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VANCOUVER -- Electronic cigarettes are becoming an increasingly common sight around Vancouver, but one city councillor is warning this may be the last summer users will be able to blow vapour rings on the beach.
Council is giving serious consideration to a Vancouver Coastal Health recommendation to restrict the devices in the same manner as conventional cigarettes, Coun. Kerry Jang said. This means they would be banned in parks, on beaches and in public spaces.
City staff are working with the health authority and will present a joint report to council on the subject in the fall. The city of Red Deer has already imposed such a ban and Toronto is considering one.
Electronic cigarettes use cartridges, usually containing nicotine-infused liquid, attached to a rechargeable battery. When the user inhales, the e-cigarette combines the nicotine with vapour, which is often flavoured. Because there is no combustion, the user does not inhale many of the toxic chemicals contained in a conventional cigarette.
But the vapour that is exhaled may be far from benign, said Dr. Meena Dawar, a medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal.
"E-cigarettes have not been around for a long time, so we don't have that link with cancer. What we do know is that e-cigarette vapour can contain and has been documented to contain some of the same carcinogens that are present in tobacco smoke, some of the similar cytotoxic chemicals and some of the heavy metals."
Jang has been looking at the research coming out on e-cigarettes and said it raises significant health concerns.
"It's the solvents that they use inside the fluids that's of great concern," he said. "That's a real significant worry. They're known lung irritants. They're known carcinogens as well ... so we don't want those vapours out affecting other people."
Advocates for electronic cigarettes often argue that they are effective smoking cessation devices for people who have unsuccessfully tried conventional treatments such as gum, patches and medication, and that they are a less dangerous alternative to smoking. The few peer-reviewed studies that have been conducted suggest they are about as effective as the patch.
Jang acknowledged that this may be the case, but said people would be free to use the devices at home should council pass a bylaw.
Dawar said another concern from a public health perspective is the fact that there are no restrictions on the marketing, production, packaging or labelling of the devices. When there are labels, the ingredients are not always accurate, she said.
"It's really a buyer-beware industry."
It is not only Vancouver City Hall that is taking a closer look at regulating the devices. Dr. Paul Van Buynder, the chief medical health officer for Fraser Health said in an emailed statement that many municipalities from Burnaby to Hope have expressed interest in including e-cigarettes in their bylaws "and we continue to work with them to further strengthen those bylaws to include e-cigarettes."
In Victoria, provincial officials are also acting on Premier Christy Clark's directive to the health ministry to "work with the federal government to regulate the sale of e-cigarettes and flavoured tobacco to minors in British Columbia, or in the absence of a federal strategy, move to introduce legislation."
The marketing of nicotine products to children and youth is of particular concern to Dr. Eric Young, B.C.'s deputy provincial health officer.
"Increasing the attraction of this to kids with fruit flavouring, bubble-gum flavour and all of that kind of stuff, that to me seems like a really major ethical issue as well as a public health issue," he said, noting that U.S. officials are reporting an increasing number of children being poisoned by the liquid. "There are lots of issues around e-cigarettes that at this moment I think would support them being treated like tobacco products until we have actually have good legislation that deals with all of the issues specific to these and until we have research that is much more full than we currently have."
Meanwhile, Jason Lew, owner-operator of CEV Vancouver, an e-cigarette store, said he opposes any proposed restrictions because it would harm the industry and "also equate it closer to traditional tobacco, which it is completely not.
"My belief is that they are an alternative or substitute for smoking, and give people an opportunity to stop using traditional cigarettes."
He noted that most people using e-cigarettes abide by non-smoking policies now in place.
"We don't use our devices in crowded buildings or restaurants and become a nuisance just because we can. We're responsible and respectable people."
With a file from Brian Morton
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There's a new piece by James Franco on HuffPo. This is the opening paragraph:
"I was in New York for a week and saw a few things and read a few things that got me thinking about the ways different art forms use fantasy and reality. As summer closes, I thought I'd write a few pieces about these different relationships. Part One is just the reprinting of a letter I wrote to a writer friend."
Given my limited intellectual abilities, I *think* that he's supposed to be exploring the relationship between fantasy and reality in different artforms...? But I'm not sure. I'm too stupid to be considered capable of appreciating a James Franco dissertation. Which is why all I'm reading here is an essay by James Franco about James Franco's favourite subject: James Franco.
He starts by telling his friend that he just sold his first collection of poems. And how, while most people know him as an actor, his poetry reflects his evolution as an artist. And then he posits that all artists are unique even if the art follows from outside inspiration because we all attach our own experiences to interpretation and in filtering the work through that personal prism, the resultant product becomes entirely individual. Well that is profound sh-t, James Franco. And entirely original too.
There follows a lot of "I" talk. I am this and that. I do this and that. And when the "I" is James Franco, this and that means everything. Because you cannot contain the artistic expression of the James Franco. But at least he's responsible about it, you know? James Franco acknowledges that his accomplishments as an actor can advance the passion projects that may otherwise go overlooked. He makes the big movies so that he can devote himself - and sometimes direct! - the small movies. The way he's managed his career, meticulously, over the last 16 years has put him in a position where his involvement can make fledgling productions happen. And he is discerning about this influence -- he only picks the parts that he truly cares about, and, oh yeah, he also throws the occasional favour bone over to a friend if they need him. This approach ensures that what he creates is "pure". Pure... James Franco genius.
No doubt, James Franco is an outstanding actor. And if all this poncy cerebral justification was limited to the acting, there's really not much to debate. But his assertion that his influence can now make the difference in whether or not an idea goes forward is incomplete without analysis of how his influence makes the difference in realising his other artistic disciplines. Would James Franco be an accomplished poet without James Franco the actor? How honest, how "pure", is the work without truly confronting how it came to exist?
It's an eye-rolly and pretentious thing to say but true nonetheless that writing is only good, really good, when the writer is at his most vulnerable, especially when that vulnerability means exposing the parts of himself that make him uncomfortable. James Franco's writing then would be infinitely more interesting if he could bring himself to a place where he can address the relationship not between - as he puts it -fantasy and reality in different art forms but the relationship his acting fame has had on his own various art forms. Without it... without the James Franco-ness of it... is it any good??? This is what's missing from Franco's writing. This is what would elevate his words:
Some actual doubt.
Not that all writers have to be plagued by it but without it there would be no drive.
But that is what is most interesting about James Franco, isn't it? The effect of Insecurity on James Franco, the actor and writer. Insecurity is the weakness of the actor. Insecurity is the lifeblood of the writer. Franco's ability to control his insecurity has made him a fine actor. But I wonder if that same approach hasn't limited his writing.
Maybe that's coming in Part 2.
But that would be optimistic. Because, as he writes at the end of Part 1:
"Anyway, I like critics -- at school all we do is criticize and analyze -- but I don't like superficial critics, and those tend to be the ones that my work attracts. I guess because I was in Spiderman."
And I suppose that's fair. Just because James Franco is an actor doesn't mean he can't be a fine poet. But you reading gossip blogs and caring about him because he was in Spiderman, that precludes you from being considered a worthy critic.
Attached - Franco in New York last week.
Click here to read him at Huffington Post.

subset: commoncrawl


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In one hour this went down: First the Google account was hacked -- and that led to subsequent compromise of Twitter and AppleID, via Amazon. That led to a remote wipe of one user's iPhone, iPad and MacBook.
Mat Honan has readily admitted that he daisy chained his accounts, leading to minimal hacker obstacles. What could have prevented all of this is Google's two-step authentication process.
Google's Matt Cutts has debunked the many myths surrounding two-step on his blog. The below video will also help users to avoid the epic fail that follows a comprehensive hack like this one.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe


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You want the dedication to mean something, but how do you make it work? There are lots of options, from simple to complex and from formal to informal.
You have finally completed your novel, but now you have to decide who to dedicate your work to and which style of dedication is most appropriate. This article will help guide you through the process of writing a dedication.
Given the opportunity to thank those who have helped you achieve a milestone in your life, it can be difficult to know what to say and how to say it. This podcast details how to write a dedication, including how to identify the people and how to address the dedication details.


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Cynics have long argued that multinational companies lack heart. But Sony Ericsson (SE) has one, and apparently it's green.
Sony Ericsson's C901 GreenHeart: the C901, but greener
GreenHeart's SE's latest attempt to become a greener company and encompasses the launch of more eco-friendly products and creation of various eco-objectives.
On the objectives side of things SE has, for example, pledged to reduce total emissions across its international operations by 20 per cent by 2015. It's also promised to reduce full lifecycle Co2 emissions by 15 per cent for all products by the same year.
In terms of GreenHeart products, SE's so far launched the C901 GreenHeart and Naite mobile phones.
The C901 GreenHeart's technical features seem pretty similar to those of the existing C901 – so, for example, you'll get a 5Mp camera, quad-band GSM connectivity and geo-tagging support.
However, it'll only come with an electronic, in-phone manual and the phone's casing's made from a minimum of 50 per cent recycled plastic. Its display also uses "less energy", SE claimed.
Naite lacks an eco-shell, but comes with a low-power charger
SE will also ship the phone with an eco-headset – the MH300 GreenHeart – which is made of "up to 100 per cent recycled plastics in four out of five hard plastic parts".
Naite's a less advanced phone, judging by its technical specifications which include a 2Mp camera, 2.2in display, quad-band GSM connectivity and Bluetooth. But it does accept Micro SD rather than M2 memory cards – a format SE recently pledged to phase out.
SE hasn't equipped Naite with an eco-friendly body, but it'll ship alongside a low-power charger and feature an application to help users "make greener choices in their everyday lives".
The C901 GreenHeart will be available during the second quarter, but Naite won't arrive until the third quarter. Prices haven't been disclosed. ®
Sponsored: How to simplify data protection on Amazon Web Services


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Sale Coats & Jackets
Cover up in cut-price coats and jackets from the boohoo outerwear sale. Look to printed kimonos as your festival-ready layering piece, and brave the flowing maxi length kimono for a bargain boho look. Whether you're rocking biker chick vibes in a leather-look biker jacket, or going for a more pulled together style in a blazer, you'll find directional designs at discount prices.
Refine by
From €
to €


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You can create forms to let people subscribe and unsubscribe to your newsletters and use SendBlaster to manage them.
These forms send an email with data gathered from all the fields to your mailing list management email address. Data may be processed from our mailing software Sendblaster.
After each customer subsctiption on your Website you will find their information directly inside your Sendblaster database.
You will create a permission-based mailing list, from which you will send your newsletter and special offers.
You can manage three kinds of forms:
- single opt-in form
- double opt-in form
- single opt-out form
Opt-in forms are subscription forms. If the double opt-in is selected, than users will receive a confirmation mail in which they are required to answer
Opt-out form is a simple unsubscription form
A brief note about US and European Spam law
The currently approved US CAN-SPAM Act requires an opt-out solution in your emails, this is enough for American law.
Please consider that the European Directive 2002/58/EC is more restrictive and requires mandatory "opt-in" forms to gather the customer emails for email marketing and newsletter subscription. The double optin subscription management is the best way to respect your customer's privacy.


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You Gotta Believe
August 24, 2007
(The Phillies lineup won't be posted today as I left Philly early this afternoon for Reading where Adam Eaton and Chase Utley are rehabbing in a 5:30 p.m. double-header against Akron).
The gray clouds that have followed the Phillies since Sunday in Pittsburgh finally parted for some sunshine yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, the sun didn't shine on the Phillies bats as they were held to two runs and five hits by three LA pitchers.
Going into the game, the Phillies had scored 216 runs in day games, the most of any team except the Cubs who play a lot more games in the sunshine.
In losing four of their last five games, the Phillies' .239 team batting average has produced just 20 runs. The pitching has struggled during that time too, 6.35 ERA for the starters and 12.27 for the relievers. Obviously, things need to change and soon. Streaks follow streaks in this game and hopefully it is time to get both the offense and pitching going. As Tug McGraw used to say, "You gotta believe."
Veteran vs. Veteran
The Padres weekend starts tonight with a pair of veterans who were originally drafted and signed by the Cubs, 41-year-old Greg Maddux against 44-year-old Jamie Moyer.
The Cubs drafted 30 players in the summer of 1984 and only two ever made it to the big leagues. Maddux was a second-rounder and Moyer, sixth-rounder. Since Maddux has 342 wins and Moyer 227, I supposed you could say the two draftees who did make it, made it big time.
I wonder if any other club has had a draft which produced 569 wins.
Dominican Dandies
The Guanuma Phillies of the Dominican Summer League won their 22nd consecutive game yesterday to clinch the Northern Division title. The first round of the playoffs starts on Sunday.
The Phillies, managed by Domingo Brito, started the season 3-6. Going into the last two games of the regular season, the Phillies are 45-17. They last lost on July 23.
Kenny Fernandez, a 20-year-old right-hander, is the leading winner. A reliever who has appeared in 12 games, Fernandez is 7-0 plus a save.
Minor League Review
For the latest report on the Phillies minor league system, check out
2 Comments
"You gotta believe" is right! Hopefully the team is living this philosphy. They were flat they've been flat the past few games.
This is a big weekend. The losses were terrible, but dwelling on it isn't going to do any good.
Good stuff about Eaton and Utley. Eaton OWNS the Mets. Hopefully he can keep it up in his return.
Sorry to serve my opinion up but, without any pitching they were destined to whither on the vine…the Mets series is just going to nail down the lid until next season.


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Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Friday, 25 November 2011
Winter is coming!
Monday, 21 November 2011
New dress
When I first saw this dress on Lookbook.nu worn by Jennifer I just knew I had to have it!! I ordered it right away on LOVE. I have a photoshoot session scheduled on the 1st of December (birthday gift) and I'm really hoping I will receive it before then. Hopefully I can look half as awesome as her when I will wear it :)
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Chanel Mat Top Coat
Here is another nail post! When I saw that Chanel had a top coat that transforms every nail polish into a matte effect I knew I had to try it. I love matte nail polish but it is quite hard to find so this is the perfect solution.
I wanted to try it on different colors, here are the colors I chose.
This is what it looks like with shiny nail polish
Chanel Mat Top Coat
Here is the result!!
What do you think? I love it!! It changes from always having shiny nails. It does look a lot better on the darker colors. It didn't make a huge difference on the 2 pink colors. I'm going to keep trying it with all my other nail polish. I have a feeling I'm really going to have fun with this Mat Top Coat :)
I also want to apologize if I'm not doing a good job replying to comments or commenting on everyone's blog. I don't have a computer at home anymore so I do my blogging from work which makes it a bit complicated.
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Elle Fanning
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Chanel Péridot
I bought a new Chanel nail polish this weekend. It's a limited edition called Péridot. When the light hits directly on my nails it's a gold color like in the first picture and when there's not too much lighting it becomes a greenish color like you can see in the second picture. I really love it. I keep playing with the light to see the color changing :)
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Here is another proof that I like burgundy!! I am wearing a burgundy sweater and shoes.
I realised in these pictures that my hair is getting long again which makes me happy :)
Sweater: Zadig & Voltaire, Skirt: American Eagle, Tights: Romwe, Shoes: Doc Martens
ps: I am too lazy to think of a nice title!!
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Swine reassortant suggests 2009 H1N1 virus could cause more trouble
Scientists have found a hybrid influenza virus in swine that combines elements of the pandemic 2009 H1N1 virus and a Eurasian swine flu virus, suggesting that continued circulation of the pandemic virus in pigs could lead to novel viruses with the ability to infect humans, according to a report published yesterday in the Journal of Virology. The detection of the pandemic virus in pigs prompted a flu virus surveillance program for pigs at slaughterhouses in southern China, according to the report by Chinese and American researchers. More than 50% of the pigs tested were found to be seropositive for one or more H1 flu viruses. Among 36 isolates detected, one group had surface genes from a Eurasian avian-like H1N1 virus and internal genes from the 2009 H1N1 strain. Experiments showed that the virus could spread among pigs and from pigs to ferrets, and it could grow in human lung tissue in a laboratory. Also, ferrets that were immunized against the 2009 H1N1 virus had only partial protection against the reassortant strain. The authors say the continuing prevalence 2009 H1N1 virus in pigs "could lead to the genesis of novel swine reassortant viruses with the potential to infect humans."
Aug 17 J Virol abstract
Study suggests pandemic flu virus could emerge directly from poultry
A genetic analysis of avian and human influenza viruses associated with the H7N7 avian flu outbreak in the Netherlands in 2003 suggests that flu viruses capable of causing a pandemic can emerge directly from poultry without passing through an intermediate host, says another report published yesterday by the Journal of Virology. The 2003 H7N7 outbreak prompted the culling of 28 million birds and led to more than 80 human cases and one death, according to previous reports. To map the acquisition of human adaptation markers, Dutch researchers conducted a comprehensive analysis of both avian and human H7N7 viruses isolated during the outbreak. They found amino acid variations in the hemagglutinin, neuraminidase, and PB2 genes in isolates from 45 human cases. In examining poultry isolates, they found that about 50% of the variation in each gene was already present in poultry. They concluded that virus variants with two particular mammalian host determinants had spread from farm to farm. "This implies that HPAI viruses with pandemic potential can emerge directly from poultry," the authors write. They recommend monitoring for human adaptation markers on both avian and human viruses during avian flu outbreaks.
Aug 17 J Virol abstract
Reported legionellosis incidence nearly tripled in a decade
The nationally notifiable disease legionellosis, comprising Legionnaires disease (LD) and the milder Pontiac fever, has grown in crude incidence in the United States from 0.39 cases in 2000 to 1.15 in 2009 (an increase of 192%) and in age-adjusted incidence from .0.40 to 1.08 (170% increase), according to an article in tomorrow's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). The disease is among those reportable through the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS); reporting through the Supplemental Legionnaires Disease Surveillance System (SLDSS), which collects information on more variables than the NNDSS as well as on travel-related outbreaks, is also encouraged. The total number of cases reported through NNDSS by the 50 states and the District of Columbia over the 10-year period was 22,418; the annual number of cases grew from 1,110 in 2000 to 3,522 in 2009. LD accounted for the large majority of cases. The report says that because NNDSS is a passive surveillance system, the actual incidence is probably higher. Reasons for the increased incidence will be assessed through the Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) system, to which legionellosis was added in January 2011.
Aug 19 MMWR article
Death toll grows in Cameroon cholera outbreak
A cholera outbreak in Cameroon has killed about 500 people this month and has sickened about 13,000 so far this year, CNN reported yesterday. The hardest hit area is the country's Far North region, where the disease is primarily striking children under age 5 and women. Gervais Ondobo Andze, director of disease control for Cameroon's health ministry, told reporters that 9 of the country's 10 regions are affected by the disease. He is advising residents to avoid getting their water from rivers, which can be contaminated. Sanitary inspectors have said few citizens have toilets in their homes. The semi-arid region has an uneven supply of potable water, and many residents rely on wells and streams for drinking and cooking. In other cholera developments, the international aid organization Oxfam said today that it is airlifting 47 tons of supplies into Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, to help fight a cholera outbreak hitting that city, as well as to camps housing refugees who have fled drought, famine, and civil war. Supplies include water tanks and pipes to set up water supplies, soap, and cans for people to carry and store water. The group said the aid is intended to reach over 120,000 people.
Aug 17 CNN story
Aug 18 Oxfam press release


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The British National Health Service (NHS) — the epitome of socialized medicine — may be prematurely ending the lives of as many as 130,000 elderly patients annually, a top physician told the Royal Society of Medicine in London. Patrick Pullicino, a consultant neurologist for East Kent Hospitals and professor of clinical neurosciences at the University of Kent, said a controversial end-of-life care method called the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) now used in British hospitals has become an "assisted death pathway rather than a care pathway," according to a report in the Daily Mail.
"If we accept the Liverpool Care Pathway we accept that euthanasia is part of the standard way of dying as it is now associated with 29 per cent of NHS deaths," Pullicino declared, referring to statistics showing that of the 450,000 annual deaths of patients under NHS care, about 130,000 are of patients who were on the LCP.
The Mail offers a brief history of the LCP:
The Liverpool Care Pathway was first developed at a Marie Curie [Cancer Care] hospice in the city with the intention of making the last days and hours of cancer sufferers as decent and painless as possible.
It rapidly became fashionable: recognized as a model for the NHS in 2001; approved by NICE [the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, which rations care on a cost-benefit basis] as a recommended practice in 2004; and a 2006 health white paper said it should be adopted across the country. Its use spread from cancer sufferers to all patients. Doctors are supposed to identify a patient who is bound to die in the near future.
The plan then can include withdrawal of treatment, including the provision of water and nourishment by tube. Patients are typically heavily sedated.
The LCP's quick adoption by the NHS and NICE represented "euthanasia by the back door," in the words of the Telegraph's Gerald Warner. "In 2007–08," he wrote, "16.5 percent of deaths in Britain resulted from continuous deep sedation — twice the rate of the Netherlands with its notorious culture of death and legalized euthanasia."
Since that time the percentage of deaths due to the LCP has increased by 75 percent, with no signs of slowing. Indeed, with the NHS "heading for an iceberg" (as NHS Confederation chief executive Mike Farrar put it) of unsustainable costs, the LCP death percentage is likely to grow even more rapidly. It costs far less, after all, to give a patient morphine for a day or two — death occurs on average within 33 hours of beginning the LCP — than to treat his condition for the remainder of his natural life, which could last for months or even years. Pullicino, according to the Mail, recalled taking a 71-year-old patient off the LCP, after which the man lived another 14 months, mostly at home, "at considerable cost to the NHS and the taxpayer." (He died after being admitted to the hospital for pneumonia and put back on the LCP.)
Other doctors have recounted similar experiences. Dr. Peter Hargreaves, a consultant in palliative medicine at St. Luke's Cancer Center in Guildford, told the Telegraph in 2009 that "he had personally taken patients off the pathway who went on to live for 'significant' amounts of time."
Hargreaves worried that the LCP could "become a self-fulfilling prophecy" because doctors would make the determination as to which patients were likely to die and then, by withdrawing lifesaving treatment and heavily sedating them, guarantee that they would die. As Hargreaves and other experts put it in a letter to the Telegraph, "Forecasting death in an inexact science," and "sometimes, when all but essential drugs are stopped, 'dying' patients get better."
In fact, Hargreaves noted, some patients may exhibit signs of dying when their bodies are merely reacting to sedation combined with dehydration and then "be wrongly put on the pathway." Once a patient is sedated under the LCP, University of London geriatrics professor P.H. Millard told the Telegraph, "it is much harder to see that a patient is getting better."
Pullicino echoed many of these sentiments, saying that "patients are frequently put on the pathway without a proper analysis of their condition," that "predicting death" at a specific time "is not possible scientifically," and that, as a result, "very likely many patients who could live substantially longer are being killed by the LCP."
He cited "pressure on beds" — which is to say the inevitable shortage of care under socialized medicine — and "difficulty with nursing confused or difficult-to-manage elderly patients" as reasons that the LCP has become so widely employed by the NHS. In other words, it's much cheaper and easier to bump old people off than to treat them. Who's going to know which ones might have recovered and enjoyed a few more years with their children and grandchildren?
No one should be surprised that government-run healthcare kills people. All socialist systems end up rationing whatever goods and services they have to offer; and when you're rationing healthcare, the most vulnerable patients are going to suffer the most. The only surprising thing is that there are still people who think socialized medicine is a dandy idea — among them President Barack Obama, who said multiple times that he wanted a "single-payer universal healthcare program"; his Secretary of State, who once tried to foist such a system on Americans; and his former Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services director, Dr. Donald M. Berwick, who declared his undying love for the NHS. Who, then, could doubt that ObamaCare's purpose is to put the American healthcare system on the LCP — and when the system finally keels over, to convert the United States to a single-payer system and the "death panels" that such a system invariably entails?


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1-2 Bows $19.95 Worldwide Shipping with Tracking (6-15 days for US & Europe, and up to 40 days for other destinations)
About this bow:
This is a great value bow using medium stiffness brazilian pernambuco that exhibits a good degree of flexibility. Many players have been insisting on pernambuco for bows, and they insist on it for a reason. According to them, pernambuco wood seems to have an exceptional quality in resonating with the spruce and maple wood of your violin, giving it a harmonious resonance that is extremely pleasing to the soul. At Old Violin House, we've handpicked these wood and make a good value bow and dress it up with a variety of frogs and fittings so players have many choices.
This bow is suitable for the advancing student that requires a reasonably good bow at the best value price.
Model : 101
Level : Advanced
Brand : Cobra
Frog : Abalone
Fittings : German Silver
Authenticity : Verified
Wood Source : Brazil
Bow Making Technique : Germany


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Smart Festivals
Rock am Ring, Glastonbury and Sónar are not the only festivals around. A selection of smaller ones that are at least as good.
Unknown highs
No one knows the bands – or the location beforehand. That's the magic of Meadows in the Mountains, a hippy stronghold in Bulgaria that will reverberate with soul, techno and electronic pop from June 10 through 13.
Gigs and ghosts
The line-up alone – mainly indie bands – is worth going for, but Castlepalooza has a unique supporting program (fortune tellers, comedians, burlesque) and takes place in a haunted Irish castle July 1 through 3.
Polar pop
Some 5000 rock and pop fans attend this festival on two remote islands in Træna, northern Norway, even though the crossing takes six hours. Most spectacular venue: a cathedral cave. July 7 through 10


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Mercer County, NJHome Menu
- Mercer County Board of Social Services
- Mercer County Community College
- Mercer County Improvement Authority
- Mercer County Park Commission
- Mercer County Library System
- Mercer County Prosecutor's Office
- Mercer County Technical Schools
- Mercer Property Information Portal
- New Jersey Courts
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Mercer County
- State of New Jersey
- Cure Insurance Arena
- Trenton Thunder
- Wildlife Center Friends
- Airport Development
How to Vote
Ready, Set, VoteThe first thing that you'll notice is that there is no more red lever to close the curtain behind you. The curtain provides you with all the privacy that you need. Just make sure to close it when you step into the booth.
Next, you'll notice that the screen is laid out just like the sample ballot that you receive in the mail. It's always important to study the sample ballot before you go to the polls. If you've done that, you'll be able to find your choices immediately. In any case, this full-faced ballot layout makes it easier to navigate the selections. Just take a moment to survey the screen before you start to vote. If you have any trouble finding a candidate or a question on the ballot, just ask one of the poll workers and they'll be happy to help you.
Touch-Screen Voting
That's right, there are no more levers to pull. These machines feature touch-screen technology that allow you to simply touch the button next to your selection in order to make your choices.
To the left of every row of choices, you'll see a lighted X . That identifies every contest.
To the right of every box in which a candidate's name appears, you'll notice a numbered button. Just press the button next to the candidate for whom you are voting, and the lighted X should appear next to his or her name.
Want to change your vote? Just press the same button again the X will disappear. Now you can press another button, and the X will appear next to your new selection.
Find the write-in column, and then identify the race in which you want to cast a write-in vote. Press the button, and the X will start flashing.
Press the button next to your selection, and the X will appear indicating the choice that you've made. Press the button again and the X disappears. Now you can make another choice.
First, scan the ballot screen for the write-in column and then identify the office for which you want to cast a write-in vote. Then push the button. The lighted X should begin flashing inside the box that you've selected.
Then look to the bottom of the machine and locate the text screen to your left and the keyboard to its right. Using the keyboard, type in the name of the person for whom you wish to vote. When you're finished typing, check the text screen to make sure that you've spelled everything correctly and press the green "Enter" button. You'll notice that the lighted X has stopped flashing. Your write-in vote has been stored.
Keep this in mind. Once you have pressed the green "Enter" button, you cannot change your write in vote. So check everything carefully before you press that button.
Cast Your Vote
Now that you've made all of your selections, you are ready to cast your ballot. First, take a moment to check the ballot screen one more time to review your selections. Then, press the red "Cast Vote" button on the bottom right of the machine. Once you've done that, your vote has been cast.
Remember, the curtain does not open automatically like the old machines. So make sure that you don't open the curtain until you have cast your vote.
That's it, and it's all very simple. I hope that these instructions have been helpful. If you have any questions regarding the new voting machines, please call my office.


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Last month, on this very blog, I wrote about the aperitif, that drink consumed before a meal to start the meal, and the conversation, off on the right note.
However, a meal is like a shelf full of scrumptious books, and without a bookend on either side, the books, or courses, spill over onto each other and become less distinguishable. This is why having the right after-dinner drink to balance out the aperitif is key.
The core function of a digestif (or digestivo in Italy) is to assist when you've eaten a tad too much--or a whole heaping helping more than may have been prudent. These drinks are supposed to alleviate that over-full feeling by keeping the digestion flowing (some think they also make it possible to eat another course). I believe digestifs stand as a course all on their own, fitting into the overall scheme of a fantastic meal in the same way the cheese course does; and they should be planned accordingly.
Much like aperitifs, there are many worthy digestifs served solo. The Italian staple grappa and the many Italian mysterious amari (or herbal liqueurs) are frequently consumed as digestifs and some sweeter mixes also show up, though I believe the true digestif should have more kick than cuddle.
I also think that certain cocktails serve solidly as digestifs. They must have, as mentioned, a muscular side combined with an herbalness that eases the stomach, but they should also have a nuanced flavor to provide a final delicious drop after a fine meal.
The following four drinks fit the digestif definition perfectly:
The Stomach Reviver
The very name of this potent post-dinner potable points to its prowess at making you feel less stuffed after a mighty meal. Whip them up following this recipe from Dark Spirits: Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass halfway with ice cubes and then add 1-1/2 ounces brandy, 1 ounce caraway-spiced Kümmel, 1/2 ounce Fernet-Branca, and 2 dashes Peychaud bitters. Stir well. Strain the mix into a cocktail glass.
While I am a devoted fan of Italian vermouth Carpano Antica (the original sweet vermouth, dating back to 1786), it's almost a tad too sweet to fit comfortably in the digestif category. But when matched with Elijah Craig's 18-year-old bourbon, enchanted French liqueur Benedictine, and bitters in this cocktail at the Knee High Stocking Company (1356 East Olive Way) that sweet nature is equalized into an ideal end to a meal.
Friday Kahloe
Sipping this mix when you've over-indulged is like sending an friendly "aloha" to your stomach--not a bad thing to do if it's the beginning of the weekend and you've already begun to revel in earnest. Make it using the recipe from Ginger Bliss and the Violet Fizz: Fill a cocktail shaker or mixing glass halfway full with ice cubes. Add 1 ounce bourbon (Woodinville Whiskey Harvest Release bourbon if you can find it), 1 ounce Kahana Royale macadamia nut liqueur, 1/2 ounce Amaro CioCiaro, and 1 dash Fee Brothers whiskey barrel aged bitters. Stir really well (or shake, if you're not up to serious stirring) and then strain into a cocktail glass.
Hanky Panky
Not solely for suave first daters, this classic from the 1920s (created by Ada Coleman at the American Bar in the Savoy Hotel in London) is great if you're too full and don't want to show it. Its smooth combining of gin, sweet vermouth, and sturdy Italian herbal hero Fernet-Branca bring the desired flavor as well as the digestive aiding. At Chino's (1024 East Pike Street ) they make it with Dolin sweet vermouth and Beefeater gin, a duo that plays well with the Fernet-Branca.


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|Avlindrel (talk)
|Date Created:
|December 22nd, 2009
|In Progress
|Please feel free to edit constructively!
|Intermediate Deity
|An ear superimposed over a breeze
|Home Plane:
|Elemental Plane of Air
|Neutral Good
|Air, The Weather, Travel, Magic, Magic-users, Elves, Humans, Birds, Knowledge, Discovery
|Clergy Alignments:
|Lawful Good, Chaotic Good, True Neutral, Neutral Good, Neutral Evil
|Air, Magic, Travel, Knowledge
|Favored Weapon:
Bha'ir, pronounced Bah-Ar, is worshipped primarily in the Northern lands of Waleoa, most prominently around Har'koss. Bha'ir frequently appears as a man in exquisite fitness of half-elven lineage, with three pairs of wings attached to him, all feathered but in different colors.
Dogma Edit
Summary::Bha'ir is proud of those who travel, and those who seek to discover and explore. He speaks to his clergy to travel, to learn, to adapt and to fly. Bha'ir's particular love of the bow, and magic insists that his clergy dabble in both.
Clergy and Temples Edit
Bha'ir claims no temple, to him, worship with every step, with every nocked arrow, with every cast spell.
Bha'ir's clergy is composed primarily of nomads, and those who love deep down in their hearts to explore and learn.
Pantheon Edit
Pantheon of Elements of Waleoa.
Back to Main Page → 3.5e Homebrew → Deities


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Frequently Asked Questions Everything You Need to Know about DER SPIEGEL
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Dear Patriot,
Greetings to our constituents, fellow Floridians, and all Americans, it is time again for my weekly update report.
Today we received the weekly first-time jobs claims and the figure was staggering, at 439,000. The expectation was 375,000 as the previous report was 355,000. There are already those who are saying that this increase is due to Hurricane Sandy, and we have heard weather being the cause for economic indicators before. Last time it was a tsunami.
The truth is that there are workers being laid off because of the impending concerns of what could be the most massive tax hike in United States history, known as the "fiscal cliff." Of course today we found out Mr. Richard Trumka, head of AFL-CIO, believes this to be just a "myth."
All one has to do is look at the near-700 point drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the last 10 days as an immediate indicator. There has been a huge sell-off of stocks due to the coming increase in the dividends taxes from 15% to 43.4%.
America is currently in debt to the tune of $16.3 trillion and has had four straight years of trillion- dollar-plus deficits. We have had our credit rating downgraded and the spending seems to be never ending.
An analysis of President Obama's Fiscal Year 2013 budget provides us insight into his vision: $1.9 trillion of new taxes, a debt increase from $16 trillion to $20 trillion in four years, and then $26 trillion in 10 years. We will have deficits that are never below $900 billion and his budget never balances — so much for a "balanced approach." Lastly, what will result is a 53% growth of the Federal Government. Our Federal Government currently spends almost 25% of our anemic Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but under the Obama Administration's plan, that level of spending will get close to 32%.
Our GDP is sputtering along at an abysmal 1.6%, when you subtract the growth in government spending.
The President's plan is to raise taxes on the "wealthy" which he believes to be those earning $250,000 and above.
America has a progressive tax code system with six different tax brackets: 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, and 35%. These are referred to by some as the "Bush tax cuts/rates" and if nothing is done they will expire as of December 31, 2012 and each bracket, except the 15% bracket, will increase anywhere from 4-5%. Some believe only the 33% (up to 37%) and 35% (up to 39.6%) should be allowed to expire. The "supposed" increase in revenue from this amounts to $85 billion annually, which will fund our government for less than 2 weeks.
The Obama Administration calls this protecting the "middle class," but middle-income earners ($38,000 to $110,000) have seen their median income drop 4% during the last four years.
If taxes are raised taxes on those top brackets there will be an adverse effect on small businesses that operate as Sub-chapter S-Corporations and LLC's using their personal income tax rate. This means, according to an independent Ernst and Young report, 2.1 million small businesses affected and potentially 710,000 more jobs lost.
This week, President Obama met with union and other progressive organization leaders when he also should have met with the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the United States Chamber of Commerce… this is where nearly 75% of the American economy lives, not in unions.
We will have an increase in capital gains taxes from 15%-25%. The death tax will go from a 35% bracket to a 55% bracket and the minimum exemption level drops from $5 million to $1 million. There are some 20 new taxes in the healthcare law, which will affect all Americans.
The bottom line is, there could be a negative effect on 158 million Americans representing 88% of United States households who will see a tax increase, on average, of $3,500.
What is a better solution?
First of all, we could just freeze current tax rates in place. Second, we need to flatten out the tax system, with just two rates, 25% and 10%, and reduce personal tax exemptions and deductions. We should keep capital gains taxes at 15%, or even better, reduce them to 10%. We should eliminate dividends and death taxes. We should promote a repatriation of the trillions of dollars of capital that is offshore, and tax it at a the corporate tax rate of zero for the first six months and a reduced corporate tax rate of 15%, for months 6-12.
We should reduce our corporate tax rate from 39.6%, the world's highest, to 25% with no corporate exemptions. I can almost bet a declared plan such as that would inspire economic growth for America.
There were other ideas, which emanated from the Bowles-Simpson Commission that could be incorporated.
There are many promoting that tax rates should be raised for those earning $250,000 or more. I believe the more pragmatic approach is to make the amount $2 million. I believe that is a level which will inspire and incentivize economic growth and personal wealth, which is the American Dream. Now, we must realize that the real drivers of our economic woes are our mandatory spending programs: Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Along with the net interest on our debt payment, this is about 62% of our budget. We must tackle this situation, and reform these programs to protect them for current users and preserve for the future.
Finally, we must get our spending under control in Washington DC. It is a spending problem, not a revenue problem. And piling 60% of the budget cuts on just 19.6% of our budget — defense spending — is not the answer. Our most important responsibility is to provide for the common defense. While I supported the $487 billion cut over 10 years to the defense budget, the sequestration is a dangerous venture.
Why should we not be cutting our defense to the bone? Just look at the current situation in Israel and a world that is far more volatile.
For the first time in some 20 years, enemy rockets and missiles have fallen near the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, approximately 150 just on November 15th. The government of Israel has noted that, since the beginning of 2012, more than 768 rockets have been fired into Israel from Gaza, and over 12,000 in the past 12 years. Israel, like any nation, has the right to defend itself against such vicious attacks. There is no justification for the violence that Hamas and other terrorist organizations are employing against the people of Israel. I strongly condemn the actions of a known radical Islamic terrorist organization, Hamas.
Now is a time when Israel, the world, and their enemies must know, by action that the United States of America will never abandon the State of Israel and that never again, truly means never again.
Steadfast and Loyal,
Legislative Update:
This Week
– On Friday, the House of Representatives passed the "Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012" – by a vote of 365-43 that authorizes the President to: (1) determine that the Jackson-Vanik Amendment of the Trade Act of 1974 (denying normal trade relations treatment to non-market countries that restrict freedom of emigration and other human rights) should no longer apply to the Russian Federation, and (2) extend permanent normal trade relations treatment to the products of the Russian Federation and Moldova upon its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). This legislation will also force visa restrictions and financial punishments for those involved in the detention, abuse, or death of Sergei Magnitsky, or were involved in the criminal conspiracy uncovered by Sergei Magnitsky.
Highlights of the Week:
– Monday, 12 Nov; guest speaker at the Summit Christian School Veteran's Day observance program; greeted Veteran's at the Golden Corral in Boynton Beach during dinner; addressed the South Florida Veteran's Day dinner.
– Tuesday, 13 Nov: returned to Capitol Hill for short legislative session and organizational meetings
– Wednesday, 14 Nov; attended and participated in House GOP Conference organization meeting and leadership elections.
– Thursday, 15 Nov; attended House GOP Conference organization meeting for rules development; attended and participated in the Republican Study Committee organization meeting.
– Saturday, 17 Nov; addressed the Restoration Weekend forum at The Breakers; attended the Christian Bikers Party in Port St Lucie.


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The BritRail England Pass is the perfect pass if you have always dreamt of visiting England. Start with London, one of the world's most exciting cities, and visit other iconic English cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, Bath, Oxford and more. Discover the English countryside, its typical beaches and cozy towns.
The BritRail England Pass allows you unlimited travel with the freedom to hit the tracks whenever and wherever you want! You can take as many trains as you like and there is no limit on the distance you can travel within a travel day. All of this at a fixed price.
Hop on and off trains at any time according to your desires and encounters. Just show up at the nearest train station and get ready to go and explore a new destination. (See 'Things to know' for more information about seat reservations).
Whether you are the adventurous traveller or the avid planner the BritRail England Pass is your pass to freedom and the key to an unforgettable trip!


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This 18-hour course, offered in Spanish combines field and classroom instruction in intermediate coaching and teaching methodology. This course is a preparatory course geared toward those candidates that plan on taking the "D" licenses and wants to obtain a National "D" license status. Candidates have an opportunity to receive invaluable feedback from the instructor. You must upload photo prior to start of course.
Pre-course work:
Links to all pre-course work will be sent included on your registration receipt. Please complete all work prior to start of class and bring all certificates with you. In addition all coaches are required to complete 2 lessons plans and bring them to the 1st day of the course. Please follow this link to all required reading and pre-course work, many downloads are available in Spanish.
• Minimum age – 18 years old
Cost: $175
Saturday June 22, 2013; 9am-6pm
Sunday June 23, 2013 ; 9am- 6pm
Site: Classroom Site:
Fort Totten Park Auburndale SC Office
Soccer Fields 25-44 Francis Lewis Blvd.
422 Weaver Road Flushing, NY 11358.
Queens, NY
Dress for physical activity
Bring a soccer ball & water
Related Events:
©2020 Eastern New York State Soccer Association


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December 30, 2013 — In some ways, Jesuit Father Anh Tran has been preparing for his work as a professor of interreligious studies his entire life. Born in Vietnam, he and his family left after the fall of Saigon and moved to Indonesia as refugees. During his teen years, Fr. Tran's family moved again — this time to California — where he had to navigate yet another vastly different culture.
In California, Fr. Tran started a new life in the Silicon Valley. He completed bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering at the Jesuits' Santa Clara University and then worked in the semi-conductor industry.
"Life was normal; I was living the American dream," he recalls. Despite his success, his contact with the Jesuits continued to influence him.
Fr. Tran encountered his first Jesuit in Indonesia. Father Gildo Dominici, an Italian Jesuit who spent most of his priestly life serving the Vietnamese people, made a lasting impression on Fr. Tran as a teenager.
"For the first time in my life, I met a foreign priest, a Jesuit, in a place that was very remote and I asked myself, 'What is it about this man, his lifestyle and his vocation that allowed him to come to the refugees and care for us like this?' " Fr. Tran recalls.
After graduating from Santa Clara, Fr. Tran began making Ignatian retreats and got involved in Dong Hanh, the Vietnamese version of Christian Life Communities, a lay Ignatian organization. "I was at home with Ignatian spirituality," says Fr. Tran. However, it took him a long time to think about a vocation because he was resisting the idea of being a religious. "I enjoyed the worldly life very much," he says, laughing.
When he turned 30, Fr. Tran began to think seriously about a vocation. He spoke with the Franciscans, but they told him he "had too much Ignatian 'stuff' in his heart and in his mind" and perhaps it was best if he were to join the Society of Jesus. When Fr. Tran entered the California Province of the Society of Jesus in 1995, he said it was "like going home."
After the Jesuit novitiate, Fr. Tran received a master's in health care ethics at Loyola University Chicago before returning to his alma mater, Santa Clara University, to teach in the school of engineering and to serve as associate director for health care ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.
In addition to discovering his vocation as both a teacher and a researcher while at Santa Clara, he also began to travel outside the U.S., returning to his birth country for the first time in 20 years, as well as visiting China, the Philippines, India and other countries in Asia.
His travels allowed him to get to know the Jesuits in Vietnam. "It helped me in rediscovering my roots and seeing that the world was bigger than just the U.S.," he says.
After his teaching assignment at Santa Clara, he went to the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley to obtain his Master of Divinity degree, and his provincial appointed him to the U.S. Jesuit Advisory Board on Interreligious Dialogue in 2005, the same year he was ordained.
"For me, interreligious dialogue is part of my identity," Fr. Tran says. "My father's side is Catholic and my mother's side is Buddhist, so I negotiated the tension all the time. It comes naturally."
Fr. Tran decided to pursue interreligious studies at Georgetown University, where he received his Ph.D. in religious pluralism in 2011. Next, he returned to the Jesuit School of Theology, where he is currently an assistant professor teaching courses in systematic theology and interreligious studies.
"The Society of Jesus has been at the frontiers of interreligious dialogue since its founding. St. Francis Xavier traveled to Asia, Matteo Ricci to China, Roberto de Nobili to India — we have a long history of interreligious dialogue, which is a part of the evangelization work that is at the heart of the Society's mission," explains Fr. Tran. "I'm continuing that tradition in a new way, in the context of the 21st century."
While many people associate interreligious dialogue work as something done in academic settings through courses and conferences, Fr. Tran says that today's world has created new frontiers that call for more practical applications.
"In the post 9/11 world, it's even more crucial for us to recognize that we have to learn how to work with our Muslim brothers and sisters, and we have to make sure our American politics don't interfere," he says. There are more than 1.5 billion Muslims around the world and most of them do not live in the Middle East.
No matter what the context, whether in the classroom or in the community, Fr. Tran says the idea of interreligious dialogue is to foster friendship and to come to mutual understanding — and ultimately to build a better world. "Religious pluralism now is very much a part of the reality of our lives."
His work at the Jesuit School of Theology also includes taking students to theological immersions in Asian countries, as a part of the interreligious dialogue work and contextual theology that was started by Jesuit Father James Redington at the JST in 2003. Last January, students engaged in interreligious dialogue in North India; in January 2014, Fr. Tran will accompany students to Nepal for Buddhist-Christian dialogue.
While the work itself is not new, Fr. Tran says in the past people thought of interreligious dialogue as work of a Christian missionary. One had to leave his or her own country to encounter other religions. "Now, with the globalized world, religious 'others' come to us," he points out. "It's not a spectator sport when they become your next-door neighbors or someone who goes to your school. Questions come up that no one had to worry about before. We have to figure out how to get along and how to live with one another.
"Interreligious dialogue has become much more complex and much more personal," says Fr. Tran. "The frontier from afar is now next door; it's your neighbor."
When Fr. Tran reflects on choosing to pursue his doctorate in interreligious studies, rather than engineering or health care ethics, he says "It was an easy discernment. It was something that was implicit in my life becoming explicit. Living in a multi-religious environment is a part of many people's experience today; my own experience reflects that."


text: For 40 years, the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Sanctuary system has preserved some of the most treasured and endangered resources in our oceans. This underwater network of national parks, first established in 1972 - exactly 100 years after America's first national park was created, protects more than 18,000 square miles of ocean waters and habitats! Congratulations & happy birthday to all our friends at NOAA! Visit the National Marine Sanctuaries all in one place! Our Washington, DC venue highlights all thirteen sanctuaries as well as marine national monument as part of a partnership with NOAA to help spread awareness and inspire conservation of these amazing ecosystems. You can explore the following sanctuaries during your visit: Florida Keys NMS - This sanctuary is a complex marine ecosystem surrounding the Florida Keys archipelago, an island chain known worldwide for its extensive offshore coral reef. The waters surrounding most of the 1,700 islands that make up the Florida Keys have been designated a sanctuary since 1990. The Florida Keys marine environment is the foundation for the commercial fishing and tourism-based economies that are vital to southern Florida. Florida Keys Gallery USS Monitor NMS - located off the coast of Newport News, Virginia, this wreck of a Civil War-era ship was the first designated marine sanctuary! Flower Garden Banks NMS - Flower Garden is located about 110 miles off the coast of Texas and Louisiana. It harbors the northernmost coral reefs in the continental United States and serves as a regional reservoir of shallow-water Caribbean reef fishes and invertebrates. Gray's Reef NMS - Gray's Reef is located 17 miles off Sapelo Island, Georgia. It is one of the largest near-shore sandstone reefs in the southeastern United States. The rocky platform, some 60–70 feet below the Atlantic Ocean's surface, is wreathed in a carpet of attached organisms. This flourishing ecosystem provides not only vertical relief, but also a solid base for the abundant invertebrates to attach to and grow upon. A loggerhead turtle in our Gray's Reef gallery Cordell Bank NMS - Cordell Bank is located approximately 52 miles northwest of the Golden Gate Bridge at the edge of the continental shelf. Upwelling of nutrient-rich ocean waters and the bank's topography create one of the most biologically productive areas on the West Coast. The site is a lush feeding ground for many marine mammals and seabirds. Olympic Coast NMS - along the Olympic Peninsula coastline of the Pacific Northwest, sits this protected continental shelf and several submarine canyons. This upwell zone is a home to marine mammals such as orcas and seabirds. Throughout the sanctuary, kelp keeps pockets of tidal communities teeming with fish. In addition to these ecological resources, this area also preserves over 200 shipwrecks. Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale NMS - In the shallow waters surrounding the main Hawaiian Islands, this sanctuary represents one of the world's most important humpback whale habitats. Stellwagen Bank NMS - located at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay, this sanctuary was the first in New England. It was first designated to protect endangered whales from the shifting of shipping lanes in busy commercial waters. Since its establishment, striking of these whales has been reduced by 81 percent, according to NOAA. Toby, our blue lobster, in the Stellwagen Bank gallery Fagatele Bay NMS - Fagatele is located on Tutuila, the largest island of American Samoa, and is the only true tropical coral reef in the National Marine Sanctuary Program. This complex ecosystem, with its exceptionally high level of biological productivity, is the smallest and most remote of all sanctuaries. Fagatele Bay gallery Gulf of the Farallones NMS - near San Francisco, this sanctuary was critical to the creation of Beach Watch, one of the first citizen-science monitoring projects within NOAA. This volunteer program helps to protect a lush cold water coral reef, abundant with many threatened and endangered species. Monterey Bay NMS - this rocky, rugged area off the coast of Southern California acts as a home or migration corridor for 26 species of marine mammals, close to 100 species of seabirds, close to 400 species of fish and invertebrates and four species of sea turtles. A mixture of habitats including open ocean, rocky shores, sandy beaches and lush kelp forests. Channel Islands NMS - The Channel Islands are located 25 miles off the coast of Santa Barbara, California. The waters that swirl around the five islands within the sanctuary combine warm and cool currents to create an exceptional breeding ground for many species of plants and animals. Leopard sharks in our Channel Islands gallery Thunder Bay NMS - off the eastern coast of Michigan, this sanctuary protects a collection of shipwrecks in Lake Huron. Not only are these developed ecosystems an important research tool, but this area has become a major tourist destination and economic stimulant in the area - further spreading awareness of how important it is to protect marine wildlife. Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument - located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, this is the single largest conservation area in the US and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The monument encompasses close to 140,000 square miles of Pacific Ocean - an area larger than all the country's national parks combined. We are so happy to share these small glimpses into such a diverse and beautiful network of environments. Thanks to NOAA and the National Marine Sanctuaries Act for allowing us to continue to enjoy and protect America's underwater treasures for many years to come! Tags: aquarium-in-dc, Conservation, dc-aquarium, leopard-sharks, loggerhead-turtles, national-aquarium-2, national-aquarium-in-dc, national-marine-sanctuaries, national-marine-sanctuaries-act, noaa, preservation, sea-turtles Categories: Animals Previous Post Next Post


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LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Clippers and Trail Blazers went back and forth for 48 minutes. When it was over, Los Angeles escaped with perhaps its most satisfying victory of the season — and Portland was saddled with its second heartbreaking loss in 48 hours.
Blake Griffin scored 36 points, Chris Paul had 20 points and 12 assists, and the Clippers beat the Trail Blazers 122-117 on Wednesday night in the final game for both teams before the All-Star break.
The Clippers, who set a franchise record for largest victory Sunday in their 45-point thrashing of Philadelphia, converted 16 Portland turnovers into 20 points during a nip-and-tuck affair that included 40 lead changes.
"We were up one, down one, up one," Paul said. "I told them in the timeout: 'Fellas, we need to get a score and a stop.' I told B.G. if we get a score and a stop, it changes the whole game. It was frustrating because it was me making mistakes on defense, and they were getting shots. But all in all, it was a good win for us."
The Clippers won for the 14th time in 19 games since Jan. 4, when the Spurs handed them their worst loss of the season, 116-92 in San Antonio. Paul made 10 of 15 shots in his second game back after missing 18 with a separated right shoulder.
"It's definitely not (100 percent)," he said. "But as long as I'm not hindering my team and my teammates, I feel I can be effective out there."
Jamal Crawford added 25 points for the defending Pacific Division champions, who go into All-Star weekend 37-18 — their second-best winning percentage at the break in franchise history. They were 39-17 last season, when they finished 56-26 and won their first division title.
Los Angeles and Portland are each 5½ games behind Oklahoma City for the best record in the Western Conference.
"I'm in a great place, as far as our team going into the break," Paul said. "It's one of the best feelings I've had about a team since I've been in the league, just strictly because of defense. The biggest thing with us is that everyone has bought into the defensive end. We understand that we can score every night, but it's going to be our defense that carries us."
LaMarcus Aldridge scored 25 points and Damian Lillard had 21 for the Blazers, who are 5-8 since a five-game winning streak last month. The loss was their fifth straight to the Clippers at Staples Center.
Clippers center DeAndre Jordan had a miserable time trying to guard Aldridge in the first quarter, as the 6-foot-11 power forward made six of seven shots — one night after going 5 for 22 from the field and scoring 12 points in Portland's 98-95 home loss to Oklahoma City.
"It's tough, especially going into the break," Lillard said. "You want to go into it with some momentum and on a good note. We played two good games, but we just weren't able to pull either game out."
All of Aldridge's first six baskets against the Clippers came from at least 17 feet away, including a 3-pointer that gave the Blazers a 30-25 lead with 1:42 left in the period.
"It's the NBA. You're not going to completely stop somebody from scoring," Jordan said. "I think they lead the league in scoring, but we did our best job tonight and we got stops when it counted."
Los Angeles then went on a 12-0 run to go ahead 37-30 with 10:50 left in the second quarter, as backup point guard Darren Collison capped the rally with a layup and two free throws. Less than 7½ minutes later, Griffin outleaped 7-1 center Meyers Leonard on a lob above the basket by Paul and finished the alley-oop for a 53-52 edge with 3:28 left in the half.
"Blake's dominance is something that we need. He's been our MVP all season long," Paul said. "I keep telling him: 'I don't want to stop that. I don't want to hinder that. I just want to be a part of it.'"
NOTES: Jordan had six rebounds in 37 minutes, ending his double-digit streak at 31 games. The franchise record is 42 by Swen Nater in 1977-78. ... Portland came in averaging an NBA-best 107.7 points, and the Clippers were second with 106.7 per game. ... The Blazers are the only team in the league to have the same starting lineup in every game — Aldridge, Lillard, Wesley Matthews, Nicolas Batum and Robin Lopez. They all scored in double figures. ... Paul, who will be playing in his seventh All-Star game, scored his 11,000th career point on a short running jumper with 5:52 remaining. His 113 double-doubles since the start of the 2010-11 season are the most by any point guard during that stretch. ... Seven of Portland's next eight games are at home, where the Blazers are 19-6.


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Give Your Child a Healthy Edge with Cod Liver Oil
Posted on 15. Jan, 2010 by Jolie Root, LPN, LNC in Nutrition
Every mother wants what's best for her child. To maximize a baby's intelligence, studies suggest that women should begin taking fish oils during pregnancy. This is because docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), one of the omega-3 fatty acids found in cod liver oil, plays a fundamental role in the development of the central nervous system. Smart moms — those who take fish oils during pregnancy — have smart babies!
An Ounce of Prevention
The benefits of cod liver oil to a growing child extend far beyond the womb. Cod liver oil is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids with the added benefits of fat-soluble vitamins A and D.
Children (and the rest of us) need fats in their diets to be healthy. Healthy fats supply nutrients that are essential for growth. They are vitally important to the brain. Healthy fats are used for building cell membranes and also play a role in hormone production.
Learning and Behavior
Infants whose diets include plenty of DHA have an edge in terms of early development. Research shows that children whose mothers had higher DHA levels at delivery had better attention spans well into their second year. During their first six months, these babies were two months ahead of children born to mothers with lower DHA levels.
As children progress through early childhood, the benefits of cod liver oil become even more pronounced. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are some of the most important nutrients for reducing the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A deficiency of omega-3 fats has consistently been linked to ADHD. And studies show that the lower the level of omega-3s, the more pronounced the symptoms. A diagnosis of ADHD might truly be an omega-3 deficiency in disguise. In one study, ADHD patients reporting symptoms indicative of omega-3 deficiency (thirst, frequent urination, and dry hair) had lower levels of DHA than did ADHD patients without these symptoms. Subjects with low omega-3 fatty acid levels also had more behavioral problems.
Research shows that DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) found in cod liver oil also support a healthy mood. Sadly, antidepressants are commonly prescribed to school-aged children. It is possible that their depression may be a result of their need for more omega-3s.
Extended Benefits
The benefits of cod liver oil for children extend far beyond the health of the brain. The DHA in cod liver oil may help reduce the risk of early heart disease in children who have familial hypercholesterolemia, or high cholesterol. In one study, children given DHA supplements experienced improved blood-vessel health after only a few months.
Cod liver oil is also a great source of vitamin D, a nutrient essential for building a strong skeleton. Children who do not get adequate D are at risk of developing rickets, a disease of weakened bones. Osteomalacia, or softening of the bones, is common when vitamin D levels are inadequate and, in adults, vitamin D deficiency can contribute to osteoporosis. Low vitamin D levels in infants is also associated with greater risk of developing Type 1 diabetes. The risk is so great that pediatricians suggest that all breast- fed infants get 200 IU of vitamin D daily.
Cod liver oil also provides safe levels of vitamin A, which is necessary for sharper vision and for maintaining a vital immune system. Many clinical trials show that vitamin A helps reduce mortality in children.
Creating Balance
The balance of omega-3 to omega-6 EFAs is important. Today's typical excess of omega-6 fats (found in commercial vegetable oils) creates an imbalance that can contribute to inflammation, depressed immunity, heart disease, learning disabilities, and liver damage. The key is to reduce amounts of the omega-6s while boosting the omega-3s that most children lack.
Creating an omega balance is one of the most important benefits of cod liver oil. Depending on the brand, one-half teaspoon per day is enough for most children. Most teenagers may take adult doses. Be sure to read label directions carefully.
Since children are more vulnerable to environmental toxins, be absolutely sure that any cod liver oil supplement given to a child states right on the label that it has been tested and found to be free of contaminants like mercury, lead, cadmium, and PCBs. Look for a product specially formulated for children. Many kids' formulas provide omega-3s and taste great, not fishy.


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COLLEGE STATION - Texas cotton planting is expected to be down by as much as 25 percent from last year, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state cotton specialist.
In December, a National Cotton Council survey showed farmers' intended cotton plantings in Texas for 2013 to be 4.9 million acres, down by about 25 percent from actual plantings in 2012 of 6.55 million acres, said Dr. Gaylon Morgan, AgriLife Extension state cotton specialist, College Station.
"Since then, prices have gone up a little for cotton and come down a little for grain crops, so my guess is that the National Cotton Council survey hopefully is the worst-case scenario for planted cotton acres," he said.
Also, there has been more rainfall than expected, which will affect cotton-planting intentions, Morgan said.
"We got some rain in early January which helped out those drier areas, and despite the long-term forecasts predicting drier than normal precipitation, we've actually accumulated a decent amount of rainfall in the High Plains and Rolling Plains just this last week or so," he said.
The Coastal Bend and Rio Grande Valley cotton growing areas remain under extreme drought conditions, he noted.
"Additionally, long-term weather predictions are for above-normal temperatures, which can also magnify a limited in-season precipitation."
But the recent rains likely will have an adverse effect on intended cotton planting as it will mean more acres will stay in or go to grain crops, Morgan said.
"A lot of cotton acres went into wheat last fall, and with the rains in the High Plains and Rolling Plains, they'll probably stick with wheat," he said. "Also there's talk of a lot of sorghum going in."
The National Cotton Council survey predicted 9.01 million acres for the U.S., Morgan said. Total upland cotton planting for the U.S. was more than 12 million acres in 2012. In the Southwest, which includes Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and New Mexico, cotton plantings are expected to be down more than 24 percent in 2013.
Morgan also noted that there was a similar drop - about 23 to 24 percent - in cotton acreage in 2006 going into 2007. Then, as now, relatively high grain prices were a factor in the reduction of cotton acres, he said.
More information on the current Texas drought and wildfire alerts can be found on the AgriLife Extension Agricultural Drought Task Force website at http://agrilife.tamu.edu/drought/ .
AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries for the week of Feb. 18-25:
Central: Conditions were dry with unseasonably warm weather. Winter wheat looked good after January and February rains. Cherry oat aphids were causing some issues, transmitting barley yellow dwarf viruses. Otherwise, oats were doing well. Growers were planting corn and sunflowers. Livestock were in good condition with producers continuing to supplement with hay.
Coastal Bend: The eastern part of the region received some rain, but the western counties continued to suffer from drought. All counties reported livestock producers were continuing supplemental feeding of cattle with hay and protein cubes. Warmer temperatures and light rains in the eastern counties caused ryegrass and oat pastures to show additional growth. Some counties reported that producers were just beginning to plant corn and grain sorghum.
East: After substantial rains, soil-moisture levels and pond levels were up, and winter forages were in good shape. Cattle were in good condition. Feral hog activity increased. Winter grain and wheat were in good condition. Producers were taking soil-test samples in preparation for spring planting of pastures and gardens. Ryegrass began to grow.
Far West: Warm, dry and very windy conditions continued, and most of the region remained on high alert for wildfires. Some counties had rain, from a sprinkle to 0.3 inches. Overall, rain or any form of precipitation was still badly needed. Land preparation for spring planning was ongoing.
North: Thanks to good rains, soil-moisture levels were adequate to surplus. Winter wheat looked weak in December, but rain in January and early February stimulated growth. Ryegrass also started to show growth, and it appeared most counties will have sufficient grazing from the last of winter and into spring. Livestock were in fair to good condition. Producers were still supplying supplemental feed and hay, waiting for the winter pastures to become available for grazing. Stock ponds remained low.
Panhandle: On Feb. 25, a blizzard brought heavy snows and high winds to the region, with accumulations forecast to be as much as 18 inches. Previous snows had dumped as much as 6 to 8 inches to some counties. Before activities ceased due to the blizzard, producers were preparing fields for spring plantings and irrigating wheat, hoping to get more grazing from the crop. Supplemental feeding of livestock continued. Most herds remained in fair to good condition.
Rolling Plains: The region received scattered rains, the most winter precipitation some counties had received in several years. Winter wheat broke dormancy and was responding very well to the rains. With a few sunny days, the wheat crop was expected to quickly green up and start growing, but if it stops raining and the weather turns windy, soils will dry out and growth will stop. Wheat producers were applying fertilizer and herbicides and wondering whether to pull cattle off wheat for grain production. Some counties reported extremely dry conditions, and cotton producers were strip-tilling seed beds on last year's wheat ground. Livestock producers were selling cattle or providing full supplemental feed. Spring foaling and calving began.
South: Throughout the region, daytime temperatures were mild with cool nights. There was no rainfall, and high evaporation rates and strong winds dried out soils. Soil moisture levels were short to very short, stymieing forage growth on rangeland and pastures. Ranchers increased supplemental feeding. In Webb County, ranchers were very lightly stocked or totally de-stocked. In Frio County, potatoes emerged, and wheat and oats were in fair to good condition. In Zavala County, wheat and oats were stressed by the extremely dry weather. Also in that county, growers were actively irrigating cabbage, carrots, spinach and onions. Harvesting of processing and fresh market spinach continued, while the cabbage harvesting slowed. In Starr County, spring vegetable and row-crop planting was under way. In Willacy County, sorghum planting halted.
South Plains: Floyd and Hale counties reported snow, from a trace to about 2 inches, which was expected to help dryland winter wheat that was not in very good shape. Irrigated wheat was in fair condition there. Crosby, Lynn, Lubbock and Garza counties received rain, from 0.2 to 1 inch. This moisture was expected to improve wheat and promote field preparation for spring planting. Some producers were applying pre-plant fertilizer to cotton fields. Rangeland and pastures were in fair to poor condition. Stocking rates were reduced on most ranches in the past couple of years and were expected to continue to decline without rain before spring. Stock-tank water is critical in some areas. Livestock were in mostly fair to good condition with continued supplemental feeding.
Southeast: Montgomery County had moderate temperatures that promoted good growth of winter annuals. Rains there have been moderate as well, with less than 1 inch for the week, but that was enough to promote grass growth. Trees were budding out. Waller County had unusually warm weather. In Burleson County, the cool season grasses and legumes were also growing. Fort Bend County had scattered showers, with accumulations of as much as 0.5 inch. Temperatures there ranged from lows in the 30s to highs in the 70s. In Orange County, soils were saturated due to heavy rainfall.
West Central: Conditions remained very dry and windy, with mild daytime temperatures and cold nights. A few counties reported showers but without significant accumulations. Wheat was in poor to fair condition. All crops needed moisture soon to survive. Farmers were wondering whether to plant cotton or grain sorghum because of price variances and soil-moisture requirements between the crops. Rangeland and pasture conditions continued to decline, with very little winter grass and vegetation remaining. Stock-water tanks were at critically low levels. Producers continued supplemental feeding of livestock.


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