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According to the International Ecotourism Society, Ecotourism can be defined as, "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people." Most ecotourism experiences are aimed at helping people to foster an appreciation of the environment, the conservation of wildlife, plants and resources, and respect and understanding of native peoples.
The field is socially important because it provides a way for people to travel responsibly, and to learn about and respect the environment of these natural places. Ideally, Ecotourism professionals organize and execute an experience for travelers that demonstrates local environmental sustainability and cultural sensitivity. Besides being tour guides, Ecotourism professionals also travel to other countries and help the local people in ecologically-sensitive areas to set up their own ecotourism programs. Programs which are well-run can help to conserve natural resources, and can be an incentive for local people to preserve their resources, rather than exploit them.
The Academic Requirements
Ecotourism students study the basic aspects of tourism, such as the cultural, social and economic importance of travel, hospitality, ethics, and business. Then, students will look specifically at ecotourism, including sustainable development, environmental issues, outdoor and nature-based education, and ecological business. Students learn about natural resources, environmental history, conservation and community growth and development, as well as the practical aspects of ecotourism, such as planning trips, wilderness training and safety, and financial and business management.
Sometimes linked with recreation management programs, Ecotourism students can also expect that travel and on-site training will be a part of many programs. This could be in exotic locations or in local, state and national parks, forests and wilderness areas.
Here are some courses that we've seen:
- Group Dynamics for Ecotourism
- Green Event Planning
- Risk Management and Legal Liability
- Natural Resource Assessment and Planning
- Intercultural Communications
- Wilderness & Remote First Aid
- Environmental Education
- Outdoor Skills and Low-Impact Techniques
- Tourism Marketing
- Natural Resource Policy and Administration
- Forests, Conservation and People
- Cultural Anthropology
- International Forestry
Professional Outlook
Ecotourism graduates usually work for either a private company that runs tours, or a government-run or public institution, such as a national park or outdoor education center. Those with experience in the field can manage or even run their own ecotourism business, which can be very rewarding. There are also opportunities to work abroad in exotic locations. Working in the ecotourism industry can be very exciting, and it is rewarding to know that you are educating people about the environment by immersing them in nature. Of course, the job can also be dangerous, and the hours can be demanding. For example, if you are working on a three-week hike through the jungle, you have to be constantly vigilant of danger for your hikers.
Job seekers should be aware that much of the work in ecotourism is seasonal. People with degrees have a better chance of landing a more secure job or being able to use their skills in different jobs during the off-season, so it really is a good idea to get a four-year degree if you want to make a living doing ecotourism. It is very helpful, and sometimes essential, to be fluent in a foreign language.
Here are some job titles that we've seen, including some of the organizations that offer them, all of which included a requirement for experience in Ecotourism:
- Wilderness Leader (Adventures Cross-Country)
- Adventure Education Instructors (Outdoors Wisconsin Leadership School)
- Traveling Trainer (Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics)
- Ecotourism and Community Based Tourism Adviser (VSO)
- Environmental Education Instructor/Naturalist (Blue Ridge Outdoor Education Center)
- Community Environmental Educators (SPW International)
- Tour Leader (G.A.P. Adventures)
- Junior Travel Counselor (G.A.P. Adventures)
- Groups Coordinator (G.A.P. Adventures)
- Australian Marine Sciences Association, "Ecotourism"
- Big Volcano Ecotourism Resource Centre
- Conservation International
- Eco-Employ
- Ecotourism Australia
- Environmental Careers
- G.A.P. Adventures (Special thanks to Glenn Tosten for extra input!)
- Griffith University, Program in Ecotourism
- Hocking College, Ecotourism Program
- International Ecotourism Society
- International Ecotourism Society, Current News
- North Carolina State University, Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management
- Nova Scotia Community College, Truro Campus, Ecotourism Program
- Outdoor Network, Job Listings
- Planeta
- Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Certificate in Ecotourism
- Texas A&M University, Department of Recreation, Park & Tourism Services
- The Green Directory, Job Listings
- United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP), "About Ecotourism"
- University of Florida, School of Forest Resources & Conservation, Ecotourism Concentration


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Jigsaw is at it again, with an awesome translation to today's ssf4 dev blog post this guy is surely awesome:
*T. Hawk and Dee Jay
-Feelings when their inclusion was decided (continued)
When we were making the console version, our schedule limited us to including only 6 new characters. We were having talks about who we should include, and Mr. Ono said "Why don't we listen to our fans at events like Comicon, and base our decision on that?". Since the game was in many ways a new version of Street Fighter II, of course it made sense to include characters from the original SF2, but we were also determined to listen to the opinions of our fans. Based on the results from various questionnaires and such, Cammy and Fei Long made the cut, but these two guys didn't (laughs).
-You're being quite frank...
Yeah, unfortunately they just didn't seem all that popular. But they were still always on our list of characters that we wanted to include in the game. We always felt like, "OK, we'll include them if we can", and even created the basic framework for the two, but eventually we had to create the more popular characters, so in the end they didn't make it.
As a result, we couldn't really call it a complete reunion.
-So the development staff are all feeling "finally!", now, huh?
Yeah, we must've made those two guys feel awfully lonely, so it's nice to finally be able to invite them this time.
*Regarding T. Hawk
-First of all, tell us a little about T. Hawk
Well, T. Hawk's image has always been that he's simply strong and proud of it. From the start he was neither a technical fighter nor an expert martial artist, and he will still be the type of character who overcomes all obstacles with brute strength. "He's huge!", "he's tough!", "he's strong!", you know, that sort of feeling.
He was the largest character in the SF2 series, and as a big guy he will still rely on strength more than cunning.
-Simply put, he's strong
Naturally, if that's all there is to him, he wouldn't be much fun, so he will still have the same mid-air moves that he had in Super SF2. A huge guy assaulting you with sudden attacks, that's what T. Hawk is all about.
He's big, but he moves fast.
Well, he's big and he occasionally moves fast. He's not really a quick character per se. Basically, he's a big character, so the opponent are always under pressure. But as they're trying to keep away from him, T. Hawk will suddenly swoop down on the opponent and throw them. That sudden shift of speed is important too.
-When implementing T. Hawk in the game, were there any particular difficulties?
Actually, the biggest problem we had was that all the characters might not be able to even jump over him. T. Hawk is really tall!
The trajectory of the jumps are different for all characters, you know. The shorter characters were critical.
Ah, well, it did turn out fine in the end, but just barely. The dev team were pretty horrified at first though. "He's too big!"
-So at that time, you didn't consider changing T. Hawk's size to make him fit in the game better?
Not really. T. Hawk's size is essential to the character, so that was never really even discussed. T. Hawk should be huge. Bigger than Zangief, even. That's his defining characteristic. His size makes him an easier target, but I think that's fine. Well, you should always try not to get hit, of course (laughs). But in T. Hawk's case, he can take a hit and still be fine, because he can still retaliate in a big way. It's important to have that link between appearance and gameplay, so that's why we didn't even think of changing things.
-What can you tell us about his animations?
Actually, T. Hawk was my main character, back in the ST days. His animations are a bit peculiar, and I always thought the way he holds his thumbs in the palm of his hand in his neutral stance was really cute. It looks like something a baby would do.
-So you liked that enough to make him your main character? (laughs)
No, well, I liked it, but that wasn't the only thing I liked about him. (laughs) I would really love to ask the original developers this, because I really don't know if this was their intention, but when I look at T. Hawk, a lot of his moves remind me of a baseball umpire. His crouching MP looks like a "safe" gesture, and his crouching HP looks like "out". Even now his movements kinda make me laugh. He was a cool looking character who did all those ridiculous poses with a completely straight face. If I could land his "safe", his Super Combo was pretty much guaranteed, so I would often jump in and try to hit with the "safe".
Sounds like a "safe" tactic. (laughs)
Whenever it worked, the opponent would be "out". (laughs) Anyway, those types of poses are definitely unique to T. Hawk. So this time, we're doing our best to preserve that same uniqueness that he had back then. The "safe" is still in.
"Out" too.
"Out" as well, yeah. In any event, this goofy awesomeness is T. Hawk's trademark, so we won't tamper with it. The designers are hard at work creating moves and motions for T. Hawk that will fit in with the world of SF4, but needless to say it's all based on memories of that golden era, and the most important thing is to maintain that feeling. Well, this goes for all the characters, really.
-What about presentation? It seems his eagle is back as well
Animating animals is a completely different beast from dealing with humans, because their movement has to be really perfect, or else it will look really bad. So when we decided to put the eagle in the game, the animation designers sighed heavily. They were like "Aah, we're doing this after all, huh... well, guess we need to get to work".
There were times when we'd raise the tension, going "Eagle! Eagle!", but the designers know that a lot of expected from them, and it seems like they were well prepared.
Well, I guess there's a limit to how much you can make. Personally, I'd love to see more animals, but of course, the eagle is the most important. It's really part of T. Hawk's character.
-What's the current status of T. Hawk's development?
T. Hawk has a clearly defined concept of "dynamic movement", so there was no need to reinvent the wheel, and new moves such as the Focus Attack will feel natural as well. In Street Fighter IV, the screen feels a little more cramped than in the old games. Actually, there are times when the camera will pull back slightly, so in reality it's not that cramped, but the default camera view is kind of zoomed-in to show the characters better. With a guy as big as T. Hawk, this becomes kind of a double-edged sword. His attacks are far-reaching, but it's easy for him to get hit as well, and that balance is something we're paying a lot of attention to. Visually, he's coming along just fine.
-"Reinventing the wheel", are you referring to the balance of new and old moves?
Right. For example, we've changed his Condor Spire to the point where you could call it a new move, but many of T. Hawk's moves imitates the movement of birds, and that's something we're careful to maintain.
*Regarding Dee Jay
-Next, tell us about Dee Jay
Dee Jay is an all-round character, but in a different way from Ryu or Ken. He's got a projectile, anti-air, rush attack, a button mash move... He's got a sliding kick too. Dee Jay has been established as a character who's got all bases covered with a balanced mix of special moves, but being a charge character he's a little tricky. But more than that, we want him to be a refreshing mix of light-hearted and technical, and just a rhythmical, fun to play character.
-So he's the exact opposite of T. Hawk, then
Yes. He's kind of hit and run, finding a rhythm to your land attacks. For example, finding a flow like "I'll do a jump in HK and crouching MK, if that connects I'll do a hadouken", it's fun to come up with those kinds of attack patterns with Dee Jay, so I hope people will enjoy that.
-If you were to compare Dee Jay to any of the current characters, who would it be?
Speaking in terms of other characters, I'd call him an "offensive Guile". They both have similar charge moves, but while Guile is the type of character who waits for his opponent to mess up before he attacks, Dee Jay is more likely to annoy his opponent and goad him into making mistakes through a constant barrage of attacks.
And he wants to finish it off with a big move. So he has to stay on his opponent, the second he lets go, he's done for.
Yeah, it's like the joystick will be in motion constantly. Talking about characters like Guile and Dee Jay, you could say there are characters who want the opponent to jump in, versus characters who want to jump in.
Guile definitely wants the opponent to jump in at him.
And Dee Jay wants to jump in himself. He's got good moves against jumping too, though, his sliding kick is a great anti-air and even lets him move forward while keeping his charge. Dee Jay is synonymous with that sliding kick, and of course it will be as strong as ever this time too.
-Sounds like he'll be a tough opponent for some characters, huh
From the opponent's point of view, Dee Jay's onslaught might feel unstoppable. But in reality, if you know what you are doing, you'll be able to stop him. When playing against Dee Jay, you don't want him to get too close. In other words, you have to keep him at bay, somehow. It's important to take charge and not get stuck in your opponent's rhythm.
-By the way, you can't talk about Dee Jay without mentioning that huge smile of his
Dee Jay is really showing a lot of expression this time. It's difficult to make a character like him look serious, but he has plenty of different facial expressions. The designers went through both pain and joy creating them, so I hope you'll enjoy seeing Dee Jay make a variety of different faces. The 3D graphics give room for a lot more expressiveness in his movement too, so the designers are doing their best to create a lot of flashy dance moves and such for him.
-Dee Jay was an interesting character to look at even back in SSF2, wasn't he?
Putting the gameplay aside and speaking from a strictly aesthetic point of view, Dee Jay represented some of the best pixel art in SSF2. He was pretty much the pinnacle of pixel art at that time.
The first time I saw SSF2, I was pretty surprised. "Oh, I get it! MAXIMUM!". (laughs) "It reads no matter which side he's on!" I thought it was brilliant. Back then, you were constrained to symmetrical designs, since you had to be able to mirror the sprites. So having a 'B' or something on a character's back was no good, because it would look strange when mirrored. Seeing the word MAXIMUM along his long legs must've brought a great sense of accomplishment. It's a cool sounding word, and the idea worked great.
-Well then, please tell us about any troubles you had implementing Dee Jay
Well, we mentioned before that he's kind of an "offensive Guile", but simply making him like that makes him a little too strong. He has so many tools, and he's so fun to play, so the difficult part was to think about the balance with other characters, without getting rid of what makes him fun in the first place. You might remember Dee Jay being a powerful character, and I think the most important thing is to tweak him without him losing that aspect. Simply making someone weak isn't difficult.
-How are you feeling about the characters right now?
Well, there's still a lot of fine tuning to be made, but they seem to be shaping up to be capable characters, so that's good. We've been thinking about both Dee Jay and T. Hawk ever since we had to leave them out of the last game, so I feel we've had time for a lot of preparation. So I'd say it feels pretty good.
*For the fans
-A message to all the fans of T. Hawk and Dee Jay, please
These two are definitely minor characters. And for just that reason, I really hope that everyone who thought "I'm not surprised they didn't make it" will give these characters a try. When I use them now, I think both of them are more fun than ever. To all of you who mained one of these characters like I did back in the day, and to all of you who have waited so long, I just want to say "finally they're back"! I hope you'll enjoy the return of your favourite character. I know I am!
We're not out to disappoint anyone, but we're finally brining these characters back, while spicing them up with what makes SF4 special. We're mixing things up a little, in a good way; creating new, fun takes on these two characters. I really want you to check out these guys' new flashy Ultra Combos for yourselves, and I hope you'll be happy with how the two turn out, so please look forward to playing them!

subset: commoncrawl


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Before developing a customized access system, make sure you understand the important design considerations involved with this type of facility security.
In today's security-conscious society, it's not enough to simply have the right access control equipment. You must install it in the right configurations and oversee the system properly. Following are the most important design considerations for access systems. Since no single installation needs them all, apply the ones that best fit your application.
Visitor identification and control. Physical security requires screening, identification, and control of visitors. We generally place visitors in the following categories: persons with whom every installation or facility must have dealings with in order to conduct business; and individuals or groups who want to visit an installation or facility for nonessential purposes.
When dealing with visitors, you should follow a few basic rules. First, verify their identity. Next, security personnel should contact the person the visitor is there to see to validate the visit. Finally, record visitor information, issue visitor badges, and use registration forms.
Procedures for identification and control of visitors may include:
• Positive methods of establishing the authority for admission of visitors.
• Positive ID of visitors.
• Availability and use of visitor registration forms.
• Availability and use of visitor ID cards/badges.
• Procedures for escorting visitors who have limited access.
• Establish controls to recover visitor ID cards or badges upon expiration or when no longer required.
Entry roster. Security personnel should grant admission of persons to restricted areas only after positively identifying and checking names on an authenticated roster. How can you accomplish this task? Make sure you adhere to the following guidelines:
• Each time you need to make a permanent addition or deletion, document it.
• Publish changes in the same manner as the original roster.
• Maintain rosters at access control points to facilitate positive control.
Two-man rule. This security approach requires at least two authorized persons, each capable of detecting incorrect or unauthorized procedures with respect to the task being performed and who are familiar with applicable safety and security requirements, to be present during certain operations. This rule works well in the following situations:
• When uncontrolled access to vital machinery, equipment, or material might provide opportunity for intentional or unintentional damage that could affect the operation of the installation or facility.
• Where uncontrolled access to funds could provide opportunity for diversion by falsification of accounts.
• When uncontrolled delivery or receipt for materials could provide opportunity for pilferage through "short" deliveries and false receipts.
• When uncontrolled delivery or receipt for materials could provide opportunity for planting bombs, listening devices, etc.
Mechanized/automated systems. Identification and access control systems base their identification judgment factor on a remote capability through a routine discriminating device for positive ID, as opposed to the manual system's using a guard force member to conduct identification based on access rosters and personal recognition. In a mechanized system, the following occurs within the machine:
1. Receives physical ID data from an individual;
2. Encodes this data for use;
3. Compares this data to stored data;
4. Makes a go or no-go decision; and
5. Translates the results into readable form.
Several mechanical devices, which use magnetic coding, embossing, optical characters, and dielectric coding, add to the security of a facility. An all--inclusive automated ID and access control system reinforces the security of an installation because it can be changed quickly and easily. The computer can do this through its memory, stored on magnetic tape or disc. You can make changes by remote use of specific code numbers.
Execution of security activities. First, security personnel must understand the methods and techniques that will detect security hazards and assist in identifying violators and intruders. They should also require written reports for all security activities. Each person should prepare and turn these documents into the supervisor for necessary action. Personnel assigned to fixed posts should have some designated method of securing relief when necessary. The security advisor should also establish a simple but effective plan of operation for the security force to meet every foreseeable emergency. This means conducting practice alarms frequently to test the effectiveness of this plan as well as the security force's understanding of their roles. Finally, vary routes for security patrols at frequent intervals to preclude establishing a routine that potential intruders may observe and use to gain entrance.
Next month, we'll explore sensing and monitor intrusions and how to get help when you need it most.


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RunRev Ltd has unveiled a new set of enhancements and features to its LiveCode development platform. The company says that the release of version 4.6 for iOS and desktop reflects the broad interest and strong demand for developing apps in this space -- and that new functionalities will focus on feature-rich, multimedia-orientated application creation.
As well as bug fixes and minor enhancements, the product now comes with support for: iOS 4.3 simulator, SQLite databases, ZIP files and XML on iOS devices, iOS native text entry fields, and multiple camera support. There are also improvements to native web browser control and native control functions as well as full screen video playback and support for native playback within a region.
"With this major release we are setting the pace for developers to build cross-platform, cross-device apps with a fast, flexible platform," said Kevin Miller, CEO of RunRev. "Over 20 new iOS features combine to give better data management, a better multimedia experience and ultimately better apps. This release includes a full set of new features and many developer requested refinements including support for working with very large images on Mac OS X and public key encryption support and cryptographic-quality random data generation."
"LiveCode is a solid, stable, and highly adaptable development platform that allows our team to focus on the task at hand and bring their creativity and flare to the fore," says LiveCode customer Alex Morrison of Cogapp. "We have been a long-standing RunRev customer and are well aware of the benefits that a natural-language programming solutions offers. Before LiveCode we debated how we could marry industrial-strength application development with a level of flexibility and quality needed for our dynamic and demanding projects."


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Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Will Audiences Accept Leo DiCaprio as Theodore Roosevelt?
With all the Oscar buzz going on all around I decided to go to imdb.com to check out the profile of Leonardo DiCaprio, who is nominated for (but probably won't win) best actor for Blood Diamond. (Ok, I'm one of just a few or so it seems with a little crush on the three-time Academy Awards nominee.)
Anyway, I discovered that a project titled The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt (2008) is being developed for director Martin Scorsese and DiCaprio (who will play Theodore Roosevelt if everything goes as planned). According to IMDB website, the film is "A look at the formative years of the 26 President of the United States, from his transformation from a privileged New York politician to commander of the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War."
I guess I'm not surprised about the tentative plans given the actor's tendency to do serious films and his seeming quest for a certain award that is often given to those performing in bioepics. He also has a known preference for working under the direction of Scorcese. As much as I like him, I cannot picture DiCaprio as the larger than life T.R. The actor and the great Teddy Roosevelt seem to be a mismatch. I'm uncertain that the actor will be able to conjure up the energetic bravado possessed by Roosevelt. Does anyone else agree? If so, what actor would be better suited for the role?
5 comments:
- Jennie W said...
DiCapro is definitely NOT a good choice for TR!!
Who would I cast? That's a tough one....the only person coming to mind currently is Danny DeVito or the guy who plays Richard Gilmore on Gilmore Girls...and I'm not sure if either of them work either. Maybe someone else will have a good idea....
- Kate Brown said...
Hmm Danny DeVito stands at 5 feet even and Edward Herrmann (aka Richard Gilmore) stands at 6 feet fives inches, so you covered both ends of the height spectrum. Danny Devito might have done well if he was about eight inches taller and 30 years younger.
I keep thinking of Australian Men--Hugh Jackman or Russell Crowe. However, Jackman might be too tall and Crowe too old.
- mnuez said...
I'd cast myself for the role. I've been thinking about making a movie about TR for the past few months and am kicking myself that I haven't gotten around to doing it. I'm short enough for the role, almost sufficiently weighty for it and, with practice, I'm sure I could learn to balance a pair of lenses on the bridge of my nose. :-)
Seriously, I really do want to make a film about this extraordinary man and I wouldn't mind playing him either.
God, how I miss him and love him.
- Jennie W said...
I wasn't sure who Hugh Jackman was, but he just doesn't look right to me (I googled him...ahh, the Internet Age). Neither does Russell Crowe (but that might be because I had a roommate who was obsessed with him for awhile).
As to mnuez as TR - you'd have to provide a picture for comparsion!
I'm still liking Edward Herrmann (thanks for the real name - I can never remember). But maybe Robin Williams - he has the right charisma.
- doughnuts said...
I think Leonardo DiCaprio could pull it off quite well - as long as he could replace that brilliant clipped "Efrikaner" for the rounded upper crust New England vowels that Theodore apparently shared with his distant relative, Franklin Delano and of course, put on a few extra pounds.


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Nobody will be spared: Antony on Italian chopper scam
New Delhi: Under fire over allegations of kickbacks in the Rs 3600 crore VVIP chopper deal, government on Wednesday asserted that nobody found guilty will be spared and if wrongdoings were found by the CBI, the contract can be scrapped.
"Nobody will be spared whatever may be the consequences," Defence Minister A K Antony told reporters on the alleged Italian chopper scam.
Another scam had unfolded with the arrest yesterday of the head of a state-controlled Italian aerospace company that is suspected of paying bribes of about Rs 362 crore in India to get orders for helicopters to ferry Indian VVIPs, prompting the government to order a CBI probe.
The Ministry of Defence also decided to put on hold the receipt of the remaining nine of the 12 helicopters for which the Rs 3600 crore deal was struck in 2010.
Giuseppe Orsi, the head of Italian defence and aerospace giant Finmeccanica, was arrested on Monday in relation to a probe into international corruption.
Also Read
He is suspected of involvement in the payment of bribes regarding the sale to the Indian government of 12 helicopters produced by Finmeccanica's subsidiary AgustaWestland.
Antony said CBI has been asked to give an early report on its probe into alleged kickbacks in the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.
"Once we get the preliminary inquiry report from CBI, strongest action will be taken against those found guilty," he said.
Asked about reports of the alleged role of former IAF chief SP Tyagi in the deal, the minister said, "I have no information."
"After the CBI report, we will take serious action that may include cancelling the deal," he said.
"We don't want to jump the gun. We can get our money back even at this stage," Antony said on the Rs 3600 crore deal.


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WORK CREWS AT the Middlebury College campus are busy putting the finishing touches on various summer projects undertaken by the college each year, including the final coat on the trim of Old Chapel's historic cupola.
Independent photo/Angelo Lynn
July 30, 2007
By ANDY KIRKALDY
FERRISBURGH — After more than a year and a half of haggling and delays, an insurance deal was struck last week that will pay Ferrisburgh another $950,000 for the loss of its town-owned former Grange hall, which was destroyed by an arson fire on Feb. 15, 2005, before it could be renovated into a town office building and community center.
The town had earlier received about $1.03 million from PACIF, the insurance company that underwrote the project and is affiliated with the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, and its co-insurers. The earlier payment was for the value of the existing Route 7 structure, while the additional money goes toward the value of the finished project, including a duplicate Grange building up to modern code.
The town will be responsible for other elements of what is now estimated by Middlebury's Bread Loaf Corp. as a $2.87 million project (up from about $2.6 million in late 2005), including a full foundation, new addition to the rear and new front porch. But Ferrisburgh already has most of the money for that in hand, officials said.
By MEGAN JAMES
MIDDLEBURY — Addison County farming and forestry industries can play a key role in achieving a national goal to produce 25 percent of the country's energy from renewable sources by 2025, local agriculture leaders say.
Middlebury dairy farmer Bob Foster and Harvey Smith, state executive director of the Farm Service Agency, stressed that 25 percent is a conservative goal given that the United States currently gets about 6 percent of its energy from renewable sources, like wind, solar and biofuels.
The two spoke at a meeting hosted by the Addison County Regional Planning Commission (ACRPC) on Thursday. They agreed that just striving toward the goal could have an overwhelmingly positive impact on the local economy.
"I feel really good that we're on the forefront of being able to develop something here in Addison County and in the state of Vermont that will really benefit us all, reducing our environmental impact, our air quality impact and also generating economic development," Smith said.
July 30, 2007
By JOHN FLOWERS
BRIDPORT — Members of the Lake Champlain Restoration Association (LCRA) are enlisting the help of a tiny Polynesian catamaran in their efforts to clear nuisance aquatic weeds from the lake.
No, the catamaran in question isn't being outfitted with a weed chopper, nor will it even sail in Lake Champlain. Rather, it's a 72-inch replica of the famous "Hokulea" catamaran that in 1976 sailed from Hawaii to Tahiti. The model boat, lovingly crafted by Bridport resident Frank Russell, is being raffled off by the LCRA to help raise money for a garage that will house the organization's new milfoil harvesting equipment.
YOUNGSTERS IN THE Middlebury Recreation Department's Camp Kookamunga program celebrate a week of sunny weather with a group jump at the recreation park on Tuesday. Pictured from left are Emily Cormier, Leah Raymond, Rowan Hendy, Sophia Dwindell and Jeremy Bougor.
Independent photo/John S. McCright
July 26, 2007
By JOHN FLOWERS
EAST MIDDLEBURY — East Middlebury residents turned out in force at a public hearing on Monday to register their concerns about a proposed major expansion of the J.P. Carrara & Sons gravel pit operation off School House Hill Road.
The overflow crowd at the municipal building conference room told members of the Middlebury Development Review Board (DRB) that the plan to extend the Carrara pit by a total of 20 acres to the east and west of School House Hill Road would bring more years of noise, dust and safety headaches to a neighborhood that has already lived with the operation for more than three decades.
J.P. Carrara & Sons is currently phasing out gravel extraction at its current 23.4-acre pit, located to the immediate east of School House Hill Road. The company wants to extend its operations 15.3 acres to the east of its existing pit, and another 5 acres to the west of School House Hill Road.
MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Maple Leaf dropped onto the college campus early this month, but a hubbub created by students, faculty and trustees caused college administrators to sweep the leaf away almost as quickly as it arrived.
The leaf was a new official Middlebury College logo created by New York City-based corporate image maker and quietly introduced into official college communications in the first week in July.
"I still think it's a terrific mark," said Middlebury Vice President for Communications Mike McKenna. "But it was not at this particular point in history right for the college. I wanted to honor that."
The leaf symbol was made up of three blue Ms that were supposed to symbolize growth, renewal and shelter. Instead, it seemed to evoke the Canadian flag to many, a marijuana leaf to some and even Mr. Sneeze, the blue spiky character from the Mr. Men children's book series, to more than a handful of students.
STEEL WORKERS PIECE together the structural framework for the new Chittenden Bank building going up on Route 7 South in Middlebury.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
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Mine Warfare, Diving, Fishery Protection And Patrol Boat Squadrons
The Mine Warfare, Diving, Fishery Protection and Patrol Boat (MFP) arm of the Royal Navy is headed by Captain (MFP). He is responsible for the operational capability of an on call Mine Warfare Force and is the specialist advisor on diving, fishery protection and patrol boat services to the Chief of Staff (Warfare) to Commander in Chief Fleet.
The Mine Warfare Diving and Fishery Protection arm of the Royal Navy is divided into two distinct areas; Mine Warfare and Diving and Fishery Protection and Patrol Boats. The Mine Warfare force has two individual Squadrons, one in Faslane MCM1 and one in Portsmouth MCM2 each headed by a Commander. Similarly, the Diving, Fishery Protection and Patrol Boat forces have their own individual Squadron Commanders. It is Captain (MFP)'s responsibility to ensure that all arms of the service are at their maximum effectiveness and are available for tasking within their operational notice to an incident anywhere in the world.
Mine Countermeasures
The task of keeping ports and coastal shipping lanes free from the threat of mining is an essential part of successful maritime operations. For that the Royal Navy has a fleet of mine countermeasures vessels.
Modern mines can be triggered not only by collision but also by the sound of the ship passing through the water or by the magnetic signature of the ship's hull, which means modern mine countermeasures vessels have to be very sophisticated. Every effort is made to reduce the magnetic signatures of the ships, the hulls are made from glass reinforced plastic rather than steel and even the buckets on board have to be made from non-magnetic materials.
Modern MCMVs have added high definition sonar and unmanned submersibles to traditional "sweep gear" that trails in the water. The sonar can find mines on the seabed or in mid-water by bouncing high frequency sound waves off them. The submersibles are then guided to the mine and destroy it using a high explosive charge.The Royal Navy's MCMVs are divided into 2 squadrons, one based in Portsmouth and one in Faslane. The squadron staffs split their time between their base ports and deployments.


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The first DLC for the unique real-time naval strategy game "Oil Rush" features a completely new tower defense game experience, including a tower defense co-op mode. Exploit new strategies with completely new technology tree, assault and defense units. The Oil Rush is never over! New features: 5 challenging Tower Defense maps with relentless waves of furious enemies, a completely new game experience – Tower Defense multiplayer co-op for up to 3 players, new technology tree makes completely new strategies possible, new unit Raider's Catamaran – great for fast hit-and-run strikes, new tower Heavy Mortar Turret – the ultimate in naval defense.
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.


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Sports Birthdays for August 3 — Tom Brady and More
Here are some of the people in the sports world celebrating birthdays on August 3:
Lance Alworth
Age: 72
Profession: Retired NFL Player
Best Known For: A seven-time All-Star while playing for the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League from 1962 to 1969, Lance Alworth was considered to be the best wide receiver in pro football during the 1960s. Alworth was a member of the AFL champion-Chargers in 1963 and a member of the Dallas Cowboys' team that won Super Bowl VI. he was selected as part of the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Alworth was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.
Marcel Dionne
Age: 61
Profession: Retired NFL Player
Best Known For: A 10-time All-Star, Marcel Dionne played center for 18 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers. While in Los Angeles, Dionne was the center of the "Triple Crown Line" with Charlie Simmer and Dave Taylor. Dionne won the Lester B. Pearson Award in 1979 and 1980 as the game's most outstanding player. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992.
Troy Glaus
Age: 36
Profession: Retired MLB Player
Best Known For: A four-time All-Star third baseman, Troy Glaus played for the Anaheim Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves from 1998 to 2010. Glaus was the American League home run champion in 2000, smacking 47 homers for the Angels. Glaus was the Most Valuable Player of the 2002 World Series, won by the Angels over the San Francisco Giants.
Tom Brady
Age: 35
Profession: NFL Player
Best Known For: A three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback and two-time Super Bowl MVP, Tom Brady has played for the New England Patriots since the team selected him in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Brady has led the Patriots to five Super Bowls. He was named the MVP of the NFL in 2007 and 2010. In 2007, Brady led the Patriots to the first undefeated regular season since the start of the 16-game schedule.
Kris Jenkins
Age: 33
Profession: Retired NFL Player
Best Known For: A four-time Pro Bowl nose tackle, Kris Jenkins played in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets from 2001 to 2010.


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If you see error code C000-0032 when you're trying to download an Xbox Dashboard update, you might be having problems with your Xbox Live connection.
Read this page to learn more about error C000-0032 and what you can do about it.
If you see error code 3524-0000-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx (the "xxxx" groups in the sequence vary according to other factors, such as region) when you're trying to download an Xbox Dashboard update, the download failed.
Error code C000-0032 is preceded by the following message:
Can't Process the Update. If the problem persists, go to www.Xbox.com/support.
If you're seeing this message and error code, it means that you are having problems connecting or staying connected to Xbox Live.
Note You can also update your console software by copying the update to a USB flash drive or a disc. See Troubleshoot console software update problems.
Thanks for your feedback!
Provide feedback for this topic
Would you like to contact Support regarding the "Error code C000-0032 occurs when you try to download an update" issue you were reading about or a different issue?


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Majin_Nephets wrote:I'm considering using some of my last Nintendo stars to get a download code for Mysterious Murasame Castle, but can anyone tell me what it's like or if it's any good? Most of the other games are either too expensive or I already own them in some other form.
if you like quick gameplay and high difficulty, this is for you


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|CURRENT WARNING - Older Adults Should Limit Outdoor Activity - and How Old are "Older" Adults?
One of the above came out at 4:46PM this afternoon, precisely as I was halfway home on my bike. After the fact warnings are not too useful!
Sometimes government, at least at the local level, is phenomenally responsive. One might wonder about this sometimes. I'll give you an example. NCTCOG sends me email alerts when pollution levels get high. Things are, in theory, pretty bad when there is an Orange Pollution Warning. We're told to limit outdoor activity.
The alerts that have been issued SINCE "Bike to Work Day" look like the picture above. I asked the NCTCOG lady about those warnings, and particularly their mention of bikes as shown in the "before" warnings that are pictured below.
No, I didn't suggest they actually eradicate cycling from their suggestions, merely that they might want to consider what they are advising. Mostly, I get these after I have left for work and am checking my email at Starbucks on the way home. Yup, simply based on a semi-serious inquiry at BTW Day, NCTCOG has changed their email broadcasts. I was surprised, particularly after the response I got from Fort Worth when I made input to their bike plan.
Government response aside, has anyone in otherwise reasonable health ever suffered some sort of damage due to failure to limit outdoor activity during such episodes? For example, would the Cowboys or Rangers cancel a game due to a pollution warning?
|Before BTW Day, We Older Types Were Supposed to Limit Outdoor Activity but Were Also
Supposed Bike or Walk Instead of Driving


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But I heard her exclaim, 'ere she drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all...,
except for those people in Jersey!"
I'm not telling you who to be friends with. It just offends me that Bonnie and the Jersey Family have nothing to do with me except when you're in town, and that's because my life is hard and I have no money. If I were married and had money, it would be different. They don't want to deal with anything unpleasant. That is why Claire-Ruth has nothing to do with Nan. My sister has nothing to do with me. The only thing that offends me is that YOU are not offended by this.
They are self-absorbed, narcissistic people and I want nothing to do with them, either. So, when Holidays come around and they celebrate and do NOT invite me, do not expect me to go when you show up in town and I suddenly get an invitation.
Acting Workshops
3 years ago


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en la tierra como en el cielo.
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Bertazzoni Spa-Pro90 6 Mfe S Ar Arancio Freestanding Cooker
At Design Interviews
Interview with Bertazzoni Spa : Frank Scott: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?. Bertazzoni Spa : Bertazzoni is a cooking appliances specialist with over 130 years experience of excellence in manufacturing. We design tools for people who loves to cook meaning they have to be performing, reliable, ergonomic and why not incredibly beautiful. .Frank Scott: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?. Bertazzoni Spa : Professional Series is the flagship series of our brand: it's a " memory" piece that brings together the best technology for cooking and an extremely stylish design. Clean lines, balance, the best quality materials and finishes to fit the most beautiful kitchens in the world, from modern to traditional and classic. .Frank Scott: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?. Bertazzoni Spa : It took about 2 years considering all the technological issues and the meticulous research for the best materials and finishes. For example we were not happy with the standard colour techniques of our industry and we decided to use the luxury sport car industry painting process. The result is gorgeous but you can imagine it took time. .Frank Scott: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?. Bertazzoni Spa : The unique design of this cookers keeps the mark of an old stove but at the same time is extremely contemporary, becoming transitional. It's for the "old times" lovers and for the "design freak" trendsetters: goal achieved .Frank Scott: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?. Bertazzoni Spa : No .Frank Scott: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?. Bertazzoni Spa : The entire Bertazzoni design team worked at the project. .Frank Scott: Who is the target customer for his design?. Bertazzoni Spa : The target customer is passionate about cooking, he/she wants to take care of his family and friends and for this needs performances. But he/she also considers preparing good food as part of an amazing lifestyle: hosting people for dinners is a joy and showing them a beautiful house and kitchen is part of the pleasure. .Frank Scott: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?. Bertazzoni Spa : The strong personality of this product, helped by the vibrant colors of Italy that add energy, freshness and joy. .Frank Scott: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?. Bertazzoni Spa : Professional Series immediately talks about performances, ergonomics and good results. Even if this is a product for domestic use we took the best features of the commercial cookers and adapted to everyday use. .Frank Scott: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?. Bertazzoni Spa : Sketches first , then Solid Edge, 3d renderings, 3d printers for small parts. .Frank Scott: What is the most unique aspect of your design?. Bertazzoni Spa : This design is the perfect bland of the 3 values of the Bertazzoni brand: heritage, engineering and food culture. .Frank Scott: What is the role of technology in this particular design?. Bertazzoni Spa : Technology is changing the world of cooking, and not just in terms of safety or energy efficiency, but also in terms of preparations and cooking results. Thanks to intelligent machines like this one the user can experience sofisticated cooking without the stress of the uncertainty. The challenge here was to have all the latest technology in cooking, for example the temperature control in cooking, keeping the ease of use and good design lines of a memory product. .Frank Scott: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?. Bertazzoni Spa : Yes, we made studies and market research both on consumers and on technology .Frank Scott: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?. Bertazzoni Spa : Bertazzoni is an Italian brand that sells in over 60 countries in the world. We always think international. .
Bertazzoni Spa-Pro90 6 Mfe S Ar Arancio Freestanding Cooker Images:
End of the article, click here to go back to previous page, or alternatively go back to Tasarim Dergi homepage.


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This limited edition Acrylic Glass Print, designed by Thinus Mathee, comes with a numbered and signed certificate of authenticity. Printed on archival-quality photo paper mounted on the back of a 1/8" thick, clear acrylic substrate, this artwork comes ready to hang on a wire attached to a wooden frame fixed on the back.
On a visit to Italy in 2016, I noticed the integral strand of the bicycle in the social fabric weave of normal Italian. Some were fashionable by brand, some by wear, but from what I could gather, the bicycle was a normal choice of transport. It was not a phenomenon that needed to be accommodated in the public transport system, such as in my own country. It seemed like it was the system. As I walked through parts of Rome, Cremona and to a lesser extent, Milan, I found them locked up in the streets, waiting patiently to take the rider to where they wanted to go. Maybe, the bicycle's important thread in the fabric of society was accentuated by my viewing of the 1948 film "Ladri di Biciclette" (Bicycle thieves).
Sasolburg, South Africa


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A few things I'll always love: big hair and television. My DVR is the hardest working electronic in my house, and it will be adding ABC's new Texas-inspired show GCB to its roster. It's Texas, so GCB is about big hair and larger than life everything. Premiering Sunday, March 4, at 10 p.m. est. (in Pan Am's time slot), GCB starts with high school "mean girl" Amanda Vaughn (Leslie Bibb) being forced to return home to Dallas in disgrace after her marriage ends in scandal. The problem is that Amanda is nothing like the girl she was 20 years ago and is hesitant about re-entering this world of opulence, status and salacious rumor mills. She is hopeful for a new start, but soon finds it's not that easy to escape your past in this tightknit community.
To get in the Texas spirit, we have a special GCB Beauty Kit* to give away to one (1) Product Girl reader. The kit includes:
- Nail Polish
- Tweezerman Nail File
- Dual Lip Gloss
- Big Lash Mascara
- Faux Eyelashes
- Minimergency Kit
- Mini Designer Perfume
To enter to win, watch the GCB preview below (or here) and leave us a comment with your thoughts! Will you watch? We'll pick one winner on the day of the premiere, Sunday, March 4.
*Prize pack valued at $55; Prizing courtesy of ABC
**GIVEAWAY CLOSED. Congrats to Kristin, winner of the GCB Beauty Bag!
***For more ways to win GCB prizes, visit www.GCBConfessions.com through March 15 and tweet #GCB to unlock exclusive content and be entered for a chance to win.


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|Suffolk County has 8 regions and 293 groups. To participate, you must first join a group in Suffolk County or create your own.
Most Active Groups in Suffolk County
Topics in Suffolk County
Here are some popular discussions in this region. In order to post new messages, you need to become a member of the belonging groups first.
To link to this group (Suffolk County) use [group 1350] in your messages.
More in Metro NYC / Long Island
|Local Blogs


text: Enabling end users both to modify the way they access health information and to combine together and tailor the features of different health IT application modules to meet their own unique needs and preferences is integral to improving health and well-being. With these abilities, end users will be able to create affordable, easy-to-use, up-to-date health IT solutions for personal health, healthcare delivery, and population health purposes. The result is end user empowerment in all health system domains.


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VOLUNTEERS have marked half a century of raising cash to support Oxford's Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre.
The League of Friends of the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC) celebrated the milestone at the Windmill Road hospital on Monday.
They have raised £1.1m over the past 50 years with the league's shop and daily visits to wards to sell food, toiletries and newspapers.
It formed on March 24, 1964, with the aim to 'bring in happiness to the hospital'.
The 70 volunteers at the hospital – for people with bone and joint problems – serve about 2,500 cups of tea and coffee each week.
Items bought for the hospital include an ultrasound scanner for prosthetic limbs, adjustable physiotherapy tables and wheelchair weighing scales.
Sir Jonathan Michael, chief executive of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the hospital, paid tribute to the league.
He joined volunteers for tea and a birthday cake and also unveiled a plaque to mark their achievements in the hall of the hospital, next to the League of Friends shop.
Joining celebrations was the league's longest-serving volunteering, Jean Burley, who has been helping out for 38 years.
The 79-year-old, from Frilford Heath, near Abingdon, said: "Some patients do not have visitors and can't buy anything.
"If you are in bed and can't get out it is very hard, so it is nice to feel useful. People come in to the hospital in terrible pain and go home without it. I've seen an incredible change since I started in 1976 – the standards have gone way up.
"It was good before but it was nothing like the fantastic hospital it is now."
Photos of the volunteers from the past 50 years and equipment bought by them are on show in the NOC entrance hall this week.
Sir Jonathan said: "We would like to thank the League of Friends for all of their support over the last 50 years and what they continue to give on a daily basis to patients, visitors and staff.
"It really is very much appreciated and we hope that it continues for many years to come."
Chairwoman of the league, Maureen Pope, said: "It was a great success. The day was really about being very proud of the fact we have gifted to the hospital to the value of £1,126,284."


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Polyon Wordpress Theme - Rating, Reviews, Preview, Demo & Download
Theme Description
Polyon is a WordPress theme of the next generation and best suited for small and big businesses.
With 350+ admin options (see here) it is one of the most customizable themes here on ThemeForest.
The SEO optimized theme lets you choose between 300+ fonts, you have extensive color and typography options (yes, you can even change the font size) and with the background uploader you can easily personalize your website.
No HTML/CSS knowledge is needed to create unique designs.
The visual shortcode generator with 100+ shortcodes is as easy as clicking a button and helps you to format and spice up your content the way you want it.
You're also free to change the sizes of ALL images, thanks to Polyon's dynamic image resizing capabilities.
The layout can be set to boxed or full-width and you decide weather you want a bold or minimalistic look.
With the choice between 8 different front page styles and 24+ layout variations for your blog and portfolio pages, it's a breeze to find the right style.
Sidebars are unlimited too, just like the number of your portfolio pages.
Polyon is translation ready, with English, Dutch, French, Spanish and German already included.
I could go on and on, but you should check out the Live Preview to see it for yourself.
I've created a Customizer for it, so you can play with all the different layout options and colors. Enjoy!
Key Features
350+ Admin Options (see here)
Even though Polyon has a ton of options, it works completely out of the box.
The options just give you the freedom to to customize almost every single corner of the theme if you want to.
Unlimited Colors (see here)
Set which ever color you like for 43 objects in the theme via color picker.
You don't have to set every color separately.
With the QuickPicker you can set one color scheme and all other fields get synced automatically.
Unlimited Portfolios (see here)
Set up as many portfolio pages as needed.
You can even adjust the height of your featured images for every page separately if you have one portfolio for websites whose images need to be in landscape mode and one for portrait photography.
You can also choose to disable excerpts, title or featured images.
Unlimited Sidebars (see here)
Create a sidebar, fill it up with widgets and assign it to any page you like.
Unlimited Layout Combinations
Pick from a variety of column and grid layouts, full width or with sidebar, with or without excerpts, buttons, or featured images.
Design your site your way!
SEO Optimized
Polyon was designed with SEO in mind from the start.
HTML5 makes it possible to assign H1 tags not only to the site title, but also to the main post and page titles.
In the code hierarchy the content is always placed before the sidebar, regardless of its position.
100+ Shortcodes with Visual Shortcode Generator (tons of optional display settings)
You never have to remember a shortcode again.
With a few clicks you can configure your shortcode and even get a preview how it will look.
300+ Fonts (support for Google Web Fonts and integrated Fonts via @font-face)
Not only that you can pick between 300+ Fonts, you can also apply them to various areas of your site.
Endless possibilities.
Background Uploader (see here)
You can not only choose from the backgrounds that already come with Polyon, but upload your own images for 3 different areas of the theme.
Full and Boxed Layout
Besides the default (full) layout you can pick between 2 boxed layouts and apply backgrounds to them.
8 Front Page Variations
Choose between 4 Sliders and 4 layouts for videos or images.
Then pick a page whose contents you want to show on the front page.
Minimalistic Layout Option
If you don't want a fancy 3D look with shadows and shades you can easily switch to a minimalistic look that removes all the bells and whistles and leaves the theme with a clean look.
Extensive Typography Options (see here)
You have full control over 300+ fonts and Polyon lets you even adjust their sizes for various areas of the theme.
8 Custom Widgets
Social Links, Contact Data, Latest Posts (List and Image Style), Latest Work (List and Image Style), 125 Pixel Ads, Flickr Stream, Twitter
Image Size Options (see here)
Polyon gives you absolute control over every image on your page.
This is especially great for photographers, since you can pick default sizes to crop your featured images or simply set them to adapt the height.
If you need to make an exception, no problem – simply change the settings for a single page, or overwrite the featured image just for the page view and not for the blog overview.
Also notable: No TimThumb is needed. So you don't have to worry about security issues, folder permissions and weirdly cropped images.
Child Theme Support
Polyon is a robust parent theme, so if you want to change something, all you have to do is to use the integrated child theme skeleton and overwrite the already existing functions.
This way the original theme stays untouched and you can preform updates – no code gets lost.
State of the Art WordPress Framework
You could also call it "the engine" or "the heart" of the theme.
Polyon is based on a hightly flexible and modular framework thats purpose is to make the theme ultra customizable and rock solid at the same time.
Demo Content available
You can easily import some dummy content to get a quick start with the theme.
It will automatically create some posts, pages, portfolio and featured items to play around with, till you feel comfortable.
More Features
- Translation Ready: English, Dutch (thanks to Frans Pronk of IFRA), Spanish, French and German already included
- Cross Browser Compatible (all major browsers supported)
- 24+ Blog and Portfolio Layouts
- 3D Flash and jQuery Sliders
- Logo and Favicon Uploader (see here)
- Extensive Color Options (see here)
- Dynamic Image Resizing
- Optional Header Bar to display phone number, menus or anything you want
- Child Theme Skeleton included (to make it as easy as pie to create your own Child Themes)
- HTML5 and CSS3 Framework
- Lightbox Flash Video Support
- Featured Embedded Flash Video Support
- Custom CSS Support (via Admin Panel)
- AJAX Contact Form
- All Demo Background Images included
- Extensive Documentation included
Admin Options
- General Options (see here)
- Front Page Options (see here)
- Blog Options (see here)
- Posts and Pages Options (see here)
- Portfolio Options (see here)
- Layout Options (see here)
- Background Options (see here)
- Color Options (see here)
- Typography Options (see here)
- Social Link Options (see here)
- Info Bar Options (see here)
- Sidebar Options (see here)
- Image Size Options (see here)
Buyer Testimonials
I have purchased both the html and wordpress versions of this theme and I cannot tell you how amazing this is to work with. I have been a blog designer for 10+ years and I have worked with hundreds of templates, but this one is very easy to use and simply beautiful to customize. The shortcodes is the best feature, you give so many shortcodes that they really make the site unique. Thanks again.
What a great theme! Many other themes has some great featured, you put them all together in one theme, excellent job!
Thanks Ruven for the awesome Customer Support! This theme is 5 star for many reasons. Most importantly the ease of child themes. I do a lot of custom CSS and theme manipulation, and this feature has me blown away. Now I can keep all my customization in one place and not worry about losing them in future theme updates. This theme is feature rich, I installed, learned, and populated the full site from scratch in 3 days! I am ahead of official launch by a full week! Amazing turnover time. The client is very happy, and I am too. Thanks!
This is by far the slickest theme I have purchased to date! In LOVE ! Thank YOU !!!
OMG !!! I am sickened! Angry!! Dissapointed!! Pee'd off!! Why have I spent my money unwisely? I should have been just waiting for this theme from the start. It is frickin awsome looking and from what I see is very intuitive to use. It will just have to be the next on my list of purchases. I have lost count of then number I am up to now, but this will be at the top I think.
I am totally thrilled with Polyon! I am an upper beginner WP user, no code knowledge, I have purchased several themes only to experience frustration and sub par support, most of my frustration with other themes has to do with image handling (Tim Thumb script,cropping issues,size problems and so on) some layout problems and functionality issues, to the point I buy another theme, after some inquiries to the author hoping for better results.
I have owned Polyon for 2 days, and I am able to create pages and posts and layouts and portfolios and galleries just like how I imagined them!! Not to mention Ruven's precise,timely and accurate support.
I really appreciate the professional look and feel of this theme, my site is geared towards investor/trader's so presentation is very important to me. I highly recommend this theme! Today is the first day I can see the reality of my sites goals. Next task Rate this theme 5 stars! Thanks!
Just wanted to send out my respect to the creators of this theme. Best theme I have ever worked with. Easy to use and looks freakin' awesome!!! You guys rock, keep it up! If someone is thinking about getting this theme … STOP THINKING AND GET IT !
Just purchased Polyon. Some themes are good. Some are great. This theme is a masterpiece. Can't wait to create with it.
I have to say once again, I've used a number of wordpress themes and nothing comes CLOSE to everything you've done in this one!!! I hope you'll make another!!! Also your tech support is unbelievable.
General comment for anyone considering buying this theme…
It's terrific. It's incredibly customizable for anyone with no knowledge of CSS , due to the very detailed admin pages. And, if you know just a little CSS , it's pretty much infinitely customizable due to the ability to modify the CSS code through the admin pages—no need to actually edit the CSS files!
In addition, if you have any questions about how to do pretty much anything, you will almost definitely find your answer somewhere in the 35 pages of these comments. That's because Ruven, the theme creator, answers every question, and quickly. He's answered several of my questions around customization of the theme. I'd expect support around installation and basic features, but I also expected that, once I started messing around with the CSS code, I'd be on my own, since it's an off-the-shelf theme that only cost $35. But, Ruven has been very helpful with all my customization questions.
Front Page Slider
- Nivo Slider
- Cycle Slider
- Cycle Slider (Alternative Layout)
- Piecemaker 2 Slider (3D Flash)
- Single Image
- Single Image (Alternative Layout)
- Single Video
- Single Video (Alternative Layout)
Most Important Shortcodes
- Columns (1-6 combinable columns)
- AJAX Contact Form
- Gallery
- Image
- 300 Text Icons
- Blog Posts (in 24+ Layout Variations)
- Portfolio Entries (in 24+ Layout Variations)
- Pages (in 24+ Layout Variations)
- Tabs (vertical and horizontal)
- Toggler
- …
Most Important Layout Options
- Layout Size: Stretched / Boxed
- Boxed Layout Apperance: Shadow / Border / Nothing
- Layout Style: Default / Minimalistic
- Default Sidebar Position: Left / Right (can also be set for single posts and pages separately)
- Default Sidebar Style: Default / Wide (can also be set for single posts and pages separately)
- Rounded Corners: on/off
- Sliding Links: on/off
- Header Bar: on/off
- Header Bar Style: Border / Content
- Header Height
- Main Navigation Style: Button Nav / Simple Nav
- Top Bar: on/off
- Top Bar Style: Border / Headline Text
- Glass Shine: on/off
- Footer: on/off
- Footer Columns: [6 Variations]
- Footer Bar: on/off
- Custom CSS
- …
Custom Widgets
- Social Links
- Contact Data
- Latest Posts (List and Image Style)
- Latest Work (List and Image Style)
- 125 Pixel Ads
- Flickr Stream
- Twitter (ability to sort out Retweets and/or Responses)
If you have any questions, please use the comment section of this item.
This way other users can benefit from the solution as well.
I will try my best to answer every question.
If you like my work, please rate it.
If you're about to rate it with less than 5 stars, please let me know the reason first and I will do my best to improve the theme.
The placeholder images and the Customizer you see in the Live Preview are only for demonstration purpose and are not included in the theme.
- Nivo Slider jQuery Slideshow Plugin
- Piecemaker 2 Slideshow Plugin
- Slides jQuery Slideshow Plugin
- prettyPhoto jQuery Plugin (as Lightbox)
- Superfish jQuery Plugin (to enhance Dropdown Menus)
- Validation jQuery Plugin (to validate forms on the fly)
- Form jQuery Plugin (to submit forms via AJAX)
- Icon Sweets 2 for the text icons
- Social Bookmark Icons
- Fonts from Font Squirrel
- Google Web Fonts
- DF667 Chlorine Font for the Logo
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State Substance Use conference with ADAC & Grannies Group
Monday 19th Thursday 22nd May 2008 Members of ADAC joined with the Grannies to talk about what we have done and how we can assist each other there were a number of recommendations that came out of the State meeting.
|Conference Objectives:
|ADAC Objective:
|To discuss and understand the current environment
|ACHIEVEDThe current environment was explored with ample opportunity to clarify thoughts and interact with others in the same or similar fields of work. Perspectives were given the Commonwealth, the State, regional and local presenters with special emphasis given to locals such as the Grannies Group.
|To explore key strategic issues and risks, and ways of addressing them
|To discuss and clarify the roles and responsibilities, and the relationships within the sector
|To provide information about OATSIH directions and expectations in substance use.
|ACHIEVEDOATSIH commonwealth and state addressed conference providing an overview of their plan for addressing substance use and how funds were to be implemented to achieve this. Emphasis was given to funding programs in remote / isolated communities. This had a mixed reception depending on where conference participants came from.
|To share information and raise awareness of the Substance Misuse in the Aboriginal community
|ACHIEVED Conference was able to share experiences and gain an understanding of how substance misuse was impacting across Aboriginal communities.
|To promote community consultation on the topic of Community Resilience of Substance Misuse
|ACHIEVED Community were consulted as part of the work of the conference.
|To encourage local level communities to become proactive in Substance Misuse
|ACHIEVED Local level communities participated actively in the conference and were exposed to strategies and methods for gaining assistance in dealing with substance misuse.
|Grannies Group Objectives:
|To work together on finding new ways forward for tackling issues on substance misuse. The Forum will increase the capacity to do more and be more innovative, using a Whole of Government approach, working with local level community to identified service provision needs and gaps, to discuss and develop local level resource required to meet those needs and gaps.
|ACHIEVED Refer recommendations for strategies in dealing with substance misuse.
|This Forum will be important for local community Networks in driving and developing local solutions to the direction of the whole of government response to the prevention of Substance Misuse.
|ACHIEVED Conference were exposed to the proactive work of the Grannies Group which provided inspiration to engage and tackle substance misuse at the local level. Conference participants were encouraged and reassured that they all had a role to play in tackling substance misuse.
|The funders of the event are to use this Forum as part of our planning process for Country Networks
|ACHIEVED Opportunities arose for interested parties to network and exchange ideas pertaining to substance misuse in country regions.
|The Grannies Group, support by the Department of Justice, Aboriginal Justice & Communications Unit will host the Forum, in conjunction with the South Australian Peek Drug and Alcohol services.
|ACHIEVED Delivered at the conference.
|To share information and raise awareness of the Substance Misuse in the Aboriginal community.
|ACHIEVED Launching the Grannies Group DVD and their session was inspirational. It demonstrated how devastating the effects are on Aboriginal users, their families and the community.
|To promote community consultation on the topic of Community Resilience of Substance Misuse
|ACHIEVED Through adhoc discussions and sessions woven across the conference.
|To encourage local levelcommunities to become proactive in Substance Misuse
|ACHIEVEDRefer recommendations.
State Substance Use conference with ADAC & Grannies Group


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A Really Neat Close-up of Comet NEAT from Kitt Peak Observatory
This image of comet C/2001 Q4 (NEAT) was taken at the WIYN 0.9-meter telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory near Tucson, Ariz., on May 7, 2004.
The image was captured with the Mosaic I camera, which has a one-square degree field of view, or about five times the size of the Moon. Even with this large field, only the comet's coma and the inner portion of its tail are visible. A small star cluster (C0736-105, or Melotte 72) is visible in the lower right of the image, between the head of the comet and the bright red star in the lower-right corner.
This color image was assembled by combining images taken by Travis Rector (Univ. Alaska, Anchorage), Zolt Levay and Lisa Frattare (STScI/OPO) through blue, green and red filters.
Credit: NASA, NOAO, NSF, T. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage), Z. Levay and L.Frattare (Space Telescope Science Institute)


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Augusta Healthcare for Women
Your doctor may require that you have some checkups and tests before surgery to make sure you are ready.
Many different people on your surgery team may ask you the same questions before your surgery. This is because your team needs to have all of the information that give you the best surgery results. Try to be patient if you are asked the same questions more than once.
Pre-op is the time before your surgery. It stands for "before operation." During this time, one of your doctors will ask you about your health over the years (this is called "taking your medical history"). Your doctor will also do a physical exam.
Your surgeon or primary care doctor may do this.
Try to have this checkup at least 2 or 3 weeks before your surgery. This gives your doctors time to treat any medical problems you may have before your surgery.
If you see your primary care doctor for your pre-op checkup, make sure your hospital or surgeon gets the reports from this visit.
Some hospitals will also ask you to meet with a hospital nurse during the week before your surgery. At this visit:
You may also see your anesthesiologist the week before surgery. This is the doctor who will make you sleep and not feel pain during surgery.
Your primary care doctor or surgeon may ask you to see other doctors to make sure you are healthy before surgery. This may be because you:
Your surgeon will want to know that other health conditions you may have will not cause any problems during your surgery. Because of this, you may need to visit a:
Your surgeon may tell you need some tests before surgery. Some of these tests are for all patients. Others are done only if you are at risk for certain health conditions.
Some doctors or surgeons may also ask you to have other tests. This will depend on several factors including your age, general health, medical problems and the type of surgery you are having.
Make sure the doctors who do your pre-op tests send the results to your surgeon. This will help keep your surgery from being delayed.
Reference: NIH


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IBM Notes 10 brings you richer email with advanced mail management and search capabilities to help you find what matters most and keep it right in front of you.
Eliminate the need to switch between multiple applications with your calendar integrated with IBM Notes. With everything you need in one seamless experience, your team will collaborate better.
Give your business users access to their mail and calendar - wherever and whenever they are doing work - with IBM Notes, IBM Verse Mobile, or Apple Mail. Available on Windows, Apple iOS and Android.
Proven over years, IBM Notes is used by thousands of companies to deliver reliable, safe, and enterprise secure email and calendar to their employees.
IBM enables companies to scale and adapt quickly to changing business needs without compromising security, privacy or risk levels when using IBM cloud offerings.Learn more about IBM Cloud security


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How Overclassification Makes Secrets Less Likely To Remain Secret
from the doing-it-wrong deptThere's a really good point in a recent Washington Post article talking about how nearly 4 million people have top secret clearance in the US these days. The problem isn't necessarily that so many people are given that clearance, but that so many people need to be given that clearance because the US government reflexively overclassifies things, meaning that basic banal office work sometimes can't get done unless you hire "low level" people with top secret clearance:
One reason for this trend is that the U.S. government has become so reflexive about classifying information, much of which is not nearly as sensitive as an NSA spying program, that clearance are required even for totally banal work.As many people have pointed out, both Ed Snowden and Bradley Manning were relatively "low level" employees, but had access to all sorts of classified materials. While some spin around and attack them, given just how many people have top secret clearance and access to these materials, it's quite likely that this information has already spread widely -- including to foreign governments. I'd much rather these things be discussed in public and via the press, than finding out later that they were just passed along to foreign governments. If the content of these classified files is really so secret and sensitive to national security, then the government needs a better way of handling that information.
One effect of this classification of nearly everything, and subsequent granting of clearances to nearly everyone, is that all it takes is one or two loose cannons among those 4 million clearance-holders to spill out government secrets.
As it stands, the overclassification of files leads to more people needing top secret clearance, and that means about 4 million with such clearance, including all sorts of low level employees, doing basic office work, including "packing and shipping." And, rather than keeping that material secret, by exposing it to so many more people, this overclassification is almost guaranteeing that the content is less secret.
Filed Under: access, overclassification, secrecy, top secret


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Two Worlds
12 days / 11 nights from San Pedro Sula to Utila
Day 5-7: Las Marías / Río Plátano
During our stay, we enjoy many activities. For example, with the help of our local guides and pipantes, we navigate on the river to the petroglyphs, numerous mysterious rock carvings. The forest around Las Marías offers many hiking trails of different levels of difficulty. These trails lead us through virgin forest, that is home to over 350 species of birds and to many large mammal species, some being white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, giant anteaters, white tailed deer and white-lipped peccaries. We learn more about the flora and fauna, we take hikes into the heart of the jungle; observe the rich diversity of flora and fauna. Enjoy the company of your local guides, the Pech, and their diverse cultural heritage, relax or bathe in the river. Our meals and lodging are basic and at a local family's house.
Day 8: Las Marias - Miskito Coast
Early in the morning we say goodbye to our hosts the Pech and return to the Caribbean coast. During the boat ride we admire the exotic birds sighted along the way. Overnight on the Caribbean Miskito coast.
Day 9: Miskito Coast - La Ceiba - Utila
Once more getting up early, we board the morning flight (*) from the Moskitia to La Ceiba. In La Ceiba your private guide bids farewell, while you continue with another domestic flight (*) to Utila. Utila is the smallest of the Bay Islands and world famous for being one of the less expensive and safer dive destinations. Most of the island is uninhabited. These green spaces, composed of intricate mangrove forests, wetlands and savannas, have allowed to retain a unique flora and fauna. After a short walk you arrive at your hotel. 3 overnights on the island.
Day 10 & 11: Utila
Days left free to enjoy Utila with its funky island atmosphere and Caribbean charm. Utila offers a wonderful variety for adventurers, especially underwater. The reefs are packed with marine life and the corals are in pristine condition. The banks located north of Utila are frequently visited by the worlds biggest migratory fishes, the whale sharks. The best chance of seeing one is during March to May and August to October. Daily activities such as diving, snorkeling, sea kayaking or island exploring trips can be organized at an additional cost.
Day 12: Utila - San Pedro Sula
In the morning you are transferred to the airport in Utila for your flight (*) back to San Pedro Sula in time for your international departure flight.
Services Included
6 nights hotel lodging
5 nights lodging in local camps
Daily breakfast
Transfers according to itinerary
Mesoamerica Travel Guide day 3-9
Entrance fees and local guides
(*) Domestic flights not included
19% local taxes
Rates valid until 16.12.2018
Price Per Person
2 persons U$ 1626.-
3 persons U$ 1245-
4 persons U$ 1205.-
Wholesalers and Retailers please ask for special conditions.


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Urban driving
Day to day driving
Long distance driving
Experience the BMW X5 xDrive40e.
You need the Adobe Flash Player in order to use some of the features of the BMW UK website. Please make sure that Flash is installed and activated. If you have not yet installed Flash, you can download it free of charge from the Adobe website.
AUTO eDRIVE mode
MAX eDRIVE mode
SAVE BATTERY mode
Predictive energy management
Charging at home
Charging on the go
My BMW Remote for plug-in hybrids
Remote climate control


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North American Juniors
Witkowski To Be A ForceSubmitted by timothy on August 26, 2008 - 22:42
The Fargo Force have announced they have selected Tampa's 2008 6th round pick Luke Witkowski to join the roster of the USHL's newest team for the 2008-09 season. The 6'2", 200 lbs. defenseman has signed a letter of intent with Western Michigan University of the CCHA having deferred enrollment until the 2009-10 season. Witkowski became a free agent in May after the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets of the USHL ceased operations for the 2008-09 season after just two years.
Witkowski, a big blueliner known for his skating agility and speed, will be coached in Fargo by former University of North Dakota head coach Dean Blais who led the Fighting Sioux to two NCAA national championships over the course of a decade at the helm. Blais, known for his up-tempo offensive style, seems to be a good fit for Witkowski's offensive potential. Blais also coached Bolt prospect Matt Smaby and recent Lightning signee Brandon Bochenski during his tenure at UND.
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- 2189 reads


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To find out general information about diabetes, please visit Diabetes.org.
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