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Hug-a-Plug Outlet Adapter
Filed under: Electrical, Power and Data Distribution
Ever wonder why power outlets often seem to be located in areas that are natural spots for sofas, bookcases, and even beds? That drives me crazy, considering that you either have to rearrange your room plan so that outlets are accessible (no way), or put your furniture where you darn well want it and lose the use of several much-needed receptacles. It's easy enough to say that you'll just compromise by plugging into the outlets and then pushing your furniture in front of them, but in reality, that often isn't a safe thing to do.
For instance, let's take the old "sofa in front of the outlet" scenario. It's not really a problem if you can place the couch 5 or 6 inches away from the wall and know that it will stay there, but let's face it: that's not likely to happen. I don't know about your seating habits, but at my house, it's pretty rare for anyone to gently lower themselves onto the cushions and remain daintily perched along the forward edge of the sofa. No, we're more for the end-of-day flopdown to catch a nice, relaxing episode of The Barefoot Contessa. This generally entails a high-impact landing that results in said flopper coming squarely to rest against the sofa's back cushions. A few of these maneuvers always result in the sofa, which was hereto prudently positioned away from the wall and electrical outlets, making full contact and potentially crushing the power cords and plugs that are unfortunate enough to be behind it.
I do enough research on electrical safety to have a healthy paranoia about shock and electrical fire, especially as they relate to damaged cords. Suffice it to say that a crushed cable can be a bad, bad thing. So I never feel good about plugging in behind furniture, and, to be honest, go to great lengths to avoid doing that. But I just found out a very cool (and cheap – yay!) product that will let you have your furniture and your electricity, too: the Hug-a-Plug adapter.
The Hug-a-Plug plugs into any standard household power outlet to give you 2 outlets that are set at 90-degree angles to the wall. That means that you can plug in behind furniture far more safely, because plugs and cables don't come jutting straight out from the wall, but instead lay against it. Your furniture can now get cozy with your walls again.
Belkin Travel Power Adapter
Filed under: Gadgets, Power and Data Distribution
Tulips have sprung, temperatures are rising, and as Summer fast approaches, visions of Historic Route 66 are beginning to dance through the imaginations of red-blooded Americans from sea to shining sea. Who can't picture themselves behind the wheel of that classic Hollywood road trip shot, the one that looks westward down a two-lane highway that's empty except for a single top-down convertible winding its way toward a couple of cowboy-movie buttes in the not-too-far-off distance?
Ahhhhh, I can feel the wind undoing the affects of my mega-hold styling products just thinking about it. Road trips aren't just great for a little nostalgia – they're also the perfect way to squeeze a little freedom and vacation time out of Summer 2010, even though cash is still tight for many of us. There's just one little difference between road trips Then and Now: technology. Whereas payphones and postcards were the chief means of communication back in the heyday of '57 Chevys and themed motor lodges, in this age of Priuses and Hilton HHonors® rewards, we can't live without cell phones and laptops.
One little problem there: said gadgets require electricity to keep their batteries charged and ready to serve us. And as most of you have probably discovered the hard way at one time or another, electricity is most readily available from wall outlets, of which there is a distinct shortage in automobiles. Sure, some of us have the cigarette-lighter chargers for our cell phones, but car-charging can get pretty tricky for items like laptops and iPods®. How's a recreational road warrior supposed to cope?
Allow me to recommend the Travel Power Adapter by Belkin. This compact little set is made up of a power adapter that can be customized (via an assortment of included tips) to charge all of your must-have gadgets straight from the 12-volt DC port in your vehicle. This thing can even handle USB-driven electronics like iPods®. Just plug the adapter into your DC port, customize its charger cord with the tip that matches the gadget in need of juice, and you're set.
What I love is that the travel adapter isn't limited to use in your car. If you need to charge things overnight in your hotel room, you can just switch out the DC plug for the included AC adapter, and just plug into the wall. Now that's a travel buddy.
GoBe Portable Solar Power System
Filed under: Electrical, Energy Conservation, Gadgets, Power and Data Distribution
I enjoy nature and a nice hike as much as the next person, but when it comes to taking a load off and getting a good night's snooze after all that fresh air, I've always balked at roughing it in a tent – I prefer to "hotel it." Don't get me wrong – I'm not the kind of girl who needs a 5-star resort with full spa services or anything like that. I just like things like electricity, indoor plumbing, clean sheets and a locking door – you know, the kind of things that make one comfortable. Call me crazy, but rocks jutting through the ground tarp and sleeping bag aren't exactly my idea of lumbar support.
I have to say, though: with regard to the electricity aspect, all of the solar products hitting the market are beginning to make the prospect of bunking in the wilderness a little more palatable. First came solar chargers, which have made it possible to keep your cell phone or iPod juiced up even if you're miles from the nearest power outlet. But now, things are getting even better, thanks to the GoBe™ solar power system, a portable power source that absorbs sunlight and turns it into enough electricity to power the really good stuff like laptops, electric fans, lights, and maybe even your Magic Bullet blender (margarita or fresh salsa, anyone?).
The GoBe™ system is made up of a briefcase (the solar panel unit) and a hub (the battery that you actually plug into). The briefcase soaks up sunlight, converts it into energy, and then sends it via cable to the hub for storage. When you need power, you just plug into the hub, and run your devices/appliances directly from that. Too easy.
One thing that I really like about the GoBe™ solar power system is that even though it's primarily a green product, it's not limited to relying on the Sun for a proper charge. Say that you're going camping, or soon to be hit by a hurricane that will probably knock out your utilities. If you want to quickly charge the hub to capacity but don't want to wait on the Sun, you can always plug it into a wall outlet instead. A little versatility is always a good thing…
Sorry, this product has been discontinued.
MHO Conference Table Grommet
Filed under: Cable Ties, Clips and Grommets, Desk Cable Organizers, Power and Data Distribution
These days, it's pretty common to see grommets built into peoples' desktops, so that they can run phone and computer cables through their work surfaces instead of across them. But what about conference tables? It's 2010, and just about every conference room out there is wired to the hilt, so that their occupants can run everything from laptops and projectors to phone lines and A/V equipment. All of the cables associated with those electronics can make for a major mess come presentation time, so that begs the question: why don't conference tables get grommets, too?
As it turns out, they do, and you'll be happy to know that they're not the standard-issue round plastic ones that you usually see in desks. You have to step it up a notch for a conference room, right? You bring visitors in there! But I digress. I'll just tell you about the MHO® conference table grommet.
Conference tables are bigger than desks, so it just goes to reason that grommets made for them should be a little more substantial, right? The MHO® grommet is rectangular in shape, and distinctly bigger in size, measuring approximately 8″x4″. It's also refreshingly free of flat black plastic, instead made out of very sleek and modern-looking anodized aluminum. The MHO® further differs from your run-of-the-mill grommet in that it doesn't spend all it's time as a gaping hole in your tabletop – it actually has a flip-open lid that closes flush with your table when not in use, so you have the benefit of a solid, flat, continuous workspace.
But the really great thing about the MHO® grommet is that it matches the extremely popular MHO® desktop power and data center. If you've already installed an MHO® power/data unit, you can still opt for a grommet, too, without worrying about what your conference table will look like with an unharmonious mix of extras installed – everything will look clean and uniform.
Belkin Mini Surge Protector with USB Charger
Filed under: Gadgets, Power and Data Distribution
About three Christmases ago, I thought it would be a great idea to surprise my then-boyfriend (now husband) with an iPod. He's never been much of a gadget guy, but was dying for some portable tunes to work out to, so I took that tidbit of information, combined it with the fact that I was strapped for cash, and settled on a nice, shiny 2nd generation Shuffle (I am not a cheapskate, people – keep in mind that this was back in the day when those babies were still $100 a pop).
But once I actually had the tiny piece of electronic wonderment in hand, I thought: "Hmmmmm, this is kind of small – maybe I should find him a few accessories for it." So, I started mulling over everything from interchangeable iPod skins to iTunes cards. Then I saw it: a special dock that he could plug right into a wall outlet, for those times when the old Shuffle just needed a charge, and not a complete sync. After all, who wants to leave their computer grinding away for hours at a time just to charge a dinky (albeit cool) MP3 player?
My enthusiasm, however, came to a screeching halt when I saw that the stupid thing cost (if I remember correctly) upwards of 30 bucks. Are you kidding me??????????? So I settled for some assorted-color silicone iPod covers from my favorite bargain cool-stuff website, and called it a day. My man would just have to stick with computer-based USB charging for the time being.
Fast-forward 3 years. My husband and I are still charging both of our Shuffles (it turns out that he had the exact same gift idea for me that Christmas) from a laptop, and I've more or less forgotten about the wall outlet charger… until the other day, when I met a certain mini surge protector by Belkin, which happens to have two USB charging ports built right in. That's what I'm talking about!
I've seen enough portable surge protectors in recent years that they really don't catch my eye anymore, but those 2 little USB ports came pretty close to making my eyes bug out. The Belkin mini surge protector with USB charger plugs directly into a wall receptacle, and gives you 3 surge-protected outlets for laptops and the like, as well as 2 (also surge-protected) USB ports for charging iPods and other USB driven devices. All that, and it's only half the price of that original Shuffle A/C wall adapter I saw a few years ago. Guess who's getting one this Christmas?
Ellora In-Desk Power and Data Center
Filed under: Desk Cable Organizers, Power and Data Distribution
You might not think that a box full of power and data outlets embedded into your desktop would be too hot, but let me tell you, they're getting better-looking all the time. I've always thought that the idea of having plug-in points built right into a desk would be super convenient, but a lot of the power/data centers out there just look so… techy. Like whoever designed them was thinking waaaaaaaay more about function than form. Utilitarian, shall we say? But lately, I've been seeing some newer models coming out that are definitely going in a more eye-candyish direction, for those of us who don't like to sacrifice style and decor for electronics. Case in point: the Ellora™ Power and Data Center.
This sleek little beauty has clean lines, a satiny aluminum finish, and mounts more or less dead-flush into your worksurface, so visually speaking, there's absolutely nothing to complain about. Flip the lid open, and you'll find a neat row of the outlets and ports of your choice: power, data (internet), USB… you can even order one that has an iPod dock in the mix. Nice. It's work and listening pleasure, all rolled into one and stashed just below the surface of your desk. Sneaky, efficient, aesthetically pleasing – what more could you want?
Lest you walk away from this blog post thinking that the only reason to buy an in-desk PDU is so you don't have to crawl under your desk to plug in, let me just say: "but that's not all!" One of my favorite features is that the Ellora™ totally gets rid of cord clutter on and behind your desk, so you don't have to look at or get tangled up in computer cables. Even better.
Surge2Go Portable Power Strip
Filed under: Gadgets, Power and Data Distribution
Plugging your laptop in at home or the office is usually a no-brainer, because those are the two places that we're pretty much guaranteed to have decent surge protectors lying around (Right, people? Please tell me that you're protecting your electronics!). But on the other hand, what do you do when you're traveling with a laptop?
As far I can can tell you, no one I know (including myself) has, up to now, been known to pack a nice surge protector for the road. And it's easy to understand why – most of them aren't designed with portablity in mind. There's either the heavy duty brick-style battery backups that lurk under our desks (and we all know that anything brick-like doesn't pack well), or the power strip variety, which don't take up much space, per se, but still have those unwieldy, hard-to-coil-into-any-configuration power cords trailing off their ends.
So what's a techy jet-setter to do? I'll tell you this much: they (or you – or even me, for that matter) shouldn't be putting their expensive electronic lifelines at the mercy of strange, unprotected power outlets. Just because you're visiting a sweet place, that doesn't mean that a power surge won't strike. You have to be ready, no matter how deluxe the surroundings. That's why EZ Gear created the Surge2Go™, a super compact, travel-friendly surge protector that is positively made for purses, computer bags, backpacks, and suitcases. At only a little over 5x2x3 inches in size, it's pretty darned mini, and here's something else cool: the cord is only 8 inches long, and is actually made to coil around the surge protector's outer perimeter for storage – no cable clutter!
Sorry, this product has been discontinued.
Remote Controlled Power Outlets
Filed under: Electrical, Energy Conservation, Gadgets, Power and Data Distribution
Today's main event is sure to be a Favorite Gadget shoo-in for anyone who wants to save energy, walk into a lit house, or would just rather not get off the couch to turn off the outside lights. So, whether you're environmentally-conscious, safety-minded, or just plain lazy (and who among us isn't), this one's for you.
Now, I'm the type of person who doesn't exactly enjoy stepping into a pitch-black house. I'll sometimes leave a lamp on just in case, but then I usually end up feeling guilty about burning up lightbulbs and electricity when I'm not even around to benefit from it. What's an on-the-move girl to do? First thing: stop being wasteful, and secondly, spend around 12 bucks and plug an entryway lamp into a Remote-Controlled Power Outlet.
Why would someone want a remote-controlled outlet? Well, mainly because it comes with a remote, but otherwise, because it lets you turn whatever's plugged into it On and Off from up to 40 feet away. Just aim and push the button. Move over, The Clapper!
In my opinion, one of the best features of this handy little outlet/remote duo is that it has the ability to work through doors, walls and ceilings/floors, so a little structural obstruction won't get in the way of accomplishing lights out. This makes it great for dark-house scaredy cats like me, because you can technically keep the remote control in your car, and use it to turn on a lamp just inside the front door, provided that it's within 40 feet. No more cringing in the dark while groping around for invisible light switches.
In addition to letting you operate electronic devices via remote control, this outlet also gives you the Power of Auto-Off. Granted, it's not exactly the same as having the ability to set a timer to an exact hour and minute, but it is nice to know that you can set the outlet to turn something off after 2, 4, 6 or 8 hours if you need to.
BlueLounge® CableBox® at CableOrganizer.com
Filed under: Desk Cable Organizers, Power and Data Distribution
BlueLounge® Designs has done it again. They can't stop making cool products for me to yakk on about. First there was the Sanctuary charging station, and then came the Space Station laptop dock. Finally, this morning, I met the newest addition – the CableBox. But I'm not talking about the the box from your cable company that sends signal to your TV. If you've ever read or watched anything Harry Potter, then you're probably well acquainted with the Cloak of Invisibility – wrap yourself in it, and you're gone. Well, the CableBox is like an Invisibility Cloak for power strips, and it works almost as fast. You want one already, don't you?
Design-wise, it's almost ridiculously simple – in a good way. It's a sleek, rounded-corner box with cable slots in each end, and a lid that fits on top. Operation is equally simple: you just pick up your standard-size power strip, plugs and all, and drop it into the CableBox. Attached cables can be routed out of the box via one or both slots, and then you just pop the lid on. Power strip? What power strip?
The CableBox is available in black or white, but either color can be repainted to match your walls or floor if you're looking to achieve an even higher level of power strip stealth. And what's really nice is that the CableBox has low-profile rubberized feet (pads, really) attached to the bottom, so whether you park it on the floor or along the back of an entertainment center, it won't slide around on you.
GenZ Eco Power Charging Station
Filed under: Gadgets, Power and Data Distribution
Charging stations are all kinds of hot right now, and it feels like I blog about them an awful lot. And it doesn't look like that's going to change anytime soon, because there's yet another new one to tell you about. And so, fans of organized charging, meet the GenZ Eco Power Charging Station.
I don't want to tell you who should like this right off the bat, but I will say that the GenZ Eco has a totally different look than a lot of the other charging stations I've written about. Being a girl who likes attractive home and office accessories, to this point I've gravitated toward the leather-look and super mod styles, but something tells me that this particular one is going to appeal more to guys – especially ones who are really into gadgets. It's black, it looks a little like a closed laptop, and it's overall cool. But take a look at the picture – you'll see what I mean about it having a techier appeal.
Anyway… in addition to its unique style, the Eco Power Charging Station has a few other really neat features, the first of which is that it has charger connectors already built in. This is really pretty sweet, because it means that you can toss all of those individual charger cords, or at least stash them away until you need to travel. The 13 built-in connections are compatible with thousands of devices, so unless you're trying to charge a gadget that's really old or rare, you're covered.
And now for the "eco" part. Cell phone chargers are notorious "vampire electronics," because they keep drawing small amounts of power as long as they're plugged in, whether or not they're actively charging. And to add insult to injury, when you leave your devices plugged in after they're fully rejuiced, their batteries actually wear out faster. Hmmmphhh – you can't win, right? Actually, you can, because the GenZ Eco charger is able to sense when a gadget is fully powered, and as soon as it gets that message, it automatically cuts the flow of electricity to that device. No unnecessary battery wear, no go-nowhere power being wasted, just exactly what you need – nothing more, nothing less.
And did I mention that it can handle several gadgets at once?
Sorry, this product has been discontinued.


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Somalis continue to experience one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. As of September 2013, there were more than 1.1 million Somalis displaced internally and nearly one million refugees living in neighboring countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Yemen.
Somalia has been engulfed in conflict since the Siad Barre regime collapsed in 1991, and many of its citizens have been displaced ever since. Spikes in violence and drought conditions have caused multiple waves of displacement over the years, and most recently the 2011-12 famine claimed over 260,000 lives. The government installed in 2012 controls only a fraction of the country, and those areas remains fragile in the face of tension between competing warlords and frequent attacks from the Al Shabab terrorist group.
Current Humanitarian Situation
Increased access and stability have improved Somalia's humanitarian situation in recent months, but only marginally. While famine conditions no longer exist, the UN estimates that there are 870,000 people in need of live-saving humanitarian assistance. Cities are coming back to life in areas where Al Shabab has given up territorial control, particularly the capital Mogadishu, where approximately 369,000 IDPs reside. However, the displaced population is not benefitting from this revival.
A complex network of local powerbrokers (including businessmen, landowners, and public officials) controls the displacement camps and regularly diverts incoming aid. Further, as property values rise, landowners are designating more and more land for reconstruction and development. In the process, IDP camps on that land are being cleared, and IDPs are being forced to find shelter elsewhere. The UN estimates that tens of thousands of IDPs were evicted during August and September of 2013. RI is urging the Somali government to publicly condemn forced evictions and to implement protocols to protect the rights of IDPs.
In addition to the massive IDP population, Somalia is also the second-ranking source of refugees in the world. Kenya's Dadaab camp, designed to hold 90,000 refugees fleeing the Somali civil war in 1991, holds nearly half a million refugees more than two decades later. The Kenyan government has indicated that it wants the bulk of the refugee population to return home. However, if returns occur prematurely, there is a high likelihood that those refugees will become IDPs within Somalia, facing the same protection challenges as the IDPs who are currently living in and around Mogadishu.
In November 2013, Kenya, Somalia, and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) signed a Tripartite Agreement to establish a framework for supporting voluntary returns to Somalia. The principle of voluntariness must be upheld, and Kenya, along with UNHCR, must continue to provide protection and support for those refugees who feel that Somalia is not yet safe enough for a return home.
When violent conflict breaks out, the United States and other United Nations member states often call for the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces to create stability and protect people from harm. The UN Security Council has explicitly instructed peacekeepers to protect civilians under "imminent threat of violence" in most UN peacekeeping mandates since 1999. But there is no clarity as to what "protection" means in practice. Which circumstances require action and what level of force should be used? This has resulted in a lack of proper training, guidance and resources for peacekeepers to accomplish protection activities.

subset: commoncrawl


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Galena Food and Wine Festival
Now is the time to plan your Galena getaway for the Second Annual Galena Food & Wine Festival on Friday, September 5, 2014.
Galena Ladies' Getaway Weekend
The Galena Food & Wine Festival kicks off the always-popular Galena Ladies' Getaway Weekend, widely regarded as the best girlfriends' getaway event weekend in the Midwest.
To book your rooms at Farmers Guest House, start by clicking here.
Committee members of the Galena Wine Lovers' Weekend and ARC Taste of Galena have come together to plan the second annual Galena Food & Wine Festival, slated for Friday, September 5, 2014 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Galena Convention Center, 900 Galena Square Drive.
The Galena Food and Wine Festival aspires to be a culinary dream featuring the talents of Galena area restaurants as well wine tasting—showcasing approximately 200 varieties—sponsored by Family Beer & Liquor.
"We had tremendous feedback to last year's first annual event." said Dave Decker, executive director of the Galena Art & Recreation Center. "Guests loved the wine tasting paired with samples from our wonderful Galena restaurants and caterers. It was a fun evening."
Tickets for the Galena Food and Wine Festival are $50 per person and available online: www.galenafoodandwinefestival.
The event—with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Galena Art and Recreation Center—will also include live music, a raffle and silent auction.
To purchase tickets or learn more about Galena's new Food and Wine Festival visit: www.galenafoodandwinefestival.
Galena Food and Wine Festival is one of the main events that kicks off Galena Ladies' Getaway Weekend, September 5-7, 2014. For more information on weekend happenings, go to: facebook.com/
In June 2013, Fodor's named Galena, Illinois as one of the best summer getaways near Chicago, Illinois, and best for food and wine, girlfriends and romance.


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It would appear I have a very large garden of green onions. Or perhaps it's a weed that looks like an onion? And is that an...Artichoke? I'm wondering if maybe this area was a compost plot?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wordless Wednesday: What's in the garden?
2 comments:
It may be a bulb flower. Give them some time and see what blooms.ReplyDelete
Yes let them bloom and see what you have. I was surprised to see a bunch of lilies grow all around the front yard, I didn't even know I had those. Enjoy your growing garden, oh and it will be neat to have the lettuce and tomatoes grow, makes great salad:-) Thank you so much for your kind visit today at the blog! Hope to see you again!ReplyDelete
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July 10, 2010. 40 teens from the Northwest Youth Corps Teens-N-Trails program come home to graduate after living and working in the woods for 4-weeks.
The Teens-N-Trails crew members ages range from 14-15. Many of the crew members are from the Eugene area; while others come from across the state of Idaho, Oregon, and even a few nationally.
Not only will they have received a paycheck, received high school credit, but they will also have gained a sense of appreciation for public lands for today and for years to come.


text: Field mouse Spring, who is rearing her babies on her own, dreams of returning to live with Gran Dora, who brought her up. She knows that until her babies are older, she must stay with them in their nest in an old car, but as a link to home, she always wears the purple ribbon that Gran gave her, a beloved heirloom and comfort. Although their home seems quiet and cozy, life there proves unexpectedly eventful. There's a prying cat, a bouncy car ride, and a scary moment when Spring and her babies are separated before the family is, at last, happily united with Gran Dora. In sparkling, prose, Moranville creates endearing mouse characters who weather life's ups and downs to find joy and solace in one another. From full-page to spot art, Alter's softly rendered illustrationsin watercolor, pen and ink, and colored pencilare as charming as the story itself. A delightful tale that illuminates the importance of family.


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A Kitten Vs. Lizards
May 14, 2013 7:12 AM
Britt Bickel
Web Producer |Read More
A kitten doesn't know what's coming at it when curiously checking out a pair of lizards, and boy does it get a big surprise.
The kitten inspects one lizard not realizing the other has sneaked up behind and nearly gives the kitten a heart attack.
Watch the video below!


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The snow in Oregon City had Elvis the polish chicken looking a little emo in the snow Tuesday. While they have plenty of shelter, the poutry seemed to enjoy exploring the new ground dressing.
Feather Friends Bear the Fowl Weather
By: everganoSubscribe Channel: Weather & Scenery Location: Oregon City, Oregon
2 Comments
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says ... on Monday, May 10 at 5:47 PM
Lets hoping the Polish chicken can fly better than Polish president. O:
says ... on Thursday, Dec 31 at 12:12 AM
That chicken is one bad punk.


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Online Aquatic Invasive Species Training for Minnow Dealer Employees
If you are a Minnow Dealer or an employee of a Minnow Dealer (unless you are an employee who only sells minnows at a retail location), you are required by law to complete an online Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) training course prior to taking, selling, or transporting for sale minnows within the state.
Course Basics
- The course is free and takes about an hour to complete.
- You are tested throughout the training and must answer the questions correctly to pass the course (but you may attempt the question an unlimited number of times).
- At the end of the course a certificate with your name on it is generated in a pop-up window. The certificate is the size of a business card. Print the certificate and keep in your possession at all times when taking, selling, or transporting for sale minnows within the state.
- Your certificate is also automatically saved on the DNR website. If you need to save or print more copies, just log back in to your account to find the saved certificate.
- Your training certificate is good for one calendar year. If you take the training in 2015, then your certificate is 2015. In 2016, you would need to take the training again and obtain a new certificate.
- Your training certificate travels with you between employers. Even if you work for multiple minnow dealers or purchase your own minnow dealer license, you still only need to complete this training once every year.
- Each employee at your business needs to register and create their own account. The name of the account holder will be the name that is printed on the certificate when you complete the training.
Computer System Requirements for the training
- Important: Pop-ups must be enabled on your internet browser. Pop-up blockers will prevent you from obtaining your certificate. Make sure you do not have a pop-up blocker on BEFORE YOU START THE TRAINING.
- One of the following web browsers
- Internet Explorer 8 or 9
- Firefox 7.x or later
- Safari 4 or later
- Google Chrome (recommended for Macs or if you are having trouble with Adobe Flash Player)
- Adobe Flash® Player 11 or later
Instructions for the training (MUST READ)
- You must complete the training in one sitting. The training presentation will take approximately one hour. If you exit the training before completion you will have to start again from the beginning. Your test question answers will not be saved.
- You will need to print out your certificate at the end of the training. Make sure you are at a computer that is attached to a printer. Even though the certificate is in color, you may print on either a color or black and white printer.
- You need the sound enabled on your computer so you can listen to the training. (To adjust the volume, click on the speaker icon in the bottom of the screen.) A transcript of the narration is also provided.
- To progress through the training, wait for the narration to complete and then use the forward arrow to move on to the next slide.
- You may use the arrows in the presentation to return to slides you have already viewed. Do not use the back arrow or button on your browser. This will cause you to exit the training and you will have to start again from the beginning. Your test question answers will not be saved.
- You must view each slide in order to complete this training.
- You may pause a slide by pressing the Pause button in the lower left corner. When you are ready to resume the training session, press the Play button in the lower left corner.
- The training contains a series of short quizzes. You must answer quiz questions correctly to advance, but you may take the quiz unlimited times.
- Select "Take the Minnow Dealer Employee Online Training" and follow the directions to complete training.
When you have reviewed all the information, you may take the Minnow Dealer Employee Online Training
Experiencing technical difficulties?
Additional Resources
- For further information contact the regional invasive species specialist in your area.
- MN DNR Aquatic Invasive Species homepage
After you print the page out, you should cut the certificate out so it will be a convenient size to carry with you. You may keep it in your wallet, place it in a plastic cover available for luggage tags and attach it to your work gear, buy a lamination sticker from an office supply store, have it laminated at a copying shop, or another process that makes it easy for you to keep it protected and in your possession when working. You may print out as many copies as you'd like.