4 guidelines for cyber threat info-sharing
This article is the first in a series that will discuss the DHS guidelines, with the subsequent articles diving into greater detail for each individual guideline, including what each guideline allows for. You can also find more information on CISA in our article, “What the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 means for your organization.”
The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA), which is the biggest piece of cybersecurity legislation passed in 2015, required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide interim guidance on how the private sector and government are to communicate threat data. DHS issued those interim guidance reports on February 16, 2016, for persons and companies sharing with the government and updates the procedures for information sharing, which include new liability protections and require the scrubbing of personally identifiable information.
The purpose of CISA
Before we get into the specifics of those four interim guidance documents, it is important to remember why CISA proponents believe this legislation is valuable to the private sector and government. The quick answer is, in the world of cybersecurity, knowledge really is power. To mount a proper defense to a cybersecurity threat, it is important for those setting up defenses to know what they are looking for so they can properly protect against it. That principle is even more crucial in cybersecurity because hacker techniques change quickly and dramatically. In addition, they can be difficult to locate.
Most attack vectors have a telltale sign e.g., a certain type of malware they will install to infiltrate a network, the IP address of the computer from which the attack originated, or the subject line of a spear-phishing email. Knowing these things helps cybersecurity defense professionals look for these specific attack vectors before they have the ability to damage systems or breach data, and allows them to more specifically and intentionally guard against the malicious traffic.
It makes sense then that the more people who know what telltale signs to look for at any given time will make defending cyber systems easier. CISA is supposed to help in that sharing process. While the law itself did not provide any real specifics to private companies or to the government about how they could share this information and, more important, how they could share information without providing protected information or being liable for potential breach issues, it did require the DHS do so in four guideline documents.
The purpose of the DHS guidance
The four interim guidelines are the first steps in providing the private sector and the government with the tools to engage in this type of sharing while still protecting themselves. More to the point, in their press release on February 16, 2016, DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson noted:
These guidelines provide federal agencies and the private sector with a clear understanding of how to share cyber threat indicators with DHS’s National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center and how the NCCIC will share and use that information.
Johnson also pointed to DHS’s Automated Indicator Sharing (AIS) system, which is an electronic sharing web portal that allows the government and private sector to share threat data in real time.
The four guidelines
As for the four guidelines themselves, they offer companies a road map for sharing information while, at the same time, staying within the confines of data privacy laws, and also provides how the government is to reciprocate. Johnson noted:
The law importantly provides two layers of privacy protections… Companies are required to remove personal information before sharing cyber threat indicators and DHS is required to and has implemented its own process to conduct a privacy review of received information.
The guidance includes four draft documents:
Sharing of Cyber Threat Indicators and Defensive Measures by the Federal Government, which is for non-Federal (mostly, private-sector) entities on the sharing of cyber threat indicators and defense measure;
Guidance to Assist Non-Federal Entities to Share Cyber Threat Indicators and Defensive Measures with Federal Entities, which is for federal entities on the sharing of cyber threat indicators and defensive measures;
Interim Procedures Related to the Receipt of Cyber Threat Indicators and Defensive Measures by the Federal Government, which is related to the receipt of information by the federal government, and
With respect to the guidance for the private sector, the manner in which the information is shared affects the protections available for sharing cyber threat indicators and defensive measures. Some sharing receives liability protection and some does not. Private entities should make sure they are sharing information correctly to ensure they are getting the most protection from liability under the law.The Federal Register notice from DHS is available here.


Summersweet is a medium-sized deciduous shrub that adds color and fragrance to your garden with its late-summer blooms. The flowers are notable for their size, how late they bloom, and their ability to bloom even in the shade. Summersweet is a versatile shrub that thrives in most climates and is suitable as a specimen plant or a hedge. It also attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.
The Latin name for summersweet is Clethra alnifolia. The plant belongs to one of only two genera in the Clethraceae (white alder) family, with Purdiaea being the other genus.
For common names, you may see summersweet, sweet pepperbush, clethra, coastal sweet pepperbush, and poor man's soap.
Preferred USDA Hardiness Zones
You can plant summersweet in zones 3 through 9. It is originally from Eastern North America and grows naturally along the Atlantic coast and west to Texas. Its natural environment includes wet and swampy areas of woodland as well as marshes and river banks.
Size and Shape
This shrub usually grows to 3 to 6 feet in height but can be up to 8 feet tall. It typically spreads to 4 to 6 feet and forms an oval shape. Some varieties are shorter than average for the species.
Plant this shrub in a site that receives full sun to part shade.
Foliage, Flowers, and Fruit
Summersweet's leaves are obovate and serrated, 1 1/2 to 4 inches long, and change from a glossy dark green in summer to yellow or brown in the fall. Make sure there are other plants around, as the plant will look bare until the leaves appear at the end of spring. The blooms are raceme flowers, 2 to 6 inches long, that may be white, pink, or rose-colored and have a sweet fragrance. After the bloom, the flowers leave small, dark brown seed capsule fruits that look like peppercorns. These may survive into winter in some climates.
Summersweet can tolerate salty air and even salt spray from nearby streets in urban areas. Its branches are dense, making it suitable for hedges or privacy screens (best in summer, of course). Being a water-loving plant, it works well at the edges of ponds, streams, and marshy areas. Elsewhere, summersweet looks nice when grouped in planting beds or lined up as a shrub border.
Look among these varieties of summersweet to find the best fit for your planting goals:
- 'Creels Calico'
- 'Pink Spires'
- 'Ruby Spice'
- 'Sixteen Candles'
This plant can work in a variety of soil pHs, types, and moisture levels. It prefers acidic, sandy soil that is moist but will tolerate clay soils and full shade. Water regularly as needed so the soil does not dry out. You can expand plant with seeds or use cuttings to make more shrubs. It also tends to sucker and will spread naturally if not pruned.
You can deadhead to remove flowers past their prime, but otherwise, you can usually just leave this shrub alone unless you desire a neatly groomed look.
Pests and Diseases
The only common problem that this shrub faces are spider mites. Control can be as simple as spraying the leaves (front and back) to knock off the spider mites, though further intervention, such as predatory insects, and horticultural oils may be needed if mites are persistent.


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When a patient requires long-term access to medication through an IV, a central line is put in place. These lines are placed in the larger vessels close to the heart. A central line infection can occur when bacteria enters the blood stream, causing a patient to become sick. Patients in the ICU often require a central line since they are seriously ill.


Dr. Fung’s premise is that insulin resistance is at the root of obesity, diabetes, and many other health problems in our culture. I am dealing with insulin resistance myself so that was the primary motivator for me to read this 269 page book.
The first section of the book is The Epidemic and lays out the problems with obesity in Western culture in modern times. Dr. Fung then goes on in section 2, The Calorie Deception, to blow apart the theory of the calorie and its relationship to obesity. Counting calories has not made for a thinner population, because it does not work. All calories are not equal. And when calories are decreased consistently, metabolism will also decrease and can continue indefinitely.
In section 3, Dr. Fung gives us a new model of obesity. His new model is rooted in an understanding of hormones and the two he focuses on are insulin and cortisol. He presents the research that insulin causes weight gain. Prolonged high cortisol levels will also raise glucose levels and thus insulin levels and cause weight gain as well. The bottom line here for Dr. Fung is that insulin resistance is at the root of obesity issues for most people and also responsible for the increase in type 2 diabetes.
In section 4, the focus is on the social phenomenon of obesity. Dr. Fung looks at poverty, the food industry, and childhood obesity. He connect childhood obesity to high insulin levels beginning in the womb.
In section 5, Dr. Fung analyzes what is wrong with our diet. He breaks down in detail how fructose will lead very quickly to diabetes and details where fructose can be found in most American diets. He shows how fructose is the most dangerous form of sugar that we can eat. He also addresses the diet soda delusion. He finishes out this section with chapters on fiber, protein, and fat and how important each of these nutrients are to a healthy diet and a healthy weight.
The last section is called The Solution. In here he lays out how to eat and how to fast. He has five steps to follow for eating.
- Reduce your consumption of added sugar.
- Reduce your consumption of refined grains.
- Moderate your protein consumption.
- Increase your consumption of natural fats.
- Increase your consumption of protective factors. (fiber, vinegar).
Dr. Fung also builds a strong case for intermittent fasting, specifically regular fasts of 24 to 36 hours, 2-3 days/week. He then explains how this will break insulin resistance and cause weight loss.
I found this book very helpful. I was already eating according to his five principles before I began reading the book and was stuck at weight loss plateau and at a blood sugar plateau. Since implementing the intermittent fasting I have lost weight and have seen my blood sugars lower by a few points. I found his approach makes a lot of sense and answers many questions I have had.
If you struggle with weight loss, you are likely dealing with insulin resistance. If so, this book is for you. It could change your life. Please get a copy and begin to implement the principles. And share this with others who could benefit.
Intermittent Fasting can help. Join me in my next 30 day Intermittent Fasting Challenge.
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Protection from Phone Radiation
Did you know that every mobile or cell phone emits radiation? The dangers of such radiation have been debated for years, ever since mobile phones were introduced and it is only recently that long term studies have indicated there can be cellular damage or even cancer caused by the radiation from cell phones.
In fact a Swedish study found a definite link between electro-magnetic radiation and the risk of malignant brain tumors. This study included wireless cell and cordless phones.
All cell phones, such as iPhones, android and even iPads and iPods, give out radiation that is absorbed into human body cells, especially when held close to the body. The study showed that when a person uses a cell phone for longer than a year the risk of brain cancer increased by 70 percent compared to those that used cell phone for less than a year. It seems to be a long term accumulation of radiation that is the worry. In fact those people who have used a cell phone for 25 years had a 300% greater risk. In other words, the longer one uses a cell phone the greater the risk becomes.
The number of hours spent using the phone each day was important also. Heavy users have a greater risk of course than light users. Up to 250% greater in some cases. Importantly the greatest risk of all was with those who held their phones up against the side of their face, or ear to be exact.
Wireless Safety Standards Inadequate
As a result of this study, the conclusion of the 13-nation study and the study out of Tel Aviv University, experts are calling for more safety standards to be reviewed. International Doctor's groups including The American Academy of Environmental Medicine, The International Society of Doctors for the Environment and the Irish Doctors Environmental Association are all calling for revised standards and the World Health Organization recently re-classified EMF's as Group 2B possible carcinogenic.
There is a solution to this. The EMF Protect is designed to reduce this radiation and is the only device that protects against all three (3) cell phone risks:
Dirty Electricity EMF Radiation - Up to 98%
RF Radiation - Up to 60%
Positive Ion Poisoning
How does the EMF Protect work against DIRTY ELECTRICITY?
Dirty electricity is any current of electricity that is converted and used to power a device. For the purposes of a cell phone it is the current created by the battery inside of the phone. Additionally, if you use the phone while plugged in, the current is 1,000 times stronger.
The Secret to the Fusion IONZ EMF Protect is the pryoelectricity property of black tourmaline. In 1880, Pierre Curie, co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, discovered that black tourmaline carried a weak but constant electric charge. Coincidently, this charge is the same charge that creates the negative ion flow. Our black tourmaline boosting minerals, present in TourmaMix, boost the charge to high enough levels to attract the dirty electricity being emitted from the cell phone. The dirty electricity is effectively attracted and absorbed by the EMF Protect.
This is a cheap and effective way to protect you from EMF Radiation. One simply puts the EMF Protect up against the back of the phone and it will eliminate over 95 percent of the EMF Radiation from your phone making it much safer and giving you greater peace of mind when using your cell phone.
Check out EMF Protection now and get your EMF Protector today!
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International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25
November 25th is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence. From 25 December to 10 December, people around the world come together to end violence against women and girls. Click here to check out stories, messages, facts and figures and to find out how you can take action. To join the conversation on twitter follow #organgeurworld and #16days.


So wrote Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the German writer and statesman and lover of clouds, on receiving Luke Howard’s autobiography, which he himself had asked Luke Howard to write.
Luke Howard was a deeply religious man with a strong sense of duty towards those less fortunate than himself, and who is remembered by the Quakers as one of the earliest pioneers of Quaker relief work.
He led Quaker relief efforts after the Napoleonic Wars, which had caused great suffering in many German states, especially among civilians. The £7000 raised by Quakers in Britain led to the British Government voting to provide a further £100 000 towards relief efforts. Luke Howard became joint secretary (with Robert Humphrey Marten) of the organising London committee and by 1814 a total of £300,000 had been raised. In recognition he was awarded a gold ring and Meissen vase by the kings of Saxony and Prussia, and received the freedom of the city of Magdeburg.
Luke Howard was no less active at home in England. He was involved in the Anti-Slavery Movement. He was a prominent member of the Society Against Capital Punishment, Society Against Cruelty to Animals and a founding member of the African Institution.
In Tottenham he was on the committee of the Lancasterian School as well as holding offices in the Tottenham Vestry and being elected overseer of the poor in 1820.


If you’ve recently bought a new home, you may have had an appraisal, inspection and radon test as part of the purchasing process. These items are often required by the mortgage lender; extending a loan secured by a home that harbors a dangerous condition or is structurally unsound can cost the lender money, so ensuring your home meets or exceeds all relevant standards can render it a much safer investment.
Generally, the results of your radon test won’t be reported to you unless they indicate high radon levels inside the home.
While high radon levels can result in denial of a mortgage loan–and can sometimes give you the right to cancel a purchase agreement without penalty unless the seller agrees to pay for radon mitigation–borderline levels may be enough to pass your lender’s standards, even though this data could indicate a radon problem that needs attention.
Read on to learn more about this tasteless, odorless, colorless gas and how radon mitigation services can keep you and your family safe after you’ve purchased a new home.
What Causes Radon
Radon, as the name implies, is a type of radioactive gas. Radon gas is generated within the earth’s crust by the natural decay of other radioactive minerals like uranium and plutonium, both generally contained within igneous, rather than sedimentary, rock. Radon can’t be seen, tasted, smelled or sensed; the only test for radon gas involves measuring the air for radioactivity.
This means that radon levels are naturally higher in parts of the country where uranium can be found in the soil. Radon levels are often higher in homes with basements or deep foundations, as the process of constructing a foundation disturbs the soil and allows radon gas to escape.
Mobile homes that aren’t on a permanent foundation and require no digging are unlikely to have high radon levels unless constructed in an area with generally high radioactivity.
What Radon Causes
Long-term exposure to radon gas is second only to cigarette smoking when it comes to common causes of lung cancer.
Radon exposure can also be exponential in severity. For example, a homeowner whose home has 4 picoCuries of radon per liter of air (4 pCi/L), considered the maximum upper limit of radon presence, is exposed to 35 times as much radiation as would be present at the fence of a radioactive waste site. The lower the radon level is in your home, the safer you are.
However, many homeowners aren’t aware of their home’s radon level, and those who are just below the 4 pCi/L limit may be told they “pass” the radon test without realizing the critical nature of this borderline-high reading.
Radon is of particular concern when there are small children in the home. Because children breathe more rapidly than adults and their cells split more frequently due to the speed with which they grow, childhood radon exposure can be far more harmful than adult radon exposure.
A sobering one in every five homes throughout the U.S.– including homes in every state from Maine to Hawaii–have higher-than-recommended radon levels, rendering this both a personal and a public health concern.
Mitigating Radon Levels
If you’re not comfortable with your home’s radon readings, you’ll want to enlist some help to lower these levels and control the amount of radon gas in your home at any given time. This is generally accomplished by the installation of a radon mitigation system.
The right radon mitigation system for your home will depend largely upon your home’s construction and the type of foundation it has. In some cases, you’ll need to keep radon from getting into your home at all; in others, your best bet is to focus your energies on reducing radon levels once the gas has already made its way into your home. Often, you’ll be able to stop the flow of radon before its point of entry through using an exhaust system of underground pipes and fans that can pump any radioactive air safely away from your foundation.
In homes with crawlspaces that allow air to pass between the bare ground and the bottom of your home’s floor, you’ll have even more of an opportunity to intercept any radon-containing air before it manages to seep upward through your floor. Reinforcing the subfloor can provide an additional layer of protection, as can repairing any cracks, holes or other defects in your foundation that may be allowing radon gas to flow through.
It’s also a good idea to have your home’s air regularly tested for radon for the first few years after the installation of a mitigation system. By sampling air in various parts of your home, mitigation specialists will be able to narrow down the potential points of radon entry to make your air filtration and exhaust system more effective and efficient at removing tainted air from your home.


Elizabeth Bertrand, an Ottawa/Ojibwa girl, born around 1761 at L'Arbre Croche married Dr. David Mitchell of Montreal in 1776. They returned to Mackinac Island and where Dr. Mitchell worked as a surgeon for the British at the fort. Later, he began to earn a living through the fur trade. The Mitchells had a large family of 12 children. All of their children were educated in European fashion, the sons were sent to Montreal and the daughters to Europe. Elizabeth is remembered for her love of cards and dancing and their home was a hub of Mackinac Island society.
During the War of 1812, Dr. Mitchell served in the British Army, leaving Elizabeth to tend their established fur trade business. After the end of the war, Dr. Mitchell moved to Drummond Island following the British surrender of Mackinac Island to the Americans. Elizabeth remained on Mackinac Island, where she went through a difficult period after the war. Without her husband, she was persecuted by the Indian Aget, Henry Puthuff and accused of being a spy for the British. An 1815 placard directed to Elizabeth was posted on the church door follows:
Whereas a certain Eliz'th Mitchell under a pretense of trading with the savages is and for many years has been, as it has been represented to me, in the habit of holding her private councils with those unfortunate deluded People and of advising with and persuading them to the adoption of measures injurious to their real interests and that of the American government -
I therefore feel it to be my Duty hereby to forbid the said Elizabeth Mitchell to hold any further intercourse with the Indians that may visit this Island either directly or indirectly until further orders from the American Government. .
The American Indian Agent determined that Elizabeth persuaded the local Indians to act against the American Government. A series of letters between Puthuff and Dr. Mitchell followed the posting of the placard in which Dr. Mitchell defends his wife and son (who was living on the island with her), demanding that she continue in the fur trade business. Puthuff's responses are full of condescension. The situation escalated when there was destruction of her property. The commander of the Fort defended the conduct of his soldiers toward Elizabeth who, has ever been treated with Civility by officers of this garrison and determined that it was, some dishonest Citizens of the Island who perpetrated the destruction of her property. Later, she was prevented from putting out her fishing nets, thereby denying her the ability to feed herself.
It is clear Elizabeth was harassed by American government employees from the garrison and the Indian Agency. By November of 1815, she left the island and went to er husband on Drummond Island. She later returned to Mackinac Island after a time to find that the atmosphere between the Americans and the British sympathizers had normalized. She continued in the fur business and supervised a large farm while Dr. Mitchell maintained a commercial post as well as his medical duties on Drummond Island.
She was described by David Armour in, David and Elizabeth, the Mitchell family of the Straits of Mackinac, She was tall and stout and always wore black, usually silk. Her full skirt had two large pockets in which she placed her hands as she stood. She wore a black neckerchief about her neck and a plumed black beaver-felt hat on her head. (p. 12)
Elizabeth maintained a large garden of 2 to 3 acres on the island. Therese Baird provides a description in her Remeniscences. It was an every-day occurrence to see Mrs. Mitchell coming to inspect her garden, riding in hr calash, a two-wheeled vehicle, being her own driver. When the old lady arrived the men would hasten to open the gate, then she would drive in; and there, in the large space in front of the garden beds, in the shade. the man would fasten the horse, while my lady would walk all over the grounds giving her orders.
Always at the center of the island society, Elizabeth hosted the wedding of Josette LaFramboise, daughter of her good friend Madeleine LaFramboise, and Captain Benjamin Pierce, brother to the future President, at her home in 1816.
On February 25, 1827, during one of her visits to her husband on Drummond Island, she became ill and died. A letter from her son Andrew to John Bailey, Esq., dated April 18th 1827 states, Report of a boat from Drummond Island, Andrew Mitchell master having on board the corpse of the late Mrs. Mitchell and the necessary provisions of the voyage. (Steere Collection, Bayliss Library, Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan)
Elizabeth Mitchell was a brave and spirited woman in the face of a hostile government at a volatile period of Mackinac history who was, nevertheless, successful and became wealthy in a difficult business typically run by European men. As an intrepid metis woman, she set the stage for those women who followed in her footsteps.


Springtime on Orcas Island means nettle time! Some people only consider nettles to be those pesky weeds that cause an irritating sting when brushed up against. My students at Orcas Island Elementary School know otherwise… they know that nettles are nutritious, tasty, and free!
A fresh nettle patch growing on Orcas Island.
Nettles are low in calories, but pack in a whopping amount of iron, calcium, vitamin K, and fiber. It has long been believed that ingesting nettles can combat the symptoms of hay fever and seasonal allergies. Try drinking two cups of nettle tea a day just prior to and during your allergy season and see for yourself! You do need to be careful when gathering your nettles. Wear long sleeves and pants. Use gloves and clippers to harvest. You can take the sting away from your nettles by drying them in the sun or simply by rinsing and soaking the nettles in water. The most certain way to take away all sting is to boil briefly.
A box full of freshly harvested stinging nettles.
After harvesting your nettles and before eating them, you could take some time to investigate them with a magnifying glass!
Farm to Classroom students investigating stinging nettles with magnifying glasses.
You can enjoy nettles in many ways, in soup, tea, sauces, and stir fry. We decided to make a nettle pasta dish in Farm to Classroom last week. Here is how we made our nettle pasta.
Stinging nettle pasta!
Start by mincing garlic and sautéing it in some olive oil.
Bring a pot of water to boil and add nettles to boiling water for 3-5 minutes. Remove the nettles with a slotted spoon and chop them. Add your pasta to the same water you boiled the nettles in.
Add the chopped nettles to your garlic and sauté. Add a few pinches of sea salt if you’d like.
Add the cooked pasta and mix thoroughly until combined.
Fresh stinging nettle pasta.
Enjoy warm or cold!
Here is an easy way to store your extra nettles for use later. Boil, chop, squeeze out excess water and form into a ball. Freeze the nettle balls on a baking sheet and transfer to a Ziploc bag once frozen. Then you can toss a nettle ball into soup, smoothies, sauces, scrambled eggs and omelets, you name it!
A batch of “nettle balls” before they went into the freezer.
Go ahead and try some stinging nettles. My students enjoyed them, and you may too!
Happy students enjoying stinging nettle pasta. Seconds please!
Sometimes I stray too far from the barn, but a day at Coffelt Farm Stand brings me right back to what really is important, family, farming and friendships.
Local berries make a sweet colorful gift and reminds me of kitchen time with grandma.
My grandparents had a dairy farm complete with chickens, horses and bottle fed calves. Grandma’s garden filled canning jars and the cellar was filled with pears, apples and plums from the orchard. These are fond memories deep in my soul. I spent many summers picking berries with grandma, never wanting to eat any so my bucket would be as full as hers. Jams and pies were yummy results. I still remember when grandma left the pie making to me for a family gathering. Her shared crust secrets and faith in me still show in my pies today.
Grandma T’s garden shares ready to eat sweet peas and the promise of greens for a meal.
Wanting to get out of the city, I moved to Orcas Island 27 years ago with 3 sons and a desire to find my roots again. The boys are grown and raising their own families now. It is my garden and orchard they will remember in their hearts and souls, as well as the many trips to local Orcas Island farms.
In my garden, each year I look forward to planting new things, talking to other farmers about their favorite seeds and sharing tricks to invite worms to feed the soil. I have starts from Sid Coffelt, plum trees from my great grandma’s orchard, tomatoes from John Cadden, garlic from Mary Ann Sircely, raspberry bushes from my mom, Arlene Carlson and blueberry shrubs from Faith Deeds garden. There is much heart and soul in my garden and I dance with joy thinking about the harvest with my grand kids!!!
Brand new lambs and a proud mom.
The Coffelt Farm, located in Crow Valley, Orcas Island, gives tours to school children in the spring time when new born run the barn yard. This spring the farm welcomed several new piglets, lambs and a couple of calves.
Orcas Island School children enjoy a day on the farm learning about all the animals and what it means to be a farmer.
This farm girl says get busy, visit a farm, offer some volunteer time in a garden, share an afternoon canning the harvest, spend time with your grandma, bring a friend and create a memory to nourish the soul.
Orca babies, that is! This winter we’ve had three calves born to our resident pods of killer whales. Two of the calves were born to J-Pod, the group that spends the most time around the San Juan Islands. The third baby belongs to L-Pod, the largest of our three pods of Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW).
Every new addition to our local pods is awesome news, because this population has been in trouble. The Southern Residents were listed under the Endangered Species Act back in 2005, but the population has continued to decline and there haven’t been any surviving calves born since 2012. So these three blushing babies (whale calves are born with a pink hue on their white parts) are most welcome.
Newborn J50 with her mom, J16, and big brother, J26. Photo courtesy of Center for Whale Research.
The first calf to show up, J50, was just the Christmas present all our local orca fans were wishing for. This little one was born right around December 25th in the protected waters of East Sound. (You might remember Teri’s post reporting a sighting of the new calf during her Christmas cruise.) Making the present even better for JPod is that J50 (it’s a tough ocean out there, so baby orcas aren’t given their human nicknames until they survive a full winter) is a little girl, and this population needs all the future mommies it can get. J50’s mom is Slick (J16), who is over 40 years old!
There’s definite girl power in orca pods, as our residents live in matriarchal societies. Each pod is made up of smaller matrilineal lines led by a mother, grandmother or, as is the case with Jpod, by a great-grandmother. In J-pod, that’s J2, Granny, the best-known wild whale in the world, who researchers believe is around 104 years old!
Baby J51 alongside mom. Photo courtesy of Center for Whale Research.
The next baby in this recent boom is J51, born early February somewhere in the Straight of Juan de Fuca to 36-year-old Shachi, aka J19. As of this writing, J51 hasn’t rolled over yet to give researchers a look at its belly to be able to tell if it’s a boy or girl.
And just this week, on February 23, a new L-pod calf, L121, was seen off the Oregon coast happily swimming alongside its mom, 20-year-old Calypso (L94).
L121 spotted by NOAA Fisheries this week off of the Columbia River. NOAA’s research ship is in the background.
Three babies within just a few months is a huge deal here. The whales only give birth about once every five years, and out of our current population of 80 (a near record low), there are only a few reproductive-age males, and several of our reproductive-age females had not been having calves. Late in 2014, disaster struck the Southern Residents when Rhapsody, J32, a 20-year-old female just coming into her prime breeding years, died from a problem pregnancy.
In addition to the new calves for the Southern Residents, there has also been a baby spotted with one of the Transient pods of orcas that frequents our local waters. Though it’s tough for casual observers to tell the Residents and Transients apart—they’re all huge black-and-white members of the dolphin family—there are actually marked differences between the two types of orcas.
My husband took this lucky “spy hop” shot from our boat last year when we were drifting off Henry Island and the orcas swam up to check us out.
Resident orcas live in much larger groups than Transients—if you’re out on the water and see more than four or five orcas together, you’re almost certainly seeing Residents, who sometimes even form Superpods when J, K and L all get together to socialize. A small group of whales seen around the San Juans could also just be one family of Residents swimming together away from the rest of the pod, but if you see them acting very stealthy then it’s more likely you’re seeing Transients.
The reason the two types of killer whales act and group differently is because they’ve evolved remarkably different cultures. Transients travel in small, stealthy groups because they’re always trying to sneak up on marine mammals like seals. Usually the only time you’ll ever see Transients leaping out of the water and doing celebratory fin slaps and tail lobs is after they’ve had a successful hunt. Fortunately for them, if there’s one animal we have plenty of in the Salish Sea it’s harbor seals, so the Transients have pretty easy hunting.
Endangered Chinook salmon, favored fish of our Resident Orcas. Photo NOAA
Our Residents are not so lucky. They’ve evolved to eat fish, and in particular, to specialize in hunting big, fat Chinook salmon. The salmon aren’t as smart as seals, so the Residents are able to talk to each other a lot more (each pod even has its own dialect of orca language). They can also splash around more at the surface because they don’t have to worry about the fish jumping out of the water and climbing up on rocks like seals can. So salmon are easier to hunt, but that’s just the good news. The bad news is that Chinook populations have their own troubles—so much so that they’re also listed as endangered. Each one of our Resident orcas needs to catch between 100-300 pounds of sushi a day just to stay healthy, and every year there are less fish around.
Challenges in finding food is likely the main reason our Southern Resident Killer Whale population hasn’t bounced back. Scientists believe there used to be around 200 Resident orcas frequenting the Salish Sea, but that was before a bunch of them were kidnapped for aquariums. And before that, they were even hunted and considered nuisances known as Devil Fish.
So for our iconic and well-loved group of Resident orcas to suddenly jump in number from 77 to 80 is big news. Seeing wild orcas is one of the many reasons why living in the San Juan Islands is such a special privilege. We’ll all be pulling for these new babies to thrive, since they’re carrying the hope that we’ll continue to have the honor of sharing the Salish Sea with these beautiful and complex creatures for many years to come.


Edgewood School NewsFriday February 6th is National Wear Red Day!Edgewood Students can wear red to support Women's Heart Health!Students can also wear jeans for a dollar!
A NOTE FROM THE NURSE:
KIDS: BE SAFETY SMART ABOUT FIRES!
IF YOU FIND MATCHES OR LIGHTERS, TELL A GROWN UP…… NEVER PICK THEM UP OR LEAVE THEM FOR ANOTHER CHILD.
NEVER GO BACK INTO A BURNING BUILDING. WAIT AT YOUR MEETING PLACE OR GO TO A NEIGHBOR’S HOUSE TO CALL FOR HELP.
STOP, DROP, AND ROLL IF YOUR CLOTHES CATCH FIRE.. RUNNING WILL MAKE THE FLAMES WORSE.
FIREFIGHTERS ARE GOOD STRANGERS. NEVER HIDE IF THERE IS A FIRE. IT IS O.K. TO GO WITH A FIREFIGHTER IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, CALL 911.
ALWAYS KEEP THE EMERGENCY NUMBER AND YOUR ADDRESS POSTED ON THE PHONE.
NEVER CALL THE EMERGENCY NUMBER TO PLAY A JOKE OR TO CALL IN A FALSE ALAR.M.
PARENTS….BE SAFETY SMART ABOUT FIRES!
MAKE YOUR HOME FIRE AND BURN SAFE
Install and maintain smoke detectors.
Check smoke detectors and batteries each month.
Post emergency numbers close to the phone.
Keep any heat sources at least 3 feet from curtains, furniture, or anything that can catch fire.
Turn pan handles away from the edge of the stove to prevent burns from accidental spills.
Keep appliances free of grease and crumbs.
Wear Short or tight-fitting sleeves when cooking.
Store electrical appliances away from the bathtub and kitchen sink.
Unplug electrical appliances before working on them.
Replace electrical cords if they are frayed or cracked.
Do not overload electrical outlets.
1. NO NEED TO CHECK SMOKE DETECTORS. THEY LAST FOREVER T F
2. JUST RUN, RUN, RUN IF YOUR CLOTHES CATCH FIRE T F
3. CALL 911 IF YOU SPOT A FIRE T F


Scientists have found a brand new technology of angiotensin receptor blockers that could be used to deal with coronavirus illness 2019 (COVID-19).
In silico docking and molecular dynamics research have proven that these medicine are able to stopping the interplay between human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and the spike receptor-binding area (RBD) of extreme acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-C0V-2).
The examine has lately been revealed within the Computational and Structural Biotechnology Journal.
According to the out there literature, there may be an affiliation between the pathogenesis of heart problems and COVID-19. In extreme COVID-19 sufferers with pneumonia, the event of hyperinflammation or “cytokine storm” is said to the overexpression of angiotensin II within the renin-angiotensin system. In this context, research have proven that hypertensive COVID-19 sufferers who take angiotensin receptor blockers have decrease morbidity and mortality than these with out treatment.
The cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by furin and 3CLpro is required to provoke viral entry into host cells. The total course of is operated by way of the cost relay system. Tyrosinate in angiotensin II, serinate in furin, and cysteinate in 3CLpro are anions created by way of the cost relay methods. The actions of those residues are triggered by way of their nucleophile anions. The cost relay methods mediating the exercise of furin and 3CLpro are related to those who mediate the exercise of angiotensin II.
In the present examine, the scientists have recognized a brand new technology of sartan-like angiotensin II receptor blockers which can be recognized to inhibit the receptors extra strongly than at present out there sartans. Sartans are a bunch of sort 1 angiotensin receptor antagonists that modulate the perform of the renin-angiotensin system and are used to deal with hypertension.
The new technology of angiotensin receptor blockers found within the examine have been known as bisartans. These bisartans are novel bis-alkylated imidazole sartan derivatives bearing twin symmetric anionic biphenyl tetrazole moieties.
The bisartans found within the examine have been categorized into two sub-types. In bisartans A and B, the aliphatic butyl group is hooked up at place 4 of the imidazole ring. In bisartans C and D, the butyl group is hooked up at place 2 of the imidazole ring.
In-silico docking experiments have been carried out to find out whether or not these bisartans are in a position to work together with the elements concerned within the SARS-CoV-2 entry course of, together with ACE2, spike RBD, furin, and 3CLpro.
The findings revealed that the bisartans bind to the arginine residues current within the viral spike furin cleavage web site. Specifically, bisartan A confirmed extra sturdy binding to the mutated furin cleavage web site of the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant than that to the wildtype cleavage web site.
Further molecular docking experiments revealed that two negatively-charged tetrazoles of bisartan A bind to positively-charged arginine and histidine residues within the spike furin cleavage web site. In addition, bisartans confirmed steady binding to the Zn2+ area of the ACE2 catalytic web site.
The variety of arginine and histidine residues concerned within the formation of bisartans-spike RBD-ACE2 complicated was greater than that concerned within the sartans-spike RBD-ACE2 complicated. These observations point out that bisartans have greater binding affinities for the ACE2-spike complicated than at present out there sartans.
Overall, these findings point out that bisartans are able to inhibiting the perform of furin, and thus, can block the method of viral entry into host cells. Further experiments revealed that bisartans inhibit the interplay between viral spike and ACE2 with out altering the physiological exercise of ACE2 in lowering the angiotensin II stage.
Despite being able to intervene with spike-ACE2 interplay in addition to 3-CL protease, bisartans didn’t inhibit SARS-CoV-2 an infection in COVID-19 bioassays. This may very well be due to their poor cell membrane permeability. The presence of an equal variety of positively- and negatively charged useful teams in bisartans could be chargeable for their poor cell membrane permeability.
The examine identifies a brand new class of angiotensin II receptor blockers known as bisartans that comprise two tetrazoles. Using two symmetrically organized tetrazoles, bisartans are in a position to inhibit each sort 1 angiotensin receptor and ACE2 enzyme by way of the interplay with their guanidino group and zinc atom, respectively.
Although bisartans fail to point out excessive effectiveness in stopping viral an infection, these medicine may play a possible position in stopping angiotensin II-induced pulmonary edema and angiotensin receptor-induced cytokine storm in extreme COVID-19 sufferers.


ENERGY FROM SPACE
What is Energy from Space?
Energy from Space stands for a technology of generating electricity from solar energy using satellites in space and transporting it to the Earth via electromagnetic waves. It can deliver large amounts of electric energy, typically 1 GW which is enough for 1 to 2 million homes. The big advantages of Energy from Space include that the generation of power is independent (the Sun always shines in space), reliable (continuous more than 99.9% of the time), clean (no emissions) and safe (no harmful effects). The challenges are the expensive launch costs, the technology for transmitting energy wirelessly over long distances, and the in-orbit assembly of the structures. More...
How much energy is generated with one Energy from Space system?
One full-scale Energy from Space system typically delivers 1 GW output power on-ground, which is enough to power 1 to 2 million homes. Since the systems are placed in a geostationary orbit (36,000 km altitude), the satellite is always above one location on Earth. This means that the power can be transmitted continuously to ground stations without intermittance. Only during 75 minutes during the spring and autumn equinoxes the systems are in the shadow of the Earth.
What are the costs of an Energy from Space system?
The costs of a full-scale Energy from Space system are estimated on $20 billion. It is anticipated that the energy price is between $0.10/kWh and $0.50/kWh. For comparison, current average electricity generation costs are $0.10/kWh in the United States and more than $0.50/kWh on remote islands in Indonesia. The main reasons for the relative low energy prices but relative high investment costs are the system's the long life time (more than 30 years), the independency of fuel, and the reliability of the energy. Furthermore, it can make countries more energy independent from energy imports. More...
When will Energy from Space be realized?
It is expected that full-scale Energy from Space systems will be realised earliest in 2035. In the mean time, demonstration and prototype satellites will be launched. Already at this moment ground experiments are conducted and the first demonstration satellites are under review. More...
What is the Energy from Space Foundation doing to realize Energy from Space?
The Energy from Space Foundation promotes Energy from Space and works on a proposal to launch the first proof-of-concept. Our mission is to help realize Energy from Space, and we believe that the first step is to create awareness amongst the public and provide proper information. In addition, we look at the possibilities to launch the first proof-of-concept. More...
How can I contribute to realizing Energy from Space?
To realise Energy from Space we first of all need to create more awareness. So, spread the word! In addition, Energy from Space encourages engineers, investors, policy makers, entrepreneurs and ambassadors to come with initiative. If you have good ideas and/or you think you can contribute to the success of Energy from Space , you can always contact us.
How is the energy transmitted from space to Earth?
The energy is wirelessly transmitted from the satellite by microwaves to one or multiple ground stations on Earth. There are also concepts where the energy is transmitted by laser on smaller receiving stations, however this technology is much more susceptible to clouds and other atmospheric disturbances. For microwave transmission, the beam collection efficiency is estimated at about 90%, meaning that the microwave power sent by the satellite only loses about 10% when it arrives at the ground station. It is calculated that only about 2% is absorbed by the atmosphere, the rest of the 10% is mainly caused by inter-wave interference and scatter effects.
Is Energy from Space safe?
According to our knowledge, yes. Energy from Space is safe to the point that the electricity can be delivered to ground stations on Earth without harmful effects on humans, animals and the environment. Moreover, it even saves on emissions (e.g. CO2, H2O, H2S) with respect to traditional power production techniques. Of course, as with all electricity generation technologies, there are risks involved. When transmitting power using microwaves, it is not recommended for living creatures to be exposed by the beam for long periods of time. The energy density at the center of the beam is calculated at about 250 W/m², which is less than 1/4 of the energy density on Earth of the Sun on a sunny day. The peak energy intensity of the beam at the edge is about 1 W/m², which is well within usual legal limits. Of course, the power beam will be pointed at the specific ground stations at all times. It will probably be placed offshore of on deserted areas onshore and will be strictly controlled. Humans will by no means be allowed to enter these premises for safety reasons. Fail-safe systems will be designed to make sure that if, for whatever unforeseen reason the beam is not pointed correctly, the Energy from Space system will stop transmitting or will divert the beam. Also, the ground station will be connected by a radio link to the space system for correct pointing of the beam. When there is a disconnect between the two, the beam is automatically defocused and the power is lost. As for flocks of birds flying through the center beam, research has shown that some birds experience evidence of detecting the microwave radiation at the maximum levels of the energy intensity. This suggests that migratory birds, flying above the antenna, might suffer disruption of their flying paths, but the birds will never be cooked. Even though it is currently believed that microwaves are non-ionizing (meaning not damaging cell structure of living tissue), more research is needed to analyze the effects in more detail. Another aspect of safety is frequency interference of the beam with communication systems, for example on aircraft. Although the passengers will always be protected from the microwaves because of the metal hull around them, the airspace in an around the beam will probably be restricted for airplanes because of the possible disturbances of the communication signals. More studies will have to be carried out to investigate these effects in more detail. The Energy from Space systems cannot be weaponized, because the maximum power density cannot exceed the designed level. Microwave weapons will use much more higher-power pulses at much shorter ranges; Energy from Space cannot create the same effects. Finally, it is intended to prevent disfunctional parts of the system to become space debris by retrieving them to Earth or repair/recycle them in orbit. More...
Which steps have to be overcome for Energy from Space to become real?
For full-scale Energy from Space systems to become technologically and financially feasible, there are a couple of challenges that are top-priority:
Cheap and reliable launch vehicles. Currently it costs around $20,000 per kg payload to launch into geostationary orbit. This should come down to less than $1000/kg. This could be reached by mass-transportation to low Earth orbit (LEO), followed by transportation to geostationary orbit over longer periods of time (several months). For LEO, this means the launch vehicles should be able to carry around 25 metric tons by reusable or cheap dispensable launch vehicles. Currently, heavy launch vehicles like the SpaceX Falcon 9 or the Russian Zenit can launch around 10 metric tons per vehicle.
Efficient wireless power transmission equipment. The current end-to-end efficiency of wireless power transmission is 40% and should double to about 80%. This can be achieved through research and development by institutes and universities. Also increased interest of private companies in commercial wireless power transmission products will improve the costs and performances. In addition, the actual transmittance and receiving of large amounts of energy should be tested in more detail. Some experiments were already conducted and more are currently carried out now and in the near future.
Light-weight and efficient solar power systems. Since conventional thick film solar panels used on Earth are too heavy for Energy from Space systems, light-weight and possibly flexible solar cells will be used. Examples of these so called thin-film space solar cells include amorphous silicon (a-Si), poly-silicon and CuInGaSe. These are much lighter, but their efficiency is generally lower. Typical current state-of-the-art space solar panels have an efficiency of around 25% to 30%, which should improve to more than 35% for the thin-film panels. Advantages of these types include increased flexibility and very low degradation over time. Alternatively, instead of arrays of solar panels, a concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) system can be used, which utilizes solar mirrors that reflect and focus the sunlight on a concentrator. This concentrator might involve the use of high-efficient, multi-bandgap PV cells that at this moment already achieves 30% to 35% efficiency. Advantages include increased fold-ability and weight of the structures (i.e. mirrors), high-efficient conversions, and reduced impact of panel (i.e. mirror) failure on the performance. Disadvantages include the more difficult deployments of the structure and the large dependency on the concentrators itself.
In-orbit assembly and maintenance of components. Tele-operated and fully autonomous robotics are required for assembly and maintenance, because the in-situ presence of astronauts would make the Energy from Space systems needlessly costly and complex. For these robotics to work, advanced beacons, visual cues, and regular features for image recognition are needed. The development of such systems requires coordinated design with existing space structural technologies, as well as the design of interconnects, avionics and platform dynamics, and attitude control systems.
These challenges require significant developments, but achievable within the coming 10 to 20 years. More... Before full-scale Energy from Space systems are realized, there are plenty opportunities out there for enthusiastic people to participate in and contribute to this endeavor. More...
Who will pay for the Energy from Space systems?
In the end, as with all power plants, the end consumer will eventually pay. However, upfront costs like those made by research and development, experiments and launching demonstration satellites will probably be born by space agencies, governments, universities, and institutes. Also companies may invest in the road map in order to initiate or strenghten their strategic position. The expected costs of one typical Energy from Space system are $20 billion. The system is designed to produce 1 GW of power for at least 30 years for an anticipated price of $0.10 to $0.50 per kWh. More...
Frequently Asked Questions
Links for more information:
- Wikipedia: Space Based Solar Power (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space-based_solar_power)
- JAXA: interview about Space Solar Power Systems (http://www.jaxa.jp/article/interview/vol53/index_e.html)
- ESA: Space Based Solar Power (http://www.esa.int/gsp/ACT/nrg/op/SPS/index.htm)
- NASA: Space Based Solar Power (http://www.nasa.gov/offices/oct/early_stage_innovation/niac/mankins_sps_alpha.html)
- National Space Society: Space Solar Power Library (http://www.nss.org/settlement/ssp/library/index.htm)
- Change.gov: document (http://change.gov/open_government/entry/space_solar_power_ssp_a_solution_for_energy_independence_climate_change/)
- Space Faring Institute: Space Solar Power video (http://spacefaringinstitute.com/)
- The Space Review: Space Solar Power (http://www.thespacereview.com/article/1364/1)
- Scientific America: Solar Energy in Space (http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=farming-solar-energy-in-space)


The world of grains is ever-expanding. The grains that we think are new to the market, like couscous and quinoa, have been around for centuries. But consumers have demanded access to different sources of protein, vitamins, and unprocessed food a lot more in recent years.
Amaranth is now one of those foods that have found their way onto supermarket shelves. While you may think this is a new product, amaranth has actually been around for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, like the Mayans and Aztecs, grew this grain as a source for many needed nutrients in Central America.
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Read on to learn more about amaranth, the little-known survival superfood.
Powerhouse of Nutrition
As many consumers have developed gluten intolerance, amaranth is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option as a carbohydrate. It is high in fiber and protein, which can be critical when using it in a survival situation.
Micronutrients and antioxidants are also abundant in this superfood, making it a natural choice for anyone wanting a different source of nutrients as well.
Taste & Classification
Amaranth is a small poppyseed-sized seed that has a nutty flavor. It looks a lot like quinoa but is classified as a pseudocereal. This means that amaranth isn’t precisely a cereal grain, but can resemble oats or wheat.
Unlike quinoa, amaranth is not fluffy but instead has a porridge-like consistency.
Just one cup of cooked amaranth contains 251 calories and a whopping 9.3 grams of protein. As a grain, the carb intake is higher at 46 grams and 5.2 grams of fat.
However, there is an astounding amount of manganese at 105% of the recommended dietary intake. This nutrient is vital to brain function, which makes it crucial in a survival situation.
Other nutrients for a cup of amaranth include magnesium, phosphorus, iron, selenium, and copper.
Antioxidants in Abundance
Amaranth also includes plenty of antioxidants that help fight free radicals within the body. Some of the plant acids within the grain even act as antioxidants.
While raw amaranth is best for antioxidant ingestion, soaking and cooking the grain will likely diminish the overall antioxidant depth.
Make room on the homestead to grow amaranth and try producing your own amaranth next year.
How to Grow
You’ll need a few varieties of amaranth if you want to add it to the homestead for both seeds and leaf consumption. Much like other greens varieties, leaves can be harvested when the plant is young for best flavor.
This means that the plant will never mature to also produce seed. It is best to choose a few of the healthiest plants to become seed plants and use the rest for fresh salads.
The seed is quite small and easily sprinkled and raked into the soil. The plant itself is self-seeding and will produce more plants next year when allowed to go to seed. Grow amaranth year-round in tropical locations as the plant loves warm climates with plenty of sunshine.
It takes about 110-150 days for the grain varieties to produce grain, so plant in the spring if living in a colder climate.
Harvesting the Seeds
Just one Amaranth plant can produce hundreds of thousands of seeds. That means you can produce and harvest enough amaranth to store for months or even years at a time.
This grain, which is technically considered a seed, grows on large plants that belong to the Pigweed family. There are multiple types of amaranth that you can plant on the homestead with plenty of sizes, shapes, and colors to choose from.
Once the plant goes to seed, you can harvest the seed heads by cutting them off the stem. Allow them to dry for a few days in the sun, avoiding any dampness or excess moisture. Place the seed heads in a paper bag and shake vigorously until the individual seeds fall off. Strain the seeds through a sieve to free them from their outer shell.
Long Shelf Life
Amaranth seeds are best stored in airtight containers, such as a glass jar. Place them in a cool, dry spot in the home without any sunlight. Amaranth that is stored correctly can last a few years.
Amaranth flour needs to be stored in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer due to their its fat content. This flour can easily last up to 3 months in the refrigerator and 6 months in the freezer.
The longevity of amaranth seeds can add an element of natural protein and vitamins to your stockpile without a lot of work.
Other Ways To Enjoy Amaranth
While many do love the taste of Amaranth cereal or porridge, you can use other parts of the plant to create other needed items on the homestead.
Amaranth leaves are well known for their taste and texture, making them perfect for salads. Like the seeds, the leaves of the plant pack a punch compared to other salad greens. You’ll get three times the amount of niacin and calcium when eating an amaranth salad instead of a spinach salad.
Growing your own amaranth leaves is best as cut leaves don’t last long and should be eaten the same day for best flavor and texture.
Grinding harvested Amaranth seeds into flour is one of the easiest ways to make flour on the homestead. The seeds create a lovely gluten-free flour that is perfect to use in dishes and baking. The flour mixed with water will make great flatbread consistency that is perfect for wraps or to sop up soups.
Added As A Protein Booster
You can add small quantities of amaranth to other grains, such as rice, to help boost the nutrients of the meal. This is a great tip for those homesteaders with kids who don’t like to try new things.
You won’t be able to tell the difference in taste, but the meal will have an added boost of protein and other nutrients.
Popped As A Topping
You can also pop amaranth much like you would a corn kernel. Simply add a tablespoon of amaranth to a hot pot. Stir the seeds around as they pop to keep them from burning. You’ll end up with a tiny fluffy kernel that you can then eat as a snack or add as a topping to salads or soups.
Add As A Thickener
Amaranth is naturally gelatinous when mixed with water. This means that you can add it as a thickener for soups and stews instead of using flour or cornstarch. Doing so allows you to create a hearty meal in both consistency and nutrients.
There are so many ways you can use amaranth in your daily life. Not only is it a great gluten-free option for those with celiac disease, it also provides a punch of protein and nutrition in a tiny grain.
Amaranth is easy to grow, but it also is an excellent choice to purchase from a local supplier to add to your stockpile. Plenty of health benefits and meal options surround this superfood, and most people have never even heard of it, but now you have.
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I’ve written a number of posts about screen time before, but this is a topic that needs reviewing. Our children are the first generation to be raised in a world where babies are practically born with a device in their hands. For a while now, we haven’t had the data to determine how good or bad that is. But it’s changing. New studies are being conducted and the jury may not be out for much longer.
I still remember the transition in our house when I got my first iPhone. G1 was 4 and G2 had just started walking. If we had labels for this transition, I would say that G1 was born just before the iPad generation, while G2 entered straight into it. We were the first wave of parents that had to face this without a clue.
Having been raised around computers for much of my life, I have generally felt pretty comfortable with my kids using devices. Although I did not have quite the level of exposure to computers that our children are facing today. There have been times when the number of their contact hours with screens has made me uncomfortable and I have had to step in to limit them.
While many parents were still fumbling in the dark, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) stepped up. They issued the recommended guidelines that there should be no screen time for children under 2 years. At that time, there wasn’t any hard evidence to back this, but it seemed like practical advice. We had no studies on the effects of screen time on young brains because there had been no precedent. And in science, you need at least 10 years to determine the longer-term effects.
Current Screen Time Guidelines
As the years have gone by, the AAP has continued to update their guidelines accordingly. These are the latest recommendations regarding screen usage (2016):
- For children younger than 18 months, avoid use of screen media other than video-chatting. Parents of children 18 to 24 months of age who want to introduce digital media should choose high-quality programming, and watch it with their children to help them understand what they’re seeing.
- For children ages 2 to 5 years, limit screen use to 1 hour per day of high-quality programs. Parents should co-view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.
- For children ages 6 and older, place consistent limits on the time spent using media, and the types of media, and make sure media does not take the place of adequate sleep, physical activity and other behaviors essential to health.
- Designate media-free times together, such as dinner or driving, as well as media-free locations at home, such as bedrooms.
- Have ongoing communication about online citizenship and safety, including treating others with respect online and offline.
Now that my kids are in the ages “6 and older” category, I am inclined to agree with their recommendations. More about that below…
So what is the general research saying about screen time and children? Before we dive into it, there are a number of factors to consider, such as the age of the children and the type of media consumed. While much of it is still in shades of gray, what is obvious is that age matters.
Screen Time and Young Children
When we talk about young children from the perspective of screen usage, we’re referring to the children below 6 years. The following studies have all reported negative effects associated with higher levels of screen time in preschoolers.
“Screen-based media associated with structural differences in brains of young children.”
What is ScreenQ?
The ScreenQ is a novel measure of screen-based media use in children intended for pediatric clinical use, incorporating evidence-based factors known to influence these effects, including access to screens, frequency and context of use (e.g., meals), content (e.g., violent versus educational) and co-viewing with grownup caregivers.Science Daily
In this study, researchers took the ScreenQ of 47 children aged between 3 to 5 years, gave them cognitive tests, then took brain scans. They found that kids with higher ScreenQs had lower expressive language, processing speed, and emergent literacy skills. They also had lower white matter integrity in the areas of the brain involving executive functioning and literary skills.
“Association Between Screen Time and Children’s Performance on a Developmental Screening Test”
In this study, researchers observed that children exposed to higher levels of screen time at 2 to 3 years old achieved sub-optimal milestone development at 3 to 5 years of age.
“Screen-time is associated with inattention problems in preschoolers“
Yet another study on screen-time and preschool children reported that preschoolers who spent more than 2 hours a day on screens were more likely to have problems with inattention.
This is not an extensive review of the literature, but it does point to a consistent recommendation. When it comes to children below 6, we really need to be more vigilant about their screen time. Focus on quality, shared screen time (with an adult), and limit the amount of time spent on devices.
Screen Time and Older Kids
It gets a little more complicated with the older kids because they do a lot of things on screens. Some activities are just a different version of the things we used to do. For instance:
- They could be on Facetime with a friend, much the same way we would have done with our friends on the house telephone line.
- They could be doing their homework, researching information for a school report, much the same way we would have done at the public library looking through textbooks and journals.
- The kids could be doing a group project through google classrooms, like what we used to do at a friend’s house.
- Instead of being on the Television, they might be watching a program on Youtube, Khan Academy, TEDTalks, or Amazon Prime. These are just a few of the examples.
- They could be reading a digital book on Kindle or another e-reader, or using a digital library app, or listening to an audiobook. This one generates quite a lot of arguments in our house – is this considered using a screen or reading?
- They could be making a birthday card using a drawing app.
- And yes, they could be playing games.
This is not an exhaustive list of things they could be doing on a screen but it does illustrate why specific time limitations for screen time can become quite challenging. Could you imagine trying to get all that done in 1 hour? Or even 2?
Screen Time and Mental Health
With the research, the results are a little murkier. Take the discussion on social media use and mental health as an example.
In this study, researchers concluded that the increase in adolescent mental health issues was likely to be related to the concomitant rise of screen time.
- Adolescents who spent more time on-screen activities were significantly more likely to have high depressive symptoms or have at least one suicide-related outcome, and those who spent more time on non-screen activities were less likely.
- The correlations between mental health and new media screen activities were higher among girls than among boys.
- The results show a clear pattern linking screen activities with higher levels of depressive symptoms/suicide-related outcomes and non-screen activities with lower levels.
- Risks became elevated after 2 hours or more a day of electronic device use.
- Adolescents using devices 5 or more hours a day (vs. 1 hour) were 66% more likely to have at least one suicide-related outcome.
In this study, researchers conducted an 8-year longitudinal study examining the association between time spent using social media and depression and anxiety at the intra-individual level. They concluded that:
- Time spent using social media was not related to individual changes in depression or anxiety over 8 years.
- This lack of a relationship was found even in the transition between adolescence and emerging adulthood.
- Results were not stronger for girls or boys.
Landmark Study on Screen Time and Kids
There is an ongoing 10-year study that hopes to tell us what screen time is doing to our children’s brains. With nearly 12000 children participating, the study will look at how kids are using their screen time. Whether they play multiplayer video games, solo games, or social networking, for example. Additionally, instead of relying on parent or child reported usage (which often doesn’t tally against each other), researchers intend to automatically log screen time on smartphones and other devices. The kids will undergo MRI scans every two years with yearly questionnaires and interviews to determine how the usage of devices impacts their success in school and mental health.
The study began in 2016 so we’re still a way off from getting the full results of the study. What they have observed so far is a premature thinning of the cortex – something that usually doesn’t happen so early. Whether or not we should be concerned by this, they cannot say.
We don’t know if it’s being caused by the screen time. We don’t know yet if it’s a bad thing. It won’t be until we follow them over time that we will see if there are outcomes that are associated with the differences that we’re seeing in this single snapshot.Dr. Gaya Dowling, the National Institutes of Health
So what do we know? Well, so far, the study indicates that kids who spend more than two hours a day on screens got lower scores on thinking and language tests. The question that begs to ask is what sort of screen time are we talking about?
Research-Backed Benefits of Active Screen Time
An article on EdSurge makes a differentiation between active and passive screen time. The problems we observe with screen time mostly relate to passive screen time usage. When kids use their screen time actively, it can become a beneficial activity.
Passive Screen Time – defined as the passive consumption of digital content with no thought, creativity or interaction required to progress. It includes common activities like scrolling through social media, watching TV or videos on YouTube, or even playing games that don’t require thinking.
Active Screen Time – involves cognitive thought and/or physical engagement. It includes playing video games or completing homework on a computer.
Active Screen Time divides into two categories – physical and cognitive. Physical screen time includes games that encourage kids to move. These include PokemonGo, Nintendo Switch games such as Ring Fit Adventure or Just Dance, Nintendo Wii, or the Xbox Kinect. Physical screen time activities are found to be similar in intensity to moderate physical activities, such as walking, skipping, and jogging.
Cognitive screen time includes:
- learning a new skill through coding games or websites
- creating music
- writing and publishing stories or poetry
- playing games that require them to solve problems, think critically and come up with solutions
The Bottom Line
It would seem that for older kids, screen time becomes a different discussion. Rather than obsessing over the amount of time spent on screen time, we should focus on the quality of screen time. Of course, that doesn’t mean adopting a “no holds barred” approach. Be aware of the signs of screen media addiction:
- It’s hard for my child to stop using screen media.
- Screen media is the only thing that seems to motivate my child.
- Screen media is all my child seems to think about.
- My child’s screen media use interferes with family activities.
- My child’s screen media use causes problems for the family.
- The amount of time my child wants to use screen media keeps increasing.
- My child becomes frustrated when he/she cannot use screen media.
- My child sneaks using screen media.
- When my child has a bad day, screen media is the only thing that helps him/her feel better.
As David Anderson, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and senior director of National Programs and Outreach at the Child Mind Institute says:
If your teenager is generally actively participating, getting homework done, having face-to-face interaction with family members and friends, and has extracurricular and physical activity … parents can relax a little.ABC News


- Classroom Materials
- Curling in the Gym
- Junior Camps
- Junior Merit Program
- Junior National Championships
- Project 2018
- U18 Optimist International
Below you will find links to documents and videos that can be used when discussing the sport of curling in elementary and/or junior high school classes. Documents, including a crossword puzzle and word find, are designed to be printed out and distributed to students as needed. An answer key for instructors is included on the last page of each exercise.
During the period surrounding the 2014 Olympic Winter Games, USA Curling will also be distributing a limited number of youth curling pins to teachers upon request. Pins are commonly traded among curlers and other athletes competing in the Olympic Winter Games. The vast majority of curling clubs also sponsor trading pins representing their curling communities. Teachers can use these pins as incentives for students to complete curling related projects or exercises. If you are interested in receiving youth curling pins (maximum of 10), please send your name, name and address of school, grade level for which pins are intended, and email contact information to email@example.com. Please note that pins can only be distributed to teachers in schools within the United States.
- Information about Curling
- Classroom Discussion Prompts
- Curling Beanbag Game
- Curling Crossword Puzzle
- Curling Word Find
- Unscramble and Map the Curling Teams
- Article on Gym Curling
- Dare to Curl: Six-minute video explaining the basics of the game
- How Curling Stones are Made: Five-minute “How It’s Made” tutorial
If you experience difficulty accessing these files, please contact firstname.lastname@example.org.


Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize
The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Programme awards prizes to exceptional scientists and academics for their outstanding achievements in the field of research.
The Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize is the most important research award in Germany. The Leibniz Programme was established in 1985, a maximum of €2.5 million is provided per award.
Type of Prize
The most important research award in Germany
The programme aims to improve the working conditions of outstanding scientists and academics, expand their research opportunities, relieve them of administrative tasks, and help them employ particularly qualified early career researchers.
Number and Value of Awards
Up to ten prizes are awarded annually with a maximum of €2.5 million per award.
Nominees may be put forward by: all Universities and other doctorate-granting higher education institutions in Germany, all members of the DFG, the Helmholtz Association of National Research Centres, the elected spokespersons of the DFG’s review boards, previous Leibniz prizewinners, and former members of the Leibniz Selection Committee. Direct applications are not accepted.
Awards are made to individuals who, at an early stage of their careers, have demonstrated superior achievements in their research areas both in a national and an international context and who show exceptional promise for future top-level accomplishments that will have a sustainable impact on the German research landscape. The prizes are not limited to certain research areas; the scientific quality of the previous work is the sole criterion for nomination. The prize may be awarded to individuals or research groups working at a research institution in Germany or at a German research institution abroad.
Selection of Prizewinners
Prizewinners are selected by the DFG’s Joint Committee on the basis of recommendations made by the Selection Committee for the Leibniz Programme.
The prize is announced annually with a submission deadline.
To be submitted in German and in English, if possible: a one- to two-page testimonial, an academic CV and a current list of publications by the proposed candidate
Forms and Guidelines


||This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2008)
The Tule Desert is a small desert located in southwestern Arizona near the U.S.-Mexico border. It is considered to be part of the Lower Colorado Valley region of the Sonoran Desert. It lies in a north-south direction to the east of the Cabeza Prieta Mountains and almost entirely in the Barry M. Goldwater Air Force Range. The Tule Desert also lies on the northern border of the Gran Desierto de Altar of Sonora, Mexico.
Coordinates: 32°16′22″N 113°38′23″W / 32.2728352°N 113.6396396°W


The True Meaning Of The Sabbath13th December
Shortly after this, the Lord commanded the observance of the Sabbath day in the ten commandments that were given to Moses on two tablets of stone on Mt. Sinai (Ex. 20:8-11). In this command, God connected the Sabbath day with the rest He took on the seventh day of creation.
According to Exodus 23:12, one of the purposes of the Sabbath was to give man and his animals one day of physical rest each week. Today's medical science has proven that our bodies need at least one day of rest each week to function at our peak. Deuteronomy 5:15 also clearly states that the Sabbath was to serve as a reminder to the Jews that they had been slaves in Egypt and were delivered from bondage, not by their own efforts, but by the supernatural power of God. However, in the New Testament, there is an even clearer purpose of the Sabbath stated. In Colossians 2:16-17, Paul reveals that the Sabbath was only a shadow of things to come and is now fulfilled in Christ. Hebrews 4:1-11 talks about a Sabbath rest that is available to all New Testament believers, but is not necessarily functional in all New Testament believers. This New Testament Sabbath rest is simply a relationship with God in which we cease from doing things by our own efforts and let God work through us. The
Old Testament Sabbath is a perfect picture of the New Testament relationship.


The resource has been added to your collection
How does an entire house end up inside of a museum? Find out in this section of Within These Walls , an online exhibition from the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Students will learn the history of the house that stood at 16 Elm Street in Ipswich, Massachusetts for over 200 years, how it was saved by community members, and how it came to live at the National Museum of American History. Also included is a timeline of all of the inhabitants from 1757 to 1961.
Not Rated Yet.


Returns the square root of each data value in the time series described by the expression.
|tsExpression||Expression describing the time series of data values to find the square root of.|
sqrt() function produces data points by taking the square root of the data points returned by the input expression.
tsExpressionis a constant, then
sqrt()returns the square root of that constant.
tsExpressiondescribes one or more time series, then
sqrt()returns a new time series for each input time series. Each value in a new time series is obtained by taking the square root of the value of the corresponding point in the input time series.
In this example, your chart shows the values in the metric
~sample.process.num for a single source.
And here we see the result of applying the
sqrt function to the expression.
Here we see what happens when the input expression returns data points for 2 sources, app-14 and db-8. Notice that
sqrt returns two time series, one for each series returned by the expression.


Over the past 50 years, as poultry farms became larger and more concentrated, farmers began using antibiotics to prevent disease and speed growth in broiler chickens (chickens raised for meat) living in these crowded and stressful conditions. The industry today remains dependent on their widespread use, and antibiotics are frequently given to birds that are not sick. When antibiotics are routinely given to entire flocks, resistant bacteria are likely to survive and proliferate. These resistant bacteria can even share resistance genes with other bacteria. A large and growing body of evidence shows that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are frequently found on poultry products and in the air and water around poultry facilities and can be carried by poultry workers as well. These bacteria can cause foodborne illness and other types of bacterial infections. Ailments caused by drug-resistant bacteria can be harder to treat—patients can be subject to longer hospital stays, complications, and even death if treatment fails. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many other health authorities have sounded the alarm about rising rates of antibiotic resistance, pointing to overuse and misuse by livestock producers and in human medicine as the cause of this dangerous problem. It's time for the poultry industry to demonstrate stewardship of these important medicines, and help protect their effectiveness for humans.
The good news is that there are proven alternatives to the routine use of antibiotics. A combination of practices such as water acidification; use of prebiotics, probiotics, and other feed additives; improved sanitation and litter management; use of vaccines; improved genetics; and lower bird densities, among others, are effective at preventing disease and reducing the need for antibiotics. Several studies indicate that nontherapeutic uses of antibiotics in U.S. broiler production can be avoided at a cost of pennies per pound of chicken produced.
Antibiotics should be used sparingly in poultry production to treat sick animals and, in rare circumstances, for controlling disease outbreaks. They should always be used under the supervision of a veterinarian, and never to make up for poor growing conditions. Congress and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should issue binding regulations to protect antibiotics used in human medicine, and producers and large buyers of poultry products should commit to standards in line with that goal. Consumers should also consider antibiotic use in their purchasing decisions. Poultry producers, policymakers, buyers at large food companies, and consumers must all take action to ensure that these medicines are used safely.


Animals refers to the over one million species on planet Earth, many of which are known but many as yet unknown. Human beings are animals but often consider themselves apart from animals. Humans have always sought to classify animals to assist with identification and to group animals into kinds.
Animals include mammals, birds, reptiles, protozoans, sponges, corals, jellyfish, worms, molluscs, arachnids, insects, water bears, sea urchins, starfish, fish, and more.
Categories of animals[edit | edit source]
In terms of their relationships to humans, there are two categories of animals:
- Wild animals - which participate in their respective ecosystems with little to no human interaction. (However, they are often impacted by human activities, increasingly encroaching on habitats.)
- Domesticated animals - which have been raised, and often selectively bred for human purposes. There are three main types:
- livestock - raised for their meat, milk or other food products, including chickens, cows, honey bees, and some kinds of fish;
- working animals - used to help humans with various tasks, including draft horses, guard dogs, and messenger pigeons;
- pets (also known as companion animals) - which provide humans companionship or a hobby, such as dogs, house cats, goldfish or guinea pigs.
There are also feral animals whose lineage has been effected by humans, and who may have been socialized to humans, but who live on their own with little to no interaction with humans. Hence, feral animals could be seen as a transitional phase from domestication back to the wild. Invasive species are another consideration with respect to animals, in that human beings have introduced animals, either knowingly or unknowingly, into environments that they are not native to and subsequently become a problem for local species of animals and plants, and ecosystems.
How humans treat wild animals[edit | edit source]
Humans can take various stances toward wild animals. Some of these include:
- Observation: Often humans avoid direct interaction with wild animals, but enjoy observing them from a distance. Sometimes these animals are captured and placed in zoos.
- Rescue: Injured animals may be taken to an animal rescue shelter, where they can be rehabilitated and returned to the wild.
- Stewardship: Some human beings consider that they have a role of stewardship toward animals and can intervene to protect and assist animal survival in beneficial ways.
- Killing or removing animals: Sometimes humans take adversarial stances toward wild animals. This often happens when the wild animals impact peoples' livelihoods, such as wolves killing sheep. Hunting is another common practice, whether done for the purpose of harvesting meat or simply as a hobby ("for sport").
- Indirect impacts: Human activities can also have an indirect effect on animals. These include the wholesale destruction of habitats and ecosystems such as draining wetlands, or razing rainforests for the purpose of creating cattle pasture. Pollution also has an impact on animals, like fish ingesting plastic particles in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and ingesting plastics in the form of microbeads from cosmetic products that cannot be filtered out by city water systems.
- Causing extinctions: Direct and indirect human pressures have even caused entire species of animals to go extinct.
Beneficial interactions with animals and humans[edit | edit source]
In permaculture, designers seek to maximize the number of beneficial interactions of both wild and domestic animals within a design site. This can include attracting predator birds or snakes to control pest rodent populations, or attracting pollinator birds and insects.


Samuel Colt Biography, Life, Interesting Facts
Died On :
Also Known For :
Birth Place :
Childhood And Early Life
American inventor and businessman Samuel Colt was born on the 19 July 1814 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was the son of Christopher Colt and Sarah Caldwell.
At a young age, Samuel Colt began working for a farmer in Glastonbury. The work involved doing farm chores as well as schooling. Around this time, he had access to a scientific encyclopedia, the Compendium of Knowledge and reading about famous inventors fired his imagination.
Rise To Fame
As a young, Samuel Colt heard stories from soldiers about how it would be impossible for a gun to shoot more than one bullet. He subsequently became interested in proving the impossible. At 15, Colt was sent to sea to learn about the trade. Onboard, he became interested in the ship’s steering wheel and concluded that the rotating of the wheel could be used in the gun design.
Once home from sea, Samuel Colt presented his initial ideas to his father who funded the creation of two prototypes. Colt then traveled to England to obtain a patent for his resolver, and while there he studied the designs of Elisha Collier, who was famous for his revolving flintlock rifle. Upon his return to the United States, he set up his first manufacturing plant. His first revolver was the Colt Paterson, but business was complicated because of the economic crash of 1837.
Samuel Colt then worked with cables and underwater mines for a time before receiving an order from Captain Samuel Walker which enabled him to resume his gun-making business. Walker and Colt designed the Walker Colt revolver and obtained finance to set up a manufacturing plant, Colt Armory.
After Colt’s early death in 1862, his widow Elizabeth, who owned the controlling interest in the company, and her brother Richard Jarvis were heavily involved in the business. Elizabeth continued her stake in the company until selling her shares in 1901.
Samuel Colt's wife was Elizabeth Hart Jarvis, the daughter of an Episcopal minister, Reverand William Jarvis and his wife, Elizabeth. He met Jarvis in 1851, and they were married in 1856. They had four children, three of whom died young. Their fourth child, Caldwell Hart Colt, was an inventor and keen yachtsman who drowned on the 21 January 1984 when his yacht, The Dauntless, went down off the coast of Florida.
Samuel Colt died of complications from gout on the 10 January 1862 in Hartford, Connecticut. He was 47 years of age.
Colt’s widow Elizabeth Jarvis had an Episcopal church designed as a memorial to her husband and their deceased children. Edward Tuckerman Potter designed the building which contains guns sculpted into the marble. Jarvis also built a parish house to commemorate their son Caldwell who died in 1894.


Imagine the state of your mouth if you never brushed your teeth and never visited the dentist – yuck! Bad breath, plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and painful broken or loose teeth can all be left undiagnosed and untreated when routine dental care is ignored. And don’t forget that your dog’s mouth is connected to the rest of its body. Some types of liver, kidney, and heart disease are much more common in dogs with dental disease than in those with healthy mouths.
Good dental care starts at home. Puppies and even most adult dogs can be trained to accept daily tooth brushing. Use a soft, small toothbrush (e.g. those designed for pets or young children), a rubber “brush” that slides over a finger, or even a piece of gauze or a washcloth with a small amount of doggie toothpaste applied to it. Do not use human toothpaste because dogs do not like the taste, and they can swallow more than is healthy for them. You do not need to clean the inner surface or bottom of the teeth, only the part that lies next to the lips and cheeks. A gentle, circular scrubbing works well. Feeding dry rather than moist food can help dogs keep their own teeth clean as they chew. Special dental diets, treats, and chews all also help promote good oral hygiene, but they do not replace the need for daily tooth brushing.
If while you are brushing your dog’s teeth, you notice an accumulation of brown material on the teeth that won’t easily come off, a red line along the gum’s edge, or any other abnormalities, it is time to take your dog to the veterinarian. Doctors will recommend a dental prophylaxis (i.e., complete oral exam and teeth cleaning) if they see plaque, tartar, signs of inflammation and infection, or broken or loose teeth. General anesthesia is necessary so the veterinarian can thoroughly examine the mouth, scrape plaque and tartar from the teeth (including that which is located under the gum line), polish the teeth, and perform any other diagnostic (e.g. dental x-rays) or therapeutic (e.g. tooth extraction) procedures that may be required. Don’t let the thought of anesthesia deter you from getting your dog’s teeth cleaned. In general, the risks and discomfort of living with a diseased mouth are much higher than those that are associated with modern anesthetic protocols.Click here for reuse options!
Copyright 2015 Pet Yak


Williamsburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The College of William and Mary in Virginia
The college was transferred to the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1906.
The main structure, now called the Wren Building, erected in 1695, burned in 1705, was rebuilt in 1716 on the original foundation. After several fires and alterations, it was restored in 1928 by Mr. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. The General Assembly met in this building 1700 to 1704, and again 1747 to 1754. It is the oldest academic building in continuous use in the United States.
On the left is the Brafferton, erected as an Indian school in 1723. On the right is the Presidentís House, built in 1732; accidentally burned by French soldiers in 1781, it was restored by Louis XVI in 1786.
Gift of the Class of 1956
Erected 1956 by W&M Class of 1956.
Location. 37° 16.254′ N, 76° 42.453′ W. Marker is in Williamsburg, Virginia. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Boundary Street and Richmond Road. Touch for map. This
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Norborne Berkeley, Baron de Botetourt (within shouting distance of this marker); Sir Christopher Wren Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Indian School at the College of William & Mary (about 400 feet away); Alumni of the College of William and Mary (about 400 feet away); Priorities of the College of William and Mary (about 400 feet away); The Christopher Wren Building (about 400 feet away); In Gallia Nati Mortui in Virginia (about 400 feet away); College Camp (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Williamsburg.
Categories. • Colonial Era • Education • Notable Buildings •
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on April 21, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 948 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. 3. submitted on January 12, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on May 13, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. 8, 9. submitted on January 12, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California.


SOURCE: Washington Post
Before 1619, there was 1526: The mystery of the first enslaved Africans in what became the United States
by Gillian Brockell
Spanish explorers brought 100 slaves to a doomed settlement in South Carolina or Georgia. Within weeks, the subjugated revolted, then vanished.
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