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Oceana - Protecting the World's Oceans
- Date submitted: 31 Oct 2011
- Stakeholder type: Major Group
- Name: Oceana - Protecting the World's Oceans
- Submission Document: Download
Full SubmissionThe signatory non-governmental environmental organizations, Oceana and the Natural Resources Defense Council, representing over 1.8 million members and online activists from around the world would like the 20th United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development to address the emerging threat of ocean acidification to marine life, ocean-based resources and the people who are dependent on them. To solve the problem of ocean acidification we encourage aggressive reductions in carbon dioxide emissions from the international community, a major initiative to create fully protected marine reserves, and the establishment of an international network of monitoring stations to better understand and adapt to changes in marine life from a more acidic ocean.
Threats from Ocean Acidification
Currently, human activity - through the burning of fossil fuels - is changing the basic chemistry of our seas at an unprecedented rate, making them more acidic.� As atmospheric CO2 has risen, the oceans have become 30% more acidic over the last 150 years (Caldeira and Wickett, 2003).� Scientists predict an increase in acidity by approximately 150% by 2100, if we continue to pollute as we are now (Caldeira and Wickett, 2005; Feely et al., 2004; Orr et al., 2005; Doney et al., 2009). This will have far reaching consequences for life in the seas which could lead to widespread social and environmental costs (Turley and Boot, 2011).
Rising ocean acidity reduces the availability of carbonate, a critical component of shell or skeleton building for animals like clams, oysters, mussels, plankton, and coral (Fabry et al., 2008). As atmospheric CO2 rises, the oceans could become corrosive enough to literally dissolve shells, and potentially threaten populations of these animals. Without significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions, ocean acidification could affect marine food webs and lead to substantial changes in aquaculture and fisheries, threatening protein supply and food security for millions of people as well as the multi-billion dollar global fishing industry (Monaco Declaration, 2009)�
By mid-century vast ocean regions may become inhospitable to coral growth and reefs are expected to erode faster than they can grow (Hoegh-Guldberg, 2005).� Regions dependent on healthy coral reefs for fisheries, tourism, and storm protection are at high risk. Ocean acidification will be especially challenging for coastal and small island developing nations that are highly dependent on ocean based protein and resources, which currently lack the capacity to adapt to these changes (Cooley et al., 2011).
Reducing Carbon Dioxide
The important actions taken in the next several decades regarding carbon dioxide emissions will influence the pH and the health of our oceans for thousands to millions of years into the future. The primary solution to worldwide ocean acidification is dramatically reducing carbon dioxide emissions, which is also a key strategy in solving climate change. However, many governing bodies like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) are focused only on mitigating climate change which involves overall reductions in greenhouse gases, potential geo-engineering projects, and a limitation of 2 degrees Celsius increase in global average surface temperature. Even if climate change goals are met, the changes to the oceans? pH could be detrimental to many forms of marine life, ocean-based economies and cultures. The international community must focus on reducing carbon dioxide emissions to effectively mitigate ocean acidification.
Establishing Marine Reserves
It is critically important to protect sensitive marine environments from additional stressors that can exacerbate the debilitating impacts of acidification. Establishing fully protected marine reserves can help protect biodiversity and improve the resilience of our oceans in the face of rising acidity. Keys to the long term success of marine reserves involve creating sustainable sources of funding as well as local capacity to enforce their fully protected status.
Creating an International Ocean Acidification Monitoring Network
There is also a pressing need to better understand and monitor the threat that ocean acidification poses to societies worldwide (Feely et al., 2010).� Currently, there are only approximately 30 monitoring stations capable of measuring ocean acidity, and most of these are in developed countries. There is virtually no monitoring of biological impacts of acidification anywhere in the world.� An international network of monitoring is needed to identify areas of vulnerability and develop effective adaptive management strategies for marine resources.� States and coastal communities need information that can help them assess risks, plan for impacts and initiate management strategies, including, for example:
Vulnerability Analyses ? Based on current research and observations, scientists have identified broad geographic regions and marine species that are vulnerable.� High latitudes, regions of upwelling, and coastal estuaries with heavy river input, will experience episodes of corrosive water first.� In addition, certain species such as tropical corals and some oysters and other mollusks are particularly sensitive to changes in carbonate chemistry.� There may be many other marine animals and entire ecosystems that will be affected, and a more comprehensive and refined understanding of vulnerabilities is greatly needed.�
Early warning systems - Real-time information about ocean chemistry can serve as an early warning system for already affected regions and industries.� For example, oyster hatcheries along the west coast of the United States which were suffering from lower pH have deployed monitoring systems to alert their operators to episodes of corrosive waters which are harmful to larval oysters.� With the use of these systems, hatchery owners have restored their production by 80% and have rescued their businesses.
Management guidance ? Ocean acidification is happening against the backdrop of a rapidly changing ocean.� In addition to changes in ocean chemistry, ocean water is getting warmer, oxygen availability is decreasing, and a host of local stressors exacerbate global change.� Enhanced ocean observations are critically needed to improve ocean management in a changing world.
Lisa Suatoni
Senior Scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council
Matthew Huelsenbeck
Marine Scientist, Oceana
Oceana is the largest international organization working solely to protect the world?s oceans. Global in scope, Oceana has offices throughout the Americas and in Europe and more than 500,000 supporters around the world. Oceana works to protect and restore the health of the oceans using Science-based campaigns. As part of our efforts to promote sustainable fishing, one of our top priorities is in addressing the considerable subsidies many countries provide to their fishing sectors. Oceana has been a leader in advancing global reform of fishing subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement. Oceana submits these comments with the belief that Rio+20 is an important opportunity to contribute to achieving healthy economies and sustainable development through the global reform of fishing subsidies. Oceans and the Green Economy The heart of the Rio+20 conference is the recognition that the world?s resources are capable of raising millions out of poverty, but only if they are managed intelligently. Central to achieving these objectives is the ?Green Economy.? Given the significance of the oceans, both to the environment and to the lives and livelihoods of billions of people, a group of Pacific Island nations have introduced the concept of the ?Blue Economy? and correctly recognize that this must be an integral of part of any Green Economy. The Green Economy theme of this conference recognizes strong economic performance as a prerequisite for achieving sustainable development. In the context of the oceans, this begins with an urgent need for global reform of fishing subsidies. Sustainable development will only take root and produce the Green and Blue economies that are sought if we create a framework to support it. Individual initiatives will struggle as long as economic incentives continue to encourage destructive practices. Ten years ago, the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg (Rio+10) recognized this when it declared that many subsidies to the fishing sector create incentives to overfish and support illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Fulfilling the promise of the Green and Blue economies requires following through on those commitments. Only by doing so can we ensure the ocean will continue to offer its bounty both today and in the future. The World Depends on the Oceans for Food and Livelihood Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the globe, provide income and livelihood, and supply people with a key source of protein in their diets. More than a billion people depend on fish as a key source of protein. Fishing activities support coastal communities and hundreds of millions of people who rely on fishing for all or part of their income. However, oceans are a source of immense but not inexhaustible wealth. Ten years after the Rio+10 Summit recognized the need to reform fishing subsidies, the world?s fisheries are close to irreversible collapse. Fish populations, as well as other ocean wildlife, have been depleted to a fraction of their historical levels ? and their disappearance can trigger cascading adverse effects throughout the ocean. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) concluded in its 2010 State of the World Fisheries and Aquaculture report that more marine fish populations are now classified as overexploited and depleted than ever before. In fact, 85 percent of global fish stocks are fully exploited, overexploited, depleted, or recovering from depletion. More than 90 percent of the ocean?s large predators -- tuna, marlin and sharks -- have disappeared as a result of industrial fishing. The global economic losses due to overfishing are estimated at US$50 billion a year. Fishing Subsidies are a Major Driver of Global Overfishing Despite the precarious state of the oceans, many governments continue to provide large subsidies to their fishing fleets. These subsidies allow fleets to fish longer, harder, and farther away than what would otherwise be possible. The scope and magnitude of fisheries subsidies and their impacts on overcapacity and overfishing are so significant that global subsidy reform is likely the single greatest action that can be taken to protect the oceans. Fishing subsidies are defined as direct or indirect financial transfers of funds from public entities that help make the fishing sector more profitable than it would be otherwise. Fishing subsidies can create incentives to fish more, even when catches are declining. Subsidies can generally be described in three categories: beneficial, ambiguous, and capacity-enhancing. Beneficial subsidies enhance the growth of fish stocks through conservation, monitoring and control of catch rates. Ambiguous subsidies can lead to positive or negative impacts on the fishery resource depending on the design of the program. Finally, capacity-enhancing subsidies stimulate overcapacity and overfishing through artificially increased profits that further stimulate effort and compound resource overexploitation problems. Fuel subsidies, boat construction, and foreign access agreements are all examples of capacity enhancing subsidies. An estimated US$16 billion in capacity-enhancing subsidies are provided to the global fishing sector each year, representing approximately 20 percent of the value of total world catch. The intensity of these subsidies is even greater than those to agriculture. Government subsidies have led to pervasive excess capacity in the global fishing fleet, while ongoing government support for fishing ensures that overcapacity is maintained. The global fishing fleet is up to 250 percent larger than what is needed to sustainably fish the oceans. Subsidies enable activity which results in overexploited fish populations, undermine fishing control programs, and prevent depleted fish populations from recovering. Fishing Subsidies Lead to Unsustainable Economic and Environmental Practices Fisheries subsidies are not only environmentally destructive, but also preserve uneconomic and inefficient practices. Large-scale, distant water fleets are often highly subsidized for their operations. A recent study found that bottom trawling on the high seas would not be profitable without high levels of government subsidies. This fishing practice is destructive enough that the United Nations has called for it to be severely restricted. Fishing subsidies have also been shown to support illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. IUU fishing represents a major loss of revenue, estimated between 11 and 26 million tonnes per year, worth between US$10 and US$23 billion. This is a particular concern for some of the poorest countries in the world which depend on fisheries for food, livelihood and revenue. The damage to ocean resources and biodiversity from overfishing will likely have implications that we cannot fully anticipate. However, one immediate danger is the impact that overfishing could have on food security. The FAO states: The maximum long-tern potential of the oceans has been reached. As a result, increased demand for wild-capture fish cannot be met by increasing fishing effort without restoring fish populations and ensuring their ongoing sustainability. Sustainable fishing can only be achieved through compliance with effective fisheries management programs, by controlling illegal fishing and by limiting subsidies. Beyond mere economic losses, losses to food production and the inequality of funneling ocean resources away from the least and lesser developed countries to their more industrialized neighbors present enormous difficulties. Healthy fisheries could produce even more, both financially and in food for the world?s people. The Rio+20 Conference has a Critical Role in Addressing Fishing Subsidies An international framework to manage fishing subsidies is an essential step towards a sustainable economies and natural resources. The Rio+20 conference has a role and opportunity to support and advance these global objectives. Specifically, the Rio+20 conference should: 1. Reaffirm and strengthen the commitment of the Rio+10 conference and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation calling for global fishing subsidy reform. 2. Build on the commitment of the Rio+10 agreement to restore stocks to levels that can produce the maximum sustainable yield by 2015, by taking actions to control and reduce global fishing subsidies. Thank you for your consideration of these comments.


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White-Lipped Peccary Facts
The pre-dawn trek through the Peruvian jungle was nothing short of a primeval experience. Millions of insects filled the dark, humid air with chirps and clicking sounds. Every once in a while one would show up in the light of a headlamp; strange-looking katydids with incredibly long antennae or a highly camouflaged walking stick insect. A few frogs called from the trees but nothing else was heard nor seen as guests and guide made their way back into the Amazon rainforest.
When they finally arrived at their destination, the first light of day was barely creeping into the forest. Woodcreepers and motmots began to call as another day started in the Peruvian Amazon but they didn't hike back into the jungle to see birds. A few grunts signaled the arrival of their elusive quarry and shortly thereafter, dim shapes could be seen through the leafy understory. Both guests and guide kept their silence as the herd of White-lipped Peccaries came into view. These large, shy, forest pigs were visiting a salt lick deep in the jungle and were the main reason why they had hiked back through the darkness. As videos were made and pictures taken, the peccaries clacked their tusks and suddenly ran off to forage in the rainforest.
White-lipped Peccaries (Tayassu pecari) are one of two species of wild pigs that occur in Tambopata, the other being the Collared Peccary. White-lipped Peccaries are the larger of the two and travel in bigger herds. Despite their intimidating appearance, they tend to be shy around people and are only common in remote, jungle areas. Fortunately, they are seen at all of the Rainforest Expeditions lodges in Tambopata, especially so at the Tambopata Research Center.
A few interesting facts about the White-lipped Peccary:
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Tom's Blog
New entry: March 6 2014. Thomas talks about his trade to the Montreal Canadiens.
March 6 2014
Today I write to you as a member of the Montreal Canadiens organization for the first time. To be honest, I'm really happy, that I've got all the trades behind me for now. It was a tough year for me and my family. First, the trade from Buffalo to Long Island and then the uncertainty in the last few weeks when it was already forseeable that I would get traded again at the deadline. I'm all the more exited now to focus solely on hockey again. I've never ever experienced anything like the last month before…
It's super exciting that I've got a shot at the play-offs again. The Stanley Cup still is my biggest goal and as the last years showed, once you're in the play-offs all bets are off and anything can happen. That's what we play for the whole year, that's why we grind our way through the long regular season. But things really start to get interesting once the post-season starts. I'm really looking forward to the atmosphere in the Bell Centre, which is already without comparison in the regular season.
The last few hours were pretty hectic for me. I had to take the conference call with the media, had to get my employment papers for Canada and – of course – I had to make my way down to Phoenix to meet up with my new team. I already texted with Danny Briere and Brian Gionta and it's pretty cool for me to meet an old colleague in Danny with the Canadiens.
February 10 2014
A first hello from Sochi! Michael Grabner and I have arrived in the Olympic city, along with all the other NHL-Players. It's a bit odd to imagine that there ale Olympic Wintergames held here, because it has 15 degrees Celsius. But the atmosphere is great. I haven't seen a lot because right after we arrived we had to get our official wardrobe and that took some time to fit perfectly.
I'm looking forward to our first practice with the team. From now on the focus is completely on our games against Finland, Canada and Norway. Even if our chance is next to zero, we won't go down without a fight. We certainly have one of the strongest teams in recent years – but, then again, the same goes for all the other countries who have their NHL players in the lineup. I know that we won't have a lot of puck possession. So it's even more important that our goalies will have good games and we also convert our chances on the rush. We will leave it all on the ice for Austria, that much I can promise.
January 8 2014
Many people are asking me, where the difference between today and a few weeks ago is. That's pretty easy: now we score and win, while in the weeks before we always found ways to lose a game. Hockey can be a pretty simple game, there's nothing much more to say.
I've moved out of the hotel in the meantime and rented a small townhouse. My family visited me over the Christmas holidays and that was really great. They will come back at the end of January. They can't come for a longer time because Blake is still at school in Buffalo and we don't want to put him into a new school during the year. It'll be great that they'll see our outdoor game. I can still remember my first Winter Classic in Buffalo. That was a brutally long and cold day, but a day you won't forget. It'll be even greater that we will play the Rangers at Yankee stadium.
I'm really getting comfortable with the Islanders now, the line chemistry is getting better from game to game. It's great to play with John Tavares and Kyle Okposo. I'm only seeing how good John plays now. Before, I only knew him as an opponent. Now, that I see him in practice every day I really start to appreciate his skills. He definitely belongs among the world's best players. Our line works so well, because we create space for each other. John and Kyle profit from that, as do I.
Right now, the Olympics aren't too big of a topic, there's still too much hockey to play in the NHL, but of course the anticipation is already growing. I was a bit surprised when I saw our Olympic roster and it was a surprise that Peinti wasn't on it. After all, he was the one who scored the goal to get us to Sochi in the beginning.
The most important thing for us will be the performance of our goalies. Of course, Bernd Starkbaum is our number 1 goaltender, but I don't get it why Matthias Lange hasn't made the roster. He's showing great performances week after week for the Iserlohn Roosters. Instead, there are two goalies from KAC nominated. That's surprising. Well, or not… Just to make it clear: I've got nothing against Swette and Weinhandl, but Lange is playing in a tougher league. I know that Manny Viveiros has some tough decisions and he is doing a great job. That's why I don't want this to be taken as criticism but my personal opinion. It's no different with Team USA where Kyle Okposo and Bobby Ryan will not be in Sochi, or Team Canada where Thornton and St. Louis, who belong among the best for me, will be on the outside looking in.
Well, that's it for this time. For now, all focus is on the Islanders and getting us back into playoff-contention.
October 28 2013
For the first time I'm writing from Long Island tonight. The last 24 hours were a real whirlwind for me. I think I didn't get more than two or three hours of sleep. I got the call shortly after eight in the evening on Sunday that I was traded. I was in shock. Of course, I knew this would happen sooner or later, but when it happens… In the meantime I'm really looking forward to my new team and our first game against the Rangers.
I didn't have much time after the call. I had to do some laundry, pack my bags and shortly after four in the morning I started the journey down south. When I arrived on Long Island, I didn't have much time again: I had the usual medical checkup, got on the ice for practice, met the reporters down here for the first time etc.
Right now, I'm staying at a hotel, but I'm going to look for a house in the next weeks, whenever our schedule lets me take a breath and has room for things like this. My family will stay in Buffalo for now, while we see how things play out.
The most important thing for me right now is to be on a good team – and I really think that the Islanders are such a team. I'm looking forward to having a chance to play with John Tavares. I also know a few players on the team – Okposo, for example, and of course Michael Grabner. It's pretty cool that there are now two Austrians on the same NHL team. That hasn't happened before! I really hope that we find some chemistry right from the start. If so, I think this team can go a long way. You could see it last season, when the Islanders got on a run to close out the season.
Saying farewell to Buffalo wasn't easy, however. I had some great times there and met a lot of nice people on and off the ice. I have to start from scratch here. In the end, it's all a business and I'm going to give my best for the New York Islanders now.
September 5 2013
Summer is over and a new season is about to start. I'm back in Buffalo for about 2 weeks now and I'm really looking forward to the start of the season. We had some strong drafts in the last years and I'm really excited to see how the youngsters will do on the ice. Of course, we veterans are now also asked to step it up and lead those young players.
So, everybody wants to know how my future looks. As I said multiple times before, let's wait and see. I really want to see our talents perform and what perspectives there are. My summer was pretty quiet and I could completely focus on my training. I never thought about a possible trade, simply because I have no say in this matter. I'm still very happy to live my dream and play in the NHL, that's what counts most and will always stay that way. It's going to be exciting to work together with Ron Rolston, who did a marvelous job, in my opinion, last season. Now he has the team for a full training camp and I think he has really deserved his chance as head coach.
Just a quick look into the future. I'm so looking forward to the Olympics in Sochi. That's going to be such a great thing for our national team. That we even qualified was such a big surprise… But now we want more and show some good games in Russia. Until then it's all about the Sabres. We want to prove to our critics that our team is not as bad as some want to make it out.
April 24 2013
Now it's set – I will play for Austria at the World Championships. I talked to General Manager Darcy Regier during our trip to Pittsburgh and he gave me the OK. I will travel directly to Helsinki next Thursday, that leaves about 2 days to get accustomed to the team.
I'm really looking forward to the national team. I had a few phone calls from head coach Manny Viveiros and I've heard that a lot of things have changed. Most important for me is that we have only players who are in it with all of their heart. We are the big underdogs and in such a situation everybody has to give his best. Looking at the current roster I've got a really good feeling.
Of course, our first goal has to be to stay in the top division. We can't allow ourselves to think that we could keep up with the big nations like the US or Russia. In those games we'll have to play a sound defensive game and use the few chances we'll get. Against smaller hockey nations like France we should be able to play our own game. The key to success – like so often in the NHL – will be great goaltending. Just like Bernd Starkbaum gave the team during the Olympic qualifiers.
I really don't want to talk too much about our season in Buffalo anymore. It was disappointing. We got the points against the top teams and lost too many points against the teams from the Southeast. Those games ultimately cost us our chance to make the playoffs. I really don't know why we played so badly against those teams. Maybe we had the wrong mind-set going into those games. I could compare it to the national team: We played very disciplined and stuck to the game plan against the top teams. Maybe we tried to do too much against the South and were wide open at the back end.
It doesn't really matter now, anyway. The season is over and we'll never get it back. But, a lot can happen over the summer and we'll see in the fall where we stand then.
April 22 2013
It's a shame that the our season is already over. Ultimately, we just weren't good enough. Now we want to get the last few games over and do so professionally. Before it's off into the holidays and already start preparation for the next season, I really, really want to play for the Austrian national team at the world championships. I'm still waiting for clearance from the Sabres but I'll talk to them today and after that all should be ok.
The goals with the national team are quite clear: Above all, stay in the top division – which could be a bit easier with the new modus – and, secondly, maybe upset one of the big nations.
April 8 2013
The season is drawing to an end and I hope that I will be ready to go as soon as possible, maybe even Tuesday for the game against Winnipeg. It's not easy to watch helplessly from the pressbox in these difficult days and not be able to help on the ice. But my body just wouldn't let me play in the last 2 weeks. Everybody who knows me knows that I am one to always swallow the pain and give my best for the team. But this time… it just wouldn't do and wouldn't make the team better. It could be seen often enough in the past how well it works out to not play at nearly 100 percent…
That also goes for the Austrian national team. I want to make it clear here and now that I'm more than willing to participate at this year's world championships. At the same time, it has to be clear that it is most important for me right now to get fully healthy again and to make the playoffs with the Sabrers. The chances are slim, but they are still there and we firmly believe. We all want to give our best to make the postseason. Only when we are eliminated from the playoff race will I think about the world championships.
January 14 2013
Finally, there's Sabres hockey again! Well, the first day of our short training camp is over and I'm feeling quite good. Of course, I'm not in the same shape as I was after my stint with Graz, the break until now was just too long for that. But we've been practicing hard in Buffalo in the meanwhile, though there's simply no substitute for a real team practice or games. Nevertheless, nothing was hurting when I got up today, so that shows that my basic fitness is still there. It's also cool to practice in your own arena and have your own locker room again, where you can stash all your gear.
There's no bad blood between the players and the club. The Pegulas simply care too much for us. That's why I also don't think that there'll be any problems in the future.
It's true that I said I think the lockout was just stupid. On the other hand, it was necessary, as strange as that may sound. I know quite well that I'll never earn the money I've lost in the last months, but that wasn't the point. The star players will always get the big bucks, but we wanted to secure the money for the "middle class" and the fourth line players. I could have been egoistic and said take the offered money in October and run, but in the long run, that would have been bad. In the end, it was important that we got the pension in the CBA and that there are no more re-entry waivers. Until now, some players didn't get a chance to play in the NHL because the clubs were afraid to recall them, in case the player would have been claimed off re-entry waivers. This won't happen anymore.
The goals for this season are the same as every year. I want to get the Stanley Cup. But to be realistic, first we have to make the playoffs. The Kings showed last year what can happen. They squeezed into the post-season at no. 8 and won the whole thing. This short season will be a trial of strength. No team can allow itself to slip up, you always have to be mentally ready. In the end, the most important thing will be which team will stay healthiest. I'm sure that it will be a great season for the fans. There are only games against the own conference, so every point counts. There are no "free points" like in the other years when you can make up ground by making points against the West.
The new players fit in pretty well. I've played a lot against Steve Ott way back when I was in Rochester and he's a player you know exactly what he'll give you. John Scott – well, it's important that we got this kind of player again. I can't really say much about Grigorenko, as we only had one practice. But what I can say is: Boy, is he big. And he can move! It's like watching Tyler Ennis skate, only four heads bigger. I'm sure he'll be a great asset in the future.
It looks like I'll start the season with Cody Hodgson and Jason Pominville. I've always played well with Pominville and I ended the last season with Hodgson on a pretty high note. He's a right hander, but can dish the puck to both sides great. I'm really glad that I have him back as center.
So, I can't await the start of the season. I'm really looking forward to the fans. They showed up in the hundreds already last week when we were practicing privately at the Norththown Center. The fans in Buffalo are just great and I'm really looking forward to enjoying the atmosphere at FN Center against Philly on Sunday. Let's go Sabres!
November 5 2012
Time to say good-bye. I had a great month in Graz and want to thank the fans, the players and the officials. It was a blast playing these 11 games.
Of course, I would have liked to play more games, but the EBEL is a good league. That's what I said before I played my first game here and I say it again now. There's good, fast hockey played here in Austria. My decision to come to play here was the right one.
I really don't know how things are going to unfold in the next weeks. First of all, I'm on my way back home to Buffalo and my family now. I missed Ashley and the kids a lot. I get asked if I'll return after the international break all the time. That may well be, but certainly not right after the break. I want to wait how the negotiations between league and PA are going. It seems as if things are going forward a bit.
Also, it would be unfair to other players who I would take a roster spot away from, if I return to Graz, because the tryout-phase ends after November 12 and it's not so easy anymore to change players.
What I certainly will not miss are the referees. Their performance was… well, let's just say that I'd rather forget about them.
So, once again: thank you very much for your support. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I will never forget this month. Now it's cross your fingers so we have NHL hockey back soon!
October 9 2012
Well, I've "survived" the first few days in Austria. I was really surprised by how many fans and media people came to see me. I really never in my life would have thought that so many people would show up.
The first two games showed that I've still got some ways to go, especially where the goal-scoring is concerned. Then again, it wasn't too bad, given that those were the first two meaningful games in 6 months for me. Of course, I'm not happy about the game against Innsbruck, where I missed on a handful of good chances. On the other hand, I have to say that goalie Patrick Machreich did an awfully good job and was standing on his head. A lot of journalists want to know if I have a kind of penalty-shot-trauma because I missed on three consecutive ones. All I can say is that you have good days and you have days that are not so good. Also, a penalty-shot in hockey is a different thing from a penalty-shot in soccer.
The important thing for me was to get the jetlag out of my legs and some good practices with the 99ers. It's good that our next game is on Friday, until then the chemistry with Wren and Latendresse will only get better.
Today, I'm really looking forward to the autograph session with my team mates. I hope that a lot of fans will come to see us.
October 4 2012
For the first time in many years I write to you from Austria. What a day this has been. I arrived in Austria in the morning and – more or less – went directly to the rink. The first practice with my new team went pretty good. As always, the big ice surface needs some getting used to. The practice itself wasn't so different from those in Buffalo – a bit of passing, a bit shooting, some powerplay moves etc.
It was funny when I came into the Liebenauer rink for the first time in 14 years, because nothing whatsoever has changed since then.
As I knew before, the first day was pretty exhausting. I went back to my parents for only a few minutes to grab a bite and change my clothes before I had to get to the press conference. I knew, that there was a kind of hype in Austria the last few days but the enormous media run on the press call still surprised me. I really don't need such a hype, I always said so, but then again: If I have to do it, I do it. In the end, it's for the good of Austrian hockey.
There's not much more to tell. After the press conference I went straight home and now I only want to get to bed and sleep. And so I will only say: Good night!
PS: One more thing: I'm really anxious to play tomorrow night. The last meaningful game is 6 months back.
September 24 2012
Hello! I'm still in Buffalo and practicing for the new season (whenever it will start). However, after the various media reports in today's Austrian newspapers, I have to rectify a few things: Yes, it is correct that I have talked to Philipp Pinter, because he is a good friend of mine. However, it is not true that I said I would play for Vienna. Vienna is one possibility of many. Graz and other Austrian clubs are also still a possibility for me.
I'm afraid Philipp was a bit too rash. I honestly haven't decided where to play and it also wouldn't be right to awake hopes in certain fan groups now which would later on be disappointed. And that's it already. Let's just hope, that this lockout will end soon.
September 14 2012
I returned from New York yesterday. The meeting there was amazing. There were 300 players who usually play hard against each other. Only this time we were united and stood as one. It's a pity the NHL doesn't take our proposal serious. I'm convinced that everybody would profit from it now and in the long run.
Today I cleaned out my locker at FN Center before we get locked out on Saturday. It's really frustrating. Seven years ago the owners already got all they wanted and now they want it all again. We even proposed to start the season under the old CBA and keep on negotiating. But all of a sudden the owners aren't willing to operate under "their" CBA anymore.
We're extremely happy with Don Fehr and his handling of the negotiations. He is very open, honest and always keeps us up to date on what's going on. We get daily e-mails and have our say in the negotiations. That's not as easy as it sounds as there are over 750 players in the NHLPA.
Well, there's still some time until camps are slated to open and we haven't given up hope. It's just a bit strange when Terry Pegula will not be allowed to communicate with us. Last Monday we had our annual charity golf tournament and everything was as always, no talk of bad blood. Terry is the best owner you could hope for and maybe he can move the other owners a bit. He sure doesn't want to miss too many games. In the meantime we're about 15 Sabres players who practice together. Add some AHL-players and you get a pretty good group.
If the lockout is drawn out a lot of players will go to Europe. When that happens, a good practice will be harder and harder to get. If things don't get any better until the end of September I will have to think of going to Europe myself. I can definitely imagine playing in Austria! The biggest problem wouldn't be the salary. No, the biggest problem usually is the insurance. That's something that's not talked about often but always can be a hindrance (like when players want to play for their national squads). Just for which team would I play? Well, we'll see when that time comes. I really don't know right now.
April 9 2012
First things first: I have to decline the invitation to join Team Austria for the Division I championship. There are too many little injuries that hamper me. My chest's been hurting since January, I have an ankle-sprain and the shoulder's also not completely a hundred percent. I'm just glad that I don't need any surgery, but I do need a few weeks away from the ice to let all those little nagging injuries heal themselves. I had some good talks with head coach Manny Viveiros and he understands me. He's been a player for a long time himself. I really have to say that the communication with Manny was the best I've ever had with a head coach from Team Austria. In the end it would be the same as a few years ago at the championships in Switzerland. I came to help the team, but my jaw fracture hindered me too much. Coming this year I would only take away a roster spot from a healthy player who could help the team much more than I could.
Today's locker clean-out day was solemn and hard just like all the years before. I will stay in Buffalo for the next days and I don't really have a plan yet, when I will go back to Minnesota. That's not the first priority. I just want to spend as much time with my family as possible as we were on the road a lot in the last six weeks. Then there are also a few meetings with team colleagues etc.
The season in review? We had too many ups and downs. We started off good, but it all went downhill in December and January. The twelve consecutive road losses really put the nail in our coffin. When you're down like this it's like a downward spiral. You lose three or four games and all of a sudden everybody holds back and just tries to avoid mistakes instead of taking the fight to the opponent. Then there were all the injuries. When we were all back and somewhat healthy things trended up again and we were one of the best teams for the last two months. It's all the more disappointing now that we didn't make the playoffs.
March 30th 2012
Sorry that I didn't write in quite some time, but our concentration in the last few weeks was completely on making the playoffs. We had a real great run but we haven't achieved anything yet, if we can't keep up the good play in our last 5 games. If we do, than we have really made a great comeback.
But what this blog is really all about is the national squad and the Division 1 championships. I had some good talks with head coach Manny Viveiros in the last days and I have a really good feeling about the national team. And yes, I said I'd be willing to help the team. BUT: there are some things to consider. So, I'll come over to Europe if...
- - ...we don't make the playoffs, but I don't believe in that scenario.
- - ...I stay healthy and I'm near 100 percent. Otherwise it wouldn't make much sense as I would only take away the roster spot from someone else who can go full throttle.
- - ...the Sabres say it's ok for me to join the team. Honestly, I haven't even talked to the club about going to Europe for the Division 1 championship yet. Everybody is concentrating on making the playoffs and nobody is really interested in thinking about national teams or giving me approval to come over.
Ok, that's it for today. Cross your fingers that we have a good final run in the next week. Everybody here is really looking forward to making the post-season.
Feb 9th 2012
That was a cool game against Boston. Finally, we're on the right way again, the pieces of the puzzle start to fit. We now have the so important secondary scoring, Ryan just can't be beaten in goal and we also stand up physically to our opponents. This season is not over by a long stretch. We still believe in our playoff-chance. We did it last year, so why shouldn't we this year? There's a row of home-games now and we've been playing really strong at home since December. Also, we got back our road-game, so all in all things are looking god for the next weeks.
Sorry, but I can't tell you too much about my injury. You know how it is, that's just NHL-policy. What I can tell you is that I'm really feeling better every day, so my comeback should just be a matter of time. Usually, I always play through the pain. But this time the pain was just too big. I got "sandwiched" in Montreal. You either make the play and get hit, or you avoid the check and stay healthy, but you don't win any games like that. Injuries are simply a part of the game. Just swallow as much of the pain as you can and go on. Only this time, the pain was too big and I didn't see any chance to help my team. It's better to take a break than just stand in the way in this case.
I'm really looking forward to playing again now, I can't wait! Practicing on your own while you are injured is harder and more boring than any normal practice. As a player you always want to have the puck and not just skate round after round or ride the bike. So, keep your fingers crossed and we'll see how the next months play out for us.
Nov 30th 2011
We just can't get into the groove at home. But really, that's not a problem we only have this year. Looking back to last season we also had an abysmal start to the home-portion of the schedule. We just weren't able to capitalize on our chances against the Islanders and that just won't do in today's NHL.
I've never experienced a string of injuries as we are having right now. Of course, players get hurt throughout the season but so many in such a short time? Ridiculous! On the other hand, this is a big chance for our rookies to show what they can do. If we play more often like we did against Washington, the wins will come also. Injuries just aren't an excuse.
I really don't know why we're not playing consistently right now. But the league is very well balanced and every week another team is on a winning streak. The only exception here is Boston. They are unbelievably good. We have to keep on working hard and try to play the simple game that already gave us many wins on the road. Now, we have to translate that simple style also to our home games. We have a lot of those in December and we just have to start a winning streak in our building now.
The same goes for me. Yes, I have gotten points quite consistently in the last weeks, but the goals just don't come like they did in the first weeks of the season. Pominville and I don't feel too much pressure that the team is relying on us to get the goals. Obviously, the other teams are putting out their best players against us but we're used to that by now. There was also some bad luck lately, but you just have to work through that. Jason and I get along very well and our chemistry on the ice is perfect. I'm not worried, the goals will start coming again soon.


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Beach Baby Shower
Crispy Pan Fried Shrimp with Tamarind Glaze
1 lb. medium size fresh shrimp (cleaned, shelled, & de-veined)
1 tsp ginger, minced
4 tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp tamarind paste
1 tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp turmeric powder
1 tbsp all purpose flour
Salt to taste
¼ cup vegetable oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp Thai basil, chopped
Using a clean kitchen towel, pat dry the shrimp and set aside. Mix ginger and garlic with cumin powder. Add tamarind paste, cayenne pepper, turmeric powder, flour, and salt. Blend 2 tablespoons of oil into the mixture. Transfer to a bowl, add the shrimp, and toss well to coat evenly, cover and refrigerate for about 2 hours for best results.
Heat the remaining oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for a minute on high heat. Turn over the shrimp and cook for another minute. Reduce the heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, turning the shrimp occasionally for uniform cooking. Sprinkle lemon juice and Thai basil and serve hot.


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Waves of Prayer/Ora de Oracion Ministries was launched in Elaine Sept. 30, the anniversary of the 1919 Elaine race riot/massacre. In 1919 Elaine was the last of more than 350 massacres across the U.S. that summer. This week in Elaine, The Waves of Prayer ministries opened with prayer: remembering the past and claiming a new future for Elainians to create together: a future in which no children are hungry and each family can afford to meet the needs of the entire family. Food distribution was possible Monday because of a partnership with the Food Bank of the Delta and free clothing was brought from First United Methodist Church in Hot Springs. "We aim to pray and see the day when everyone in Elaine and all of South Phillips County will be thriving spiritually, socially, economically and educationally," Rev. Mary Olson explained. "Now we have a worship service for farm workers and their families from Mexico every Sunday at noon, a rap service for young people that will move from the Elaine Park to the Waves of Prayer site on Saturday at 5 p.m., bi-monthly free food and clothing distributions and a shop soon to open where residents can bring new clothes they have never worn and have Waves of Prayer volunteers sell the clothes for them. Next steps will include free plowing of gardens to grow fresh vegetables, cactus planting and harvesting, greens gardens open to all residents and computers for community use." Right now we are providing services to be sure everyone has food and clothing. Partnerships with nonprofits like The Food Bank of the Delta and Dr. Robert Anderson of Pine Bluff are making it possible to serve immediate needs. But we hope to see less and less need for these services as jobs and incomes increase," Director Helen Simpson said. Volunteer Roy King added, "Working as a team will make it possible to do a lot of things. If you want to be part of the movement in South Phillips County, call 870-816-6798. Ms. Simpson or I will be glad to talk with you."
Location, ST | website.com


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What a ride it has been. We have been building up to this moment all summer and are now ready to see this thing go down in Newark! If you get a chance to make to see it live. You will not be disappointed. There has been so much amazing skating and this contest will be nothing less then amazing. Check out this edit and recap our summer of Street League Showdown Contests!
Good Luck in Newark, NJ for all of our finalists.


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Archie Dean Plowman Jr.
Published: Monday, March 18, 2013 at 9:48 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, March 18, 2013 at 9:48 a.m.
NEW LONDON | Archie Dean "AD" Plowman Jr., 83, of New London, died Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the Brian Center in Lexington.
The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist Church of New London. Burial will follow in New London Cemetery with military honors by the Stanly County DAV, Chapter 12.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle and other times at the home of his son, Roger Plowman, 308 Bill Badgett Road, Denton.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.


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Custom Draper Upholstered Headboard
# 04689
Product Description
The simple, subtle elegance of our Draper Upholstered Headboard will bring a sophisticated touch to your bedroom furniture arrangement. With its arches, scalloped design and a vast array of beautiful, hand-sewn fabrics for you to choose from, you will love having this headboard as a part of your home.
Product Details


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24.com publishes all comments posted on articles provided that they adhere to our Comments Policy. Should you wish to report a comment for editorial review, please do so by clicking the 'Report Comment' button to the right of each comment.
Matthew McConaughey says he has discussed the possibility of returning to True Detective with series creator Nic Pizzolatto. Read More »
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Gig pics.
New video.
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HousesR 1 750 000
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1/4" Six-strand Equine Polyrope
A combination of highly conductive metal strands are woven into this weather-resistant polyethylene rope to create safe and effective equine fencing. Poly rope is safer and lighter than smooth wire and provides excellent visibility for equine safety. Reusable and UV stabilized. Breaking strength is 1,150 lbs. 656-ft. roll. Made in Portugal.


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SANTA ANA – The City Council met for more than two hours Thursday with its city manager and city attorney in a session billed as a performance evaluation and will continue its discussions within about three weeks.
Before the council headed into closed session and with the word out that the city manager's job might be on the line, about a dozen people spoke to the council, most of them in support of keeping City Manager Paul M. Walters and City Attorney Sonia R. Carvalho in their positions.
After the meeting, Walters had little comment.
"I serve at their pleasure," he said of the council. "If they decide to make a change, they can do it."
Several who addressed the council questioned why it decided to hold a closed meeting with 24 hours' notice during a holiday week.
"He saved the city," business owner Robert Escalante said of Walters afterward.
"Seven months ago, (the city) was facing bankruptcy," he said. "You had a city that was crumbling because they had no direction, and now you have a city manager who is giving direction."
Escalante and others said they believed the council was posturing in a bid to force out Walters.
After public comments, Mayor Miguel Pulido asked the city attorney to explain what would take place. Carvalho said state law allowed for a performance evaluation in closed session, to provide direction and to ask questions. The law would have required notice to the city manager, the city attorney and the public of adverse action.
Some in the audience believed that four council members – Michele Martinez, Vincent F. Sarmiento, David Benavides and potential ally Roman A. Reyna – would seek Walters' departure. They and Councilman Sal Tinajero form a bloc that he's called the "Santa Ana spring."
Five votes would be required to oust Walters.
"I don't think it's a slam dunk that there's four," Tinajero, the mayor pro tem, said later. He said two members oppose Walters' tenure. "The others want to have more conversation and find a solution on how to work more effectively," he said.
"I don't think he's angered them," Tinajero said of Walters. "It's the mayor's reluctance to address the fact that there are seven council members."
Some council members have said that City Hall staff defers to the mayor.
"The mayor has to realize that you don't get to call all the shots," Tinajero said. "It has to be a democratic process."
Tinajero, who spearheaded the meeting, said council members wanted to have the session before year's end. The council, with two new members, would have the chance to offer its vision and ask questions. Newly elected Councilwoman Angelica Amezcua was out of town. Reyna said he was evaluating what he had heard.
Contact the writer: 714-796-6999 or firstname.lastname@example.com


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On her claim to fitness fame "My husband, Fred, and I created Core Fusion, a series of barre-based workouts that combine Pilates, yoga and ballet. We teach it at Exhale Spas [locations are nationwide; exhalespa.com]."
On her vices (we're glad she has some) "I'm originally from West Germany and love beer—especially German Altbier. And I have dessert every day. My favorite is lemon pound cake."
On what surprised her about aging "I used to be out the door in minutes. Now hair and makeup take longer than they once did."
On her beauty staples "I can't do without moisturizer. I rotate Exhale Wonderlust Serum [$65; exhalespa.com/shop] and Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum [$150; neimanmarcus.com]."
On her midlife mantra "My fifties feel better than my twenties. My secrets are simple: I don't skimp on sleep, and I don't actively fight the aging process. I believe in working with what you've got."
-As told to Nikki Ostasiewski
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This is the story of the 2011 flotilla opposing deep sea oil drilling, a group of boats that sailed in the name of te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Greenpeace, the Nuclear Free Flotilla, Forest and Bird, anti-mining group Coromandel Watchdog, the Coal Action Network (CAN), Board Riders against Drilling, and climate action group 350 Aotearoa, to protest the exploration for deep sea oil off the East Cape.
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