text:
See study by J. M. Corshaw (1973).
Parrots are birds of the roughly 350 species in 85 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes, found in most warm and tropical regions. Also known as psittacines they are usually grouped into two families: the Psittacidae (true parrots) and the Cacatuidae (cockatoos). Parrots have a pan-tropical distribution with several species inhabiting the temperate Southern Hemisphere as well. The greatest diversity of parrots is found in South America and Australasia.
Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Most parrots are predominantly green, with other bright colors, and some species are multi-colored. Cockatoo species range from mostly white to mostly black, and have a mobile crest of feathers on the top of their heads. Most parrots are monomorphic or minimally sexually dimorphic. Extant species range in size from the Buff-faced Pygmy-parrot, at under 10 gm (0.35 oz.) in weight and 8 cm (3.2 inches) in length, to the Hyacinth Macaw, at 1.0 meter (3.3 feet) in length, and the Kakapo, at 4.0 kg (8.8 lbs) in weight. They are the most variably sized bird order in terms of length.
The most important components of most parrots' diets are seeds, nuts, fruit, buds and other plant material, and a few species also eat insects and small animals, and the lories and lorikeets are specialised to feed on nectar from flowers, and soft fruits. Almost all parrots nest in tree holes (or nestboxes in captivity), and lay white eggs from which emerge altricial (helpless) young.
Parrots, along with crows, jays and magpies, are some of the most intelligent birds, and the ability of some parrot species to imitate human voices enhances their popularity as pets. Trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade, as well as other hunting, habitat loss and competition from invasive species, have diminished wild populations, and parrots have been subjected to more exploitation than any other group of birds. Recent conservation measures to conserve the habitats of some of the high-profile charismatic parrot species has also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the ecosystem.
A single 15 mm fragment from a lower bill (UCMP 143274), found in Lance Creek Formation deposits of Niobrara County, Wyoming, has been suggested as the first parrot fossil. Of Late Cretaceous age, it is about 70 million years old. But subsequent reviews have established that this fossil is almost certainly not from a bird, but from a caenagnathid theropod — a non-avian dinosaur with a birdlike beak.
It is now generally assumed that the Psittaciformes or their common ancestors with a number of related bird orders were present somewhere in the world around the Cretaceous–Tertiary extinction event, some 65 mya (million years ago). If so, they probably had not evolved their morphological autapomorphies yet, but were generalized arboreal birds, roughly similar (though not necessarily closely related) to today's potoos or frogmouths (see also Palaeopsittacus below).
Europe is the origin of the first generally accepted parrot fossils. The first is a wingbone of Mopsitta tanta, uncovered in Denmark and dated to 54 mya (million years ago). The climate at this time was tropical, consistent with the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum.
Later fossils date from the Eocene, starting around 50 mya. Several fairly complete skeletons of parrot-like birds have been found in England and Germany. Some uncertainty remains, but on the whole it seems more likely that these are not direct ancestors of the modern parrots, but related lineages which evolved in the Northern Hemisphere but have since died out. These are probably not "missing links" between ancestral and modern parrots, but rather psittaciform lineages that evolved parallel to true parrots and cockatoos and had their own peculiar autapomorphies:
The earliest records of modern parrots date to about 23–20 mya and are also from Europe. Subsequently, the fossil record — again, mainly from Europe — consists of bones clearly recognizable as belonging to parrots of modern type. The Southern Hemisphere does not have nearly as rich a fossil record for the period of interest as the Northern, and contains no known parrot-like remains earlier than the early to middle Miocene, around 20 mya. At this point, however, is found the first unambiguous parrot fossil (as opposed to a parrot-like one), an upper jaw which is indistinguishable from that of modern cockatoos. A few modern genera are tentatively dated to a Miocene origin, but their unequivocal record stretches back only some 5 million years (see genus articles for more).
The named fossil genera of parrots are probably all in the Psittacidae or close to its ancestry:
Some Paleogene fossils are not unequivocally accepted to be of psittaciforms:
The phylogeny of the parrots is still under investigation. The classifications as presented reflects the current status, which is disputed and therefore subject to change when new studies resolve some of the open questions. For that reason, this classification should be treated as preliminary.
The Psittaciformes are generally considered to consist of two major living lineages of family rank: the true parrots (Psittacidae) and the cockatoos (Cacatuidae).
The Cacatuidae are quite distinct, having a movable head crest, a different arrangement of the carotid arteries, a gall bladder, differences in the skull bones, and lack the Dyck texture feathers which, in the Psittacidae, scatters light in such a way as to produce the vibrant colours of so many parrots. However, the actual situation may be more complex (see below).
While understanding of the relationships between subgroups of true parrots — for example, the one containing the Grey Parrot versus the relatives of the Budgerigar — are rather well resolved and knowledge of relationships between species has much improved in the last years , it is still a matter of dispute whether the distinct lineages of true parrots should be considered subfamilies or tribes. Because parrot fossils and molecular divergence date estimates provide insufficient data to properly resolve when exactly the major diversification and divergence periods in parrot evolution took place, it is difficult to determine how distinct from one another the various lineages really are, and how fast and radically they were changed by evolution.
Lorikeets were previously regarded as a third family, Loriidae, though now most often considered a subfamily of the Psittacidae. The present majority view is that they are distinct enough to warrant subfamily status, but some consider the quite pronounced differences not evidence of a uniquely deep evolutionary split but rather not different quantitatively from the differences between more closely related lineages. Biogeography suggests that the lorikeets are best considered a uniquely distinct lineage, not as divergent as cockatoos maybe, but still standing apart from other psittacids.
Recent molecular studies, such as that of mtDNA in 1998, or the sex chromosome spindlin gene in 2005, find the relationships of the main lineages of living parrots to be for the most part unresolvable with any confidence. An unexpected result was that according to the spindlin sequence data, the only major divergence among living parrots that could be reliably positioned in the calculated phylogenies occurred between some New Zealand parrots - Kakapo, Kākā and Kea - and the remaining psittaciformes.
The case for distinctness of at least the nestorines seems to be fairly complete by now. Its position - with or without the Kakapo - and its ancient age as suggested by the molecular data are at odds with the fossil record though, as it would require an absurdly high degree of homoplasy and a decidedly non-parsimonious character distribution in living parrots. As the study relies upon an obsolete molecular clock model uncalibrated by material evidence, the results are highly spurious. The scenario of Miyaki et al. (1998), while less complete (and excluding the kakapo) agrees better, though not completely, with the material evidence. Again, an unreliable molecular clock model was used.
While the latter two seem indeed to constitute a distinct lineage, placement of the Kakapo with these is contradicted by mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data. In any case, the major lineages of psittacines seem indeed to represent distinct clades, but their relationship among them is not well resolvable by the present molecular data. They appear to have radiated throughout a fairly limited timespan, approximately during the Eocene. One finding of major importance is that neither cockatoos nor lories seem to be as distinct from other major parrot lineages as they are usually assumed to be.
Family Psittacidae: true parrots
Parrots are found on all tropical and subtropical continents including Australia and the islands of the Pacific Ocean, India, southeast Asia, southern regions of North America, South America and Africa. Some Caribbean and Pacific islands are home to endemic species. By far the greatest number of parrot species come from Australasia and South America. The lories and lorikeets range from Sulawesi and the Philippines in the north to Australia and across the Pacific as far as French Polynesia, with the greatest diversity being found in and around New Guinea. The subfamily Arinae encompasses all the Neotropical parrots, including the Amazons, macaws and conures, and range from northern Mexico and the Bahamas to Tierra del Fuego in the southern tip of South America. The pygmy parrots, subfamily Micropsittinae, are a small genus restricted to New Guinea. The subfamily Nestorinae are three species of aberrant parrots from New Zealand. The broad-tailed parrots, subfamily Platycercinae, are restricted to Australia, New Zealand and Pacific islands as far as Fiji. The final true parrot subfamily, Psittacinae, includes a range of species from Australia and New Guinea to the species found in South Asia and Africa. The centre of cockatoo biodiversity is Australia and New Guinea, although some species reach the Solomon Islands (and one species formerly occurred in New Caledonia), Indonesia and the Philippines.
Several parrot species enter the cool, temperate regions of South America and New Zealand. One species, the Carolina Parakeet existed in temperate North America, but was hunted to extinction in the early 20th century. Numerous species have been introduced in areas with temperate climates, and have established stable populations. The Monk Parakeet currently breeds in at least 15 U.S. states.
While a few parrot species are wholly sedentary or fully migratory, the majority fall somewhere between the two, making poorly understood regional movements, some species adopting an entirely nomadic lifestyle.
The most obvious physical characteristic that characterises parrots is their strong, curved, broad bill. The upper mandible is prominent, curves downward, and comes to a point. It is not fused to the skull, which allows it to move independently, and contributes to the tremendous biting pressure these birds are able to exert. The lower mandible is shorter, with a sharp, upward facing cutting edge, which moves against the flat portion of the upper mandible in an anvil-like fashion. Seed eating parrots have a strong tongue which helps to manipulate seeds or position nuts in the bill so that the mandibles can apply an appropriate cracking force. The head is large, with eyes positioned sideways, which limits binocular vision, but greatly enhances peripheral vision. They have an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed feet, with two toes facing forward and two toes facing rearward on each foot, (zygodactyl).
Cockatoo species have a mobile crest of feathers on the top of their heads which can be raised for display, and retracted.
Parrots have a strong, direct flight. Most species spend most of their time perched or climbing in tree canopies. They often use their bills for climbing by gripping or hooking on branches and other supports. On the ground parrots often walk with a rolling gait.
The diet of parrots consists of seeds, fruit, nectar, pollen, buds, and sometimes bugs and to a lesser degree animal prey. Without question the most important of these to most true parrots and cockatoos are seeds. The evolution of the large and powerful bill can be explained primarily as an adaptation to opening and consuming seeds. All true parrots except the Pesquet's Parrot employ the same method to obtain the seed from the husk; the seed is held between the mandibles and the lower mandible crushes the husk, whereupon the seed is rotated in the bill and the remaining husk is removed. A foot is sometimes used in order to help holding large seeds in place. Parrots are seed predators rather than seed dispersers; and in many cases where species are recorded as consuming fruit they are only eating the fruit in order to get at the seed. As seeds often have poisons to protect them, parrots are careful to remove seed coats and other fruit parts which are chemically well defended, prior to ingestion. Many species in the New World, Africa, and Papua New Guinea consume clay which both releases minerals and absorbs toxic compounds from the gut.
The lories and lorikeets, Swift Parrot and Philippine Hanging Parrot are primarily nectar and pollen consumers, and have tongues with brush tips to collect this source of food, as well as some specialized gut adaptations to accommodate this diet. Many other species also consume nectar as well when it becomes available.
In addition to feeding on seeds and flowers, some parrot species will prey on animals. Golden-winged Parakeets prey on water snails, and famously the Keas of New Zealand will scavenge on sheep carcases and even kill juvenile petrels. Another New Zealand parrot, the Antipodes Island Parakeet, enters the burrows of nesting Grey-backed Storm-petrels and kills the incubating adults. Some cockatoos and the Kākā will also excavate branches and wood in order to obtain grubs.
Although there are a few exceptions, parrots are monogamous breeders which nest in cavities and hold no territories other than their nesting sites. The pair bonds of the parrots and cockatoos are strong and the pair will remain close even during the non-breeding season, even if they join larger flocks. As with many birds pair bond formation is preceded by courtship displays; these are relatively simple in the case of cockatoos. Allopreening is used by the pair to help maintain the bond.
Only the Monk Parakeet and five species of Agapornis lovebird build nests in trees, and three Australian and New Zealand ground parrots nest on the ground. All other parrots and cockatoos nest in cavities, either tree hollows or cavities dug into cliffs, banks, termite nests or the ground. The use of holes in cliffs is more common in the New World. In most cases both species will participate in the nest excavation. The length of the burrow varies with species, but is usually between 0.5-2 m in length. The nests of cockatoos are often lined with sticks, wood chips and other plant material. In the larger species of parrot and cockatoo the availability of nesting holes can be limited and this can lead to intense competition for them. Some species are colonial, with the Burrowing Parrot nesting in colonies up to 70,000 strong.
The eggs of parrots are white. In most species the female undertakes all the incubation, although incubation is shared for in cockatoos, the Blue Lorikeet, and the Vernal Hanging Parrot. The female remains in the nest for almost all of the incubation period and is fed both by the male and during short breaks. Incubation varies from 17 to 35 days, with the larger species have the longer incubation periods. The newly-born young are altricial, either lacking feathers or with sparse white down. The young spend anything from three weeks to four months in the nest, depending on species, and may receive parental care for up to further months thereafter.
As typical of K-selected species, the macaws and other larger parrot species have low reproductive rates. They require several years to reach maturity, produce one or very few young per year, and sometimes do not breed every year at all.
Learning in early life is apparently important to all parrots, and much of that learning is social learning. Social interactions are often practised with siblings, and in several species creches are formed with several broods, and these as well are important for learning social skills. Foraging behaviour is generally learnt from parents, and can be a very protracted affair. Supra-generalists and specialists are generally independent of their parents much quicker than partly specialised species which may have to learn skills over a long period of time as various resources become seasonally available. Play forms a large part of learning in parrots, it can be solitary, and related to motor skills, or social. Species may engage in play fights or wild flights to practice predator evasion. An absence of stimuli can retard the development of young birds, as demonstrated by a group of Vasa Parrots kept in tiny cages with domesticated chickens from the age of 3 months; at 9 months these birds still behaved in the same way as 3 month olds, but had adopted some chicken behaviour. In a similar fashion captive birds in zoo collections or pets can, if deprived of stimuli, develop stereotyped behaviours and harmful behaviours like self plucking. Aviculturists working with parrots have identified the need for environmental enrichment to keep parrots stimulated.
Many species can imitate human speech or other sounds, and the results of a study by Irene Pepperberg suggested a high learning ability in an African Grey Parrot named Alex. Alex was trained to use words to identify objects, describe them, count them, and even answer complex questions such as "How many red squares?" with over 80% accuracy. A second example is that of N'kisi, another African grey, which has been shown to have a vocabulary of approximately a thousand words and has displayed an ability to invent as well as use words in context and in the correct tense.
Parrots do not have vocal cords, so sound is accomplished by expelling air across the mouth of the bifurcated trachea. Different sounds are produced by changing the depth and shape of trachea. So, talking parrots are really whistling in different variations. Congo African Grey Parrots (CAG) are well known for their ability to "talk", which may be caused by more control, or stronger trachea. But that does not mean that a Cockatiel (Cockatiels are not well known for their talking ability), could have a greater vocabulary than an African Grey Parrot.
This ability has made them prized as pets from ancient time to now. In the Masnavi, a writing by Rumi of Persia, AD 1250, the author talks about an ancient method for training parrots to speak.
"Parrots are taught to speak without understanding the words. The method is to place a mirror between the parrot and the trainer. The trainer, hidden by the mirror, utters the words, and the parrot, seeing his own reflection in the mirror, fancies another parrot is speaking, and imitates all that is said by the trainer behind the mirror."
As tens of millions of individuals have been removed from the wild, parrots have been traded in greater numbers and for far longer than any other group of wild animals. Many parrot species are still threatened by this trade as well as habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and hunting for food or feathers. Some parrot species are agricultural pests, eating fruits, grains, and other crops, but parrots can also benefit economies through birdwatching based ecotourism.
Popular as pets due to their sociable and affectionate nature, high intelligence, bright colours and ability to imitate human voices, parrots have historically been kept as pets in many cultures. Europeans kept birds matching the description of the Rose-ringed Parakeet (or called the ring-necked parrot), such as in this first century account by Pliny the Elder. As they have been prized for thousands of years for their beauty and ability to talk, they have also often been misunderstood. For example, author Wolfgang de Grahl discusses in his 1987 book "The Grey Parrot," that some importers allowed parrots to drink only coffee while they were being shipped by boat considering pure water to be detrimental and believing that their actions would increase survival rates during shipping. (These days it is commonly accepted that the caffeine in coffee is toxic to birds.)
Pet parrots may be kept in a cage or aviary; though generally, tame parrots should be allowed out regularly on a stand or gym. Depending on locality, parrots may be either wild caught or be captive bred, though in most areas without native parrots, pet parrots are captive bred.
Parrots species that are commonly kept as pets include conures, macaws, Amazons, cockatoos, African Greys, lovebirds, cockatiels, budgerigars, eclectus, Caiques, parakeets, Pionus and Poicephalus. Species vary in their temperament, noise level, talking ability, cuddliness with people, and care needs, although how a parrot has been raised usually greatly affects its personality.
Parrots are popular as pets due to their beauty, intelligence, and sociable natures. In 1992 the newspaper USA Today published that there were 11 million pet birds in the United States alone, many of them parrots. The domesticated Budgerigar, a small parrot, is the most popular of all pet bird species.
Parrots can make excellent companion animals, and can form close, affectionate bonds with their owners. Parrots that are bred for pets may be handfed or otherwise accustomed to interacting with people from a young age to help ensure they will be tame and trusting. However, parrots are not low maintenance pets; they require feeding, grooming, veterinary care, training, environmental enrichment through the provision of toys, exercise, and social interaction (with other parrots or humans) for good health. Some large parrot species, including large cockatoos, Amazon, and macaws, have very long lifespans with 80 years being reported and record ages of over one hundred. Small parrots, such as lovebirds, hanging parrots, and budgies have shorter life spans of up to 15-20 years. Some parrot species can be quite loud, and most larger parrots can be destructive and require a very large cage, and a regular supply of new toys, branches, or other items to chew up.
The popularity, longevity, and intelligence of many of the larger pet parrots has led to many of these birds being rehomed during the course of their long lifespans. A common problem is that large parrot species which are cuddly and gentle as juveniles will mature into complex, often demanding adults that can outlive their owners. Due to these problems, and the fact that homeless parrots are not euthanized like dogs and cats, parrot adoption centers and sanctuaries are becoming more common.
The popularity of parrots as pets has led to a thriving - and often illegal - trade in the birds, and some species are now threatened with extinction. A combination of trapping of wild birds and damage to parrot habitats makes survival difficult or even impossible for some species of parrot. Importation of wild caught parrots into the US and Europe is illegal.
The trade continues unabated in some countries. A report published in January 2007 presents a clear picture of the wild-caught parrot trade in Mexico, stating: "The majority of parrots captured in Mexico stay in the country for the domestic trade. A small percentage of this capture, 4% to 14%, is smuggled into the USA. In the early 1980s an American college student who worked his way through school smuggling parrots across the Rio Grande put his contraband Mexican birds in a cage on an inflatable raft and floated with them across the international river to the U.S. side where a partner would be waiting.
The scale of the problem can be seen in the Tony Silva case of 1996, in which a parrot expert and former director at Tenerife's Loro Parque (Europe's largest parrot park) was jailed in the United States for 82 months and fined $100,000 for smuggling Hyacinth Macaws. (Such birds command a very high price.) The case led to calls for greater protection and control over trade in the birds. Different nations have different methods of handling internal and international trade. Australia has banned the export of its native birds since 1960. The United States protects its only native parrot through its Endangered Species Act, and protects other nations' birds through its Wild Bird Conservation Act Following years of campaigning by hundreds of NGOs and outbreaks of avian flu, in July 2007, the European Union halted the importation of all wild birds with a permanent ban on their import. Prior to an earlier temporary ban started in late October 2005, the EU was importing approximately two million live birds a year, about 90% of the international market: hundreds of thousands of these were parrots. There are no national laws protecting feral parrot populations in the USA. Mexico has a licensing system for capturing and selling native birds (though the laws are not well enforced).
Parrots have featured in human writings, story, art, humor, religion and music for thousands of years. From the Roman poet Ovid's "The Dead Parrot" (Latin), (English) to Monty Python's Dead Parrot Sketch millennia later, parrot have existed in the consciousness of many cultures. Recent books about parrots in human culture include Parrot Culture.
In ancient times and currently parrot feathers have been used in ceremonies, and for decoration. The "idea" of the parrot has been used to represent the human condition in medieval literature such as the bestiary. They also have a long history as pets.
In Polynesian legend as current in the Marquesas Islands, the hero Laka/Aka is mentioned as having undertaken a long and dangrous voyage to Aotona in what are now the Cook Islands, in order to obtain the highly prized feathers of a red parrot as gifts for his son and daughter. On the voyage a hundred out of his 140 rowers died of hunger on their way, but the survivors reached Aotona and captured enough parrots to fill 140 bags with their feathers. By at least some versions, the feathers were plucked off living parrots without killing them
Currently parrots feature in many media. There are magazines devoted to parrots as pets, and to the conservation of parrots (PsittaScene). Recent fictional books featuring parrots include Next Fictional films include Paulie, and documentaries include The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.
Parrots have also been considered sacred. The Moche people of ancient Peru worshipped birds and often depicted parrots in their art.
Parrots are used as symbols of nations and nationalism. A parrot is found on the flag of Dominica. The St. Vincent parrot is the national bird of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a Caribbean nation.
Sayings about parrots colour the modern English language. The verb "parroting" can be found in the dictionary, and means "to repeat by rote." There are also clichés, such as the British saying "sick as a parrot."
It is possible to devote entire careers to parrots. Zoos and aquariums employ keepers to care for and shape the behavior of parrots. Some veterinarians who specialize in avian medicine will treat parrots exclusively. Biologists study parrot populations in the wild and help to conserve wild populations. Aviculturalists will breed and sell parrots for the pet trade.
Escaped parrots of several species have become established in the wild outside their natural ranges and in some cases outside the natural range of parrots. Among the earliest instances were pet Red Shining-parrots from Fiji which established a population on the islands of southern Tonga. These introductions were prehistoric and Red-shining Parrots were recorded in Tonga by Captain Cook in the 1770s. Escapees first began breeding in cities in California, Texas and Florida in the 1950s (with unproven earlier claims dating back to the 1920s in Texas and Florida). They have proved surprisingly hardy in adapting to conditions in Europe and North America. They sometimes even multiply to the point of becoming a nuisance or pest, and a threat to local ecosystems, and control measures have been used on some feral populations.
A large number of parrot species are in decline, and several species are now extinct. Of the 350 or so living species of parrot 130 species are listed as near threatened or worse by the IUCN. There are numerous reasons for the decline of so many species, the principal threats being habitat loss, hunting, and for some species, wild-bird trade. Parrots are persecuted for a number of reasons; in some areas they may (or have been) hunted for food, for feathers, and as agricultural pests. For a time, Argentina offered a bounty on Monk Parakeets (an agricultural pest), resulting in hundred of thousands of birds being killed, though apparently this did not greatly affect the overall population. Capture for the pet trade is a threat to many of the rarer or slower to breed species. Habitat loss or degradation, most often for agriculture, is a threat to numerous parrot species. Parrots, being cavity nesters, are vulnerable to the loss of nesting sites and to competition with introduced species for those sites. The loss of old trees is particularly a problem in some areas, particularly in Australia where suitable nesting trees may be many hundreds of years old. Many parrot species occur only on islands and are vulnerable to introduced species such as rats and cats, as they lack the appropriate anti-predator behaviours needed to deal with mammalian predators. Controlling such predators can help in maintaining or increasing the numbers of endangered species. Insular species, which have small populations in restricted habitat, are also vulnerable to physical threats such as hurricanes and volcanic eruptions.
There are many active conservation groups whose goal is the conservation of wild parrot populations. One of the largest includes the World Parrot Trust, an international organization. The group gives assistance to worthwhile projects as well as producing a magazine and raising funds through donations and memberships, often from pet parrot owners. They state they have helped conservation work in 22 countries. On a smaller scale local parrot clubs will raise money to donate to a cause of conservation. Zoo and wildlife centers usually provide public education, to change habits that cause damage to wild populations. Recent conservation measures to conserve the habitats of some of the high-profile charismatic parrot species has also protected many of the less charismatic species living in the ecosystem. A popular attraction that many zoos now employ is a feeding station for lories and lorikeets, where visitors feed small parrots with cups of liquid food. This is usually done in association with educational signs and lecture.
At present the IUCN recognises 19 species of parrot as extinct since 1600 (the date used to denote modern extinctions). This does not include species like the New Caledonian Lorikeet which has not been officially seen for 100 years yet is still listed as critically endangered.
Trade, export and import of all wild-caught parrots is regulated and only permitted under special licensed circumstances in countries party to CITES, the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species, that came into force in 1975 to regulate the international trade of all endangered wild caught animal and plant species. In 1975, 24 parrot species were included on Appendix I of CITES, thus prohibiting commercial international trade in these birds. Since that initial listing, continued threats from international trade have lead CITES to add an additional 32 parrot varieties to Appendix I, including nine in the last four years. All the other parrot species are protected on Appendix II of CITES. In addition, individual countries may have laws to regulate trade in certain species.


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Wokingham Borough Council has successfully bid for £1.85m of Government funding under the Local Pinch Point Fund (LPPF) - and plans to improve the hotspot by the end of next year.
The Coppid Beech roundabout is regularly busy because it links the A329(M)/M4 to Wokingham town centre, western Bracknell, and residential areas in both boroughs.
The work, which will begin next summer, will widen slip roads, install new signals and improve access for pedestrians and cyclists. The LPPF will cover the majority of the £2.65m cost of the Coppid Beach works, with the other £800,000 coming from developers' contributions.
The council has been given a further £2.65m towards the cost of a new link road by Wokingham railway station.
Cllr Keith Baker, executive member for highways and planning at the council, said: "This funding is extremely important for Wokingham, its residents and its businesses, because it means we can address two areas of significant congestion within our borough." Wokingham Borough Council will lead the Coppid Beech junction scheme in partnership with Bracknell Forest Council, the Highways Agency and developers in the two Strategic Development Locations (SDLs) to the north and south of the town - where about 4,000 homes are due to be built by 2026.
Cllr Baker added he expects the new improvements to help boost the local economy.
He said: "Once finished, these schemes will also help unlock the full potential of the town centre regeneration, as well as aid the new strategic development locations in the north and south of Wokingham."
The new road by Wokingham railway station will cut across the station site, from the A321 Wellington Road to the A329 Reading Road.
The 336m road will start in the forecourt of Wokingham station and join Reading Road by the site of the former Rethink centre for people with mental illnesses.
That building at 48, and also 50 Reading Road, were demolished earlier this year. The link road is part of the £6m scheme to redevelop the town's train station into a 21st century travel centre.
The station is being remodelled by Network Rail and is due to open this summer.
The new road will relieve congestion at the railway crossing on Barkham Road and improve access for people using the station.
The link road site has already been prepared and is being cleared.
Construction is due to start this autumn with the new road open by summer next year.
The aim of the LPPF is to improve the movement of goods and people on local roads, and therefore assist economic growth in those areas.

subset: commoncrawl


text: WinZip, You Have Underestimated the Cheapness of Man John Herrman and 153 othersEditDelete Invite manuallyPromoteXDismissXUndismissBlock for gizmodoHide Five years. This guy sat through five years of WinZip nagging to get this screenshot. There's a reason companies don't really do shareware nowadays, and I think we've found it. » 12/29/09 3:17pm 12/29/09 3:17pm


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Have Apple included enough of the professional tools they took away with FCP X to stop pro editors turning to the competition?


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No matter how driven and determined an individual you might like to think you are, you won't be able to conquer the world on your own: well, not at least until you've got your feet under the table. You may be full of the brightest and most innovative ideas, but you probably won't necessarily have the skill and experience to put these grand schemes into place. For many starting out on a career path that can prove to be incredibly frustrating: they know they have the knowledge to succeed and make it to the very top of their profession, but they haven't got the experience under their belts which will prove to those that matter that you really have what it takes. So, what can you do if you're facing this particular problem? Well, probably the best thing you can do is to get yourself a career mentor. Professional mentors know exactly what you're going through, having been there and done that themselves. They'll understand your frustrations, and they'll be able to apply their knowledge and experience to help you overcome these difficulties. The best part of all is that mentors will be able to share their wisdom, and help you avoid many of the problems and difficulties they themselves faced early in their careers. Yes you do learn from your own mistakes, but don't have to follow this path. In a sense, mentors took the hit, so you won't have to. Career mentors can help to turn hindsight into foresight.
How will a mentoring relationship help to further your career?
- Mentors will be willing to share their wisdom, knowledge, skills and expertise with you. They'll be pillars of their own industry with a vast number of contacts. They will be open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
- Mentors will help you develop a positive outlook on business life, and be able to help to use this positivity productively.
- They will be genuinely concerned about you and your success, and use all their skills and experience to help you flourish.
- Mentors will unquestionably be empathic, but they won't be afraid to give you the occasional kick up the backside when circumstances merit it. Sometimes the short, sharp shock is exactly what's needed.
- Mentors have been in your position themselves. They've experienced the problems you're likely to face but have overcome them through determination and drive. They'll be respected in their industries for that. Mentees can gain great credibility through association.
- Mentors never accept their lot. They keep growing themselves, and are for ever curious and inquisitive. They will pass on this thirst for knowledge to mentees.
- Mentors will always give direct, constructive feedback. Yes, they will hold their mentees to high standards, but will always be quick to congratulate success.
- Mentors will have always sought out and valued the opinions of other experts in their field. Whatever information they pass on to you will be accepted and trusted throughout the industry.
A good career mentor can make a huge difference to your career success. They can help you to achieve more sooner. It may be a cliché, but clichés are generally born out of truth. A good mentor:
Motivates you to accomplish more than you think you think you can
Expects the best from you
Never gives up on you or lets you give up on yourself
Tells you the truth – even when it hurts
Occasionally kicks you into action
Really cares about you and your success


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2014 Prolite Mini 13 Travel Trailer
* The images displayed may represent all Prolite models
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Prolite offers the Mini 13 travel trailer with a rear sofa bed and a front dinette. As you enter this light weight travel trailer, the dinette with table are to your right across the front. Continuing around, there is a 2.7 cu ft refrigerator, a 2 burner stove and a sink. Across the rear of the Mini 13 is a sofa bed. You will also find two stabilizer jacks, a screen door and an awning. You may choose to add the optional features; some include a water heater, a front window with curtain, air conditioning, a fantastic fan, tank covers, a step and a radio with AM/FM/CD/MP3 player.
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|Interior Height
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|15 gals
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14th November 2006
Catholic gays oppose pastoral guidelines
12:00 AM — Christian gay groups have criticised guidelines approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) today on the attitude towards homosexuality.Officials at the gathering approved a document entitled Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care.The guidelines attempt to create a balance between welcoming gays and lesbians into the Church whilst upholding religious teachings.
Gay charity reminds Ruth Kelly of 'hidden homeless' 1
12:00 AM — PinkNews.co.uk ExclusiveRuth Kelly appears to have forgotten about the gay community again, this time by failing to mention them in a speech about homelessness.The Albert Kennedy Trust, England's only charity supporting housing for members of the LGBT community, criticised Ms Kelly for not mentioning the "hidden homeless."
Police appeal for help after rape
12:00 AM — Camden Police are releasing an e-fit and appealing for information in identifying a man sought in connection with a rape of a man in the Euston area in September 2006.At approximately 0300 on 04/09/2006 a 34-year-old male victim left GAY Late bar in Goslett Yard WC2 after a night out.
South African gays demand universal marriage law 10
12:00 AM — South African gay groups have welcomed today's historic step taken by the country's Parliament in opening up unions to gays and lesbians, but are disappointed that it will run separately to existing marriage laws.The Civil Unions Bill was passed today by 230 votes to 41, allowing the "voluntary union of two persons, which is solemnised and registered by either a marriage or civil union."
Africa allows gay weddings 10
12:00 AM — The African continent is not known for gay rights, but South Africa has now created a landmark in the region after passing a law allowing same sex marriage.The Civil Unions Bill was passed today by 230 votes to 41, allowing the "voluntary union of two persons, which is solemnised and registered by either a marriage or civil union."
Schoolboy sentence appealed 6
12:00 AM — The life sentence given to a schoolboy who killed a fellow pupil after he allegedly rejected his sexual advances has been referred for appeal.Michael Hamer was sentenced to life imprisonment last month for the murder of Joe Geeling in a case which appears to centre around a letter luring the boy to the killer's home.
South Africa set to back gay unions 10
12:00 AM — South Africa is set to back a controversial gay partnerships bill which is opposed by religious groups and seen as a disappointment by some gay campaigners.All members of the ruling African National Council have been ordered to vote for the Civil Unions Bill which allows the "voluntary union of two persons, which is solemnised and registered by either a marriage or civil union."
Gay choir helping youngsters find a voice
12:00 AM — The London Gay Men's Chorus, the UK's largest gay choir, is to launch a youth choir, aimed at 16-21 year olds.Following a successful pilot project last year, the first workshop for those interested in joining the choir, to be known as 'Sing It!' will take place this weekend.
UN urged to outlaw anti-gay legislation
12:00 AM — Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas has added her name to calls for the United Nations to outlaw anti-gay laws around the world.Dr Lucas, who represents South-East England, has signed up to a letter demanding the UN Human Rights Council adopts a resolution requiring the worldwide decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Gay bar stops two men kissing 24
12:00 AM — A gay pub has been accused of being "unprincipled" and "disingenuous" after a customer was told to stop kissing his boyfriend because it is "inappropriate."Scott Blockley, 39, was shocked when the General Manager of the Rose and Crown pub in Greenwich told him to stop kissing his partner Marc Finbow, 24, because other customers may find it offensive.
AIDS charity raising HIV awareness in schools 1
12:00 AM — The National AIDS Trust (NAT) today launches its Schools Pack in the lead up to World AIDS Day 1 December, a practical resource for teachers providing ideas on integrating HIV into the national curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4.The pack is designed for use throughout the school year, but has been launched ahead of World AIDS Day, so that teachers can plan lessons and activities for this international day of awareness.
Gay activists lobby UN over Iran hangings
12:00 AM — Gay campaigners are calling on the community to lobby the United Nations and European Union amid reports that ten Ahwazi Arab rights activists are scheduled to be hanged in IranThe men, accused of bombing oil installations, will by hanged from cranes in public, using the slow strangulation method, which is deliberately designed to maximise and prolong their suffering, according to reports in the Iranian media.
Gay domain name sold for $500,000
12:00 AM — If you're looking to launch a new gay-focused website, you can cross Gays.com off your list of possible domain names.German Internet entrepreneurs Julius and David Dreyer recently snapped it up for the bargain-basement price of $500,000."We are extremely proud to have secured such a prestigious domain name in this exciting sector," Mr Dreyer said.
Lesbian boss under fire again
12:00 AM — A male fire-fighter is the latest person to sue the Minneapolis fire chief, a lesbian, claiming that she discriminated against him because he is a heterosexual man.According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Elondo Wright alleges that Bonnie Bleskachek, the city's first female fire chief, and her partner, a fire department captain, gave him bad reviews, harassed him and denied him advancement.
Michigan store boycotted for gay support
12:00 AM — A few statistics pulled from the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index is all the evidence usually needed to prove being gay-friendly in 2006 is good for business.That is, unless your business is in Mason, Michigan.Teri Yale, owner of Davey's Basement, an alternative record shop located in downtown Mason, found that out the hard way after supporting the local high school's gay-straight alliance.


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Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones Spoiler: A Downton Abbey Face Finally Arrives in Season 2, Episode 6, "The Old Gods and the New"
We're less than a week away from the sixth Game of Thrones episode, "The Old Gods and the New," where Rose Leslie, who played determined housemaid Gwen Dawson on Downton Abbey, finally (finally!) makes her debut as wildling warrior woman Ygrette.
Ygrette comes into the picture when Jon Snow (Kit Harington) meets her beyond The Wall — and there will definitely be some sparks between the fiery redhead and the bastard. Of their relationship, E! reports, "Let's just say that she and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) aren't the best of friends...now." Ooh, we can't wait to see these two tango! Things are bound to get interesting, and as you might recall: Jon Snow is a virgin. Dun-dun-DUN.
For those keeping count, Rose marks the second Downton face to feature on the series — the first being Iain Glen, who plays Jorah Mormont on GoT and Sir Richard Carlisle on Downton. Wonder if we'll see anymore Downton-ers stopping by Westeros in the near future?
Source: E! Online
Get more Game of Thrones Season 2 scoop here!
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Grassroots Granookies » about us
Welcome to Grassroots Granookies
A granola revolution
It's time to free yourself from your ho-hum granola routine and give your taste buds something new to crunch on. Treat you and your family to a wholesome, nutritious, all-natural snack with Grassroots Granookies®.
Totally healthy. Radically delicious. 100% natural.


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VIDEO: Paul Pierce Blocks LeBron James
By Sports Talk Florida
News Desk
Follow @ SportsTalkFLA
News Desk
Follow @ SportsTalkFLA
Source: Royce Young, CBS Sports
New colors, same old stuff.
Paul Pierce and LeBron James resumed their personal rivalry Friday as the Nets hosted the Heat, and despite Pierce (and Kevin Garnett) changing cities, not much else was different.
LeBron and Pierce went at each other all night, but the highlight was definitely Pierce coming away with this key block on the MVP.
Tags: Brooklyn Nets, NBA - Miami Heat


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Letter: Unnecessary lights at Port St. Lucie City Center wasting money
Dolores Ketter, Port St. Lucie
Letter: Unnecessary lights at the City Center wasting money
Wonder how to save money to give to education? Turn off the lights at the Port St. Lucie City Center.
Every morning on my way to work I go past City Center and I could just scream. It's lit up like a Christmas tree.
Can you tell me how much the light bill is?
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Huh. This could get interesting. Sometime yesterday afternoon, the Polk County Recorder issued the first same-sex marriage license in Iowa.
I suspect it won't stick, although given that the legislature successfully passed an anti-discrimination bill last year, there's hope that this could play out similarly to Massachusetts. (To review: court rules against discrimination, right-wing harpies throw a fit, legislative process moves slowly enough that cooler heads prevail when it's time to vote, same-sex marriage becomes legal by default.)
So much for the Craig story.
Update: According to the AP, exactly one couple succeeded in marrying in the window between the ruling and the order staying the ruling pending appeal. Best of luck to Sean Fritz and Tim McQuillan; I think the next few months will be very interesting for them.


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Book Search
1-1 of 1 results for Author: len roger doyal harris (sorted by Publication Date, showing all)
Empiricism, Explanation and Rationality
An Introduction to the Philosophy of the Social Sciences
Series: Routledge Library Editions: History & Philosophy of Science
Originally published in 1986. All students of social science must confront a number of important philosophical issues. This introduction to the philosophy of the social sciences provides coherent answers to questions about empiricism, explanation and rationality. It evaluates contemporary writings...
Published October 19th 2013 by Routledge


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Monday, July 6, 2015
Deputies: 1 killed in shooting north of Columbia
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — One person is dead after a shooting at a home north of Columbia.
Richland County Coroner Gary Watts says 22-year-old Brandon M. Jones died from gunshot wounds to the upper body.
Deputies responded to a call just after 11 p.m. on Friday at a home north of Columbia. Deputy Curtis Wilson says gunmen had forced their way into the house and shot three people inside.
Wilson says Jones was taken to a hospital, where he died during surgery.
Authorities are still investigating but haven't made any arrests.
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said on Sunday, Jan 27 at 1:04 PM
Sad, sad....Columbia and surrounding areas have some very sneaky non-law abiding creatures residing amongst us....CRIME RIDDEN, the police seem to fall short.112291732
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text: Ballistic Publishing - Call for Entries Glass LogThis glass log was inspired by 'Dale Chihuly's' Pilchuck Stumps glass series. Copyright (C) Scott Nelson 2007 All Rights Reserved No unauthorised duplication or distribution without explicit permission from the copyright holder. Artist Name: Scott Nelson Artist Country: GB Entered for: Software used: softimage - SOFTIMAGE|XSI About us | Contact us | Privacy Policy Copyright © 2003 Ballistic Media Pty. Ltd.


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These sleek navy pants from Nonnie Threads are all about the details: straight cut, with frog mouth front pockets, single welt back pockets, all in a navy herringbone weave, they're destined to become your new go-to.
55% Hemp, 43% Organic Cotton, 2% Lycra. Men's sizing: Size 30 has a 32 waist, 34 inseam; Size 32 has a 34 waist, 34 inseam; Size 34 has a 36 waist, 35 inseam; size 36 has a 38 waist, 36 inseam.
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Enjoy 10% off your first order*


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HTC Mogul / XV6800 / PPC6800 / P4000
Info Photos Reviews 100+ News Forum
Replying to: Free Ringtones for the Mogul..! =D by sprint_2007
So just as an FYI, the same thing works if you purchase the songs through the music store and want to get a version to play in the phone's windows media player. The biggest benefit here is that wmp will allow you to do other things while music is playing in the background, where the music store is touchy at best and stops when you open another app.
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Alvarez preps for Rose Bowl
Posted: December 27, 2012 at 1:24 a.m.
Wisconsin is in the Rose Bowl for the third straight year. This time, the Badgers are bringing a familiar face with them on the sideline.
This story is only available from our archives.
Sports, Pages 18 on 12/27/2012
« Previous Story
Military Bowl
BOWLING GREEN (8-4 ) VS. NO. 24 SAN JOSE STATE (10-2 ) WHERE Washington, D.C. TIME/TV 2 p.m. Central, ESPN LINE San Jose State by 7 SERIES RECORD First meeting WHAT'S AT ST... Read »
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Off the wire
BASEBALL Jones arrested The wife of former Atlanta Braves star Andruw Jones accused him of dragging her down a staircase, grabbing her neck and saying wanted to kill her, a... Read »


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Roger Kay
Endpoint Analysis
My Stats
|Contributor Since:
|February 2011
About Me
I founded Endpoint Technologies Associates, Inc., an independent technology market intelligence company, in 2005. Previously, I was vice president of Client Computing at IDC, covering client PCs (desktop and mobile computers). Before that, I ran my own research and analysis firm, directed operations for a developer of multilingual text processing software, ran a technology analysis and publishing practice for a consulting company, managed international accounts for a data communications equipment manufacturer, and did new product development for a computerized trading network. I have published in a variety of forums and been quoted in a number of publications and other media outlets. I snagged a B.F.A. from Bennington College and an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business. I am multilingual, world-traveled, and have bicycled over the Alps, but am now a family man.
Feel free to Circle me on Google+
I'm Known For...
making difficult technology concepts accessible to ordinary people.
My Other Website


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Ten Things We Learned This Week
The world's fastest pit stop, and Maria Sharapova versus Porsche Macan: the weirdest stories from a week in cars
Posted: 22 Nov 2013
2. We must have a Youabian Puma and we must have it now
It measures 615cm from nose to tail. Which is nearly a metre longer than a Rolls-Royce Wraith. It packs a 500bhp, 7.0-litre GM V8. It has 44-inch wheels and will do 0-62mph in six seconds. It is the Youabian Puma, it was unveiled at the LA Show, and it may be our favourite thing in the history of ever. Bow before the Puma. Bow.


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LEJAL'NYTE is a LEJAL GENES record label's regular club night (est. 2003). There's also a weekly radioshow called LEJAL'NYTE (est. 2009). More info about the show @ http://www.lejalgenes.com/lejalnyte
Visit http://thismixtape.com/2011/gee to download "This Mixtape Is So 2011" MP3.
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Dignan3 years agoReplyDelete and block
tracklist goods good. on the listen...


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I am just wondering how involved you are in your child's school PTA. I agreed to be a commitee chairperson. I am learning a lot but it is a lot more work than I realized.
I am just wondering how involved you are in your child's school PTA. I agreed to be a commitee chairperson. I am learning a lot but it is a lot more work than I realized.
I school does not belong to the PTA but I have been the PTO president and been on the committee in one way or another for at least a decade. I love having input on what happens to my kids and their school! I personally think the hardest job is the Treasurer. I will NEVER do that one again! This year I've taken another position. I will continue help on the PTO but I am also on the Community Council. I've never done that and I"m excited to do something different! I marked VP even though I'm not because there are other "executive" position on the PTA/PTO and that wasn't an option.
Let me also say.. that I think my kids might get treated a little better from their teachers because of my involvement in the school. That may or may ot be fair but it makes me happy!
I've never been on PTA. I may do it this year, but I think I'll accomplish more for my kids by being on the site council.┬Ā
Mommy to many :D
Mom to three boys and one girl!
People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. - Mother Theresa
I always join, and will do volunteer stuff that I can do from home, but most people here only have 1-2 kids, so if their child is in school, that means they probably DON'T have others at home to care for. So they don't really take that into consideration, and lots of things are planned at times of day when I don't have babysitting for my younger kids, but they're not permitted to tag along.┬Ā So, I rarely get to do much to help.┬Ā It's one of those things that I figure I'll be able to do a lot more with once ALL of my kids are in school, which is only a couple of years away, now.┬Ā I wouldn't mind being an officer and helping in whatever way I can.
Mom to 6 ~ '97 * '99 * '01 * '04 * '05 * '08
Der Prophet hat keine Kleider
My school is a little different, in that there is kind of a "PTA" for the Chinese immersion part of the school, as well as the actual PTA. ┬ĀSo both programs are at work. ┬ĀI have my oldest going into 1st grade right now, and I'm heading into my first year doing enrollment and membership. ┬ĀLast year I was room mom, a committee chair, and on several committees for PTA as well as heading up things for the "Chinese PTA."
With my own work, and having my 3rd in October, I felt like the school stuff was like having another part time job. ┬ĀBut I like it that way.
Urban Mom to FOUR
Ok...I voted I am PTA president, but that's not true. I was PTA president last year and the year before, and before that I was VP for two years.
Next year I'm just a regular member that will help when I can. Going to school full time just doesn't allow for it anymore.
I was on the board a couple years ago.
When i was a kid the PTA was a very powerful voice for school curriculum, and getting helpful programs instituted. (They helped get the gifted and talented program off the ground). But they have become nothing but a mouthpiece for the administration, and a fundraising arm.
I am glad to help out, but I don't necessarily want to put my heart and sould into something where the biggest accomplishment of the year is raising money for the end of year assembly. I would┬Ā much rather have an actual voice in my children's school, but it seems they don't want parents to have that anymore, they just want our wallets.
You can do anything, but not everything
I haven't done work for the PTA but I did volunteer a lot in the kids classrooms. ┬ĀSometimes I didn't really want to go but I loved knowing what was going on in the classrooms and seeing how the teacher ran things. ┬ĀIt helped me to help the kids because I knew more what the teacher expected from them.


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The history behind the PM Parks begins in the 1700s in England. It was there that the Oddfellows were taking care of the sick, the orphaned, the widowed, and the less fortunate. The Oddfellows spread to America, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows was established in 1819.
According to Patriachs Militant literature, occasionally a war would erupt and the men would be summoned to fight, but someone would have to stay behind to take care of the children, the orphans, women who were left alone, and the elderly who still needed care. These people were called the Patriarchs Militant..
The Patriarchs Militant are the uniformed branch of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), established in 1886 by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, the international governing body of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.. The Patriarchs Militant were known as protectors; the motto the Patriarchs lived by was "Justitia Universalis, Pax aut Bellum", (Universal Justice, Peace or War).
In 19th century America (and Britain and Australia), orphanages were common. As part of their role to care for the widows and orphans, the Patriarchs Militant set up "PM Parks". At one point in time, every state in America had one or more PM Parks. The Clear Lake PM Park is one of the few PM Parks left.
There were two purposes of PM Park. The first was to provide a gathering of places for meetings and training sessions of the Patriarchs. The second was to provide a summer camp for children who were less fortunate. PM Parks gave children a summer vacation in a life that didn't offer much luck.
The PM Park in Clear Lake, Iowa was established in 1914. When it was first built, it included two buildings. One of the buildings was used for a gathering place for eating and entertainment. The other building, that sits right next to the first, was a dormitory for the children to stay in. They are located on the south side of the lake.
Still to this day the PM Park in Clear Lake, Iowa is owned by the Patriarchs Militant. The Patriarchs lease out the facilities to Cristine and Rahn Bragger to run a restaurant and lodging facilities.
At least once a year, the Patriarchs Militant make their way to the park for a week at a time holding meetings, ceremonies, and various other events. This point of time is called PM Week.
Currently the PM Park establishment is a small summer retreat that offers a variety of options.
The main building that was once used for a gathering place for eating and entertainment for the children's camp is being used as a restaurant. The main floor holds the kitchen and two dining rooms. One dining room overlooks the lake, and the other overlooks a large lawn, with some view of the lake and landscaping. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the second floor of the building there is a party room to hold events anywhere from a wedding to a class reunion.
The second building original to the park that was once the dormitory is still being used for lodging. The rooms have been modified to accommodate individuals and not just a group of children.
PM Park also offers short term apartments that are available just up the road from the restaurant, as well as a cottage for summer rental. This expansion has allowed more space for families to come and relax as well as offer a more long term experience.
The newest addition to PM Park is a lake side Tiki Bar. The bar was built and opened in the summer of 2007. The bar only offers beverages and closes at midnight to respect the neighbors around PM Park. PM Park also offers lake access with a dock to anyone who cares to come by way of boat.
PM Park is open from mid May to mid September, seven days a week.


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Justin Kline is a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, and aspring Scrabble Master from Tennessee, USA. Picking up the guitar at the young age of 10 years old, Justin has been writing, recording, and making racket with bands or as a solo artist ever since.
Some say he's one of the best singer/songwriters you've never heard. Others say they once saw him fight off a sleuth of bears with only his singing voice and fists of iron. His level of magnificence is up to you to decide.
You're invited to explore his digital home to learn more about his art, music, and awesomeness... or connect with him via social media accounts if that's your thing.
"...This EP adds a few more gems to his legacy of pop. For those who loved 'Triangle', 'Doormat' presents another unmissable (if brief) journey into his precarious world of ruminating lyrical themes juxtaposed with optimistic and sun-filled tunes." (Real Gone)
"Justin Kline is a national, melodic treasure, and this is your proof" (Alan Haber's Pure Pop Radio)
"The only knock I can make against this is that it's only 4 songs, but it's a clear case of quality winning out over quantity." (Absolute Powerpop)
"Hooky, wry, sonically energized and lyrically downcast, Kline is, as always, equal parts impending disaster and perpetual cheeriness, like kittens, Pop Rocks and Mr. Rogers all in the same room with roadkill, divorcees and a long winter." (Boro Pulse)
"More than anything though, this EP just makes me wish we can get even more new music from Justin Kline." (Dear Song In My Head)
Justin Kline has some other past releases available for at CDBaby.com, starting at just $4.99! The prices will be discounted until further notice, or until inventory runs out. All proceeds go to new Kline tunes. Oh yes!
Justin Kline
Triangle / Six Songs
Justin Kline
Cabin Fever Songs
The Heartstring Band
Aurora Songs Vol. 1


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Women's Final Four Sunday in Nashville, Next Year Tampa Hosts
Nashville plays host the Women's Final Four this Sunday with all games airing on ESPN. Next year's it will be Tampa hosting the Women's Final Four and National Championship Game. This time around there is an impressive group that
Herbstreit: On why MSU needs a Rose Bowl win
ESPN/ABC lead college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit will be in Pasadena with his broadcast partners Brent Musburger and Holy Rowe as they call today's Rose Bowl game between Michigan State and Stanford. The game showcases two of the top coaches in the country
Stanford holds off Oregon helps FSU
Tyler Gaffney rushed for 157 yards and a touchdown on a school-record 45 carries as the sixth-ranked Stanford Cardinal survived a late scare and stunned No. 2 Oregon for a second straight season with a 26-20 victory from Stanford
FSU are Cardinal fans as they face Oregon
No. 2 Oregon (8-0, 5-0 Pac-12) at No. 6 Stanford (7-1, 5-1), 9 p.m. EST (ESPN) Line: Oregon by 10½. Oregon can avenge its 17-14 overtime loss to Stanford last year, keep alive its undefeated season and stay on


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besides Cafe Press and Zazzle. http://www.zazzle.com/sell/all
trying to find places who will do custom printing,
like, shower curtains, rugs, bedspreads?
decor items for Designer wannabes?
Chohole's Space NeilV's Freebies and stuff Summer 1 Bryce Rendering Challenge July Freebie Challenge
My DAZ 3D Gallery 11915
Shapeways is a 3D printing service, and most Poser/DAZ models are too complex to print there, but they also have a lot of options to make things from b&w or grayscale images, so you might find it interesting to check them out:
Shop Zigraphix @ DAZ3D
This guy : http://www.ianroz.com/page12.html - has a free ebook which lists several dozens of similar "sell your artwork" sites. The colour scheme of the book made my eyes hurt, and I wish there were reviews of those sites not just words taken from press releases, but still a nice list to have.
...just call me Kettu, okay?
- do your research before blaming 3Delight for shortcomings of your renders
- dA gallery link in profile along with anything else you may need to know about me
- my thread with freebies
yeah, at least zazzle and redbubble are known and used by other DAZ 3D forum members.


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Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with BioPQQ
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Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with BioPQQ
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Marco Santini
Posted 4/7/2013 7:32:52 AM
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I take Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with BioPQQ.
According to you:
1) instead than taking 4 capsules a day, is it sufficient to take only 2 (one in the morning and one in the evening) o 3 caspsules (morning, lunch, dinner)?
2) How long has to be taken this product to be effective? When its anti-glycation effects are achieved?
3) Can it be taken all life long?
4) Are there any contraindication for long term intaking?
Thank you!
Post #8626
Posted 4/7/2013 5:59:02 PM
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The recommended dose is two twice per day. Since most of the ingredients aren't essential, one can't really say that a lower amount is insufficient. In my opinion, two or three will still be of benefit.
The product should be taken indefinitely.
Although there are no warnings listed other than the standard ones (keep out of reach of children, consult with your physician if you are undergoing treatment for a medical condition, or are pregnant or lactating) there are some individuals who could develop a neuropathy from a high long term dose of vitamin B6, although it is rare. Interestingly, not enough vitamin B6 can also cause nerve damage. So if you are using vitamin B6 from other sources, you might want to cut your dose.
Alpha-lipoic acid warrants the following warning:
Because this product may lower blood glucose, consult your healthcare provider before taking this product if you are taking glucose lowering medication.
Concerning the other ingredients, anyone can have a sensitivity to any of them, or develop one, although that would be unusual.
Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with BioPQQ
Post #8633
Posted 4/8/2013 10:51:23 AM
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It seems that the reommended daily amounts generally equals the amount to last one month. For example, if a bottle has 120 tablets, then the recommended dosage is would be four a day. There are of course exceptions to this rule. So, for most of the time, the suggested dosage has nothing to do with the user's health needs.
Post #8646
Marco Santini
Posted 4/10/2013 10:56:40 AM
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I utilize Life Extension Mix that contains 105 mg of vitamin B6.
I also use Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer that contains 100 mg of vitamin B6.
Is 205 mg of vitamin B6 a too high dosage for a long term taking?
What do you suggest?
Life Extension Mix
Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with BioPQQ
Post #8664
Big Mike
Posted 4/11/2013 6:55:49 AM
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You say if we are getting B6 from other sources to cut our doage of MEO...but just about all of us take a daily multivitamin (such as LEF's 2-Per-Day) with B6. Should we cut down our dosage of MEO to 2 or 3 per day?
Post #8671
Posted 4/14/2013 3:33:23 PM
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To rainbow, the amount of tablets or capsules in a bottle might be enough to last a month, but the dose is calculated with the needs of the majority in mind.
To Marco Santini, it is not possible to ascertain the precise amount of milligrams that could be problematic for one person and protective for another. The incidence of vitamin B6-associated neuropathy is rare. One physician recommended keeping one's dose below 50 milligrams per day; others are less conservative.
To Big Mike, my statement was: "if you are using vitamin B6 from other sources, you
want to cut your dose." This was in reply to his question concerning contraindications for long term use. Very few people develop vitamin B6-associated neuropathy.
vitamin B6
Post #8689
Posted 4/22/2013 1:30:30 PM
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205MG a day is quite high but apparently not enough to do anything. . .
"The FNB has established ULs for vitamin B6 that apply to both food and supplement intakes (Table 3) [
]. The FNB noted that although several reports show sensory neuropathy occurring at doses lower than 500 mg/day, studies in patients treated with vitamin B6 (average dose of 200 mg/day) for up to 5 years found no evidence of this effect. Based on limitations in the data on potential harms from long-term use, the FNB halved the dose used in these studies to establish a UL of 100 mg/day for adults. ULs are lower for children and adolescents based on body size. The ULs do not apply to individuals receiving vitamin B6 for medical treatment, but such individuals should be under the care of a physician."
To play it
you should be around 100Mg a day.
UL for B6
Post #8750
Posted 4/22/2013 1:41:40 PM
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Welcome, Andy.
D Dye
Post #8752
Posted 5/1/2013 5:22:45 AM
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I just saw MEO on the Overstock Sale. Does this mean it is being reformulated?
Post #8803
Posted 5/1/2013 5:56:54 AM
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There were a couple of small changes. Calcium increased to 253 milligrams and the content of the capsule itself changed to a chlorophyllin and vegetable cellulose capsule.
Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with BioPQQ
Post #8804
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Partial Anterior Circulation Stroke Syndrome (PACS) refers to the symptoms of a patient who clinically appears to have suffered from a partial anterior circulation infarct, but who has not yet had any diagnostic imaging (e.g. CT Scan) to confirm the diagnosis.
It can cause some (but not all) of the following symptoms:
If all of the above symptoms are present, a Total Anterior Circulation Infarct is more likely.
For more information, see stroke.


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Policy Number: 114
Exclusion Check
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston ("university") is committed to exercising due diligence to prevent and detect unethical behavior and/or violations of applicable laws, regulations and policies by its employees, residents, independent contractors, contractors and vendors which would require exclusion from participation in federal and state health care programs. The university is further committed to exercising due care to avoid delegating substantial discretionary authority to an individual or other entity known to have a propensity to engage in unlawful or unethical activities.
Federal and state agencies have the authority to exclude individuals or entities who have engaged in fraud or abuse from participation in programs they sponsor. Entities who employ or contract with excluded individuals or entities may incur civil monetary penalties or be excluded from participation in federal and state programs.
The university makes a reasonable inquiry into the status of post-offer applicants for employment, applicants for university residency programs*, employees, residents** currently enrolled in university residency programs, independent contractors, and vendors and contractors as described in the Exclusion Check Guidelines. These checks will be conducted prior to the start of employment for post-offer applicants, prior to acceptance of applicants for residency programs, prior to the issuance of a vendor code for an independent contractor, prior to the set-up of a vendor or contractor in the university's financial system, within seven days before the execution of a contract with a vendor or contractor; on a quarterly basis for all employees and residents; on a quarterly basis for a random sample of independent contractors; on a monthly basis for vendors and contractors; and prior to the issuance of a purchase order of $20,000 or above by the responsible parties. The responsible parties include Human Resources ("HR"), the School of Dentistry's Office of Student Affairs ("SDOSA"), the Office of Graduate Medical Education ("OGME"), the Financial Administrative Support Team ("FAST"), and Procurement Services. The Office Institutional Compliance ("OIC") will have responsibility for confirming any potential matches and coordinating with the affected departments to ensure adherence to the guidelines.
Failure to adhere to this policy by university personnel could result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination or dismissal.
A. Exclusion and Debarment Lists
The responsible parties shall check for:
1. debarment, exclusion, or other ineligibility for participation in federally funded health care programs or receipt of federal funds by querying the List of Excluded Individuals/Entities maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General;
2. debarment, exclusion, or other ineligibility for participation in state and federally funded health care programs or receipt of state or federal funds by querying the Medicaid and Title XX Provider Exclusion List maintained by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission;
3. debarment and/or exclusion from federal procurement programs by querying the Excluded Parties Listing System (the electronic version of the Lists of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Non-Procurement Programs) maintained by the General Services Administration;
4. designation as a Specially Designated National by querying the Specially Designated Nationals List maintained by the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control;
5. good standing with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts by querying the Certification of Account status database maintained by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts; and,
6. debarment from Texas state procurement programs by querying the Texas Procurement and Support Service's Suspended and Debarred Vendor List.
Post-offer applicants, applicants for residency programs, employees, independent contractors, and residents will be subject to checks of all the above noted exclusion and debarment lists with the exception of those lists named in sections 5 and 6. Independent contractors, vendors, and contractors will be subject to checks of all the above noted exclusion and debarment lists.
B. Confirmation of Exclusion, Debarment or Designation
The Exclusion Check Guidelines detail the consequences and procedures if an individual or entity is confirmed as being excluded, debarred, or designated.
C. Eligibility for Employment, Placement or Business
Upon being removed from an exclusion list, an independent contractor shall be eligible to do business with the university. The independent contractor's eligibility to do business with the university is subject to verification of the independent contractor's status by the appropriate responsible party.
Upon being removed from an exclusion list, an individual whose offer of employment or offer of placement in a residency program was rescinded or an employee terminated as a result of being excluded is considered eligible to apply for employment or enrollment in a residency program with the university.
D. Reporting of Exclusion or Debarment
Any employee or any resident enrolled in a university residency program who receives notification that he/she has been placed on an exclusion or debarment list as indicated above must inform his/her supervisor and the Chief Compliance Officer immediately.
E. Administrative Error
If an employee, resident or independent contractor can provide sufficient documentation to OIC to demonstrate administrative error and to demonstrate the individual has taken prompt action to correct the administrative error, the university will take appropriate corrective action immediately. Employees and residents will be immediately returned to their regular status and pay will be reinstated to them for the period they were placed on leave without pay. Independent contractors will be returned to regular status within the university's financial system and will immediately be eligible to do business with the university.
* Please note that for purposes of this policy and the accompanying guidelines, the term "residency program" also includes clinical fellowships and research fellowships.
** Please note that for purposes of this policy and the accompanying guidelines, the term "resident" includes clinical fellows and research fellows.
|Email/Web Address
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Student Post: AIDS biology news Cambodia CAMELIA HIV tuberculosis
by aminoalix
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Can timing change everything?
Amongst individuals living with HIV, twenty to thirty percent die because of an additional tuberculosis infection. This co-infection is extremely common in Cambodia, a nation with 63,000 out of 13.2-million individuals living with just the HIV diagnosis, which eventually leads to AIDS. The HIV/Tuberculosis co-infection makes up 6.4% of Cambodia's 5% HIV diagnosed population. Dr. […]
Student Post: Cambodia HIV TB Treatments tuberculosis
by michael2012
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Killing Two Birds with One Stone
Can you imagine having TWO life threatening diseases? Well, for some in Cambodia, that is the case. HIV and TB are two very common diseases that plague Cambodia, as well as other countries. Typically, a patient would go through TB treatment for two months and then begin HIV treatment. However, a new study done by Dr. […]