text:
Whither China
Upon hearing Richard Fadden describe some Canadian politicians as being influenced by foreign governments, leaning towards China, I want to discuss on a larger scale how Canada should be conducting our relationship with China. Under former PM Chretien, Canada seemed to be moving towards closer relations with China, namely along the lines of nuclear trade. Since PM Harper has come to power, it seems that the more hard-line reform elements within the party whom have long wanted Canada to be tougher on China because of human rights abuses, our relationship with China has deteriorated. China is and will be for the foreseeable future, a super power. The more China industrializes and its middle class grows, the bigger the threat it becomes to US economic hegemony. Given that Canada depends on the US for the bulk of its international trade, how should Canada move forward in it's relationships with China while maintaining a moral high ground on human rights?
China, for better or worst is 1/4 of humanity wanting to "develop" to the resource wasting, planet polluting level of the richer 1/4 of humanity.
Canada is not going to stop China from developing, so to save the planet we need to offer China all the help we can to make their development one of a sustainable, "small footprint", low impact type.
The more we help, the more China trusts us, the more influence we have in addressing China's democratic deficiencies.
I don't think we should fool ourselves into thinking that "development" and "democracy" are the answers to China's human rights problems (Democratic capitalist systems have plenty of their own human rights problems, they just do a better job at making them look intentioned) ... that's not to say that we should stop pressuring China on human rights, but we have to be realistic and accept that China will come to better human rights on its' own terms and in its' own time.
Meanwhile our largest trade benefactors have basically threatened to sanction both China and China's largest oil supplier, Iran, and citing various off the wall reasons. These are acts of war. And our stooges grounded in morality would continue trading merrily with war criminals while they perpetrated another shock and awe.
To improve and maintain an efficient and fair relationship with China:
The Canada should continue the dialogue begun with Harper's trip to China and now continuing with Hu Jintao's state visit to Canada.
DFAIT should recruit and send personnel to China who are fluent in Mandarin and who have sufficient political, cultural, and historical knowledge of China to improve Canada's various ties to the country and understand its inner-workings
Along with other states, Canada should continue to pressure Beijing to re-evaluate the Yuan according to international market conditions; push for the rule of law in China; enourage China to improve its public diplomacy
Continue permitting Chinese-Canadian dissidents and their supporters to criticize China's human rights violations.
Canada should exploit the cultural influence its historic, unofficial ambassadors such as Norman Bethune and Da Shan have in China.
Edited at 12:07 PM
Along with other states, Canada should continue to pressure Beijing to re-evaluate the Yuan according to international market conditions; push for the rule of law in China; enourage China to improve its public diplomacy
China seems to be shifting toward using a basket of reference currencies. This is more or less what Keynes wanted as a step toward financial disarmament. The CCP isn't buying so much US debt anymore, and this is causing concern for the imperialist financial regime here in the west.
They keep harping on about China's unprecedented trade surplus as a percentage of GDP, but it's mostly hype. Japan and the US were the previous record holders, but those economies(1920's USA and 1980s Japan) were much larger as percentages of global GDP. The CPC will continue using visible hand intervention in managing the currency. I don't think they can be convinced that free market voodoo is what they should be doing in terms of the float.
Fidel, that is an extremely important point you make. We are looking at the global method of evaluating currencies and concluding that they are wrong and dangerous feeding a for-profit market based on speculation.
While I think that pegging to one wrongly evaluated currency can amplify the distortion, there has to be an alternative to the current system.
The Chinese are presently seeing their own workers attempt to improve their positions at the bargaining table-- this is of course directly related to evaluation. I suspect over time this will resolve.
I like Liang Jiajie's approach here in that it is not defining respect for China to be one where we would need to deny expression here or refuse to express concerns. Respect is more subtle, it means avoiding the more clumsy approaches we have made on delicate issues but not assuming that we have to agree and force the agreement of all aspects of our society with a single vision. I also agree that Canada should exploit the assets we have. I think there are a lot more than Da Shan and Bethune to consider (Interestingly Da Shan was hired as the host for Canada's Shanghai Expo contribution).
These assets must also include the fairly large Chinese community we have. To that end, encouraging more of them to be involved in public life and public process has purpose. Further, China is very interested in joint ventures in business, these opportunities as they come up are worthy of consideration for public investment. I do think that we can do better in a couple ways-- one is to clean up the visa and immigration rules to make the system more predictable. It does not help to see people apply for family immigration based on a roughly 2-year process only to see, after they have paid their fees, the process grow arbitrarily to a 5-10 year process (this through cutbacks rather than just demand)-- that system is loaded with problems and can be repaired without swamping Canada with new immigrants. As well, Canada could do more to promote the Sino-Canada relationship from inside and that does not need to be political.
*Eliminate dual citizenships
*Prohibit politicians from accepting travel or other gifts from foreign governments, like Vancouver civic politicians did in 2007
*No foreign ownership of real estate or mines and minerals
*No foreign-owned financial institutions including REITs
*No foreign-funded scholarships
*No reciprocity for Chinese educational institutions: when the University of Calgary gave the Dalai Lama an honorary degree, the PRC stopped recognizing the University's degrees; so why should we recognize PRC-issued degrees here?
*Duties on goods from China and other low-wage/cheap currency countries
*Prohibit Canadian companies from outsourcing production to low-wage countries like China
*Blacklist imports from China and other countries that are made with slave labour
*No food or drug imports from China until they clean up their regulatory systems (lead, melamine, pesticide residues)
*Raise the issues of human rights re. Uighurs, Tibetans, Mongols, dissidents, religious groups and Falun Gong LOUDLY, for the PRC's maximum embarassment
*Extirpate Triads and other crime groups (jail, deport, don't allow in)
*Carefully screen immigrants and visitors for ties to the CPC and organized crime; make immigrants renounce their Chinese citizenships
*End the Investor/Entrepreneur immigration program (this has brought much of the organized crime and PRC/CPC-conected business problem here)
*Charge Canadian nationals with treason for things like industrial espionage and accepting bribes; deport foreign nationals charged with the same
There is no "engaging" a dictatorship like China, or Burma, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, any more than we had to "engage" South Africa during the Apartheid years, or Pinochet-era Chile. The PRC is the worst of both worlds, with Maoist chauvanism and brutality, and free-market greed and sleaze. There is nothing to "respect" here.
@ Clearpath
End imports from and outsourcing to China?
Some of your points make sense, there are others, these in particular, that will simply never happen. There is no getting around dealing with China.
I am thinking about a U.S.-made car with components from China as a simple example.
There are some very good products made in the PRC, with well-paid/treated labour. If you win the lottery, you could look into one of these, for example.
But Canada can, and should, ban FOOD imports, at least until the PRC cleans up its corrupt and inept food safety and inspection system. China did this to Canada, during the BSE scare, with beef, but our government is too crooked and timid to do the same. And goods made with slave labour should be banned, PERIOD. Also, there should be import duties on Chinese goods, otherwise we are going to lose what's left of our manufacturing jobs. Governments in Canada, the U.S. and Europe are simply allowing this to happen when they can do something about it.
for Sean in Ottawa and Fidel
Whatever alternate currency system the future holds, it won't be one in which China can have an unfair advantage. Ditto for its business environment -- if it wants to continue acquiring foreign assets it will have to permit the same access to other states within its borders; Chinese businesses enjoy legal protections in foreign countries, so China will have to provide the same to foreigners. Working within the international system means accepting that sometimes states must accomodate the wishes of other states, something that China has had great difficulty doing. For instance, it recently announced that the G20 wasn't the place to discuss the currency issue. Where else does the world discuss these international issues? China wants a lot of things from the world, but it is much too often unwilling to reciprocate beyond words and half-measures.
So whither China? Well, it recently agreed to sanctions on Iran and to allow for some flexibility on the yuan, but there's of course been controversy about whether the yuan reform is real or more window dressing. One major test for China will be the role it decides to take on the North Korea question. China is the only country that can take the leadership in the six-party talks and persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions and cease threatening South Korea with war.
The Beijing Consensus China is turning neoliberal capitalism(Washington consensus) on its head
In fact, there's a widespread and deeply entrenched culture of copying in China. The article also left out a significant fact: China has privatized its healthcare system, a neoliberal's dream.
Yes they are shameless copiers who have no respect for exclusive private property laws whatsoever. And I think China will achieve universal health care before the USA ever does.
In March, China's State Council announced an allocation of $123 billion toward health-care reform. Under the plan, by next year 90% of China's citizens will be covered by a universal health-care system and health-care facilities will be upgraded, including construction of 30,000 hospitals, clinics, and care centers across the country.
My knowledge of Japan is very limited as far as their housing bubble. What I can say of China is this, they have clamped down on their hot housing market. How this will result is still up for debate but consider the following: they have now limited second mortgages and made much more difficult to purchase primary mortgages in the upper income brackets. The down payment that you need now for a second mortgage is 50% and I'm hearing rumblings of it moving higher to help limit speculation. This is a smart move and somewhere that state regulation has helped cool the housing market. We've already seen the effects on housing stocks here locally (remember I live in China) so at least in the interim period, I think China's heavy handed movements have worked and I would applaud them. I think what needs to be done next is to build more low income housing. So many developers are building apartments in my city that are geared towards the upper class, not surprisingly I think. There is some social housing, but as expected, it's insufficient. I think in the next year, as we have seen China move to reform health insurance, which is already broadly applied, housing will be addressed in a more complete way. For now, as development is hot, China's move to slow down speculation and second mortgage acquisitions is well intentioned.
Canada should sever its relations with China, for many, many reasons: human rights, slave labor, anti-union policies, arms trade, among others. China is a criminal totalitarian state, every penny one spends buying Chinese products goes to supporting this unholy mess, the PDRC. They will never come to terms with the rest of the World when it comes down to all of the above. Things will only get worse as they grow stronger and "richer" (well, only some of the Chinese, the well-connected ones). We have a choice, to avoid anything Chinese made, as much as possible. There will never be a "green" China, or a free one for that matter.
If our weak and ineffective stooges in Ottawa refuse to stop dealing with a U.S.-backed right wing death squad government in Bogota that murders more unionists and human rights activists than any other country in the world, then how can we expect them to cut off our third largest export market, China? Capitalists will deal with the devil and cock hind legs up in any old port in a storm. The problem is that market economies are not driven my ethics and morals. In fact, it's the opposite. Capitalism today is driven by appalling greed and corruption.
I will say this for China... They are the only nation that has managed to get the biggest company in the world - WalMart - to accept a union.
How real a union it is I don't know, but it is nice to see them sacrifice their so-called principles in order to make a buck
(especially since they walked from Germany rather than do so).
The "union" representing Walmart workers in China is one of the Party controlled official "unions" not an independent workers' union. http://talkingunion.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/is-union-reform-possible-in-china/ The officially sanctioned "unions" in China are more like company unions, who see their main mandate as "maintaining order and discipline", not defending workers against the employer. I suspect that Walmart would welcome the same kind of "unions" here if they could arrange it.
The "union" representing Walmart workers in China is one of the Party controlled official "unions" not an independent workers' union. http://talkingunion.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/is-union-reform-possible-in-china/ The officially sanctioned "unions" in China are more like company unions, who see their main mandate as "maintaining order and discipline", not defending workers against the employer. I suspect that Walmart would welcome the same kind of "unions" here if they could arrange it.
Yes, I figured as much (sounds like out progressive new Bill 80 here in Saskatchewan). It is still interesting to see them talking out of both sides of their mouth, considering the principled stand they take everywhere else.
China strikers bypass union, organize with social media Demand more cash from Japanese and Taiwanese companies, workplace democracy
And just for a quick comparison to one of Canada's other trade partners in our own hemisphere:
@ Fidel
Well it looks great to have the workers standing up to foreign capitalists, not so great to have the People's Republic seen beating their own people over the head (especially when they have in recent history not wanted the outside world to know when they are dealing with an epidemic). Not trying to demonize China, but it is hardly a workers' paradise.
Colombia: Another Trade Union Leader Assassinated
Neither is Colombia a worker's paradise. But that doesn't stop our phony minority stoogeocracy in Ottawa from trading freely with a death squad government though. And in this very hemisphere, too.
The point is that if our stoogeocracy turns a blind eye to Colombia and what is the most dangerous country in the world for trade unionists and social activists, then what chances are there that the stoogeocracy will do anything more than puff up their chests and condemn China once in a while for the sake of paying lip service to human rights issues? I think the odds are slim next to nil that they will actually do something to confront the CCP running a country of over a billion people on the other side of the world. Nada next to nil. Members of the CCP slide into Ottawa and meet with our stooges behind closed doors all the time and under the public's radar. Same with Colombia's colonial administrators, the Hondurans, Salvadoran's etc, all countries where US-backed right wing death squads have murdered thousands of their citizens in recent years. Our stooges just don't care. They are colonial administrators and hirelings of multinational corporations in Ottawa and nothing more.


text:
Moderator: Mike
Ian Iachimo wrote:Just so that you know - Ihave been a fan since I was 5, I'm now 45 and have most recorded material from Macca that I know of. My issue is that I do not have the last 4 albums. Why? - Because they are full of nursery-rhyme-style lyrics and have no real edge to them. The tunes are lame, the lryics are more like un-linked one-line statements and nothing seems to be memorable. When did you last hear a decent easy-to-remember tune of Macca's on the radio?
I am a huge fan and this may sound a bit negative and dis-respectful but, we all know what he is capable of. It's like he has been made aware that the stuff written post-Linda is not all that good and his touring schedule now consists mainly of Beatles and the odd Wings number. He is too good for that. Is'nt he?
I thought Flaming Pie was a wicked album but I have recently discovered that most of the material on that were old songs, recorded for that album at the time. Is it any wonder that he's now giving away his albums in national newspapers!
Come on Macca - get ya pencil sharpened and show em all what you can still do. You can't retire on the strength of the last 5 albums. We need another masterpiece. Not over-produced, not too slushey and certainly not too far away from what we have come to expect from you.
Deepest res pect and love.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Apple's application store is known to be filled with games and utilizes that are interesting for all types of users. Now these users will also include your feline friends. A new game in the store is aimed at cats.
The company that created this game explained that they are "excited to feed your cats' senses with three new games made just for cats. The colors, movement, and game-play have been researched and tested for maximum feline fun."
The games are called Party Mix-Up, which has party mix snacks break up once clicked on (or pawed on in this case), Cat Fishing, which features fish swimming around and Tasty Treasure Hunt, which has little treats waiting to be pressed on.
The games were created based on research about cat's senses and their reactions, which may help your cat's health. These three games are also available on any Android tablets.
The creator of the games ensures that these tablets are strong enough to hold against your furry friend's paws, and that the device will not get damaged.


text:
Present - Ilaria, Gareth, Tove, Abby, Stephen, Ida, Deborah, Isla, Ida, Graeme, Alex, Emma
Carried forward action points:
Smells - Alex (nearer the time)
Entrance - as above
Decorations - Simone to provide details
Door staff - Tim to provide a rota
New points & updates:
Ida is organising. Recipes, team for cooking, orders, cleaning up, serving rota, checking Roxy kitchen all to be organised this week. Ida to get help from KMs for ordering and menus. Also to order soft drinks.
Smoke, bubbles and lights:
It was decided that we will not use the smoke machine as those not in favour had strong reasons against - bad for health etc. We will use the bubble machine and Nix to fix. Nix will organise disco lighting. Gareth and Abby may have access to black lights and UV strips for entrance. They will check.
Transport & Storage:
Emma to put post on BB asking for people to help transport items to Roxy. Emma to check if we can store anything at Roxy in advance.
Ilaria has drafted a newsletter for invites. Abby will work on poster with Ilaria so has same info, names, text etc. Newsletter/invite to be sent on Monday/Tuesday this week latest.
Ilaria confirmed that the following have agreed to play on the night - Pockets, Billy Liar, Black Cat, White Heath, Ruby and the Emeralds. Ilaria to check if Forest Choir can also perform on the night.
We discussed bands selling their merchandise and agreed this was a good thing as they were performing for free. They will have their own stall. Alex to arrange with bands.
Bar staff:
Gareth has organised and provided rota to Alex for passing to Dan at Roxy.
Bar will be open from 4pm now.
Kids paying:
There were a few comments on BB suggesting that kids pay or we ask for a donation. This was discussed and it was agreed that we thought would be a good gesture if kids would still get in free as its only a small portion of the event and there will be areas were we will be collecting cash from kids/parents - drinks, cakes etc.
Event name:
We looked at the suggestions and agreed on "For F*@$#'s Sake" with the byline "Fundraiser Hellraiser Fete"
Screen printing:
Stephen has this in hand. Deborah and Gareth helping.
Kids part of day:
Isla and Anna have in hand. Puppet show being organised and lots of games will be available. Gandalf stopped by and may be able to offer big box full of juggling balls, spinning plates etc for the day as long as it will be supervised.
Slushie machine working. Graeme has tested and has to do a few more things but will be there on night. Alex testing recipes tonight after his big Grand National win. We will also have a virgin option.
Sound & music:
Nix has spoken to Shane who will be sound engineer on night. Nix to check in with him to do sound checks during the day. Ilaria to confirm with acts times for sound checks between 1pm and 4pm. Nix will be arranging Forest jukebox using Mike's laptop.
Produce stalls:
Nix is making posters inviting people to enter competition. There will be cake, jams, chutneys, seeds and home brew competitions. Produce will be sold off after competition judged. We will have bearded vicars judging. Ryan will be a judge. Emma to ask Nick too. Nix looking for one other bearded judge. Nix also going to run some other competitions that will appear as surprises on the night such as the human livestock idea.
Cafe will close at 7pm with a big sign on door asking people to come to the Roxy instead. Nix to make a poster.
Forest shop:
Nix confirmed Ida is setting this up at the event and we will sell Forest publications fare. We may also have a one-off CD for sale if this can be prepared in time.
New Schedule:
(All the awesome fete things we agreed before - face painting, massage, food, tombola, food, Forest shop etc etc)
4.00pm to 6.30pm - Kids time
6.30pm to 7.00pm - Breather/band set up
7.15pm to 7.45pm - Choir/Pockets
7.45pm to 8.00pm - Break
8.00pm to 8.30pm - Haley and Billy Liar
8.30pm to 8.45pm - Break and Produce Judging
8.45pm to 9.15pm - White Heath
9.15pm to 9.30pm - Break and more Judging
9.30pm to 10.00pm - Ruby & the Emeralds
10.00pm to 10.15pm - Break
10.15pm to 11.00pm - Black Cat
11.00pm - CLOSE
It was suggested that Pockets would be great at this. Nix to ask.


text:
Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (98 votes).
In short: great atmosphere very flat pb courseIn full: nice people very friendly great atmosphere very flat gret encouragement on route and musicDate of review: February 14, 2013
In short: The best-can't wait for next year!Date of review: February 14, 2013
In short: Best 10k everDate of review: February 14, 2013
In short: Great race. More buses required.In full: Fantastic race with great pre-race communication. Not enough buses for park and ride. Alternatively, could the buses not have gone the OTHER way, down the prom, dropped off at the end of the START road on the prom and returned down the prom to pick up again. Threading through the streets was reminiscent of The Great North Run and felt unnecessary. Superb medal, the best yet. Great choice of bacon butties too. See you next year.Date of review: February 14, 2013
In short: Excellent EventIn full: Right from entering this event through to the day itself I thought that this was one of the best organised races that Ive ever taken part in. Love the dog theme and jokes. The e-mails were worth a laugh! Organisation on the day, if you discount the park and ride, was exceptional and enthusiastic! Great medal and shirt. Im sure that the organisers will sort out the park and ride that was obviously foisted upon them but it would put me off going again if it wasnt sorted as hanging around in the cold wet conditions wasnt great and I would have preferred to dive straight in the car and get home. So, if my scores look a bit mean, the park and ride was the sole reason, other than that this is a special race! Date of review: February 14, 2013
In short: Great first 10k for a first timer. Well organised, good updates, loved the atmosphere.Otstanding medal and a decent T shirt that will be worn again:)Date of review: February 14, 2013
In short: Loved it!In full: As this race starts right at the end of my road I can't comment on the traffic issue or the park n ride (not the mad dogs fault by all accounts), but I ran a PB and loved it despite the freezing weather. My daughter ran the crazy pups and loves the goody bag! Defo a must for next year!Date of review: February 13, 2013
In short: fantastic, well organised and a great goodybag see you in 2014Date of review: February 13, 2013
In short: It's all been said but superbly organised, really enjoyable event, and great to see wheelchair users and blind runners included too.Date of review: February 13, 2013
In short: Worth every pennyDate of review: February 13, 2013
Visit the official Runner's World page
Follow Runner's World on Twitter
Click here
Other Natmag-Rodale Sites
Run For Charity
Injury Clinics
About Runner's World


text:
SKLZ Vari-Break Putting Course Golf Training Aid
Product Information:
Practice reading and making putts with SKLZ® Vari-Break Putting Course Golf Training Aid. The 33-square foot oversized true-roll putting surface can be manipulated with versatile, moveable foam wedges for all kinds of practice. The included Putt Pocket can be moved around the green for more putting scenarios and for fun putting competitions with friends and family.
- Oversized (11' L x 3' W) putting mat with moveable foam wedges
- Gives the ability to contour the green for almost any putt: uphill, downhill, left and right
- True-Roll surface closely simulates real green conditions, including down-grain and against-the-grain putting
- Includes convenient carry bag with strap, two foam break wedges, and SKLZ Putt Pocket that reduces hole size for more accurate practice and practice putting to the high side of the hole
- For home or office use
- Stimpmeter rating of 10 on a firm rug, and 11 on linoleum surface for down-grain
- Upgrain rates a 9 on a firm rug
Country of Origin: ChinaWeb ID: 11555908
Customer Reviews:
Rated 3.3 out of 5�by 12 reviewers.
Rated 3 out of 5�by acinsc Quality not as expected Thinner than expected. Not wide enough to get benefit of breaking putt. Still trying to get creases out from shipment January 11, 2016
Rated 1 out of 5�by Jim Don't waste your money Instructions say unroll and allow 2 hrs to flatten out. After 2 days it hadn't flattened out at all. January 11, 2016
Rated 1 out of 5�by Pete Not worth it Won't lay flat, foam for breaks is too low, your better off putting on your carpet. Don't waste your money. Great idea poorly executed. If this was on shark tank they'd laugh them off..I own many sklz products... Disappointed.... Anybody with positive review was paid to do so or never played golf. December 27, 2015
Rated 1 out of 5�by NoMulligans Won't lie flat Tried for a week to get the kinks out of the mat. Put weighted boxes on it, tried hot air from blow drier, nothing worked. Worthless to putt on since the creases kill any true roll. December 2, 2015
Rated 1 out of 5�by Peg1 Great idea This item could be great. Unfortunately, it does not lye flat out of the box. I have had it a few days and I'm trying to flatten out the "hills" by walking on it and putting heavy books on top, etc. I think it will flatten out in time but so far - no true roll. November 7, 2015
Rated 4 out of 5�by Steph4 Great features! Overall good product, wish the shape was different so I could use the foam wedges more. August 4, 2015
Rated 5 out of 5�by smasher00 great product Love the size and the ability to "shape" breaks on 10 foot putts. Hope to keep my skills sharp this winter! September 2, 2014
Rated 4 out of 5�by eastcoastkid Solid Product Great tool to work on putting on a rainy day. The only down fall is getting all of the wrinkles out of the green. I have had it laying out for 2 days and it still wont lay flat in a few spots. Other than that I love this product. The Vari-Break gives you so many different looks. April 26, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5�by Bro Best Putting Mat Best mat I have ever had, the foam pads work great for different angles almost like a real green! January 19, 2014
Rated 5 out of 5�by All Fore One and One Fore All The Best Putting Mat! This putting mat is very versatile with creating many putting scenarios. I love the fact the mat is longer than most putting mats which is 11 feet versus 7 to 9 since on an average, the length of this mat is where usually my ball lands on the green. By creating many scenarios, this tool is awesome for practicing your putts and yes, I do noticed my putting game has changed for the better. I have actually taken a stroke off of my putts and I was a 3 stroke putter. Definately a good choice for practicing your putts. As far as quality, no problems with dog ear corners, etc. December 12, 2012


text:
The East Coast's Best Uncommitted Players Will Showcase Their Game This WeekendLacrosse Playground /
Many of the regions best players still looking for their college home will be competing in this elite showcase. 120 uncommitted boys will play 3 games and the top 40 will be selected for al All-Star Game. Games will Continue Reading


text:
These lizards have a mating ritual where the male agressively courts the female. Males defend territories around their burrows that both they and females use as shelter, and most courtship occurs around these burrows. Females are attracted to male's territories with burrows, but these burrows are not used for nesting. (Werner 1982).
Female Land Iguanas lay soft-shelled eggs with permeable shells. About 25 eggs are laid in burrows in moist sand or under leaf litter. On the arid, rocky island of Fernandina, females may travel more than 15 km to find good nest sites, sometimes within the crater of a dormant volcano. When places to lay eggs become scarce, competition between females occurs and some eggs already laid may be disturbed by another iguana (Werner 1983, Mattison 1989). Hatchlings appear in about three to four months, and may take about a week to dig out of the nest cavity (Terraquest 1996).


text:
Neil - enjoyed your blog - am doing something similair myself - great motivation.
Same here - I kept reading so many great running blogs, I became inspired to start my own! It's tons of fun and definitely serves as constant motivation to keep up my training. It's also a good excuse to regularly educate myself about the sport and related areas so I can share that with my readers, in addition to my own personal experiences.
and me and me!
I'll show you mine if you show me yours!
My blog
Me and my bro are doing 2011miles in 2011, and blogging at 2011miles.com
It's an awesome way of keeping in touch and up to date with each other. It's also great getting feedback from "readers"....
Really like you and Jules blog David. Is there a counter to show how many miles you've each completed? I couldn't see one on there.
I'm a blogger on sport psychology and coaching for endurance athletes (http://stuartholliday.blogspot.com). Check in for tips on motivation, coping strategies, mental toughness and more as you increase your mileage!
i've written my experiences of running on my blog:
Visit the official Runner's World page
Follow Runner's World on Twitter
Click here
Other Natmag-Rodale Sites
Run For Charity
Injury Clinics
About Runner's World
Run Hub
Runner's World is a publication of Hearst Magazines UK which is the trading name of The National Magazine Company Ltd, 72 Broadwick Street, London, W1F 9EP. Registered in England 112955. All rights reserved. Runner's World, Part of the Hearst UK wellbeing network
Website powered by: Immediate Media Company Ltd. | © Runner's World 2002-2017 | Version 2016.4.1.0


text: Cat Geometry Sep 6, 2015 @ 13:29 Source PREVIOUS NEXT What did you think of the image? Cancel reply More funny pictures from this site:Ellen DeGeneres' Backyard.Get over it..Motherhood. Yay. ➨ funny tumblrCat mocking tiger statue licking furCats Are Such Evil Creatures.I finally found it.No Greater Threat To Women Than Men.It Seems They Don't Need Humans Anymore.Catching Some Milk At A Dairy Farm.Weird Picdump 62


text:
Multi-tasking and audio books
I've been a big fan of audio books for a long time. Not only do they allow you to do other tasks at the same time -?driving, cleaning or just about anything – there's that whole element of voice acting contributed by the narrator.
We started a great story on our trip to Missouri over the Christmas holiday. Larry downloaded "Gregor the Overlander,"?written by Suzanne Collins, the author of "The Hunger Games,"?series. The story surrounded Gregor, a New York City kid and his little sister, Boots, who fall through an air vent into a strange and sometimes scary new world underground.
The cool thing about this book was that it kept us all captivated. It's probably classified as a young adult series, but in any case, it wasn't too mature for Daniel or too juvenile for Mom and Dad.
It was a long story, so we didn't quite get it finished up on the trip. Last Saturday afternoon, however, we plugged the mp3 player into some speakers and continued right where we left off. It helped make the cleaning projects I had planned go a little more smoothly. Daniel didn't seem to mind the chores very much and I heard him chuckle every once in a while when the narrator used a funny voice or tossed off an amusing line.
We finally all collapsed in the living room, chores completed, but not wanting to walk away from this fun story. If you haven't read the book, I think you will find that it is very much like Harry Potter in that the central character, a pre-teen boy, much test his bravery, grit and determination while helping to save those close to him.
We've been listening to audio books for many years, especially on long car trips. With iffy radio signals in rural areas, the books were a natural to pass the time. The first one we ever listened to was called "The Face in the Frost."?It was a fantasy book about wizards. But the big difference in those early books – they were on cassette tapes. In this case, nine to be exact. It's so much easier now with digital downloads. We can fit it all on a smart phone or mp3 player.
These types of books will never replace the paper variety for me. I still love the feel of the crisp pages in my fingers. I still like having the choice as to whether a sneak a peek at the ending, go back and read a particular section. That's a little more difficult to do with recorded books.
So now we're on the hunt for the next in the series of the Underland Chronicles. There are four more books apparently so we have plenty more opportunities to follow the adventures of Gregor and Boots.
I can't think of a better way to spend an weekend afternoon than curled up with a cup of coffee, my two favorite guys, the fur boys snoozing at our feet and a great audio book weaving a wonderful yarn for us all.


text:
The tools required to design and prototype unique new products are friendlier and more accessible than ever before, so don't wait for others to turn your great idea into the next big thing.
In a step-by-step case study with live demonstrations, NextFab will show you how CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC machining, and Arduino microcontrollers are combined to make a complete personalized urban lifestyle product.
This event is a part of Philly Tech Week 2013, a week-long celebration of technology and innovation in Philadelphia. The annual week of events is intended to grow the impact of this innovative region through programming focused on technology, collaboration and improving Philadelphia.


text:
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Russian Helicopters Advances 'High-Speed' Rachel Project
Moscow-based Russian Helicopters has unveiled more details on its Russian Advanced Commercial Helicopter (Rachel). The Rachel program is meant as an eventual replacement for the Mi-8/17 family. The "high-speed" medium twin will be capable of 194 knots, thanks to "streamlined main rotor blades and fuselage." At 10 to 12 metric tons (22,000 to 26,400 pounds), it will have a seating capacity of 21 to 24 passengers. Also dubbed V-37, Rachel has a conventional configuration with one main rotor and one tail rotor. In the baseline configuration, it will have a convertible passenger/cargo cabin. It will use new—but so far unspecified—turboshaft engines.
Mil, which is part of Russian Helicopters, plans to build a flying testbed in 2013 to assess technologies pitched for the V-37. The results of these tests should be analyzed by 2014. The next phase will be supplier selection. Certification is then slated for 2018, with deliveries to follow in 2020.
The Rachel concept, here shown as a small-scale model at the Farnborough 2012 air show, targets cruise speeds as high as 194 knots. Photo by Thierry Dubois
The target cruise speed, not as high as the 220-250 knots Eurocopter and Sikorsky are talking about with their respective X3 and X2 demonstrators, was defined after some market analysis. This enabled the manufacturer to define the future model's technical priorities and specifications. Russian Helicopters also ran a feasibility and risk-assessment study.
Mil and Kamov design bureaus in 2011 and 2012 competed in a contest for the best conceptual design of a high-speed helicopter. The Mil design was found to "better reflect the demands of the market."
Related: Technology News


text:
Boaters have a responsibility
I read the comments written quoted by state Assemblyman Andrew Goodell and I have to disagree with some of his statements.
There is no reason for tourism to be hurt if this bill is written and put into place correctly. Every person should be required to take a safe boating course if they wish to operate a vessel on New York state waters and no person should be grandfathered.
Anyone wishing to operate a vessel on inland waters or the Great Lakes and Inland Rivers must have a joint pilot and engineer license or a U.S. Coast Guard Captain's license depending on the chosen water, when you are receiving remuneration.
At the minimum, this guarantees the customer that the operator of the vessel has at least a basic knowledge of safety and rules of the road.
A simple example of ignorance is the state no wake 100-foot law. The local communities surrounding Honeoye Lake have passed a local law extending that distance to 200 feet. This law is abused by boaters and it is posted very clearly at the state boat ramp located at the south end of lake.
Boaters do learn from experience and from mentors. However, what they learn and do is not necessarily safe, lawful, or in the best interest of other persons using public waters.
The solution is simple: Require operators to have in their possession a certificate stating they have taken an approved boating course, but use courses such as from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or recognize the courses from other states. Publish information about the new law, send press releases and, when a person renews their boat registration, give them a state safe boating book.
F.H. Tennity is a state licensed hunting and fishing guide, state joint pilot and engineer and U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain from Honeoye.


text:
Trio Fibonacci 5 x 3Posted by Jay Batzner in CD Review, Jay Batzner, Piano, tags: Canada, CD Review, cello, chamber music, Jay Batzner, Montreal, Piano, piano trio, strings, violin
5 x 3
- Ana Sokolovic – Portrait parle
- Paul Frehner – Quarks Tropes
- Jean Lesage – Le projet Mozart, où l'auteur s'interroge sur la complexité du style et le métissage des genres
- Analia Llugdar – Tricycle
- Chris Paul Harman – Piano Trio
Julie-Anne Derome, violin; Gabriel Prynn, violoncello; Anna D'Errico, piano
Trio Fibonacci is quite a group. I first heard them on their recording of Jonathan Harvey works a few years back and I am astounded at their ability to program and perform Old Warhorses alongside cutting-edge contemporary music. This recent release, 5 x 3, plays to the trio's strengths in technique and interpretation providing an end result of excellent music making. All of the composers represented have some connection to the Montreal new music scene but beyond that, the five compositions provide unique experiences. Ana Sokolovic's Portrait parle, inspired by 19th century French phrenology practices, is reminiscent of the sparkling colors and shifting hazes found in Jonathan Harvey. The trio is made of many small vignettes which are woven together in a compelling and kaleidoscopic narrative. Paul Frehner's Quarks Tropes is about as different as it could be: long, stoic melodic lines and dark harmonic tones in the first movement and aggressive energies in the second. The more conservative harmonic language is still fresh and inviting as both movements traverse satisfying emotional arcs.
Le projet Mozart, où l'auteur s'interroge sur la complexité du style et le métissage des genres (The Mozart Project, where the author questions himself on the complexity of styles and mixing of genres), other than winning long title competitions, shines a wondrous magnifying lens on the music of Mozart and watches it melt and subsequently catch fire. Jean Lesage treats the Mozart as an elusive figure, slipping in and out of recognizability with remarkable skill. The music could, and does, go anywhere at any time. Analia Llugdar's Tricycle brings back the coloristic sound world of the Sokolovic trio but with an emphasis on pointalistic moments and slowly developing shapes. Energies ebb and flow throughout the piece but the overall vibe projected is one of almost serene detachment.
The final composition on this disc is Chris Paul Harman's Piano Trio, set in six brief movements. This composition gives Trio Fibonacci yet another chance to shine since it contains some of the most intricate and quickly orchestrated material on the entire disc. Trio Fibonacci is adept at sounding as a singular unit as well as three separate virtuosi but this Piano Trio gives Trio Fibonacci the presence of 9 people. The overall rough and rugged language (pitch and rhythm) is a great contrast to the delicate works which proceeded it and its closing position on the disc is a good choice. The silky smooth and poignant ending in movements 5 and 6 (attaca) is a surprise (which I've ruined for you now but it is still worth hearing).
In general, there is hardly anything left that you should want from this disc. The excellent music, fabulous performances, and great programming have kept this disc in my regular rotation for quite some time.


text:
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
I have never really understood why the VT pepperoni burns so easily.
Bob,With my oven, and with the altitude I cook at (0 ft above sea level) I use tin foil on all my DS pies without even thinking. When I see that bottom crisping up, the foil she come off and the browning, she begin!!!John K
Those babies look perfect! Love the bacon and jalapenos.
Any recent cheese experiments with these?I didn't see where you mentioned that here. Also would be interested in quantity of cheese that you're using. Norma (who admits that she is trying to run a profitable business) is using 6 ounces. There is probably a "too much cheese" line which can be crossed, but so far I have not encountered it!
I'd also note that my pies have finally stopped sticking to the pans - they pop right out now
DS Calibrian "Margherita" made with 6 in 1 tomatoes. Talk about a flavor bomb.
I think I'm going to try Detroit style tomorrow. A few questions;1) What is a good thickness factor?2) Where in the oven is a good spot to bake? Are you baking on a stone?3) Does the sauce go on post oven or pre oven?
Good TF = 0.13
Your Detroit style pie looks delicious Craig!Norma


text:
Parks Canada
Home > National Marine Conservation Areas > Fathom Five National Marine Park > Activities > Visitor Centre > FAQs
Note: To read the PDF version you need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your system.
If the Adobe download site is not accessible to you, you can download Acrobat Reader from an accessible page.
If you choose not to use Acrobat Reader you can have the PDF file converted to HTML or ASCII text by using one of the conversion services offered by Adobe.


text:
When choosing Australian domain names, you really have some important things to consider, not least Australian domain name policy. You want to choose the name that will draw the most people to your site. That has to be the overall goal. The first thing that you need to consider, then, is what strategy that you want to use. You can either buy a domain name that has keywords in it or one that gives you a brand that people will remember. Both options have worked in the past, so you need to weigh the pros and cons when you are trying to make a decision.
In order to understand this process fully, pretend that you own a company that sells discounted shoes for hiking, running, and the like. You want people to come to you for all of their needs in this direction. If you choose a name like Discountsportshoes.com.au, you will have three important keywords in the name. If people search for any combination of these words, they will have a good chance of coming to your site. However, they are not going to remember a name like that later on, as it is too generic and will not stick in their memory.
You could also name your company Red Mountain, and then start a site called Redmountain.com.au. This is much catchier. It connects with the Australian identity that your company has since one of Australia's main natural landmarks, Ayers Rock, is a towering red stone. It sounds like many of the other names that people are used to hearing, either as names for other companies or for real mountains. This is not to say that it sounds exactly like them and will be forgotten individually, but just that it has the same word construction as a traditional name. This makes it memorable. If you brand it well, people will remember your site and spread the word to their friends.
The problem that you have with this, of course, is that no one who is searching for cheap shoes is going to search for the words "Red Mountain." The only people who would are those who already know that your company exists. For this reason, it is often best to choose something that combines both tactics. For instance, you could call your site Redmountainshoes.com.au. This will help you to have a memorable name that will also contain some of the basic keywords relating to your product.


text:
New Markdowns
Ruffle Bandeau Dress
Style: 570078479
Out of Stock
The frill is here. On a Luxurious Black Dress that's date night delectable in a sumptuously soft knit. With rows of chiffon ruffles top and bottom, an empire waist and straps to configure multiple ways. Add the Embraceable Multi Way Bra for a smooth look underneath.
- Double-layered bodice for soft support.
- Tunnel elastic at top of bodice.
- Elasticized empire waist.
- Removable, adjustable straps fasten in halter, cross or straight-back position.
- Side-seam pockets are designed to lie flat.
Read more… Read less…


text:
The Wisdom of Hippie Dan
And how I ran my first ultra, the 1994 Minnesota Voyageur 50-Miler
An excerpt from the forthcoming book by Scott Jurek with with Steve Friedman
Due to last-minute design changes, some of the text in the print version (June 2012, Issue 80) of this excerpt was repeated and deleted. We are very sorry, and offer this complete and correct online version.
Illustration by Meg Bisharat
The more you know, the less you need.
—Yvon Chouinard
People are always asking me the same question. Why, when I could stay in shape with a 25-minute jog, do I train for 5 hours at a time? Why, when I could run a perfectly civilized marathon, would I choose to run four of them back-to-back? Why, instead of gliding over shaded tracks, would I take on Death Valley in the height of summer? Am I masochistic? Addicted to endorphins? Is there something deep down inside that I am running from? Or am I seeking something I never had?
At the beginning of college I ran because of Dusty. It was the summer after my freshman year. Dusty was living with guys in a place they called the House of Gravity. One of his roommates was a champion downhill skier, another was a world-class mountain biker. Dusty was bunking in the attic, where the temperature could drop to –20 degrees, and slept in a down winter sleeping bag from the army surplus store. They called it the House of Gravity because they smoked from a gigantic bong so often that much of the time they couldn't get up. They decided the field of gravity was greater in that house than anywhere else. They even attached the bong to a rope so they could swing it from one person to another.


text:
Crashed and captured!
George M. Neal wrote this September 13, 1954, letter to relatives of Navy officer Lieutenant John K. Koelsch. Neal, a crewmember of Koelsch, describes events beginning on July 3, 1951,.when he and Koelsch were on a mission to rescue a downed pilot. The North Koreans captured all three men and imprisoned them. Koelsch died while in enemy hands.
National Archives, Records of the Bureau of Naval Personnel


text: This ingenious "smartpot" electronic growing system provides an easy, foolproof way to grow plants. The Click and Grow kit germinates seeds and automatically waters and fertilizes seedlings for optimal growth. Simply insert the included basil seed cartridge, add batteries, fill the reservoir with water and refill every month or two when the warning light blinks. Harvest the tender fragrant leaves and use in pesto, salads and tomato sauces.


text:
Here is a link to the recent Glaucus report on Teavana and pesticides:
"Independent laboratory tests show that Teavana's teas contain pesticides in amounts that exceed U.S. and E.U. regulatory limits," Glaucus reported. "In our opinion, not only are lawsuits from the Federal Trade Commission and class-action attorneys inevitable, but once Starbucks learns that they have been deceived into paying a premium price for a tarnished consumer brand, they will walk away from the acquisition."
Does it not make you wonder about the teas you drink from those direct suppliers? I do. It is a real conundrum.


text:
John Neyman, MA., BCPC
105 S. PIKE RD (RT 356) Sarver, PA 16055, Sarver, Pennsylvania 16055
John Neyman is a Christian Therapist and Christian Counselor in the Butler, Sarver, Natrona heights, Fox Chapel areas. He provides a biblical based therapy and has been very effective that has brought about exciting results in the homes and lives for the last 30 years. God has the answers for your problems. He has provided positive solutions in God's Word. He has equipped Counselors to draw out the problems and reveal the solutions that are specifically targeted for your problems. There is no reason that you should continue with the hurt and pain when there are viable solutions to help you. If you are in need of parenting skills, marriage counseling, personal counseling God has the answers
Stephen Luther, MSEd, MEd, NCC, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
200 Freeport Road, New Kensington, Pennsylvania 15068
Christian Counseling; Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling helps clients find freedom from burdens through their relationships with Jesus Christ. As it is thoroughly Biblical, clients can expect to explore the Word of God as the guide in the healing process and to be transformed by its truth. Our Mission is to provide Biblically sound, effective and affordable counseling services to everyone that God brings through our doors. Through the leading of the Holy Spirit, prayer, and the truths of the scriptures, we aim to equip members of the body of Christ to overcome affliction and have freedom in Christ.


text: Man had $12,000 in debts, repaid $15,000 over 8 years, still owes $12,200. Credit card industry stopped him from testifying to congressional panel,leaving only academics and credit card executives to speak publicly. http://www.motherjones.com/mojoblog/archives/2008/03/7666_credit_card_ind.html http://maloney.house.gov/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=1569&Itemid=61 I understand the Credit Card company has to make some profit......But does it make sense for a person to pay that much ?


text:
Topic: PostgreSQL vs MySQL
It seems that just about every coder I respect out there preaches pgsql.
The usual argument is that MySQL corrupts data and bombs out under heavy loads.
I went with MySQL since is the default recommendation for Rails, and was not too difficult to learn.
Now in my experience, it has performed like a champ, but I am curious to hear what you guys prefer. Any MySQL horror stories/pgsql zealots out there?


text:
Tiludronate is used to treat Paget's disease of bone (a condition in which the bones are soft and weak and may be deformed, painful, or easily broken). Tiludronate is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates. It works by preventing bone breakdown and increasing bone density (thickness).
Tiludronate comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken on an empty stomach once a day for 3 months. This treatment may be repeated if symptoms come back or worsen after some time has passed. Take tiludronate at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take tiludronate exactly as directed. Do not take it more or less often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
Take tiludronate with a full glass (6 to 8 ounces [180 to 240 milliliters]) of plain water. Do not take tiludronate with any other liquid, including mineral water. Do not eat or drink for 2 hours before or 2 hours after you take tiludronate. Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking this medication.
Tiludronate controls Paget's disease of bone only when it is taken as prescribed. Do not stop taking tiludronate without talking to your doctor.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before taking tiludronate,
You should eat and drink plenty of foods and drinks that are rich in calcium and vitamin D while you are taking tiludronate Your doctor will tell you which foods and drinks are good sources of these nutrients and how many servings you need each day. If you find it difficult to eat enough of these foods, tell your doctor. In that case, your doctor may prescribe or recommend a supplement.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Tiludronate may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Tiludronate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking tiludronate.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Do not remove the tablets from the foil strip until you are ready to take them. Store this medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website ( Web Site) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain laboratory tests to check your response to tiludronate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: November 15, 2015.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.


text:
Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down
Big day in New Ulm
THUMBS UP: Today is a day 150 years in the making for New Ulm (or 125, depending on whether you're celebrating the New Ulm Battery or the Hermann Monument's Cornerstone). Today is the double anniversary celebration for the New Ulm Battery, New Ulm's Department of Defense for the past 150 years, and the 125th anniversary of the setting of the cornerstone for the Hermann Monument. It took another 10 years or so to get the big guy completed, so we can look forward to another celebration in 2023.
A grand celebration is set for Hermann Heights and Harman Park today, with cannons firing (plug your ears, folks!), bands playing, tours of the Hermann Monument, and a grand fireworks display. If you saw the fireworks for the Hermann Victory celebration in 2009, you know this will be a great show.
New Ulm does know how to throw a party, and we hope everyone has a good time.
The 'Unsession'
THUMBS UP: Gov. Mark Dayton has come up with an interesting theme for the upcoming legislative session. This is the non-budget year session when state legislators work on a bonding bill, throw a few insults at each other and go home.
Dayton would like to make this the "Unsession," a session in which legislators would comb through existing state law and eliminate any laws, rules and regulations that are excessive or redundant, that are outdated, that make life more difficult and that make no sense.
The governor has been collecting suggestions from public employees, and is now looking for suggestons from the public. A website, unsessionsuggestion.ideascale.com/, has been set up where people can look over other suggestions and add their own two cents' worth.
We are the ones, after all, who have to live with the decisions made at the Capitol. If the state reforms education standards, our kids have to meet them. If the state sets rules for cities or counties, we have to abide by them, whether they make sense here or not. We pay the extra fees and taxes, and we should have a say in whether the money is being wisely used.
So if you have run up against a state law or regulation that makes no sense or makes life more difficult, you can let the governor know about it. Maybe, just maybe, something will be done about it.
E-cigarette use among teens
THUMBS DOWN: The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported this week that e-cigarette use is rising among high school and even middle school students. This is a kind of troubling trend. The CDC?worries that kids who start sucking on these cigarette-like sticks that send water vapor and nicotine into your lungs instead of the tar and carcinogens of regular smokes will wind up smoking real cigarettes before long.
Smoking prevention programs don't like the idea that kids are being taught that smoking is somehow cool and sophisticated.
There are still a lot of unknowns about the health impact of e-cigarettes, or how well they work as smoking cessation tools. It is also not known whether e-cigarettes are a "gateway" to tobacco use.
It is, we think, something parents should be concerned about.


text:
Atlanta, Georgia 3032
United States
|Areas of Practice
|1) Corporate
|Admitted Year
|Most recent firm
|Dow Lohnes PLLC
|Relevant Jobs
Corporate Counsel - Real Estate
Corporate Counsel Responsibilities: Provide advice and counsel on all legal aspects for a sophisticated commercial real estate investments group. Provide transaction structuring of real estate mortga...
Apply now
Chief Counsel
Chief Counsel The candidate will oversee the legal support for the company which is comprised of regional and national pharmacy customers. Work with senior executives to draft and negotiate complex d...
Apply now
|+ View more jobs
A. Harrison Barnes is a well-known attorney throughout the United States. As a member of the Malibu community, Harrison is committed to serving the needs of Malibu residents and businesses in legal matters.
Alan Singer is a partner in Morgan Lewis's Securities Practice. Mr. Singer advises companies with regard to a diverse range of corporate and securities matters.


text:
Jacinda Ardern has a column in the Herald about child abuse (she is opposed to it) and it asserts:
There will be those parents who have already proven time and again that they should not have the privilege and responsibility of raising another child. They are not the norm, but for them our response should be swift and simple – they don't get to gamble with another child's life.
I don't care if this is seen as too interventionist. I'd rather that than more of the "waiting and seeing".
I'm all for interventionism, but I do wonder how this would work. How do you stop abusive parents from having more children?
The first stage seems pretty simple. You introduce a mechanism in which CYFS or other authorities can red-flag individuals who abuse their children, presumably through some sort of judicial process. But how do you monitor men who have been red-flagged to see if they're living in a house with children, or expecting another child with a new partner? Pregnant women will get picked up when they enter the health system, but red-flagged males will be harder. Do you need something similar to the sex-offender registry? (It might be a good idea to combine the two, sending the message that child abuse carries the same level of stigma.)
Say you do – what happens once you've flagged someone? You can offer them medical sterilisation, but you can't compel them to accept it – even offering financial incentives takes you into very tricky ethical territory, especially since a huge proportion of those sterilised would be Maori. You run into the same problems with abortion, only more-so.
So do you remove children from the parents' care at birth? That is, in itself, a form of child abuse, so the threshold for such an act would have to be very high. And where do they go? One of the main reasons we have the Domestic Purposes Benefit is that state agencies and religious organisations proved themselves dangerously inept at caring for and raising children. Are they adopted? Adopted children also face a horribly high rate of child abuse.
It's very easy to say 'some parents shouldn't be allowed to have children', but very hard to implement that sentiment as policy.


text:
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. - The Minnesota Team Handball League opened up play last night at the Minneapolis Sports Center with three teams taking the court for its inaugural season. Minnesota Black, led by Wilder Freed, Benson Jahnke and Craig Rot, took an early lead in the shortened three-month season, with commanding victories over Minnesota White (15-11) and Minnesota Green (14-9).
The White team, led by Stephan Storch, Josh Hetterick and Jan-Niklas Falkenhain, a fourth division player from Germany doing an internship in the Twin Cities, played inspired handball, splitting games with their newfound rivals.
Team Green suffered the season's first setback, as captain Jens Wencker sprained his ankle late in the first game, and could only provide nominal minutes the rest of the night. USA Junior National Team player Tyler Shukert provided much needed scoring in Wencker's absence.
The league has been in development for years, but only after sharp recruiting gains enjoyed after last summer's Olympics did the Twin Cities have enough players to support a vibrant league. The games are modified, with 15-minute halves and cumulative penalties, as infractions from a team's first game roll over into its second.
"We're excited about the prospects of this local league," said MNTH President Wilder Freed. "It is a great opportunity to play competitive handball on a weekly basis, and serves as a development environment for players who are new to the sport."
A secondary goal of the MNTHL is to train and certify a pool of referees who will be available for local, regional and national tournaments. Plans are in the works for a referee clinic, although no dates have been set.
If you are interested in participating in the MNTHL, or becoming certified as a referee, you can contact the team at email@example.com.


text:
GOG • Page 2
Pick up some French video games at GOG.com at a hefty discount this weekend
Looking for some new games to pick up this weekend? Don't want to spend an arm and a leg? Head on over to GOG.com for the special "Vive le France" promo, which features 30 different titles up for grabs at prices up to 75% off. They range from the excellent and beautiful Fahrenheit (Indigo Prophecy) […]
Aliens vs. Predator 2000 free on GOG for 48 hours
GOG.com is giving away free copies of the classic Aliens vs. Predator 2000 for free.
Cheap games aplenty in GOG's sixth birthday sale
GOG turns six years old this week, and is throwing a party stuffed with presents for you.
Forget Steam's Summer Sale for a sec; GOG's bonanza lasts just one day
While the Steam Summer Sale exerts a marathon ten day pull on your wallet, GOG is taking the opposite track with a rapid fire sale.
Watch The Witcher 3 press conference here at 7pm UK
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt developer and GOG creator CD Projekt RED will stream a press conference tonight at 7pm UK time, 8pm Europe, and you can watch it live right here.
New Witcher 3 gameplay will be shown next week
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the most anticipated games on PC and current-gen, part of the reason for that is CD Projeckt RED's reluctance to show gameplay footage of the upcoming RPG. Something which will be somewhat mitigated by the studio hosting an event next week to show more gameplay and talk […]
GOG wants to do a better Early Access program than Steam
GOG, everyone's favourite website for all their retro gaming needs, is considering the Early Access gig, according to GOG's parent company co-founder Marcin Iwinski.
GOG Insomnia sale begins, massively discounts games in limited quantities
Good Old Games is hosting a sale that sees games discounted heavily, but the catch is that there're only available in limited quantities.
GOG adds multiple Mac ports, language options
GOG made a couple of hefty updates over the holidays. For one thing, Mac gamers can now enjoy ports of classic Infinity Engine games like Baldur's Gate and Icewind Dale, and for another, a long list of games have received extra language packs. This GOG news post has all the details.
GOG offers all three Rollercoaster Tycoon games for just over $8
Good Old Games is offering a Rollercoaster Tycoon bundle on its store front to celebrate the series' 15th birthday. The bundle is priced at $8.17 and contains, RollerCoaster Tycoon: Deluxe, RollerCoaster Tycoon 2: Triple Thrill Pack and RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Platinum. The offer expires April 2, at 9:59 a.m. GMT. Each game can also be […]
GOG cancels regional pricing plans
GOG has axed plans for localised pricing after users expressed resistance to the idea, and will make up any contractually obligated price discrepancies out of its own funds.
GOG's "Luck of the Irish" sale discounts over 40 games, saving list here
GOG.com has announced a St. Patrick's day sale that sees over 40 titles discounted for your pleasure.
GOG's DRM-free Time Machine Sale puts you in charge of bargain's lifetime
GOG is throwing a sale on 30 games from the past 30 years, but it's put an interesting twist on the promotion. Every time you buy a featured game, you can choose to add or subtract from the length of time the discount will be available to other punters. Price reductions range all the way […]
Sid Meier's Covert Action now available on GOG
Sid Meier's Cover Action is now available on GOG for the sum of $6, on either Mac or PC. It's not considered one of Meier's most resounding successes, but it's an interesting blend of two quite different play styles and fans swear by it. Notably, the default protagonist is female, and you can opt to […]
GOG retrospective video celebrates DRM-free digital distributors's accomplishments
CD Projekt takes a look back over the leaps and bounds its digital distribution platform has made in its short history.
Shadowrun Returns now available on GOG.com, coming DRM-free to Linux soon
Shadowrun Returns developer Harebrained Scahemes has made good on its promise to release a DRM-free version of the old school RPG.
GOG.com introduces money-back guarantee for entire game catalogue
Online game retailer Good Old Games has confirmed it will offer refunds to unsatisfied customers with 30 days of purchase.
GOG's Fall Insomnia sale now on, get the savings inside
GOG has sent us details of its Fall Insomnia promotion, which sees hundreds of games discounted until copies run dry. Titles that went on sale and went as fast as you can blink were Legacy of Kain and Leisure Suit Larry, Torchlight is 80% off right this minute, so hurry.
Dark Matter: Valve pulls game off Steam, GOG offering refunds due to abrupt ending
Dark Matter has been pulled from Steam due to outrage over the game's abrupt ending and incomplete status. Online retailer GOG has also begun issuing refunds to gamers who bought the indie title before October 21.
The Witcher free with any GOG purchase
GOG is running a promotion which appears to have no downsides for you, the consumer. Buy any title from its extensive collection of Mac and PC games, which includes many classics as well as newer indies, and you'll score a free copy of The Witcher: Enhanced Edition – kind of a must-play for any RPG […]
GOG latest
GOG's "Luck of the Irish" sale discounts over 40 games, saving list here
GOG's DRM-free Time Machine Sale puts you in charge of bargain's lifetime
GOG retrospective video celebrates DRM-free digital distributors's accomplishments
Shadowrun Returns now available on GOG.com, coming DRM-free to Linux soon
GOG.com introduces money-back guarantee for entire game catalogue
Dark Matter: Valve pulls game off Steam, GOG offering refunds due to abrupt ending
Eador: Masters of the Broken World pre-orders available via GOG
System Shock 2 headed to digital distributors at last – rumour
GOG close to announcing deal with one of three major publishers
GOG issues cryptic teaser video ahead of reveal event next week
Trine Collection is 75% off on Steam, other gaming deals hit the net
CD Projekt Red to giveaway "legendary RPG" on GOG.com on April 5
GSC Game World titles coming to GOG starting with Cossacks Analogy
CD Projekt "actively working" on bringing new releases to GOG.com


text:
Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (558 votes).
In short: Nice home raceIn full: Good race with challenging course taking in all the best bits of MK, good marshalling for number of runners. Too cramped at start and slow but thins out.Still find it strange how such a big race never quite pulls off the big race atmosphere. No massage which was a shame, they usually have this. Organisation was better with a lot of last years problems sorted out.Date of review: March 13, 2011
In short: Nice mix of city + rural - shows Milton Keynes in new light - well organised, good funIn full: Cold and wet 1 hour before the start - didn't look good - but plenty of places to shelter in until 5 minutes before the start - including a massive Wetherspoons. First few miles quite difficult to run even pace due to back-markers, but thereafter a varied course, initial city roads leading to country pubs and big Willen Lake half way round. Very well marshalled, no complaints over goody bag, plenty of free parking - this overall was a credit to the organisers. Congratulations to all concerned, and all runners.Date of review: March 13, 2011
In short: you ran out of goody bags !! boooo :-(In full: ok race but why dont you get enough goody bags !Date of review: March 13, 2011
Date of review: April 19, 2010
Date of review: March 23, 2010
In short: Let down by some basic organisational deficienciesIn full: Baggage drop a disaster so had to avoid it. 10k start got in the way and no timing pens meant I lost time at the start. No food, but loads of people at the finish handing out leaflets was just not good. That said, Marshalling was great, mile-markers were good and parking was excellent. Date of review: March 21, 2010
In short: My first Half Marathon, but definitely not the last one!Date of review: March 20, 2010
In short: Some organisational issues. No goodie bag! Easy access both in and out of MK.In full: Cheers for the medal but where was the bag of goodies? I did this race in 2007 and then there was a goodie bag and a t-shirt! I opted to leave my bag in the car after seeing the horrendous queue. Bad plan with 10K's starting only 10mins before, caught up with 10K's on a narrow stretch which was quite congested. On the positive side absolutely no issues getting to the race and leaving the race also able to keep warm in the Escape. Date of review: March 10, 2010
In short: I can tick it off to say i've done it.....Date of review: March 10, 2010
In short: My first race, I had a lift to and from, arrived with ease, left with ease, no baggage issues as it was locked in the car, great first time race for me thouroughly enjoyed it, will definately be back again!Date of review: March 9, 2010
Visit the official Runner's World page
Follow Runner's World on Twitter
Click here
Other Natmag-Rodale Sites
Run For Charity
Injury Clinics
About Runner's World


text:
Red-bellied piranha
|This article or section needs attention from an expert on the subject.
The following WikiProjects or Portals may be able to help recruit one:If another appropriate WikiProject or portal exists, please adjust this template accordingly. (April 2012)
|This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page.
The red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) is a species of piranha. This species lives in the Amazon River Basin, coastal rivers of northeastern Brazil, and the basins of the Paraguay, Paraná and Essequibo Rivers. The red-bellied piranha has a reputation for being one of the most ferocious freshwater fish in the world.[weasel words] As their name suggests, red-bellied piranhas have a reddish tinge to the belly when fully grown, although juveniles are a silver colour with darker spots. They grow to a maximum length of 33 centimetres (13 in) and a weight of 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lb). This species is restricted in some locations.[citation needed] The red-bellied piranha has the narrowest intenstine of any bony fish.[citation needed]
Their diet consists largely of fish, insects, worms, crustaceans, and the occasional larger animal. In contrast to their popular reputation of feeding on live animals, red-bellied piranhas usually feed on dead, dying, and injured vertebrates in the wild, but have been known to attack healthy animals. The fish usually feed in large schools around dusk and dawn. They locate their prey by scent or motion using a set of sensors down the sides of their bodies, the lateral line system.
Red-bellied piranha usually spawn around April and May during the rainy season. The male will build a dug-out nest in rocks and vegetation, awaiting a female. Females can lay around 600 eggs which the male fertilizes. Males become extremely territorial during spawning, and will prevent other fish from approaching the nest. After the eggs hatch, both parents guard the broods. Red-bellied piranhas exhibit very little obvious sexual dimorphism, although females may have slightly more yellow on the belly than males.
Red-bellied piranha in media
Many myths surround this species. The 1978 film Piranha by Joe Dante shows these fish in a similar light to Jaws. Piranha was followed by a sequel, Piranha II: The Spawning, in 1981, and two remakes, one in 1995, and one in 2010. Films such as these, and stories of large schools of red-bellies attacking humans, fuels their exaggerated and erroneous reputation as being one of the most ferocious freshwater fish. In reality, they are generally timid scavengers, fulfilling a role similar to vultures on land. In the 2010 film Piranha 3D, Christopher Lloyd's character identifies a specimen of the fictional monstrous piranha, specifically as Pygocentrus nattereri, but erroneously refers to them as the first piranhas, when in reality, red-bellied piranha are most likely not the "original" species.[citation needed]
In an aquarium
|This section contains instructions, advice, or how-to content. (April 2012)
Red-bellied piranhas are sometimes kept as aquarium fish. Their natural diet consists of live prey and dead animals and fish. Live feedings to captive piranhas can introduce diseases, and goldfish contain a growth-inhibiting hormone which in turn will affect piranhas. They may be kept with certain armoured catfish, such as Hypostomus plecostomus, but this is generally discouraged amongst the piranha-keeping community. Red-bellied piranhas, particularly when juvenile, will sometimes bite one another in the aquarium, normally on the fins, in behaviour called 'fin nipping'. Fish that have had their fins nipped will grow them back surprisingly rapidly. Red-bellied piranhas are generally timid in the aquarium for a variety of reasons, i.e. due to unnaturally high light conditions, poor water quality, and lack of cover, which juvenile fish in particular need to hide. Some hobbyists have been disappointed with the fish's timidity in the aquarium, having acquirred them for their exaggerated reputations as killers. Piranhas require frequent water changes with soft water. Extensive filtration is required for these fish.


text:
by Anton Shilov
Apple has faced a lawsuit from IBM after an ex-IBM employee joined the company as the vice president of devices hardware engineering. Mark Papermaster will lead Apple's iPod and iPhone hardware engineering teams and the lawsuit from IBM, considering his experience, may point to huge changes in Apple's iPod and iPhone businesses.
Mark Papermaster is claimed to be a key developer of IBM Power PC microprocessor as an expert in chip design. Most recently he served as vice president for IBM's blade server development. Papermaster also has been a member of the company's Integration and Values Team since 2006, reports ChannelWeb web-site. IBM asserts that while working for the company, Mr. Papermaster gained information and experiences that would now work against IBM.
"In his capacity as a member of the [Integration & Values Team], Mr. Papermaster has gained access to confidential information concerning the company's strategic plans, marketing plans and long-term business opportunities, including the development of specific IBM products. We will vigorously pursue this case in court," IBM said in a statement.
Mr. Papermaster resigned in late October claiming he was taking on an unspecified job at Apple. In its suit, IBM said that the former employee would be in breach of a no-compete agreement he signed in 2006 that "prevents him for working for competitors for one year if he were to sever ties with IBM".
IBM does not complete with Apple on the market of general computers since IBM quit the PC business years ago. On the other hand, Apple sells Xserve servers that may potentially compete against IBM's. Moreover, IBM has been trying to enter the market of consumer electronics with Power PC chip design for years now, without much success. Perhaps, IBM has been working on certain infrastructure-based projects, which might be useful for Apple as well. Still, it is hard to believe that those projects were/are aimed at consumer electronics market, on which iPod, iPhone and other gadgets from Apple are targeted.
Apple also announced that Tony Fadell, Apple's senior vice president of the iPod Division, and his wife Danielle Lambert, vice president of Human Resources, are reducing their roles within the company as they devote more time to their young family. Fadell will remain at Apple as an advisor to the CEO. Lambert will depart the company at the end of this year after a successor is in place.
Tony Fadell is widely recognized as one of the key developers of iPod and iPhone.


text: As many of you know I'm a service technician by trade. I go into houses and repair appliances. Well one day arty the end of last week I go to a house nearby and a man greets me at the door. He's a big man, tall and round with a big full white beard. I'm thinking to myself "All this man needs is the red suit and he could be Santa Claus." He's wearing coveralls . Leads me to his basement where his washer is and I began installing the part one of the other techs ordered. I finish up, the man offers me food and drink , which I decline and he gives me a pretty decent tip. I leave, and get about 15 minutes away when the office calls me and tells me his machine stopped working again. I tell them I'll be back later in the day. After I finish up my other calls I go back to the guys house, he's still jovial and very happy that I came back. I find out what the problem was and fix it. then rinse the tub out for him twice because he added too much soap. he again offers me half his kitchen contents which I gracefully deny. I get home and find out the guy called my office and gave me a glowing compliment. I kept thinking "wow, this guy is really like Santa Claus" Then I looked at his last name for the first time "Mr. Winterson" True story Merry Chritsmas Everyone! Ralph L. Angelo Jr. Author of "Help! they're all out to get me! The motorcyclists guide to surviving the everyday world." ISBN# 1-4137-6187-9 http://helptheyreallouttogetme.com Check out LIMELongriders NEW site; http://LIMELongriders.info