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The health risks of crack cocaine smoking in public settings have not been well described. We sought to identify factors associated with public crack smoking, and assess the potential for a supervised inhalation facility to reduce engagement in this behavior, in a setting planning to evaluate a medically supervised crack cocaine smoking facility.
Data for this study were derived from a Canadian prospective cohort of injection drug users. Using multivariate logistic regression we identified factors associated with smoking crack cocaine in public areas. Among public crack smokers we then identified factors associated with willingness to use a supervised inhalation facility.
Among our sample of 623 people who reported crack smoking, 61% reported recently using in public locations. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with public crack smoking included: daily crack cocaine smoking; daily heroin injection; having encounters with police; and engaging in drug dealing. In sub analysis, 71% of public crack smokers reported willingness to use a supervised inhalation facility. Factors independently associated with willingness include: female gender, engaging in risky pipe sharing; and having encounters with police.
We found a high prevalence of public crack smoking locally, and this behavior was independently associated with encounters with police. However, a majority of public crack smokers reported being willing to use a supervised inhalation facility, and individuals who had recent encounters with police were more likely to report willingness. These findings suggest that supervised inhalation facilities offer potential to reduce street-disorder and reduce encounters with police.
The use of illicit drugs in public settings, including street, alleys and parks is both a public health and public order concern in many urban areas [1-3]. To date, the use of injection drugs in public settings has received the most attention from policy-makers and public health researchers [2,4,5]. Public injecting is known to present problems for citizens who reside in or around areas where public drug use is prevalent, and scientific studies have documented that using injection drugs in public settings can discourage safer injecting practices resulting in many public health problems, including increased risk for drug overdose events and HIV and other blood-borne infections [6-8]. As a result, some cities have implemented supervised injection facilities which aim to provide an alternative injecting environment that reduces both the health risks associated with injection drug use and the street disorder it can generate [9-13]. While supervised injection facilities have been noted to have measurable success in achieving these public health and public order objectives, the use of inhalable drugs, particularly crack cocaine smoking, has been growing in popularity in many street-based drug scenes [14-16].
In Vancouver, Canada the popularity of crack cocaine and ease of administration through smoking has made public crack cocaine use a common feature of the streets in the city's drug use epicentre, known as the Downtown Eastside [17]. Public crack cocaine smoking is posing a growing burden for law enforcement agencies responsible for maintaining public order [18]. In addition, the health and social harms associated with crack cocaine smoking are extensive. Compared to other drug user populations, crack users are more likely to engage in risky behaviors [19-21] and illegal activities [22,23] and to experience homelessness [14] and health problems [14,24-27], yet are less likely to access health and social services [28]. It has also been recently documented that daily crack cocaine smokers are at a four-fold greater risk of contracting HIV compared to their drug using peers who smoke crack cocaine less often or not at all [16].
Given the dramatic rise in crack cocaine smoking and the public order and public health concerns associated with it, the need for targeted interventions for people who smoke crack cocaine is unambiguous. One potential intervention that is receiving increasing attention from public health officials, health researchers and local community groups is supervised drug consumption facilities analogous to supervised injection sites but that accommodate crack smoking and distribute drug consumption materials specific to safer inhalation (such as sterile crack pipes, mouthpieces, and screens) [16,29-33]. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research recently approved funding to conduct a randomized control trial to evaluate the impact of a supervised inhalation facility on access to medical and social services, particularly addiction treatment, among Vancouver-based crack cocaine smokers [34].
Previous studies have assessed general willingness among local drug users to use a supervised inhalation facility [35,36]; however, these studies were not primarily concerned with street disorder and therefore did not consider the specific risks associated with smoking crack cocaine in public areas nor did they assess willingness to use an inhalation facility among public crack cocaine smokers exclusively. Therefore we conducted a study focused on public crack smokers to identify factors associated with this practice. We also sought to assess willingness to use an inhalation facility among individuals who smoke crack cocaine in public areas to determine the potential impact a supervised inhalation facility might have on street disorder in Vancouver, Canada.
Data for this study was obtained from the Vancouver Injection Drug Users Study, which is an open prospective cohort that began enrolling people who inject drugs (IDU) through street outreach as self-referral in May 1996. This study has been described in detail previously [37,38]. In brief, to be eligible participants at recruitment must reside in the Greater Vancouver Regional District, have injected illicit drugs in the previous month, and provide written informed consent. At enrollment and on bi-annual basis participants complete an interviewer-administered questionnaire, and after an examination with a study nurse provide a blood sample for serologic testing. At each study visit participants are provided with a stipend ($20 CDN) for their time. The study has received ethics approval from St. Paul's Hospital and the University of British Columbia's Research Ethics Board. The present analyses are restricted to those participants who reported smoking crack cocaine in the last six months, and were seen for study follow-up during the period of November 2008 and June 2009 as measures for one of our outcomes of interest are available only for this sample period.
In our first analysis among crack cocaine smokers, the outcome of interest was using drugs (non-injection) in public areas in the last six months. As in previous analyses, public areas included city streets, parks, public washrooms, parking lots, clubs or bars and abandoned buildings. To characterize our outcome of interest we a priori selected a range of socio-demographic and behavioural variables we hypothesized might be relevant to smoking crack cocaine in public areas. This selection was informed by the 'risk environment framework' and previous analyses among street-involved drug users highlighting connections between social, structural and environmental level factors and risky drug consumption practices [14,31,39-41]. Variables included: age (per year older); gender (female vs. male); Aboriginal Ancestry (yes vs. no); limited access to private space, defined as answering "no" to the question: "Do you have a private indoor space for socializing with friends and acquaintances?" or reporting that the number of guests they were allowed to have in their residence at one time was restricted to less than three (yes vs. no); daily cocaine injection (yes vs. no); daily heroin injection (yes vs. no); daily crack cocaine smoking (yes vs. no); non-fatal overdose, self identified by participants (yes vs. no); encounters with police in the last month, defined as being questioned, searched or stopped by police (yes vs. no); being a victim of violence defined as being physically assaulted (yes vs. no); sex trade involvement, defined as exchanging sex for money, shelter, drugs or other commodities (yes vs. no), and participation in drug dealing (yes vs. no). Unless otherwise stated, all drug use and behavioural variables refer to the previous six month period.
In a second analysis, we sought to assess and identify predictors of willingness to use a supervised inhalation room. Because we were particularly concerned with public drug use we restricted our sample to crack cocaine smokers that reported recently using non-injection drugs in public areas. To measure willingness we asked participants "If there was a safe place to smoke your drugs (ventilated inhalation room), close to where you buy or use, would you use it?"
Variables of interest for our second analysis were also selected a priori based on factors we hypothesized might be associated with willingness to use an inhalation room. These included age (per year older); gender (female vs. male); Aboriginal Ancestry (yes vs. no); limited access to private space, as defined above (yes vs. no); drug scene exposure, defined as spending an average of seven or more hours on the street each day in Vancouver's drug use epicentre in the previous six months (yes vs. no); most drug use in public areas, defined based on reports that public locations were where they most frequently used drugs (yes vs. no); daily crack cocaine smoking (yes vs. no); risky pipe sharing, defined as reporting sharing a crack pipe or mouthpiece in the same six month period as having burns or sores on their mouth (yes vs. no); encounters with police in the last month (yes vs. no); and being a victim of violence (yes vs. no). As above, unless otherwise stated, all drug use and behavioural variables refer to the previous six month period.
For both of our first and second analyses, we used univariate and multivariate statistics to determine factors associated with our outcomes of interest. In univariate analysis categorical explanatory variables were analyzed using Pearson's chi-square test and continuous variables were analyzed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Fisher's exact test was used when one or more of the cell counts was less than or equal to five. To evaluate factors independently associated with our outcomes of interest, all variables that were p < 0.05 in univariate analyses were entered into the respective multivariate regression models. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software version 9.1 (SAS, Cary, NC). All p-values are two sided.
During the study period 623 participants were seen for study follow-up visits and reported smoking crack cocaine in the last six months. These included 249 (40%) women and 231 (37%) persons who identified as Aboriginal. The median number of times that participants reported smoking crack cocaine in an average day was 4 (interquartile range = 2-10). Among our sample of 623 crack smokers, a total of 382 (61%) reported using in public areas in the last six months. The characteristics of the study sample stratified by public drug use are presented in Table Table1,1, and the univariate analyses of behavioral and socio-demographic variables associated with public drug use among crack cocaine smokers are presented in Table Table2.2. The results of the multivariate logistic regression for factors associated with public drug use among crack cocaine smokers are also shown in Table Table2.2. Factors that remained independently associated with our outcome of interest included: daily heroin injection, daily crack cocaine smoking, encounters with police and drug dealing (see Table Table22).
For our second analysis, the demographic and behavioural characteristics of public crack cocaine smokers stratified by willingness to use a supervised inhalation room are presented in Table Table3,3, and the univariate results of factors associated with willingness to use a supervised inhalation room are presented in Table Table4.4. The results of the multivariate logistic regression for factors associated with willingness to use a supervised inhalation room are also shown in Table Table4.4. Factors that remained independently associated with willingness included: female gender, risky pipe sharing and recent encounters with police (see Table Table44.).
We found that the majority of crack cocaine smokers in our study reported having used drugs in public areas at some point in the last six months. This group was more likely to be higher-intensity drug users with respect to heroin injection and crack cocaine smoking, have encounters with the police and be involved in drug dealing. Of these public crack cocaine smokers, 71% reported being willing to use a supervised inhalation room if one was available. Individuals who reported being willing were more likely to be female, engage in risky pipe sharing and have encounters with the police.
The profile of public crack cocaine smokers as higher-intensity drug users who have interactions with the criminal justice system is reflective of previous findings describing public injection drug user populations [1,5]. The association between drug dealing and public crack use may reflect the increased amount of time individuals spend on the street when engaged in street-level drug dealing. It may also be a function of the accessibility of drugs and additional resources gained through drug dealing which may lead to greater drug consumption and hence a greater likelihood for consuming in public areas [23].
Our finding that 71% of public crack cocaine smokers are willing to use an inhalation facility also supports previous willingness estimates conducted among the general population of Vancouver-based illicit drug users and suggests that an intervention of this nature will likely reach the target population [36]. The high degree of willingness that this study found among public crack cocaine smokers to use an inhalation facility suggests that, like supervised injection facilities, these interventions are likely to successfully encourage public drug users to relocate to indoor venues.
The increased likelihood of being willing to use an inhalation facility among female participants may reflect heightened vulnerability of women involved in street drug use and it is noteworthy that Vancouver's supervised injection facility has had success in attracting vulnerable female drug users and providing them with safer alternatives to street-based drug using venues. In previous research female IDU have described the unique role that Vancouver's supervised injection facility has played in promoting their physical security and health safety [42].
Interestingly, one of the common features among both public crack cocaine smokers and those who are willing to use a supervised inhalation facility is their elevated likelihood of recently having encounters with law enforcement. This suggests that public crack cocaine smokers who are the subject of law enforcement attention are very willing to relocate to alternative off-street and health-focussed environments if they were made available. Indeed, our data indicate that 81% of public crack cocaine smokers who have had a recent encounter with police are willing to use a supervised inhalation facility.
A key implication of these findings is that there is a large demand for supervised inhalation rooms among individuals that are potentially key contributors to drug-related street disorder. The association between public crack smoking and encounters with police suggests that interventions of this nature are likely to target a critical sub-population of drug users and could be a valuable tool for police in the management of street disorder. Previous studies have found that Vancouver police regularly refer public injection drug users to the local supervised injection facility [43]. Since our analysis indicates that local police are already frequently interacting with public crack smokers the establishment of a supervised inhalation facility could provide a unique opportunity for police to direct this vulnerable group to a low-threshold service where they will have opportunities to be linked with appropriate health and social services.
It is critical to note that although this study suggests that supervised inhalation facilities could aid in the reduction of public disorder, drug consumption facilities do not address the route causes of street disorder and are not appropriate substitutes for other essential health and social interventions such as supportive housing and addiction treatment. To be effective supervised inhalation facilities should be integrated into broader comprehensive approaches to addressing the problems associated with illicit drug addiction.
This study has a number of limitations. Firstly, VIDUS is a community recruited non-randomized sample and therefore our findings may not be generalizable to other settings. If supervised inhalation facilities are being considered in other settings, willingness studies should be conducted among the local target population and should not rely on the findings emerging from our setting. The generalizability of our findings is also limited by our study sample which was restricted to individuals with a history of injection drug use. Crack cocaine smokers who did not have a history of injection drug use were not eligible for our study. Given the harms associated with injection drug use we anticipate that if a selection effect were present it would likely bias our sample towards high risk drug users, suggesting that this group would be an appropriate target population for public health intervention. We should also note that among our study sample daily crack cocaine smoking was significantly more common than daily injecting, suggesting that despite the requirement of a history of injecting, our sample represents a primarily crack cocaine smoking population. Secondly, some of our measures relied on self-report and could be vulnerable to socially desirable reporting. This would have likely been of most relevant to our measure of willingness, since respondents might perceive a pressure to report being willing to engage with low-threshold services of this nature given the widespread activism among local drug users in our study setting to implement supervised drug consumption facilities [32]. While it is possible that some respondents may over-report willingness, a previous study comparing measures of willingness to use a supervised injection facility before it was established with later reports of actual attendance after an injection facility was established suggests that willingness measures are good predictors of later behaviour among this population [44]. Lastly, socially desirable reporting could have influenced reports of stigmatized behaviour, such as public drug use leading to an underestimation of public crack smoking. If social desirability was an issue in our study we suspect our finding would be a conservative indication of the prevalence of and harms associated with public drug use among crack cocaine smokers.
In summary, our study found that locally public crack smoking is a common practice that is also associated with recent encounters with police. We found that the majority of public crack smokers were willing to use an inhalation facility if one were available. Furthermore, public crack smokers who had recent encounters with police were even more likely to be willing to use an inhalation room, suggesting that supervised inhalation facilities may offer unique opportunities to decrease one component of drug-related street disorder and reduce the burden on local law enforcement agencies.
JM has received grants from, served as an ad hoc advisor to, or spoke at various events sponsored by; Abbott, Argos Therapeutics, Bioject Inc, Boehringer Ingelheim, BMS, Gilead Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Hoffmann-La Roche, Janssen-Ortho, Merck Frosst, Pfizer, Schering, Serono Inc, TheraTechnologies, Tibotec, Trimeris.
Authors declare no other competing interests.
The specific contributions of each author are as follows: KD, TK, and EW were responsible for study design; JQ conducted the statistical analyses; KD prepared the first draft of the analysis; TK, JB, JM and EW contributed to the main content and provided critical comments on the final draft. All authors approved the final manuscript.
The study was supported by the US National Institutes of Health (R01DA011591) and (R01DA021525) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (MOP-79297, RAA-79918). Thomas Kerr is supported by the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Kora DeBeck is supported by a Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Senior Graduate Trainee Award and a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Doctoral Research Award. Julio Montaner has received an Avant-Garde award (DP1DA026182) from the National Institute of Drug Abuse, US National Institutes of Health.
The authors thank the study participants for their contribution to the research, as well as current and past researchers and staff. We would specifically like to thank Deborah Graham, Tricia Collingham, Carmen Rock, Peter Vann, Caitlin Johnston, Steve Kain, and Calvin Lai for their research and administrative assistance.
PubMed Central Canada is a service of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) working in partnership with the National Research Council's national science library in cooperation with the National Center for Biotechnology Information at the U.S. National Library of Medicine(NCBI/NLM). It includes content provided to the PubMed Central International archive by participating publishers.


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It has been said a million times that the Nigerian diet leans very heavily towards carbohydrates, even as the world moves away and eats less. While I am an advocate for not banning carbohydrates completely from our diets, I do have to agree that we need to #lesshandsmall and reduce the quantity we eat.
This post has a lot of Instagram pictures from several Nigerian Food Bloggers. Feel free to click the "Follow" button on any of the pictures below. You will find it on the top right hand side of the photo. Seriously, you need to follow for inspiration!
Best thing about vegetables, they are literally everywhere. If you live on the mainland, chances are that you've got these barrows coming through your street pretty frequently. On the Island, I find them parked at strategic street corners. While they don't offer Ugu or 'Green", I find that they are quite loaded with veggies. You can make a pretty decent salad from most of the items on a barrow.
1. Be adventurous with the way you present food.
People eat with their eyes first, it is said. The presentation of food is as important as the taste. There is plenty inspiration on the web, like 9jafoodie's Moi-Moi Roll Up. You get some vegetable with almost every bite and it is beautiful to behold.
2. Put it in pretty much everything you can get away with.
Growing up, my Auntie Julie would never cook a pot of tomato stew that didn't have greens in it. None of your fancy green pepper and carrots for her, she by far preferred to have nchuanwu/effirin (scent leaves) in her stew. I think Ugu went in as well sometimes. Most importantly, she would never overcook her vegetables so that they not only retained flavor, but also held on to most of their nutrients. The less cooked your vegetables are, the more nutrients you get.
Funke Koleosho puts some spinach in her omelette.
Throwback Recipe…. Stewed Spinach in Omelette http://funke-koleosho.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/stewed-spinach-omelette.html #omelette #spinachomelette #funkekoleoshofoodblog
A photo posted by Funke Koleosho (@tasteofnigeria) on
Oladunni of Dooney's Kitchen actually came up with something called Ebbage which is part Spinach, small part Garri and part….you guessed it…cabbage! She has inspired many variations, though, with all sorts of vegetables used. #mindblown.
3. If you have a picky eater, involve him/her in the shopping and cooking process. Most importantly, be patient and don't give up!
You can also pick up tips here.
4. Pair with your favorite proteins.
I posted my lunch a few months ago. I had a salad and a few boiled eggs for lunch. And yes, this was an actual meal for me. And quite satisfying.
What are you having for lunch today? This is a favorite eat-at-my-desk lunch for me. #naturalnigerian #healthyeating #salad #veggies #vegetables A photo posted by Natural Nigerian (@natural.nigerian) on
Another example of a workplace lunch is seen below. In this case, ocho_ng chose snails as his protein.
So, I had to take up @natural.nigerian's challenge. #Archachatina_marginata #WestAfricanGiantSnails #NoEscargo #Wolata A photo posted by @ocho_ng on
Here is Dooney's Kitchen again with this beautiful Moi-Moi Salad with egg.
Nothing stops you from making a ponmo or shaki (tripe) salad. Heck, get some Isiewu in there and put mix it in with a substantial serving of vegetables.
5. Blend it, baby!
Seriously, the number of vegetables that can be thrown in a blender with fruits is ridiculous. Green, a bit of Nchuanwu, Garden Egg, Garden egg leaves, Cabbage, Cucumber, Carrots, the list is much much longer.
Remember my Brveille Blendactive from this post? You can start with a smoothie maker that smaller or take it all the way to a Vitamix.
That's it folks. Please share how you have been able to put more veggies in your meals and don't forget to follow all these amazing bloggers.
4 Comments
Looking down at the breakfast I ate with ZERO veg inside and feeling a bit somehow lol. Some weeks I can eat vegetables everyday, and some (like this week), nothing will be there.
I love the wheelbarrow vendors… it's always so easy to pick up N100 cucumber or N50 carrots that I can add to my food.
Will start the salads thing as well – don't have to worry about warming it up like say beans or yam and you can pack all the goodies inside 🙂
The moin moin salad looks too amazing. Dooney has a gift of making everything look mouthwatering!
Hi NN, How can we get the benefits of cabbage and avoid the bloating that comes along with it?
great inspiration. i want to know what scent leaf is in yoruba and where to get them. thanks
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JPSS, for information about studying in Japan's universities and graduate schools. > Search Japanese Junior colleges in Tokyo. > Nihon University Junior College > Commerce and Economics
Jointly operated by the Asian Students Cultural Association and Benesse Corporation, JAPAN STUDY SUPPORT is a website, which posts information on approximately 1300 universities, graduate schools, two-year colleges, vocational schools that are accepting international students.
Related information about Nihon University Junior College is posted here and the specific details about the faculties of Architecture and Living Design, Biotechnology and Material Chemistry, Science and Manufacturing Technology, Commerce and Economics, and Food and Nutrition including information about entrance examination such as quota for admission and the number of successful applicants and guides for the facilities, access, and other information necessary for international students so please feel free to make use of our website.
Tokyo / Private
|Postal code
|4-8-24 Kudan-Minami, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
|Department to contact
|Admissions Office
|International Students Examination
|There is special selection.
|Admission capacity
|a few (for the 2018 school year)
|1 (for the 2017 school year)
|Successful candidates
|1 (for the 2017 school year)
|Number of international students
|3 (for the 2017 school year)
|Number of privately financed international students
|3 (for the 2017 school year)
|Application fee
|25,000 yen (for the 2018 school year)
|Admission fee
|260,000 yen (for the 2018 school year)
|Tuition per year
|650,000 yen (for the 2018 school year)
|Other expenses
|150,000 yen (for the 2018 school year)
|Application to delay payment or receive a refund
1. As Nihon University Alumni Association Fee (Associate Member), you are required to pay 10,000 yen/ year. Also you're required to pay 10,000 yen for first year Full Member Fees in year of graduation.
2. Depending on which faculty you are in, you're required to pay 10,000 yen to 40,000 yen/ year for sponsorship fees and maintenance fees.
|Distribution of application forms
|End of June
|Availability of previous exams
|Please inquire.
|Entry (Spring)
|April, 2018 entry
|Application category
|Entrance Examination using EJU
|Starting date for application submission
|July 1, 2017
|Deadline of application
|October 20, 2017 (must arrive by this date)
|Date of examination
|November 9, 2017
|Notification of examination result
|November 16, 2017
|Deadline of enrollment procedures
|November 29, 2017(First deadline) March 19, 2018(Second deadline)
|Admission procedures - Application from outside Japan
|Admission procedures - Visiting Japan for entrance exam
|Sections of exam prepared by the college or university
|Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) - Designated subjects
|Japanese as a Foreign Language, Japan and the World
|Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) - Language in the exam
|Japanese language
|Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) - Referred exam
|Exams from June, 2016 onwards
|English examination
|Not necessary.
|We will examine results of EJU at only one time of June or November 2016, or June 2017.
For more details, please refer to http://www.nihon-u.ac.jp/admission_info/application/international/
|Entry (Spring)
|April, 2018 entry
|Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
|Not necessary.
Last update: Jun. 23, 2017


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November 30, 2015
Blumenau Becomes Brazil's Third City to Ban Foie Gras Production
HSI applauded the move by Blumenau to become the third city in Brazil to ban the production of foie gras.
November 16, 2015
JBS to Phase out Gestation Crate Housing for Breeding Pigs from Entire Supply Chain
JBS, owner of SEARA, Brazil's second largest pork producer and the world's largest animal processing company, announced it will completely phase out of the use of gestation crates to confine breeding sows. The company will transition to group housing systems for breeding sows in its entire supply chain by 2025.
November 16, 2015
Humane Society International and Aguascalientes Municipality Sign Agreement to Fight Animal Cruelty
Humane Society International, a leading animal welfare organization, signed an agreement with Aguascalientes Municipality in Mexico to set up an anti-animal abuse program. The agreement includes the hiring of a full-time animal protection consultant, training and the donation of animal handling equipment.
November 10, 2015
HSI's "BioMed21" Highlights Human Biology-Based Science
BioMed21 is a global initiative led by Humane Society International to re-orient research funding away from outdated and failing animal methods and towards human biology-based methods worldwide.
October 27, 2015
Assisting Animals After Hurricane Patricia
HSI assessed the need for aid to animals after Hurricane Patricia struck Mexico.
October 26, 2015
Animals Rescued from Abandonment in Mexico City Now Safe
Dozens of birds, turtles and a dog rescued from an abandoned apartment in Mexico City are now safe and receiving treatment. Humane Society International/Mexico, in coordination with Mexico City's Environment Attorney's Office, took part in the rescue that took place in Mexico City.
October 23, 2015
Hurricane Patricia: HSI Ready to Provide Disaster Relief, Animal Needs Assessment
HSI's Animal Rescue Team is ready to deploy in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Patricia in Mexico.
October 16, 2015
Honduras' National Congress Applauded for Approving Animal Welfare Law
HSI applauded Honduran lawmakers for approving a new animal welfare law that criminalizes the intentional mistreatment of animals, among other provisions.
October 16, 2015
On World Food Day, Brazilian Star Cléo Pires Speaks out Against Battery Cages in Egg Production
Brazilian celebrity Cleo Pires joins HSI this World Food Day in inviting consumers to make more compassionate food choices by saying no to eggs produced by hens confined to battery cages.
October 15, 2015
Dogs to be Spared Pesticide Poisoning Tests in Brazil
HSI applauded Brazil's health agency, ANVISA, for committing to remove a redundant and scientifically unnecessary one-year dog study from its safety testing requirements for pesticides. As the world's largest market for agricultural and other pesticide chemicals, this move by Brazil marks the beginning of the end of this controversial animal test globally.


text: QWBA Charles River designs and conducts GLP-compliant quantitative whole-body autoradiography (QWBA) programs integrated with our preclinical drug metabolism services. In addition to providing a quantitative measure of distribution, the high-resolution digital image obtained from a phosphorimager can be enlarged to provide greater depth and detail of distribution in the tissues or organ of interest. MALDI-MSI (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry Imaging) provides a label-free imaging alternative for the detection and localization of drugs and drug metabolites. Ideally suited to assessing the intra-organ distribution of drugs (and metabolites), MALDI-MSI can be successfully adapted to provide whole-body images in small rodent species. Furthermore, using proprietary software, quantitative data can be produced. QWBA Applications Isotope Detection Tissue distribution Target organ/tissue validation Correlation with histopathology Placental transfer Penetration of blood-brain barrier Tumor penetration Support of micronucleus test Human dosimetry calculations Dermal/ungual penetration Carbon-14 Gadolinium-153 Iodine-125 Phosphorus-32 Strontium-89 Sulfur-35 Iron-59 Tritium Other beta or gamma emitters You may also be interested in... Bioanalysis Charles River can develop, validate and apply quantitative bioanalytical methods for small molecules and larger proteins. Microautoradiography Researcher In what appears to be the first application for such a type of investigation, Charles River used QWBA techniques to investigate the tissue distribution of radioactivity in the minipig. (Available in the Source℠) Scientific Poster Access our QWBA poster titled "The Simultaneous Use of Multiple Imaging Techniques to Investigate the Nature and Localisation of Radioactivity within Micro-structures Surrounding the Rat Brain," presented at EUROTOX 2014. Toxicology Studies Leading the industry in the fields of reproductive toxicology, inhalation, infusion, bone research and other specialty toxicological assessments.


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FYI Datebook
Please send FYI items to firstname.lastname@example.com at least two weeks in advance.
Information should be in one paragraph that includes the basic who, what, where and when and a phone number and/or an email address that can be published for more information. Please do not send fliers or links to websites as substitutes for that basic information. FYI is for events that are free or cost a nominal fee. We cannot guarantee that every event will be published. For more listings, see the North County FYI Datebook online at signonsandiego.com and http://thingstodo.signonsandiego.com.
Mosaic Art: A community art installation fundraising project continues Oct. 20-22 at Carruth Cellars, 320 S. Cedros Ave., Solana Beach with hands-on inlaying of mosaic tiles 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Saturday. carruthcellars.com.
College Fair: MiraCosta College's Transfer Center and Institute for International Perspectives hosts a College Fair 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 20, a Study Abroad Fair 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a Veterans College Fair 5 to 8 p.m., at the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. Free. (760) 795-6880.
Rancho Santa Fe Celebration: The Rancho Santa Fe Foundation hosts a community celebration 5 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Reservations required: (858) 756-6557 or email@example.com.
Fall Family Day: A fundraiser for 1 1/2–year old Liam Houck, who needs a kidney transplant, is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at the Ramona Certified Farmers' Market, 1855 Main Street (Kmart Lot) Ramona. Festivities include petting zoo, games, jumbo jump, trick or treating, clown show, raffle drawing and pumpkin decorating contest 11 a.m. to noon. Proceeds benefit Liam who was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure. He is the son of Reid Houck, who serves in the Marine Corps and Vanessa Houck, who served in the Air Force. (760) 522-0169; email@example.com.
Harvest Festival: More than 300 artists show handmade crafts and art 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 21 to 22 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with entertainment, kids workshop and food. Admission: $7-$9 for three days; $4 for ages 13-17. harvestfestival.com.
World Rhythms: Concert with international flavor featuring MiraCosta College's Frequency Vocal Jazz Ensemble and Celtic music of Raggle Taggle and Irish dance 7 p.m. Oct 21 at New Song Community Church, 3985 Mission Avenue Oceanside $10-15; ocaf.info/OMF
Encuentros: The 8th annual Encuentros Educational & Career Exploration Conference is 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at the MiraCosta's Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive with the theme is "Born to Shine," sponsored by Encuentros Leadership and MiraCosta and Palomar colleges. Registration: encuentrosleadership.org
Arts & Craft Faire: Holiday hand crafted jewelry quilts and baby items along with baked goods and food in the fire 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 2993 MacDonald St., Oceanside to benefit community groups (760) 757-2525.
Poway Invitational: Poway High School's Emerald Brigade hosts the 19th annual Poway Invitational Field Tournament 10:30 a.m. Oct. 22 at Poway High School, 15500 Espola Road, with 27 bands from Southern California competing. Gates open at 9 a.m. Evening competition begins at 6 p.m. Admission: $15; $10; seniors and students; free for elementary school students.
Wellness Faire: Village Faire Health Beauty and Wellness Fair with free mini massages, fitness demos and health exhibits is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 22 to benefit the Susan G. Komen Passionately Pink for the Cure Foundation at Village Faire Shopping Center, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive. shopvillagefaire.com/events. (760) 434-8118.
Veterans Fundraiser: A prime rib dinner to benefit the Outward Bound for Veterans program is 12:30 p.m. Oct. 22 Arcadia Place, located at 18080 Arcadia Ave. in Vista. $15 (760) 945-5555.
Cactus Show: A Succulent and Cactus Show and Sale is 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. firstname.lastname@example.com.
"Not-So-Scary Estuary:" Children tour of the San Elijo Lagoon to learn nature's frightening secrets 1-4 p.m. Oct. 22-23 at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave., as part of family discovery days. Kids make lollipop spiders and animal face masks. Trick-or-treating along the "Haunted Hike" nature trail. (760) 634-3026 or SanElijo.org/family-days.
Costume Parade: Bates Nut Farm's annual Costume Contest and Parade is 1 p.m. Oct. 22 with registration 11 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. Doggie Howl-o-ween Costume Parade and Contest is 11 a.m. Oct. 23 with registration 10 a.m. Live music from noon to 3 p.m. by the Red Lane Band on Oct. 22 and the Working Cowboy Band Oct. 23. batesnutfarm.biz or (760) 749-3333.
Tails at Twilight: The gala where canine friends are invited starts at 6 p.m. Oct. 22 with a VIP reception at 5 p.m. and dinner and entertainment at 7:30 p.m. at Belle Marie Winery, 26312 Mesa Rock Road in Escondido. Heather Myers of San Diego 6 is the gala emcee and auctioneer. escondidohumanesociety.org.
High School Choral Showcase: Annual high school showcase of choirs and chamber singers is 7 p.m. Oct 22 at MiraCosta Concert Hall, Building 2400, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside, $10-15; ocaf.info/OMF.
San Marcos Alive: The annual celebration of the Arts Street Fair is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Civic Center, 1 Civic Center Drive with fine art demonstrations, children's craft fair, music bus, art mural and 20 hands-on art projects. Entertainment will include performances by local schools and dance studios; juried art and photography and student art shows. Free admission. (760) 744-9000 or visit san-marcos.net.
Bridal Bazaar: A Bridal Expo is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, I-5 at Via de la Valle $12 at the door. Discount coupons at BridalBazaar.com.
Apple Fest: Palomar Mountain State Park's Apple Festival is 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 23 at the park, 19952 State Park Rd. Palomar. Apple dishes, cider, living history, crafts and demonstrations of making apple dolls, corn husk dolls and apple sachets. Come dressed in 19th century homestead period attire. palomarsp.org/festival.
Oceanside Music Fest: The 10th annual OMFest with six concerts showcasing student and professional musicians runs through Oct 23 featuring multicultural, Broadway, choral, and classical music. $30. ocaf.info/OMF.
Global Spirit: Concert of medieval and liturgical music from Gregorian chant through Contemporary 2 p.m. Oct 23 at St. Mary's Star of The Sea Catholic Church, 609 Pier View Way, Oceanside. $10-15; ocaf.info/OMF.
Symeon's Hope Benefit: A fundraising event featuring concert pianist Michael Staff along with performances by a ballet troupe and vocalist 3:30 to 6 p.m. Oct. 23 with wine and silent auction at the Carlsbad Cultural Arts Center. $15. Fundraiser for Symeon Stratton, 31, father of two, to receive care at the Kushi Institute to regain function of his kidneys. firstname.lastname@example.com; symeonshope.vpweb.com.
Lego Halloween: A Halloween musical, dance party and jack-o-lantern made out of Lego bricks are part of the Halloween celebration Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 23 and Oct. 29-30. legoland.com or (760) 918-logo.
Family Fun: Crafts and games 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 30 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Dr. (760) 943-2260.
MiraCosta Orchestra: MiraCosta College Orchestra performs for the Oceanside Music Fest 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in the Concert Hall, Bldg. 2400, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside. $10; students/seniors $8. Miracosta.edu.
Rancho Santa Fe Photo Contest: The deadline to submit entries in the Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society's 2012 Calendar Photo Contest is Oct. 31. Contest open to amateur photographers in three divisions, ages 11 and under, 12 to 17 and 18 and older. Submit photos in digital format to firstname.lastname@example.com. See ranchosantafehistoricalsociety.org.
"Street Beat:" Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation presents "Street Beat: A Theatrical Drum and Dance Show" 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Poway Center for the Performing Arts. powayarts.org.
"The Journey:" A musical with pop and neoclassical tunes composed by MiraCosta College's music and recording arts instructor, Christy Coobatis performed by an ensemble of more than 50 MiraCosta student musicians with artistic choreography and dancing by St. Louis' Arrive Dance Company is 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at the MiraCosta College Concert Hall (Bldg. 2400), 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside. Admission: $10. (760) 795-6815 or miracosta.edu.
Open Mic: Sunshine Brooks theater presents a poetry reading, spoken word open mic on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at Twilight Stage, 219 N. Coast Highway, Oceanside. sunshinebrookstheater.com.
Museums and galleries
Call for entries: Fallbrook's Brandon Gallery calls for entries for the Fall Small Works Art Exhibition. Artists bring works 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 21 or Oct. 22 to Brandon Art Gallery, 105 N. Main St. fallbrookbrandongallery.org.
Artist Reception: The exhibit, "We Can Work it Out: Becky Guttin," runs through Jan. 5 at the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way with an artist reception noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 22. (760) 435-3720; oma-online.org.
"Waiting For A Miracle:" A series of paintings by Rin Colabucci will be on exhibit Oct. 26 to Nov. 28 at the Oceanside Art Gallery, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad. A reception is 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 27. (760) 845-9017.
Lux Art: Ann Agee, Brooklyn-based installation artist is featured through Oct. 29 at the Lux Art Institute, 1550 S. El Camino Real. LuxArtInstitute.org.
Memento Mori: "Remember your Mortality," is the theme of an exhibit of a variety of media from paintings to sculpture by 15 artists through Oct. 30 at the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way. (760) 435-3720; oma-online.org.
Racehorse Exhibit: The Heather Roddy Gallery features an exhibit of race horses through Oct. 31. The gallery is open noon to 6 p.m. daily in the Flower Hill Promenade, 2670 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. (858) 395-5605.
"Autumn Colors:" Shows through Nov. 6 including, photography, digital art and sculpture at Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League Gallery, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. Suite 101, Carlsbad. Free. (760) 434-8497. coalartgallery.com
Ceramics Exhibit: "When Lifted to the Eye: Ceramics from the Forrest L. Merrill Collection Exhibition" is through Nov. 6 at the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way. (760) 435-3720.
Digital Art: Featured artist is Roberta Henson, recognized for her digital art, mixed media, black and white drawings, paintings and wire art sculptures through Nov. 6 at the Carlsbad-Oceanside Art League, 300 Carlsbad Village Dr. (760) 434-8497. coalartgallery.com
Françoise Gilot: The Oceanside Museum of Art features "Transitions: The Work of Françoise Gilot" through Nov. 13 at 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Monday. $8 $5 seniors over 65. Free for OMA Members, students and military. (760) 435-3720; oma-online.org.
Mobile Imagery: "Wheels and other Scenes," a digital art exhibit by Dave Pardo is through Nov. 29 at the Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave. ci.encinitas.ca.us.
Race Car Art: A photoart exhibit on "Race Cars and other Scenes," is 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Nov. 29 at the Encinitas Civic Center, 505 S Vulcan. (760) 633-2600.
Pottery Exhibit: Sandy King Martin exhibits pottery in her exhibit, "Earth. Air. Fire. Water" through Dec. 2 at the Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave. SKMPottery.com
Wounded Hearts Exhibit: California State University San Marcos will host an art exhibit, "Wounded Hearts: A Journey Through Grief until Dec. 8 at the college's Kellogg Library 333 Twin Oaks Drive, San Marcos. email@example.com or (760) 750-4378.
Hansen Surfboards: The California Surf Museum hosts its exhibit, "Hansen Surfboards – A 50 Year Retrospective," through Dec. 31 at 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside. Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursdays to 8 p.m. Admission: $3 for adults, $1 for students, seniors and military, free for members and kids under 12; and free on Tuesdays.(760) 721-6876.
"It's Not My Fault:" Emmy award-nominated artist Everett Peck unveils his abstract paintings in a comprehensive exhibition of his career through Jan. 29 at the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside. (760) 435-3720.
Sculpture in the Garden: Exhibition showcases sculptures from 26 artists through April 2012 in the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. $12; seniors and students $8; children 3-12 years old $6. (760) 436-3036; sdbgarden.org.
Children's Discovery: San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, 380 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido is open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Closed Monday. Admission is $5 and free for members and children under 1 year of age. (760) 233-7755 or sdcdm.org.
Merchandising Strategies: Bruce Baker Visual Merchandising Strategies is 8:30 to 10 a.m. Oct. 20 at MiraCosta College Learning Center 1831 Mission Ave. Oceanside. No Fee: Registration: sandiegosmallbiz.com or (760) 795-8740.
"Money for College:" Learn about financial planning for college 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Rancho Bernardo High School, 13010 Paseo Lucido, Room SW8. Preregistration required at powayusd.com or (858) 668-4024.
Performing Arts: Teen/Adult Theatre Workshops are 2:30 to 4 p.m. through Nov. 5 at Dance North, Encinitas. (760) 815-8512; pacthouse.org.
Acrylic Painting: MiraCosta College offers a semester of tuition-free, noncredit acrylic painting classes for older adults Tuesdays from 12:30-3:25, through Dec. 6 at the Country Club Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane, Oceanside. Supply list given in the first class. Registration at the Community Learning Center, 1831 Mission Ave., Oceanside or online atmiracosta.edu/noncredit.
Radio's Golden Age: A free class for older adults on The Golden Age of Radio and Improvisational Acting meets weekly through Dec. 7 at MiraCosta College Community Learning Center, 1831 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, "The Impact of Radio on our Lives" is 1:30–4:25 p.m. Tuesdays; "Self-Awareness through Improvisation" is 1:30-3:50 p.m. Wednesdays. (760) 795-8710; miracosta.edu/noncredit.
Youth Art Class: Led by artist Heather Roddy 3 to 6 p.m. Sundays at the Heather Roddy Gallery, Flower Hill Promenade, 2670 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. $75 for 3 hours. (858) 395-5605.
Drawing: Draw and paint in the gardens of the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center (55 and older) with Carlsbad muralist, Linda Luisi, 9:30- to 11 a.m. Wednesdays at 16780 La Gracia. All levels. $60 for 4 lessons, $20 drop-in. (760) 944-7809. lindaluisi.com. $60 for 4 lessons, $20 drop-in.
Dance Lessons: Ballroom at 7 p.m. and Latin and Swing at 8 p.m. Tuesdays at the California Center for the Arts, Studio 4, 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido. $5 to $10 per class. (858) 248-0593.
Community Art: Classes taught by artist Heather Roddy 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays and 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays at the Heather Roddy Gallery, Flower Hill Promenade, 2670 Via de la Valle, Del Mar. $75 for 3 hours. (858) 395-5605.
Kundalini Yoga: Tracie Barham leads yoga and meditation 5:30 to 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of the month through September in the San Diego Botanic Gardes, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas. $12, members $10. sdbgarden.org.
Dance Away: Learn ballroom and tango 7 p.m., Latin and nightclub 8 p.m. Tuesdays at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Studio 4 at 340 N. Escondido Blvd. $5 to $10 per class. (858) 248-0593.
Teen/Adult ballet: Classes at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Level I, for ages 14+ is on Mondays from 6:15-7:15 p.m. and level II, for ages 14+ is Mondays from 7:15-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 7:30-8:45 p.m. and/or Saturdays from 8:45-10 a.m. (760) 943-2260.
Oldies But Goodies: Line Dance classes 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Fridays; Intermediate class 1 to 2:30 p.m. Fridays at the Vista Elks Club, 1947 East Vista Way. $4 per class. Helen Pietroforte, Instructor. (760) 724-6375; firstname.lastname@example.com.
Pilates Mat Classes: The class for seniors is 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. weekly on Wednesdays at the Encinitas Senior Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr. $24; resident $21. (760) 943-2250 or EncinitasRecReg.com.
Vista Ballroom Dance: Classes for beginners 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, Brengle Terrace Park, 1400 Vale Terrace Vista. (760) 941-3175.
Ballroom Dance: The class for seniors is 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. weekly on Wednesdays at the Encinitas Senior Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr. $24; resident $21. (760) 943-2250 or EncinitasRecReg.com.
Hawaiian Dance: Beginning Hawaiian dancing is Mondays 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Country Club Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane, $8 per lesson or $25 per month. Instructor is Marilee Garcia. (760) 941-2785.
Yoga in Nature: Yoga classes 8:30 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 5:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesdays at Agua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center, 1580 Cannon Road, Carlsbad. (760) 804-1969; aguahedionda.org.
Free Computer Classes: Internet and email basics 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 to 11 a.m. the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at the Rancho Bernardo branch library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Free. Sign up at least one day ahead at the library (858) 675-1479.
Kabbalah Classes: Tuesdays 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Chabad at La Costa, 1980 La Costa Ave. Carlsbad. Free. (760) 943-8891; chabadatlacosta.com.
Gentle Yoga: Naomi Judith offers ongoing classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Ed Brown Senior Center, 18402 W. Bernardo Drive, Rancho Bernardo. (760) 419-9817 or gentleyoga.com.
Poway History Tours: City of Poway, the Poway Historical Society and Poway-Midland Railroad host historical tours for groups ranging from 20 to 60 participants. $4 per person. Reservations: poway.org/oldpowaypark; (858) 668-4579.
Guided Nature Hike: San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy hosts a 4-mile guided hike 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22 at Santa Ysabel Gorge. Demanding for experienced hikers; not recommended for beginners. $35; $25 members. Reservations required: (858) 674-2275 x12 or firstname.lastname@example.com,
Lagoon Poker Run: A kayak and paddle board poker run is 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 22 at Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Participants paddle at their own pace and retrieve cards from different points in the Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Meet at 1 p.m. at California Watersports, 4215 Harrison St. Carlsbad to determine the winning poker hand. $35, includes lunch; $30 lagoon foundation members. aguahedionda.org.
Haunted Trail Hike: A guided hike through the woods 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 22 and 29 at Dos Picos Regional Park, 17953 Dos Picos Park Road, Ramona. Free parking in the picnic day use parking lot; meet at the restroom building with the light. (760) 789-2220.
"My Big Backyard:" A Children's Nature Program is 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays through Nov. 6 at San Dieguito River Park, 18372 Sycamore Creek Road, Escondido for children ages 9-11, sponsored by the San Dieguito River Valley Conservancy. Free. Registration required: firstname.lastname@example.com or (858) 674-2275, ext. 12.
Bird Watching: Join bird watchers 8 to 9 a.m. the first Monday of the month at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive, SDBGarden.org.
Buena Vista Audubon: View Audubon hands-on exhibits and picnic by the Buena Vista Lagoon Nature Center, 2202 South Coast Highway, Oceanside. Open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. (760) 439-BIRD; bvaudubon.org.
Trail Maintenance: First and third Saturdays of each month, 9 a.m. to noon. Meet at the Nature Center, end of Gabbiano Lane in Carlsbad. (760) 931-0800 or batiquitosfoundation.org.
Monthly bird count: The second Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. Meet at the Gabbiano Lane trail head. For more information, call (760) 931-0800 or batiquitosfoundation.org.
Guided Nature Walk: Come for a walk 10 to 11 a.m. Saturdays at San Elijo Lagoon. Meet at the Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Avenue. sanelijo.org.
Star Parties: The MiraCosta College astronomy department hosts viewing events from 8 to 10 p.m. on the first Friday and Saturday at MiraCosta College baseball field, 1 Barnard Drive, Oceanside. Free and open to the public. (760) 757-2121, ext. 6201.
North County Jewish Seniors: The club meets 12:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane, Oceanside. Entertainment by comedian, Danny Astor. Light refreshments. Visitors are welcome. (760) 967-0503.
Escondido Senior Anglers: Meets 9:30 a.m. Oct. 21 in the auditorium at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave, Escondido. Topic is New Bait and Tackle equipment. (760) 471 -7314 or email@example.com.
AAUW 40th Anniversary: The Poway-Penasquitos American Association of University Women hosts a 40th Anniversary Celebration 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at Yanni's Bistro Scripps, 12205 Scripps Poway Parkway. $25 for advance tickets. (858) 486-3422.
Mad Hatters Tea Party: Daughters of the British Empire, Excalibur Chapter is 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22 at United Methodist Hall, 1844 Winterhaven Road, Fallbrook. $25. (760) 519-3723.
RB Sunrise Rotary Club: Gary Rossi will discuss strategic planning 7 a.m. Oct. 25 at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road. $15 for breakfast. rbsunrise.org.
Carlsbad Republican Women: A Luncheon and general meeting is 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd., Topic is the Election Integrity Project. Doors open at 11 a.m. $30; $25 members RSVP: (760) 434‐6478, or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Reader's Discussion: The Group meets 10 a.m. Oct. 26 at Old California Coffee House, 1080 San Marcos Blvd., San Marcos. RSVP: (760) 599 4911.
Hydrogen Power Systems: Escondido-based Hydrogen Power Systems explains how the mileage-enhancing and pollution-reducing hydrogen injection system works from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Bistro 221 Restaurant at 221 E. Grand Ave in Escondido. RSVP: (760) 291-0468.
Cribbage: Next match is 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Vista Elks Lodge, 1947 E Vista Way. (760) 724-1968;
(760) 695-2977 or firstname.lastname@example.com
Current Events: Community members discuss local, national and international events, 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Rm 120 at the Encinitas Community Center, Encinitas Boulevard. and Balour Street. (760) 943-2253.
Carlsbad Hi Noon Rotary: Club meets at noon Mondays at the Carlsbad Hilton Garden Inn, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad. Program and lunch. Visitors welcome. carlsbadhinoonrotary.org.
Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary: Meetings at 7:15 a.m. Tuesdays at the Country Club of Rancho Bernardo, 12280 Greens East Road. The public is welcome. Meetings are free, $15 for breakfast. firstname.lastname@example.com; rbsunrise.org.
Chamber Toastmasters: The Escondido group meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Activity Room of Redwood Town Court, 500 E. Valley Parkway in Escondido. (619) 520-2818.
Cribbage Group: Meets from noon to 4 p.m. Mondays at the EI Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. Oceanside. (760) 695-2977 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Stamp Club: For collecting enthusiasts looking to share individual and unusual stamp stories and trade stamps; meets 10:30 a.m. to noon on the first Wednesday of each month at the Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. (760) 943-2250. To donate stamps, call (760) 436-4601.
Take off Pounds Sensibly: The weight loss group meets from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays at San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas. (760) 634-2936.
Tri-City Cancer Support: Cancer Support Group meetings are 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at Tri-City Medical Center, 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside. (760) 940-7007.
Women's Cancer Support: Palomar Pomerado Health hosts the group 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Pomerado Outpatient Pavilion Education Classroom, first floor, 15615 Pomerado Road, Poway. Free. (858) 675-5018.
Emotions Anonymous: The group offers a 12-step program for those with depression, anxiety, relationship problems and other emotional difficulties. Meetings from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on the first four Tuesdays at the Weingart Senior Center, 13094 Civic Center Drive, Poway. (760) 207-2944.
Brain Injury Support: Gray Matters Support Group for people who have sustained brain injuries is the third Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Del Mar branch library, 1309 Camino Del Mar. Individual mentoring available for people who have newly sustained brain injuries. (760) 579-3895.
World Affairs Council: The North County chapter meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays at the Remington Club, 16925 Hierba Drive, Rancho Bernardo. Free. (858) 487-1776.
Cardiff North County Parkinson's support group: Meetings from 1 to 3 p.m. on the first Wednesday at the Belmont Village, 3535 Manchester Ave. (760) 940-2763.
Catholic Widow & Widowers: The North County support group hosts outings at area restaurants and venues. Call for times and locations. (858) 674-4324.
The North County Singles Club: Seniors 55 and older meet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays for dinner and dancing in Vista and Oceanside. $14. (760) 942-2719.
Oceanside Newcomers: Meets 10;30 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month at the First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 2001 El Camino Real, Oceanside. (760) 438-4885.
Alzheimer's Association: Meetings from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays at Vista Village, 2041 West Vista Way, Vista. The group has a guest speaker the third Thursday of every month. (760) 727-9089 or email@example.com.
Soroptimist International of Vista: Meetings at 12:10 p.m. on the first and third Fridays of the month at Shadowridge Country Club, 1980 Gateway Dr. Lunch: $14.50. (760) 726-4101 or email at email@example.com.
Lady Lions: Meetings at noon on the first Wednesday at Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club, 14050 Carmel Ridge Road. (858) 487-4671.
Knitting Circle: Meetings from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays at Knitting by the Beach, 616 Stevens Ave., Solana Beach. (858) 509-9276.
North County Investors group: Meets 6:30 p.m. the 2nd Wed. of the month at The Jolly Roger on Oceanside Harbor Drive for anyone interested in investing or stock trading. Food is served with separate checks. Bring your three favorite stocks or ETFs for our the Just For Fun Contest. email@example.com; (831) 206-5212
North County Videomakers: Meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday at KOCT studios, 3058 Industry St., Oceanside. Annual dues: $30. (858) 484-3903.
PFLAG North County Inland: The group meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month at Temple Adat Shalom, in Room 9 (by cinderblock wall), 15905 Pomerado Road, Poway. (858) 673-4560 or (858) 485-6480.
Cancer Support Group: Meetings for people with oral, head and neck cancer at noon on the first Saturday of the month at 4S Ranch branch library, 10433 Reserve Drive. (760) 751-2109.
Weight Loss Support Group: TOPS Ca 635 meets Fridays 8:15 to 10 a.m. at El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive, Oceanside. (760) 804-1702.
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick: Share Irish stories, jokes, limericks and songs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the second Friday at The Jolly Roger, 1900 N. Harbor Drive, Oceanside. (760) 908-2322.
North County Amnesty International: Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays at Hill Street Coffeehouse, 524 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. (760) 731-0735 or amnesty471.org.
Bonsai and Beyond: The club meets 6 p.m. on the third Tuesday of the month in the Ecke Building at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. gsbf-bonsai.org.
Buena Vista Audubon Society: Meetings are at 7:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center, 2202 S. Coast Highway, Oceanside. (760) 439-2473.
Vista North County Parkinson's Support Group: 10 a.m. to noon on the second Wednesday at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. (760) 940-2763.
North County Videomakers: Meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday at KOCT Studios, 3058 Industry St. Oceanside. Annual dues $30. (858) 484-3903.
North County Woolgatherers: The group of fiber artists interested in traditional rug hooking serves North San Diego County/Temecula Valley and meets the last Saturday of each month at the Fallbrook Public Utilities District offices, 990 E. Mission Rd, Fallbrook. New members welcome. firstname.lastname@example.com; (760) 758-008, ext. 119.
Woman's Club of Vista: Regular meetings are the second Wednesday of the month at Shadowridge Country Club, 1980 Gateway Drive, Vista. New members welcome. (760) 295-8686.
Senior Living
Eye Screening: An ophthalmologist will test for glaucoma and cataracts 9 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Senior Services Council, 728 N. Broadway, Escondido. Appointments: (760) 480-0611.
Medicare Answers: Carlsbad's Senior Center will host a workshop by Senior Security Insurance Service (SSIS) on the ABC's and Part D of Medicare on Oct. 20 from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at 799 Pine Avenue. carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec.
Diabetes Blood Sugar Test: Given 8 to 9 a.m. Oct. 21 at the Senior Services Council, 728 N. Broadway, Escondido. Do not eat, drink, or take meds before coming. No appointment necessary. (760) 480-0611.
Breast Cancer: Carlsbad's Senior Center will host a lecture by Dr. Rupa Subramanian, M.D., of the UC San Diego Cancer Center, about breast health and breast cancer survival tools on Oct. 27, from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at 799 Pine Ave. carlsbadca.gov/parksandrec.
Blood Pressure Screenings: Noon to 2 p.m. the first Friday of the month at Palomar Medical Center Lobby, 555 East Valley Parkway, Escondido and noon to 2 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at Pomerado Hospital Lobby, 15615 Pomerado Road, Poway. (858) 675-5100; pph.org.
Health Screening: Tuesdays from 8:30 to 11 a.m. free blood pressure testing, cholesterol screenings for a $3 donation, and glucose screenings for $1 donation at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave., Carlsbad. (760) 602-4654.
Tax Help: Senior Service Council Escondido provides free help if you received a notice from the IRS or Franchise Tax Board, or need to submit previous year's income taxes or change a previously submitted tax return Thursday mornings at 9 and 10 a.m. through Nov. 15. Bring documents to the Dorothy Boeger, Building at 728 N. Broadway, Escondido. escondidoseniorservices.org.
Social Dance: Beginner class on fox trot, rumba, swing, waltz is 1 to 2 p.m. Mondays in the Dance Studio of the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. $5 donation required. (760) 602-4650. Zumba Gold Classes: The class for seniors is 1 to 2 p.m. weekly on Tuesdays at the Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Resident $21, nonresident $24. (760) 943-2250.
Oceanside bingo: Bingo is 12:45 p.m. Thursdays at the Country Club Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane and 12:30 p.m. Mondays at the El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. Early bird special includes five games for $1. Proceeds go the Senior Nutrition Program. (760) 435-5285.
Line Dance: Beginner classes are 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays, $3 per class, Intermediate is 1:30 to 3 p.m. Mondays and 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, $4 per class, and Intermediate/Advanced 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, $4 per class, at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Dr., Vista. Helen Pietroforte, instructor. (760) 724-6375; email@example.com.
Pilates: Mat classes for seniors is 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. weekly on Wednesdays at the Encinitas Senior Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr. $24; resident $21. (760) 943-2250 or EncinitasRecReg.com.
Ballroom Dance: The class for seniors is 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. weekly on Wednesdays at the Encinitas Senior Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Dr. $24; resident $21. (760) 943-2250 or EncinitasRecReg.com.
Yoga and fitness: Gale Gibbons teaches yoga classes at 8 and 9 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at San Marcos Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave. Cost: $3. Body balance classes are at 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. $3. (760) 726-7236.
Senior Service Council of Escondido: Free services include job referrals from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays; a bereavement support group from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday; screenings for blood pressure from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Mondays; help with wills, trusts, divorce, foreclosure, powers of attorney and advance health care directives from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays; and assistance with tax preparation and other tax issues from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursdays through mid-November. The council office is at 728 N. Broadway, Escondido. (760) 480-0611.
Seniors Lunch Bunch: 11:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday at Applebees, 573 Grand Ave., San Marcos. (831) 206-5212.
Chorale group: Meetings from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays at San Marcos Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave. (760) 744-5535.
Homebound Services: Oceanside Public Library offers free delivery of library materials to Oceanside residents of any age who are physically unable to visit the library. To sign up for delivery, call (760) 435-5657. Escondido residents, call the Escondido Public Library (760) 839-4819. Carlsbad residents, call the Carlsbad City Library (760) 434-2847.
Rancho Bernardo Senior Services: Free legal assistance, financial planning, simple wills, health insurance consultations, hearing tests and other services are available at RB Senior Services, 16769 Bernardo Center Drive Suite K-14. (858) 487-2640.
Volunteers & Donations
Sikes Adobe Docents: Docent training is 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 23 and Nov. 6-20 at Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, 12655 Sunset Drive, Escondido. (760) 432-8318.
Volunteer Orientation: The San Diego Botanic Garden holds a volunteer orientation 9:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 29 at the garden, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. email@example.com.
Volunteer tax Counselors: AARP is recruiting tax counselors and client facilitators to apply through Dec. 31 for volunteer work Feb. 1 to April 15 at Senior Centers and community sites throughout North County. Volunteers receive one week of free tax preparation and computer system classroom training. (760) 967-6967 or 760-723-2642.
Encinitas Historical Society: Needs more docents for Friday afternoons from 1 to 4 p.m. at the 1883 Schoolhouse, 1883 School House at F and Fourth streets. Docents work in pairs; orientation program provided. (760) 753-5726.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: Operation Bigs program needs civilian and military volunteers to spend one-on-one time with elementary school aged children at Camp Pendleton with parents deployed, playing sports, board games, etc. for one hour once a week. (619) 218-3532; firstname.lastname@example.com.
Lagoon Docents: The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation needs docents to lead public walks and volunteers for the newsletter, fundraising, marketing, trail maintenance, coordinating volunteers and grant writing. (760) 931-0800.
Landscaping Volunteer: Rancho Buena Vista historic adobe needs a volunteer with landscaping background to assist in maintaining the gardens at 640 Alta Vista Drive in Vista. (760) 724-5743.
Volunteer Drivers: City of Encinitas Senior Center needs volunteers drivers for the Out and About Transportation Program. (760) 943-2256. Mission San Luis Rey: Shifts vary from 2 to 4 hours on weekends and include the historic museum, Mission church and welcome center at the mission, 4050 Mission Avenue, Oceanside. (760) 757-3651, ext. 148.
Hospital Seeks Volunteers: Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road in Poway, is looking for volunteers to help in the Emergency Room, work in the Gift Shop, drive the parking lot shuttle, transport patients in wheel chairs and attend to families of patients in surgery. (858) 613-4659.
Donate Backyard Produce: Residents of Rancho Bernardo, Poway, and vicinity are invited to donate backyard fruits and vegetables to help local families in need. firstname.lastname@example.com or (858) 485-5449.
Give a Neighbor a Lift: Drive a senior neighbor in the Rancho Bernardo/Poway/Penasquitos area to a doctor's appointment or other errand. Sign up with Rides & Smiles. Volunteers receive liability insurance, mileage reimbursement and a weekly list of ride requests to choose from. (858) 391-0033.
Carlsbad Volunteers: Get involved in the city as a volunteer at various events and places, for example, the Library Learning Center (760) 434-2929 or VolunteerinCarlsbad.net.
Disabled American Veterans: The Disabled American Veterans need volunteer drivers to transport veterans from their homes in coastal North County to doctor's appointments at the VA Hospital in La Jolla, one day a week for six to eight hours. DAV van provided. (858) 552-7470.


text: My son had a computer LAN party last weekend. Eight of his friends computers networked together to play "Ghost Recon" and eat pizza all weekend. He lives in an apartment over the garage. Even though the garage has a separate 200 amp service, the lights dim in there when the air compressor starts. The lights in the house dim when I weld. He complained so much about the power, that we got him a battery back up last Christmas. His computer was on battery back up, but we had nothing like that for his guests. I was down in the garage, servicing the mowers. I spotted a crack in one of the decks. I had the crack all ground out, and my hand was in motion to strike the arc when I caught myself. I'd have crashed probably thousands of dollars worth of programming if I'd struck that arc! I'm pretty computer ignorant, but that would have been more than just ignorant. I think the eight of them would have whipped my butt! Anybody else have a close call like that? Dave Here's a pic of his party


text:
Punchlines – UCOSP Winter 2013 – Week 7
Status reports for Week 7 (February 27 to March 6, 2013).
- Mostly completed the assignments part of the API. Expect a pull request in the next couple days once I have time to clean up my commits.
- Waiting for a pull request to go through. It's already been tested and reviewed by a few others. The modifications to main_api_controller.rb are necessary for future changes to the API.
Next week:
- Work on completing another set of routes and api controllers.
- Worked with Marc on Friday to tackle .rjs file problems.
- Resolved the issue by replacing files with .js.erb files instead.
- Still looking for some prototype equivalent methods in jQuery.
Next week:
- Working on admin functionality to act as different types of users (the button on the top right).
- Converted over LivePipe tables to jQueryUI tables which was a big change. This change involved rewriting Ajax calls that MarkUs was making to request data for the table. Rails controllers also had to be modified to return Json for the new jQuery Ajax calls. Further progress can be seen here:https://docs.google.com/
spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AiA_ 01CwqYZtdFpuU3VXcFZBWHpyblRkTm N4b1Bzd0E#gid=0
- Spent a lot of time figuring out what the best plugin was to replace LivePipe tables was.
- Also, had to figure out how MarkUs was getting data with Prototype Ajax calls and apply it properly in jQuery.
Next week:
- Integrate Daryn's changes regarding modals and make sure modals work correctly and submit the proper form data where applicable.
Reviewed Mike Wu's pull request.
Merged with my changes and updated with schema change.
Submitted pull request 1026 for issue 941.
Wrote a blog post about the change and future steps.
Logged bugs I found.
- Waiting for my pull request (1026) to work on issue 1027 and related issues (updating code to use remark result where applicable).
Next week:
- Work on bugs I've logged either not related to remark or not blocked by merge of pull request. Revise pull request 1026 as needed.
Mike Wu
- Planned some UI features for remark with Karen (#1028 and #1029)
- Reviewed pull request #1026 by Alysha
- All remark features/bugs depend on pull #1026, so it would be nice to get it in soon.
Next week:
- Start working on #1029 (distinguishing remark annotations from original ones)
- Fix some bugs once #1026 is merged.
- Working on implementing the following two changes in terms of how the grades entry sheet is viewed by TAs
- displaying the relevant TA name in an added column
- adding a menu whereby TAs can choose to view all students or only students that belong to one of their groups
- Started making changes in UI
- None
Next week:
- Work on functionality of above feature as well as any possible DB changes
- Made it so test script max marks will be added to the total marks for an assignment, and the marks earned will be added to the marks earned for an assignment.
- Added row to summary table for the assignment results view so that user can see what they got total on the test scripts.
- Changed CSV output to added new column for test script marks.
- None
Next week:
- Finish up and make a pull request for the stuff I've been doing. Work on fixing Issues 1022-1025.
- Fixed a few issues with my Test Framework's Config/Settings page and asked for feedback on it.
- Found some bugs/issues and posted them on Github.
- Started working on the Test Results tab, which shows the test results to the graders when they are marking.
- I want to display the test results by test run, but the tables test_results and test_script_results do not provide me with the necessary information. Given a row from one of these tables, I cannot tell which test run it came from.
Next week:
- Continue working on Test Results tab.
- I want to start looking at how to display the progress of a test run to the admin/instructor.


text:
Expedition Information
South Africa Kit List
The objective is to take the smallest amount of equipment needed to be comfortable and safe. Always aim to buy equipment that is compact, light weight, durable, quick drying, versatile and in good repair. You may find that you have suitable gear already, so don't feel you have to buy everything new. Shop around and price everything before purchasing anything. Some items you may be able to borrow from friends or relatives, pick up second hand, or get deals off the internet.
We have done some research and certain outlets will give you some excellent deals if you mention our name. In the UK our main contacts are: Nomad Travel (0207 833 4114), for the terrestrial projects whilst Watersports Warehouse provide good deals on any marine equipment needed please email firstname.lastname@example.com with Dive Voucher in the subject box and we will send you a copy. Please mention that you are joining an Operation Wallacea expedition when you contact them and you should be able to get a further discount on the published prices.
In North America Back Country Gear and US Outdoor Stores have a good selection of equipment for the forest for volunteers in the US, whilst Mountain Equipment Co-operative is the best for Canadian volunteers. Scuba Store has a good range of marine equipment with outlets in both the US and Canada.
Try out your kit in realistic circumstances if at all possible before your expedition, especially new boots which can often need time to fully mould to the shape of your feet, and even more specifically new boots which should be soaked and worn till they dry on your feet to prevent blisters whilst trekking. All baggage, clothes and kit should be clearly labelled to avoid confusion. There are many volunteers, and some may have the same or similar items to you. Valuables are very occasionally at risk. Please make sure you have insurance, record all serial numbers and keep all receipts. Remember to carry all personal documents and cash safely in a concealed money belt.
The sections below relate to equipment for terrestrial projects, marine projects, medical kits and relevant books.
230V electricity is available at many of the camps. You will need a South African plug adaptor since they use 3 large round pin plugs.
If you need to contact home or friends when on expeditions you should be able to use your normal mobile phone although reception is very patchy in the various reserves. Changing to an MTN sim card in South Africa generally gives you the best coverage. There is no internet access at most of the sites, so it is best to tell your friends and family that you will mainly be out of touch during the expeditions.
Please note that this is a general list designed to give advice relevant to all our sites within South Africa and Swaziland. However, the sites vary considerably and as such you will be sent a kit list tailored to your specific expedition closer to your start date. If you would like more information on what is needed for your expedition before this, please email Dr Heather Gilbert on email@example.com.
What to take for terrestrial based projects
Hiking boots. Make sure your boots have firm ankle support, a semi-flexible sole with good grips and dry relatively quickly. Light-weight Gore-tex boots (or a cheaper equivalent) are a comfortable and sturdy solution.
Rucksack or Large Travel Bag. Please bring a large rucksack or hold-all. Lowe Alpine and Karrimor are both good makes with adjustable back systems, though other makes also have this feature, providing a more comfortable fit. Many packs on the market today are not 'rucksacks' but 'travelbags' and there is a big difference. Rucksacks are built for wearing for longer periods, whereas travelbags are designed for carrying between bus stations and airports. Decide what you want not only for now but for the future. Due to the nature of the South Africa Expeditions you will not need to be trekking long distances with all of your kit, and so a rucksack is not essential.
Day bag/Small rucksack. Needed for your field work for carrying water, paper, pens, binoculars, cameras etc.
Waterproofs. For our northern sites, a plastic poncho or lightweight rain jacket is useful, although it very rarely rains at this time of year in northern South Africa and Swaziland. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended – they are hot and may get snagged and torn. At our site on the southern coast of South Africa (Gondwana) waterproofs are essential as rain is much more common.
Sleeping Bag. It can get extremely cold at night (below freezing), so we recommend a 3-season sleeping bag. It is also worth taking a sheet sleeping bag that can be used as a liner for your main sleeping bag.
Roll Mat. This is only needed for the marine site – Sodwana.
Water bottle/platypus, etc. A combination of leak-proof plastic bottles (total capacity at least 2 litres) is imperative. There are many styles to choose from – it is not necessary to get anything fancy, though if you do want to invest in one of the 'hydration systems' on the market (Platypus, camelback, Ortileb) they do have the advantage of packing flat when not in use. Nalgene do a heavy-duty wide mouthed bottle with a measuring gauge.
Torch. Some form of torch is essential, preferably a head torch which leaves your hands free. Make sure you take lots of batteries as it is not always possible to re-charge batteries and access to shops is limited.
Insect repellent. As it's winter, the mosquito count is fairly low, but it is still recommended that you bring insect repellent and use it in the evenings. DEET is not recommended due to it's impact on the environment, but there are natural alternatives such as Ecoguard and Mosi-guard Natural that are very effective.
Clothing. It is vital that you do not bring lots of bright coloured clothing for your time in the bush, as this will seriously impact on the viewing of game. Please bring neutral coloured clothes as much as possible (e.g. khaki, beige etc) and avoid black and white wherever possible. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night so make sure you bring warm clothing. It is also advantageous to pack as lightly as possible and bear in mind you will have to do your own laundry at most sites.
- Lightweight long baggy trousers (1 – 2 pairs)
- Warm trousers/combats for morning surveys (1-2 pairs)
- Cotton t-shirts for undershirts (3-4)
- Fleece top/warm jumper (2-3)
- Warm coat/jacket
- Cap
- Warm woolen hat/beanie
- Socks (6 pairs at least)
- Woolen gloves
- Knickers/underpants (6 pairs at least)
- Bras (2-3)
Towel. Travel towels are perfect as they're lightweight and quick drying, alternatively a small/thin towel, or sarong works well. Don't bring a standard towel as they're bulky, heavy and take a long time to dry. If you are visiting the marine site, bringing a second towel or sarong for use on the beach is also recommended.
Sunblock. An important part of any African expedition kit, although at the time of year you will be in South Africa the temperatures will not be particularly high. However, the sun can still be fierce and a factor 25+ is recommended.
Teva type/reef sandals or flip-flops. After a long day's working in the bush you will want to let your feet breathe. The advantage of Tevas are that they stay on securely in water if you are also going to the marine site. Alternatively Croc sandals can be used.
Notebooks/pencils. These are a necessity for all fieldwork.
Binoculars. These are essential for all bird projects and highly desirable for game viewing. 8×40 is the minimum recommended.
Desirable Items
The following items will come in useful, but are not essential
Head Torch. These are more convenient than normal torches, particularly for going to the toilet in the night! Don't forget spare batteries!
Watch with alarm. It doesn't have to be anything technical. A travel alarm clock will also do. However, a waterproof (up to 50m) watch works best as you can also use this while diving.
Sunglasses. We wouldn't recommend bringing expensive sunglasses.
Camera. Bringing a digital or standard camera will enhance your experience but is not essential. If you have one bring it — you will come back with some amazing pictures.
Mobile phone. Your hand-phone, if it is tri-band, will work at most sites in South Africa although reception is patchy. An MTN Sim card purchased in South Africa gives the best coverage of most sites.
Laptop. Essential if you are going to be gathering data for your dissertation. At most sites there will be limited access to electricity to recharge your batteries.
Hot water bottle. Lovely for the really cold nights!
What to take for marine based projects
All of the equipment that you need to dive (with the exception of a wetsuit, swimsuit, and a dive watch/computer) is available to hire on site. If you plan to continue diving in the future, it might be well worth investing in your own kit. If you would like to invest in your own equipment, most divers would recommend that your first purchases should be a wetsuit, then a mask and then fins.
Dive Training Courses
All those learning to dive will need to bring the following items:
PADI Open Water manual
PIC – allows you to register completion of the course.
You can find information on purchasing these from http://opwall.com/get-involved/making-a-payment/padi-pack-and-pic-purchase/
If you want to buy these items elsewhere, please remember that the PIC is rarely included with the training materials, but it is still required. You can buy them on their own from us, but they're £30 (or equivalent) each.
You will not be able to complete the Open Water course if you arrive on site without these items.
If you are already a qualified diver, we will require proof of your dive qualifications on site. You will also need to bring with you your completed log books, and PADI medical forms (if applicable, see below). We do accept non-PADI qualifications, as long as it is equivalent to or more advanced than PADI Open Water.
PADI Forms. You must complete these online via the Opwall portal (http://portal.opwall.com) at least 3 months prior to travel. If you need a form signed by a doctor in order to dive then you must bring this form with you to site.
Logbook. A simple A5 sized hard-back notebook will suffice although you can also buy specially designed PADI logbooks on site or as part of your PADI pack.
Dive watch or computer. This is not essential for the PADI Open Water course, but if you are planning on doing any diving beyond this, you will need a watch that is waterproof to at least 100m. Specific dive watches can be purchased for around £50, although you can pay considerably more.
Swimsuit. This is essential if you want to dive!
Wetsuit. You'll need a full length 5-7mm wetsuit.
Dive equipment hire. We have negotiated a deal where if you are diving a full set of gear can be rented for £40 a week. Note this is a discount on the normal $14 a day charge but it has to be paid in advance and there are no refunds available. Snorkellers can rent a set of equipment for £20 a week. Payments will need to be made in advance of your expedition, and we will contact you regarding this around March before your expedition.
Please note that all dive equipment must be checked and serviced prior to departure, if taking your own kit.
Roll mat. Essential for those going to Sodwana.
Sleeping bag. It can get extremely cold at night, so we recommend a 3-season sleeping bag. It is also worth taking a sleeping bag liner that you can use for extra warmth and to keep your bag clean.
Waterproofs. A plastic poncho or rain jacket is useful, although it very rarely rains at this time of year in South Africa. Expensive heavyweight Gore-Tex raincoats are not recommended – they are hot and may get snagged and torn.
Medical Kit
Although every expedition will have its own medical supplies and medical teams on site, you MUST carry your own personal medical kit. This way you will be as self sufficient as possible and able to treat minor scrapes and injuries yourself, which is vital when, for example, you are involved in a bush training exercise. If you are travelling as a group or with friends, one full kit can be shared amongst you to share out the cost.
The following are essential items:
- Sun cream (SPF 25+)
- Insect Repellent
- Antihistamine tablets (Piriton/Piriteze) and antihistamine cream
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Paracetomol
- Ibuprofen
- Rehydration salts (Dioralyte/Electrolade)
- Alcohol swabs/antiseptic wipes
- Plasters/Band-aids – assorted sizes
- Hand sanitiser
- Lip balm
- Blister plasters
- Sanitary towels/tampons
- Sea sickness tablets or aquastraps/seabands
- Antimalarials – if recommended by your doctor. Please note if you are diving you cannot use Larium
If you need to take prescribed medicines whilst on expedition, please bring sufficient supplies to cover your stay. For example if you are asthmatic you MUST bring you own inhalers, or if you have a history or recognized risk of going into anaphylactic shock due to an allergy, you must supply your own Epipen.
Always waterproof and clearly label drugs (with generic, rather than trade names). Occasionally there are restrictions on travelling with certain medicines. If you think this may be relevant to you, please contact your Home Office Drugs Branch (in the UK: 0207 273 3806).
Reference books for the South Africa expeditions
Although there will be adequate reference books on site for the surveys you might like to get some of the books listed below to help you prepare for the identifications and to help ensure that you get the most out of the expedition:
Sinclair, I, Hockey, P & Tarboton, W (2002) Sasol Birds of Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Capetown. ISBN 1 86872 721 1
Newman, K (2002) Birds of Southern Africa, Struik Publishers, Capetown. ISBN 1 86872 761 0
Chittenden, H. & Whyte, I. (2009) Roberts Bird Guide: Kruger National Park and Adjacent Lowveld: A Guide to More than 420 Birds in the Region. Jacana Media, Pretoria. www.jacana.co.za ISBN 1770096388
Kingdon, J (2015) Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals. Bloomsbury Natural History; 2nd Revised edition. ISBN 1472912365
Walker, C (1996) Signs of the Wild – a field guide to the spoor and signs of the mammals of southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Capetown. ISBN 1 86825 896 3.
Taylor, P. J. (2000) Bats of Southern Africa. University of Natal Press, Scottsville 3209 ISBN 0 86980 982 2
Reptiles & Amphibians
Branch, B (1998) Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles in Southern Africa. Struik Publishers, Capetown. ISBN 1 86872 040 3
du Preez, L (2009) Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa. Struik Nature; Pap/Com edition, ISBN 1770074465
Van Wyck, B, Van Wyck, P & Van Wyck, B. E (2000) Photographic Guide to Trees of Southern Africa., Briza Publications, Pretoria.
"A field guide to the Seashores of Eastern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean Islands (second edition)", edited by Matthew D. Richmond, published by Sida/SAREC – UDSM. 461 pp; ISBN 91-586-8783-1


text:
London, Jan 22 (ANI): Downing Street communications chief Andy Coulson has resigned amid growing controversy over his role in a phone hacking scandal while he was a British tabloid editor.
Coulson confirmed his resignation in a statement on Friday, saying that the continued coverage of events during his time as the editor of 'News of the World' had made it difficult for him to give "the 110 per cent needed in this role".
"I stand by what I've said about those events but when the spokesman needs a spokesman it's time to move on," The Telegraph quoted him, as saying.
Following his resignation, Cameron said that he was sorry over Coulson's departure, and added that he was "punished for the same offence twice". Last week Cameron had refused to confirm or deny reports that his communications director had offered to resign to help the coalition avoid further damage over the issue.
However Cameron admitted that Coulson was "extremely embarrassed" about claims that he knew famous people's phone voicemails were being accessed.
Insisting that the resignation was "long overdue", critics said that they fail to understand why Cameron had recruited the former journalist in the first place.
Coulson resigned as editor of the News of the World in 2007 after the paper's former royal editor Clive Goodman and private investigator Glenn Mulcaire were jailed for phone hacking. Although he accepted ultimate responsibility for the scandal, he has always denied knowing that illegal activities were taking place.
A number of public figures are still taking civil legal action against the newspaper, as documents disclosed in those cases have sparked fresh developments. (ANI)


text:
Product Video Disclaimer: "PED is not responsible for any variances from the product in this video and the item you purchase. Please review all product specs prior to purchase."
|Truck Or Trailer Mount For Mobile Washing
•Ideal for municipal, mining, oil field, forestry & industrial cleaning operations
26-HP Kohler Diesel Engine
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General Pump 3500 PSI Industrial Heavy Duty Triplex Plunger Pump
•Adjustable pressure delivers up to 8 gallons per minute, making short work of big jobs
•Belt driven for superior power transfer & dependability
Oil-Fired Wayne Burners
•North American-made for dependable service; 800,000 BTU
•On-off switch & adjustable thermostat adds versatility
Elipitically Wound & Stretched Schedule 80 Heating Coil & 160 Pipe
•No seam welds & structural bracing reduce vibration & extends pipe longevity
•Durable stainless steel housing is sealed with a ceramic blanket that conserves heat
Extremely Heavy-Duty All Welded Frame
•2" x 4" steel tubing with 1/2" mounting plate has all mounting bolts welded to the frame for easy service
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48" Quick Connect Spray Gun & Wand
•0°, 15°, 25°, & 40° nozzles and a downstream chemical injection system can use a wide variety of cleaners
•Includes 50 feet of high-pressure hose so you can work in a wide area


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18,000,000 Sting Ring - Stun Gun - B1G1 Free
Sting RIng 18,000,000 Stun Gun
One second touch puts them down!
Instantly protect yourself wearing the Sting Ring. The base of the unit is concealed inside your closed hand. Gives you the element of surprise. An attacker will never know what hit him and down he/she goes. Small lightweight and is rechargeable by plugging into wall. Carries a Lifetime Warranty and complete instructions.
Safety Feature: To prevent accidental discharge, the Sting Ring features a safety switch.
* 18 Million* Volts
* Rechargeable
Includes: Wall Charger
Must be 18 or Older to Order
*Actual voltage output is difficult to measure and verify, but this unit compares to other brands that claim to be the specified voltage, or more.