in such disrepair and the place is looking more and more like a police state?
Red, White, And Blue Displays
When confronted with a potential threat to their status or territory, alpha male primates will typically seek to assert their dominance by, in effect, strutting their stuff and putting on a show, i.e., engaging in ritualized behavior that is highly demonstrative and largely symbolic. Consider the following case examples:
Vervet monkeys are diurnal and gregarious. Within the troops there is a clear order of dominance with an Alpha male as leader. Rank-order within the troop is maintained by threat and skill. Eyelid display as a threat gesture is common among Vervet monkeys….Head bobbing or jerking is another warning gesture….
An interesting form of display is the penile display made by adult and sub-adult male Vervets to one another. Although variations occur, usually one male approaches another which is seated, stands bipedal in front of him with his inguinal region directed toward, and close to the seated male's face. Sometimes the displayer has a penile erection throughout the encounter. Occasionally grooming follows this display. Only dominant Vervets display this behavior and it's significance is to show off his potency and leadership.
The dominant male also holds his tail erect while pacing back and forth displaying his red peri-anus, his blue scrotum and the white medial strip of fur extending between the peri-anus and the scrotum. The subordinate male responds to this display by sitting hunched or crouching and uttering a series of specific grunts and squawks.
In a vote charged with election-year politics, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a symbolic resolution on Friday that wrapped the Iraq conflict into the war on terrorism and rejected a deadline for U.S. troop withdrawal. The House voted 256-153 for the resolution that sparked two days of bitter debate as Republicans sought to depict Democrats as weak on terrorism, while Democrats decried President George W. Bush's policies that they said led to chaos in Iraq and detracted from the fight against al Qaeda.
The Senate Judiciary Committee gave a nod Thursday to a constitutional amendment to protect the Amer ican flag from desecration, moving the proposal to the Senate floor, where vote-counters on both sides say it could be within one vote of passing. The committee's 11-7 vote sent the amendment to the floor. Majority Leader Bill Frist, Republican of Tennessee, has said the measure will get a Senate vote this month. The amendment will be considered during the patriotic season between this week's Flag Day and the Fourth of July, and its substance and timing are designed to appeal to veterans during this year of midterm elections.
What more is there to say? The monkeys are in charge of the zoo.
The Rules are the Rules — Unless You're Judge Napolitano
One of our Democratic candidates for Mayor in Cranston is showing his true colors, it seems:
The rules are the rules. They are supposed apply to everyone. But one Cranston man is arguing: It depends who you are.
NBC 10's Margie O'Brien reported that David Mignacca has a huge gripe with a candidate for mayor.
"I'm not going to vote for the guy who made my kids cry," Mignacca said.
Mike Napolitano was part of a group that forced the Mignaccas to remove Sonny, their son's pet horse, from their property five years ago.
The group said the miniature horse violated rule No. 8 in the Ridgewood Homeowners Association rulebook.
"If he felt as though it was so important to be part of this group that enforced this chapter on no animals, then why does he not feel it to be equally important from him to abide by the chapter previous to it — seven — that says, 'Signs. No signs of any kind shall be displayed?'" Mignacca said.
Rule No. 7 on the deed clearly says no signs except for temporary "for sale" signs.
But right on the front lawn of Napolitano's house is a political sign.
"I'm following the rules as far as the interpretation goes," Napolitano said.
But the language of the homeowners' agreement is clear, O'Brien reported. The state Supreme Court used the same language to rule that Sonny had to go.
Napolitano is counting on the founding fathers to justify his argument for why the sign should stay.
"There's a First Amendment constitutional right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression to put up signs," Napolitano said.
"What's good for the geese is good for the gander," Mignacca said.
So, while Sonny is living down the street on a farm, the sign remains.
"I will keep my signs up," Napolitano said.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to Mr. Napolitano, including Cindy Fogarty and Allan Fung, both of whom have served diligently on the Cranston City Council for 4 years and have a wealth of knowledge of what is going on in city, what solutions have worked, and where the sticking points are.
Regards to Cranston2 whose post alerted me to this.
UPDATE: According to Channel 10, Napolitano has now taken the signs down.
Stop the Assault on Privacy in Rhode Island
From Geoff Schoos, lawyer and Democratic candidate for Rhode Island State Senate:
On June 1, 2006, the Rhode Island State Senate, without comment or debate, and without one dissenting vote, passed S-2450 entitled "An Act Relating to Public Utilities and Carriers.� This seemingly innocuous bill poses a clear and distinct threat to the privacy rights of all Rhode Islanders.
If enacted into law, this legislation would permit any "government entity� to obtain the "name, address, local and long-distance telephone connection records, or records of session times and durations, telephone or instrument number or other subscriber number or identity including any temporarily assigned network address, length of service (including start date), and means and sources of payment for such service (including any credit card or bank account number), of a subscriber to, or customer of, such service when the governmental entity uses an administrative subpoena authorized by the superintendent of the state police, a chief of police, or the attorney general.�
As defined in the legislation, the term "types of service utilized� includes information concerning the actual provision of electronic communication service or remote computing service such as cable, modem, dial-up, digital subscriber line, but does not include content based information that would otherwise be subject to a state or federal search warrant.
From the language of the bill and the lack of any discussion by any state senator, I would have to conclude that the state senate has determined that a person's privacy interests do not attach to one's bank account, credit card number, telephone number, internet use, records of telephone calls, or any other subscriber information.
The legislation passed by the state senate expands the scope and power of a statute already in effect. R.I.G.L. § 39-2-20 requires carriers to "disclose to the attorney general, or any assistant attorney general specially designated by the attorney general or any chief of police, the director of the statewide fugitive task force or the superintendent of state police the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons to whom nonpublished service is furnished upon written certification …� (italics added for emphasis) that the information is necessary for the investigation of or prosecution of criminal violations of the laws of Rhode Island.
Compare the existing statute with S-2450: the statute permits a limited grant of power to specific government officials to obtain limited information on persons certified to be targets of a criminal investigation or a criminal prosecution. The senate bill permits any governmental entity, without any certification of any kind, to obtain information beyond the scope of a customer's usage of a carrier's service.
This ambiguous and overbroad grant of power to a "government entity� is rife with the potential for abuse. For example, just what is a governmental entity – is it a state or local entity? For what purpose is this information obtained? Why is it necessary to obtain credit information and bank account numbers and how will that information be used? The senate bill never says.
Perhaps the most egregious part of the legislation is that the primary means for gathering information for use in an investigation is the issuance of an administrative subpoena. There is no requirement that a search warrant, based on probable cause and approved by a neutral third party magistrate be issued and properly served in order to obtain the desired information.
Moreover, in S-2450, there is no provision for any third party review of the facts to determine whether there is any basis to invade the privacy of a customer's telephone and internet records. Rather, the senate bill permits law enforcement officials to authorize the issuance of an administrative subpoena. But, permitting law enforcement officials to act in an "oversight� capacity is misleading – these same law enforcement officials are most likely going to be involved, in some manner, with any investigation being conducted by the "government entity.� In other words, law enforcement officials are charged with the responsibility of determining the merits and legality of their own investigations. That is blatant bootstrapping and stands over two hundred and fifty years of developed legal doctrine on its head.
Perhaps most abusive of all is the fact that an administrative subpoena is being used as a substitute for a search warrant. Under Rhode Island's statutory scheme and relevant case law, such subpoenas are issued by administrative agencies pursuant to hearings or disputes that come before them. In such instances, all relevant parties are aware of the dispute and are able to contest the validity of the subpoena. However, under the provisions of S-2450, the true target of any investigation, the telephone or internet customer, may never be aware that his/her records are subpoenaed, let alone have an opportunity to protest the invasion of his/her privacy.
Proponents of S-2450 argue that the legislation is needed because it is too cumbersome to obtain a search warrant through established processes. But, that's the point; the "cumbersome� nature of the process is deliberate and serves as a check on the misuse of governmental authority against the citizens.
The state senate, rather than protecting the public from a possible abuse of governmental power, ignored a citizen's privacy interests and obliterated the requirement that probable cause be determined prior to any seizure of a citizen's papers. And all this without the utterance of one question or the casting of one dissenting vote.
In February, 1761, James Otis of Massachusetts argued in court against the enforcement of writs of assistance that permitted customs officials, without a warrant, to enter the homes of citizens. Otis considered the invasion by government officials of a person's home, and thus his privacy, to be the supreme form of arbitrary government power. It was the argument that Otis made in 1761 that served as the basis for the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution.
Nearly two hundred and fifty years later, the Rhode Island state senate enacted its own version of the old writs of assistance. Rhode Island was the last of the thirteen original states to ratify the Constitution, in part because the original document contained no specific protections against the arbitrary use of government power. The Bill of Rights helped overcome Rhode Island's reluctance to ratify the Constitution, and thus a nation was born. Now, in its zeal to combat crime, the state senate granted government entities broad unspecified powers to conduct investigations.
The state senate would have done well to remember the admonition of Benjamin Franklin: Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.
I urge you to call or email your state representative and fight for your right to privacy.
New Englander Named Poet Laureate
In honor of fellow New Englander, Donald Hall, who remains a strong advocate for freedom of expression, being named the nation's poet laureate, here is a selection of his verse:
To grow old is to lose everything.
Aging, everybody knows it.
Even when we are young,
we glimpse it sometimes, and nod our heads
when a grandfather dies.
Then we row for years on the midsummer
pond, ignorant and content. But a marriage,
that began without harm, scatters
into debris on the shore,
and a friend from school drops
cold on a rocky strand.
If a new love carries us
past middle age, our wife will die
at her strongest and most beautiful.
New women come and go. All go.
The pretty lover who announces
that she is temporary
is temporary. The bold woman,
middle-aged against our old age,
sinks under an anxiety she cannot withstand.
Another friend of decades estranges himself
in words that pollute thirty years.
Let us stifle under mud at the pond's edge
and affirm that it is fitting
and delicious to lose everything.
—Donald Hall
The Wandering Journalist: No Room at the Inn
Last week, The Los Angeles Times announced that it would be laying off an unspecified number of employees — the rumor is 60 editorial staff and 120 employees all together. The Washington Post announced that 70 newsroom staff would be taking early retirements. In other journalism wipe-out news, Time Magazine recently laid off 650 employees. The Village Voice closed its Washington bureau and fired veteran reporter James Ridgeway. And here in Li'l Rhody, several of the local bureaus for the Projo have been consolidated into the home office in Providence. Though I'm not aware of any layoffs at the Projo, you have to wonder if it isn't inevitable.
See a pattern here? Corporate media is struggling to make a profit, and the result is shrinking news capacity. This means — among other things — that journalists will be joining the ranks of the unemployed, or else trying for the ever-elusive blog stardom of the handful of bloggers who make enough money to survive.
It also means that average people have less information advocates doing the hard work of finding out what is happening in our world. That the Rhode Island Senate recently passed legislation to give the police full access to people's phone and internet records without a warrant, and that this fact occurred without any media (that I saw) reporting on it beforehand, might be an indication that our journalists are spread too thin and that we do not have adequate watchdogs in the media alerting the public to what's going on in the General Assembly.
So here's to the blogs, and to the journalists still left at the big media outlets, who face daunting work and the demoralizing reminder that their job security is just a pink slip away.
RI Fights for Privacy: No Snooping Without a Warrant
Yesterday it appeared from the headlines of the Providence Journal that Rhode Island was entering a Twilight Zone of Republican authoritarianism — suddenly we learn that the Senate has already passed legislation that would allow the police to have full access to people's phone and internet records including their credit card numbers without a warrant.
However, it appears that enough people — including the Governor and the ACLU — had the guts to pick up the phone and tell the government that they would appreciate a little respect for the Fourth Amendment. Consequently, this legislation is now being rewritten. However, the rewrite is apparently still going to allow police to get access to people's internet records without a warrant.
Um, NOT ACCEPTABLE!!! Here is the list of all Rhode Island House of Representative email addresses and phone numbers. Time to pick up the phone and talk about privacy with your elected official, before your privacy no longer exists.
From the Projo:
PROVIDENCE — After a barrage of criticism from civil-liberities advocates, the state police yesterday agreed to changes in legislation before the General Assembly so it clearly would not give the police the right to obtain Rhode Islanders' telephone records without a warrant.
But although the state police wanted to press on with a legislative hearing and possible committee vote today, Governor Carcieri intervened, saying he was concerned about civil liberties. By the end of the day, the House leadership put off consideration of the legislation for at least a week.
Carcieri said through a spokesman that he won't support a bill that doesn't address the concerns civil-liberties advocates have raised about the state police proposals.
One state police bill had passed the Senate and was scheduled, with a second similar bill, for hearings and perhaps a vote today in the House Judiciary Committee. But Larry Berman, the leadership spokesman, said, "They haven't been able to work out the language yet." The bills might be considered next week, Berman said.
It wasn't clear yesterday what the legislation will say if it reappears. As written, the two bills from the state police would let any police chief obtain records, including local and long-distance telephone connection records, directly from communications companies, along with records of the time and length of Internet sessions.
The state police said that the original legislation wouldn't include records of conventional phone calls, but lawyers familiar with that area of law flatly contradicted the assertion in an article The Journal published yesterday.
Those lawyers said that the state police bills would actually let any police chief obtain records of customers' calls, including who was called, when and for how long.
Where the police now have to convince a judge that there is probable cause to believe a crime has been or is likely to be committed, the bills include no standards beyond a statement from any of the state's police chiefs that the information was "necessary for an investigation."
The critics said the bills contained no mechanism for keeping track of the demands, or administrative subpoenas, as the bills describe them, and no way for anyone to discover — ever — how many were issued or whose records were the target.
The state police say they need the information in order to discover who owns Internet accounts used to commit fraud and other crimes. They say that getting a warrant is too cumbersome and takes too long (several hours), which undermines their efforts to deal with increasing numbers of complaints about complicated Internet crimes.
Yesterday morning, Maj. Steven O'Donnell said the state police would agree to amending the bills to eliminate the references to telephone calls, but would continue to ask the legislature for permission to obtain customers' Internet records without review by a judge.
Yesterday afternoon, however, Carcieri's press secretary, Jeff Neal, said the governor's concerns go beyond the apparent inclusion of telephone records along with Internet records, and include the lack of oversight, which the American Civil Liberties Union and others have also objected to. Neal said the governor communicated that yesterday to Col. Steven M. Pare, the state police commander.
The legislation had been on the brink of General Assembly approval. Presented as affecting only Internet records, the Senate bill needed only House approval. If the legislation is amended, both houses will have to approve the new language.
Civil-liberties advocates weren't satisfied with the changes said to be under way yesterday, because they would still let any Rhode Island police chief get customers' records from Internet service providers for the asking.
Steven Brown, executive director of the Rhode Island Affiliate of the ACLU, said that without oversight of the police by an outside party, the result would still amount to "the same invasion of privacy" as the original bill, just covering less material.
The issue, meanwhile, was picked up by at least one political campaign.
Carl Sheeler, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, said the legislation "brings us to the brink of a Soviet-style police state." He called the bills "a stain on our constitutional rights of privacy" and said they offer a major opportunity for abuse.
Go Carl! Interestingly, none of our other Senate candidates seem to be able to come up with a response to this outrage. It seems that some of them may have disappeared into cautious-politician-land and won't be reachable again until after the election.
Hat tip to Allhatnocattle.net for the Bush Twilight Zone image.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Maryland health officials say there have now been four heat-related deaths in the state this summer.
This week's report on heat-related illnesses in the state shows the addition of three deaths. The new report lists the death of a Wicomico County woman 65 or older, a Baltimore County man 65 or older and a Baltimore County girl.
Baltimore County police say 16-month-old Sabriya Towels died last week after she was left in a vehicle for several hours. The office of the Medical Examiner ruled that the cause of death was hyperthermia.
Last year, there were 46 confirmed heat-related deaths from May through September in Maryland. Officials say the majority occurred in the wake of the derecho.
35 Skyline DriveLake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: (407) 644-3535News Tips: (866) 55-FOX35


text:
Hello Troops,
Today let's talk about setting up brainstorming sessions. There's lots of chatter back and forth about the usefulness of brainstorming sessions. I am on the Pro-brainstorming side of the argument. I find that done correctly, it is a fast way to help people feel included on your project and you get the benefit of obtaining many points of view. Plus I'm an extrovert so I love the energy and fun and laughing and team building that takes place.
Today I want to walk you through how to pick participants for a brainstorming session. People as me this question a lot so it seemed like a good blog topic.
This summary describes the types of people that you should think about inviting to an open BLUE SKY anything is possible we're looking for thousands of ideas type of brainstorming. You should always take time to think about the participants and what the goal of your session is during the planning stage of your brainstorming activities. Sometimes you cannot choose who to invite and then you'll need to consider how best to incorporate and encourage the folks on the "less helpful" list below.
There are 3 kinds of people you want at your workshop
1.) Your team (in some cases you are a team of 1 right now but if you think anyone might be part of the team later in the development make sure to include them now for this activity)
2.) Creative thinkers – You know who these people are, they are the people who are talented in many ways not just smart at their jobs. They write, they sing, they draw, they do arts and crafts, they build models and prototypes, they work with their hands, love to build things, tell great stories. Find a few of these people and invite them.
3.) Problem solvers- who are the people you go to when you need a problem solved? These are the people who will be able to think through and around a problem in many ways until they hit on a solution that works. They are dependable and smart and open to solving problems in many different ways. Sometimes these people are also technical experts in a particular area. Don't worry if that area is not your exact topic ! You want to invite a few people with a proven successful problem solving reputation.
There are a few kinds of people that are not helpful at these kinds of workshops
1.) Mean, rude, or generally discontent people- you know who these people are ! Even if they are the world's expert on your topic, they are not the right personality for this kind of workshop. You can approach them 1 on 1 later for expert advice and help. Don't contaminate your group or make the day harder than it has to be by inviting someone that will remove positive energy from the room. This kind of person makes sarcastic mean comments out of the side of their mouths when they think you cannot hear them or are not looking. They roll their eyes, sigh, and may even become verbally aggressive if they feel ignored or slighted.
2.) Very concrete logical thinkers who are upset by incomplete or unknown solutions- you probably know someone like this too. This person is always picking away at an idea, finding what's not going to work, what's wrong, why something is impossible. They need to know HOW it will work RIGHT NOW they are not content with the answer "we'll figure that part out later". A person like this will most likely be miserable at the workshop because you are not going to allow them to find the problems with an idea you are going to accept every idea as being equally good. This kind of person says BUT a lot when you are telling them your idea. They are very good at immediately identifying the PROBLEM with an idea. This kind of person is going to be very important to have on our team for the next phase of our project but we are not ready to call them in to help yet.
3.) People who will not contribute ideas in a group environment - These people are intensely shy and quiet. They HATE attention and seem to grow uncomfortable (they may look nervous or sick) if you call attention to them and ask them to speak in front of a group. These types of people can be brilliant and wonderful but the best way to get their ideas is 1 on 1 or to ask them to submit their ideas in writing to you. The idea of this workshop is to build on the many ideas thrown out by the group. If this person will not contribute then you are wasting a spot in the room that could go to someone that will be happy and feel great about contributing and playing in a group setting.
So have a great time planning your session. Starting with the right people in the room is a good first step. Next time we'll address if you need a facilitator and how to choose a good one.
Until then,
Soldier On !


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Continue (video gaming)
Continue is a common term in video games for the option to continue the game after all of the player's lives have been lost, rather than ending the game and restarting from the very beginning. There may or may not be a penalty for doing this, such as losing a certain number of points or being unable to access bonus stages.
Arcade games[edit]
In arcade games, when a player loses or fails an objective, they will be shown a "continue countdown" screen, in which the player has a certain limited amount of time to insert additional coins in order to continue the game from the point where it had ended by pressing the start button; deciding not to continue will result in the displaying of a Game over screen.[1] The continue feature was added to arcade games in the mid-1980s due to arcade owners wanting to earn more money from players who played for longer periods of time.[1] The first arcade game to have a continue feature was Fantasy.[1]
As a result of the continue feature, games started to have stories and definite endings; however, those games were designed so that it would be nearly impossible to get to the end of the game without continuing.[2]
Salen and Zimmerman argue that the continue feature in games such as Gauntlet was an outlet for conspicuous consumption.[3]
See also[edit]
- ^ a b c Compton, p. 117
- ^ Compton, p. 118
- ^ Salen and Zimmerman, p. 254. "[Gauntlet's escalating difficulty] can turn Gauntlet into a completely different kind of conflict, one in which players compete to demonstrate their tolerance for putting money into the game, a form of conspicuous consumption much like high-stakes gambling."
Further reading[edit]
- Katie Salen and Eric Zimmerman. Rules of Play: Game Design Fundamentals. 2004. p. 264, found at Google Books (describing how the option to "continue" influenced the game design of Gauntlet).
- Shanna Compton. Gamers: writers, artists & programmers on the pleasures of pixels p. 117-118, found at [1] (describing how "continue" feature changed how arcade games were approached)
|This video game culture–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.


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Review Details
BulbAmerica Par Can 16 White
- Product Review (submitted on May 24, 2012):
This is a pretty decent light when paired with a 75W bulb. I was hesitant about such an inexpensive price, but the build quality is actually good. I wish the power cord and side knobs were white too, but for this price I'm just going to paint that myself.
It's a good accent light, though can be used for a spot light for video if the subject is 3-4M (~10ft) away. Any further away and use a PAR38 or PAR64.


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Ever wake up wanting to hop on a private jet and escape? While my old habits usually lead me to the mild and colorful Mediterranean, today I'm craving Switzerland. I long for walks along the Reuss in Lucerne.
Sipping hot cocoa in crowded cafes. Gazing at the neighboring mountains as I feed the swans. Paying homage to the Lion Monument. Admiring the unique "onion domes" atop the multitude of cathedrals. I think Lucerne, Switzerland would be an ideal place to slip away for a few days to stop and reflect on things.


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Main content | back to top
Students face energy challenge head-on
Students preparing to do battle in ultra energy-efficient cars shared their visions of the future of energy. On the final day of Shell Eco-marathon Americas 2013, four teams received awards for their inspiring ideas around energy production and use.
A new prize category, The Shell Student Energy Challenge, was introduced at Shell Eco-marathon Americas this year. With the world's population and global demand for energy growing, this prize was designed to spark reflection among the next generation of engineers and scientists. Participants competing to drive the furthest on the least energy also considered the wider energy context of the event.
"We were inspired to participate in The Shell Student Energy Challenge because it's important to think about what the future of energy will look like and how our world will be powered," said Naadaa Zakiyyan, a student from the winning University of Missouri team. "There will be a milestone in 2050 when we will change from relying on coal and oil to more renewable sources – like wind and solar."
The challenge asked Shell Eco-marathon students to contribute to the conversation around the future energy challenge by creating an original visual infographic – a graphic visual representation of information – that answers one of three energy-related questions.
Teams considered which energy sources might be in the mix to understand where opportunities to conserve energy might lay in the future.
"In the year 2050, my assumptions are that oil would continue to be one of the biggest energy sources but not the only one, as it is today, in the global energy mix," said runner-up Mayukh Chakraborty from the University of Toronto . "I expect it will be at about 20%, with solar at about 22%. Hydroelectric and geothermal will also be bigger energy sources in the future."
Bright ideas
Having considered the energy mix in the next 40-50 years, students also proposed energy-saving solutions. Some teams rose to the occasion with insightful, creative and actionable ideas. Here are just a few of the ideas that emerged from this challenge:
- The team from Sullivan High School notes that a focus on improved insulation for homes and buildings would lower energy use by decreasing the demand for heating and cooling systems.
- The University of Michigan Supermileage team suggests using natural gas as a bridge between coal and renewable technologies, especially in developing countries.
- The University of Missouri team analysed the cost and output of future energy sources, including geothermal, biofuel, hydroelectricity, wind and solar power.
Shell representatives reviewed each entry carefully and passed the best infographics to a VIP panel of judges, including Dan Kammen, a Professor in the Energy and Resources Group. The panel announced the four winners during the awards ceremony on Sunday evening at Shell Eco-marathon Americas:
- First Place: University of Missouri; received $5,000
- Second Place: University of Toronto; received $3,000
- Third Place: Purdue University; received $2,000
- Fourth Place: University of British Columbia; received $1,000
This new prize will also be open to students participating in Shell Eco-marathon Europe and Shell Eco-marathon Asia. We can't wait to see what new ideas students from all around the world will contribute to the conversation!
View the Student Energy Challenge winning entries
- 1st place: University of Missouri University of Missouri infographic (PDF, 820 KB) - opens in new window
- 2nd place: University of Toronto 2nd place: University of Toronto (PDF, 374 KB) - opens in new window
- 3rd place: Purdue University Purdue University infographic (PDF, 266 KB) - opens in new window
- 4th place: University of British Columbia 4th place: University of British Columbia (PDF, 520 KB) - opens in new window


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LAS VEGAS -- Metro Police arrested a second man Thursday night in an apparent murder-for-hire plot.
Richard Pearson, 39, of Las Vegas, is facing charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit murder, battery with a deadly weapon resulting in substantial bodily harm and violation of conditions of parole. He is being detained at the Clark County Detention Center.
On Nov. 14, Richard Bessey called 911 to report that his vehicle's window had been shot out as he was driving on Interstate 15 near the Valley of Fire. He later realized he had been injured in the attack.
Bessey, who had been shot in the head, was taken to University Medical Center and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
Detectives learned Bessey had started divorce proceedings against his wife and that there was a life insurance policy that ended when the divorce was finalized.
The day after the shooting police arrested Bessey's adopted son, Michael Bessey, 21. He faces charges of attempted murder with a deadly weapon, battery with the use of a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit murder.


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Fair Trade Networks
Published on 11 October 2011
WFTO (World Fair Trade Organisation) is the global network Fair Trade. The Secretariat of WFTO is situated at Culemborg, The Netherlands. For more details, logo on to www.wfto.com
WFTO Asia is the regional network for Fair Trade, which situated in Manila, Philippines. For more details log on to www.wfto-asia.com


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Start learning with our library of video tutorials taught by experts. Get started
Develop HTML5 applications for the two mobile operating systems supported in Dreamweaver, iOS and Android, and generate a native app for each OS.
Teaches Shows web developers how to leverage their existing CSS and HTML knowledge to create content that displays on iOS devices.
"I don't know how many times I've come back to review a topic or to watch a video as supplementary training to a class I'm taking, but you guys have helped me stay ahead of the curve." —Derek M.
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Former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have teamed up for a new leadership initiative.
By Brandi Hodges - bio | email
BONO, AR (KAIT) –Do you need to go to the doctor but don't have insurance or the money to pay? One doctor is making things easier for those in need of medical care. Dr. John House takes canned produce, manual labor, and even some live animals! It's a practice many of us aren't familiar with, but it is bringing in patients!"The first week we got five chickens, we got a turkey," said Dr. House.It is modern day medicine using an older type of payment system."I'm looking forward to lots of interesting things that people want to barter," said Dr. House."That you can take something that you made and trade it for medical care is just mind blowing," said Patient Stacey Quayle. Quayle is a pastry chef who owns her own business. She trades her baked goods for doctor visits for herself and her three children."There are probably times that I would just not go to the doctor that I would not go to the doctor for me but with this barter clinic I can," said Quayle.Dr. House opened his office in Bono in August."We kept getting so many people that would come in and not have any insurance, they've lost their job," said Dr. House.In many cases, patients had not been to the doctor in years."They need to have good health care. They need to get their insulin filled and they need to have their blood pressure checked," said Dr. House.Dr. House said he is only taking locally made items.
"I'm not running a pawn shop so I'm not looking for that. Definitely don't put off getting health care because you can't afford it," said Dr. House.One of the employees at the clinic will look at the merchandise and assign a "fair market value". If the product is something you make and sell you can assign your own price. You'll be given a receipt for your "bartered" product and that's how much health care you can pay for."This is kind of saying, 'Let's go back to the way we used to do things where local people made things local and traded locally'," said Dr. House.Quayle said bartering with her doctor makes her feel like he cares more for her and for her family."It's a great feeling to know if you need to go to the doctor you can," said Quayle.The Bono Barter Clinic inside Dr. House's practice is only available on Thursdays. Lab tests are done at a reduced price and the clinic visit is lowered to $45.
Copyright 2011 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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Police frequently employ ruses to catch suspects, but should they be allowed to pose as spiritual advisers to elicit…› More
Tagged: Peel Regional Police
BRAMPTON, Ont. — The estranged boyfriend of a woman whose body parts were found scattered west of Toronto and near her…› More
BRAMPTON, Ont. — Peel Regional Police have cancelled an Amber Alert after finding two young brothers allegedly abducted…› More
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Human remains found in east Toronto over the weekend are likely from the same person as a head,…› More
By The Canadian Press MISSISSAUGA,Ont. — Police search teams continued to scour a park west of Toronto on Saturday…› More
MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — Peel police have discovered a severed human head in a Mississauga park where a human foot was found…› More


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Fine, I give up. It doesn't really matter who JT Leroy really is, does it? I blogged a bit recently about the steady stream of articles trying to expose or somehow unmask the person known publicly as JT (with a person claiming to be JT posting a comment). Now, in a new piece in The Guardian today, Laura Barton talks with the person or people who are JT Leroy. Fascinating stuff. If you can't believe it's happening, pretend it's a movie. - Warhol
Not J.T. | January 14, 2006 1:29 AM
Maybe it's time that you own up to the fact that J.T. isn't real, and is, in fact, a woman who used AIDS, transgenderism, an other lies in order to become the star she wasn't capable of being as herself. It's not nice, and while J.T. is fake, the cruel-ness and unkindness toward others isn't.


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According to Aaron Wilson's twitter acccount (http://twitter.com/#!/RavensInsider - FOLLOW HIM!!!). He still has to pass his physical, but I'm guessing that is a pretty sure thing at this point. It appears to be a 1 year deal and he will back up Birk.
Gurode recently played for the Cowboys and appears to be a good bit of insurance for an ailing Birk. Birk is coming off a knee surgery which doesn't appear to be super serious, but at his age and that position, you can never have too much insurance.


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About a dozen cyclists in Cedar Rapids joined to honor those injured or killed while biking.
The Cedar Rapids Ride of Silence started at Greene Square Park in downtown Cedar Rapids before cyclists biked for three miles.
The slow-paced ride has been going on in Cedar Rapids for about eight years, and is part of a worldwide event to honor cyclists killed or injured by drivers on local roads.
"We have had different cyclists killed here in Cedar Rapids, and what this does is we want to show honor to those who have been injured or lost their lives while cycling," said local Ride for Silence organizer Nikki Northrop-Davidson. "We also want to raise awareness that bicyclists are here and that we need to share the road."
Organizers say Cedar Rapids is a bike-friendly city, but it's still important for drivers to look out for cyclists.Northrop-Davidson says cycling is increasing by 60-percent across the country.


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Feature Products | What's New?
In this section you'll find latest feature products available at P'lovers.
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The Monks and Me
by Mary Paterson - $19.95
After both of Mary Paterson's parents died and as she herself turned 40, Mary decided to take herself on a 40-day retreat to regain a sense of footing and balance in her life. 'The Monks and Me' chronicles, through 40 chapters, her 40 days at Thich Nhat Hahn's beautiful, refurbished French farmhouse monastery called 'Plum Village' in Bordeaux, France.
Read More about 'The Monks and Me' on our Blog
Witness for Nature
by Linda Lear
This is a well-researched and very readable biography about Rachel Carson. She was born in 1907 Springdale,a promising Pennsylvania community. Her family were often poor and this privation shaped Rachel's opportunities and her personality.
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by Alissa York
This is a complex novel about connections between damaged people and damaged wild animals living in the ravine of the Don River in Toronto and the tensions between good and evil. Through the novel's pages, the reader learns about the wilderness areas of a big city.
The characters make the novel and are well developed and believable...
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The Man Who Quit Money
by Mark Sundeen
Author Mark Sundeen tells the amazing true story of one man's decision to live without money and to live a life of authentically being himself and living as he wanted.
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by Cheryl Strayed
'Wild' is a compelling and true account of one person's solo hike of The Pacific Coast Trail. The Trail starts in California and ends in Washington, covering 1000 miles of different terrain, from forests thick with Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Firs, to desert and meadows lush with wild flowers, as well as dangerous snowfields and rugged, high mountains. Cheryl Strayed made a very spontaneous decision to do this hike, hoping that surpassing the challenges facing her on the trail would enable her to come to terms with her Mother's untimely death from cancer and her own turbulent life of drugs and bad choices in relationships.
Read More about 'WILD' on our Blog
And I Shall Find Some Peace There
by Margaret Roach
This is a book about the life and choices of Margaret Roach, Editorial Editor for Martha Stewart Livings Omnimedia, a New York Times editor and a gardening book editor, a woman who had everything but felt unfulfilled.
Read More about 'And I Shall Find Some Peace There' on our Blog
Mabu Cloths
Made with 100% natural wood, these cleaning cloths are bacteria and stain resistant. Cleverly engineered weaving of 8 layers holds bacteria, stains, debris, and dirt in suspension - simply rinsing under a tap leaves the Mabu fresh, clean and sparkling white.
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This loofah sponge shows its true colors: unbleached, undyed white cellulose and tan, scrubby loofah. And it's totally plant based and compostable, just like the food it cleans up after. This complete collection of naturally spongy, plant based, scrubbies respect the planet. Call for availability.
Soap Nuts
Instead of using harsh detergents, use these natural wonders for washing as they have been for thousands of years. Just place 3-4 soapnuts in a small pouch/bag and place them in the wash. Good for 2-3 cold water washes. From laundry to dishes, these are the perfect natural alternative for conventional detergents.
Full Circle Brushes
Whether scrubbing dishes or vegetables, these earth-friendly brushes are part bamboo handle + part natural & recycled bristle blend. Save waste and money with replaceable heads. Ask for in store availability.
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Eton Radios
Crank/solar-powered multi-purpose outdoor radio and flashlight, USB cell phone charger, AM/FM and NOAA Weather Band radio with built in LED flashlight.
Survival Wisdom and Know-How
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Pheylonian Life Lites
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Stainless Steel Tiffins
These layered stainless steel lunch boxes have been used for generations in Asia. Each compartment can be reheated separately or used as a bowl. Tiffins work well for carrying salads, pasta, sandwiches, fruit - anything as long as the content is not too liquidy (unless you make sure it doesn't tip over). It is relatively watertight but not completely. The mini tiffin is an especially cute little lunchbox that school kids will love toting around. Made of high grade 304 (18-8) stainless steel.
$21.95 - $34.95
Solar Shelter Manual
The Canadian Solar Home Design Manual will help you understand how to maximize the solar potential of your site and building. This book is also the textbook for the Solar Shelter Course.
Golf Tees
These tees last up to 10 times longer than regular wood tees and will naturally biodegrade.
$0.10 ea.
Artech Beer Glasses
100% reused beer bottles made into cool glasses which, although it probably doesn't need to be said, each glass can hold one bottle of beer comfortably. Call us for current availability.
Buddha Boards
Buddha Boards are based on the Zen concept of living in the moment. You simply paint on the surface with water and your creation will come to life in bold design. Then as the water slowly evaporates your art will magically disappear leaving you with a clean slate and a clear mind.
Large: $39.95
Mini: $12.95
Golden Goose Candles
Cleaning burning, soot-free, non-toxic natural candles made with renewable, sustainable resource Soya Bean and generous amount of Essential Oils. Burn longer, cooler and release the aroma of Essential oils. Light one while bathing to enjoy its aromatic power. Available in Lavender, Lemongrass & Chamomile and Rosemary & Spearmint.
Pillar: $14.95
Tea Lite: $12.95
Salt Rock Lamps
Crystal Rock Salt Lamps are made from crystal salt rock mined at the foot of the Himalayas. When the rock salt crystal heats up, it emits negative ions. These ions cleanse the air by removing dust, pollen, dander and cigarette smoke. Also, the negative ions offset the harmful radiation produced by computer monitors, TVs and other electrical devices. Comes in regular lamp, USB lamp and tea lite form.
$12.95 - $36.95
Widu Brushes
The wood bases of the Widu brushes are sustainably harvested from managed forests and finished naturally with purified linseed oil and beeswax. These small sized wooden bristle brushes are colored with non-toxic water resistant colors. The brushes all come with white natural rubber pneumatic heads and a cotton drawstring bag.
Moosnail Bath Products
Hand-crafted on Prince Edward Island, these soaps, salts and oils are sure to make the perfect gift. Ask us for current availability in these naturally scented products. Soaps scents range from Spiced Almond to Dad's Licorice while salts and oil scents range from Energizing to Relaxing.
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Stainless Steel Popsicle Mold
Easy to use and clean, this 18/8 stainless steel mold is designed so that one popsicle may be removed or refilled at a time. Each mold comes with 1 stand, 6 molds, 12 removable colored silicone rings for easy identification and some wooden popsicle sticks to get you started.
Stainless Steel Food Mill
Ideal for preparing healthy and economical baby food, sauces and purees.
Padraig Booties
Great for the in-doors and outdoors, Canadian made, pure sheep wool and sheepskin leather booties are warm and washable. Come in sizes ranging from Newborn to 3 yrs in a beautiful natural grey with cream strip accent.
Available in an assortment of colours, this set of bamboo cutlery (fork, spoon, knife & chopsticks) is the perfect gift for that someone special who eats on the run and wants to avoid plastic. Karabiner hook included.
Washable menstrual pads in an assortment of sizes ranging from mini liners to super and maxis. Made from 100% soft and comfortable organic cotton. Call the store for current stock availability. Made in Canada.
$18.95 - $39.95
Bird Totas
Strings of colorful birds, made from old scraps of material, with a small bell on the bottom are meant to bring you good luck when hung near entrance ways. These are made in India at the Barefoot College, a place that trains everyone who comes, whether they can read or have money, and that is totally self-reliant for food, energy, and money.
Read More about 'Bird Totas' on our Blog
$29.95 or $39.95
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Evaluating Akt Tyrosine Phosphorylation as a Novel Marker for Therapeutic Resistance and Breast Cancer Prognosis
Study Section:
Tumor Cell Biology V
Scientific Abstract:
Background : The importance of the AKT kinase pathway in human breast cancer is underscored by frequent findings of pathological changes in mammary tumors and inheritable diseases associated with mammary hyperplasia, and by the ability of mutated AKT to promote mammary tumors in mutant mice. Multiple mechanisms of apoptosis suppression by AKT involve suppression of JNK pathway signaling. However, while some JNK pathway components are direct substrates of AKT, we have identified a more generalized mechanism of JNK interference based on the AKT-dependent destabilization of JNK pathway components. This AKT-dependent inhibition of JNK signaling is independent of its kinase activity and only requires the direct interaction of AKT with JNK pathway components. Importantly, we have identified a conserved tyrosine residue in AKT that is required for the formation of AKT-JNK protein complexes. Objective/Hypothesis : The focus of our laboratory research is to identify molecular mechanisms that link the AKT pathway to the suppression of cell death in mammary cancer. The hypothesis for the proposed project is that the inhibition of JNK signaling by AKT in breast cancer cells depends on its ability to act as a tyrosine-dependent anti-apoptotic scaffold for JNK pathway components. Thus, we propose to characterize the functional importance of the required tyrosine residue in vitro and the significance of its regulation by examining its phosphorylation levels in breast cancer specimens. Specific Aims/Study Design : Our first aim is to examine the relevance of the AKT tyrosine residue in JNK regulation and apoptosis suppression. We will express tyrosine-mutant AKT protein in mammary cancer cells and examine the cellular responses of mammary cells after treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs. In addition, we will generate mammary cell lines expressing tyrosine-mutant AKT and examine them for therapeutic resistances in vitro and in nude mice. Our second aim is to investigate the regulation of the tyrosine residue in primary breast tumors. Using archival mammary tumor tissue specimens, we will examine whether a correlation exists between AKT tyrosine phosphorylation and clinical response. These translational studies are designed to confirm whether tyrosine phosphorylation of AKT can be used as a novel biomarker for breast cancer disease. Relevance : While we plan to utilize established molecular and cellular biology techniques, the observation of a tyrosine-dependent scaffold function for AKT and its role in JNK suppression is both significant and highly innovative, and has not been studied. Although there are more than 8000 published articles on AKT, only a handful have addressed its regulation by tyrosine phosphorylation and none describe an effect. Accordingly, the science underlying our proposal is unique. If tyrosine phosphorylation of AKT in tumor specimens negatively correlates with breast cancer survival, the results from the second part of our study will have defined a new biomarker for breast cancer prognosis and therapeutic outcome. The validation of AKT as an anti-apoptotic scaffold also provides a novel target for therapeutic intervention. Thus, we envision that targeting the protein interactions between AKT and pro-apoptotic members of the JNK pathway will open novel and exciting opportunities to restore therapeutic responses in mammary cancer.
Lay Abstract:
Regulated cell death (also called apoptosis) is a required process for the normal development of multicellular organisms. In breast cancer, the pathways regulating apoptosis are impaired and cancer cells acquire resistance to cancer therapy including irradiation and chemotherapy. A critical anti-apoptotic pathway mediating cell survival is regulated by the AKT protein kinase, which constitutes an important intracellular switch to coordinate the growth and survival of mammary cells with their cellular environment. Not surprisingly, breast cancer cells with increased AKT are resistant to chemotherapeutic drugs, a finding that has defined AKT as a prime target for therapeutic intervention. Observations of pathological dysregulation of AKT in mammary tumors provide additional support for its relevance in breast cancer. Here, we will explore a novel mechanism that links AKT to the inhibition of cell death and involves the suppression of the pro-apoptotic JNK pathway by AKT. The JNK pathway mediates apoptosis after chemotherapy and irradiation but is inhibited in mammary cancer cells, in which AKT decreases the protein levels of its components. Notably, we have identified a single tyrosine residue in AKT that is required for the anti-apoptotic destabilization of JNK components and can be regulated by phosphorylation. To further characterize the functional relevance of our discovery, we will employ in vitro models of tumorigenesis to investigate the role of this tyrosine residue during AKT-dependent cell survival and JNK inhibition in mammary cells. In addition, we will examine tyrosine phosphorylation of this residue in human breast cancer specimens to determine whether it can be used as a novel biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis. The most innovative aspect of our proposal is based on the identification of a single residue in AKT that can mediate JNK inhibition. We will characterize this novel mechanism and its relevance for breast cancer with an emphasis on the response of mammary cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Because of the frequent finding of therapeutic resistance to clinical treatment in advanced stages of mammary cancer, our studies will greatly benefit those patients, whose diseases are no longer responding to currently available therapies. Our preliminary findings also raise a cautionary note, since we find that the AKT-dependent destabilization and inhibition of JNK signaling does not require AKT kinase activity. This may suggest that other therapies under development, which are directed at inhibiting AKT enzymatic activity, are intrinsically flawed, an important concern that requires additional clarification. Thus, by defining the molecular mechanisms that are involved in JNK suppression by AKT, we envision to identify novel therapeutic strategies that will sensitize cancer cells to apoptosis induction by disrupting AKT-dependent protein interactions and restoring JNK signaling.
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Religious Holidays Teacher Resources
Find Religious Holidays educational ideas and activities
Showing 1 - 20 of 88 resources
For this we wish you a merry something, America worksheet, 8th graders read or listen to a paragraph explaining that the term merry Christmas is not politically correct in America. Students discuss 4 warm up topics, complete pre-reading, while reading and post-reading activites with 20 fill ins, synonyms, matching, true and false questions, and homework.
Various Muslim holidays and their meanings are researched and your young scholars will predict whether or not they should be recognized on the New York City school calendar. An extension could be to write a letter to the Mayor about their suggestions, this would develop and clarify your class's reasoning.
Near Thanksgiving, learners complete activities surrounding the holiday. Some of the activities include a passage, matching phrases, fill in the blanks, correct word choosing, multiple choice, sequencing, unscramble the sentences, write questions, take a survey, and writing. Note: There are 12 activities for Thanksgiving.
First graders use the think/pair/share strategy to show the similarities and differences of their holidays. They discuss reasons it's important to accept the different ways people celebrate. Students listen as the teacher reads "Uncle Vova's Tree" by Polacco. They complete a student handout about Traditions.
In this language skills learning exercise, students read an article about Pancake Day. Students respond to 6 matching questions, 29 fill in the blank questions, 30 multiple choice questions, 12 word scramble questions, 30 short answer questions, 1 graphic organizer question, and 1 essay question regarding the content of the article.
For this holidays worksheet, learners choose the correct definition for the holiday term provided to them. Students complete 15 multiple choice questions.
Students demonstrate an understanding of what a fiesta is by participating in various activities and conducting research.
Students visit the Culture Goggles exhibit in Xpedition Hall and select a religion. They explore how a Christian, a Jew, or a Muslim might view the Old city of Jerusalem. Students explore the different ways various beliefs celebrate winter holidays.
Students examine the history of St. Patrick's Day by creating characters and dialog reflecting Irish culture. A major part of the lesson is the construction of a float for a St. Patrick's Day parade. Also, students research and answer questions about Irish immigration to the United States and describe the origin and importance of Irish symbols.
In this religion worksheet set, 3rd graders read about the Chinese lantern festival and make a lantern. They read about Diwali, examine pictures of a dreidel and a manger, and read short entries about Christian festivals.
Students research holidays of Spanish-speaking countries and use their knowledge of the Spanish language to write and send email.
In this culture worksheet, students answer ten short-answer questions about their own culture then write about the major cultural influences in their lives.
Here is a fantastic lesson that integrates the culture, food, and rituals of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The class discusses what they know about the holidays typically associated with each of the three religions, then they analyze and define food rituals. In small groups, they conduct research on one religious holiday and use their research to construct a menu, which will be used as the basis of large-group discussions on the similarities and differences in each religious holiday. A well-thought-out lesson that contains everything needed: videos, links, worksheets, vocabulary, and background information.
Students examine the fears and frustrations of citizens in the tolerant Muslim nation of Indonesia during the holy month of Ramadan. They explore the symbols used in various world religions and create 3-dimensional displays for a class.
Why do people argue? Use the article "A Holiday Medley, Off Key" to discuss the struggles that interfaith couples face when choosing to celebrate certain holidays. Then, in small groups, encourage learners to write dialogues that explore conflicts from assigned viewpoints. Finally, develop guidelines for how to get along with certain people. This might be a helpful segue into creating class guidelines at the beginning of the school year!
Students examine ways in which holiday television specials reflect some of the religious, historic and cultural themes of the holidays on which they focus. They create their own holiday television specials in groups, each focusing on a holiday.
Tenth graders discuss the events leading up to antisemitic behavior in Europe during World War II. Through various activities, 10th graders acquaint themselves with the political ideology of Nazism and assess responsibility for the Holocaust. Materials to complete this unit are included.
Students engage in a lesson which lesson focuses on the Equal Access Act and a Supreme Court case involving the meeting of extracurricular religious clubs on school property.
Learners examine the relationships between and among powers inside and outside Afghanistan in connection to United States military aggression in the territory. They examine the interaction between the Northern Alliance, the Taliban, Pakistan, etc.
Students explore Italian politics and warfare of the High Renaissance. They explain the effects of the Protestant Reformation and the Counter Reformation.


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Noted French screenwriter [[Performer~P114065~Daniele Thompson~danièlethompson]] makes her directorial debut with this lighthearted romantic comedy. After the December 21st funeral of Yvette's ([[Performer~P22424~Francoise Fabian~françoisefabian]]) second husband, she is consoled by the three daughters from her first marriage to Stanislas ([[Performer~P59962~Claude Rich~clauderich]]), a Russian-Jewish violinist. The oldest, Lorba ([[Performer~P3060~Sabine Azema~sabineazéma]]), lives with her father and...more
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Mamacita says: When I was in the third grade, I read "Peter Pan." It's not all the sugar-coated cuteness Disney would have you believe, my friends. It's a wonderful and fascinating and intimate look into the brain and psyche of … Continue reading
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Mamacita says: Have you ever wondered what teachers talk about in the lounge? It depends on who's in there and what time of day it is, of course, but the conversation really doesn't vary much from building to building, or … Continue reading
Mamacita says: I'm guessing that many most bloggers will be posting tributes this weekend, and telling the blogosphere 'where we were' when the planes hit the World Trade Center. Here is mine. This is actually the second third fourth fifth … Continue reading
Mamacita says: I first heard this poem in high school literature. Tenth grade, sophomore year, in Mrs. Helen Chandler's class, she who taught Claude Akins, the Bedford Celebrity.. In retrospect, I know that we treated her dreadfully. She was quite … Continue reading
Mamacita says: Now ordinarily, as anyone who knows me already knows, I'm a firm believer in staying up late and sleeping in, whenever possible. When I think of all those exhausted teens being dragged from their beds because some early-bird … Continue reading
Mamacita says: I have seen many versions of this story, but this translation from Paul Coelho's blog is the best so far. There was once a businessman who was sitting by the beach in a small Brazilian village. As he … Continue reading


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Subtotal: $0
Handles brand Cool-inization & Development, technical stuff, marketing and social media...so friend, follow, and pin us!
The name "Corkcicle" and its icicle-inspired design.
Led marketing & product development initiatives for a tech company.
The matrix thing—instantly download information and have it translate to muscle memory. Probably need a little invincibility to go along with this one in order to max it out.
Caymus Vineyards Cabernet
ZD Wines Chardonnay
Variety. I'm a sucker for suggestions from the house mixologist. Although, right now, I'm really into saki.
Balances the books, makes customers deliriously happy, gets prototypes built, and manages security.
Had the idea of chilling wine from inside the bottle and soon after built the first Corkcicle prototypes in his garage.
Ran a PEO (payroll and benefits) company.
Invisibility. I love the idea of being able to get away even when you can't get away.
PlumpJack Cabernet
Chalk Hill Chardonnay
Kettle One martini, up, very dirty
Handles global sales efforts (aka-global domination), customer retention and outreach, and logistics, aka "shipping."
Acquiring the best sales reps in the US and taking the product international within the first three months of our initial launch.
VP of a Fortune 100 medical device company.
Turning things into ice. If you cross the line...boom! You're frozen!
Shafer Vineyards Cabernet
Not too sweet Savignon Blancs and non-oaky Chardonnays. (When it comes to white wines, I'm not too picky.)
Mornings, Stonewall Kitchen Bloody Mary. Afternoons, Gosling's Dark 'n Stormy®. (It must be Gosling's Black Seal Rum and Gosling's Stormy Ginger beer!) Evenings, Grey Goose on the rocks with three blue cheese olives (especially with my favorite sushi).


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An emotional, fiery and enlightening first hearing on gun violence got underway Wednesday morning on Capitol Hill. The back and forth on gun control legislation is likely to be the most contentious as the NRA and senators backing stricter laws go head-to-head.
Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, critically-wounded in a 2011 mass shooting in Tucson, Ariz., opened the first hearing with an emotional plea.
"Too many children are dying -- too many children," Giffords said. "The time is now. You must act."
The packed hearing room is the setting for senators both for and against tightening new gun laws who are questioning the NRA, law enforcement and gun experts..
"Previous measures to close the gun show loophole or to improve the background check system have been bipartisan," said Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.).
"Any serious discussion on the causes of gun violence must include a complex reexamination of mental health as it relates to mass shootings," said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
Wayne LaPierre, the head of the NRA, opposes new gun legislation and in response to the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., supports armed guards in schools..
"It is time to throw an immediate blanket of security around our children," LaPierre said.
Wednesday's testimony comes days after Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) introduced a renewed ban on 157 types of semiautomatic weapons along with ammunition clips holding more than ten rounds.
"Christina Taylor Green, 9-years-old, born on September 11 of 2001, was killed by the thirteenth bullet or after," said Mark Kelly, Giffords' husband, as he made a case for a large clip ammunition ban.
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Grima steps up to replace Rea as Broncos head coach (From Times Series)
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London Broncos assistant head coach Joe Grima has stepped up to replace Tony Rea as head coach until the end of next season
Updated 2:54pm Monday 5th May 2014 in Sport By Tom Bodell
London Broncos head coach Tony Rea has stepped down to be replaced by assistant Joe Grima who has signed a contract until the end of next season.
Rea's departure ends a long-standing affiliation with the Broncos, which began in 1995.
The 47-year-old first joined the re-branded Broncos 19 years ago, playing in the first Super League season a year later.
Rea subsequently took up the posts of head coach and chief executive, moving back to Australia to in 2008 before returning to the club to succeed Rob Powell in July 2012.
Speaking to the club's website, chairman David Hughes said: "Tony was instrumental in saving the club. In hindsight maybe it was far too late but we did save the club. So it's a big thank you to him for assembling the squad and putting us in a position to go forward.
"We're about halfway through out season and it was always intended that Joey would take over as head coach towards the end of this year and certainly for next year. He has agreed to do that.
Hughes continued: "We thank Tony of course, not just for the last two seasons, when he came back from Australia to help us out, but for his work with the club in the past, which everyone is aware of. We wish him good luck in his future plans and business activities."
Rea added: "In planning for the future, both short and long term, we thought it was best for all of us, the club and myself, that we give Joey the opportunity to take the club on.
"I would like to thank everyone. I feel we're going to have a great back half of the season and part of me is disappointed not to be a part of that but I also accept that it's the best thing to do."
Grima - who boasts 19 years experience playing and coaching Australian side Parramatta - picks up the reigns with the Broncos bottom of the Super League without a win or a point after 11 league matches.
The departure of Rea comes just two months after chief executive Gus Mackay stepped down from his role.
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San Francisco Color Bomb
Color Bomb , a world renowned color marathon has no distinct winner or timing it celebrates happiness and well-being. Color Bombers of all creeds will join us to create a five mile blanket of amazing color fun. Color Bombers take the city and go from pure white to being covered in color. At each flag, runners encounter the Bomb squad and a different color of is released over the air, covering the participants. The Bomb Fest kicks off the finale and the air again is filled with color.
333 Post St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Website: Link
Saturday, Feb 22 07:00 PM
Price: $65


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Judge spares attack dog and alcoholic owner after police attack in Burnley (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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Judge spares attack dog and alcoholic owner after police attack in Burnley
2:00pm Monday 27th January 2014 in News
AN alcoholic whose dog savaged a police officer has been spared jail - and a judge has ruled her dog should not be destroyed.
Sandra Wardle's Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross Kinzi left one of its teeth embedded in the hand of PC Ruth Syers after the horrific attack in Rylands Street, Burnley, last April.
The officer, who had to have surgery, told afterwards how she could still see the animal's teeth inches from her face.
Wardle, said to also suffer from anxiety and depression, had already been convicted of having a dog dangerously out of control in public in 2012, involving the same animal.
Wardle, of Cardinal Street, Burnley, had earlier admitted the latest offence at the town's crown court. She had pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog which caused injury while dangerously out of control.
The 59-year-old, who had been in custody three days after she was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear for sentence last Thursday, was given four months in jail, suspended for a year with 12 months' supevision. She was banned from owning a dog for six years.
Recorder Michael Blakey read a defence report from animal behavioural expert Dr David Sands, which concluded Kinzi was not a danger to the public while under the control of a responsible handler.
The judge said: "I am not satisfied, based on the information that I have, that the dog is a danger to the public when in safe hands."
Abigail Hudson, prosecuting, told the court the defendant rang the police, because she was very drunk and arguing with her friend. Officers attended and tried to speak to the occupants, but the moment the door was opened, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossbreed went to attack the police.
Probation officer Nicholas Powell, who interviewed Wardle, said she had had three children, two of whom had died.
Philip Holden, defending, told the court: "She has been very, very tearful."
Comments (10)
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2:05pm Mon 27 Jan 14
foxy lass says...
2:14pm Mon 27 Jan 14
Excluded again says...
And a dangerous dog twice out of control on the public streets and which has attached someone is to be free to do so again. next time it could be a child.
3:09pm Mon 27 Jan 14
Darren1951 says...
3:38pm Mon 27 Jan 14
mys says...
4:16pm Mon 27 Jan 14
mavrick says...
foxy lass wrote:One can only hope this dog gets loose and bites the judge, A long shot I know. But I bet the outcome would be much different. Totally agree with foxy lass. shameful sentence.
Where is the real punishment here. That could have been a small child that was savaged. Its bad enough that it was a police officer. She was clearly wasting police time while in her drunken state, to ring them. They go to help her and the dog attacks them. I'm sure if the victim had been a high-flyer in the community, she would have been sent to prison. Shameful sentence!!!!!
4:19pm Mon 27 Jan 14
HairyBowls says...
6:55pm Mon 27 Jan 14
Steven Seagull says...
Where is the deterrent and more to the point where is the punishment that is supposed to be in the public interest?
7:14pm Mon 27 Jan 14
Darren1951 says...
9:23am Tue 28 Jan 14
midas says...
11:57am Tue 28 Jan 14
zabby says...
Comments are closed on this article.


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Public liability insurance will protect your business if you cause an injury to a member of the public, or property belonging to another business or individual.
You should consider taking out public liability insurance if members of the public visit you at your place of work, or if you perform work at places of work owned by third parties.
Public liability insurance – what does it cover?
A public liability insurance policy will protect your business from claims made by third parties for injuries to the person, or damage to property caused as a result of your business activities.
A typical policy will pay for the cost of putting right any damage, or medical fees in the case of injuries. It will also cover the potentially crippling costs of legally representing your business, related expenses, and any damages your business is found to owe in relation to a claim.
Public liability insurance does not cover claims made by any of your employees. To protect your business from this type of eventuality, read our guide to employers liability insurance for small businesses. You are legally required to have this cover in place if you employ anyone, and the penalties for failing to comply are severe.
Examples of public liability insurance claims
To help illustrate how public liability insurance works in practice, here are some classic scenarios where public liability cover will protect your business:
1. A self-employed PC support worker visits a client site to mend some equipment. He accidentally spills coffee on the client's main server and causes some permanent damage.
2. An electrician re-wires a building as part of a general refurbishment. He doesn't fit the fuse box correctly, resulting in several circuits getting burnt out.
3. You own a shop. One of your customers trips over some boxes of stock you carelessly left in an aisle. The policy will cover the costs of treating the injury caused to the customer.
How much cover do you need?
Cover tends to start at the £1million mark, and can be purchased in increments up to £5m or £10m.
In some cases, you may be contractually required to take out a certain amount of cover, for example, if you do work for a local authority, or are an IT consultant. Otherwise, it is up to you to choose the level of cover you think is sensible for your business.
You will find that many insurers will offer public liability in a bundle with employers' liability and professional indemnity insurance as they are commonly purchased together.
It's very likely that you will be able to save money by purchasing a bundled insurance policy rather than each component separately.
Try our insurance partner, Hiscox, for an instant online quote. They have a specific public liability insurance policy for the self employed which is ideal for sole traders.
Other types of business insurance
The following guides explain other types of business insurance;