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The Galactic Republic is the name of the interplanetary State used in the fictional Star Wars universe prior to the establishment of the Galactic Empire. The form of this government, ruled by the Senate, was introduced in the Prequel Trilogy. By the time of the original Star Wars trilogy, it is referred to as the Old Republic. It was a democratic, though eventually ineffectual, constitutional republic tied up in layers of bureaucracy.
The Republic, as it was commonly known, was a republican government that was able to sustain itself for over twenty-five thousand years.
The Republic itself was formed in 25,053 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) when the first "Galactic Constitution" was signed on Coruscant, after the Corellian Hyperdrive connected many worlds in the Galactic Core. Whether this means that Coruscant was the original homeworld of humans or simply the most powerful world at the time is still up for debate, and there has been little said about the event other than that it occurred. The Republic was made up of several hundred thousand worlds.
The Republic began as a mutual protection and economic alliance among a number of planets in the Galactic Core. Each member world chose a Senator to represent them in the Republic Senate, a central Legislative body. Senators were ambassadors of their homeworld, and member worlds were able to maintain their government and society in accordance with local beliefs, customs, and traditions. There were a wide variety of different local governments along the political spectrum: from Monarchies to Republics to Hive-like communes. In some systems, the senator was elected to that post; in others the world government appointed the senator. Naboo's monarch appointed their senator, while the Alderaan Council of Elders elected their senator out of their own ranks, usually the heir to the Royal House of Organa and their bloodline, as the heir was also the leader of the council.
When the Republic's power and influence expanded, many new areas of the galaxy were incorporated into the Republic. A reorganization of Senatorial representation occurred 1,000 BBY during the Ruusan Reformation. The most common organization for these new territories was to group regions into Sectors of about 50 inhabited worlds. Each sector is represented by a Senatorial Delegation. When the number of sectors became too large, sectors were organized into roughly a thousand regions, each represented by one delegation to the Senate.
The Senate served as the governing body of the Galactic Republic, while the Jedi Order served as its defenders. The Senate, and therefore the seat of government, was established on the planet Coruscant, with coordinates 0-0-0 in the standard galactic coordinate system, signifying its central location in the galaxy.
The Senate, according to the Star Wars.com Encyclopedia, was an enormous building containing 1,024 floating platforms, each of which contained a senator and his or her aides. Each platform in the senate represented a "sector" of the galaxy, with one senator for that sector accompanied by a delegation of aides and advisers. Some platforms represented individual worlds bringing special pleas to the senate, others the special interest guilds such as the Trade Federation. Along with the senators, the leaders of the individual member planets apparently also had the power to vote in the Senate and introduce legislation. Each senatorial delegation had one vote.
The members of the Senate then elected a Chancellor from amongst their ranks who served as the Senate's presiding officer and as the Republic's de facto leader. The Chancellor was assisted by the Vice Chair, who is presumably elected in the same manner as the Chancellor; the same Vice Chair is present throughout the entire prequel trilogy. Based on the films, we can see that the Senate followed pseudo-parliamentary rules. In The Phantom Menace, Chancellor Finis Valorum was forced out of office by the Senate in a motion of no confidence, introduced by Queen Amidala of Naboo.
Senators received one vote in all matters, procedural and substantive. The Chancellor was elected from within the Senate for a set term. Presumably this term was up to two terms of four years, with the Senate able to give the Chancellor emergency powers as well as remove him from office when necessary, as given throughout various books and movies of the prequel trilogy. The assembly was in turn divided into individual committees, each specializing in specific fields of government administration, and which were responsible for creating legislation to be reviewed by the full assembly. The Senate had some form of judicial power as well, although the Republic's judicial branch was the Supreme Court and the Senate's power in this area may have been limited to trying its own members.
Although legislation passed by the Senate was binding to all member worlds, most of the everyday legislation followed by citizens of the Republic was created at the planetary, sectoral, or regional level. Therefore, the main functions of the Senate were to mediate disputes between members, provide for the common defense, and regulate inter-system trade. The Jedi, who answered to the Chancellor, became traveling representatives of the Senate responsible not only for protecting the Republic and its citizens, but also to serve as representatives of the Republic and as mediators for individual disputes.
The Republic's greatest failing was its lack of formal organization. Much of its operation is based on non-binding constitutional conventions, which were often ignored and undermined by corrupt and power-hungry politicians. Coalition governments were common with special interests defining the legislative agenda.
However, the waning years of the Republic were a time of corruption and great social injustice. The Senate became divided between those who genuinely wished to uphold the values and ideals of the Republic and those who wished to further their own goals. After a series of weak and ineffectual Chancellors and a crisis involving the invasion of Naboo by the Trade Federation over a tariff passed in the Senate, the time came for strong leadership to end the corruption.
After Senator Palpatine of Naboo became Chancellor, he increased the power of the office from acting as commander-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic to the institution of his personal bodyguard, the Red Guard. The rights of many, including the Galactic Senate, were relinquished in the name of security. The removal of privacy screens in the Galactic Senate, which allowed senators to discuss issues before the Senate in private, resulted in many senators afraid to voice their response to a vote because of the installed surveillance hovercams listening in on every word and reporting to the Senate Security Chief. The Galactic Senate also met less often as the Chancellor was voted more emergency powers.
Politicians include Senators, the Chancellor, the Vice Chair of the Senate, the Administrative Aide, various Representatives from each system, and the members of the Jedi Council. Non-council Jedi aren't necessarily non-politicians, but the special status of the Jedi Council enabled those on it to have a substantial degree of power and moral authority. One Jedi master, Luminara Unduli, was the only non-council member to get as much power in politics as a member of the Senate.
The Jedi function as a peace-keeping force in the Republic, giving them a significant degree of political power. The Jedi with the most authority serve on the Jedi Council, among who Yoda and Mace Windu acted as de facto leaders at the height of the Republic. Although the Chancellor did hold some degree of political authority over the Jedi, very little pressure was ever put on the Council before Palpatine took office and commanded that Anakin Skywalker become a member of the Council, despite the misgivings of the Jedi. While the council allowed Anakin to be on the council, they did not grant him the status of a Jedi master.
While the Republic had an Army and Navy for thousands of years, after the Rusaan Reformations, the Republic did not maintain a military except for a small force known as the judicial forces and the Jedi Knights as "keepers of the peace."
Several trade organizations, such as the Trade Federation and Commerce Guild, kept armies of The Clone Wars changed all this. The Republic initially had no standing military to deal with the Confederacy of Independent Systems; therefore a Military Creation Act was proposed, which was strongly opposed by many of the Republic's pacifist leaders, such as Padmé Amidala of Naboo, who feared the possibility of going to war. Supporters included Orn Free Taa of Ryloth and Ask Aak of Malastare.
However, a Clone Army had already been created in secret on the planet Kamino ten years before by Master Syfo-Dias. When it became clear the Confederacy had no intention of negotiating with the Republic, the Republic adopted this army as the Grand Army of the Republic, along with AT-TE walkers, gunships and others such as the Republic Open Circle Fleet, most of which were produced by Rothana Heavy Engineering, a subsidiary of Kuat Drive Yards. The Republic's war effort was initially hindered because most of the major industrial combines in the Galaxy had, under the aegis of the Techno Union, sided with the Confederacy. The Kamino-bred clones formed the nucleus of the Republic's new army, and were swiftly augmented by clones from other sources as well as traditional recruiting; within a few years of the Battle of Geonosis, the Republic's military had expanded astronomically and had become the preeminent military force in the Galaxy. The rapid militarization of the Republic during the Clone Wars, overseen by Chancellor Palpatine, had far-reaching effects: the Senate's powers were reduced, the military became the primary arm of the government, and the Republic swiftly transitioned into Palpatine's New Order.
By the time of The Phantom Menace, the Republic had grown unbearably corrupt. Palpatine became the Chancellor in 32 BBY after his predecessor, Finis Valorum, was voted out in a no confidence vote in a wave of protest against his handling of the conflict with the Trade Federation. Traditionally, the Chancellor could only serve a limited amount of time; however, Palpatine stayed in office much longer, due to the prolonged Separatist Crisis as well as the threat posed by the "Jedi Rebellion."
The crisis occurred when several of the Republic's member Star Systems and organizations united in order to separate from the Republic. This unified organization became known as the Confederacy of Independent Systems, or CIS for short. Tensions between the Republic and the Separatists eventually escalated into all-out war, and the conflicts that would later be known as the "Clone Wars" began (chronicled in Attack of the Clones).
The Senate granted Palpatine emergency powers to deal with the Separatist Confederacy in a motion introduced by Representative Jar Jar Binks. Palpatine's first move, widely supported at the time, was to create a vast army of clone troopers to serve as the Republic's fighting force against the Confederacy. The Republic had not previously needed an army, since until then any small conflicts within the Republic could be solved with the "peacekeeping" Jedi. However, the fact that the Confederacy had access to an enormous army of droid soldiers required the Republic to construct a more formal military to fight effectively.
In the ensuing years, the Senate increasingly granted enormous amounts of power to Palpatine, who became the war's political Commander-in-Chief. Such actions were justified in the name of security, and were considered a perfectly reasonable way to increase the wartime government's efficiency. Eventually, Palpatine gained enough power that he could take virtually any action without Senate approval. In effect, he was now a dictator (though he commanded an overwhelming majority in the Senate in any case).
Tension between Palpatine and the Jedi began to grow as the war progressed. Many members of the Jedi Council remained skeptical of Palpatine's growing powers, especially at the expense of the Senate — the only body they were contractually bound to serve. In time, the Jedi began to believe that Palpatine would not surrender his power at the end of the war. This suspicion was also shared by some senators, including Alderaan, and Mon Mothma of Chandrila. Indeed, early in the novelization of Revenge of the Sith, Palpatine has appointed regional governors over the various worlds of the Republic, buttressed by detachments of clones.
After the death of Separatist leaders Count Dooku and General Grievous, and the discovery that Palpatine was actually Darth Sidious, the Jedi made their move in accordance with contingency plans already made. They attempted to arrest Palpatine, but failed. Shortly afterward, Palpatine secretly issued Order 66, a galaxy-wide instruction for all clone troops to assassinate their Jedi commanders. This command had been secretly implanted in all of the clones when they were created.
Many of the Jedi serving as generals of the Army of the Republic quickly fell victim to the clone trooper forces. They overwhelmed the often isolated Jedi, who were taken by surprise. Because the clones were simply following the command implanted in them, there was no treachery for the Jedi to sense in the minds of the clones that served them. The Jedi remaining in the Temple on Coruscant were eliminated by a detachment of elite clone stormtroopers led by Darth Vader, once having been Anakin Skywalker, who single-handedly cut down many Jedi himself — including many children studying as Padawans there.
As the Clone Wars were winding down, however, Palpatine's once near-unanimous support began to falter. As depicted in the Rebel Alliance.
At the conclusion of the Clone Wars, Palpatine addressed the Senate. First he related the story of the unsuccessful assassination attempt by the Jedi. Claiming that it was a "rebellion" and that their next move would be to kill all the senators, he declared the Order to be enemies of the Republic. Then he announced that the Galactic Republic would become a Galactic Empire so strong as to never be threatened by outside forces again.
Palpatine, who had been grotesquely disfigured by Mace Windu's "assassination attempt", proclaimed himself to be the first Emperor of the galaxy. Deluded by Palpatine's charisma and skill (and perhaps also by his considerable dark side power), the majority of the Senate cheered him on loudly in approval, which provoked one of Senator Padmé Amidala's more memorable lines: "So this is how liberty dies: with thunderous applause." After more than twenty-five millennia, the Galactic Republic was no more.
The Senate continued to exist after the formation of the Empire, as the Imperial Senate, but it was a virtually powerless advisory council. Palpatine remained the final authority on all laws; at most, the Senate could simply delay and discuss legislation. Palpatine ultimately became a dictator.
Nearly two decades later, shortly before the Battle of Yavin, Palpatine found the continued existence of open political dissent a hindrance to his total control, and disbanded the Imperial Senate — sweeping away the last remnants of the Galactic Republic. He formally placed all power of governance in the hands of the regional governors of the Imperial Military, thus abolishing civilian control of government. In truth, however, the real power had rested with the regional governors for some time, as long as they did not try to cross the Emperor. The Senate Building, however, still remained visible on the Coruscant skyline at the time of the destruction of the Second Death Star at the Battle of Endor. It was during this battle that Anakin Skywalker returned to the light side of the Force and assassinated Palpatine, thus destroying the Galactic Empire's pillar of strength and bringing balance to the Force. By the time the Battle of Endor was over, the Second Death Star had been destroyed by the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire had ceased to exist.
After the fall of the Empire and the end of the Galactic Civil War, the Galactic Republic is re-established by the Rebel Alliance as the New Republic.
Star Wars, Star Wars (film), Darth Vader, Saturn, Return of the Jedi
Star Wars, Darth Vader, Jedi, Padmé Amidala, Coruscant
Star Wars, Darth Vader, C-3po, Jedi, Princess Leia
Star Wars, Jedi, Sith, Darth Vader, Obi-Wan Kenobi


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We're thinking of a new series to bring you simply called "Who's ripping off Windows Phone now" because as many of you know, Modern UI has been lifted by quite a few companies and websites. In all honesty, we're flattered and if anything it validates the attractiveness of Microsoft's design.
But we do have limits, especially where "inspired by" crosses over into flat out copying.
Such is the case with the low priced Karbonn A6 Android phone that's available in India. The phone physically looks a lot like the HTC 8S, a Windows Phone but from stock images, nothing is shown regarding the onboard Android OS. The phone features a dual-SIM, 1GHz CPU and a 4" IPS display running Android 4.0. At those specs, you have to know Android will be struggling.
HTC's 8S is flattered...
Now, in a new official ad the OS is finally shown and it is a 100% lift of Windows Phone 8, make no mistake. We're not too sure what to make of that: is it just a marketing scam with the device actually just running stock Android or are they running a skin on top to make it all pretty-like?
We're not certain but we'd file this under misleading, to say the least.
Source: YouTube; Thanks, Mohd. N., for the link!

subset: commoncrawl


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41 Maple Valley Rd., Corner Brook, NL, Canada, A2H 6T2
Phone: (709) 639-1980 Fax:
Supports Green Practices
"Supports Green Initiatives" designates a hotel's participation in an optional environmental program that includes the use of energy-efficient lighting, guestroom towel/linen re-use, and on-premise recycling. "Supports Green Initiatives" does not represent an official certification of any kind.
Join free while you book
There is no catch. Join for free, and get access to exclusive perks!
Access to exclusive promotions and low, member-only pricing
10 points per dollar that add up fast... for free nights, gift cards or your dream getaway
Instant extra rewards for your weekday travel
Exclusive flexible rate for Choice Privileges members when you book direct at ChoiceHotels.ca or through the Choice Hotels Mobile App. Valid at most International and U.S. Choice Hotels locations. Must be or become a Choice Privileges member prior to making the booking. Discount rate is non-transferable or redeemable for cash, cannot be used for future stays or existing reservations and may not be combined with other promotions, offers or discounts. Unless otherwise stated, quoted rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and do not include taxes, gratuities or incidental charges. Early departure fees, deposit and cancellation restrictions may apply and will vary by hotel. Not valid at vacation rental properties.
This Comfort Inn® is well situated near Corner Brook Plaza mall, Blomidon Golf and Country Club, Pepsi Centre arena, Margaret Bowater Park, the Corner Brook Stream Trail, the Corner Brook Museum & Archives and the Marble Mountain ski hill.
Just two minutes from the city centre, this Corner Brook hotel offers a beautiful view of the Bay of Islands. All guestrooms at this Corner Brook hotel come complete with 32' LCD televisions , coffee maker, ironing equipment and hair dryers. This hotel is 100% Smoke Free.
There are special services for business travellers and guests are invited to enjoy a fine meal at on-site restaurant Jungle Jim's Restaurant.
Premium amenities at this Comfort Inn hotel include:
Check-In Time: 12:00 Check-Out Time: 11:00 Guest Rooms: 79


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Department of Power Mechanical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30043, Republic of China
Design Department, First International Computer, Inc., Portable Computing Group, Taiwan
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Sunday, January 25, 2009
Lessons Learned Sunday: Keeping Up with Correspondence
One of my mistakes was to underestimate these cousins' level of interest in this research (turns out both are very interested). The other mistake, however, was letting my correspondence records fall into disarray. I know there are various systems for keeping track of correspondence and that many professional genealogists have some pretty sophisticated and complete systems. However, I believe that even the keen amateurs should have some sort of correspondence records system. For many researchers corresponding with family members, fellow researchers, experts in relevant fields, providers of services, etc. is a vital component of their research.
Instead of a single correspondence log, I keep separate logs in the front of the binder for each family and subject. This now includes a list of the e-mail address of my correspondents (and sometimes snail-mail address for those with whom I exchange hard copy materials as well as telephone numbers for those people with whom I have occasional "Texas telephone calls"), as well as a list of people that I want to contact at some point (mostly posters on genealogy discussion boards). It also has copies of a lot of my e-mail correspondence with them (sorry to those of you who believe in paperless offices – paranoia born of a long, pathetic history of losing e-mail that exists solely in electronic form has led to this state of affairs). What I need to add to these are copies of some of my own e-mails dealing with research; some of these e-mails, lost in the aforesaid pathetic history, could provide a lot of blog material with very little alteration, and being the lazy person I am, that thought really makes me cry. The other addition that is needed is an actual log of correspondence with dates. I could do this in purely chronological order, but I prefer to have a separate section for each correspondent. This would make it easier to notice when I have not corresponded with someone for a while. While this amount of detail might not be necessary for less-active family lines, I think it is essential for the major areas of research. And finally, make sure that main list of contacts is always fully up-to-date, which may include noting which e-mail addresses no longer work.
I hope to include "Lessons Learned Sunday" as a semi-regular feature on my blog. You will notice that I included my own experience (read: mistakes). That's the idea. Since I have made so many mistakes in the course of my genealogy research, I figured these mistakes would provide plenty of fodder for blog articles and, I hope, help a few people.
13 comments:
Thanks, Greta, for the reminder to keep organized. It is much needed.ReplyDelete
It's sort of my manta every morning: "Must get organized, must get organized." And when one area gets organized, another succumbs to entropy.ReplyDelete
Thanks for posting your lessons learned. It definitely motivates me.ReplyDelete
Great idea for those lessons learned!! Mind if I steal the idea?ReplyDelete
Amy, Thanks for the encouragement!ReplyDelete
Elise, Please - go right ahead. I've stolen several of your ideas already!
Keeping up with requests, correspondence and emails from inquiring cousins is one of my biggest challenges. There just aren't enough hours in the day even if I AM organized. You remind me to give it another shot, Greta!ReplyDelete
The thing that drives me crazy with e-mail, etc. is that I'll know someone provided me with information or I am answering the same question - and I can't find the relevant e-mail. This happens so often, you'd think I'd learn.
Oops, Elyse, I just noticed that I misspelled your name; sorry, I really do know how to spell it! (That's why I shouldn't write anything late at night.)ReplyDelete
Greta, what a wonderful idea, I would like to copy too if I may! I work full time and loose track of emails, phone calls, mail etc. it would be a great way to stay on top of it. For each log do you use a spreadsheet layout? I am going to make a log for blogs I look up quickly don't have time to read and want to go back to on certain subjects! Thank you! Thank you!ReplyDelete
Thank you for your encouragement, Gini. I don't use an actual spreadsheet program, but I put it in table form in Word (I prefer the simplicity and speed of that form when I don't need to do linking, etc.). And now I am going to take your idea for keeping track of blog articles I want to return to - right now I just jot down notes on scraps of paper and throw them in my blog folder. Yours is a much better way!ReplyDelete
Hi Greta, great article on keeping up with correspondence! I have run into this problem as well and added this to my goal of getting organized in 2009! I have a word doc with tables full of names and addresses and emails. I also have a column for their lineage summary. The last column of "notes" contains brief summaries of all correspondence and links to word documents that contain the text of the actual email sent or received. My tables are divided by direct line descendants, collateral lines, names give to me by others, names I wish to contact, and names of my DNA project. I also have a table of names of descendants I have not yet contacted. This seems to be working much better for me now and keeps me accountable!ReplyDelete
Wow, Ginger, your system sounds fabulous. Maybe you could do a post about it with illustrations? (I'm always looking for better ideas in this area...)ReplyDelete
Hi Greta, I already have posted about it. I have included a small version of it hereReplyDelete


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ISON: One Last Look?
People are writing loving obituaries for Comet ISON, the sungrazer who lived life a little too close to the edge. Is that it? Are we ISON'ed out? In a post-ISON era? Adrift and alone in a universe bereft of ISONs?
Probably, but Hubble is planning to do one more observation in late December, to try to get a glimpse of the remains.
So what will it see? Well, possibly nothing. The pieces could be so small that they don't reflect light, or they could be slightly off the expected trajectory after breaking apart. (Hubble will have to follow the expected path unless Earth-bound observatories can help pinpoint the comet bits -- otherwise the telescope would just be guessing at a location.) Some people have wondered whether there's a danger from the fragments. The answer is no -- they still follow the general trajectory, and they're still extremely far away from Earth.
Best case scenario, Hubble sees something like a coma, an expanding cloud of diffuse particles, or some bits of rubble that were once a nucleus.
So there may be a little – very little – more ISON in your life sometime in the next several weeks. Hubble can't look right now -- the comet is still so close to the Sun that an observation would damage Hubble's optics. Hubble actually has safeguards that shut the telescope down if it tries to gaze at an object to close to the Sun. Ground observatories are also unable to view whatever's left of the comet at this point due to its location near the Sun -- by the time it would be in view, the sky is too bright.
If Hubble does observe ISON, astronomers will be able to do things like estimate the size of the particles, and judge the speed at which the comet is disintegrating -- which will help us learn about ISON's composition and structure. Now, like a team of forensic examiners at the scene of the crime, it's time for astronomers look back on the data they've collected and figure out how and why ISON went to pieces, and what that means about Oort Cloud objects, sungrazers, and comets in general.


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Declaration of Religious Principle
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Revision as of 11:48, March 5, 2009
The Boy Scouts of America's Declaration of Religious Principle, taken from the Adult Registration Application (No. 28-501):
"The Boy Scouts of America maintains that no member can grow into the best kind of citizen without recognizing an obligation to God and, therefore, recognizes the religious element in the training of the member, but it is absolutely nonsectarian in its attitude toward that religious training. Its policy is that the home and organization or group with which the member is connected shall give definite attention to religious life.
Only persons willing to subscribe to these precepts from the Declaration of Religious Principle and to the Bylaws of the Boy Scouts of America shall be entitled to certificates of leadership."


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Vatican City, Oct 9, 2012 / 02:15 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York told the synod of bishops gathered at the Vatican that "the primary sacrament of the New Evangelization is the sacrament of penance."
"Yes the sacraments of initiation – baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist – change, challenge and equip the agents of evangelization, but the sacrament of reconciliation evangelizes the evangelizers, as it brings us sacramentally into contact with Jesus who calls us to conversion of heart and inspires (us) to answer his invitation to repentance," Cardinal Dolan said on Oct. 9, the third day of the synod.
Cardinal Dolan is one of seven U.S. bishops present at the synod, which runs October 7-28 and was convened by Pope Benedict to discuss the theme of "The New Evangelization for the Transmission of the Christian Faith."
Speaking in the presence of the Pope, Cardinal Dolan proposed that for a new evangelization to happen "the very agents of evangelization must first be evangelized themselves," and that begins with sacramental confession.
With only 48 hours to go before the 50th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council's opening, he lamented the fact that while the council "called for a renewal of the sacrament of penance," what emerged "sadly, in many places, was the disappearance of the sacrament."
Instead, he recalled, the conclusion of Vatican II in 1965 saw a series of demands for the "reform of structures, systems, institutions and people other than ourselves."
But the answer to the question "what is wrong with the world?" proved was not external factors like "politics, the economy, secularism, pollution or global warming," he noted.
"No, as G.K. Chesterton wrote, the answer to the question what is wrong with the world is two words: 'I am.'"
Cardinal Dolan stated in his remarks to his 250 fellow bishops that paving the way for a personal "conversion of heart and repentance," which is the "core of the Gospel invitation," requires a recognition of personal sin.
"This happens in the sacrament of penance. This is the sacrament of the New Evangelization," he said to warm applause from the assembled Synod Fathers, experts and observers.
Courtesy: CNA Oringinal Post


text: Professor Alexander Milner In 'People' Academic staffHonorary staffDoctoral researchers Back to 'School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences' School of Geography, Earth and Environmental SciencesProfessor of River Ecosystems Contact details Telephone+ 44(0)121 41 48098Fax+ 44(0)121 41 email@example.com View my research portal AddressSchool of Geography, Earth and Environmental SciencesUniversity of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT UK Professor Alexander Milner has been at the University of Birmingham for 15 years, where he was initially responsible for setting up the Environmental Science and Environmental Management degrees. He is now responsible for the Masters degree in River Environmental Management. His research involves river ecosystems in alpine and Arctic environments and has long term studies in Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park in Alaska. The study in Glacier Bay represents the longest continual study of stream succession and development within a primary successional framework. Other studies have included how water sources are changing in glacially influenced river systems with climate change and how these changes alter ecological structure and function. Qualifications PhD in Aquatic Ecology, University of London MSc in Applied Hydrobiology University of London BSc (Hons)in Biological Sciences, University of Aston Biography 1995 - present School of Geography, University of Birmingham 2008 - present Research Professor of Aquatic Biology, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 1993 - 2008 Research Associate Professor of Aquatic Biology, Institute of Arctic Biology, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 1990-1995 Associate Professor of Aquatic Biology, Environment and Natural Resources Institute, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska. 1990 to 1995. Teaching Courses presently led or contributed to; Global Environmental Issues Advanced Issues in Environmental Science Ecological Systems Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems River Ecology, Research and Management, River Assessment and Biomonitoring and River Restoration modules of the Masters in River Environmental Management Postgraduate supervision Research Students since 2001 Kieran Khamis (EU) Climate change and streams in the French Pyrenees (co- Dr. Hannah). Svein Sonderland (Norweigen Council) Diet of juvenile salmonids in streams with different riparian vegetation characteristics (co – Dr. Ledger). Ed Malone (NERC) Nitrogen dynamics of different aged streams (co-Professor Pinay) Philip Blaen (NERC) Hydroecology of streams near Ny-Alseund, Svalbard (co-Dr. Hannah) Chris Mellor (School) Glacier-fed catchment in Lapland with changing water sources (co- Dr Hannah) Jill Crossman (NERC) Upwelling channels of a braided river in interior Alaska (co- Dr Bradley) Megan Klaar (Birmingham/Worcester) Geomorphological complexity and fish populations Helen Vincent (NERC) Algal/grazer interactions in mecosms (co – Dr. Ledger) Rebecca Harris (NERC/FBA) Effects of drought disturbance on stream channels (co-Dr Ledger) Sarah Cadbury (NERC) Alpine streams in New Zealand (co – Dr. Hannah) Mike McDermott (FBA) Meiofauna in new streams in Glacier Bay Lee Brown (NERC) Alpine streams in the French Pyrenees (co – Dr. Hannah) Amanda Hewertson (NERC/FBA) Colonization of a new watershed, Glacier Bay James Ray (MPhil) (USGS) Chironomidae of streams of Denali National Park Kieran Monaghan (School) Effects of salmon on invertebrates in Glacier Bay Research Current Research: Research interests Colonization and ecological development of new streams River ecology, particularly community recovery following disturbance and long-term variation in benthic communities. Ecology of glacier-fed streams River restoration and enhancement Hydroecology of glacier-fed river systems in Arctic and alpine regions (French Pyrenees, New Zealand, Lapland and Svalbard) The principal aims of these studies are (1) to characterize hydroecological patterns along a longitudinal gradient of ameliorating conditions and changing water source contributions downstream from the glacier terminus; (2) to investigate the temporal variability of the hydroecology at event, diurnal, seasonal and inter-annual time scales; (3) to gain further life history information of key macroinvertebrate species found in glacial rivers; and (4) synthesize the information gained into conceptual models applicable to the hydroecology of alpine and Arctic glacier-fed rivers. Past and current PhD students include Lee Brown, Sarah Cadbury, Chris Mellor, Philip Blaen and Kieran Khamis. Funding has been from NERC (studentships), the Leverhulme Trust, EU ATANS and ARCFAC. Collaborators include Dr David Hannah, Dr Lee Brown of the University of Leeds, Dr Emmanuel Castella of the University of Geneva, Dr Charles Pearson of NIWA, Christchurch and Professor Mike Winterbourn of the University of Canterbury. Colonization and development of new streams in coastal Alaska Although succession is a key concept in terrestrial ecology, it is less well understood in the context of aquatic environments. Glacier Bay National Park in southeast Alaska provides a superb natural laboratory in which we have been studying the evolution of aquatic ecosystems and predicting how successional processes interact with landscape geomorphology, and ecological factors within other ecosystems. More recently we have been focusing on the how geomorphological complexity increases over time in streams (Dr. Megan Klaar postdoc) and how the diet of juvenile salmonids shifts with differing riparian vegetation characteristics. Collaboration with Dr. Deb Finn (postdoc) to look at genetic variation in colonizing populations. Funding has included NERC, US National Park Service and the Freshwater Biological Association. Past and current PhD students include Elizabeth Flory, Kieran Monaghan, Ian Phillips, Amanda Veal, Mike McDermott and Megan Klaar, Ed Malone and Svein Sonderland. Collaborators include Dr Anne Robertson (Roehampton University), Dr Ian Maddock (University of Worcester) and Dr Lee Brown (University of Leeds). Long term variation in benthic communities/upwelling channels of braided floodplains in Denali National Park, interior Alaska This is a study of long term natural variation in a number of streams of Denali National Park from 1994 to relate landscape factors including climate and look at persistence and stability of macroinvertebrate communities. We are also looking at the hydroecology of upwelling channels on a large braided glacial floodplain. Funding includes USGS US NPS and collaborators include Dr Chris Bradley and members of the Denali National Park Service. Past and current research students include Sarah Conn, James Ray and Jill Crossman. Several research projects within the Hydroecology Research Group, include the recovery of benthic communities from drought disturbance in experimental channels and algal-herbivore interactions with Dr Mark Ledger. Past and present PhD students include Rebecca Harris and Helen Vincent. Other activities Member of the European Science Foundation peer review panel (2006 -) Member of the International Profiles Committee and Election/Place Committee of the North American Benthological Society. Grants and Awards Committee, Freshwater Biological Association Editorial Board – BMC Ecology (2005 - ), River Research and Applications (2007 - ) Member of the NERC Arctic Programme Advisory Group (March 2010 - ) Publications Milner, A.M., A.E. Robertson, M. McDermott, M.J. Klaar and L.E. Brown (2012). Major flood disturbance alters river ecosystem evolution. Nature Climate Change DO!:10.1038/Nclimate1665. Ledger, M.E., L.E. Brown, F.K. Edwards, A.M. Milner (2012) Drought alters the structure and functioning of complex food webs. Nature Climate Change DOI 10.1038/NClimate1684. Brown, L.E. and A.M. Milner (2012) Rapid loss of glacial ice reveals stream community assembly processes. Global Change Biology DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2486. Jacobsen, D., A.M. Milner, L.E. Brown and O. Dangles (2012) Biodiversity under threat in glacier-fed river systems. Nature Climate Change. 2; 361-364. Finn, D., K. Khamis and A.M. Milner (2012) Biodiversity trends expected in streams following loss of small glaciers in the French Pyrenees. Global Ecology and Biogeography DOI: 10.1111/j.1466-8238. Crossman, J., C. Bradley, J.N.W. David and A.M. Milner (2012) Use of remote sensing to identify areas of groundwater upwelling on active glacial floodplains; their frequency, extent and significance on a landscape scale. Remote Sensing of the Environment. 123: 116-126. Crossman, J., C. Bradley, A.M. Milner and G. Pinay. (2012) Influence of environmental instability of groundwater-fed streams on hyporheic fauna on a glacial floodplain, Denali National Park, Alaska. River Research and Applications. DOI 10.1002/rra1619 Milner, A.M., A.E. Robertson, L.E. Brown, S. Sonderland and A.J. Veal. (2011) Evolution of a stream ecosystem in recently deglaciated terrain. Ecology 92: 1924-1934 Crossman, J., I. Boomer, C. Bradley and A.M. Milner (2011) Water flow dynamics of groundwater-fed streams and their ecological significance in a glacierized catchment. Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research.43 :364-379 Ledger, M.E., F. Edwards, L.E. Brown, G. Woodward, and A.M. Milner. (2011) Impact of simulated drought on ecosystem biomass production: an experimental test in stream mesocosms. Global Change Biology. 17: 2288-2297 Brown, L.E., F. Edwards, A.M. Milner, G. Woodward, and M.E. Ledger. (2011) Food web complexity and allometric scaling relationships in stream mesocosms: implications for experimentation. Journal of Animal Ecology. 80: 884-895. Klaar, M.J., D. Hill, I. Maddock and A.M. Milner (2011) Interactions between instream wood and hydrogeomorphic development within recently deglaciated streams in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. Geomorphology 130:208-220. Woodward, G., J.P. Benstead, A.M. Milner et al. (2010) Ecological networks in a changing climate. Advances in Ecological Research. 42:71-138 Brown, L.E., A.M.Milner and D.M. Hannah. (2010) Predicting ecosystem response to glacial meltwater dynamics; a case study of quantitative water sourcing and glaciality index approaches. Aquatic Sciences 72: 325-334. McDermott, M.J., A.L. Robertson, P.J. Shaw and A.M. Milner (2010). The hyporheic assemblage of a recently formed stream following deglaciation in Glacier Bay, Alaska, USA. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 67: 304-313. Klaar, M.J., Maddock, I, and A.M. Milner (2010) The development of hydraulic and geomorphic complexity in newly formed streams in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska. River Research and Applications 25: 1331-1338. Brown, L.E, D.M. Hannah and A.M. Milner (2009) ARISE: A classification tool for Alpine RIver and Stream Ecosystems, Freshwater Biology 54:1357-1369 Monaghan, K.A. and A.M. Milner (2009) The effect of anadromous salmon redd construction on macroinvertebrate communities in a recently formed stream in coastal Alaska. Journal of the North American Benthological Association. 28:153-166 Milner, A.M., L.E. Brown and D.M. Hannah (2009) Hydroecological effects of shrinking glaciers. Hydrological Processes. 23, 62-77 Ledger, M.E., R.M.L. Harris, P. D. Armitage and A.M. Milner (2009) Realism of model ecosystems: an evaluation of physicochemistry and macroinvertebrate assemblages in artificial streams. Hydrobiologia 617, 91-99 Milner, A.M., A.E. Robertson, K. Monaghan, A.J. Veal and E.A. Flory. (2008) Colonization and development of a stream community over 28 years; Wolf Point Creek in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 6, 413-419 Harris, R.M.L., P. D. Armitage, A.M. Milner and M.E. Ledger (2008) Replicability of physicochemistry and macroinvertebrate assemblages in stream mesocosms; implications for experimental research. Freshwater Biology, 52, 2434-2443 Ledger, M.E., R.M.L. Harris, P. D. Armitage and A.M. Milner (2008) Disturbance frequency influences patch dynamics in stream benthic algal communities. Oecologia, 155, 809-819 Monaghan, K.A. and A.M. Milner (2008) Salmon carcasses as a marine derived resource for benthic macroinvertebrates in a developing post-glacial stream, Alaska. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, 65, 1342-1351 Monaghan, K.A. and A.M. Milner (2008) Dispersal mechanisms of macroinvertebrates colonizing salmon flesh in a developing Alaskan stream, Acta Oceologia, 34, 65-73 Cadbury, S.C., D.M. Hannah, A.M. Milner, C.P. Pearson and L.E. Brown (2008) Stream temperature dynamics within a New Zealand glacierized river basin. River Research and Applications 24: 68-89. Hannah, D.M., L.E. Brown, A.M. Milner, A.M. Gurnell, G. McGregor, G.E. Petts, B.P.G. Smith, and D. Snook. (2007) Integrating climatology-hydrology-ecology for alpine river systems. Aquatic Conservation: Marine & Freshwater Ecosystems. 17: 636-656 Brown L.E., A.M. Milner and D.M. Hannah (2007) Groundwater influence on alpine streams. Freshwater Biology 52:878-890. *Milner, A.M., C. Fastie, F.S. Chapin, D.R. Engstrom and L. Sharman (2007) Interactions and linkages among ecosystems during landscape evolution. BioScience 57:237-247. *Brown, L.E, A.M. Milner and D.M. Hannah (2007) Vulnerability of alpine stream biodiversity to shrinking snowpacks and glaciers. Global Change Biology 13:958-966. Milner, A.M., Brown, L.E. and Conn, S.C. (2006) The persistence of macroinvertebrate communities in interior Alaska streams; implications for biomonitoring. Freshwater Biology. 51: 373-387 Robertson, A.L. and Milner, A.M. (2006) The influence of stream age and environmental variables on structuring meiofaunal communities in recently deglaciated streams. Limnology and Oceanography 51:1454-1465 Ledger, M.E., Harris, R.M.L., Milner, A.M. and Armitage, P.D. (2006) Disturbance, biological legacies and community development in stream mecosms. Oecologia 51:1454-1465. Brown, L.E, Hannah, D.M and. Milner, A.M (2006) Hydroclimatological influences on water column and streambed thermal dynamics in an alpine river system. Journal of Hydrology 325: 1-20 Brown, L.E, Hannah, D.M. and Milner, A.M. (2006) Short Communication: Thermal variability and stream flow permanency in an alpine river system. River Research and Applications 22: 493-501. Brown, L.E, Milner, A.M. and Hannah. D.M. (2006) Persistence and stability of alpine stream macroinvertebrate communities and the role of physicochemical habitat variables. Hydrobiologia 540: 159-173 Brown, L., D.M. Hannah and A.M. Milner (2005) Spatial and temporal water column and streambed temperature dynamics within an alpine catchment: Implications for benthic communities. Hydrological Processes 19:1585-1610. Milner, A.M. and Gloyne-Phillips, I.T. (2005) The role of riparian vegetation and woody debris in the development of macroinvertebrate assemblages in streams. Rivers: Research and Application 21:403-420. Milner, A.M. and Piorkowski, R.J.. (2004) Macroinvertebrate community assemblages in streams of interior Alaska following placer mining. River Research and Applications 20:719-731 Brown, L., Sherlock, C., Milner, A.M., Hannah, D.M. and Ledger, M.E. (2004) Longitudinal distribution of diatom communities along a proglacial stream in the Taillon-Gabiétous catchment, French Pyrénées. Pirineous 158-159:73-85 Brown, L., Hannah, D.M. and Milner A.M. (2003) Alpine stream habitat classification: an alternative approach incorporating the role of dynamic water source contributions. Arctic, Antarctic and Alpine Research 35:313-322 Snook, D.L. and Milner, A.M. (2002) Biological traits of macroinvertebrates and hydraulic conditions in a glacier-fed catchment (French Pyrenees). Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 153: 245-271 Castella, E., Adalsteinsson, H., Brittain, J. E., Lehmann, A., Lencioni, V., Lods-Crozet, B., Maiolini, B., Milner, A.M., Olafsson, J.S. , Salveit, S. J. and Snook, D. (2001). Macroinvertebrate richness and composition along a latitudinal gradient of European glacier-fed systems. Freshwater Biology 46: 1811-1832 Milner, A.M. and York, G.S. (2001) Salmonid colonization of a new stream in Kenai Fjords National Park, southeast Alaska. Archiv fur Hydrobiologie 151:627-647 Milner, A.M., Taylor, R.C. and Winterbourn, M.J. (2001) Longitudinal distribution of macroinvertebrates in two glacier-fed New Zealand rivers. Freshwater Biology 46:1765-1776 Milner, A.M., Brittain, J.E., Castella, E. and Petts, G.E. (2001) Trends of macroinvertebrate community structure in glacier-fed streams in relation to environmental conditions: a synthesis. Freshwater Biology 46:1833-1848 Snook, D.L. and Milner, A.M. (2001) The influence of glacial runoff on stream macroinvertebrates in the Taillon catchment, French Pyrenees. Freshwater Biology 46: 1609-1624 Friberg, N., Milner, A.M., Svendsen, L.M., Linegaard, C. and Larsen, S.E. (2001) Distribution of macroinvertebrates in streams of Greenland. Freshwater Biology 46: 1753-1764 Brittain, J.E. and Milner, A.M. (2001) Ecology of glacier-fed rivers: current status and concepts. Freshwater Biology 46:1571-1578 Robertson, A. and Milner, A.M. (2001) Coarse particulate organic matter: A habitat or food resource for the meiofaunal community of a recently formed stream Hydrobiologia 152:529-541View all publications in research portal


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The one million square foot Figueroa at Wilshire skyscraper towers over the Los Angeles skyline and resides in the heart of L.A.'s cultural and financial center. Boasting a dominating architectural presence, this prestigious tower is situated on the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and South Figueroa Street, just a few minutes drive from the L.A. County Municipial Courts and the U.S. Federal Courthouse.
This prestigious location is near a number of classy amenities, including LA Live, the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall, hotel and restaurant options.
This location is SBA HUBZone certified.
45 minute drive to Los Angeles International Airport
Los Angeles Metropolitan Authority offers a bus stop outside Figueroa at Wilshire.
A train stop is located two blocks from Figueroa at Wilshire, and operates throughout the day.


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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, today announced the launch of the unique Samsung NX100 – an innovative mirrorless camera equipped with the world's first i-Function lens, putting the perfect picture at the fingertips of all photographers through a completely new way of controlling your camera.
The NX100 is set to dominate the new mirrorless camera category. The innovative new product has benefited from Samsung's expertise across multiple technology areas, meaning that the camera's key components are 100% produced internally. This unique process has been combined with Samsung's detailed and extensive program of consumer research, which provided valuable insights that the company's designers and engineers have incorporated into the NX100. Finally the unparalleled product is complemented by an extensive line up of lenses and accessories which give photographers the full package to explore their creativity.
The launch of the NX100 follows the success of the NX10, Samsung's first mirrorless camera and the first in the world to feature an APS-C size sensor, which has already changed the way millions of photographers across the globe take pictures, and raised the bar for the industry as a whole. The NX100 shares the industry leading technology of NX10, such as an APS-C size sensor for quality images and a 3 inch AMOLED screen for easy and clear viewing. However, with the NX100 Samsung takes the mirrorless camera to the next level, by incorporating the innovations of the NX10 and improving other areas of the camera's performance and design. The body of the camera is slim, sleek and stylish, and the NX100 also features the intuitive i-Function lens which allows users to control their camera through the lens for the first time. The NX100 also boasts one of the fastest AF on the market today, which ensures that users never miss a moment, and an ISO that is raised to a maximum of 6400 for action shots.
The design of the NX100 is inspired by the simple shape of dew forming on a leaf, which can be seen on the camera's shutter button and curved body, which comes in four different colors; black, white, brown, and silver. The lightweight, compact and modern design makes the camera extremely portable, allowing users with a creative flair to carry the NX100 with them anywhere and for any occasion. The NX100 is more than just a camera; it is both a creative tool and an artistic object that makes a bold style statement everywhere it goes.
Mr. Ram Modak, General Manager of the Digital Imaging Division of Samsung Gulf Electronics, commented: "With the new NX100, Samsung has broken new grounds and surpassed industry expectations. Our unique and pioneering i-Function Lens is one example of Samsung's unparalleled innovation which will appeal to every photographer. "
While conventional lenses were passive in controlling camera settings, the unique i-Function Lens is a proactive lens that communicates with the camera body. It delivers total image control with fast manual settings to ensure quick and easy image capturing, and also provides customized settings optimized for the lens being used. The lens incorporates a conveniently located i-Function button which allows users to scroll through manual settings, and a focus ring which is used to easily change parameters for each setting. This unprecedented control system is clever, intuitive and fast, meaning the perfect picture is now at everyone's fingertips.
Because a typical camera user wraps their hand around the lens when holding the camera, the new system means that photographers can naturally use their left hand to change settings through the intuitive i-Function lens without the need to take the cameras off the target. Users can toggle between shutter speed, aperture, EV, WB, and ISO quickly and easily by simply using the i-Function button and ring on the lens, meaning easier and quicker configuration while shooting.
The NX100 also has a lens priority mode which makes switching between lenses to guarantee the perfect shot easier than ever. Firstly, each lens is clearly marked with icons that illustrate their main usages, so beginners can quickly understand which lens they need to select for any given scene. The lens priority mode provides scene options optimized for the lens being used – for example when a landscape lens is attached the camera will immediately display the landscape mode. Also, when users change to a specialized lens, the camera would recognize the lens type and automatically configure the settings that would best match with the attached lens. This latter feature would work with specialized Samsung lenses in the future.
The NX100's innovations aren't confined to the lens – the camera also provides a very creative feature called 'Smart Filter'. In playback mode, users can apply seven different effects to the picture, such as the vignette, soft focus, fish-eye or miniature effects. The 'Smart Filter' provides not just high quality images, but also features that are fun to use.
The fun doesn't stop with the still image options – the NX100 supports HD movie recording at 720P, so that memories can stay alive in its finest details. The NX100 also contains a 'Sound Picture' mode that can record audio when a photo is taken that enriches the experience. To ensure each image is perfect quality, even when lenses are being regularly changed, the NX100 also features a supersonic dust reduction feature to remove any foreign particles from the lens before shooting.
The NX100 will be equipped with a range of innovative lenses and accessories to further enhance the user's experience. At launch the lens line-up includes a compact zoom 20-50mm lens to provide both high image quality and portability. A small and light 20mm wide angle Pancake lens will be introduced shortly after. Two additional specialized lenses will be available in the first half of 2011 – a 60mm Macro lens and 18-200mm Super Zoom lens. To expand the lens line-up even further, three more lenses will be introduced by the second half of 2011, including 16mm, 85mm, and 16-80mm lenses. The NX system will be further enhanced with more accessories, including an Electronic Viewfinder, Flash and GPS tracker to capture your exact geographical location.


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Word coming out of the main draw in London:
Spidla drawn in Blanco's half.
Davis to start against wildcard Mutch. Micic in the third round. Hall in the fourth.
Mustard begins with Brookes. Boros in the fourth round.
Maxum and Delev scheduled for a second round meeting.
Read starts with Zoltán Varga.
Drake doesn't have a wildcard or qualifier in his section. Maurer first. Pascaul in fourth.
Oxenstierna in Blanco's quarter. Begins with Rose of FR CWLand.
Daniels drawn against Blanco.


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Luxury Bath Salt Labels - Rain Soaps
We designed and letterpress printed bath salt labels for Connecticut based Rain Soaps. This salt is hand harvested (by monks in France) and uniquely presented in its natural state in an apothecary-style sealed glass jar. We ran the three labels together on a small press sheet. The paper is a crack and peel Strathmore Soft White label stock. It is printed in one color and kiss cut to final size. Ahh, I'm more relaxed just looking at them.


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Thursday, September 22, 2011
The edges of the storm
11 comments:
- donna galanti said...
Oh, Kathryn such an ordeal! How awful, and to read in such painful detail. But I just love Dave, to end with him in the post on a humorous point - all because of a darn pinecone!
Glad you're home and hope to see you soon! take (extra) care-Donna
- September 22, 2011 at 1:17 PM
- billie bakhshi said...
Curiosity killed the....never mind. ;)
We can play twinsies at the next writers conference and compare scars, and how it seems that surgeons implant weather vanes during corrective surgery. Wishing you speedy healing...
- September 22, 2011 at 1:33 PM
- Kate Brandes said...
That does sound awful! I hope that writing about it will heal both inside and out. Wishing you all the best.
- September 22, 2011 at 7:48 PM
- Sandra said...
Ha ha, love the last line, Kath!!!
- September 22, 2011 at 8:53 PM
- Donna Brennan said...
Wow. Didn't realize it was so bad. As I read what you had written, I was there with you on that hill, out of reach of the phone and out of earshot of the house. Poor thing. I think my heartbeat quickened quite a bit. Need to let it calm down now.
Hope you continue to heal, both physically and emotionally.
- September 22, 2011 at 11:46 PM
- Kathryn Craft said...
DonnaG: All because of a darn pinecone indeed. I have paid dearly for my curiosity. ;)
- September 23, 2011 at 8:24 AM
- Kathryn Craft said...
With osteoarthritis already settled into my jaw, my spine, and my fingers, I was thrilled to see my x-rays and discover how beautiful my ankles bones were! No visible arthritic changes pre-break. So I may end up with just as much as I originally assumed I had!
- September 23, 2011 at 8:27 AM
- Kathryn Craft said...
Thanks, Kate, and for your other FB note. Since I believe "the inside and out" are so linked for healing, I'm trying to get through the day on only extra strength Tylenol today. I think the Percoset was messing with my head.
- September 23, 2011 at 8:29 AM
- Kathryn Craft said...
Thanks for reading, Sandy! You can usually count on Dave for such levity, even in the worst of circumstances.
And DonnaB, thanks for reflecting back in such detail. Your sensations help me put my post-traumatic symptoms in perspective.
- September 23, 2011 at 8:31 AM
Lovely write! Although I was aware, while reading it, that you didn't actually say if it hurt! Your description of the snapping sound and crunching was enough to make my stomach turn as I have broken parts of myself too!!! Funny how your body remembers...
- May 19, 2012 at 8:30 AM
- Kathryn Craft said...
Gaiamethod: It hurt like a sonofabitch!! Once it swelled, over the course of 15 minutes or so, it kind of created a liquid cast from the inside, if that makes sense, and the fear of its horrid position and my discomfort with the damp and cold became more prominent than the pain. But touching it or moving it? Ha! I would rather have killed the person who tried than allow it! It was only my sincere desire to be warm and dry that prevented me from taking the EMT's head off, lol. Thanks for reading!
- May 19, 2012 at 9:35 AM


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Send an Email
You've probably never heard the term "email marketing" before, but more than likely you have seen it. It's everywhere! Your favorite companies have more than likely sent you a message telling you about a product. This is email marketing in its purest form. Does this sound like something you would want to use? Granting that it is, then continue reading.
Playing with fonts is fun, and you may be tempted to spice up your emails with exotic fonts. Resist that temptation! Fonts may display differently, or even be replaced by defaults, on someone else's computer. Even if an odd font does display correctly, there is no guarantee that your recipient will appreciate it the same way you do. To avoid any font-based mishaps, stick with fonts that are widespread, easy to read, and understated.
Your color scheme should be consistent and should reflect your brand. If your colors are all over the board, you will appear amateurish and your efforts may not achieve the results that you desire. You can look on sites like COLOURlovers if you need some good ideas to get you going.
One of the most important things you can do during your email marketing campaign is to set your goals and re-evaluate them as necessary. Make sure you know what you want to accomplish with your e-mail marketing campaign and be willing to change some of your practices as the industry, your business, or your customer basis changes.
Take every opportunity that comes up to be festive when you send an email as this will be your first chance to make a good impression. When there is a holiday try to tailor your emails to fit the occasion. Subscribers will be very appreciative of this, and they will feel as if you are human and not a robot. Offering holiday discounts is another great idea that ties into the festive theme.
Write your message copy with benefits in mind, but not yours. Make sure your messages reflect the benefits that your content, products or services are offering your subscribers and readers. They want to know what is in it for them before they commit to the call to action, which is where your benefit happens.
When following up with your potential customers, you could follow them up by sending out an email that gives them a summary of an offer. Attach a line on the email that tells them to review this offer. The ending postscript could inform them that there are absolutely no hidden fees on the offer that you are providing them.
Email marketers would be wise from including pre-checked opt-in boxes within their emails. This will make you look untrustworthy to your readers as they may take this to be a little to forward. Also, when you let readers opt0in themselves, you create a better email list of customers that are actually interested in you and your business.# Send An Email
After countless times of encountering email marketing, you finally know what it is. Put simply, it's using the medium of emails to send messages either current customers or future customers for the sole purpose of marketing to them. Now that you know what it is, make use of it in your own emails!
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Hong Kong's MRO giant explores new areas to meet changing industry needs.
HONG KONG—Maintenance providers have always been forced to adapt when airline fleets and operating models go through a transition phase. The Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Co. (Haeco) is no exception, and it is responding to the latest airline evolution by broadening its capabilities and looking for new ways to partner with customers.
These efforts have prompted Haeco to dramatically change its approach to cabin maintenance and component support, as well as expand the work sscope at both its Hong Kong base and its subsidiary companies in China. Its success is demonstrated by Haeco receiving Aviation Week's 2012 MRO Award for leading independent maintenance organization.
Like the rest of the MRO industry, the company is facing the prospect of declining numbers of older, maintenance-heavy aircraft such as the Boeing 747-400. Meanwhile, the first of the next generation of aircraft like the 787, 747-8 and the Airbus A380 are making their presence felt.
"One of the effects of the new-generation aircraft, certainly initially, is that they will require less labor-intensive work," says Haeco Commercial Director Summit Chan. He notes, however, that this is nothing new. In its more than 60-year history, Haeco has dealt with the phase-out of the Tristar, then the 747 Classics, and now the 747-400s.
"It's a trend that is inevitable—manufacturers continue to make more reliable and less maintenance-heavy aircraft," says Chan. "So that means we have to capture this trend in our business model."
Among Haeco's new programs is its Cabin Maintenance Center (CMC) in Hong Kong, which is a partnership with its largest customer Cathay Pacific. Under the CMC deal, Haeco has established a dedicated operation for maintaining and repairing cabin equipment, and has assumed greater responsibility over this aspect of the aircraft.
This is a good example of the company putting more focus on an area that has become increasingly important to customers. Historically, MROs have been more concerned about the technical requirements of aircraft during line maintenance, says Chan. The priority was on getting the aircraft certified and released for the next flight in good time, and cabin features were sometimes overlooked, particularly if a problem was not visually obvious.
But cabin quality is becoming increasingly important for airlines as they use interiors as a market differentiator. Airlines have invested heavily in everything from seats to inflight entertainment.
Chan says the CMC was established in recognition that "the old business model doesn't work" now. "As the investment in the cabin has changed, the effort to look after the cabin has also changed," says Chan.
"Ownership of cabin quality now rests within the CMC," he says. This unit specializes in cabin equipment, and by maintaining it well, can save airlines money by reducing the need for part replacement.
Another area of growth for Haeco is inventory technical management (ITM), with a Cathay arrangement again playing a key role. ITM involves pooling parts inventories for use by a number of carriers. Haeco has previously had arrangements like this for individual aircraft types, but a new ITM partnership with Cathay will be fleet-wide.
The Cathay deal is Haeco's largest step into ITM. "This is a business where you need scale to achieve certain cost synergies," Chan notes. "The trend is more towards outsourcing of component support to companies like ours. There are a few big players [in the industry] with whom we will be competing, but we will be focusing on the Asia-Pacific region."
ITM offers airlines a better cost structure for component work compared to owning their own inventory. It has been particularly popular for low-cost carriers, since component inventories tie up a lot of capital and managing them can be labor-intensive. "Many carriers want to concentrate on running the airline and outsource certain things to reliable service providers," says Chan.
Cathay's Engineering Director Christopher Gibbs (see interview pg. 12) says many of the details of the ITM contract are still being discussed. But he sees advantages to both sides. "The objective is for Haeco to build a business in inventory management, and then obviously for us to share the benefits," Gibbs says. "It would put our inventory to better use, because it could be used by other operators." He notes that Cathay "wouldn't need to add inventory in proportion to the number of aircraft, so there's a scale benefit there."
Another new capability in the Haeco Group's portfolio is its cabin completion center for corporate and business aircraft, at its Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering Co. (Taeco) subsidiary in Xiamen, China. Part of one of its hangars at the Taeco facility is dedicated to this work.
"We entered into that business to try to capture the growth in that segment in China, or foreign customers wanting to do a conversion on a Boeing Business Jet or an Airbus Corporate Jet," says Chan. Haeco has added design capabilities, so it can offer a complete service.
The company also is ramping up its landing gear subsidiary in Xiamen, and a composites shop in Jinjiang, China, which is a joint venture with Spirit AeroSystems. Engines are another growing sector, particularly through a joint venture established with Rolls-Royce in Hong Kong, and the Taikoo Engine Services operation in Xiamen.
New areas of growth have helped the Haeco group rise profits despite slowdowns in some areas. In March, the company reported an HK$821 million ($105.7 million) profit for 2011, up from HK$701 million in 2010.
One of the challenges Haeco has had to deal with is the 2009 slump in the cargo industry, which caused a sustained downturn in conversions of passenger aircraft like the Boeing 747-400. But this area is rebounding, and the company foresees particularly strong demand for conversions of smaller aircraft in the Asia-Pacific region, such as 757s and 737s.
The new generation aircraft also figure in Haeco's plans. Since Hong Kong is one of the world's most important cargo hubs, most of the carriers that will operate the 747-8F are already Haeco customers. The company does line maintenance for A380s, and expects to do the same for 787s and Airbus A350s.
The first heavy checks on these aircraft are not due for several years, however. "In due course we will be ready," Summit says. "We are going to develop the capabilities, one way or another."
A major part of Haeco's strategy in recent years has been investing in facilities outside Hong Kong. The company now has a stake in 16 subsidiaries and affiliates, mainly in China but also in Singapore and Bahrain.
The first of these was Taeco in Xiamen, which was established in 1996 and has grown to six hangars—twice as many as Haeco has in Hong Kong. The Shandong facility now has five narrowbody hangars. Haeco "foresaw the [potential] in China in the 1990s," Chan says. While there has been an increase in MRO competition in China, demand has also skyrocketed.
The expansion of the Chinese facilities does not mean that Haeco is shifting its growth away from Hong Kong, says Chan. Rather, it reflects the different stages of maturity of the lines of business. Each facility specializes in certain types of MRO work, so the growth curves are different. Geographic expansion has occurred in parallel with growth in functionality, Chan stresses.
Even though there are more physical constraints at crowded Hong Kong International Airport, Haeco is still planning to add more capacity there. The company intends to build a fourth hangar in Hong Kong, although it has yet to decide the timing.
Chan says Haeco "may push the button" on the fourth hangar project this year. At that point it would solicit bids for construction, and it would take about 18 months to complete the project from that point. The hangar would be smaller than the three existing ones.


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Inspired by "Feels Like Fall" from designer Avis Shirer of Joined at the Hip
Quiltmaker: Laura Boehnke
1/2 yard tan floral (Flying Geese units)
1/2 yard total assorted medium to dark prints in purple, rust, brown, gold, and black (Flying Geese units)
1/2 yard red-and-gold plaid (blocks)
Scrap of black print (blocks)
5/8 yard black cornucopia print (setting squares, outer border corners)
1/4 yard burgundy print (inner border)
1 yard harvest-theme border print (outer border)
1/2 yard solid black (binding)
2-7/8 yards backing fabric
51" square batting
Finished quilt: 44-1/2" square
Finished block: 10" square
Quantities are for 44/45"-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. Measurements include 1/4" seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.


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PSU presents 45th Timmons Chapel Christmas Concerts
Tuesday, November 26, 2013 2:00 AM
Pittsburg, KS
A 45-year-old holiday tradition will continue at Pittsburg State University on Dec. 4 and 6 when the PSU Department of Music presents the Timmons Chapel Christmas Concerts. The annual performances are both a gift to the community from faculty and students and also a tribute to the benefactor who made it all possible.
The concerts are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, and Friday, Dec. 6. The concerts are free and open to the public.
David Hurley, professor of music history and oboe at PSU, directs the concerts. He said this year's program will include an assortment of works for small ensembles and a mix of some holiday music and classical pieces ranging from Purcell to Britten. In addition to string ensembles, there will be a chamber wind group, vocal solos, and hand bells.
Students from the PSU Chamber Orchestra, some members of the faculty from the Music Department, and community members will collaborate in this year's performance, Hurley said.
From their inception, the Timmons Chapel Christmas Concerts have been a showcase for Timmons Chapel, a Gothic-style, all-faiths chapel completed in 1966 as a gift to the university from longtime benefactor Beth Spiva Timmons. The annual Christmas Concerts were begun in 1968 and for many years, Timmons personally provided the greens and supervised the simple holiday decoration that have become a part of the holiday tradition at PSU.
As always, there is no admission fee for the concerts, but seating in the chapel is limited. For more information, please contact the PSU Department of Music at 620-235-4466.
About Timmons Chapel:
Designed by architect Richard N. Wakefield, the English gothic chapel's Ashler pattern stone walls are 18 inches thick. The Vermont slate roof weighs 80,000 pounds.
The chapel's bronze bells were cast in Asten, Holland. The chapel's five-rank Wicks pipe organ has 341 pipes that are concealed in the organ loft.
Since its construction, the chapel has been the site for thousands of weddings, which was one of the primary desires of the donor. That purpose for the building is reflected in the design throughout. The chapel's altar, for example, is fashioned of nine wedding rings. The relief design on the chapel's bronze bells depicts the wedding of Canaan.
About Beth Spiva Timmons:
Born in Galena, Kan., in 1901, Beth Spiva Timmons was a long-time patron and benefactor of Pittsburg State University. One of her first acts of generosity to the university was her establishment of the Spiva Emergency Loan Fund for students in 1951. That fund eventually became the Spiva Scholarship Fund, one of the first scholarship funds established as part of the PSU Endowment Association. In 1985, she established the Timmons Trust Fund. Together, the two funds provide some of the largest scholarships awarded by the university. Beth Spiva Timmons died in June of 1985. In 1988, she was honored posthumously with the PSU Presidential Award of Merit.
---Pitt State---


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DIY Laundry Detergent
Hi! I'm Amber Anderson, I am a pastors wife, mom of 2 lovely boys, and an avid DIY'er. I am so excited to be sharing my tutorial on DIY Laundry Detergent this week. I love trying out DIY projects, crafts and family life!
My husband and I decided we were going to give a go at the Duggars recipe for DIY laundry detergent. Oh how I love those Duggars, however, I refuse to watch their show. Despite how much Sam tells me it's not real life, I covet the fact that every single one of their kids appears to be angels send from heaven to help Michelle Duggar cook and clean. So instead lusting over their organization or cleanliness, I decide to just not watch.
A lot of the reviews I have read on this DIY Laundry detergent of people who have allergies, eczema, or babies, use a milder soap, like Johnsons baby bar, Dove, etc. But the batch I made in this tutorial is with the Fels-Naptha. I will be trying the Johnsons baby bar to make a batch for my 6 month old. A few ingredients is all you need and it will only cost you a few bucks, $11.60 to be exact, $9 dollars if you already have a 5 gallon bucket with a lid.
Ingredient List:
- 5 gallon bucket with lid -$2.60 at Home Depot
- Borax
- Arm & Hammer Super WASHING soda (NOT baking soda) *laundry aisle
- Fels-Naptha Bar (I will be subbing this with the Johnsons Baby Bar pictured to try some baby detergent) *laundry aisle for the Fels, Johnson's in the baby section
- 10 clean milk jugs (or any other 1 gallon container)
- Front loader= ¼ cup per load, approx 640 loads
- Top Loader=5/8 cup per load, approx 180 loads
7 Simple Steps
1. Grate the Fels-Naptha bar. (Or other bar of your choosing)
2. Add to a pot with 4 cups hot water, cook over medium heat until all flakes have melted. (Will be a little bubbly) Beware, this stuff is a little strong while cooking, I felt a tad loopy afterwards, try opening some windows.
3. Fill your 5 gallon bucket HALF full with hot water.
4. Add your soap mixture, 1 cup of the Arm & Hammer and ½ cup of Borax. Stir. (We used a attachment on my husbands drill used for mixing paint, but you could use a 5 gallon paint stirrer too)
5. Fill up the rest of the bucket with hot water about an inch from the top. Stir. Put the lid on and let it sit overnight.
6. In the morning, stir (will be gelled and murky) and fill all of your 10 gallon jugs HALF full. A funnel works best for this step, but my husband and I still spilled this stuff everywhere! (We actually spilled so much we only got 9 gallons worth)
7. Once they are all half full with your solution, fill them all the rest of the way full with water. This was by far the hardest part to me, every time I filled it too fast it would sud up so much that I would have to wait to continue to fill it (sort of like coke in a Solo cup). My suggestion is to fill it slower with colder water, and fill it with the water slightly running down the lip of the jug, makes less suds, but takes more time.
And that's it! Give all a good shake and your ready to go on detergent at least a few months! (Maybe more if you don't have to do as much laundry as me) Make sure you shake well before each use too. I went ahead and measured out a 5/8 cup (I have a top loader) in a Solo cup and marked it with a marker, so I can just re-use that each time instead of dirtying up my measuring cups.
So, a fun idea would be to make some labels for your jugs telling the measurements and a reminder to shake well, sometimes milk jugs can be boring! Spice it up a little with a label and some ribbon!
My total project took about 45 minutes, but hopefully the more batches you make, the faster you'll get! And the best part is, with your next batch, all you will have to buy is the soap bar. Even better!
If I did my math right, a bottle of Tide for 96 loads is $18. So if you have a front loader, instead of paying $160, your paying $10 or less for 640 loads. Amazing!


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National Security
Citing redactions, Feinstein delays release of report on CIA interrogations
The Obama administration censored significant portions of the findings of an investigation into the CIA's use of harsh interrogation methods on suspected terrorists, forcing the chairwoman of the Senate Intelligence Committee to delay their release "until further notice."
The postponement late Friday added to serious frictions over the investigation between the administration and lawmakers, who have been pressing for the swiftest, most extensive publication of the findings on one of darkest chapters in the CIA's 65-year history.
Feinstein announced the delay only hours after the White House returned the document to her after it completed its declassification review. It also came after Obama acknowledged hours earlier that interrogators for the spy agency had tortured suspected terrorists.
But Obama also voiced "full confidence" in CIA Director John Brennan a day after the CIA revealed that an internal investigation found – contrary to Brennan's earlier denials – that agency personnel had broken into a protected database that was supposed to be for the exclusive use of Feinstein's staff.
It wasn't known what details of the 480-page executive summary, findings and conclusions of the Senate committee's five-year, $40 million probe were censored during declassification reviews by the CIA and then the White House, which oversaw the process of excising information deemed sensitive to national security.
"A preliminary review of the report indicates that there have been significant redactions. We need additional time to understand the basis for these redactions and determine their justification," Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said in a statement.
Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., a member of the committee who's been fiercely critical of the CIA interrogation program, also decried the blackouts, saying President Barack Obama had pledged to ensure a release of the findings.
"I am concerned about the excessive redactions Chairman Feinstein referenced in her statement, especially given the president's unequivocal commitment to declassifying the Senate Intelligence Committee's study," Udall said. "I promised earlier this year to hold the president to his word and I intend to do so."
Udall vowed to work with Feinstein to declassify the findings "to the fullest extent possible, correct the record on the CIA's brutal and ineffective detention and interrogation program, and ensure the CIA learns from its past mistakes."
Reacting to Feinstein's announcement, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said that more than 85 percent of the report had been declassified and half of the redactions were in footnotes.
"The redactions were the result of an extensive and unprecedented inter-agency process, headed up by my office, to protect sensitive classified information," Clapper said in a statement. "We are confident that the declassified document delivered to the committee will provide the public with a full view of the committee's report on the detention and interrogation program, and we look forward to a constructive dialogue with the committee."
The White House had no immediate response.
With a political tsunami bearing down on both the agency and its chief spymaster, Obama rhetorically conceded that waterboarding and other brutal techniques used by the CIA under the George W. Bush administration amounted to torture, which is illegal.
"In the immediate aftermath of 9/11, we did some things that were wrong," Obama told reporters. "We did a whole lot of things that were right, but we tortured some folks. We did some things that were contrary to our values."
Though Obama has deployed the loaded term "torture" before, his timing Friday was particularly sensitive, coming before the release of the Senate committee's long-awaited report.
Brennan's future, too, fell more into question Friday amid growing congressional fury over revelations that the CIA covertly monitored computers used by Senate Intelligence Committee staffers. With the new torture report about to become public, the news undermines Brennan's leadership when he needs it most.
"Clearly he has to prove himself," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Friday. "I don't know how he does that."
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut added Friday that the report of CIA monitoring "renews the need for the Department of Justice to consider a criminal investigation," while Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina called it "the last in a string of events" justifying the need for "a new CIA director."
Even key lawmakers who say they are still withholding judgment stress the delicate position Brennan finds himself in.
"If he misled Congress, that's one thing. If he was misled, that's something else," Rep. Mike Thompson, D-Calif, a member of the House Intelligence Committee, said Friday. "If he's misled Congress, that destroys the trust that's necessary between us."
The timing for all the Capitol Hill concern couldn't be worse for the 58-year-old Brennan or for the agency he joined as an analyst some 25 years ago and has headed since March 2013.
Obama's characterization of those methods Friday as torture only adds weight to the report, as the United States is a signatory to the legally binding United Nations Convention Against Torture.
The Bush White House authorized the use of 10 "enhanced interrogation techniques," including waterboarding, which simulates drowning, and sleep deprivation. But McClatchy has learned that the Senate's investigators found that the CIA used techniques that were neither OK'd by the Justice Department nor approved by CIA headquarters.
The executive summary's eventual release will thus test Brennan's ability to reassure lawmakers and the public that the agency has learned its lessons, even as he fends off inevitable calls for criminal prosecutions and demands for more aggressive congressional oversight.
"It's about time the Senate Intelligence Committee took seriously its job of ensuring that the CIA operates within the law," Faiza Patel, co-director of the Brennan Center for Justice's Liberty and National Security Program, said Friday.
Complicating Brennan's job, and potentially threatening his credibility if not his future, is the partially public release of a report on Thursday by CIA Inspector General David Buckley.
Buckley's investigation revealed that five CIA employees, two lawyers and three information technology specialists improperly accessed or "caused access" to a database that only committee staff was permitted to use. The covert access occurred while committee staffers were working on the interrogation report.
Buckley's inquiry also determined that a CIA crimes report to the Justice Department alleging that the panel staff removed classified documents from a top-secret facility without authorization was based on "inaccurate information," according to a summary of the findings prepared for the Senate and House intelligence committees and released by the CIA.
The inspector general report's conclusions conflicted with Brennan's prior public denials that any monitoring took place and followed an unusually public spat between the CIA director and lawmakers like Feinstein.
Part of the reason for the tension, said one federal official familiar with the situation, is that Brennan stubbornly refused to acknowledge any wrongdoing and embarrassed Feinstein in the process. The official requested anonymity because of the matter's sensitivity.
Brennan's mea culpa in recent days might be enough to clear the air, at least between him and Feinstein. More generally, Brennan still has good relations with some top lawmakers and with the Obama White House, where he once served as counterterrorism adviser.
On Friday, Obama stressed that "John Brennan was the person who called for the IG report and he's already stood up a task force to make sure that lessons are learned and mistakes are resolved."
"I think Brennan has done what he is supposed to do," added Sen. Saxby Chambliss of Georgia, the ranking Republican on the Senate intelligence panel.
But some remain unconvinced.
"Unless there's new leadership, in my view, that will lead to a continuation of the strained relations and the lack of confidence that we have seen for the past months," Sen. Martin Heinrich, a New Mexico Democrat who serves on the Senate intelligence panel, said Friday.
Anita Kumar, Lesley Clark and Ali Watkins of the Washington Bureau contributed to this article.


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I got to know Melissa Willems' during the waiting period of our adoptions. It would turn out that Eli and Ezra were crib neighbors at the 'Thomas Center', the transitional home for our adoption agency. We've kept in touch since we have brought our boys home but after learning that the Willems' family are planning to move to the Netherlands, I really wanted to get our boys together. It was a very spontaneous decision but I bought a plane ticket for Eli and I to visit the Willems' family in October.
The plane ride there (and back) was not fun, but it was great to see the boys together! So cute! Melissa and Ben were great hosts (Melissa is an amazing cook!) and Asheville is just beautiful! The weather was cold but it was a nice break from the hot California weather!
Eli and Ezra holding hands on the ride home from the airport!
Riding in the car in the Market.
Reading a book with Ben.
The boys in their PJ's.
Splish Splash!!!
Ezra looking so cool and adorable in his mama's glasses!
Posing with the beautiful mountains in the background.
The boys holing hands while hiking. Aren't they cute all bundled up?


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LOS ANGELES — From three weeks to 24 hours before scheduled departure, EVA Air's Royal Laurel Class passengers have more meal choices online than the cabin crews will be able to create in the galley after take-off.
All Royal Laurel Class passengers need to do is go to the EVA Air website and pre-order from a selection of meals that resembles main course offerings in a five-star restaurant.
Dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Choices include western favorites and popular Asian specialties such as steak, lobster, Taiwanese beef noodles and more.
EVA's new Royal Laurel Class top cabin and the advance meal-order service are available on all of the airline's Los Angeles and New York flights now.
To pre-select meals, ticketed Royal Laurel Class passengers can simply go to the EVA Air home page, select Book and Manage Your Trip at top of the page and scroll down to the Meal Order window.
Passengers can log in using the confirmation or passenger record locator number shown on their eticket or with their Evergreen Club membership numbers.
Onboard, the Royal Laurel Class dining experience can start with a glass of Dom Perignon champagne followed by a good wine with dinner.
EVA's online meal service gives passengers more choices and ensures that they get what they want to eat.
Ordering meals online in advance also benefits the environment by reducing food waste and cutting the number of extra meals EVA needs to carry onboard to satisfy passengers' preferences.
Meal service isn't the only area where EVA takes passenger comfort and convenience to heart.
It is investing U.S. $100 million to upgrade top cabins on all of its Boeing 777-300ERs with new, fully lie-flat seats surrounded by added features especially designed for passenger comfort and convenience.
A Royal Laurel Class YouTube video presents a preview at www.youtube.com/user/EVAAIRVIDEO
EVA has configured Royal Laurel Class in a reverse herringbone layout so that passengers at windows can look out without turning and those in the center can comfortably dine and talk with travel companions.
For rest or work, passengers can just as easily adjust their seats and take advantage of privacy panels.
Seats are a roomy 65 centimeters (26 inches) wide, recline 180 degrees and stretch out almost 2 meters (79 inches).
The airline doesn't stop there.
It has added thoughtful comforts and conveniences for each Royal Laurel Class passenger that include coat hooks, spaces for shoe stowage, nooks for water, glasses and reading materials and handy seat-side tables for beverages, snacks or notepads, all within easy reach.
In addition, EVA has equipped the luxurious cabin with the latest audio and video technologies, starting with 15.4-inch touch screens and high-fidelity noise-canceling headphones.
Passengers with personal electronic devices can use multi-function AV-input outlets, USB and iPod ports on a system equipped with software such as Media Player, Photo Viewer and PDF Reader.
It also installed 110V power sockets and extra-large pull-out tables, all designed to equip business travelers with personal in-flight offices when they need them.
The airline has created luxurious, thoughtful and practical Royal Laurel Class amenity kits, too.
It fills these kits with BVLGARI products such as green tea moisturizing lotion that's lightly scented with clean, fresh hints of orange, jasmine and rose, lip balm, a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste and a clothes brush.
For homey comfort, it provides cozy high-quality comforters that are a generous 2 meters (79 inches) long.
EVA completed introduction of Royal Laurel Class on Los Angeles flights at the end of November 2012 and in New York at the end of August 2012.
It will begin to roll out the service on more routes in early 2013, starting with San Francisco, followed by Toronto, Paris, Amsterdam and London.
It will finalize Royal Laurel Class cabin upgrades by August 2013.
EVA's advance meal-ordering service has been available to Premium Laurel and Business Class passengers since 2005.
Passengers from the United States and Europe were early adapters and are the most frequent users of the service.
EVA serves an international network of major destinations worldwide, including dozens of cities in China and throughout Asia.
From gateways in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver, it offers more trans-Pacific flights from North America to Taipei with more, easy onward connections to major business and leisure centers than any other airline.
Travelers can check flight schedules, book and buy flights, reserve seats and, after they're ticketed, select meals at www.evaair.com
Tim Lyncecum See details


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SonicFit has lessons in music theory and ear training (aural skills) organized in a comprehensive curriculum. After learning about each topic, students take quizzes to check for understanding, and then work exercises to develop fluency.
The lessons begin with rudimentary concepts such as line notes and space notes, and advance through successive topics such as the staff, note names, letter names, ledger lines, clefs, note values, note durations, rhythm, meter, time signatures, key signatures, scale degree recognition, scales, intervals, chords, keyboard skills, the circle of fifths, modes, major and minor keys, and chord function. Ear training begins by systematically establishing the diatonic framework of scale degrees with exercise drills and a kodaly inspired sight reading generator. Minor keys and modes are taught next, followed by introducing each chromatic note according to its tendency resolution. Further aural skills development accompanies topics in music theory including interval and chord ear training, beat division ear training, harmonic progression ear training, sight singing material using melody generators and more advanced pitch ear training such as melodic fragments and close chromatic framework ear training exercises.
Choir directors can use SonicFit to develop beginning singers into fully literate musician, able not only to sight read their part, but also understand how it fits in the full musical texture. Music Theory instructors use SonicFit to advance their students through material with a solid foundation in aural skills. Any musician can use SonicFit to learn music theory and develop ear training and aural skills in a gradually paced and comprehensive program. Click on the lessons tab of the menu bar to see the table of contents and begin.
Want to focus on one skill? You can access the exercises by clicking on the exercise tab of the menu bar. While exercises embedded in the lessons have fixed settings to correspond with the lesson content, exercises accessed through the exercise tab have adjustable settings, allowing you to match your needs and abilities. There are also several ear training exercises that are more advanced than material currently covered in the lessons. more
Read more about what these terms mean here. Find out more about our pedagogical approach here.
Classes: Find registration and other information under the info tab. Looking to login? The student login is in the very top right corner of the page. The instructor login requires a different page: http://instructors.sonicfit.com/login.php. This link is also found under the info tab.
You can access help documentation under the info tab.
If you are having difficulty accessing material on a tablet or smartphone, Learn ways to make it work here.
Cost: The lessons and exercises available here are free. Development is supported by the fee-based databasing of student progress- an optional component where instructors can set up classes, assign students work, view scores, etc.
Register without an instructor! If you do not have an instructor but still want to track your progress by saving your scores, then you can register for a SonicFit course. By registerring you can contribute money to keep SonicFit developing. More details >here.
The optimal browser for SonicFit is Chrome. Firefox and Safari are working fine to our knowledge. If it does not look quite right on another browser, please consider using Firefox or Chrome, and send us an email so we can address it. Please note, SonicFit will not work in Explorer versions before 8. Thank you! *SonicFit is currently untested with Microsoft's Edge.