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Plea Deals Made In California-To-Ohio Pot Case
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The case of several California residents charged with delivering thousands of pounds of marijuana to Ohio in suitcases is wrapping up with a final guilty plea and a ringleader's sentencing.
Authorities say the scheme involved 14 flights from Los Angeles to Ohio and elsewhere, distributed about 7,000 pounds of the drug and earned more than $3 million.
Sentencing was scheduled Friday in federal court in Columbus for 28-year-old David Garrett of Culver City, Calif., an alleged leader of the scheme. He pleaded guilty last year to distributing more than 2,000 pounds of the drug.
Also Friday, 25-year-old Meili Cady of Los Angeles was expected to plead guilty for her role.
A sixth and final defendant, Henry Hernandez of Los Angeles, indicated Friday that he, too, will plead guilty.
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she needs to change the batteries in her smoke alarm
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All Comments (101)
she needs to change the batteries in her smoke alarm
My pussy is so wet
Can't wait for my sister-in-law (kimmie) to fuck me in the ass with a dildo. She is awesome! I love her!!
die BBW sind echt heis
what her name
an all star, lovely pussylips.
Thick women he'll yes
change the fucking batterys in the fucking smoke alarm
Wenn ich sie sehe denke ich an meine BBS Lehrerin die auch so geile titten hatte wie sie. Sie haette ich auch gern gefickt aber naja. sehr schone Vagina hat die kleine
They could have left the camera on that beautiful face and i would have still watched
i would love to pound that british cunt and cum all over those big tits
I fucking love this vid :$ I'd love to suck on the those nipples for hours and let her lick my pussy yo ;D
Holy shit. She looks like my Mom :O
I would love to be wearing those boots while I cum deep inside you....
could not fap to much smoke detector beeping
Big girls do it better!
I'm a woman and that turned me on. She's working it.
Annoying smoke alarm. Hot looking girl, but she was so fake with her make believe orgasm.. Shut your gob and cop a face full of man jism.
Something about larger ladies.....they just reek of sex, like this hottie...
God, she is so fucking amazing.
would love to fuck them tits and pussy
Great, very sensual Girl
Simone! ;)
take the batteries out of your vibrator and fix them in that damn smoke alarm
Add a little hair, and She will be perfect
name: Simone Stephens
I love this vid bc it reminds me of my ex lol her body is identical even her feet and the way she curls them. Its weird in a way but so fucken hot lol
Let me eat your pussy
schöne fette sau
I need a woman like you
She is so hot....I love fucking BBW's like her
Back again so want to spear her some thing rotten !!!!!! So makes me horny just my type would love to join in !!!!!!! Or should i say fall in Sexy Hot Bitch Oh Yes Please .......... does anyone know her name ?
Oh Fuck I want to Fuck her !!!!!!!!!!!!
die mag mij met haar lekker benen vast klemmen, daar wil ik zij mag mij wel een keer lekker afmatten.
i need to find her and fuck her
Sorry back again.............. this Girl is single handedly responsible for a Sperm Bank Shortage !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Want to pound the shit out of her.Then cum all over her face
the big boobs are great
Would love to fuck and suck her day and night long.then cum all over her
http://www.youporn.com/watch/7940973/simone-stephens-hands-out-justice/?from=search_full&pos=1 check her out here my god id love to suck her pussy juices !
Now there's a chick who needs a good hard fuck
HOLLY MOLLY!!!!, I'm so dusty 4 these incredible huge tities, Thank u 4 the close up!
Well you could have changed the battery in the smoke detector... But 10 star girl!
Whats her name ???? Very sexy !!
so hot...i would love to lick those huge nipples and have you lick mine
beautiful.would love to rub my cock all over her
nice gave me a big one
whiss i was there
change the batteries on your smoke detector.
i love you
maybe that was me, my mother would
Alter ist das eine geile maus. weiß einer wie die heißt? würde gern noch mehr filme von der schauen
can i lick ur pussey
like 2 stick my rod in your hole babe
great stuff - you lady, are what it's all about!
Hay I would like to see that pussy and boobs up close
geile möse würd ich gern mal ficken diese geile muschi..
I love those nice big tities
Lovely girl.
can be that toy???
Nice Pussy Baby Lg from Germany
change your smoke alarm battery its a fire hazzard.
simone you sexy fucker
love to no where you live babe pop round for lucnh
nice pussy baby lg from germany
I lovee girl
I am fingering myself fantasising about us two shagging with that dildo.
I would love to play with that big beautiful body of hers and lick her pussy till she cums. She's the woman of my dreams.
safety first - that fire alarm need a new battery lol
shit those are huge!! my wife and i would love her!!!
anyone knows her please???
komm zu mir und setz dich auf meinen schwanz
my mrs has got bigger tits though!!
My mrs looks a bit like her, love to see this babe fucking
oh yeah id grap those boots and hold her thick legs apart
ur making me hard as hell!
Any more of her? Who is she?
very hot thank you
nice, but like others have said...CHANGE THE BATTERIES IN YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR!! - or - learn how to squirt so you can put out the fire yourself...
whats her name??????
her smoke alarm battery needs changing.
Leck mich am Arsch ist das ein verdammt geiles Girl wuerde gern mehr von Ihr sehen und dabei wixen wixen wixen
OMG this woman is so hot...
georgeous girl, would give everything 2 spend my life with her, everything


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Panic! At The Disco: I Write Sins Not Tragedies Meaning
Song Released: 2006
I Write Sins Not Tragedies Lyrics
as I'm pacing the pews in a church corridor,
and I can't help but to hear, no I can't help but to hear an exchanging of words.
(I love you, I love you 2)
"What a beautiful wedding!",
"What a beautiful wedding! says a...
anonymous Sep 23rd, 2012 9:29am report
This is an interpretation of the music video:
Either the meaning doesnt go very deep at all in this song or it goes exremely deep. I like to think that it is the latter
One thing that gets missed is that this song takes place over the duration of the wedding. It starts "Oh, well imagine;as I'm pacing the pews in a church corridor," this is the oblivious husband nervous before the wedding begins. He is pacing because he is about to get married not that he is worried his wife is cheating, then the exchanging of words. The husband overhears what is said and almost freaks out. notice the singers (most likely the grooms inner thoughts/consciousness) finger over his mouth as in saying he almost said to "close the god damn door" but didnt so it could be faced rationally.
The circus then comes in and it is the GROOMS family not the brides like some people think. The family's always sit on the side that the person they are related to stands and the groom is standing on that side. So, this means possibly a couple things. The groom thinks his family is crazy (doesn't everyone?) or his family is actually turning the wedding into a circus because they are catching on to the infidelity.
Then the circus settles in for the ceremonies and things are calm again. But here is the grooms family whispering and looking at the brides family knowing what the bride has done, and then someone stands up in objection to the marriage when asked by the priest (id say the father) and brings everything to light (meanwhile the groom is thinking yes do it because the groom knows he doesnt want to go through with the wedding)and thus chaos ensues. And then the argument goes on between the groom and bride with the bride most likely denying everything.
Things settle back in as the bride storms off and her lover follows after her. Then his conscience has to force him out to see the truth and LEARN the truth for himself. Catching them in the act so all bets are off. BUT one major thing is that the grooms family follows him out but the brides family did not... hmm so this shows that the grooms family cares enough to make sure that he is okay, but the brides did not. This shows the basis in what causes infidelity which is not understanding what it means to be a family and to share everything and just to be loved in general. This is why in an attempt to understand love better the bride cheats, but in the end if she had been taught love by her family she would have known not to cheat.
As you see the circus family is all upset for the groom but then they go be goofy like families are and try to cheer him up. But! where did they both go in the end?? all you see is the groom smiling in the singers costume? Well he and his conscience are one again because he finally faced the truth and is at peace with himself once more. He is smiling and with his family and the people who love him. It is where he belongs.
Asides: 1)circus's are generally like families as in they are tight knit even if unrelated which is probably why it was chosen as such. 2)The groom starts off with a split personality (himself and his conscience) so he possibly suspected infidelity pre wedding. 3)You an see the judgement of the brides family on the grooms family, ironic because the bride is the one who deserve judgment 4)you can also see the embarrassment on the brides face at the temperament of the grooms odd family. 5)When the bride is caught kissing the conscience tilts his hat and gives a face like I told you so or I knew it.
Moral of the story. Your family is important even if they seem odd to you and they are who shows you what love means and how to love someone aka not cheating. Funny how much deeper the video goes than the song itself. Sorry this is a super long explanation but such a good song/video deserves deep thought.
anonymous Apr 21st, 2006 4:52pm report
This song is the last in the story.
It goes:
'lying is the most fun a girl can have without taking her clothes off'
'but its better if you do'
'i write sins not tradgedies'
You'll notice that the end of But It's Better If You Do runs into the start of this pretty smoothly. The narrator [from how I see it] is the groom. He overhears the conversation between the brides maid and the waiter and is pretty upset. I mean. This is the woman he wants to marry and here they are gossiping about her in a pretty vicious manner.
He considers saying 'havent you people ever heard of closing the god damn door?'. but doesn't say it, notice that the lyrics say 'i'd chime in' as in, I >would< chime in. but he doesnt, because the situation should be handled with poise and rationality.
To be rational he decides to investigate these allegations. In the booklet that comes with the album there are some lyrics that arent sung. In particular it says "oh no. Her infidelity just spilled all over the floor. can somebody help her?".
so my guess is he found her out.
Yhe wedding is called off and the marriage is saved from itself. meaning that it didn't begin so he didn't have to go through the hurt of finding out years from now and ending the marriage badly.
Yhis is the bright side of the situation and thus 'calls for a toast'.
And if you want to get technical about the video. The circus folk fill up the side for the brides family. which I think shows that she doesn't come from a 'respectable' background.
-the end-
anonymous Apr 1st, 2006 4:23am report
I just went on a website and on a VIDEO Brendon HIMSELF sais that the person he plays is the grooms conscience! Go on the website "www.fueledbyramen.com/adam/mtv/panic.mov" wow this really cleares things up. So when they say "I'd chime in with a haven't you people ever heard of closing a godamn door NO, it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality" It's really the grooms conciance telling him that they (the bridesmaid and waiter) could be a bit more Quiet and then he tells himself that he should face these things head on("No, it's much better to face these kindsof things with a sence of poise and rationality"). Brendon also says that the grooms conciance is telling him that this girls not the one for him and that the brides family is wack-o. Doesn't this really clear things up, especially the music video. Wow...this is so-o awesome!
This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway
anonymous Jun 1st, 2013 6:40am report
About the groom's circus family in the video, I think it means that they show their real personalities. Notice how the bride's family has make up on that makes them seem like they're smiling, but thy are actually serious and have their eyes closed. I think this means that the bride's family hide their emotions behind masks while the groom's family just embraces their weird and different personalities.
anonymous Apr 9th, 2012 4:04am report
supposedly the bride is a wh**e and the groom doesnt know it. The man with the red suit and top hat is basically the other side of the groom. This part of him leads him to discovering the "little secret" of the bride. In the end the two personalitys merge and they become one. The circus basiclly is all the other personalitys of the guests at the wedding.
anonymous Dec 27th, 2011 12:53pm report
The whole album really tells a story, not just the trilogy. The first song is self-explanatory… Introduction. The second song, The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage, is a further introduction. The third song, London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines, is the story of how they came to be (kind of). Then you have Nails For Breakfast, Tacks For Snacks, which explains some of the background (of Ryan at least) and Camisado, which is more about Ryan's life. Then there's Time To Dance… quite some controversy over this one. Yes, I do believe it is a summary of Invisible Monsters, but it may also possibly play into the story. Maybe Ryan's dad's alcoholism lead to him to accidentally knocking up some girl, which led him to a shotgun wedding, by chance? Or maybe Ryan is saying he's lucky it didn't happen to him… not sure. But it seems to play into the story. Then there's the infamous trilogy, Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off, But It's Better if You Do, and I Write Sins, Not Tragedies. In the first part of the trilogy, Ryan talks about how his girlfriend cheated on him, and how he's making her feel guilty about causing their breakup, etc. The second part of the trilogy is him trying to get over his breakup. (If you've ever played parts 2 and 3 in a row, there's probably the smoothest song transition you will ever hear.) The final part of the trilogy is describing how he was saved from this girl, whether he realized it or not. And then there's the Intermission thrown in there to merge the two different styles of the music on the first and second half. And then there's I Constantly Thank God For Esteban. It's really just a metaphorical version of Lying Is the Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off. Yes, if you take it literally, it's dissing the church, but if you go deeper, it's part 1 again, from a different point of view. There's A Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of It Yet, is like another solution to part 1, and could be considered an extra part 2. He gets back at his ex by planning to murder her. (And I must give them credit, because the song title actually truly relates to the song itself. The reserved table his ex is where he needed to plant the cigarettes.) Build God, Then We'll Talk is the one that I'm stuck on. Maybe it's a regression of Time To Dance? Or the cause? Maybe it's another way to tell part 1. Either way, it can fit into the story somehow!
Thanks for everyone who actually bothered to read this whole thing! I know its SUPER long and not the most interesting, but I had to do this. I had to figure it out, or I would lose sleep. Haha.
Also, I got most of the meanings of the song off this site, so thanks to all the "anonymous" I went off of!
I ABSOLUTEL LOVE Panic! At The Disco, and love that their songs tell stories!! :)
anonymous Dec 27th, 2011 12:03pm report
Who's to say all the songs on the album don't tell a whole story??
anonymous Oct 30th, 2011 10:26am report
Brendon (The Singer) is the grooms conscience, telling the groom that the wife is cheating on him and that she's no good for him.
The Wife is disgraced when the groom's family trashes the wedding. But the groom only finds that the Wife is trying to hide her love for a certain 'someone' in the audience
Sky MF Dizzle Sep 22nd, 2011 9:14pm report
Everyone here is looking to superficially at the songs meaning. The video is merely a single instance that is representative of the bigger concept. That concept being that society is losing its basic courtesies due to coddling "politically correct" views. One example I can think of is the outrageous acts of depravity performed in public at the gay pride parade. I fully support ones personal sexual designation, but I do not support the flagrant, sexual, offensive acts of homosexuality that are performed in public, in front of unwilling participants, at the gay pride parade. I would have the same views towards a "straight" pride parade if the same acts were performed. If you're going to do something like that, don't force unwilling people to be witness to it. It's the singer stating that people need to retain their discretion, and people shouldn't allow non-discretionary people to perform non-discretionary acts just because we're supposed to be politically correct according to the ideals perpetuated by the media and cowards.
anonymous Aug 31st, 2011 8:52am report
haha all the other interpretations are really long,mines real short i guess....its the end of a story...and im sorta guessing by the video he's been stiched up by his whore of a wife...(she cheated on him) haha i guess thats how ive interpretated it!!!!xx XD
anonymous Aug 31st, 2011 8:52am report
haha all the other interpretations are really long,mines real short i guess....its the end of a story...and im sorta guessing by the video he's been stiched up by his whore of a wife...(she cheated on him) haha i guess thats how ive interpretated it!!!!xx XD
anonymous Jun 20th, 2011 6:30am report
the very first words 'oh well imagaine' soumds like it could be sarcastic and he already knew. Just saying. And brendon is sexy I would never cheet on that man.
Lux May 8th, 2011 5:17pm report
I'm basing my interpretation on the video, and partially the lyrics. Obviously a couple is getting married and the song is in the point of view of the groom. Not long into the video, a bunch of circus folk come streaming in. I don't think this is the bride's family, it's the groom's. He comes from a "questionable" family and has remade himself completely to please his fiance. But before the wedding, he overhears a waiter and bridesmaid saying that his soon-to-be wife is cheating. He's too afraid to leave, thinking that he should handle this with "poise and rationality" and his subconscious (Brendan) keeps saying in a sarcastic tone that "our marriage is saved" and saying that "I'd chime in with a haven't you people ever heard of closing the goddamn door". Then someone on the groom's side stands and uses the dust to open their eyes while the groom's subconscious is whispering "yes!" Everyone opens their eyes to the accusation. The bride and groom begin arguing and she storms out. Someone on her side of the church follows her, obviously her lover. The groom still refuses to see the truth, so his subconscious drags him outside to witness the bride kissing the other man. The groom's family gathers around him,holding him back and looking sad for him, and pissed at her. He and his subconscious bow, and when they rise, they are one. He is a part of this circus family, perhaps even the ringleader, and he looks happy to be back where he belongs, no longer battling himself.
anonymous Apr 3rd, 2011 4:53pm report
In this video a man is pacing pews in a church where he is to soon be married. As he is pacing he hears gossip about his bride being a, for lack of a better word,whore. suddenly we see brendon and circus folk bust through the door and sit in the pews on grooms side, probably because they're his family. When brendon sings "have'nt you people ever heard of closing the goddamn door," this is the groom's thoughts on the gossip he heard. However insteaad of acting on this he says "No, it's much better to face these kinds of things with a sense of poise and rationality." "technically our marriage is saved" means that marriage is saved from a horrible ending which is reason enough to celebrate. when both families start acting out, the bride and groom get into an argument and the bride leaves angrily and the groom watches as some random friend runs after her. the grooms conscience drags him outside where he finds his wife kissing the guest. She says sorry when she sees the groom who then becomes who he is inside and takes his rightful place as ringleader.
anonymous Feb 8th, 2011 2:45pm report
I think that the speaker is the groom. He is pacing a corridor before the wedding when he hears the conversation between the waiter and the bridesmade. The first thing that comes to his mind is "haven't you people ever heard of.." but he doesnt actually say it because i says "i'd chime in" i'd being 'i would' but he stoped himself saying "no, its better to face these things.." so he doesnt actually say it. I dont believe they actually went through with the wedding because he says "technicaly our marriage is saved" because now he doesnt have to find out in the end that she cheated on him.
anonymous Feb 2nd, 2011 2:55pm report
this song talks about how the "narrator" (Brendon Urie) is the concsience of the groom in the story. The lyrics "And yes, but what a shame, what a shame, the poor groom's bride is a WHORE" are saying that the bride is a cheating bitch pretty much and how he is making the wrong choice and how the narrator is trying to show the groom what the bride really is and well it works
Piko Jan 2nd, 2011 1:06pm report
Well, the guy dressed as a ring master is acually trying to get the bride and groom to break up. In the music video there is no one sitting in the grooms family then these circus people appear as his family. the ring master knows that the bride is cheating on the groom so he makes the bride run outside followed by another man. The ring master gets the groom and shows him that the bride was cheating on him. Then the groom has on the ring masters clothes which meaning another guy had saved the ring master from getting married to a cheating bride and now the groom goes off and saves another groom.
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Monday 17 September 2012
The default retirement age which allowed employers to make people retire when they reached 65, has been abolished, giving older workers more choice about when they stop working.
If you didn't receive notice from your employer before 6 April 2011, you can't be made to retire using the default retirement age.
Your employer must have given you between six and 12 months' notice and the possibility of an extension of up to six months through the 'right to request' rules means the latest possible retirement date that could be set using default retirement age is 5th October 2012.
Your employer can only make you retire if this can be objectively justified in the particular circumstances. This is open to challenge at an Employment Tribunal.
The change in the law does not affect the state pension age nor claims of unfair dismissal.
Age discrimination at work is unlawful in most types of employment. Employees and workers of any age are protected from age discrimination whether they're partners of firms, contract workers or in vocational training.
All aspects of your employment, or prospective employment, are protected from age discrimination, including recruitment and dismissal, terms and conditions, promotions, transfers and training.
In some cases an employer may justify different treatment of a worker on age grounds, for example to protect health and welfare.
Employers must ensure that any redundancy policies don't directly or indirectly discriminate against older workers.
For instance, if your employer identified only part-time workers for redundancy when a large number of those were older workers, then there may be a case of indirect discrimination.
There is no upper or lower age limit on the entitlement of statutory redundancy pay.
Your employer must pay you the statutory minimum redundancy payment even if you're over 65, or after your normal retirement age if this is lower.
Employees aged 65 and over who are made redundant are entitled to:
If you have dependants, you're entitled to time off to deal with domestic emergencies such as illness or accidents.
If you care for an adult who is your spouse, civil partner or partner, or another relative, or if the person's living in the same house as you, you have the right to ask your employer for flexible working arrangements once a year.
That request must be considered and objective business reason given if it's refused.
If you feel uncomfortable about discussing work problems with your employer, do seek expert legal advice before the situation escalates into confrontation. It's also advisable to try and secure a financial safety net with accessible funds should you suddenly find yourslef out of work and out of pocket.
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The mission of the NCUA is to provide, through regulation and supervision, a safe and sound credit union system, which promotes confidence in the national system of cooperative credit.
In this section, you can find credit unions and research general and financial information. Other statistics, data, and reports include the archived Quarterly Call Reports, Financial Performance Reports, and Share Insurance Queries.
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Home > News, Media and Events > NCUA's OMWI Director James Retiring
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Jan. 3, 2014) – Tawana Y. James, Director of the Office of Minority and Women Inclusion at the National Credit Union Administration, will retire today.
James started at NCUA in 1980 as a temporary technician and later became an examiner. Most recently, Ms. James led the establishment of the agency's Office of Minority and Women Inclusion as part of the implementation of Section 342 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. In this role, she addressed issues of diversity, civil rights and the promotion of minority and women hiring, as well as the contracting practices of minority- and women-owned businesses within NCUA and the credit union industry at large.
"Promoting greater diversity is one of this agency's top priorities," NCUA Board Chairman Debbie Matz said, "and Tawana has served NCUA and the credit union system well in her role as point person on these issues. She took on the formidable task of creating a new office with broad responsibilities and succeeded. She also provided valuable support for credit unions serving diverse communities. Everyone has benefitted from her wealth of experience and her top-notch management skills, and we will miss her greatly."
Since 1994, James has held executive-level positions at NCUA. Prior to taking over as OMWI Director in January 2011, James served as Director of the Office of Small Credit Union Initiatives, Deputy Executive Director, a regional director, Deputy Director of the Office of Examination and Insurance, and an associate regional director of operations. Earlier in her career, James was a problem case officer, a problem loss officer and a director of supervision.
"Tawana James has spent 36 years in public service and has been a valuable employee at NCUA," Board Member Michael E. Fryzel said. "She has done an outstanding job as head of the Office of Minority Women and Inclusion, and her expertise will be missed. We wish her good health and happiness as she begins the next chapter in her life."
James holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Maryland's Towson State University and attended the Harvard Kennedy School of Government's Program for Senior Managers. She is also a recipient of several NCUA recognitions, including a 2012 Supervisor of the Year Award and the 2007 Pete Crear Lifetime Achievement Award.
Upon James' retirement, Linda Dent, NCUA's Associate General Counsel for Administrative Law, will take over as Acting OMWI Director. NCUA will name a permanent OMWI Director at a later date.
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I have been looking at pictures of how people set up their tarps. I am confused by what people call a storm pitch. Sometimes to me this looks like you'd get more rain on you than in other pitches that people say are not storm-worthy. Usually it doesn't look any different from most A-frames.Can you help me understand different ways to set up the tarp and what makes them better in bad weather?
Wow, this should generate a billion responses, good thing I'm in Anchorage for the week because I would normally be in bed by this time.While I could wax eloquently about the similarities of tarp pitches and jazz, I think I'll just suggest you take a look at the piece posted on the Owareusa.com website under tips and gear lists. Tarp Shelters - An Introduction by David B. MacphersonMy wife gets nervous when I start to suggest we do a Flying Wedge, because she knows that means I think the wind is going to increase and the rain is going to turn torrential. The few storm pitches we have slept under have been fun, almost like the "tent" one made with the covers as a kid.Sit back and enjoy the responses.
Edited by Umnak on 03/04/2009 00:30:04 MST.
Diane,There are so many ways...I prefer a-frame for most situations, but that is just a personal preference and by no means the 'best' way. The biggest three items IMO, is to let nature help you by finding a protected site, keep the main ridgeline tight, and find site that will drain well (i.e. not a depression in the ground). Also you want to situate a side that will catch the brunt of the weater (rain/wind) to your best advantage (i.e. on an a-frame that side would be closer to the ground and perhaps even taller the the other side). For minimal percipitation I might pitch the sides higher off the ground for more head room and ventilation, and in a nasty storm pitch it very low to the ground. Stay off ridges or above tree line in nasty weather.We should be getting some rain Wednesday on the Calif coast, so go pitch it in the backyard and see what happens. Best to practice pitching a tarp several times at home. :)
For example, if you scroll down on this page to where it says "storm pitch" below the picture of a tarp, there is a picture of somebody's poncho set up for a storm. It looks pretty high up off the ground to me.http://www.adventurealan.com/Montana_2002/beartooth_fishing/index.htmI had found another picture, but now I can't find it, where someone put the back end right against the ground and the front end sticking up a little. It looked to me like it would protect you well from rain, better than the above, but he said that it wasn't a storm-worthy pitch.Anyway, if I'm going to practice setting up my tarp, I want to get good with a setup that is meant for rain.
Hi Diane,I looked at the storm pitch you were referring to. It's not my idea of a storm pitch, but if it works for them, great. I only set up my tarp in 2 ways...although I've tried lots of others. A-frame and Lean to and slight variations to them are my current choices.For nasty weather, I pitch it A-frame straight to the ground. Guylines only go on the trekking poles. I can tell you that I have endured serious rain with this setup and stayed plenty dry. Also, super easy to pitch whne it is raining because you only need the 2 lines. But, you have to slither in like a snake.This should give you an idea of how tight it can be in there though.Lean to if it is nice, usually just to deflect wind or breeze.And then the 1/2 Pyramid. I haven't used this one and I may be a bit tall to set up my MLD Cuben Poncho/Tarp like this, but I like it alot because if you pitch it to the ground, it uses only 1 guyline and 1 tensioner. Perfect for SUL trips where every ounce counts!I took this picture from the net.Hope that helps. I'll be following this thread aswell as I am interested in what others experiences have been.
Edited by Steve_Evans on 03/04/2009 09:11:59 MST.
Straight-up lean to:Similar setup:These setups were on consecutive nights, top first - both had wind barreling at the lower edge of the tarp - no rain was forecast.
Edited by citystuckhiker on 03/04/2009 09:22:52 MST.
Thanks for the helpful pictures. I like the idea of not having too many lines to set up. I am looking forward to practicing these.Mostly I want to know how to use a poncho in an emergency situation. I figure if I'm camping with just a poncho for shelter, then I'm planning not to have a roof unless it's needed.
I practiced setting up my tarps in the backyard.I think I prefer the 8x10 tarp to the poncho. By the feel test, I can't feel any difference in weight.I think the poncho might work as shelter in the rain in desperation, but I have a feeling I would not stay too dry. The roof is very close to my body even without a sleeping bag. Raise the roof and there's a chance of rain getting in on the sides. I think it would work more comfortably if I could find a log to use for one wall of my shelter. But I do have a bivy sack and would consider that to be essential to stay dry.The poncho set up as a little half pyramid makes a happy little home. I think if I would only want some privacy, this is the way I would set it up.My equinox 8x10 tarp is a palace by comparison. I don't think I would need a bivy sack to stay dry because there is a lot of room inside.Here's my love shack built for two.And here is my equinox tarp set up the other way, with the shorter end pointing up instead of the longer end. It's very cozy. I'm not sure I can fit two people in there, but there's a ton of room just for me.
Good job, Diane. Yes, In foul conditions, you'd need a bivy with the Golite Poncho tarp. I noticed that the tarp in your last picture was a little limp. maybe tightening up that corner closest to the camera ;)cheers
Nice. No snow.
Well, my patch of grass in the back yard isn't big enough for the Equinox tarp so things aren't set up entirely optimal. And I did leave it set up over night. I took the picture of it in the afternoon the following day. It was a little breezy today, too.I couldn't seem to tighten it any further, either. I think I'm spacially challenged because I always have this problem, even with my The One tent. There's one side of it I can never get tight and flat.
Ah, yes, I understand, Diane. I agree with David, no snow! BEUTIFUL!!!
I took this picture from the net.Hi Steve,That photo is from a trip I took in the Lost Creek Wilderness last spring. Here's a photo taken from the back of the shelter the following morning.I set it up low to the ground because there was a steady cool breeze coming from the west. During the night, the wind shifted to the northwest with a bit of snow. I was still protected by the head of the shelter. In retrospect, though, I should have piled pine needles to seal the gap at the bottom of the poncho/tarp. Cold wind slipping in at ground level made for a chilly night. A warmer bag would have helped, too. ;-)
Where are you that has snow?I live in Santa Barbara. It does not snow here. Right now it is spring.
Noth Idaho, Post Falls, Diane. The roads and my driveway are clear but, we got 2ft. of it everywhere else. Auuggghhhh!!! I'm SO sick of it! Right now it's snowing outside, but melting as soon as it hits the ground and anything that lasts through the night melts as soon as the sun comes out. Praise the Lord! ;)
This may not apply much, but fwiw:This is my Brawnylite tarp (shaped tarp w/ a bit of a beak)in the yard, set up like I usually do... as high and airy as I can get it.Here is the same tarp, (my excuse for a storm pitch) set much lower after a night of hard rain. (sorry, the picture sucks... it was still raining.The following night was severe thunderstorms w/ high wind and rain and it (and I) did just fine.
Well perhaps not a billion responses but there are some good comments and it seems you have figured out what is best for you. This weekend marks the start of the Iditarod sled dog race and I was staying at the race headquarters most of the week. I asked a few of the mushers what they had for emergency shelters and one did saqy he carried an 8x10 tarp. I suggested a pyramid, about the same weight but a whole lot of room.
Dondo,Small world that it belongs to a BPL member. I just googled 'half pyramid tarp' and that was the first picture that came up for me. What size is your tarp and do you find that setup is suited for rain?Diane, tarp is looking good. I'm not sure if that big green guyline is needed though ;)
Do you mean the garden hose?I'm glad I tried the poncho. I'm not quite sure what to think of it. I need a bridesmaid to carry its train when I try to wear it, but to sleep under it it seems so small.I like my bigger tarp, but in buggy country, I think I would rather have a tarptent.I like the fun factor of all the different ways to set up a tarp. And the poncho is physically the smallest package. It would be handy to stow in my daypack for those nutty off-trail adventures I sometimes do.I'm trying to figure out what to bring with me on the PCT this summer.The poncho weighs about 10oz but requires a bivy. Mine is 6+ oz, so we're at about 16oz, not counting the guylines. On the negative, it is cramped space underneath.My tarptent is 16oz. It's spacious and comfortable. On the negative side, it's very noisy in wind and it's often windy.The Equinox tarp is 14oz, not counting the guy lines, and wouldn't require a bivy. It's spacious but it's not bug-free space. On the negative side, it's saggy in the dew.I plan to bring a bug bivy regardless what shelter I use so I can sleep without a roof if I want.It looks like a tie between the Equinox and my Gossamer Gear The One.
Diane,If you poncho is a GoLite (and most others too) it has snaps and velcro to make it shorter when you are wearing it.With a bivy, you don't have to pitch it to the ground, unless it gets really nasty.This set-up gives you lots of options:- Poncho means no rain jacket - or even pants.- No pack cover needed.- Several sleeping options (bivy, tarp, both, none).It just takes a little time to get used to finessing your system.
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Open All Year
Welcome to Orange Blossom KOA !
Delightful small towns surround this Orlando-area KOA, welcoming you with a busy roster of festivals, fairs and antique shows. Check out nearby Mount Dora, popular for its arts-and-crafts fairs and classic boat regattas on Lake Dora. You can also hunt for treasures and antiques at world-famous Renninger's Flea and Farmer's Market and Antique Center. Gardeners will love Apopka, known as the Indoor Foliage Capital of the World. With easy access off US 441 and SR 429, this KOA is just 15 minutes from downtown Orlando and an easy drive to Orlando-area theme parks and golf courses too. The 38,000-gallon swimming pool, sparkling bathrooms and tropical landscaping await at the campground, along with large, grassy sites (choose open sites or sites shaded by stately oaks). Look for ongoing improvements to this property, one of the newer campgrounds in the KOA system. Pool: Open all year. Max pull thru: 100 ft. Your hosts: the Vesely family.
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The following is an in-depth guide to the regular V-Ray Blend Material. In this series, we will cover the theory behind many of the features of the material. We'll also show specific examples of settings and give you some tricks to use. While the images used are from 3ds Max, the same concepts and settings can be used for V-Ray for Maya. Currently, the SSS materials in V-Ray for C4D behave differently, so this tutorial will not be as valuable for C4D users.
Diffuse and SSS Layers
This is the most important (and, generally, the most confusing) part of the FastSSS2 material. The problem is, there are many different colors to set up and they all seem to affect one another in some way, so it can be a bit difficult to work non-destructively.
In this tutorial, we'll attempt to de-mystify these settings so they're a bit easier to work with.


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text: One of the key features of the quantum Hall effect (QHE) is the fractional charge and statistics of quasiparticles. Fractionally charged anyons accumulate non-trivial phases when they encircle each other. In some QHE systems an unusual type of particles, called non-Abelian anyons, is expected to exist. When one non-Abelian particle makes a circle around another anyon this changes not only the phase but even the direction of the quantum-state vector in the Hilbert space. This property makes non-Abelian anyons promising for fault-tolerant quantum computation. Several experiments allowed an observation of fractional charges. Probing exchange statistics is more difficult and has not been accomplished for identical anyons so far. We will discuss how the statistics can be probed with Mach-Zehnder interferometry, tunneling experiments and far-from-equilibrium fluctuation-dissipation theorem.


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India to reduce energy import dependence at optimal levels
India's import dependence on the energy front can be lowered to 21 per cent by 2047 at its most optimal level, from the current level of 31 percent, provided it takes corrective steps on pricing that supports energy efficiency and establishes appropriate regulatory mechanisms.
Speaking at the launch of the India Energy Security Scenario (IESS) 2047, a tool that is aimed at giving a choice to consumers and suppliers to adopt the most optimal and suitable option to meet their energy needs and goals, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, said, "We will need to put in place the instruments, including pricing and regulatory measures that support the shift in energy efficiency that we aim to achieve on the demand side." However, this would require an integrated approach to energy that has "remained a constant battle."
The tool (IESS) 2047 was launched at an event organized by the Planning Commission in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry in New Delhi on Friday. It was developed by the Planning Commission in consultation with key stakeholders including the UK Department of Energy and Climate Change, TERI, C-Step and Prayas Energy. It shows various combinations of energy demand and possible energy supply pathways available to the country ranging from the least effort to the heroic effort. On the supply side, stressing on the role of renewable energy, BK Chaturvedi, Member Energy Planning Commission, outlined how solar and wind capacity in India will need to expand to 600 Giga Watts each to achieve optimal energy security, even as other new fuels like bio-fuel take a major share in the country's energy basket. He said, "Land and water are two important variables that will have to be kept in mind while evolving policies to reach this goal over the next three decades."
Dr Farooq Abdullah, Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy, said that the ambitious targets of increasing the share of renewables in the Indian energy basket would need an integrated approach and uniform policies that support these initiatives at its nascent stage. "The banks will need to come forward and reduce interest rates even as the industry needs to innovate and develop better products," he said. Highlighting how the policies often fall through, the minister said that the state governments and the Centre need to work together and jointly evolve targets and policies that can be achieved. This would require the conventional energy producers to relook at their strategies. Echoing a similar thought, Ahluwalia said that the global debate has now moved on to sustainable solutions and that would need redrawing the energy maps. "Almost 30 per cent of the fossil fuel reserves should never be utilized if sustainable energy scenarios are to be evolved," he said while cautioning that this will require fossil fuel producers to look beyond bottonlines. Stressing on the need to strengthen collaborations between India and the UK, James David Bevan KCMG, High Commissioner of UK said "Both India and the UK share similar challenges in the energy domain. There is a need to work together to make both our countries energy secure and prosperous. " Ajay Shriram, President Designate, Confederation of Indian Industry said, "This mechanism is going to be very useful in planning for the future, given the scale of action required to equip our energy economy in the 21st Centur.y" Reiterating the importance of the tool, Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, Confederation of Indian Industry said, "This energy planning tool could not have come at a more appropriate time given that India is facing the twin challenges of energy security and climate change."
(Posted on 01-03-2014)
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FAILURE TO KEEP RIGHT - BRASHER - A Brasher Iron Works woman was ticketed for failure to keep right after she struck a tree after losing control of her vehicle Wednesday night on McCarthy Road in the town of Brasher.
Massena-based state police said Chantel E. Rafter, 22, of 2492 County Route 55, Brasher Iron Works, told troopers she was southbound on the McCarthy Road when she swerved to avoid a deer. Troopers said she went off the east side of the roadway, lost control when she tried to return to the road and crossed over to the west shoulder and struck a tree.
Rafter was transported to Massena Memorial Hospital by Tri-Town Rescue for treatment of minor injuries and released following the accident reported at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday.
PETIT LARCENY - POTSDAM - Canton-based state police charged Courtney R. Baxter, 19, of Norfolk with petit larceny after responding to a petit larceny complaint at 1:31 p.m. Wednesday at the Potsdam Walmart. Baxter was detained by Walmart loss prevention associates after she allegedly walked past the last point of sale in the store without paying for cosmetics, clothing and vitamins valued at $83.09.
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Atlanta Hawks v Denver Nuggets
Corey Brewer of the Denver Nuggets is called for an offensive foul as... News PhotoAtlanta Hawks - Basketball Team,Basketball - Sport,Colliding,Corey Brewer,Denver,Denver Nuggets,Devin Harris,Foul,Impact,Making a Basket,NBA,NBA Pro Basketball,Offense - Sporting Position,Pepsi Center - Denver,Sport,Taking a Shot - Sport,USA,VerticalPhotographer Doug PensingerCollection: Getty Images Sport 2013 Getty ImagesDENVER, CO - MARCH 04: Corey Brewer #13 of the Denver Nuggets is called for an offensive foul as he collides with Devin Harris #34 of the Atlanta Hawks while going up for a shot at the Pepsi Center on March 4, 2013 in Denver, Colorado. The Nuggets defeated the Hawks 104-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)


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March 8, 2014
Star Entertainment
Casting call for ring girls held
...ahead of Wray & Nephew Contender series 2014
For this season of the Wray & Nephew Contender boxing series, the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum brand held an audition for ring girls via its Facebook page.
After this audition process, the brand held a casting call with 21 females at the Mayfair Hotel on March 3.
The Wray & Nephew Contender ring girl duties include promotional modelling at each week's staging of the boxing event series at the Chinese Benevolent Association Centre and the holding of the iconic signs that indicate the specific round of each boxing bout during the match.
Cecil Smith, group brand manager for Rums at J. Wray & Nephew Limited, commented on the competition saying, "The Wray & Nephew Contender is a sports and entertainment staple for over one million Jamaicans, and this season we wanted to extend our interaction with our fans through social media. The Wray & Nephew Contender ring girl audition on Facebook was a perfect mode of fan engagement as it allowed our fans and consumers to be a part of the decision-making process for the selection of the ring girls for the 2014 Wray & Nephew Contender season."
From the audition on the Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum Facebook page, 21 females were selected to attend the casting call at the Mayfair Hotel, where a panel of five judges selected the six females who will be the official ring girls for the fourth season of the Wray & Nephew Contender.
The judges included Natalie Parboosingh, chief judge and producer at Wray & Nephew Contender, Pietro Gramegna, brand manager for Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum, Curtis Campbell, award-winning entertainment journalist for the Gleaner Company, media personality Oral Tracey and Wray & Nephew Contender fan Terri-Ann Richards.
Devon 'Concrete' Moncriffe was last season's victor in the finals of the Wray & Nephew Contender boxing series, and was part of the Andrew Boland-led Yellow Team. Moncriffe, the number one seed for the event, took home the first-place purse of $1,000,000 and the title of Jamaica's Ultimate Middleweight Boxer and the Wray & Nephew Contender for the third season of the Wray & Nephew Contender.
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Hickman Elementary School
Nashville, TN 37214
Hickman Elementary School Reviews
I think that this school is such a great school and all of the teachers are so kind and one of the things that I love about that school is that the teachers are awesome, the lunch ladies are so nice, and the principal is amazing! So any child that's going to go there there's nothing to be nervous about. I just hope that you love it as much as I did! :)
School is great. My daughter was nervous about this school because she transferred from such a great school and bigger school. This school is smaller so it was so much more personable. The children were great and accepting. This school is located in a predomanantly white area, so there were still some kids that said things that were out of context, but most kids were great. My daughter met a lot of great friends at this school.


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Teen Mom's Amber Portwood Breaks Down in Being Amber Special: "I Just F---ing Hate Everything I Did"
Amber Portwood has a lot of regrets. Following her release from prison last November, the Teen Mom alum returned home to Indiana to be with her 5-year-old daughter, Leah. Readjusting to life in the real world has not been easy, though. In this exclusive clip from MTV's upcoming Being Amber special, airing Sunday, Feb. 23, the reality star breaks down after realizing how much time she missed with her little girl.
PHOTOS: Teen Mom cast -- where are they now?
"I feel so f---ing bad," she says, sobbing, as her daughter listens on the other side of the door. "I left her for so long...I know why she's acting the way she is. She's afraid that I'm gonna f---ing leave her again."
"I just f---ing hate everything I did," Portwood continues through her tears. "It was all the drugs and s--t. It was all I did. All I did was get f----ed up."
PHOTOS: Celebrity rehab centers
Indeed, Portwood confessed to Dr. Phil in December that she was high "every time" she appeared on camera on Teen Mom. Rehab stints for her addiction to prescription pills proved unsuccessful, and in May 2012, she asked a judge to send her to prison for five years.
Watch the emotional clip above, and tune in to Being Amber on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. on MTV.


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WCCF's D. Jack Mahuron Education Fund awards over $3800 for Innovative Ideas in the Classroom
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 04 November 2009 00:00
"Stone Fox" will be studied in Leah Starrett's 3rd grade East Washington Elementary classroom. Students will create individualized reading tubs and will be given a chance to complete a hands-on project that relates to the book. Students will be shown a DVD of the book and will also present their projects to community members.
Jenisa Collier's Kindergarten class at Bradie Shrum Elementary School will be given the opportunity to hone and expand their reading skills with a Listening Library. The library allows students to listen and read along to a book on a personal CD player.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 November 2009 09:30
Read more...
State revenue reported below projections at recent East Washington School Board
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 00:00
Superintendent Ammick recommend the board to approve the Resolution to adopt the Budgets, CPF and bus replacement plan. The board approved 4-0.
Superintendent Ammick presented to the board a License agreement with Neola, whom are a company that follow Indiana laws to make sure the school policies are updated and or added when needed. The board requested to take it under consideration until the November Board meeting.
The board approved the proposed payment agreement for the Band Boosters portion of payments due for the band uniforms.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 October 2009 08:44
Read more...
New corporation mission statement adopted at West Washington School Board meeting
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 00:00
Superintendent Jackson reported that Deputy Treasurer Amber Karr was terminated effective October 15 and recommended the board to hire Barb Davis as corporation treasurer to replace retiring Treasurer. VanCleave moved to accept Jackson's recommendation at the current salary of $33,700.00 with a $200,000 bond effective November 1, 2009. The motion passed 7-0 with a second by Tim Barksdale.
Lee Barger addressed the board concerning comments made to him by the high school principal along with several issues concerning his son. Superintendent Jackson said he would address the issues and would return a call to Barger after he had time to look further into the matter. The board approved to adopt the 2010 budget passing 7-0.
The following field trips were approved: Mr. Harkness with Spell Bowl to unannounced destination; Mrs. Tragesser and Mrs. Clements along with 3-5 Junior Prom Committee students to New Albany to select a location for the 2010 prom on October 22, 2009; Mr. Wilson and the Journalism class to the Annual IUS Journalism Conference on October 20; Mrs. Early and Health Careers to Spencerian College on October 30; Mr. Myers and BPA Video Production Team to Galt House to attend the Internal Student Medial Festival on October 31; Ms. Dillard and Mrs. Brown along with 9-12 students to Louisville to tour the Mega Caverns on November 4; Eighth grade students and teacher to Louisville Science Center on November 25; Elementary Dram students and sponsors to Derby Dinner Playhouse on December 17; Ms. Dillard and Mrs. Brown with 12 students to Falls of the Ohio on October 21; Ms. Dillard and Mrs. Brown with 9-12 students to Becks Mill on October 23 and Ms. Dillard and Mrs, brown with 11th and 12th graders to Louisville Science Center on October 28.
The next school board meeting will be Monday, November 16.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 October 2009 08:47
Washington County March for Babies was a success
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 28 October 2009 00:00
This year's top teams included:
1. Washington County Substance Abuse Council
2. 3 Little Blessings
3. Trevor's Troopers
4. Morgan's Raiders
5. First Harrison Bank
The Top Walker was John Fultz with the Washington County Substance Abuse Council. This year's Top Youth Team was the Salem High School Spanish Club. And the Top New Team was 3 Little Blessings, the team of the 2009 March for Babies Ambassadors: Jenna, Rachel, and Will Little, who are the children of Jill and Lance Little.
Thanks to our local sponsors Salem Lions Club, National City Bank now a part of PNC, First Harrison Bank, Mid-Southern Savings Bank, Hoosier Uplands, and Highland United Methodist Church.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 28 October 2009 08:48
Annual Halloween Party to be held October 29
Written by Administrator
Wednesday, 21 October 2009 00:00
Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 October 2009 07:53
More Articles...
Commentary . . . My final thoughts
SOAR celebrates Adult Ed and Family Literacy Week
Washington County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner
Mill Creek Baptist Church plans Fall Revival
Page 220 of 267


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CEO Interview - FedEx President and CEO Looks for Friends in High Places
October 12, 2010
FedEx Express President and CEO, and Chairman of the IATA Board of Governors, David Bronczek, says aviation must get governments onside if the industry is to enjoy a sustainable future.
What do you hope to achieve during your chairmanship of IATA?
First, let me say it's a privilege to be chosen as Chairman for the next year. It's unusual for somebody from the cargo industry to be handed the role, but it does bring a fresh perspective. In air freight, we are used to pulling different people and disciplines together to achieve a common goal. That experience should be vital in the year ahead.
Safety is still the number one priority—as it always should be. And we have some major environmental debates coming up at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly and the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention's (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP-16). It's important we make progress in both arenas. I will also be looking closely at Simplifying the Business (StB) as this has enormous potential. It is a real driving force behind the sustainability of the industry.
It's crucial that IATA continues to improve its relevance to the industry. The next 12 months will be tough but it is also an opportunity to increase IATA's standing.
You've noted a focus on Simplifying The Business. From a cargo perspective, what difference has e-freight made?
E-freight is absolutely critical from a strategic viewpoint. The cargo industry was heavily reliant on paper, and it was clear that we could no longer work like that.
The point for non-cargo people to understand is the incredible complexity of air freight. There are more people and more rules involved than the passenger side. E-freight has slowly but surely made cargo increasingly efficient through the use of technology. This wasn't a small battle, and the achievements so far should not be underestimated. Of course, we can always improve, and we must strive to be more efficient and productive. But e-freight has given us a great start.
Technology will also play a vital role in other areas of cargo—for example in screening. At FedEx, we have made a great deal of progress in a number of areas, thanks to new technology and processes. We're raising the bar across the industry.
Will aviation ever win the environmental battle in the eyes of governments and the public?
Despite a lot of hard work so far, it is clear that we must further raise the profile of aviation in the eyes of government. Taxes are still being imposed under a green guise so it is clear governments still don't understand the big picture.
Aviation is an economic powerhouse. It is vital to economic well-being at the national, regional and global level. And this is without mentioning its social and cultural roles, allowing people to interact and visit friends and family.
At the same time, air transport has made enormous progress on environmental issues. All airlines—from the US to Africa, from large airlines to small—are unified in some truly ambitious goals. Believe me, that takes some hard work. And we are still driving forward. New engines and biofuels will deliver some significant results, for example.
So we are working aggressively on things under our control but we need government cooperation to allow us to go further. In the US, NextGen will allow a continuous descent approach into New York JFK. That would make a big difference to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
We're ready to take advantage of NextGen, just as carriers in Europe could take advantage of the Single European Sky (SES) and SES ATM Research (SESAR) technology. You put these elements together with the progress so far and the self-imposed targets and you have the world's leading industry when it comes to environmental measures.
We need to make this point. And we need to establish that ICAO is the right channel for aviation's environmental debate. And we need to be tough saying that taxes are not the way to deal with aviation and the environment. At the moment, airlines are needlessly losing money, governments are losing money too—look at the repeal of the Dutch tax—and the environment isn't benefiting because the money never gets allocated correctly.
Are cargo carriers playing their part in environmental matters, or could more be done—perhaps in terms of new aircraft?
There's no doubt cargo carriers could do more. And new aircraft is a very obvious example. At FedEx, we have begun transitioning our international fleet with environmentally friendly Boeing 777 Freighters. These state-of-the-art aircraft burn less fuel and produce much lower emissions than the aircraft they will replace. The move to Boeing 757s from Boeing 727s is even more pronounced and will give us something in the region of 46% savings in fuel. Plenty of other cargo airlines are doing the same thing. The old converted aircraft are slowly dying out and more fuel-efficient aircraft coming in.
But there's more to it, as well. As I mentioned, cargo is a complex industry and we can't look at just one aspect of operations. At our new hub in Cologne, Germany and in California too, we have solar panels supplying some of the power to our facilities. We are rolling out new electric vehicles. They are already in place in London, for example.
Similar initiatives are taking place at many other cargo facilities. There is a lot to be done, but let's also not forget that there is a lot being done already.
Implementing and harmonizing Nextgen and SESAR are vital. Are governments moving quickly enough and is enough being done to ensure harmonization?
We must have the two systems harmonized, and we must move as quickly as possible. The efficiency and the profitability of a large section of this industry are dependent on these two systems. There are big savings available in terms of time, money, fuel and CO2.
Governments do understand the need for progress. We have been meeting regularly with officials at the White House, and they do understand that the payback for NextGen is significant. The problem is the initial funding is equally significant, and this is a challenge in the current climate.
Improving airspace usage—and in particular implementing and harmonizing these two major systems—is a priority for IATA, for FedEx, and for pretty much everybody else with a vested interest. The payback is there. We just have to continue stressing this, and make the point absolutely clear to governments.
Security measures need to be overhauled. What should be done?
Airlines have met with US Department of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano several times since she took office. Progress is being made, but it is essential we get this right. You can't have disparate or weak systems at any point because a passenger can enter the air transport network anywhere. Just one weakness could be exploited. This means it is essential we share technology and expertise. And it is also essential we share passenger information among governments and airlines in an efficient and timely manner.
The security process is not wrong. It's just that we must do a better job at identifying higher risks earlier. This is an important issue, not only because we are talking about security in the skies but also because we are talking about the sustainability of the industry. People want to feel secure when they travel. And they want a hassle-free experience. We can, and must, give them both. They are not mutually exclusive.
How should the airline-airport relationship develop? Are airports doing enough?
There are some great airports out there. My home airport, Memphis, does an outstanding job and there are others too, like Charlotte Douglas, North Carolina, that won the IATA Eagle Award recently. Airports can understand airline needs and they can satisfy airline needs.
How do you view IATA's Vision 2050?
You always need to have a vision. And it should be ambitious. When we look to solve some of the issues confronting airlines today, we are really working toward achieving a vision of a profitable, efficient future.
And we're already seeing progress across all areas. StB is putting the customer first, biofuels have been successfully tested and can drive the engines of today, and infrastructure is changing to meet airline needs. As for profitability—well, we haven't made much money yet, but I'm confident we will.
Airlines don't do well at external advocacy. How can the industry influence governments?
Aviation is a great story. We simply have to tell it, and tell it well.
The industry has helped the world to achieve greater prosperity. It will continue to do so in an environmentally-friendly way. I think the message must be very succinct. The airline industry is a great tool for governments. It is a great service provider for their people and goods.
One of the problems is we have all forgotten just how incredible this industry is. A passenger or package can go from London to Hong Kong non-stop overnight. Really think about that! The industry makes a positive difference to this world, and governments should look at us in this light.
Maybe we need to devote more resources to this area, and maybe we need a more formal approach. After all, we're not trying to be persuasive as such. Our argument isn't tenuous. We're simply trying to get governments to see the reality.
For more information visit: www.fedex.com
Original article source here.


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"No School" Today Camps!
Spring Break Camps!
Drop-off Crafting!
We offer drop-offs for children 8-years-old and up. Let them use their creativity while you run errands! A minimum $20 per child purchase is required to keep your child occupied. Your child may stay a maximum of 2 hours per day. You will be charged $5 for every five minutes past the maximum of 2 hours. Drop-offs are subject to space and staffing available; we highly encourage you to call before you come. Children age 10 and older may be dropped off with siblings aged 5+. CREATE reserves the right to revoke drop-off privileges.


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About Miranda Malisani
Miranda is a nationally recognized Holistic Nutritionist residing in Toronto, ON. She offers realistic nutrition information on various lifestyle shows and editorials. Miranda contributes to The Marilyn Denis Show on a regular basis. She coaches individuals in Toronto, but also offers online consultations globally. She has partnered with Toronto's top gourmet food retailer Pusateri's Fine Foods. She is a proud wife and mom to two boys. After many years of playing competitive sports, she now finds the perfect blend of activity and balance through yoga and has recently started working with a personal trainer. At the beginning of every year, Miranda writes down her goals and aspirations for the year ahead. She believes that creating change and succeeding in your goals begins with the visualizing it first.
"I love good food! And I especially love food that makes you feel good.
I am grateful to have turned my passion for healthy food into a career. I founded my company Live Light Nutrition to offer clients holistic guidance about quality foods, supplements and additional lifestyle tips to maximize their health potential.
Not only has VEGA products been on the top on my list of recommended quality products for my clients, but it's been a staple in my home for years. The best part about the VEGA line is there is something for everyone. From my clients who are training for a competition to my mom's who are looking to supplement their picky kids' diet, I am always confident that I will find the right VEGA product for them.
I couldn't possibly get through my busy week without my Vega One smoothies.
It has also become a ritual to have a Vibrancy Bar before I am on The Marilyn Denis Show to chat about the latest nutrition information. It's easy to digest and gives me just enough energy for live T.V. You can't help but love the taste too. Even my three-year old has been devouring them since he was a year old. It's the only bar he will finish."
Proudest Accomplishments:
- Having my son (3 years old) and right up there I know will be the birth of his little brother (this July). I am so proud to be a mom and have learned so much about myself through the challenges and rewards of this role.
- Being able to build a career out of my passion for helping others to live a healthier lifestyle.
- Being able to reach such a large audience as the Resident Nutritionist on The Marilyn Denis Show.
Health Tip:
Simple healthy changes, every day, lead to major health improvements. With an excessive amount of information available these days it can be overwhelming for many to know how where to start or how to maximize health. My motto, learn about your own body; the foods that are good and bad for you specifically, be in touch with how you digest not only your food but also your own emotions, and practice gratitude every day.
Follow Miranda
- Facebook| Miranda Malisani ~ Live Light Nutrition
- Twitter| @MirandaMalisani
- Website| MirandaMalisani.com


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It's a well-known fact that both users and their files are highly exposed when browsing the web, not only because they're not protected by a comprehensive security tool, but also due to the growing number of malicious attempts that take place online.
To better understand how to protect ourselves after launching a web browser instance, we had a short interview with Jacqueline Beauchere, director of Trustworthy Computing Privacy, Accessibility & Online Safety Communications at Microsoft.
In addition, we've also contacted Microsoft for some inside information on the security improvements available on the new Windows 8 operating system. All answers are available just underneath Jacqueline's comments.
Softpedia: Please introduce yourself to our readers and talk a bit about your role at Microsoft.
Jacqueline: At Microsoft, our long-term commitment to Trustworthy Computing includes efforts that advocate for online safety and foster digital citizenship, which is the responsible and appropriate use of technology. As the Director of Trustworthy Computing Privacy, Accessibility & Online Safety Communications, it's my job to ensure that Microsoft's approach to online safety includes technological tools; education and guidance; and partnerships with government, industry, law enforcement, and other key organizations to help create safer, more trusted computing experiences. We provide resources and guidance to help create a safer digital world for people of all ages and abilities.
Through the company's investment in consumer awareness about using products and the Internet more safely, I see the strides that have been made in helping influence consumer attitudes and behaviors for the better.
But there is still more work to be done. That is why I am also Microsoft's representative to, and the Vice Chair of, the Board of Directors of the U.S. National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), a collaborative effort among the industry, the non-profit community, academia, and government that provides free resources to help secure cyber space.
I also travel extensively to hear first-hand from parents, educators, policymakers, industry leaders, and others about what they need to help them keep themselves and others safer online.
Softpedia: The recent online survey conducted by Microsoft revealed that teens and gamers in particular are very exposed to online scams. How is Microsoft planning to reduce the number of teens who become victims of this kind of malicious attempts?
Jacqueline: Microsoft is constantly working to help reduce the number of teens who become victims of online scams. When kids download games from less-than-reputable sites or through links in email, instant or text messages, they may also be getting offensive content, spam, or malicious software.
Some "free" games may require the creation of an extensive profile, and then the site illegally rents or sells the child's data. We encourage kids to tell their parents if anything unsettling occurs; not keep it secret, or pretend that it's okay. We urge parents to teach children to trust their instincts, and how to respond to and report objectionable and improper behavior and content. For example, on Xbox 360, they can use the file a complaint option.
There are other simple ways parents and educators can help teens be better "digital citizens." One way is to defend the computer against Internet threats by installing antivirus and antispyware software, which Microsoft can help with at our Safety and Security Center (see how to boost your malware defense and protect your PC).
Also, adults can get more immediate help from technology by using family safety settings to specify the games a child can play (by rating), monitor to who children talk to and how, set time limits for play, and control what they see and share online.
We have many other useful tools and easy ways to help safeguard children online in our Play It Safe Gaming Online Brochure.
Softpedia: Cyberbullying remains a main concern for both parents and educators and is even considered as big an issue as smoking and drugs. Do you have any advice for those involved in the fight against cyberbullying?
Jacqueline: Preventing online bullying has been a focus area for Microsoft for the last five years. We recently discovered through our Global Youth Online Behavior Survey that four in 10 children (ages 8 to 17) say they have experienced what adults might consider online bullying.
The survey, which was conducted in 25 countries, also showed that children want to talk to parents about the issue, but only 29 percent of kids say their parents have talked to them about online bullying. What's more, according to the results, there is not one common step taken by parents to help address the problem.
Our research shows that promoting empathy and kindness can be a powerful way to help stop the cycle of bullying. One of the most effective ways to prevent online bullying is through social and emotional learning—the process through which we learn to build strong relationships and develop healthy boundaries and self-perceptions.
One way to do this would be to start a kindness campaign at home, school, or in your neighborhood. This could be as simple as each family member agreeing to do one kind thing a day, or broader in scope, developing a program to challenge a culture of criticism at school.
Teaching kids to be good "digital citizens" is one way to drive positive "upstander" behavior, and instill strong ethics and online etiquette. Microsoft also partners with organizations like iKeepSafe, iLookBothWays and the Anti-Defamation League to provide professional development for teachers and school staff with courses in online bullying.
We have additional guidance in our Help Kids Stand Up to Online Bullying Brochure, and we encourage parents to take our Stand Up to Online Bullying Interactive Quiz.
Softpedia: Social networks are getting more popular these days, and so are the scams involving these online services. As lots of children are attracted by social networks, how could parents make sure their kids are on the safe side?
Jacqueline: As families live more of their lives online, it's becoming increasingly important that they are armed with information and tools to help them stay safer online. At Microsoft, we are committed to helping protect customers' privacy and enabling a more trustworthy online experience.
Unfortunately, some of the information kids post on social media can also make them vulnerable to phishing scams, cyberbullying, and Internet predators. There are several ways to help their kids use social websites more safely.
One tip is to communicate with your children about their experiences, by encouraging them to tell you if something they encounter makes them feel anxious, uncomfortable, or threatened. It's important to stay calm and remind your kids they are not in trouble for bringing something to your attention. Let them know you will work with them to help resolve the situation for a positive outcome.
There are many other useful tips about social networking and keeping kids safe at our Safety and Security Center, including how to help your kids use social websites more safely.
Softpedia: Does Microsoft plan any campaign to teach teens about the risks they're exposed to when browsing the web?
Jacqueline: Each year, Microsoft supports Safer Internet Day (SID), a global campaign that promotes a healthy Internet for everyone, teens included. Part of that campaign is to instruct best practices for teens exploring the web.
For SID 2012, Microsoft and AARP conducted research to gauge perceptions of safety related to online technologies and devices. The survey group spanned the generations, including American teens, young adults, parents, and older adults.
We discovered that online communication and social networking are helping family members keep in touch, enriching their relationships, and connecting generations in new and exciting ways. However, as more and more of us go online, people of all ages are increasingly concerned about Internet risks and want to learn more about staying safer online.
We are currently planning a new campaign for Safer Internet Day 2013 in early February.
Softpedia: Do you have a message for our readers or maybe an advice on how to stay away from online scams?
Jacqueline: Online scams are a problem for a number of reasons, but the biggest concern is they are increasingly clever in their presentation and authenticity, and can effectively trick even the most alert user.
These scams evolve to stay a step ahead of users – much like spam evolved to break through sophisticated filters. Scammers use social engineering to gain access to your sensitive personal information, to steal money and even your steal online identity.
Like a good spam filter, people need to apply a high level of discretion to every pop-up text box, instant message, email and website so they don't get tricked. Microsoft offers these simple tips to help prevent people from falling victim to online schemes:
1. Reduce spam in your inbox.
- Set spam filters in your email service to Standard or High. In Windows Live Hotmail, for example, click Options and then More Options.
2. Save banking, shopping, and other financial transactions for the home computer.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information in email, instant (IM) or text messages. They may not be secure.
3. Look for signs that a webpage is secure and legitimate.
- Before entering sensitive info, look for signs a webpage is secure: "https" in the address bar and a closed padlock.
4. Protect your computer and your accounts.
- Keep all software (including your browser) current with automatic updating. Install legitimate antivirus and antispyware software.
- Protect your wireless router with a password, and use flash drives cautiously.
5. Think before you click.
- Pause to think before clicking links or calling a number in a message, even if you know the sender. If you're unsure, make contact on a different device or account.
And here is the mini-interview with a Microsoft spokersperson on the security features of the new Windows 8 OS:
Softpedia: Windows 8 is considered one of the most secure Windows versions ever released. How do you see the security improvements bundled into the new operating system?
Microsoft: This blog post outlines several of the new security features in Windows, including Windows Defender and SmartScreen. In addition to those features, Microsoft also reengineered the Windows boot process in an effort to help protect customers. Read more about it in this post on the Building Windows blog.
Softpedia: The new Windows Defender, the one introduced in Windows 8, offers much more than its predecessors and gets closer to a full-featured security product. Do you think it's able to provide full protection to Windows 8 users when browsing the web?
Microsoft: Windows Defender is working in concert with Microsoft's SmartScreen filter. Since its release, the SmartScreen filter has used URL reputation to help protect Internet Explorer customers from more than 1.5 billion attempted malware attacks and over 150 million attempted phishing attacks.
Application reputation, a new feature added to SmartScreen in Internet Explorer 9, provides an additional layer of defense to help you make a safer decision when URL reputation and traditional antimalware aren't enough to catch the attack.
Telemetry data shows 95% of Internet Explorer 9 users are choosing to delete or not run malware when they receive a SmartScreen application reputation warning. You can read more about SmartScreen and Windows Defender here.