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Get to know a series of new technologies that will change the future of the gaming world. Various new technologies continue to paint human life. The gaming industry is also not spared from sophisticated technology injections. Although a number of the 5 new technologies for gaming use have been stretched for a long time, the new development will bring great innovation. Prepare yourself to welcome new gaming techniques in the future with the following new technologies. Oh yeah, this future technology aside from gaming will also be applied and used in gambling games. Examples are casino, poker, slot machines and other gambling games. The first time will be held on the slot machines site.
Virtual reality (VR) Technology
The year 2016 is being explored as the year of the outbreak of virtual reality technology. VR gaming allows us to feel the experience plunge and interact in the environment contained in the game. Some sources even claim virtual reality is the most targeted by all investors. Some giant companies like Facebook, Google and Intel have initiated this investment. In 2018, sales of virtual reality products are expected to reach $ 5.2 million.
Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, Playstation VR are three large virtual reality headsets scheduled for release this year. Besides Sony, which changed the name Project Morpheus to Playstation VR to instill a deep impression of "gaming", other competitors are eyeing the gaming market as the main anchored location. Intel developed VR technology on Razer cameras to be used as game controllers.
PC devices and gaming notebooks are now starting to compete to "sell" their VR ready features. Mobile gamers will certainly be sprayed with this new technology. Starting from Samsung Gear VR, smartphones, to sophisticated wearable devices now also starting to be presented with many features that will support the use of VR for gaming.
Motion sensor & Neuro-gaming Technology
Motion sensors or motion sensors have been present since the last few years. This electronic sensor will detect our movement and integrate it with equipment and the surrounding environment. The system will automatically work on certain tasks or warnings. Significant developments this year have made us choose motion sensors as among the new technologies that will have an impact on the gaming world.
Even the term "motion gaming" has come, where we can do various activities such as running, cycling, saying to complete the mission in the game. we need to use a certain sensor detector that will measure physical movements and conditions such as heart rate and the like.
The technology that is also related to virtual reality is increasingly provoking existing gaming peripherals at this time. PlayStation Move, Xbox One Kinect, Leap Motion sensor, to sensors in smartphones seems to be the door for the design and empirical of new types of games. The sensor technology that is now being developed is the detection of facial mimic movements and controls through the mind called neuro-gaming technology.
Cloud-based Services & Big Data Technology
Cloud system-based computer technology has made the internet a central server for managing large data. Especially in the gaming industry, games will be even more amazing this year with a combination of console powered by cloud based.
Cloud-based service is indeed not present first in this year, it's just that this technology will be most condemned to new technologies that will advance the game industry. Cloud-based like online gameplay and cloud storage like on Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Steam is probably not a new business.
However, let's look at the latest technology. Let's say that VR is the most focused on the higher and realistic graphics quality, this technology will spur the cloud-based needs of the company's IT infrastructure for high-speed game files, fast downloads and rendering processes. In addition, automatically creating cloud computing must be on the home setup of a VR gamer.
Cloud computing seems to not save a lot of gamers' expenses related to hardware updates. You also don't need to purchase hardware at super prices with cloud-based rendering.
5G Network & Tournament Online Streaming
Both online and offline gaming, super fast downloads are so coveted. Not long ago, Google working on the 5G test using a drone with its secret project had the name SykBender. The desired 5G network can be 40 times faster than the maximum speed of the 4G / LTE network currently available.
The 5G network will work through the millimeters-wave transmission radio that offers high speed. Further tests of this new technology are expected to be carried out at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where at this time the British government has promised that London will feel the 5G speed in the next five years.
The 5G network will best support the hot entertainment format, watching e-sport athletes become stars who play games. With ticket prices that are nothing but the Lady Gaga concert, the game tournament arena with giant screens is generally filled with fans. Going forward, executors of game events seem to be digging for extra money by marketing premium access to online streaming. It seems that the ticket format you need to buy to watch the game tournament will be different.
Cross-platform Integration
Companies are exploring ways that existing devices can communicate with each other. This trend is called Cross-platform Integration. With the latest operating system from Microsoft, Window 10, you can use a number of devices on the same network to stream the same game. The presence of Windows 10 is desired to bring cross gaming platforms more real.
Beginning in 2016, Amazon announced two new products aimed at professional game developers. Lumberyard, a 3D and GameLift game engine, a service to help develop session-based multiplayer games. Both support developers to create cloud-connected games that can take place on multiple platforms. Lumberyard will be integrated with two Twitch features, namely ChatPlay and JoinIn.
Some different game engines are also born by adopting new cross-platform technology. Later, you will play games with so many devices, both PCs, PS4 and Xbox One consoles, to mobile devices that have Android or iOS. Even cross-progression technology is also developed where we can switch gaming from PS4 to PC or vice versa, without the need to worry about losing progress.


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Habitat Conservation
Habitat loss is one of the greatest threats to biodiversity on Earth today. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), habitat loss is the primary threat to 85% of all threatened or endangered species around the world. In Canada, 90% of Carolinian forests, which hold over 40% of the endangered and threatened species in Canada, have been converted to farmland or towns.
Habitat fragmentation is as serious a problem as habitat loss. Many species, especially migratory ones, have difficulty surviving in habitats that are broken into fragments created by disturbances such as roads, pipelines and railways.
The Toronto Zoo is dedicated to help solve these problems, by restoring habitats for native species in Canada, and all over the world.
On this page:
AXOLOTL - Axolotl and Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, Creating Sanctuaries and Habitat Restoration
BLANCHARD'S CRICKET FROG - Genetic Assessment of Historic and Extant Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi)
CROCODILES AND TORTOISES - Mitigation of the impacts of bushmeat on crocodiles and tortoises in African parks
ELEPHANTS - Using Science to Understand Zoo Elephant Welfare
FRESHWATER MUSSELS - Field Research and Public Awareness Campaign
LAKE VICTORIA - Cichlids Species Survival Plan
MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE - Long-term monitoring of an eastern Massasauga rattlesnake population in Southwest Michigan
MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE - Management, Outreach, Research and Husbandry Program
MILK SNAKE - Population Monitoring in Rouge Park
PUERTO RICAN CRESTED TOAD - Management, Outreach, Husbandry, Research and Re-introduction Program
TURTLE SPECIES AT RISK - Head-Starting Program
URBAN TURTLE INITIATIVE - Management of Turtle Populations in Rouge Park
AXOLOTL - Axolotl and Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, Creating Sanctuaries and Habitat Restoration
(B. Johnson, L. Zambrano, E. Valente)
The goal of this project is provide lake remediation and to save a species from extinction. The axolotl is a Critically Endangered Species only found in Lake Xochimilco, in Mexico City. The Toronto Zoo participated in a stakeholder meeting to develop conservation actions with Mexican partners. These include long term biological monitoring and research on metapopulation structuring within the lake and captive assurance populations; ecotoxicology of lake sediments; impacts and control of introduced species; zoo based disease screening and pathology studies of captive and wild axolotl populations; zoo and community outreach programs; community based social studies to evaluate stakeholder attitudes and participation; collaborations with local food producers, farmers (chanamperos) and fishers to restore traditional agricultural practices; and training for Lake Xochimilco boat operators (remeros) to provide ecotourism income and axolotl conservation awareness.
Perhaps the most important aspect of support for these projects is the re-enforcement of fledgling conservation partnerships among different and diverse stakeholders. Conservation of the Lake Xochimilco ecosystem in the face of overwhelming ecological challenges will require sustaining such partnerships and integrating results to benefit residents of the Lake Xochimilco community, those earning a living from ecotourism, the health of communities around the lake, removal of invasive species, and remediation of the stressed lake ecosystem itself. Indeed, the axolotl and whole Lake Xochimilco ecosystem will benefit from non-traditional sustainable collaborations.
The completion of an "Axolotl Species Habitat Action Plan" provides an opportunity to contribute to existing in-country led and executed conservation priorities. These in situ projects will support a stakeholder driven Conservation Action Plan and foster newly developed partnerships and collaborations under the umbrella of GIA-X, a multi partner alliance of stakeholders for axolotl and Lake Xochimilco conservation. Partners include Government agencies; two universities; researchers and graduate students; educators, biologists and sociologists; farmers, fishers, remero boat operators; two Mexico City zoos; with participation of the AZA ATAG.
With over 9 million visitors a year Chapultepec Zoo has axolotl education programs developed by zoo educators. Additional support is required for printing of resources to be distributed to zoo visitors and education programs. Chapultepec Zoo will provide disease screening and pathology for all captive axolotl colonies and as a resource in case of sudden mortalities of axolotl within Lake Xochimilco. Toronto Zoo supports zoo based collaborations.
BLANCHARD'S CRICKET FROG - Genetic Assessment of Historic and Extant Blanchard's Cricket Frog (Acris crepitans blanchardi)
(P. Wilson, K. Beuaclerc, B. Johnson)
This study will examine DNA profiles of Blanchard's cricket frogs across the present and historic range of live and museum specimens. Museum specimens will represent the original Canadian range and frogs from the United States will determine potential source animals for release on Pelee Island, Ontario (Recovery Plan Objective). The Recovery Plan for the cricket frog has been submitted; its focus is on renewed field surveys for extant populations and to map habitats.
(T. Mason, North American Butterfly Association, Toronto Entomologist's Association, Rouge Park)
Since 1993, the Zoo has participated in an annual butterfly survey conducted across North America, from Canada to Mexico. The survey is conducted for, and in association with, the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) and the Toronto Entomologist's Association (TEA). Every year on July 1st, the survey is performed to examine the cycling of butterflies in East Toronto. The Eastern Toronto count covers a 15-mile diameter, including the Rouge Valley, the eastern portion of the Don Valley and Petticoat Creek. The 2010 count found 42 species. The early spring and constant warm damp weather created quite a change in the species count and the types of butterflies observed. The total inventory takes place between the months of May and September. Over 70 species have been observed in the Rouge since the Zoo began the surveys.
(B. Johnson)
For over 27 years, data on the distribution of amphibians and reptiles has been collected for the Toronto area. The distribution data is mapped in a GIS database and used in species inventories and watershed planning. Reptile and amphibian conservation hotspots and threatened habitats are identified. Habitat restoration projects are also identified, including the construction of snake hibernacula, turtle nesting areas, and signs for turtle and amphibian road crossings. Although data is used for the recovery of threatened species, maintaining the abundance of common species is a parallel goal in the urban landscape. Identifiers for all of Ontario's amphibians and reptiles can be found under 'Identifiers' on the Adopt-A-Pond website (www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond). Our primary research focus is in partnership with the Rouge Park Alliance and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to provide habitat use data for amphibian and reptile species at risk and to develop and implement management recommendations. A Stewardship Guide for turtles at risk provides a focus on conservation of urban turtle populations.
(B. Johnson; TZ Endangered Species Recovery Fund; Adopt-A-Pond)
Toronto Zoo Amphibian and Reptile curatorial staff, through the Endangered Species Reserve Fund, targets programmes that demonstrate innovation, community partnerships, and applied research projects for the recovery of species at risk. Past and current projects include:
Blandings turtle research in Algonquin Provincial Park, Ontario
Fox snake hiberanculum construction, Ontario
Black rat snake interpretive programme, Murphy's Point Provincial Park, Ontario
Altona Forest amphibian breeding pond construction, Ontario
Facilitating Species At Risk monitoring and habitat protection in First Nations communities.
Nk"Mip Indian Reserve Western rattlesnake habitat use and fencing project, British Columbia
Okanagan Valley Tiger Salamander and pond restoration, British Columbia.
Red-sided garter snake habitat protection, Manitoba
Leatherback sea turtle fishermen surveys and newsletter, Nova Scotia
Puerto Rican crested toad Juan Rivero Zoo outreach student guides, Puerto Rico
Wyoming toad population and habitat surveys, USA
Oregon Spotted frog population monitoring, British Columbia
Axolotl population surveys Lake Xochimilco, Mexico
Axolotl husbandry and rearing facility, Chapultepec Zoo, Mexico
Beaded lizard community outreach programme, Guatemala.
El Valle Amphibian Conservation Centre, Panama.
Asian turtle crisis- training of biologists and veterinarians, Vietnam/Thailand.
Asian turtle crisis- printing of turtle awareness and conservation booklet in Mandarin for Chinese Zoo Association, China
False gharial crocodile population monitoring in two Indonesian Parks
West African dwarf crocodile population monitoring, Ivory Coast.
Madagascan tortoise conservation
Community Based conservation of the Golden Mantella frog in Madagascar
CROCODILES AND TORTOISES - Mitigation of the impacts of bushmeat on crocodiles and tortoises in African parks
(B. Johnson, A. Lentini, zoo staff Africa, Wildlife Health Centre)
Bushmeat is a term used to describe the hunt of wild animals in their habitat for their meat, traditionally for self consumption by hunters without regular access to markets or meat from domesticated animals. The bushmeat market is not limited to gorillas and other primates but also includes crocodiles, turtles, monitor lizards and other reptiles. This practice has been taking place for thousands of years and kept in balance due to low human populations and inaccessibility of forests to humans. However, in the last century, overexploitation and illegal hunting of wild animals have placed many species at risk of extinction.
Factors contributing to the bushmeat trade are:
Logging: Large scale logging is clearing the forests of Central West Africa, so what used to be impermeable habitat is now an access road to the inner parts of the forests. This makes it possible for hunters to capture animals in distant areas.
Poverty: Bushmeat is cheap to obtain and considered a luxury item in the cities. With no alternatives available, many villagers living in poverty hunt wild animals to either eat them as a source of protein, or to sell them to traders as a supplement to their income. Traditional hunters have increased impact with shotguns in combination with snares and traps.
International demand: Many animals are kept alive to be transported illegally in the international pet trade, or butchered for their body parts, such as skins, shells, bones, or limbs to be used as decorative items, fashion items or in traditional medicine. With higher accessibility to the animals' habitats and growing human populations, hunters capture or kill animals that may be some distance away as a valuable source of income.
The dwarf crocodile is listed as Vulnerable by IUCN and listed in Appendix I by CITES, which means trade in this species is prohibited. The Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) is a network of Biologists, government officials, NGO representatives, farmers, traders, fashion leaders, and private companies, who work together for the conservation of crocodilian species. This group examines means to utilize the dwarf crocodile in a sustainable manner while protecting the crocodile's natural habitat and wild populations. CSG Experts collect information about the species' distribution in the wild and monitor its trade in bushmeat markets. Home's hinge-back tortoise is listed as Vulnerable by IUCN. The Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group is a network of over 7,000 scientists working to conserve this species. Information about the species distribution in the wild is updated regularly, and its trade is monitored closely. This group also develops plans to establish protected areas in natural habitats of the hinge-back tortoises, particularly where they are worshiped as holy animals. The Toronto Zoo provides support to protect the biodiversity of several African parks and conservation partnerships.
ELEPHANTS - Using Science to Understand Zoo Elephant Welfare
(J. Brown, M. Franke) REF. NO. 2011-03-01
The purpose of this study is to determine the environmental and husbandry factors that are most important to elephant welfare. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, we will establish science-based benchmarks for assessing individual elephant welfare by studying the population housed at Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ZAZ) - accredited zoos (290 elephants in 8 facilities). When completed, this project will provide detailed, science-based welfare outcomes that can be used by managers to optimize care and promote well-being of zoo elephants. The primary goal of this study is to produce scientific data that will aid decision-making with regard to best practices in elephant management.
FRESHWATER MUSSELS - Field Research and Public Awareness Campaign
The Great Lakes Program launched a 2011 initiative for freshwater mussels, as a field research project and a public outreach campaign entitled "I am Important, I am Protected". In spite of being cited by the IUCN as one of the world's most endangered species assemblages, freshwater mussels, especially those in Lake Ontario inland waters, are little studied and fairly unknown. To fill this knowledge and awareness gap, the Toronto Zoo is focusing its efforts on Central Ontario's Kawartha Lakes and Kingston regions, with plans to expand in the future.
A field study to determine species presence has been initiated for 2012 in the Kawartha Lakes region and multiple locations within the Rouge watershed, including sites on Toronto Zoo property. The public awareness campaign will introduce these unique invertebrates to the public, highlighting their role in keeping our waters clean. As part of this initiative, the Toronto Zoo has developed resources such as a Campaign poster, several Species fact sheets, and a Mussel species database. Only by fostering an appreciation and understanding of freshwater mussels can we hope to engage the public in their conservation.
LAKE VICTORIA - Cichlids Species Survival Plan
(C. Lee)
The perch-like fishes of Lake Victoria, Africa have the dubious distinction of being documented in the IUCN Red Book as the greatest extinction in recent times. North American Zoos are working together holding breeding populations of these fishes under an SSP. Toronto Zoo has been an active participant since the program's inception in the late 1980s. We currently hold five species including the pelagic Oreochromis esculentus. The Toronto Zoo's Aqua-Links program focuses on connecting students in Ontario with E. African classes and represents a novel approach to public awareness of Great Lakes issues.
Madagascar Freshwater Fishes Breeding and Conservation efforts
(T.McCaskie & C. Lee)
The Toronto Zoo has sent a keeper to Madagascar in 2010 and 2011. We hold and exhibit three species of Madagascar fishes. We have developed breeding guidelines for these species and having successfully bred all three species and dispersed two to other AZA institutions. We are on our second generation for all three species.
In 1998 Bedotia marojejy was found in abundance in Madagascar. Last year we tried to find this species again with no luck. The villagers received mosquito nets which they fished with during the day and prevented malaria at night. The mosquito nets prevent all fish from going through where the old traditional fishing baskets allowed the fry to go through. There has been talk about reintroducing this species back into the wild. There are several institutions inquiring about this species.
In 2013 when I return to Madagascar I plan to do a mark and recapture census on Paretroplus menerambo. Paretroplus menerambo were considered extinct in 2004. In 2010 Alex Saunders and I confirmed that the species was not extinct and established that their habitat was pristine except for the exotics located in the lake. We also plan to start collecting information on Sauvagella robusta, which makes up about 60 percent of Lake Tseny's fishery.
MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE - Long-term monitoring of an eastern Massasauga rattlesnake population in Southwest Michigan
(Project Investigators: L. Faust, M. Redmer, J. Earnhardt, M. McCuistion: Toronto Zoo participants: A. Lentini, R. Vos, T. Long)
Toronto Zoo is participating in multi-year population surveys being conducted as part of a field conservation project run by the Massasauga Species Survival Plan (SSP) at the Edward Lowe Foundation, a private foundation with property in SW Michigan. The Massasauga is listed as a Threatened species in Canada and is a candidate species for federal listing in the USA. This long-term monitoring project uses mark-recapture methods for up to five years to study population dynamics over time for these snakes.
Field research has been combined with the annual Massasauga SSP meeting with participants surveying via visual searches and snake-friendly traps (funnel traps with drift fences and coverboards). Snakes that are located are captured to collect morphological data, blood samples, and individually marked using transponders (PIT tags). The snakes are then re-released at their capture location. The numbers of snakes recaptured at subsequent surveying sessions will then be used to help estimate the ratio of marked to unmarked animals in the population, rates of population growth or decline, and individual survival.
The Toronto Zoo team made a significant contribution by finding nearly 25% of all snakes processed during the 2011 SSP meeting. Temperature data we were able to collect combined with habitat observation we made will be helpful in establishing target environmental and habitat parameters for Toronto Zoo snakes.
MASSASAUGA RATTLESNAKE - Management, Outreach, Research and Husbandry Program
(A. Lentini, B. Johnson)
The Massasauga is Ontario's only venomous species and Toronto Zoo is a founding member of the National Recovery team for this species. The Massasauga is considered endangered, threatened or of special concern within its current range. The Zoo holds two public workshops "Living with Wildlife" that features the Massasauga and other species at risk snakes. An SSP was established in 2006 to enhance conservation efforts in the field while increasing public awareness through educational programs and exhibits. An AZA Husbandry Manual for the care and breeding of these rattlesnakes was developed for the SSP. Toronto zoo actively participates in a multi-year field project conducted by the SSP in south-western Michigan. The goal of the research is to gather baseline demographic data, habitat use and behavioral ecology for this species in the wild.
MILK SNAKE - Population Monitoring in Rouge Park.
(A. Lentini, B. Johnson) REF No. 2011-05-01
Milk snake reports for Rouge Park have been anecdotal. Road mortalities and a forest to meadow habitat corridor were documented in 1984 and hibernacula locations plotted for the Rouge Park Natural Features inventory. Multiple dead-on-road findings of milk snakes were recorded in the 2010 OREG road mortality survey. A comprehensive study of the Rouge Park milk snake population and habitat use is necessary to better understand the ecology (e.g. abundance, habitat use, distribution, movements, road mortality impact on population sustainability, etc.) of this Species At Risk (SAR). This study will ultimately result in the development of a Management Plan that may include habitat restoration and more comprehensive road mitigation measures (i.e. ecopassages) that target protection of this SAR. Mitigation (habitat mitigation, stewardship and snake crossing road signs) may be necessary to raise awareness and help reduce the occurrence of snake/vehicle collisions. The tablelands between the Little Rouge and Rouge Rivers, south of Steeles Avenue, are being investigated with the cooperation of Rouge Park tenants and landowners to search anthropogenic habitats near buildings and abandoned structures (foundations, wells and barns).
Coverboards have been laid out across the study site to attract snakes already present in the area. Coverboards are checked regularly for evidence of snake use, snakes, rodents and other features of interest are also noted. Data collected will be submitted to Rouge Park to inform habitat restoration (e.g. hibernacula, gestation and egg laying sites) and will enable OREG to prioritize road mitigation practices to restore habitat permeability.
(Bev Edwards, Richard Aaron, Rouge Park Volunteers, Rouge Park, Tom Mason, Lydia Attard)
This year, the Rouge Park began a monitoring program for the dragonflies and damselflies of the Rouge Park. Toronto Zoo had done a survey using one student and had established a base of 30 species on the Zoo property. With Bev Edwards as the lead, a large survey group was utilized to cover much of the valley with a result of 58 species being covered. This is a great contribution to the knowledge of biodiversity within the Park.
PUERTO RICAN CRESTED TOAD - Management, Outreach, Husbandry, Research and Re-introduction Program
(A. Lentini, B. Johnson, E. Gabura, D. Martin, C. Dutton, G. Crawshaw)
Toronto Zoo has maintained an assurance population of this species since its re-discovery in 1985. Captive animals provide a genetic resource to supplement wild populations through re-introduction of over 125,000 tadpoles. An AZA Husbandry Manual for the care and breeding of the Puerto Rican crested toad was developed at the Toronto Zoo and has been translated into Spanish. An International Studbook was completed and published. This important document provided essential demographic and genetic data to the Species Survival Plan (SSP) to genetically and demographically manage the species for re-introduction to the wild. Research into a potential nutritional imbalance (hypovitaminosis A) is currently being conducted.
(G. Mastromonaco, C. Lee, M. Filice, K. Greenham)
In November 2010 at the 4th International Seahorse Husbandry Symposium held at Chester Zoo, Chester England, the IUCN's Freshwater Fishes Specialty Group announced the development of a regional cell culture bank of native endangered fishes as a priority endeavour in response to the global decline of freshwater and marine fishes. The mandate is to systematically bank genetic material in the form of gametes, embryos, cells and DNA from as many species as possible around the globe.
Although cryopreservation of gametes and embryos is the most beneficial resource for future fish population management, reproductive cells can be difficult to handle and cryopreserve. Complex species-specific protocols are required to optimize post-thaw survival. An equally important source of genetic material is found in somatic cells. These cells are easily acquired and, being more robust, survive the freeze-thaw process with greater success. Studies in mammals have shown that culture characteristics are influenced by culture establishment techniques; however there is very little information in published literature for fishes. An understanding of cell culture parameters is necessary in fishes so that the production of healthy cell lines can be ensured. The goals of this study are to evaluate tissue storage and processing techniques on the viability, longevity and normality of fish cell cultures. This will provide us with the information required to establish adequate protocols for initiating a genome resource bank for endangered freshwater fishes.
(B. Johnson; A. Lentini; zoo staff Africa, Indo Malaya; Animal Health Centre)
With 90 species, Asia has the richest turtle and tortoise diversity in the world. However, in recent decades, the future of almost every such species has been put at risk for various reasons.
10- 20% of South East Asia land cover is forest, which is the natural habitat for most turtle and tortoise species in the region, and ten percent of the world's turtle and tortoise species are found in the forests of Indonesia alone. In recent years there has been a sharp increase in demand for forest products from the region and deforestation rates have been steadily increasing. Loss of natural forest threatens over 65 of the 90 turtle and tortoise species in South East Asia.
A second major problem is that increasing income in the region and decreasing numbers of turtles and tortoises in the wild has triggered a massive, mainly illegal, trade in hundreds of thousands of turtles and tortoises a year. Turtles and tortoises have been used by Southeast Asian cultures for thousands of years for nutritional, medicinal and cultural purposes. However, the more recent rise in demand for these species has led to unsustainable and illegal harvesting of turtles and tortoises from the wild, including species listed as threatened by IUCN and/or CITES species at risk with either restricted or prohibited trade.
Certified Wood Products are one solution to this crisis, as they come from forests managed in a sustainable way. This means that forest products, such as wood, timber, and fruit, are obtained responsibly, avoiding the destruction of wildlife habitat while providing dependable livelihood for humans. This project spreads awareness of the Asian turtle crisis and bushmeat trade, and educates visitors on how they can help to conserve turtle and tortoise species by supporting Certified Wood Products. The project also encourages donations to support turtle conservation for our Endangered Species fund and public donations. Keepers have also organized 'Toonies for Turtles' fundraising events which draw attention to some of our rarest species and breeding programmes. The Toronto Zoo provides funding for turtle conservation partnerships to help turtles in the wild and supports:
Asian Scholarship Program to train South East Asian Biologists to help turtles and tortoises in trouble in their countries of origin.
Conservation education partnerships with Chinese Association of Zoological Gardens.
Creation and production of turtle conservation pamphlets.
Support of the Turtle survival Alliance, which provides funding for:
Research and protected areas to help wild turtles and tortoises
Support of park staff, who care for thousands of turtles and tortoises confiscated from food and pet markets
Captive breeding programs to save turtle and tortoise species from extinction
Support for researchers and officials monitoring the illegal turtle trade
Training of Trade Enforcement Inspectors
The Toronto Zoo also helps turtles and tortoises on the zoo's site:
Our Indo-Malaya animal keepers have contributed their expertise to protect assurance populations (captive populations of wild species to save the species from extinction) through captive breeding programs for:
Spiny turtle (Heosemys spinosa)
Malaysian painted turtle (Callagur borneoensis)
Black breasted leaf turtle (Geoemyda spengleri)
Burmese star tortoise (Geochelone platynota)
Brown tortoise (Manouria emys emys)
Vietnamese box turtle (Cistoclemmys galbinifrons)
Accommodating, relocating and providing medical care for turtles and tortoises confiscated on their way to food and pet markets by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA), the Humane society of Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Encouraging individuals on exhibit to breed by providing them with spacious enclosures with appropriate egg laying areas, specialized diets, monitoring their behaviour, health, reproductive physiology, and x raying females to monitor egg development of South East Asian turtles.
Partnership in the Asian Giant River Turtle Consortium.
(B. Johnson, A. Lentini, zoo staff Africa, Americas, Australasia, Indo Malaya; Wildlife Health Centre)
Global declines of amphibians require an urgent response. For many years staff at Toronto Zoo has contributed to the recovery of endangered amphibians (i.e. member of American and Canadian Zoo Associations Amphibian Taxon Advisory Groups, Puerto Rican crested toad, Wyoming toad, Fowler's Toad, Cricket Frog, Oregon spotted frog and Dusky Salamander Recovery Teams). This is in part due to our success in breeding many amphibian species to maintain demographically and genetically managed assurance populations in case of loss of wild populations and developing educational resources for community involvement in backyard conservation. In fact, our popular Adopt-A-Pond Program was initiated by zoo staff to protect and restore wetland habitats in response to 1989 reports of amphibian declines. Unfortunately, amphibians face ongoing threats. We are now witnessing a crisis that is decimating a whole vertebrate class. The causes of decline are not easily reversible, nor immediately preventable and traditional conservation approaches have been inadequate in meeting these challenges.
Recent extinctions and extirpations have occurred around the world, including those in Canada. Many amphibian extinctions are not random. The primary cause of recent population declines appears to be chytridiomycosis, a pathogenic fungal infection commonly referred to as chytrid. Because there are many cases where chytrid fungus is decimating populations from pristine habitat, conventional in situ conservation techniques are not going to work.
A recent IUCN/SSC Amphibian Conservation Summit, attended by the Toronto Zoo's Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles, developed an Amphibian Conservation Action Plan that called for emergency conservation centres for ex situ assurance colonies within the natural ranges of affected populations. While there is a global response to declining amphibian populations, the zoo community has proposed the development of a global network of captive breeding programs that are linked to conservation within countries where amphibian declines are occurring or predicted to occur. In mounting a rapid response to these issues, the Toronto Zoo and our partners continue to seek sponsors for these facilities that will serve as amphibian rescue centres operated within range countries. These centres will also provide opportunities for zoos to support and train those who live with the frogs. Toronto Zoo has provided support for the first in situ captive breeding facility, the El Valle amphibian conservation Centre, coordinated by Houston Zoo at El Nespero Zoo in El Valle, Panama. Toronto Zoo, after an appeal for assistance, sent two keepers to Panama to participate in an international frog rescue and set up of the El Valle Amphibian Conservation Centre. Most recently we provided funding for additional amphibian breeding facilities at Summitt Zoo in Panama City. As a result of our success in amphibian reproduction at the Toronto Zoo and experience with over 25 years of pond construction and reintroduction of zoo-bred tadpoles in Puerto Rico, we will be receiving captive bred rescue frogs from Central America. It is sad indeed to know that the frogs to be received have already become extinct in the wild as a result of an emerging disease we seem unable to stop.
More recently, Toronto Zoo funded staff to assist the Wyoming toad Recovery Team and SSP in field surveys to determine over winter survival of toads introduced to the wild on newly protected watersheds. Toronto Zoo opened an Amphibian Breeding Centre and a new Amphibian Rescue centre with 2 new dedicated isolation rooms to increase our capacity to hold and breed at-risk amphibian species from Canada and amphibian decline hotspots.
TURTLE SPECIES AT RISK - Head-Starting Program
(A. Lentini, B. Johnson, J. Phillips, E. Nadeau)
Toronto Zoo participates in head-starting programs for two species of Canadian turtles. Working with partners in the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Parks Canada, hatchling Species At Risk turtles are being raised at Toronto Zoo until they are two years old and ready for release back to the wild.
URBAN TURTLE INITIATIVE - Management of Turtle Populations in Rouge Park
(B. Johnson, J. Phillips; Crystal Robertson; Shannon Ritchie)
The Urban Turtle Initiative (UTI) is a research project that began in 1999, in an effort to determine critical habitat use by Snapping turtles in areas of Rouge Park situated on or near Toronto Zoo property. Since the project's initiation, two additional Species at Risk (COSEWIC), the Northern Map turtle (Graptemys geographica) and the Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii), have been added to the project's focus. Additionally, the project's original study area has now expanded to include Rouge Park wetland areas southward to Lake Ontario and northward to Highway 407. and a new study area was added to the project in 2010: wetlands adjacent to the Highway 24 corridor southwest of Brantford.
Between 2002 and 2008, radio-telemetry equipment was used to track turtle movements from emergence in spring through to spring/summer foraging habitats and nesting grounds, and then to winter hibernation sites. Data collected included coarse and fine habitat characteristics, GPS and GIS movement information, and observations of individual turtle behaviours. Preliminary analysis of selected data showed that small wetlands and seepage areas are important over-wintering habitats; foraging sites and nesting beaches may be in distinct areas; male snapping turtles may hold linear territories in river habitat; and the surrounding urban landscape has an effect on the individual movement and the overall population connectivity of all urban turtle species.
With support from the Rouge Park Cultural and Natural Heritage Fund and Environment Canada's Habitat Stewardship Fund, data from over nine years of UTI research was collected and combined with literature reviews and conference proceedings to write a Turtle Management Plan for the Rouge Park valley and tablelands in 2007. In 2008, the project initiated a 3 year plan to increase significant turtle habitat in Rouge Park based on information provided by the Management Plan for Turtle Populations in the Rouge Park prepared by Adopt-A-Pond's Urban Turtle Initiative, the Recovery Strategy for Species at Risk Turtles in Ontario prepared by OMSTARRT (Ontario Multi-Species Turtles at Risk Recovery Team), and the Turtle Management Workshop held at Toronto Zoo in March 2008. Research in 2008 focused on a nest site characterization analysis to determine the physical characteristics of successful nest sites in the Park, whereas research in 2009 focused on mapping the current distribution of high quality turtle habitat throughout the Rouge and locating suitable areas to target for building new nesting areas and over wintering sites using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In 2010, the focus of the UTI's research in Rouge Park has shifted to ground-truthing previously identified high quality turtle sites to confirm their value as potential habitat, and to monitoring movements and habitat use of Blanding's turtles currently using restored wetlands.
The data collected over the past few years will be used to create successful artificial nest sites in areas where traditional sites have been destroyed or degraded (online resources detail the steps to constructing turtle nesting habitat) and build over wintering wetland habitat where current habitat availability is low. Important basking habitat will also be constructed in Rouge Park to ensure that our focal species can achieve proper thermoregulation. All constructed and restored habitat will be monitored for turtle usage and ecological function. The GIS-based hydrological assessments will be used to determine the most ecologically sound locations for ground-truthing and turtle habitat creation/restoration activities in subsequent years.
An additional research component was added to the UTI in 2011 to learn more about turtle movement and habitat use in an area along Highway 24 (southwest of Brantford) where the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) established fencing beside wetland areas to prevent turtle road mortalities. Working in close partnership with MTO, and with support from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' Species at Risk Stewardship Fund, UTI researchers are using radio-telemetry equipment to track turtle movements during nesting, foraging, overwintering and spring emergence forays in wetlands adjacent to the highway. Radio-telemetry work combined with routine road kill surveys will help determine whether turtles use pre-existing sub-highway culverts as movement corridors to pass between roadside wetlands, and whether road mortality mitigation fencing provides an effective means for preventing turtle deaths on roads. Turtle movement and road mortality data will ultimately be paired with literature studies of road mortality mitigation techniques to provide government stakeholders, landowners adjacent to roads and conservation agencies with information on the efficacy of road mortality mitigation structures and best management practices for preventing turtle death on roads.
Running parallel to the Urban Turtle Initiative's research objectives is AAP's goal to communicate turtle conservation issues and habitat stewardship practices to as many people as possible. Environment Canada's Habitat Stewardship Program (HSP) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources' Species at Risk Stewardship Fund have provided AAP with the financial support to achieve this objective by sponsoring a Social Marketing and Stewardship Coordinator, two Wetland Evaluation Technicians, two Turtle Research Technicians, a GIS consultant, habitat assessments, stewardship workshops and meetings, the writing of a Turtle Stewardship Guide, and the production of several other outreach resources over the past two years.
Education & Camps
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subset: commoncrawl


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The Slow Mo Guys Fire a Machine Gun Through a Spinning Propellor
Source: www.youtube.com
If you've ever wondered what waxing leg hair or flamethrowers or gargling look like in super slow motion, Gavin Free and Daniel Gruchy, AKA the Slow Mo Guys, have you covered. Their channel has brought us some of the best of YouTube for over six years, and they show no signs of slowing down (ha!).
This time, they're going all World War I on us to promote Battlefield 1, the new video game set during that era. In their latest video, the Guys fire a machine gun in slow motion — through a spinning propellor.
Here's their original video:
Source: www.youtube.com / Via: www.youtube.com
The video features a demonstration of some pretty amazing century-old technology. Back in WWI, engineers figured out a way to sync machine guns to propellors so that the guns fired through spinning propellors without actually hitting them.
Of course, as soon as you hear about something like that, you've got to see it in action — and action is what the Slow Mo Guys are all about. They demonstrate how the technology works by showing how a synced-up gun and propellor can both run simultaneously without clashing, and then showing what it looks like when they're taken out of sync. (Spoiler: it involves some high speed bullet-on-propellor action.)
The only downside to this killer video is that it could have been even faster. Gavin and Daniel explain that they're running their propellor at around 200 RPM, while an in-flight propellor from the era would likely be going at around 1200 RPM.
Still, the results are downright awesome. It's like dodging rain drops, y'all.
What do you think? Would you fly in a prop plane with a sync mechanism like this? Let us know in the comments below or @WhatsTrending on Twitter!


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Ferrari Considers Supercharged Engine With Electric Turbocharger
By Deeq on
01 Aug 2014
Now if you are a Ferrari purist, please put down the gun/torch/big stick and listen. The report clearly states that Ferrari's high-end, V-12 cars will remain, and that the V-12 engines powering them will also remain naturally aspirated.
The supercharger will help provide lots of power with a small footprint, and the instant torque and boost from the electric turbocharger will reduce lag in the forced-induction system and help cut emissions and increase fuel economy.
We don't have any information on what size or configuration the engine will come in, but considering the main goal of this engine is to cut emissions, I wouldn't be surprised to see smaller V-8. A de-bored version of the California T's 3.8-liter down to 3.6-liter wouldn't be improbable. Ferrari could also go for a V-6 configuration. Whatever it chooses, expect power outputs to still be well above the 500-horsepower mark.
It is still a Ferrari after all.
ferrari, electric, supercharged and 2 more...
Viewed: 1,948 times


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guest post by Ellen Muehlberger
read Ellen's article in the journal here
My article on 'Imagination, Space, and Filth in Late Ancient Historiography', in the May 2015 issue of P&P, traces the development over time of the infamous story about the death the fourth-century Christian intellectual Arius and considers its political impact. As a piece of writing, the article did not start and end at my desk. Instead, it too developed over a period of time, prodded along by the opportunities I had to present my work and the conversations I had with audiences who heard me. In 2009, when I was starting a new job and thinking about how to revise my dissertation into a book, I did what many writers do: I workcrastinated, at times, by daydreaming about a future project. I wanted to investigate in more detail a change that other historians of ancient Christianity had noted: that after the fourth century, there was a dramatic increase in graphic, gruesome depictions of death in Christian writing. Many of the nasty deaths narrated in late ancient Christian literature came with a lesson. Often the enemies of Christians, or those who were declared heretics, were the ones who died in filthy ways. Arius's death was particularly embarrassing: he died, many sources report, from uncontrollable diarrhea.
That's about as much as I had registered when the Eisenberg Institute for Historical Studies at the University of Michigan, where I work, asked me to give a lecture in their series, "Taking Place: History and Spatial Imaginations." To give a talk that addressed that theme, I was forced to think more deeply about the variations in the ancient historiography about Arius's death. So, I started to pay more attention to the part of the story that shifted most over time, namely, its setting. Early versions of the tale had Arius dying in private, but later versions located his death in the middle of a central public space in Constantinople. In the talk I gave, I had the chance to wonder about what a story (which had no basis in fact, as far as could be determined) could accomplish, culturally, when its tellers situated it in an already existing and well-planned built landscape.
From that talk came another opportunity. The Social History of Formative Christianity and Judaism section at the Society of Biblical Literature was sponsoring a panel on "Landscapes and Cityscapes" the following fall, and my colleague at Michigan Rachel Neis suggested me as a participant. The respondent for the panel, Blake Leyerle from Notre Dame, pushed me to look in a theoretical direction, drawing my attention to Michel de Certeau's "The Institution of Rot," which explains that stories about filth, seemingly occasional and organic, often implicitly point to larger structures. I followed that line, making use of Blake's work on filth, and I started to think of the increasingly specific situations of Arius' death in ancient historiography as increasingly refined statements in a fifth-century debate about religious ritual, visual representation, and public space.
Admittedly, that is a lofty set of topics to draw from a story about one historical actor's fatal gastrointestinal problems. It is the type of story that gets attention, but not a lot of critical or historical attention. That is in part because it is a set piece, told in isolation from other stories, and it focuses on a marginal figure. When scholars of early Christianity have considered it, it has been either to evaluate its historicity—did Arius really die this way?—or to read its symbolism. My confidence about being able to draw a different kind of historical observation from the story was high, though, because I had just published an article that treated another marginal figure from early Christian literature: Macrina, the pious sister of Gregory of Nyssa. Her story, too, had inspired either observations on its reality—taking it as a portrait of a real early Christian woman—or efforts to uncover its symbolic functions. In that article, I tried to articulate a third option: that a story can itself be a political argument—not just a reflection of a certain context or a distillation of other more explicitly worded statements, but its own type of contribution to an ongoing controversy.
To make such an argument is not without risk. I could certainly be wrong. The stories of marginal actors like Arius have not inspired long-running scholarly conversations, so there was not much in the way of prior secondary scholarship about Arius, his legend, and its potential political consequences. If I wanted to see what the story of Arius had accomplished, I would have to do so by crossing into fields of expertise that were far beyond my own. In the case of this piece, that meant fourth- and fifth-century Christian theology, imperial programs of ideology and representation, and the history of late ancient Constantinople itself, all of which are subjects with robust communities of scholars working directly and only on them.
I am a novice in all these things, but to follow the thread of the Arius legend, I had to write about them. Thankfully, many experts lent me their time. Between the comments from readers I approached on my own and the suggestions of the anonymous reviewers and the editor for Past & Present, I gained a great deal of insight into these other areas. Their collective help was the last in a long line of interventions that created the piece we hope you'll now read. I know it is commonplace for authors to say it, but here it is also true: whatever is wrong in this article belongs to me, but whatever is insightful or useful belongs to the gradual process of articulation, critique, and revision that can only take place over time.


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Geeqie is a lightweight image viewer for Linux, BSDs and compatibles.
It can be used as a simple, fast, database-free image viewer, but equally it can be used to manage large collections of images.
A summary of Geeqie may be found on its Wiki page.
A more complete feature list is here.
And the on-line Help file gives even more detail.
A few screenshots give an idea of the range of possibilities.
Downloading and installation
Geeqie is available as a package for several distributions:
MacOS X Brewformulas.org
Solaris Openscw.org Solaris 10 & 11
The source tar for Geeqie v1.4 is available here.
However if you are compiling from sources it is recommended that you get the latest sources from the Geeqie repository.Geeqie is stable, there are frequent updates, and compiling is a quick and painless task. The instructions for downloading and installing are easy to follow.
If you need help or have questions about Geeqie, just send a message to the mailing list.
For bugs and feature requests, Geeqie at GitHub is the place to go.


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|Welcome to the Monastery
Re: Re: fast bit twiddlingby emazep (Priest)
|on May 04, 2004 at 21:13 UTC ( #350569=note: print w/replies, xml )
|Need Help??
There's a mistake here, since the eq operator has an higher precedence than the comma.
The sub should be written this way:
Oddly enough, after the correction above this solution proves to be the fastest (probably because it reaches the first return more frequently.)
See here for the updated benchamark results.
Cheers, Emanuele.
In Section Seekers of Perl Wisdom


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The United Nations is to hold its first debate on road safety amid warnings that the problem is a 'public health crisis' on the scale of Aids, malaria and tuberculosis.
Next week's meeting will follow research by the World Heath Organisation which forecast that between 2000 and 2015 road accidents would cause 20 million deaths, 200 million serious injuries and leave more than one billion people killed, injured, bereaved or left to care for a victim.
The UN debate was arranged after lobbying by the Commission for Global Road Safety, a powerful road safety campaign group set up by influential figures, including the former Nato secretary-general Lord Robertson, representatives of the World Health Organisation and the World Bank, and the former Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher.
Robertson, who will address delegates in New York, will also warn the UN that its own policies, including the Millennium Development Goals, are adding to the crisis by investing in roads but not insisting on safety measures. Film star Michelle Yeoh, who made her name in action movies and as a Bond girl, will show delegates a film on the problem in Vietnam, in her role as an ambassador for the commission's Make Roads Safe campaign.
The group wants the UN to agree to big increases in funding for the problem - and Robertson says they have powerful support from Britain, the US and Russia. 'Every one of those statistics is a single human being,' Robertson told The Observer. 'You're talking about the number one killer of young people worldwide; the level of death is on a scale with malaria and TB, which get huge attention and enormous funds. It's a neglected worldwide health crisis of huge proportions.'
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says every year 1.2 million people die in road accidents - making it, according to WHO's 2002 calculations, the seventh biggest killer in the world, ahead of diabetes and malaria. The WHO predicted that by 2020 road deaths would become the number three killer, behind heart disease and suicide, although Aids is now a much bigger threat than when that forecast was made.
Yet international funding for Aids, malaria and TB was $4.7bn over the last seven years, compared with about $100m for road safety, the commission said.
Robertson said road safety was still seen as a 'Cinderella subject'. He wants UN delegates to agree that 10 per cent of funding for road building in developing countries be ringfenced to improve road safety measures.
The biggest killer
· Road crashes are already the number one killer of young people aged 10-24
· By 2020 the World Health Organisation estimates that road deaths will rise by 60 per cent
· Worldwide, from 2000-2015, one billion people are forecast to be affected by road deaths, injury or bereavement
· The cost to developing countries is put at $100bn a year, their total aid budget
· Wearing a seatbelt would save half of all car occupants who die in crashes
· In Britain 3,172 people died in road accidents in 2006
Sources: Commission for Global Road Safety; Department for Transport


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New Delhi, May 26:
Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Thursday said he disapproved of personal attacks on Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan by BJP's nominated Rajya Sabha member Subramanian Swamy.
"I do not approve of any personal comments on anyone, let alone the RBI (Reserve Bank of India) governor. The RBI is an important institution; it makes its judgement. One can agree or disagree with their judgement, but that is matter of debate," Jaitley told NDTV.
Firing another salvo, Swamy, in another letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raised six objections against Rajan and his conduct as a "government official".
Swamy accused Rajan of raising interest rates which, according to him, led to recession; sending "confidential and sensitive" financial information to various persons around the world; and being "publicly disparaging of the BJP government", among other things.
The other objections raised by Swamy are over Rajan holding a US green card despite holding a sensitive and very high government of India post; his insistence on setting up shariah-compliant financial institutions; and Rajan being a member of the "US-dominated" Group of 30.
After his nomination to the Rajya Sabha last month, Swamy has demanded Rajan's immediate removal from the post. (IANS)


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Update notification by e-mail?Along came a spider...
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Travel Journal
Brussels - March 2008
(Tuesday 1 April 2008) by Karin
I can still get totally excited about a shower, or a flush toilet. A kitchen... what a luxury, and I can go around for half an hour in the fruit/vegetable section of the supermarket and marvel at the amount of different fruits/vegetables I can choose from. I miss the sun and the warmth (in these few weeks I've had rain, hail, cold, too much wind and even snow but very little warmth and sunshine) ..... I miss meeting new people..... I miss nature, sun rises and sun sets, an evening on the beach, stargazing, etc but I don't miss waiting for buses and planes, the packing and unpacking and I surely do not miss handwashing my clothes. I do not have a washing machine (yet) but I do know loads of people who do so no worries for the time being.
One decision I made was to not sit back every weekend but to start discovering some of Europe now starting of course with my backyard, Brussels, and Belgium. So for those of you that are interested.... keep checking as I will write a regular 'travel' update.
Now, for those non-Belgians reading, here's a little info about Belgium. With a little over 10 million residents it is a fairly crowded country divided by a language frontier which runs from east to west, separating the Dutch-speaking region of Flanders to the North from the French-speaking region of Wallonia to the South. There is also a small German-speaking area on the Eastern Ardennes known as the Eastern Cantons.
Brussels, the capital, is rightly renowned for its chocolates, beer, the magnificence of the Grand Place and the cheekiness of the Manneken Pis. But, to many people in Europe and beyond, it is principally recognised as the headquarters of the European Union and therefore, the administrative capital of still-expanding Europe. Brussels comprises 19 communes and is the only area in Belgium to be officially bilingual. Forest is one of the communes and the one I'll be living in for the time being. But just barely, my backyard being in St-Gilles and Uccle being just across the road. Speaking of a backyard, yes, I am living on the ground floor of this 1920's house on the beautiful avenue Moliere.
What a change from all those top floors in buildings with no elevator I lived in before. From an exercise point of view, the fourth floor would have been better but living only 2 km from work I walk whenever the weather permits .
Work.... not much changed and it soon felt as if I never left. I still spend too much time there. Piles of papers had accumulated and needed to disappear. In the end, I did disappear behind the boxes. Unfortunately, people still found me.
Outside of work I met with friends, did some catsitting and some babysitting (the trip left me totally broke but I do need to eat ).
I also managed to go for a hike in the Ardennes between La Roche, Hotton and Marche-en-Famenne, but believe me, if I would not have promised a friend, I probably would not have left Brussels as it rained when I left, then on and off all day and the last hour it poured. In the end I was glad I went anyway even though I returned wet and exhausted. It was a beautiful and peaceful hike and it was nice to see some new faces again. Scenically, the Ardennes is Belgium at its best, home to deep valleys, forested hills, meadering rivers, tranquil stone villages and ancient castles. For those into nature, this is as wild as Belgium gets.
Next will be the Comic strip route in Brussels.
To be continued....


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We represent people charged with and convicted of crimes. Some of the crimes are crimes only because the law says so. (See Greenfield this morning on New York's law against gravity knives, for instance.) Some are crimes because, well, it's against the law to steal a loaf of bread even if the kids are hungry. And you don't have a right to beat up the guy on the next barstool just because he looked funny at you.
And then there's the monsters. We represent people accused of, then convicted of, truly horrific things. Really, until you've walked for a while in the trenches of the criminal law, you don't have a real understanding of the things people do to one another. Baby rapers, torture killers, guys who fly airplanes into buildings, self-declared monarchs who commit genocide. Some of the folks charged with, even convicted of those crimes in fact committed them.
Others - that's another of the horrific things people do to one another. They charge them, and convict them, of stuff they didn't do. Even really awful stuff.
Out in the world there are the Nancy Graces, the Thane Rosenbaums, the Robert Bleckers, the Bill Otises. They know, just know, who really did it. They have no sympathy for the system that they claim coddles the evildoers, the monsters.
But here's a simple point, and it's where I want to go, what I want to be as clear as possible about.
It's when the charges are worst. It's when the outrage is greatest. It's when the accused is most clearly guilty in fact. When she's most reviled, most despised. When there's no excuse to be believed, when there's nothing. When it's the devil himself in the box. When it's hardest.
That's when it matters most.
Not just that we be there. That part's easy. We're there because it's what we do (again, search the archives).
Floyd Holder, a fine lawyer gone for some time now (Jonathan Turley, who tried a case with him, once described him to me as "the Rumpole of the Plains"), described to me what he called the "Heinous Crime Rule."
If the crime is sufficiently heinous, there's no such thing as reversible error.Which is, I regret to say, mostly true. And exactly wrong.
Because that's when it matters most. That's when our system is most tested.
Because that's when the Rule of Law is most readily susceptible to giving way to the Law of Rule. It's when the courts, that don't want to, are most obligated to say
NO. DAMMIT. SHIT. WE HATE THIS.But if you can't do it right, then you don't get to do it at all.
If the measure of a society is how it treats the least, the measure of a legal system, and the measure of a judiciary, is how it treats the worst.
Thank you for your attention.


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Fetish Factory
Staci Layne Wilson's horror film Fetish Factory concerns a group of women who each resemble a famous sex symbol and perform at a modern burlesque show alongside a number of unusual acts. One night, as they are at the club, the zombie apocalypse begins.
Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Horror,
Actors: Carrie Keagan, Jennifer Blanc-Biehn, Tristan Risk,
Director: Staci Layne Wilson
Country: United States
Duration: 71 min
Quality: HD
Year: 2017
IMDb: 2.6


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Preferred Hotels
- Book Now
- Holiday Inn Express Puerto MaderoThe Holiday Inn Express Puerto Madero has ready for its guests a health and fitness center, business center, public area Wi-Fi, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary breakfast. A meeting room is also available for guest use, and the hotel is about 19 miles from Ministro Pistarini International Airport. The Retiro Train Station and Leandro N. Alem Subway Station are both nearby, providing transportation around the area.


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City of Dreams: A Novel of Nieuw Amsterdam and Early Manhattan by Beverly Swerling
By blogger in Review | 0 comments
Cooped up with the Swine Flu (pardon me – H1N1) has one particular silver lining: I have found myself inundated with nothing but ample time to stick my nose in one book after another. The time goes by much faster curled up in bed with a hot cup of tea and a good book. By […]
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Member Accounts Online (MAO) allows MCLS members to access current and past accounting information online.
An invoice is an itemized list of goods, products, or services purchased from MCLS, including details of the purchase, price, and terms of sale. All MCLS invoices have a remittance strip at the bottom of the invoice for easy and proper payment application.
Statements of each account are distributed monthly to MCLS members. Accounts Receivable/Open Invoice Statements - list all open invoices for which MCLS has not yet received payment. Deposit Account Statements - show all activity to the account since the previous statement was issued, and lists usage of funds on deposit at MCLS.
Orders and invoices may be paid by check, credit card, or authorized deduction from an established deposit account. For services and products ordered on MCLS's web site, the payment method may be selected at the time of purchase. To pay invoices by credit card, please click on the pay invoice button next to the open invoice on the Current Activity account view in Member Accounts Online. MCLS accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
As a convenience to our members, MCLS will accept credit card payments for outstanding invoices. Due to the fact that this is a convenience we extend to our members, and it is not our usual process for receiving payment (our normal process is payment by check), we charge a 2.25% fee for the service. The fee is an effort to maintain our overhead costs and to be a good steward of the MCLS Membership Assets.There will be no fee when pre-paying by credit card for workshops or other products and services at the time of purchase up to $10,000. Orders above $10,000 cannot use credit cards as a form of payment.
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390 27th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
David Coombs, attorney for American prisoner of conscience US Army Pvt. Chelsea (formerly Bradley) Manning, will speak at three upcoming West Coast events hosted by the Private Manning Support Network. Mr. Coombs continues to represent the heroic WikiLeaks whistle-blower recently sentenced to 35-years in military prison.
Monday, Dec. 9 at 6:30pm — Oakland CA
Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland CA 94612
Event will include Q&A with Mr. Coombs, and a fund pitch by the Support Network to benefit Pvt. Manning's ongoing defense efforts, including pending legal appeals.
Oakland event is presented by Courage to Resist, with the support of the Bay Area Military Law Panel, Veterans for Peace-SF, War Resisters League-West, Project Censored and the Media Freedom Foundation, SF Women in Black, World Can't Wait-SF Bay, CodePink Women for Peace-East Bay & Golden Gate, OccupySF Action Council & Environmental Justice Working Group, OccupyForum, SF LGBT Pride Celebration Committee, Queer Strike, National Lawyers Guild-SF, and the Civilian-Soldier Alliance. Wheelchair accessible. For more info, contact: Courage to Resist, 510-488-3559.


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My wife Kathi came from Oklahoma. Her ancestors are Scottish and Choctaw. I have been in Texas all my life. My ancestors were Swiss and Scottish. One of the first Boozers in this country was Ulrich Buser who moved from Switzerland to South Carolina. We are primarily from central European stock and we are proud of who we are. We had loving parents who did the best they could with what they had. Kathi and I tried to improve our lives for our children. More jobs available, more innovation and more education helped us along the way.
Mexicans that come to this country flying Mexican flags are proud of their heritage also. Puerto Ricans are proud people. More than one has told me they do not like being called Mexican, not because they do not like Mexicans, but because they are proud to be Puerto Ricans. They should be. Black people are proud of their race and they should be. Black people came to the US from many different countries. Italians migrated to the United States and usually clustered near other Italians. The same is true for most nationalities that come here. It is normal for people to want to be among people most like themselves, until they assimilate with their surroundings. Many Irish families migrated to the United States during the Irish famine in the mid-1800s. Many Chinese immigrants came here and helped build our railroads. They are still coming.
We live in a country of immigrants. There are people living in the United States from every country in the world. The immigrants that are the most successful are the ones that take advantage of their natural skills and abilities and assimilate with their neighbors. People that stay in enclaves of people just like themselves and do not try to assimilate have a harder time coping, no matter where they come from or in which country they settle.
We have school districts that have to teach in 70 languages. Can you imagine how hard it would be to find qualified teachers that could make all your students successful. Wherever people migrate, they will be more successful if they speak the local language. Language is the basic way we learn to cope with each other.
Pride in your race, pride in your country of origin, pride in your family origin and pride in yourself is good. Pride is one of the means we use to stabilize ourselves and preserve our mental health. Immigrants should also show pride in their new country, otherwise what is the purpose of moving here? No one moves her to get a worse life.
We are trying to assimilate a lot of people in the US of A right now. It is causing difficulty and resentment for a lot of the immigrants and their neighbors. It is causing a lot of resentment of our government. With government policies causing fewer jobs to be created, we have less and less people working to support more and more people who are trying to take their jobs and lower their wages. This may be smart for immigrants, but it is stupid for a government, unless the government purpose is to collapse the economy. We could do a better job preparing immigrants for success.


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9-6-1 Jettisoning of External Stores
At locations where a drop area has been established for radar assistance in jettisoning of external stores, provide vectoring service upon request to:
1 - Where required, a mutually satisfactory drop area for the jettisoning of external stores will be determined by radar equipped towers and centers in cooperation with the local USAF units, Air Division, or civil operators and civil aircraft companies concerned.
2 - FAA and Headquarters, USAF, have agreed to allow FAA facilities to vector USAF, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard aircraft for jettisoning of all external stores; i.e., tip tanks, JATO racks, special weapons, etc. Any similar vectoring service given to civil operators and civil aircraft companies operating Air Force type aircraft requires written agreement between the FAA and the user to relieve the FAA of possible liability. The regional counsel's office acts for FAA in executing this agreement.
a. USAF, ANG, and Air Force Reserve aircraft at any time.
b. Civil operators and civil aircraft when a written agreement is in effect for your location.


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AnuraagaH is the Sanskrit word we place on all of our clothes. Translated, anuraagaH is a deep love of devotion or adoration. There is no better message to give yourself, or your unborn baby than the powerful, positive message of love and devotion! Allow the symbol's positive energy to flow into your body through the sacred pathways known as the chakra.
AGNI (Burnout Hoodie)
Agni is the Sanskrit word for "fire" or the chief deity of fire in Hindi. It's the perfect name for our Agni burnout hoodie.
AKASA (Men's T)
Akasa is the Sanskrit word for the first element of creation, the ether and space that existence was spawned from.
ANADA (Maternity Shirts)
Bliss, happiness, the highest and most joyous state of being; the Ananda allows expectant mothers to exude a sense of joy and bliss while literally covering their baby with love.
BODHI (Women's Tank Top)
The Sanskrit word Bodhi translates simply as to know, to be enlightened, to have reached a complete understanding of our ultimate reality. The word Bodhi is often associated with the old and sacred tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment.
CHANDRA (Yoga Pant)
Chandra is most often translated as the noun, "moon" but it can be used as an adjective; glowing, glittering, having the brilliancy of light. Calm, serene, glowing with brilliance, exactly as you should be!
DEVI (Maternity Hoodie)
Devi is the celestial goddess who nurtures and protects humanity. It's the role all mothers play as they bring new life into the world and thus it's the perfect name for our maternity hoodie!
MANIPURA (Women's T)
Manipura is literally the "city of jewels", it is the third primary chakra associated with strength. Positioned at the solar plexus, Manipura is connected to a person's dynamism, energy, and will-power.
SAMADHI (Uni-Sex Hoodie)
Samadhi is a super-conscious experience, an enlightened and ecstatic state of higher level consciousness reached through mediation and said to be achieved just before complete unity with the divine.
SANKARA (Women's Dolman)
Sankara has several translation from the native Sanskrit, the one we like best is Sanka (doubts) + Kara (destroyer) – the destroyer of doubts. The perfect name for our most athletic, flowing cut.
VAYU (Maternity Yoga Pant)
Vayu translates into wind, or the "blower of the wind" and is often associated with the Hindu deity of the wind. We want to give the wearer a sense of freedom and lightness when they wear our vayu maternity yoga pants.
VINYASA (Women's Hoodie)Most people familiar with yoga understand the premise of the Vinyasa; movements connected through the breath which form a flowing sequence. But not many people know the literal translation: "nyasa"
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3 person crew and kit
- cameraman, sound & producer/director
- Single cam
- Multi Cameras
- Lighting kit
- Sound kit
We offer Sony fs5 (sogun recorder as optional) Zeiss Primes set (28f2/35 f1,4/50 f1,4/85 f1,4/100 f2/135 f2) follow focus 4 cards, batteries, etc sony a7s mk2 as b camera 2 tripods shotgun mic, and 2x lavallier wireless mics 2x stands and 2x led lights. The camera we will use will be Sony Fs5 with suitable slider.
Panasonic P2, Sony XDCAM HD 422 & Red Cinema HD cameras, Lenses HD, Canon HD Prime lenses Zeiss Digi Prime Lenses, Digital Betacam. Specialises in sports events, concerts, television programs, news, documentaries, movies, movie-making industry and live events in general.
We are a leading supplier of 3D mirror rigs and stereoscopic equipment, high-end HD and 5K - 4K camera equipment, grip and lighting for feature films, TV and commercials.
We are a video production company in Perugia producing creative and engaging promotional and event videos. Corporate video production services from €300.
We are a multi award winning corporate video production company specialising in corporate commercial and broadcast. With over 20 years experience we can make sure your vision is made into a reality.
We are a company for media production in Italy, documentary, film production and shooting interviews in Italy, in addition to taking some beauty shots and special shots.
HD camera, lens package, batteries, cables, storage
media Tripod & fluid head Director's monitor Lighting package for interviews and
some interior shots Audio mixer, various microphones, headphones, cables Camera
operator Audio engineer Grip/gaffer Additional equipment Dolly
and track Steadicam and operator Crane & operator.
The Datavideo MS-1000 is a one box solution designed around the SE-1000 6 Channel HD / SD Video Switcher. The MS-1000 system provides the option to work in Standard Definition or full High Definition. The MS-1000 features 6 inputs (5 HD/SD SDI and 1 DVI/RGB) with 3 HD/SD SDI and Component (Y:U:V) outputs. RS-422 control & Ethernet connectivity and a built in & 10-bit & 6 Channel Frame Synchronizer that synchronizes all inputs without the need for Genlock (external Genlock synchronization also available).
To assist the producer during any live events & the SE-1000 also features 6 built in HD-SDI to HD-Y:U:V & SDY: U:V and Composite format converters & enabling loop through of each input for real time SD monitoring during production. The MS-1000 is an HD & SD solution for users that require a flexible & but at the same time affordable solution & perfect for & education & places of worship & internet streaming & Conferences and many more applications. The whole system is fully integrated with the ITC-100 for talkback / intercom & 2 x TLM-433 monitor banks and the TLM-170 main output monitor.The MS-1000 is the ultimate HD & SD Mobile Video Studio & a true one box solution for "Live In Seconds" with easy setup and break down at any location.
Sony Pmw F5 or FS7
with Zeiss primes (15mm/28mm/35mm/50mm/85mm/135mm) or Zoom Canon L (for FS7)
sxs card and reader
follow focus,
Cartoni tripod
matte box
v lock batteries
shoulder mount
+ sound operator full equipped
Steadi arm
Up to 9 meters 2 axis mobile head jib with 2 technicians.
Canon C300 avaliable.
We can offer a couple of Sony Fs100 (records in avchd 1080 30p) with canon adapters e canon zoom, with 2 tripod (small manfrotto with 500 head and bigger tripod with 504 hd head ), and small light kit: you can choose between 2x led light panel vlock powered, 2x small like lupo flourescent light or hmi light.
2x fresnel hmi 5600k (800w equivalent)
1x hmi bowens 5600k (500w equivalent) with softbox
3x stand; eletric plug and extension cord; or 1x1 led panel (we have 2x) 5600k battery powered (v lock); or lupo 6 tubes 5600k fluorescnt light (2x).
We have a sony fs7 with v lock batter plate, (big v vlock batteries), shoulder plate v mount, cartoni tripod, 4 xqd card 64gb and reader. For the lenses, we have: the basic power zoom 18-105mm f4 the cine 28-125mm f4 power zoom a kit of zeiss primes (28/35/50/85/100/135) a few modern zoom 2.8 (11-16,24-70/70/200) and regular or speedbooster adapter. We have a lights set, from hmi fresnl, to lupo 6 tubes up to the v-lock battery powered leds.
One camera and 1 soundman/assistant with basic lights equipment with quality cameras (Sony FS5 or Sony A7s mark3 or Sony FS5 + Sony lens 28-135mm + tripod + 2 led panels Lupo bicolor + tungsten light set (all with stands) + tie clip mics + boom pole + HD monitor + Lastolite. Optional: Metabones con 16-35 + 28-105 + 70-200
4x lupolight 6 tubes fluo 5600k 2x fresnel hmi 5600k 1x Bowen hmi with softbox 5500k 2x led aputure 5600k Stands. Light kit with stand, i have 4x lupolight 6x tubes (similar to kinoflo), or 2x fresnel hmi, or one bowens hmi small with softbox, or 2x aputure led lights with v lock adapter: all the lights 5600k.
For the dolly, we have a floatcam dollycrane (see Youtube demo).
If you needs to be shot on a High definition broadcast camera with prime lenses.
Top quality, experienced crews and the largest stock of HD cameras in the Italy. Includes: Sony F65, Sony PMW-500, Sony PMW-F3, Sony PMW-EX3. Big range of grip, lighting and audio kit. We do multi-camera productions and work for Italy.
Cameras broadcast eng, digital news van 800 satlink, post-production, producteur video, ob van, betacam, live satellite television, mobile trucks events, video productions.
- Kameramodell: Sony DXC - D 35
- Kamerakopf: Sony DSP WS Power HAD
- Kamera-Mikrofon: Sony DSF - 801 CE
- DVCPRO 50 Recorder: Panasonic AJ D90E
- Sony Betacam SP -Recorder: Panasonic PVV - 3P
- Objektiv Canon 16 BCTVmit 16 fach Zoom
- Portabrace Trage-Tasche und Portabrace Regenschutz
- Weitwinkelvorsatz
- zwei Akkus (Marke "Anton Bauer" Powerpacks)
- Ladegerät (Marke "Anton Bauer")
- Netzkabel
Camera on SD (16:9 broadcast) + cameraman + assistant + tripod and audioset + lights and stands + ftp send Sony EX1 + tripod + 2 cards 32 giga + Sony hard drive for SXS cards
Sony FS100 NEX
Sony FS700 NEX
Each kit provides Canon zoom lens IS and Zeiss fast primes You can chose from this list: Zeiss Contax 28mm f2 Zeiss Contax 35mm f1,4 Zeiss Contax 50mm f1,4 Zeiss Contax 85mm f1,4 Zeiss Contax 100mm f2 Zeiss Contax 135mm f2 Leica r 180mm f2.8 Tamron 90mm macro f2,5 Yashica 50mm macro f2,8 Samyang 24mm f1,4 Samyang 85mm f1,4 Tamron 17mm f3,5 Zenitar 16mm f2,8 fisheye Peleng 8mm f3,5 circular fisheye Sigma 18-125 F3,5-5,6 Is Lensbaby kit 35mm/50mm + wide and tele adaptor Sigma 20mm f1,8 Tokina 11-16mm 2,8 Canon 24-105mm f4 is L Canon 70-2000mm f4 is L Nikon ais 50-300mm f4,5 Tokina 150-500mm f5,6
We provide tripod and baseplate for the camera, and field monitor.
The kit light is: 2x lupolux fresnel hmi daylight 800w equivalent 2x linkstar 150 bowens hmi 500 w equivalent 1x coolights led daylight
Audio guy kit is: mke 40 tascam dr40 sennheiser shotgun mic with boom
2-man film crew (camera operator, sound man, mobile light kit).
we offer the f5 kit with monitor and evf, shoulder support and
tripod, follow focus and matte box.
we offer a fast primes Lens kit, mostly Zeiss lenses,you can choose six lenses from that list: 16mm f2/20mm f1,8/24mm f1,4/ 35mm f1,4/50mm f1,4/85mm f1,4/100mm f2/135mm f2/180mm f2,8 and 2 macro (50mm and 90mm).
Our technician will help you to setup camera correctly.
we have:
lupo flourescent light 6 tube (X2)
mini sliders
Mini led light battery powered
1x1 led panel battery powered
Senneiser wireless lavallier
Stand for light
Specialties: commercials tv, shows reality, shows concerts, motion pictures, music videos.
- HD Live Stand-up positions
- Play out facilities
- Interviews
- ENG crew
- News Package


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"Wohnungsnr. 31", 2-room apartment 88 m2 on 3rd floor. Luxurious and tasteful furnishings: living/dining room with TV, radio and DVD. Exit to the balcony, south facing position. 1 double bedroom with 1 double bed (2 x 90 cm, length 200 cm), TV. Open kitchen (oven, dishwasher, 4 ceramic glass hob hotplates, 4 induction hot plates, microwave, electric coffee machine). Bath/WC, shower/WC. Facilities: safe. Internet (WiFi, free). Please note: Apartment for non smokers, Pets not allowed. There are more apartment to let in the same building.
Luxurious small apartment house "Zur Matte B", 4 storeys, built in 2009. In the centre of Zermatt. For shared use: indoor pool. Children's pool, whirlpool. In the house: lift, storage room for skis. Linen change weekly (suppl. charge extra). Room cleaning daily on request (extra). Shop, grocery 15 m, restaurant, bar 25 m, bakery 20 m, café 15 m, railway station 80 m. Tennis 15 m, mountain railway, ski lift 400 m, ski bus stop 50 m, ice field 20 m. Please note: baby equipment on request (extra), childminding in the season (extra). The use of the swimming pool and spa in the Hotel petit Cervin (next door building) is included in the price. From approx. 18 Apr. to 18 June and from 19 Sept. to 30 Nov. the wellness centre is closed. Pets are not
Haus Zur Matte B
2-bed-apartment - 2212505
Hofmattstrasse 7, 3920 Zermatt
Phone +41 27 967 36 54
not-smoking free-wifi


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5 Lessons that may help obtain admission you in a Business School
Business school application may be a long and a nerve wracking process. Preparing for the entrance examination, developing the required traits, preparing for the interview etc. all are highly intimidating tasks. To put up a cohesive and solid application for the target MBA program, you should know about some of the vital aspects related to MBA.
There are a lot of management colleges in India, which have become prime destinations for MBA aspirants. Thousands of students pass out every year from these institutions and gain top placements. Before applying to the best MBA College in Delhi NCR, or anywhere else in the country, you should pay attention to following five important factors, which will help you obtain admission in a good business school.
Assess Why You Should Pursue An MBA
MBA programs from the best MBA colleges in Delhi NCR and the ones located in the other parts of the country are not like the usual undergraduate courses that can be pursued in a casual manner. The seats are limited and the competition is intense; students are expected to demonstrate why an MBA is so important for them. Before filling up the form, you should ask yourself the following questions:
- How is MBA going to change your career?
- Will an MBA program help you give a new meaning to your career aspirations?
- What you want from your MBA program?
- How can the business school cater to your needs?
If you ponder over such questions and satisfactory answers to them, you will fill up the form more confidently and pursue the course with greater motivation.
Paying Visit to Business Schools Is A Must
Get to know the environment in your prospective business schools. Visit the schools between September and April to learn about the quality of teaching, infrastructure, ambience, academic environment, etc. You can also interact with the students and the faculty to get a better hang of the business school.
Communicate With Friends or Seniors Who Have Already Got Admission In One of These Colleges
Everyone who has made it to a top business school will have a personal experience of his/her own. They will share the mistakes they made and the tricks or tips which helped them to succeed. So, when you interact with the, you would learn many new things which one can only know through experience.
Time Management
Time management is one of the most significant aspects of the MBA admission preparation. You have to smartly segregate your time between the different activities, and ensure that you spend enough time for each of segments of MBA entrance test preparation. Spend more time on the areas where you are weak, and invest regular time in strengthening your strengths. Do not overlook them and be over confident about them.
Enrol With a Good Coaching Institute
Professional coaching for the preparation of the entrance exam can help you significantly. It would save a lot of your time, as you get well-structured study guides; and the entire syllabus is covered in organized manner. Moreover, you have to appear in mock tests which ensure that you get an exam like experience and find out whether you are capable of completing the exam questions in the given time or not. Multiple mock tests will increase your confidence and will help you ensure that you attempt all the questions in the scheduled time.


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Recently, we rented a cottage near the coast for the bank holiday weekend. A short family break, away from the drudgery of everyday life. Looked forward to with expectation by the family – I think we managed to escape many of the most common pitfalls that I was expecting.
When first perusing a area that you've never visited before online. You are inevitably shown numerous regional dusty attractions – normally a combination of small museums and visitor centers. You have to applaud them for their effort in attempting to make the dull, dusty exhibits interesting. But the biggest problem is that they contain information about somewhere very regional and are run by very regional people. As an outsider this can be a little off putting.
I think it is fair to say that there there are 3 types of people that work in museums. The older person that has a basic interest in the museum & wants something to do with their time that brings in a few extra pounds each month. The second is the person that is genuinely passionate and interested in what they are doing – they live and breathe the world & have the ability to fill kids with awe and wonder. The third type, the type that we always attract, is the unwashed, nerdy, obsessive middle aged man – who, presumably, still lives with his mother and desperately needs a haircut. This third man, can talk the rear end off a donkey at 30 paces & is incredibly difficult to escape once 'engaged'. This is probably the main reason that I view museums with a certain level of fear and disdain…I always end up having to try to escape this dull, smelly person talking about something that I really don't care about at all – museums, you should stop employing these people, they're doing you harm!
One of the more enjoyable aspects of a weekend away is the prospect of finding a new, exciting eatery in the form of a cafe. A good cafe (god forbid not one at a museum), is a joy to behold & will serve a fine coffee with a range of cakes that excite & possibly offer something that you've not experienced before. In parts of the country this is quite a common and relatively easy beast to find…in the more regional, or rural parts of the country – they still seem to think that a dried out victoria sponge with a hideous dark roasted coffee is everything that the weary traveler requires. These people obviously don't have taste buds or much life experience – we left the 1970′s behind for a reason, please kindly provide me with a fine medium-dark roasted artisan coffee & a slice of bustrengo…i'll be much happier for it!
As a family, we have now developed a new tradition. A weekend away together is about quality time together, but we have now found great enjoyment in playing games together.
The weekend away now almost revolves around the board game – this often requires me to find a new game to entertain the troops with. My kids are now obsessed about finding the best family board games – they have a long list that they want to play (that I need to invest in!). For this trip away I chose Lego Creationary. While it is more expensive than the cheapskate in me would normal go for, it is a game that I actually wanted to play myself. I remember playing the original Creationary game as kid a myself & loved it…I was also obsessed (as most boys are) with lego – combine these two great things & I think you'll find most families will have a great time! Needless to say, the kids loved it & it truly did give us some quality family time…in my book, that's worth every penny.