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So I'm old-school… wedgie me!
As any beard-sporting, elbow-pad-wearing history teacher will tell you; in order to truly understand the present and drive the future, you first need to understand the past. Having been around before Google, having used HotBot and the Yahoo! Directory to find pages on the web you get a certain sense of context. One thing that I find consistently frustrating and surprising whenever I talk to some site owners and some fellow search professionals is this kind of victim attitude in response to Google updates "they keep changing the rules"…
Really? Do they???
I don't think they do, to be honest. I think the thing that's changed is that Google have got better at detecting your shite linkbuilding tactics. You know the type…read a few blogs in 2007 that talked about having lots of links to help you rank, and then something about free online directories and well, it all went wrong from there. Following instructions will only ever take anyone so far, for a limited period of time. To truly understand and be able to lead, innovate and market a product or concept online; you need to get it from first principles. One of the things that we do at theMediaFlow in our approach to staff training is start at the beginning, so that our people understand the basic origins of information retrieval (as it applies to the web). We find that this gets people up to speed faster and able to make decisions much earlier than would be, with a more prescribed approach to training. I thought it might be useful to share our "history lesson" reading list.
Search Engine History – Aaron Wall
An extremely thorough resource, that starts right back at the roots of the idea for the creation of the web. On of the most important points to take from all of the information here (and I'll admit it's some years since I last read through in detail) is that the web emerged before there was really a solution to navigate the information. Previously records, resources and content have been collated in hierarchical classification systems (think of a library) but navigating the web pre search engines required either knowledge of the existence of a web page or the serendipitous discovery of a page linked to from another page. With a thorough examination of different types of emerging solutions, from directories to meta-search to what we know today as a web search engine; Search Engine History is a thorough record of what was once a very diverse landscape.
How Google Killed Inktomi – Diego Basch
An amazing and recent post, written as a reflective and personal account of how Inktomi worked (TF-IDF), what they achieved and the limitations of that search experience that allowed Google to blast past Inktomi and all the others. (Yahoo! aquired Inktomi in early 2004). Basch was a senior engineer at Inktomi and an early employee of what was for a time the number 1 search engine. This post has particular resonance and sentimental value for me personally; having joined Yahoo! not long after the acquisition and using some legacy systems driven by Inktomi.
10 Most Important SEO Patents – Bill Slawski
Patents confer authority or right (if granted) to an individual or company for sole use of what it is that is patented. With search engines and other fields of computer science patent documents are particularly fascinating in that a patent has to apply to invention rather than something innate. i.e. I can't patent grass. Maths is arguably innate and it can be at times quite difficult to patent (for example) a a formula, therefore search patents often go to some lengths to demonstrate the invention by expanding on the likely application of that formula (or sometimes technology). A patent document in our field can therefore often be quite a complex document to process and understand; however Bill Slawski is notoriously adept at examination and interpretation of patent documentation. In this series of posts Slawski explains the most critical search patents of the past decade and more.
Portal Wars – Danny Sullivan
For organisations like AOL, MSN and Yahoo! being the starting destination for web users became the number one mission. Whilst from different roots (Yahoo! evolving from a directory, MSN from Microsoft, AOL from online connectivity and ISP services) the portals were fighting for hearts and minds of internet users. Collating content, web services (like email and instant messaging), directories and search functionality these giants shared the bulk of all web traffic like old Fleet Street editors controlled the press. Search was not yet habitual and search volume was largely driven by whichever portal your search engine was partnered with. Make no mistake these portals played a pivotal role in the emergence of search and the development of individual search engine businesses.
The Anatomy of a Large Scale Hypertextual Web Search Engine – Sergey Brin and Larry Page
One of the most critical documents to facilitate understanding of where we are today The Anatomy is the research paper in which Brin and Page present Backrub (the Google prototype name) but the most crucial part of this document is PageRank. PageRank and what the algorithm was designed to determine (i.e. link based relevancy) was the revolutinary difference between Google and al other search engines at the time.
The 361 Patent – Various
A familiar tale on the web, monetization of search activity became the primary focus. Just as today we have Facebook buying Instagram for $700 Million despite no commercial model; portals and search engines needed to monetize fast. In February 1998 GoTo.com began to offer pay-fpr-performance (cost-per-click) based search advertising. GoTo.com later became Overture Search Services; powering paid search on MSN, Yahoo! and Google. Yes Google.
How it was settled – Danny Sullivan
Google launched their own paid search advertising product and were promptly sued by Overture for infringement of the above patent. Overture was bought by Yahoo! who settled the patent infringement suit out of court; leaving Google free to develop their Adwords product in-house. In my opinion this was the final ingredient in the recipe for search domination. Google had the product, the growing audience and now an uncontested revenue model…the rest as they say, is history!
The Search: How Google and Its Rivals Rewrote the Rules of Business – John Battelle (yes, it's an actual book. Made of paper…)
A detailed look at all of the history and development of search engines, with particular focus on revenue models and the emergence of search as-business-facilitator (for discovered and advertised sites).
Learning SEO – Where to Start – Paddy Moogan
And finally one from our very own Paddy Moogan, a starters must read!


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I see lots of messy presentations when I work with my clients. One of the areas that tends to be a disaster is the slide master. Some of the problems I see are:
- Multiple slide masters caused by copying and pasting slides from other presentations and choosing the Keep Source Formatting option.
- Objects put on the slide master so that they appear on slides that shouldn't have them, which are then covered up on the slide.
- The opposite: objects that should be put on the slide master put on every individual slide — or many of them — making for a huge file.
- Lack of the needed custom layouts in the slide master, requiring manual adjustments on many slides.
Colors Are An Easy Fix and Time Saver
But one problem that I almost always see is that the slide masters use the default colors — colors that are not used in the presentation — and this means that the colors of objects need to be manually changed on each slide. These objects include shapes, charts, SmartArt diagrams and more.
Once you have the colors you need, creating slides will be much quicker and they'll look better, too.
Here's the procedure for customizing colors in PowerPoint by setting your theme's color to the colors you actually want to use.
Decide on your colors. If you don't have colors from other materials, such as your website, read "Find colors for your PowerPoint theme colors." Also see "Copying colors from a website."
In PowerPoint 2007 and 2010, click the Design tab and choose Colors. In PowerPoint 2013, click the View tab, then click Slide Master and then choose Colors.
At the bottom of the list, choose Customize Colors. If you aren't particular about your colors, or you don't have exact specifications, you can choose one of the options on the list that is similar to what you want and then choose Customize Colors.
In the Create New Theme Colors dialog box, type a name for your theme colors at the bottom. The first four colors are dark and light options for text and background. Often, you can leave these as is — PowerPoint uses them to make sure that your text is always a good contrast against your slide background.
The last two items are for hyperlinks and followed hyperlinks. PowerPoint uses them when you add a hyperlink to text. I rarely hyperlink text — I prefer to hyperlink shapes and put the text on the shapes because I don't like the look of the underlined text. So I usually just change Accents 1 through 6. These are your main colors for shapes, charts, etc.
Click each of the accent colors in turn and choose More Colors. In the Colors dialog box, click the Custom tab if it isn't displayed. The custom tab is where you can specify Red-Green-Blue (RGB) color specifications.
Type the Red, Green and Blue numbers (they can be from 0 to 255) in the appropriate text boxes. You'll see the resulting color under the New label. Click OK.
Back in the Create New Theme Colors dialog box, click Save. (To edit existing theme colors, right-click the set from the Colors drop-down list on the ribbon and choose Edit. This opens the Edit Theme Colors dialog box, which is the same as the Create New Theme Colors dialog box.)
In PowerPoint 2013, on the Slide Master tab, click the Close Master View button.
You'll probably want to save the result as a theme, especially if you've made other changes to the slide master. On the Design tab, click the More button at the right side of the Themes gallery and choose Save Current Theme. In the dialog box, type a name and click Save. Your new theme will now be available on the Design tab in the Custom section.
About the Author:
Ellen Finkelstein is a PowerPoint MVP who can train you or the presenters in your organization to create high-impact, engaging, professional presentations for training, sales, business, or education. For more information, visit her website at www.ellenfinkelstein.com

subset: commoncrawl


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It is a given in today's professional environments that people regularly discuss and share sensitive and confidential information on mobile devices. This in itself is a thread to business secrecy, personnel safety or financial transaction confidentiality. As interception technology is accessible and affordable under 10K USD, many unwanted third parties possess the tools to breach the confidentiality of your mobile voice and data communication - and even bigger is the number of businesses who bypass or neglect the protection of those frontiers.
Secfone shields your phone calls from various forms of attacks with its hardware-based protection and using our proprietary MVCN™ (Manageable Virtual Closed Network) security protocol. The encryption keys are stored on a smartcard module which provides a safety orders of magnitude better than software protection. MVCN™ is our patented proprietary security protocol responsible for server and peer authentication as well as establishing a secure communication channel between the correspondents. The main advantage of MVCN™ over other solutions is its matrix network topology structure which leaves no single point of attack for a possible external attack.
The 5th generation Secfone Platinum is our flagship product, providing users with the highest possible level of mobile communication security.
Secfone Platinum comes as an out-of-the-box solution on a European designed and assembled Android smartphone. Secfone provides a pre-installed security layer and interface, as well as the Crypto Card with your unique cryptographic key to ensure that no sort of spyware, phishing software or ransomware is installed on your device before the first use. All essential parts have been checked by Navayo, the OS is a custom Android fork designed, compiled and signed by Navayo.
Secfone is available for your Android and BlackBerry devices as well, with our flexible Crypto Card solution that transforms any device into a hardware-encrypted phone whenever you need secure communication. A cutting-edge choice for the discerning security-conscious users possessing sensitive or confidential information.
1 : Applications
- Authentication, Communication Encryption
- Resource manipulation control (microphone, speaker, etc)
- Secure voice, messaging, email, e.t.c.
2 : Security enhanced (hardened) OS
- Verified system components
- No Google services, no unauthorized deployments of apps
- No location reporting
- Rootkit protection
- Local content encryption 2
- OTA upgrades over encrypted channel
3 : Bootloader
- Ensures integrity of signed System and Recovery
4 : Verified Smartphone Hardware
- Secure boot (ensures Bootloader integrity)
5 : Secfone Cryptocard
- Hardware root of trust
- Provides PIN-restricted access to crypto functionality
- Tamper proof, EAL5+ certified hardware
- On-card key generation, True RNG 3 4 5


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wrap around - Prescription Sunglasses / HD Polycarbonate Polarized Review FAQ's
100 percent, no questions asked, money back guarantee
Against scratches on your lenses we will replace at no charge
warranty covering frame damage at no charge
Upload Your Prescription
We require a valid Doctor's prescription. Please include an image of the entire prescription.
We can't manufacture your eyewear without a prescription. Please send us your prescription within 10 days.
Your PD is the distance between your pupils. We will use an average PD unless your PD is provided on your prescription. If we need further information, one of our opticians will contact you within 1 business day.
100 percent, no questions asked, money back guarantee
Against scratches on your lenses we will replace at no charge
warranty covering frame damage at no charge
(Or)Try on frames at home first. You'll be charged $30 for each pair and simply use the prepaid return label for 100% refund.
Free try on available for US customers only.
Lens: 57MM | Bridge: 16.5mm | Temple: 118mm
Rubberized Finish|||Tortoise Finish
wrap around
Our WRAP AROUND style is the mixed martial arts champion of eyewear. All our frames are made of an advanced polymer that combines the flexibility of rubber with the strength of thermoplastics. This frame will flex in all directions but always return to its original shape.
This 8 base-curve wrap around model provides excellent peripheral vision while protecting your eyes from the elements. All REKS frames are finished with our Satin Touch® rubberized coating that provides extraordinary comfort.
wrap around
This classic athletic frame design has it all. Close-fitting Base Curve 8 frame and wide temple arms deliver maximum protection from UV rays, glare, and elements.
Forged from the strongest material ever used for eyewear, the WRAP AROUND sunglasses are nearly indestructible. Memory-flex polymer frames bend to an extreme, but don't break. Satin Touch finish means plush comfort and professional performance while you're pushing your limits.
The WRAP AROUND sunglasses feature a special frame groove designed to eject the lens forward, away from face – just in case.
- Unbreakable memory-flex polymer construction
- Lightweight and comfortable, especially under a helmet
- Satin-touch texture for grip & comfort
- Front-eject lens-retention groove increases safety
- Prescription lens ready
- Base 8 lens curve
- Lens: 57MM | Bridge: 16.5mm | Temple: 118mm
Our Freeform technology and digital generators place the complete prescription on the back of the lens closer to the eye. This type of digital pinpoint manufacturing provides the capability to cut lenses to 1/100 of a diopter versus the traditional manufacturing process that's only capable of 1/10 of diopter accuracy. This process provides a more precise prescription which is why they call these lenses High Definition.
By placing the entire prescription closer to the eye, the field of view is increased by 30%. This is especially apparent with our 8 base curved Wrap around and Sling blade sport frames where the HD lenses provide expanded peripheral view.
Our lens design overcomes optical aberrations and the mechanical limitations of traditional lens manufacturing. With the ability to create more precise lens prescriptions, the clarity of view is increased by at least 20%.
- Ultralight Polycarbonate
- 10X shatter resistance vs. glass or plastic
- 100% UV 400 Protection
- Multi-coated optics (Hydrophobic, scratch-resistant & anti-reflective coating)
- Made for bright, sunny conditions (Category 3)
- Meets ANSI Z80.3 safety standards


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Kip Moore's Emotions Run High at No. 1 Party for 'Somethin' 'Bout a Truck'
Last Wednesday (June 13), Kip Moore experienced another first in his life, as BMI headquarters in Nashville filled up with supporters of his career to celebrate his recent multi-week chart-topping hit, 'Somethin' 'Bout a Truck.' Moore and his co-writer Dan Couch received numerous plaques and trophies, as well as words of encouragement and praise on the rooftop of the publishing company.
As Moore stood on the small stage and listened to industry greats — including his producer Brett James — speak so highly of him and his achievements, the singer wiped away tears on numerous occasions. Following the ceremony, both Couch and Moore had the opportunity to address the industry and emotions ran even higher for both first-time chart-topping writers. Moore slipped on his sunglasses mid-way through Couch's speech, and then took the microphone for his own set of thank yous, made with a shaky voice and wet eyes.
"I am more nervous right now than I was playing the damn [LP Field] the other night," Moore joked as he lowered his head to gather his thoughts, thanking his band and key industry personnel who believed in him early on. "There are just so many people to say thank you to. I hope I get to do this again … maybe the next time, I'll be able to cruise right through it [without crying]! My life has changed because of these people [surrounding me].
Moore admits that the whole concept of having a No. 1 song was hard to comprehend for many weeks leading up to the big party this week. "It's what you always dream of as a songwriter," he tells Taste of Country. "In my position, you get so used to it not happening. You always hope. People always ask me if I expected it to happen … I've always believed in myself, but I've learned to never expect things because you get so used to it not happening. So I always hoped. I just now in the last few days have had a chance to kind of process the whole thing because I've come home and I haven't been on the road doing shows."
As for the song itself, Moore always knew it was a special tune. "I felt like it was a little bit different," he said. "The whole arrangement was different. There were four verses before the chorus, and that never happens. I was told that was an absolute no-no. Everybody was like, 'There's no way we can put that on radio because it takes too long to get to the chorus.' But I always believed it was groovy enough and it was catchy enough. I said let's just give this thing a shot."
Moore's followup single from his 'Up All Night' album will be 'Beer Money,' a song he co-wrote with Blair Daly and Troy Verges.
Watch the Kip Moore 'Somethin' 'Bout a Truck' Video


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CAD-Integrated CFD Software Helps Design Innovative Flush Valve in Less Time
(August 17, 2006) -- EFD.Lab CAD-integrated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software saved time in the design of an innovative flush valve by enabling Johnson Design engineers to solve design problems utilizing software rather than hardware prototypes. A unique feature in Johnson Design's Denali Flushometer flush valve is that it delivers a fixed volume of water independent of the position of the restriction on the rolling diaphragm which is randomly installed at various positions during the valve assembly. Johnson Design Engineering Manager Dustin Borg used EFD.Lab to evaluate the performance of the valve as the restriction was rotated 360 degrees in order to ensure that it delivered the right amount of water in each position. "EFD.Lab considerably reduced the amount of time required to optimize the design by enabling us to evaluate design concepts in software without having to build a prototype," Borg said.
Flush valves operate by taking advantage of pressure differentials between the inlet and control chambers. The pilot valve, when engaged by the handle, vents the control chamber lowering its pressure and allowing the rolling diaphragm to open which in turn begins the flush cycle. Rolling diaphragms offer the advantage of exposing only a very small area of unsupported diaphragm to pressure differentials, resulting in much lower forces compared to large diameter flat diaphragms. "But it's usually not possible to determine in advance where the restriction on the rolling diaphragm will end after the valve is assembled," Borg said. "As a result, a weakness of earlier diaphragm valve designs is that one valve of the same model may deliver 1.5 gallons while another will deliver 1.7 gallons. We decided to overcome this problem in designing the Denali Flushometer by evening out the pressure that the valve is exposed to around its entire circumference."
"This would have been a difficult task using physical prototyping because it would have been necessary to repeatedly assemble and disassemble the valve, each time slightly changing the position of the rolling diaphragm," Borg said. "We would have had no way to visualize the flow inside the valve so if we found a problem in a certain position we would have to rely on intuition and guesswork to try and solve it. With EFD.Lab we were able to move much more quickly to a solution. EFD.Lab automatically distinguished between the solid and empty spaces in our CAD model and meshed the empty regions to prepare for flow analysis. We measured the flow rate and pressure at the inlet and outlet of a similar existing valve and used those as boundary conditions. The analysis results showed flow rate and pressure at every section of the valve. The ability to visualize the flow within the valve made it easy to see what was causing pressure variations. We made a few design changes and soon had equalized the pressure around the valve. When we built and tested a prototype valve it worked exactly as we expected by providing consistent flow regardless of the position of the rolling diaphragm."
Interested readers can register for a free EFD software demo at:
Dr. Michael J. W. Reynell
81 Bridge Road, Hampton Court
Surrey KT8 9HH, England
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8487 3000
E-Mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
General: firstname.lastname@example.com
Website: www.flomerics.com


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The Packed Bed Reactor Experiment (PBRE) was installed in the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) this week, and is the largest, most complex experiment installed in the MSG to date. When the gas-control module did not power up properly, NASA astronaut Tim Kopra helped to quickly identify the problem, which involved a foam piece imbedded in a connector. Kopra also helped trouble-shoot a video camera for the gas-liquid separator. After two days of setup, all systems in the PBRE are now operating as expected.
During subsequent testing, PBRE found that the gas flow provided by the MSG was not as high as desired. The team is still evaluating if the test matrix will need to be modified. Initial testing this week includes some preliminary flows to flood the column with water and then introduce low gas flows to observe viscous fingering within the porous media (similar to water injected into oil wells to enhance flows).
Next week, PBRE will begin a series of tests to determine minimum flows to remove bubbles from the reactor bed. This is a serious concern encountered by most reactor beds in microgravity, since gravity is not available to drive the bubbles to the top of the reactor. Our results will provide guidelines to design and operating beds to prevent bubble accumulation.
In space, water-recovery systems, fuel cells and other equipment use packed bed reactors, but currently none are designed to handle both liquid and gas at the same time. With improved understanding of how packed bed two-phase flow works in microgravity, scientists are be able to design more efficient, lightweight thermal management and life support systems that use less energy, benefiting the Space Station as well as future lunar and Mars missions.
On Earth, design rules for gas-liquid flows through packed columns are well developed, but lacking for reduced or zero gravity. PBRE seeks to fill this knowledge gap by studying the hydrodynamics of gas-liquid flows in zero gravity through packed columns. By understanding how gravity affects gas-liquid flows through packed columns (or packed beds, as they are known in the industry) better, more predictive correlations for pressure drops and flow regime maps can be developed with the proper gravity-dependent terms included.


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Remarks With Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban
Secretary of State
STAFF: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I would like to most respectfully welcome you all here today in the building of the Hungarian National Assembly on this occasion when Secretary of State of the United States of America Hillary Rodham Clinton paid a visit to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. They conducted bilateral talks with each other, and now this press conference will be providing an opportunity for them to inform the press about this. We would like to cordially greet the members of the American press also. First I call on Prime Minister Orban to share with you his take on the event so far, and then the Secretary of State and two questions.
PRIME MINISTER ORBAN: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon. Thank you very much. These two fantastic days that we have been enjoying – yesterday. From the perspective of Hungarians, it was an extremely important American president that we honored by erecting a statue for him, and today we discussed about the future with the Secretary of State of the United States of America, who I'd like to most respectfully greet and welcome you here in front of you also.
Hungary and the United States of America, since the demise of communism, have had very strong and ever-enhanced relations. This alliance that we've built is value-based and this alliance, again, was reinforced again and again during the past 20 years. And this is precisely what's happened today. We enumerated the different points on which there is cooperation between the two countries. And I, for my part, I was very happy to share with the Secretary that Hungary would like to maintain this cooperation that was deemed to be successful so far. Such cooperation is our cooperation in Afghanistan, which I consider to be important, where we will continue to adhere to the principle of in together, out together. And we wish in the future also to maintain, together with the 500 or so Hungarian soldiers, our presence and our mission there.
I have shared with the Secretary that Hungary considers the United States of America and the strong relationship between Europe to be of strategic importance. We are a country that is pro-transatlantic relations. European Union is important for us because we are members of it, but beyond this, we also need very deep transatlantic cooperation. So in all those areas and points where the European Union has to cooperate with the United States of America, Hungary will always be a staunch supporter of such cooperation.
I also shared with the Secretary that during the past 20 years, the economic ties between Hungary and the United States of America developed well. We achieved high levels of trade and investment alike, and we would like if the dynamics of this would not break, would not suffer, if the United States of America would continue to have a staunch presence economically in Hungary. I stated to the Secretary that for us, the primary point of reference, framework of reference where we understand each other, where we define ourselves, the first dimension where we develop our strategies is the Central European dimension.
And I've done my utmost and I will continue to do my utmost to have the interests and to call the interests of the major powers of the world, among them the United States of America, that Central Europe is an important area facing a wonderful future, where countries are closely knit, where countries have common objectives, and where countries would like to actually assert their interests in the European and international arena as Central Europe. Therefore, Central Europe would like for its own existence, military, logistics, energy, and trade security guarantees assured. And I asked the Secretary that – I asked the United States of America to treat this endeavor of ours with interest.
All in all, in summary, I can say that this visit today, especially since this coincided with the inauguration, opening of the Tom Lantos Institute, it's an extremely – I think it's an extremely deep-sounding feeling and good memory in the history of our two countries, because both of the issues we discussed, and also the emotional element, moral element that was symbolized by the inauguration of the Tom Lantos Institute, I think, were well-manifested today in this day. And here in front of the press, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Madam Hillary Clinton for working so far today and also in the future on strengthening our alliance. Thank you very much.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you very much, Prime Minister. I am delighted to be back in Budapest, and on such an auspicious occasion. The United States admires greatly the progress of the journey that Hungarians have taken over the last 21 years. And we feel a strong affinity with Hungarians because of our mutual belief and commitment to fundamental freedoms. And yesterday and today gave us that opportunity to demonstrate in a tangible way our strong connections. The celebration of the centennial of President Reagan's birth with the new statue and then, of course, the inauguration of such an extraordinary Hungarian American, Tom Lantos's institute to continue the work that he did during his lifetime.
The prime minister and I reaffirmed the strong ties between our countries. We are NATO allies, we are economic partners, and we are friends. Our discussion was productive and far-ranging. We talked about our mutual commitment in Afghanistan, where Hungary's contributions have been outstanding. We talked too about the important work that Hungary is doing at home as well as through the presidency of the EU to ensure that the Roma people enjoy the same rights and freedoms as any other Europeans. And I deeply appreciate the decisive steps the government has taken to eliminate hate crimes against its Romani citizens.
We are strongly supportive of the prime minister's commitment to rebuild and strengthen Hungary's economy. We think that the steps that are being taken to open the economy, to rely more on trade and investment as major economic drivers are absolutely right. We applaud the effort to eliminate corruption that discourages foreign investors and entrepreneurs. And we also talked very openly about preserving the democratic institutions of Hungary and making sure that they continue to grow and strengthen, including providing essential checks and balances.
As friends of Hungary, we expressed our concerns and particularly called for a real commitment to the independence of the judiciary, a free press, and governmental transparency[1], because it's important not only for Hungarians that this great democratic journey that our two countries are on – we for somewhat longer than you – but certainly sharing that commitment that we continue to exemplify democratic values and freedoms, first and foremost for the benefit of our own people and for the transatlantic alliance, but also as examples for those who are struggling to define their own democracies now in the Middle East and North Africa.
We look forward to enhancing our cooperation. I think Tom Lantos has laid out a path for both of our countries to follow, and we will work with Hungary to not only expand economic opportunity, but to strengthen democracy and to promote human rights. And I very much appreciate the warm hospitality and the very good discussion that we've had on a lot of issues today. Thank you, Prime Minister.
STAFF: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much. Madam Secretary of State, Mr. Prime Minister, two questions – we have time for two questions. First on behalf of the American press (inaudible) Reuters, Arshad Mohammed.
QUESTION: Thank you. Secretary Clinton, you said that you spoke very openly and frankly with the prime minister. What specific concerns did you raise? Did you raise the recent media law? Did you raise the passage of the constitution with so little opposition support, or apparently consultation? Did you raise the concerns that the new constitution would limit or restrict the independence of the country's highest court?
Also on democracy, though in another part of the world, it's my understanding that the U.S. Government – that the Obama Administration has decided to resume formal, direct, unrestricted contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Have you begun those contacts yet or is this something you intend to do? At what level will or have those contacts been? And how do you address critics, including those in the U.S. Congress and those in Israel who believe that any dealings with the Muslim Brotherhood should be avoided because positions espoused by some of its sympathizers are anathema to some of America's basic values?
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, Arshad, I lost track of the number of questions, but let me – (laughter) – let me try to answer in two baskets, first with respect to Hungary and then with respect to the Muslim Brotherhood.
With respect to Hungary, the prime minister and I discussed every issue that you have raised – the constitutional court, the media law, just the whole gamut of concerns. And obviously, we consider Hungary a close friend, a strong NATO ally. We greatly respect Hungary's commitment to freedom, the fact that the prime minister has fought for freedom his entire adult life, and we had a candid conversation today. We have encouraged our Hungarian friends to ensure a broad, inclusive constitution that is consistent with its own democratic values and the European values as well. And I underscored the importance, in any government, to enshrine checks and balances. Certainly, we believe in the United States that transparency and checks and balances are absolutely crucial.
And I think throughout the process of implementing the constitution and the accompanying cardinal laws, it is important, and certainly the prime minister made that very clear to me, that he is committed to ensuring that Hungary is very true to its democratic traditions, to protect individual liberties, maintain freedom of the press and the judiciary, and ensure checks and balances. So we had, as I said and as the prime minister has said, a very wide-ranging, comprehensive, productive discussion.
With respect to the Muslim Brotherhood, the Obama Administration is continuing the approach of limited contacts with the Muslim Brotherhood that has existed on and off for about five or six years. We believe, given the changing political landscape in Egypt, that it is in the interests of the United States to engage with all parties that are peaceful and committed to nonviolence, that intend to compete for the parliament and the presidency. And we welcome, therefore, dialogue with those Muslim Brotherhood members who wish to talk with us.
[2]Now, in any of those contacts, prior or future, we will continue to emphasize the importance of and support for democratic principles, and especially a commitment to nonviolence, respect for minority rights, and the full inclusion of women in any democracy. You cannot leave out half the population and claim that you are committed to democracy. So I think that the importance here is that this is not a new policy, but it is one that we are reengaging in because of the upcoming elections, but there will be certain expectations set and certain messages delivered, and we hope that the move toward democracy that is taking place in Egypt will actually result in the kind of inclusive, participatory political system that we would like to see.
STAFF: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much. The next question, Hungarian Press TV 2, (inaudible).
QUESTION: (Via interpreter) Good afternoon. (Inaudible) from TV 2. The question is to both the guests. Which areas are the ones where you consider it to be important and beneficial to develop American-Hungarian ties medium, short and long-term? And also, Madam Secretary, may I ask you how does America look on the ever-strengthening European Union – the ever-strengthening economic ties of Hungary with China?
PRIME MINISTER ORBAN: (Via interpreter) America plays a key role in the security of the world; therefore cooperation in the field of security is something of outstanding significance to us. I'm sure you all know the professional details of this cooperation in Afghanistan, the whole cooperation and the process of passenger identification, et cetera, the list is long. I think Hungary definitely has a very balanced approach when it comes to the personal freedoms and the issue of security, and this approach, I think, is not far from the American mindset.
Therefore when it comes to security cooperation between Hungary and U.S., but also U.S. and Hungary is definitely something that we will always support. And I would think it would be very good if there was a new impetus given to the economic relations between America – the United States and Hungary. Since, as I've mentioned to you, Central Europe will be the engine of growth in the next coming five to ten years, just like we saw it as it was palpable before the financial crisis. Perhaps the ratio – the share will be even greater.
So there is definitely an up and coming region, and we would very much like if American capital, both in investment, technology, job creation, would play a tangible role that is fitting of its size. What concerns cooperation with other major powers in the world, Hungarians have understood that it is well beneficial to follow the example of others. We might have not been able to establish such close ties as America has, but we are working on it.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Well, I agree with the prime minister that our cooperation on security is very important and close, and we appreciate that greatly. As I said earlier, our cooperation in Afghanistan has been quite important. We also appreciate the role that Hungary is playing as the president of the European Union in working to forge agreements on security between the United States and the European Union, particularly, as the prime minister said, on the passenger name records issue that we are deeply involved in working out with the European Union.
I do think that it is important to strengthen our economic ties. The prime minister made a very convincing case to me in private, and he has just given you a short version of it. His view is that Central Europe will be the economic engine for growth in the future. So we want the United States to be more involved economically – more direct investment, more trade, more entrepreneurial activity. So I will take away from our meeting the assignment of looking for ways as to how we can cooperate more closely on economic investment and growth.
And finally, I would say on the European Union and China, we welcome the European Union becoming more involved with China. I noticed the visit of the Premier Wen Jiabao just recently to the United Kingdom, Germany, Europe; the announcement of trade deals. We are very interested in making sure China is a responsible stakeholder in the world. There is no question of its very rapid growth, which is enormously beneficial to the Chinese people in material ways of lifting them out of poverty. But as China plays a greater role on the world stage we also hope that China will learn more about our Western values, about what we've been discussing here today – democracy, rule of law, freedom, protection of minorities, independent judiciary, free press, the things that we consider our birth rights in the transatlantic alliance. Because we do want, as China gains in influence, for it to be a responsible influence in the world, and I think increasing the ties between the European Union and China is one more way of helping to have that influence run toward China and how it thinks about its future.
STAFF: (Via interpreter) Thank you very much, Madam Secretary. Thank you very much Mr. Prime Minister for informing the public. Thank you for coming. God wish you good work.


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"My Favorite Museum Exhibit" is a series of posts aimed at giving BoingBoing readers a chance to show off their favorite exhibits and specimens, preferably from museums that might go overlooked in the tourism pantheon. I'll be featuring posts in this series all week. Want to see them all? Check out the archive post. I'll update the full list there every morning.
From Australia's McLeay Natural History Museum at Sydney University comes … dun dun dun … the Cyclops!
Sorry. I've got a bit of THE TRIUMPH OF MAN stuck in my head. Actually, this skull belonged to a foal, says Justin Cahill, who sent in the photos. It's part of a long, natural history museum tradition of exhibiting the weird and often grotesque, preserving them as examples of how the natural way isn't always ideal. The same forces that shape evolution can also seriously screw you up. So much of what we call "normal" is based on chance.
Nobody ever actually saw this foal alive, by the way. The skull was found in the Hawkesbury River in 1841. But there have been attempts to reconstruct what the horse might have looked like during it's brief time alive. You can see that photo after the cut:


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What is augmented reality good for? Product visualization to encourage online shopping, reckons Santa Clara-based startup Apollo Box, which launched an online marketplace for an eclectic selection of lifestyle products almost a year ago — before spicing up the e-commerce experience with an AR feature called "Teleport."
It's been testing AR on its marketplace since last October with a subset of products, but is now opening up the technology to any brands selling via its platform.
The gift-focused marketplace has around 500,000 active users at this point, and an inventory of around 1,200 products from circa 450 vendors. Items range from jewelry and apparel, to ornaments and toys, to gadgets and more.
Since starting the augmented reality beta, the startup has sold 1,105 items involving the use of AR — or about 8.5 percent of all sales during the period, according to co-founder Will Li — and is crediting the tech with a 25 percent conversion rate boost.
Just 65 products are currently available on the marketplace for viewing in AR — about 5 percent of its total inventory — but Li is expecting this to step up substantially now that they're opening the tech to all their vendors. "We believe more brands will work with us after this public launch, and we hope to reach 25 percent of our growing inventory in the next six months," he says.
To enable products to be viewable on Apollo's marketplace in AR, vendors send product images or models and the startup converts these to 3D files. It can also create simple animations so that potential buyers can further interact with the virtual products.
The Teleport feature generally lets shoppers view and place a 3D representation on a surface in their home — such as a desk or table where they might be intending the product to sit. It works on iPhone 5s or above and Android 5.0 devices and above.
"There are several companies offering AR-based technology solutions for displaying products, like Cimagine and Marxent. One key difference is that we provide a complete e-commerce solution with integrated AR features," says Li.
"Many of the brands we work with are small and medium companies. They traditionally rely heavily on offline sales and don't even have their own e-commerce websites or apps. Working with us, they don't have to invest in building their apps to get products shown in AR," he adds.
Apollo's AR tech is markerless, which means it works without needing to print out or place a marker card in the physical location (as some other applications of AR do) — although this does mean the sizing of the virtual product is not necessarily accurate.
"On devices without depth sensor, we don't know the exact distance between the camera and the surface to place the items," confirms Li. "So we use an estimated value around 2 feet. It's the distance between a standing person and an office desk in front. When users are placing items in this way, the displaying size will be correct. When users are pointing further or closer, the size goes wrong."
Still, for Apollo Box's mainly lifestyle product context, AR is largely functioning to help buyers get a general feel for something they're thinking of buying.
This is about visualizing a set of oddly shaped ornaments on a mantlepiece or playing around with a cartoon dinosaur desk buddy — rather than trying to accurately refit a kitchen. So really AR is an added gimmick to help sell what are essentially entirely inessential items.
And its bet for now is that the convenience of markerless AR outweighs the downsides of not necessarily showing buyers a faithful representation of the product they're eyeing. "We choose to use markerless AR technology because it can work anytime, anywhere without restrictions," he says, adding: "Most products in our [current] AR portal have unique functions and cool features."
But Li also notes that more smartphones are being released that incorporate depth sensors — which means the limitation is likely to go away in time anyway.
"Phone makers like Lenovo and Asus have released AR-enabled phones by working with Google's Tango. These new phones have depth camera in addition to photo camera, so they accurately measure the surrounding 3D place. Intel has a similar technology called RealSense in their product line," Li said.
"There are rumors about the next iPhone having similar functions. We already have a Tango compatible app that is featured in the Tango category on Google Play Store. On Tango devices, it will always show the exact sizes no matter how users place or move around."
Apollo Box also is hoping the AR feature will generate some organic marketing for the marketplace as shoppers are able to screenshot and share photos of the products they're playing around with.
"One interesting finding from our customer interviews is that many users viewed the augmented reality feature as a fun and rewarding experience. They are more interested in interacting with the products and sharing with their friends than viewing the actual size. They spent longer time in the app compared to users not using the AR feature (16 mins versus 6 mins). This is also a big reason for the conversion rate boost," he adds.
Apollo Box was founded in February 2016, and has raised a total of $1.15 million to date from several Silicon Valley angel investors, including Amino Capital.


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Originally, I am from Toledo, Ohio. I'm also a military brat, so I've lived all over the United States, with a slight 6 year layover in Misawa AFB, Japan. While I was there I picked up a curiosity about tea. Curiosity turned into quite the habit, and here I am.
Calgary, Alberta


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The answer is a resounding yes, but despite the looming flagship Leonardo exhibition, as this Guardian article reports, the National Gallery is pressing ahead with its plans to have warders guard two rooms instead of one. This comes a few weeks after the attack on Poussin's art, and amid claims that the gallery's security is on a par with other leading museums. Really? Surely Artwatch UK's Michael Daley is right to express concern at this policy. As he's quoted in the Guardian:
"The most alert and attentive person cannot be in two places at once … and cannot see through walls." He acknowledged the gallery's claim that perambulatory staff were more effective, but said: "The quantity of surveillance is halved whether or not its quality improves."
Meanwhile, taking a break from his coverage of the London riots, Jonathan Jones of the same newspaper lashes out at Artwatch for even broaching the subject? In the comments section he splutters:
"This "story" is sensationalist hysteria that relies heavily on a very dubious source, ie, Artwatch UK.
Artwatch is quoted here as a neutral voice of authority on such matters. It is nothing of the sort: it is a dogmatic pressure group with a long history of picking on the National Gallery in particular.
The reporter says "such is the concern that Artwatck UK has been contacted". That makes it sound like Artwatch is a bit like the Hague court or Ofart, a cool and responsible public body.
This is a bit like a political story that said, "such is the concern that the English Defence League has been contacted."
Artwatch is not neutral, and should never be allowed to speak with unquestioned authority in any news story."
Why? Artwatch UK is expressing the view of many people, curators, security experts, art historians, employees of the N.G., anybody interested in protecting its art, especially after the dreadful attack on the Poussin paintings. It's a legitimate concern, and Artwatch only have the welfare of the art in mind. And do you really, Mr Jones, need to bring the English Defence League into this?


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Keep your home cool with these low-cost to no-cost tips
Along with summer temperatures, your utility bills are bound to start heating up unless you take steps to help your home create a more efficient cool. According to the EPA's Energy Star program, almost 20% of a typical household's utility bill goes toward home cooling costs. By taking a few simple steps this summer to improve energy efficiency, you can save energy, save money and help fight climate change.
Fortunately, there are lots of easy no-cost to low-cost ways to choose from to beat back the heat this summer.
Spin Up the Cool With Room Fans
Room fans provide that great "evaporative cooling" effect, moving air and thereby causing any moisture on your skin to evaporate so that you feel more cool and comfortable. Position them for maximum air circulation in living areas, and if you're using a window fan, make sure to open another window across the room to help with cross-ventilation.


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Reviewed By: David Hasenflu on 7/2/17
Great Bottle, keeps my drink cold for nearly 3 hours. Highly recommended, would buy this again
Updated for 2021!
Keep beverages ice cold during long, hot rides with this insulated bottle. Double-wall construction provides an insulating thermal layer while a foil layer within the walls reflects solar heat away. Just fill it up with water and ice and hit the road. Drip and spill-free valve are cleanable too- just twist and pull the valve out for easy cleaning. Also features a wide, 2-inch diameter opening for easy filling. Fits into standard cycling bottle cages.
Reviewed By: David Hasenflu on 7/2/17
Great Bottle, keeps my drink cold for nearly 3 hours. Highly recommended, would buy this again
Reviewed By: A customer from Northeast Indiana on 10/24/12
I've purchased these bottles for years and love them. They're durable and they insulate better than any plastic insulated bottle on the market today. Cons...none. I read someone complained about it being too stiff, couldn't squeeze the bottle. Weird because my 5 year old grandson can squeeze one to get a drink! Another con is fitting; some bottle cages were definitely problematic. While I haven't used these bottles in every single cage ever made, they do work in at least a dozen different brands that I have used. I tried the other brand of insulated bottle and it did not keep my drink as cold, or for as long as a Polar bottle. For the job of insulating a cold or warm drink, the Polar wins hands down.
Reviewed By: A customer from Fort Wayne, IN USA on 5/9/12
This is absolutely the best plastic insulated bottle on the market today, it keeps liquids colder or hotter better then any other plastic insulated bottle. Complaints about the bottle being too stiff are unfounded, I've been using these bottles for many years and never had any difficulty being able to squeeze the bottle to get liquid out. The bottle is stiffer then a normal bottle because it is a double hull bottle with insulated material between the hulls; and it's jast a tad stiffer then the competitions insulated bottles because it's made better with thicker plastic so it won't split or puncture should it fall like what happen to a competitors I had that I used. So there is a trade off between getting a slightly stiffer bottle and having it last a lot longer, or get a flimsy easy to squeeze bottle that won't last as long. A bottle with no indentations can and will slide out of a cage if jarred just right, but the indentations on the Polar works great. Sure you may have to rotate the bottle a bit to make sure it's in the cage properly but once you do it once or twice it becomes virtually automatic, it's a extremely minor point not even worth discussing. These bottles are so well constructed they literally will last years, not a season or two like others.
Reviewed By: A customer from new mexico on 8/23/10
the bottle does not fit well in cages at times depending on their rotation. This is due to the angular indentation around the middle being inconsistent. (suggest the indentation be the same width around the entire bottle, no corners). Also, the bottle does not squeeze well with one hand, too stiff, must suck the water out, that makes it inconvenient and more difficult to get the water out. It kept things cold for about 2 hours, better than regular bottles.


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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- In comments that were broadcast over the weekend, Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele called Rush Limbaugh's rhetoric "incendiary" and "ugly" and insisted that he is in charge of the GOP.
"Rush will say what Rush has to say; we'll do what we have to do," RNC Chairman Michael Steele has said.
On Monday, however, after a blistering response from the conservative talk-radio kingpin, Steele told the online journal Politico that he "was maybe a little bit inarticulate."
"There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership," Steele said. He added, "There are those out there who want to look at what he's saying as incendiary and divisive and ugly. That's what I was trying to say. It didn't come out that way."
Steele's original remarks came from an interview on CNN's "D.L. Hughley Breaks the News." The interview was recorded Thursday. It aired Saturday.
The comments came as Democrats, including White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, have tried to paint Limbaugh -- who has said he wants to see the Obama administration "fail" -- as the effective head of the opposition party.
Steele rejected the idea, insisting "I'm the de facto leader of the Republican Party."
"Rush Limbaugh is an entertainer. Rush Limbaugh's whole thing is entertainment," Steele told CNN. "Yes, it is incendiary. Yes, it is ugly." iReport.com: Limbaugh and Steele show divisions in GOP
Limbaugh fired back on his radio show Monday, saying the Republican chairman appears to be supporting President Barack Obama and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. He said Steele appears "obsessed with seeing to it President Obama succeeds."
"I frankly am stunned that the chairman of the Republican National Committee endorses such an agenda," Limbaugh said. "I have to conclude that he does, because he attacks me for wanting it to fail."
But Monday night Steele told Politico he didn't intend to go after Limbaugh.
"My intent was not to go after Rush -- I have enormous respect for Rush Limbaugh," Steele told Politico in a telephone interview. "I was maybe a little bit inarticulate ... There was no attempt on my part to diminish his voice or his leadership." Watch CNN's Roland Martin and panel discuss the situation »
Steele told Politico he tried to call Limbaugh after the show on Monday and said he hoped he would be able to talk to the radio host soon.
"I went back at that tape and I realized words that I said weren't what I was thinking," Steele told Politico.
"I'm not going to engage these guys and sit back and provide them the popcorn for a fight between me and Rush Limbaugh."
And in a written statement issued to CNN, Steele said, "To the extent that my remarks helped the Democrats in Washington to take the focus, even for one minute, off of their irresponsible expansion of government, I truly apologize."
"I respect Rush Limbaugh, he is a national conservative leader, and in no way do I want to diminish his voice," Steele said. "I'm sure that he and I will agree most of the time, but will probably disagree some as well, which is fine."
Steele's Democratic counterpart, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, said he was "briefly encouraged" by Steele's "courageous" remarks.
"However, Chairman Steele's reversal this evening and his apology to Limbaugh proves the unfortunate point that Limbaugh is the leading force behind the Republican Party, its politics and its obstruction of President Obama's agenda in Washington," Kaine said in a written statement. Watch Steele, Hughley talk politics »
Limbaugh brought a cheering crowd to its feet several times as he called on fellow conservatives to take back the country.
He used his self-described "first national address," which ran more than an hour longer than his allotted 20 minutes, to accuse President Obama of inspiring fear in Americans in order to push a liberal agenda of "big government."
Limbaugh also addressed comments he made earlier this year in which he said he hoped Obama failed.
"What is so strange about being honest and saying I want Barack Obama to fail if his mission is to restructure and re-form this country so that capitalism and individual liberty are not its foundation?" he said.
But a top Republican in Congress disagreed.
"I don't think anyone wants anything to fail right now," House Republican Whip Eric Cantor said on ABC's "This Week." "We have such challenges. What we need to do is we need to put forth solutions to the problems that real families are facing today."
RNC spokesman Alex Conant on Monday did not directly address Steele's comments about Limbaugh but pointed out the back-and-forth between the White House and the conservative radio host.
"Rahm Emanuel and the Democrats know they lose an argument with the Republican Party on substance, so they are building straw men to attack and distract," he said. "The feud between radio host Rush and Rahm makes great political theater, but it is a sideshow to the important work going on in Washington.
"RNC Chairman Michael Steele and elected Republicans are focused on fighting for reform and winning elections. The Democrats' problem is that the American people are growing skeptical of the massive government spending being pushed by congressional leaders like [House Speaker] Nancy Pelosi," Conant said.
All About Michael S. Steele • Rush Limbaugh • Republican National Committee


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Ecosystem changed much in 400 years
"Would Henry Hudson even recognize the Hudson River if he sailed up it today?" My friend Lori asked me this question the other day as we were talking about the upcoming 400th anniversary of the European discovery of the river, and all the ecological changes that have taken place since then.
Even though the river has been thoroughly transformed by human action, I think Hudson and his crew would know the river as they sailed through the New York harbor and past Manhattan. With a sailor's fine sense of currents, soundings and the shape of the shore, they would hardly fail to recognize the fine deep-water harbor, the strong, swirling currents of the East River and Spuyten Duyvil, and the imposing Palisades on the New Jersey shore. Further upriver, they would remember the broad waters of the Tappan Zee and Haverstraw Bay, and the imposing Hudson Highlands.
Of course, they would notice how much the shoreline had been improved; the little wetlands and beaches had been replaced with tidy seawalls and useful piers. Surely they would marvel at Manhattan and wonder what great race had built this glittering city, but they would know the river. Apart from the obvious signs of an advanced civilization (soaring bridges, strange iron tracks along both banks), the straight, deep channel of the river and its wooded banks would be familiar, as least as far as the City of Hudson.
Problems began north of today's city
Hudson is where the explorer's troubles really began in 1609. What had been a navigator's dream south of Hudson - a beautiful deep channel - turned into a bewildering nightmare of islands and side channels north of the city. The crew must have spent all their time trying to find the water and sounding for shoals, their dream of a Northwest Passage fading fast.
Hudson and his crew would be well pleased with what they would find in the river north of the city of Hudson today - the maze of islands and shoals replaced by a clear, deep channel as far as Albany, courtesy of two centuries of dredging, filling, and channel-training. And that wretched mud bank at Castleton - the nemesis that grounded his ship in 1609! - gone without a trace.
Neither Hudson nor his crew had much interest in ecology, so it's not likely they would have noticed most of the profound ecological changes that have occurred in the river since 1609. But what if there had been an ecologist on board in 1609, say Henry's cousin Peter ("Doc") Hudson, a lad who had grown up as a seafarer like Henry, but who had always been more interested in the animals that grew on the hull of the ship than in the ship itself (how odd), and who thought of trees as something more than potential masts.
He would notice much that escaped Henry's eye. The forests, for instance. Henry would have said that the land outside the cities was still largely covered with forests and left it at that, but Peter would have seen at once that the forests of 2009 were quite different from what they had seen in 1609. These new forests were young, for one thing, with few of the giant pines, oaks, or chestnuts Peter had remembered.
Although Peter would have known he was looking at a different forest, it seems unlikely he would have the insight that he was looking at a landscape that had been almost entirely cleared and domesticated in the 18th and 19th centuries, then gradually abandoned back to the forest after the Civil War.
And where were the chestnut trees, so common on their earlier voyage, and so valuable to humans and wildlife alike? Had loggers come through and cut down all of the chestnuts? (And the elms - weren't there more elms along Hudson's river?) What was troubling the hemlocks that lined the glens of the Highlands and Catskills, now only gray skeletons? Peter would have no way of knowing that it was not logging, but diseases carelessly brought into North America, that led to the demise of the chestnuts, the elms and now the hemlocks.
400 years later, Hudson less diverse, but easier to navigate
This is the second of four pieces in which we're charting the ecological changes that have occurred in the Hudson River since it was "discovered" by Henry Hudson in 1609.
What changes would Hudson (and his imaginary cousin, Peter "Doc" Hudson, the ecologist) notice if they sailed up the river in 2009?
The transformation of the upper part of the Hudson, from a tangle of islands and useless side channels in 1609, into a decent channel today that his ship could use without sounding for shoals every three minutes, would have put Henry into a rare good humor.
Peter would have been confused and disappointed, though. Where were the stands of wild rice and tall grasses that had rippled so beguilingly in the breeze? Where were the flocks of speckled teal and comical peeps that used the shallows and mudflats of the Hudson as a welcome stopover in their long migration south? Where were the blind channels that opened so promisingly to entice ships, then narrowed to an impassable slot, which Cousin Henry had cursed with such vigor and eloquence? And, most of all, where were the innumerable islands he remembered from the earlier voyage, lined with tall cottonwoods and so endlessly fascinating and individual?
Peter had to agree with Huck Finn, who although himself the creation of a riverboat pilot, thought islands gave rivers much of their charm and mystery. With no disrespect to his cousin Henry, who was surely a great explorer, Peter would have named this river "The River of Islands."
From 68 to 24 islands
If Peter had been a really careful observer, he would have recorded that the new, improved version of the Hudson River in 2009 lacked 44 of the 68 islands he had seen in 1609 (each of which he had given fanciful names: The Sleeping Cat, Shad Island, Circe's Isle and so on) and was missing 3,800 acres of rich shallow-water habitats (see illustration).
And it was not only charm these islands, shallows and side-channels gave the Hudson. The upper river in 1609 must have been alive with birds, fish and all kinds of plants and animals that found their food and homes in the complex array of habitats. Peter would have filled his sketchbooks with drawings of plants and shells and waterfowl and quick little fishes that abounded in the vegetated shallows. I'm sure Peter would have tried to capture the amazing colors of the drake wood duck, the ephemeral iridescence of young shad and the ferocious appearance of the huge snapping turtles he found in the riverside marshes.
Some of the species Peter would have seen among the islands are now scarce in the Hudson, or have vanished altogether from the river as their preferred habitats disappeared. Even species still common in the river, such as shad and river herring, must have been more abundant in 1609 as they benefited from the rich nursery and feeding grounds the vanished river-shallows offered. Of all the parts of the Hudson and its surrounding watershed, this is the place I would most like to see in its original state.
I don't mean to suggest these habitats are gone entirely from the Hudson. There are still 24 islands in the river, enticing anglers, campers and modern-day Huck Finns, and some marshes and side-channels still exist, especially between Kingston and Castleton, Rensselaer County.
We are fortunate the Hudson still contains 4,450 acres of submerged plant beds, chiefly water-celery, a valuable species for invertebrates, fish and waterfowl. And these remaining patches of shallow-water habitat still fill up in season with migrating birds and baby fishes, and are wonderful places for us to visit. But we will never see the tangle of islands, side-channels and marshes of the upper Hudson that Henry saw (and undoubtedly cursed) in 1609.
River's inhabitants different today
Human changes to Hudson caused shift in species
This is the third of four pieces in which we're charting the ecological changes that have occurred in the Hudson River since Henry Hudson first saw it 400 years ago. Today, we'll consider the species that have appeared or disappeared from the Hudson as a result of human activities. What changes would Henry (and his imaginary cousin Peter "Doc" Hudson, the ecologist) see if they sailed up the Hudson in 2009?
Doc was a careful observer of biology, and spent much of his time in 1609 examining and sketching the new plants and animals that he found in the river. What a shock it was in 2009 to find what was clearly the same river occupied by different plants and animals! Several times he consulted his old notes in bewilderment, thinking his memory had failed him.
For instance, where were the oysters? One of his indelible memories of the harbor, apart from its beauty and Cousin Henry's delight at its depth and breadth, was the abundance of oysters it held. Miles and miles of oysters, plump and succulent. This time it had taken three days of dredging before they saw their first oyster, and that one was puny. Instead, the dredge kept coming up full of small, wedge-shaped clams (wedge rangia, an invader that first appeared in the 1980s) that he had never seen before, tasty enough it was true, but hardly a substitute for the oysters that had sustained the crew in their earlier voyage.
Sturgeon, shad decreased
He also had fond memories of the Hudson's sturgeon. Although they had captured only one or two, they often saw these enormous fish splashing and jumping. This voyage they had trawled up just one sturgeon (one of the small kind), and hadn't seen any of them leaping. And had he misremembered the abundance of shad? They were seeing shad to be sure, but in small schools, not in the endless shoals that he recalled.
There were subtle and disturbing changes as well, ones he wouldn't have been sure of if he hadn't had his old journals at hand. For instance, he remembered trawling up lots of catfish off of the muddy bottoms, but they were small and square-tailed (the native white catfish), not the big sleek fish with forked tails (the introduced channel catfish) that filled the nets now. How could the catfish have changed so much?
Then there were the species he hadn't recorded at all in 1609, too numerous and distinctive (Peter kept assuring himself) to have been overlooked in that earlier voyage. The remarkable, bright-green beds of some tropical-looking plant everywhere in the shallows (water-chestnuts). Going in to get a close look, Peter had gotten the jolly boat completely entangled in the strange plants, to the delight of the catcalling crew.
Also new were the tiny zebra-striped mussels that covered the rocks as well as the plump (and delicious) big green perch (black bass, imported from the Midwest) that lurked among rock piles and weed beds. Where had these new plants and animals come from? The crew always called him a dreamer, but it was hard to believe he had been so inattentive in 1609 that he had somehow missed these dozens of species. Or had he … ?
Poor Peter had no way of knowing the changes that so puzzled him were the product of four centuries of overharvesting and species introductions. Overharvesting has nearly eliminated the big sturgeon and fat oysters from the river, and brought stocks of shad and other species to a tiny percentage of their former abundance.
At the same time, canals, deliberate stocking, careless release of pets and plants and hitchhiking species riding in the hulls and holds of boats have brought more than 100 foreign species into our local waters. Some of these species are desirable (the tasty largemouth and smallmouth bass Peter noticed), but many (such as the entangling water-chestnut and the zebra mussel) cause ecological and economic problems. Taken together, these changes have made the Hudson a very different ecosystem than the one Henry saw in 1609.
River harbors signs of serious harm
Traces of dumping apparent; diseased fish hint at impact
This is the last of four pieces in which we're charting the ecological changes that have occurred in the Hudson River since Henry Hudson sailed up the river in 1609. What changes would Henry (and his imaginary cousin Peter "Doc" Hudson, the ecologist) notice if they sailed up the river in 2009?
Today we will consider some important changes that have occurred that even careful observers might miss.
Of all the human effects on the Hudson River since 1609, probably the best known is toxic pollution. After all, because of PCB contamination, the Hudson River is the country's largest Superfund site, and has been the subject of protracted legal and public relations battles between General Electric and environmental organizations and the Environmental Protection Agency to decide whether and how these toxins should be removed from the river. The Hudson has also been badly polluted by sewage, toxic metals, paper mill wastes, pesticides and other residues of our industrialized society. So in this series of essays about ecological changes in the Hudson over the past 400 years, why have I waited until the end to mention toxic pollution?
These essays are based on the reactions of Henry Hudson and his imaginary cousin Peter (an ecologist) to the changes they saw upon their revisit to the Hudson after 400 years. Without sophisticated instruments such as gas chromatographs and modern spectrometers, Peter and Henry would have no way of seeing the full extent of the toxic contamination of the river, although Peter would surely have noticed unmistakable signs we've been using the Hudson as our wastebasket and our toilet.
The first signs would come as soon as the explorers arrived in the harbor. Bushels and bushels of plastic and other trash are floating on the water and piled up in windrows along the waterline. Peter would have been baffled by many of the objects he found. What could these be used for? But there would be no doubt in his mind they had been made - and discarded - by humans.
Smells different
Peter would have noticed the smell, too. Wherever he dredged up the river mud looking for shellfish, he would have wrinkled his nose against the oily smell, a smell that would stick tenaciously to his hands or anything else touched by the mud. He also would become familiar with the thin rainbow sheen of oil, which he would perhaps admire without understanding its origin.
He would be more upset by what he found when he cleaned the tomcod for their meals. He remembered these small, delicious fish from their earlier voyage, but he certainly didn't remember the grotesque growths on their livers. More than half of the adult tomcod in today's Hudson suffer from liver cancer, a disturbing product of industrial contamination.
The other signs of toxic contamination of the Hudson, so pervasive and obvious to a modern environmental scientist, would probably be too subtle for our 17th-century visitor to notice. However subtle, the contamination of the Hudson has made a lasting impression on Henry's river and devalued its utility to us as a source of food and recreation.
Changes abound
There hasn't been the space in this little series of essays to describe all of the important ecological changes that have occurred between 1609 and 2009. I haven't even mentioned the effect of the railroads in creating wetlands such as Tivoli North Bay, or the innumerable dams that block fish migrations everywhere in the Hudson's tributaries, or the countless changes to the river arising from wholesale transformation of its watershed, and so on.
It isn't necessary to go through the entire catalog of ecological changes to answer the question that inspired these essays: "Would Henry Hudson even recognize the Hudson River if he sailed up it today?"
Yes, Henry Hudson probably would recognize the river that bears his name. However, we've changed the river in so many ways it really isn't the same river anymore. In this sense, Henry would recognize his river, but he would be wrong.
Here's a question to ponder for the next 400 years: If we were to sail up the Hudson in 2409, would we recognize it? Or will our careless stewardship of the river and its planet bring us yet another Hudson River, more degraded than the last?


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OK, who here knows about the "KISS" principle?
Keep It Simple Stupid! So, I'll keep this short and simple.
Strap up, boots on, lock and load, face paint, arms at the ready.
The time has come for your team to fight for it's life 'Canes fans!
Miami faces ACC rival Virginia Tech tonight on ESPN in what some, no make that many, have called a "must win game" for Al Golden and his Hurricane football team.
Win and the rest of the season has meaning.
Lose and the whole thing may go down the drain.
It IS now or never for UM tonight vs VT in Blacksburg.
Canespace Prediction: UM 41 - VT 27


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The AFL has laid three further charges against the Adelaide Crows and its employees over the Kurt Tippett contract affair.
The club, its CEO Stephen Trigg, and its football operations manager Phil Harper now face charges under AFL rule 17.
New letter emerges in Tippett contract saga.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said: "Contrary to Rule 17 of the Rules, between September 2009 and October 2012, you (Crows, Trigg and Harper) engaged in conduct in breach of the Total Player Payments provisions in the Rules.
Again, in accordance with Rule 17, the Adelaide Crows FC, Mr Trigg and Mr Harper were each advised today in writing of the charges. These further charges will also be heard before the full AFL Commission next Monday, November 19, at 1pm at AFL House."
The Crows and Trigg now face three charges, while former Crows football manager John Reid and Tippett, who has quit the club but intends to nominate for the pre-season draft, face two charges. Harper faces one charge.
This morning, Tippett's lawyer David Galbally contested the notion that his client would be deregistered as a result of the saga.
"The AFL Commission have got a whole range of things they can do and play out. It depends on what happens on Monday," Galbally told SEN.
He said that Queensland-born, ex-basketballer Tippett may take legal action if deregistered.
"Anything is possible in relation to this," he said.
"Of course it's a possibility, but there's a whole range of things that are a possibility that could play out in relation to this.
"At the moment what we're faced with is a hearing before the commission that takes place on Monday.
"As a consequence of that commission, something will be decided. What's decided will then determine what the next steps are."
AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheahan told SEN radio this morning that despite not having an AFL background, Tippett should have had a "reasonable handle" on his contractual obligations. He said players that come through the AIS elite coaching programs were "closely educated" about such responsibilities.
Adelaide responded to the latest charges with the following statement:
"The Adelaide Football Club has received and understands the latest charges from the AFL's investigation into contract arrangements with Kurt Tippett.
"These matters are closely related to the existing charges.
"The club will present its case to the AFL Commission on Monday and is determined to explain its position to members, sponsors and all stakeholders as soon as possible."
If it finds breaches of rule 17 are sustained, the AFL Commission can dot he following:
Impose financial sanctions; limit a club's engagement in up to four national drafts; and restrict a club's ability to register a player involved in the breach. It can also fine players and restrict them from participating in the draft, and fine officials and prevent them from working for the offending club.


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Tiger's Struggles Continue Overseas
Tiger Woods' round consisted of six bogeys and a double bogey.
ADARE, Ireland (AP) -- Tiger Woods looked just as out of form in a celebrity pro-am as he did on the PGA Tour.
The world's No. 1 golfer arrived Monday in Ireland just hours after his 46th-place finish at the AT&T National in Pennsylvania and shot a 7-over 79 in the first round of the J.P. McManus Invitational Pro-Am.
The unranked event in County Limerick featuring Hollywood celebrities and Irish billionaires was his first overseas event since revelations of his extramarital affairs surfaced last year.
While more than 40,000 Irish golf fans offered him a friendly and forgiving welcome, Woods' opening round at the 7,453-yard, par-72 Adare Manor Golf Resort was often dreadful. He bogeyed six holes, double-bogeyed the 7th, and managed a lone birdie on the 17th.
He followed that up by gamely trying to reach the green on the 18th -- a five-par 548-yard hole on the far side of the River Maigue -- in two. His risky second shot fell short into the riverside reeds for a final bogey, the third time he had found water in his round.
Woods seemed to take his lackluster play in his stride, showing only mild frustration at off-target shots.
At the 6th tee, he stopped at a concession stand and munched on two bunless burgers. "Don't you want any ketchup?" asked a fan nearby in a plastic lawn chair. "I'm good," Woods replied, before asking his Irish caddie if he wanted a burger too. Fans then urged him to tee off with a sand wedge, an idea Woods declined with a laugh.
He stonily ignored incessant pleas from fans to stop and sign their hats and programs, but was unable to avoid 6-year-old Ava Mulhall.
The County Cork girl with a pink windbreaker and red ribbon in her hair darted under the security rope and onto the fairway, past a grasping steward, and stopped right in front of Woods. He signed her program -- on which she'd already collected the signatures of nearly 20 other pros -- but Ava said he didn't say anything to her. His security detail was beefed up afterward.
At the final hole, a car parked beside the green whisked Woods away to a helicopter for his overnight stay at the Limerick mansion of the billionaire McManus, an Irish horse breeder, gambler and speculator extraordinaire.
Every five years, McManus brings together mixed groups of pros, Irish business leaders and Hollywood celebrities for an event expected to raise more than $37 million for dozens of Irish charities.
This year's celebrity golfers include actors Michael Douglas, Samuel L. Jackson, Hugh Grant, Aidan Quinn, Kyle MacLachlan and Peter Gallagher; English Premier League football coaches Harry Redknapp and Martin O'Neill; and Irish boyband Westlife. Amateurs taking part typically donate $155,000 per trio and are matched to each professional golfer by lottery.
At the end of Monday's first round, Jim Furyk and John Cook of the United States, Peter Hanson of Sweden and Rory Sabbatini of South Africa were in a four-way tie for the lead, each 1-under. Woods trailed was tied for 48th place in the field of 54 pros. The amateurs' scores weren't recorded.
Woods was matched up with no major celebrity teammates Monday and his round took six hours to complete. One in his foursome, silver-haired Swiss banker Bernard Droux, played more consistently than Woods, who offered him compliments after his precise approach shots and solid putts.
Woods, by contrast, struggled with his short game, repeatedly striking the ball too softly or hooking putts wide. He also accidentally struck a spectator with his tee shot on the par-5, 551-yard 12th. The ball landed in front of the spectator, bounced into his head and ricocheted back into the fairway. The spectator wasn't seriously hurt.
Woods is seeking to rediscover his form before next week's British Open at St. Andrews, the venue for two of his three British Open victories, in 2000 and 2005. But he could lose his top ranking before then.
The No. 2-ranked Phil Mickelson, who missed a chance to become No. 1 at the U.S. Open, gets another opportunity at the PGA-ranked Scottish Open this weekend at Loch Lomond, which Woods has decided to skip. Should Mickelson finish first or second in Scotland, he will unseat Woods from the top ranking he's held since June 2005.


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Ice skating at the Douglas N. Everett Arena takes place September 6, 2022 through March 16, 2023. Skating hours are Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Admission is $6 and free for ages 3 and under. Skate rentals are available for $6 at the arena's pro shop, or bring your own.
Ice skating lessons are offered by Concord Parks & Recreation. Session one will be available November through December and session two will be January through February. Classes have limited registration that must be completed with Concord Parks & Recreation by mail, fax, online, or in person starting in October. Registration for skating lessons cannot be done at the Everett Arena.
Lace up those skates! Find more information at www.concordnh.gov/skating.
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Agenda and meeting schedules for the City Council, Zoning Board, Planning Board, and other City boards, committees, and commissions are posted on the bulletin board inside the City Hall lobby. The City Hall lobby is the official location for meeting and agenda postings and not this web site. Other events posted at this web site are not necessarily endorsed or sponsored by the City of Concord, N.H. Please contact the event organizer for additional information. Back to top


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Pacific Historian
How many people remember this football player?
I remember watching this game when it happened. Good god, that was bad seeing him laying on the ground after the hit.
Darryl Stingley spent more than half his life in a wheelchair, a symbol of the violence of the NFL, where large bodies collide at high speeds on every play.
He was only 26 when he clashed head-on with the Raiders' Jack Tatum during an exhibition at the Oakland Coliseum as they leaped for a pass.
That play has haunted the NFL for nearly three decades.
On Thursday, the aftereffects of Stingley's grievous injury finally took his life at age 55.
He was pronounced dead at Northwestern Memorial Hospital after he was found unresponsive in his Chicago home, according to Tony Brucci, an investigator with the Cook County medical examiner's office.
An autopsy revealed contributing factors were bronchial pneumonia, quadriplegia, spinal cord injury and coronary atherosclerosis, the medical examiner's office said.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Darryl Stingley," Tatum said in a statement released by the Raiders. "Darryl will be forever remembered for his strength and courage. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Stingley was a star receiver with the New England Patriots when he collided with Tatum on Aug. 12, 1978. With one jolt, his life was forever changed. His neck was broken; he was left a quadriplegic. In time, he regained limited movement in his right arm and was able to operate his electric wheelchair on his own.
"I have relived that moment over and over again," he said in a 1988 interview with The Associated Press. "I was 26 years old at the time and I remember thinking, 'What's going to happen to me? If I live, what am I going to be like?' And then there were all those whys, whys, whys?
"It was only after I stopped asking why, that I was able to regroup and go on with my life," he said.
His death instantly rekindled the debate over the circumstances of the accident.
"I've thought about that throw over and over the years. Could I have changed anything or done anything differently?" Steve Grogan, the Patriots quarterback who threw the pass, said Thursday. "That hit probably was not necessary in a game with no meaning."
But Chuck Fairbanks, the Patriots' coach at the time, said he couldn't find anything illegal or dirty about it. Nor did the officials; no flag was thrown on Tatum.
"I saw replays many, many times, and many times Jack Tatum was criticized," Fairbanks said. "But there wasn't anything at the time that was illegal about that play. I do think probably that play was a forerunner for some of the changes in rules that exist today that are more protective of receivers, especially if there is head-to-head-type contact. I think that probably pre-empted some of the things that happened today."
New England Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley lies motionless on the field after colliding with Oakland's Jack Tatum, at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Calif., in this Aug. 12, 1978 file photo. (AP Photo)
AP - Apr 5, 1:18 pm EDT
More Photos
Gene Upshaw, who played for the Raiders in that game, got to know Stingley well after the injury. Now executive director of the NFL Players Association, he helped push owners to provide benefits for disabled players: $48,000 in Stingley's time; $225,000 now.
"It was one of those things that happens that everyone regrets," Upshaw said. "I know a lot of people in New England think differently, but Jack had no intention of hurting him. I saw him hit people like that a lot of times. That was the way he played."
That style made Tatum a symbol of a violent game and he never was able to shed that reputation. He eventually wrote a book titled: "Final Confessions of NFL Assassin Jack Tatum."
Stingley, who worked as a consultant for the Patriots, often visited paralyzed patients in hospitals and lived a full life despite his disability. He wrote a book about his experiences entitled "Happy to Be Alive," in 1983, and 10 years later started a nonprofit foundation to help inner-city youth in Chicago, where he grew up and attended Marshall High School.
Tatum and Stingley never reconciled. In 1996, they were supposed to meet for a TV appearance, but Stingley called it off after being told it was to publicize Tatum's book.
But when he learned that Tatum needed to have part of a leg amputated because of diabetes, he empathized.
"You can't, as a human being, feel happy about something like that happening to another human being," Stingley told the Boston Globe in 2003. "Maybe the natural reaction is to think he got what was coming to him, but I don't accept human nature as our real nature. Human nature teaches us to hate. God teaches us to love."
Broadcaster John Madden, the Raiders' coach at the time, remained close to Stingley, visiting him in the hospital daily after the injury.
"After the game, when we found out that Darryl was paralyzed, John told him that from now on he was a Raider and we should treat him as one," Upshaw said.
During his induction last summer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Madden's thoughts weren't far from Stingley when he said, "We all like to see hard, aggressive play, but you always want the guy to get up."
Ten years ago, there was another scare for Stingley and his family when his son, Derek, was hit in the chest during an Arena Football game in Albany, N.Y. He sustained a concussion, but was not seriously hurt.
Stingley was raised in Chicago and went to Purdue after starring at John Marshall High School. In 1973, the Patriots made him a first-round draft pick.
Just when he got hurt, he seemed ready to become one of the NFL's top receivers.
In 1977, he had 39 catches with a 16.8 average and five touchdowns. Those were very good figures in an era when defensive backs were allowed to hit receivers all over the field and linemen couldn't use their hands to block.
In 1978, when he was injured, the NFL changed rules to open up the game and enacted new ones that are still in effect -- making a chuck illegal 5 yards past the line of scrimmage and giving linemen more leeway in their blocks.
Stingley is survived by his wife, Martine, and three sons, Hank, John and Derek. Funeral services are pending.
Paralyzed Stingley dies at 55 - NFL - Yahoo! Sports


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Kodratos the Martyr & his Companions
March 10
These Martyrs contested for piety's sake in Corinth during the reign of the Emperor Valerian (253-260).
Apolytikion of Martyr Quadratus of Corinth and the 5
Fourth Tone
Thy Martyrs, O Lord, in their courageous contest for Thee received as the prize the crowns of incorruption and life from Thee, our immortal God. For since they possessed Thy strength, they cast down the tyrants and wholly destroyed the demons' strengthless presumption. O Christ God, by their prayers, save our souls, since Thou art merciful.
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Principles of Forest School
At Summerlea we adhere to the 6 principles and criteria for good practice.
Principle 1: Forest School is a long-term process of frequent and regular sessions in a woodland or natural environment, rather than a one-off visit. Planning, adaptation, observations and reviewing are integral elements of Forest School.
• Forest School takes place regularly, ideally at least every other week, with the same group of learners, over an extended period of time, if practicable encompassing the seasons.
• A Forest School programme has a structure which is based on the observations and collaborative work between learners and practitioners. This structure should clearly demonstrate progression of learning.
• The initial sessions of any programme establish physical and behavioural boundaries as well as making initial observations on which to base future programme development.
Principle 2: Forest School takes place in a woodland or natural wooded environment to support the development of a relationship between the learner and the natural world.
• Whilst woodland is the ideal environment for Forest School, many other sites, some with only a few trees, are able to support good Forest School practice.
• The woodland is ideally suited to match the needs of the programme and the learners, providing them with the space and environment in which to explore and discover.
• A Forest School programme constantly monitors its ecological impact and works within a sustainable site management plan agreed between the landowner/ manager, the forest school practitioner and the learners.
• Forest School aims to foster a relationship with nature through regular personal experiences in order to develop long-term, environmentally sustainable attitudes and practices in staff, learners and the wider community.
• Forest School uses natural resources for inspiration, to enable ideas and to encourage intrinsic motivation.
Principle 3: Forest School aims to promote the holistic development of all those involved, fostering resilient, confident, independent and creative learners
• Where appropriate, the Forest School leader will aim to link experiences at Forest School to home, work and /or school education
• Forest School programmes aim to develop, where appropriate, the physical, social, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of the learner.
Principle 4: Forest School offers learners the opportunity to take supported risks appropriate to the environment and to themselves.
• Forest School opportunities are designed to build on an individual's innate motivation, positive attitudes and/or interests.
• Forest School uses tools and fires only where deemed appropriate to the learners, and dependent on completion of a baseline risk assessment.
• Any Forest School experience follows a Risk–Benefit process managed jointly by the practitioner and learner that is tailored to the developmental stage of the learner.
5. Forest School is run by qualified Forest School practitioners who continuously maintain and develop their professional practice.
• Forest School is led by qualified Forest School practitioners, who are required to hold a minimum of an accredited Level 3 Forest School qualification. Find more information on Forest School qualifications here.
• There is a high ratio of practitioner/adults to learners.
• Practitioners and adults regularly helping at Forest School are subject to relevant checks into their suitability to have prolonged contact with children, young people and vulnerable people.
• Practitioners need to hold an up-to-date first aid qualification, which includes paediatric (if appropriate) and outdoor elements.
• Forest School is backed by relevant working documents, which contain all the policies and procedures required for running Forest School and which establish the roles and responsibilities of staff and volunteers.
• The Forest School leader is a reflective practitioner and sees themselves, therefore, as a learner too.
6. Forest School uses a range of learner-centred processes to create a community for development and learning•
A learner-centred pedagogical approach is employed by Forest School that is responsive to the needs and interests of learners.
• The Practitioner models the pedagogy, which they promote during their programmes through careful planning, appropriate dialogue and relationship building.
• Play and choice are an integral part of the Forest School learning process, and play is recognised as vital to learning and development at Forest School.
• Forest School provides a stimulus for all learning preferences and dispositions.
• Reflective practice is a feature of each session to ensure learners and practitioners can understand their achievements, develop emotional intelligence and plan for the future.
• Practitioner observation is an important element of Forest School pedagogy. Observations feed into 'scaffolding' and tailoring experiences to learning and development at Forest School.