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When the English novelist Hilary Mantel was seven years old, she saw the Devil standing in the weeds beyond her back fence. In her memoir, "Giving Up the Ghost" (2003), she describes the vision:
**{: .break one} ** It is as high as a child of two. Its depth is a foot, fifteen inches. The air stirs around it, invisibly. I am cold, and rinsed by nausea. I cannot move. . . . It has no edges, no mass, no dimension, no shape except the formless; it moves. I beg it, stay away, stay away. Within the space of a thought it is inside me, and has set up a sick resonance within my bones and in all the cavities of my body. **
This passage could serve as the epigraph for most of Mantel's novels. Her work is full of devils, literal devils, and when they are not present their place is filled by regular, shocking evil. Graves are robbed; a baby is drowned; a woman kills her mother. At the same time, the books are extremely funny. This doesn't cancel out the horror. What we are left with is a picture of people—not necessarily good people—muddlingly trying to explain to themselves the pain and unknowability of their lives. Is there a God? What's going to happen to us when we die? Eschatology crossed with comedy: this is Mantel's literary property.
In her new novel, "Beyond Black"—her ninth, her finest—she has mapped the territory as never previously, for this time the protagonist, Alison Hart, is a medium. Alison travels around the English suburbs, leading psychic meetings at which she calls forth radiant, happy spirits who want to communicate with their "earthside" survivors. She knows that whatever she offers will be taken up, because of the utter repetitiveness of human grief. All her clients have had a miscarriage, or lost their mother or a dear old granny who understood them as their mother never did. Otherwise, they wouldn't be attending a psychic meeting. So with every voice that Alison says she is channelling there is a loud sob from somewhere in the audience. She talks the woman (it's always a woman) through her grief, and speaks of "closure" and a "cycle of caring."
All of this is bogus. Alison does communicate with the spirit world, but not with one that she can tell her clients about. They think that the afterlife will be beautiful, and make sense, unlike life. She knows that it is just like life, foolish and crazy. Some of Alison's visitants are impostors; they claim they're Elvis or Glenn Miller. Others are just bores. One old lady natters on about how she's lost a button from her cardigan. Princess Diana appears. "Give my love to my boys," she says. She can't remember their names: "Oh, fuckerama! Whatever are they called?" Alison is depressed by these undignified visitors, and by no one more than her "spirit guide," Morris, a ghost who more or less lives with her. Other mediums, she says, have spirit guides named Oz or Running Deer, who say things like "The way to open the heart is to release yourself from expectation." Morris, by contrast, is a grizzled old criminal whose fly is often undone. While she is leading her psychic meetings, he is out in the parking lot, opening car doors, loosening the straps on baby seats. This transfer of lowlife realism to the spirit world is the novel's major comic device, but "Beyond Black" is only partly a comedy. Morris says that since he's been on "the other side" he's seen the Devil but not God.
Mantel comes from the working class—Irish Catholic immigrants, textile workers. She was born in 1952, in the village of Hadfield, near Manchester. Her mother went to work in the mills at fourteen. Her father was a clerk. Her childhood, she writes, was "distinguished by a pervasive quality of fear. The dead whistled in the walls; drawers contained photographs of babies who had failed to thrive, of a little girl burnt up in her own nightdress." For a while when she was eight, her field of vision was filled with "a constant, moving backdrop of tiny skulls." Around that time, a curious transition occurred in her home. The family took in a lodger, named Jack Mantel, and he replaced Hilary's father in her mother's life. The father didn't move out; he just moved to a different bedroom. In the evening, the mother and Jack would stay in the kitchen, the father in the front room. This went on for four years.
Hilary was the eldest of three children—a smart, bookish girl. Her mother was ambitious for her, and when Hilary was eleven the family moved from Derbyshire to Cheshire so that she could attend a good convent school. With the move, the father vanished; Hilary never saw him again. The family changed its name to Mantel, and Hilary was told to say that Jack was her father. At the convent, Mantel became "top girl"; after graduation she proceeded to law school. She married young, at twenty, whereupon her health broke down: she began having crippling pains in her legs and her gut. Her doctors, concluding that this was all in her head, treated her with psychotropic drugs, which, for a time, turned her into a raving maniac. She left school and took a job as a social worker. In 1977, her husband, Gerald McEwan, a geologist, accepted a post in Botswana; they lived there for five years. Then McEwan's work took them to Saudi Arabia, where they spent four years. In between, Mantel became sicker, figured out from medical books what her illness was (endometriosis), underwent a hysterectomy, divorced her husband, and married him again. As a result of hormone treatment, she seems to have more or less doubled in body weight. She says she is a size 20. "I'm like a comic-book version of myself," she told an interviewer.
All these matters—Botswana, Saudi Arabia; early love, love's failure; law, geology, social work; obesity or, as she sometimes portrays it, gigantism, freakishness—turn up in her novels. But, as is so often the case with writers, no part of her life is more central to her work than its earliest part: first, her family's secrets and lies; second, the visions. Sometimes she attributes the latter—including the Devil beyond the garden—to migraine aura, but elsewhere she offers no comforting medical explanation. "I am used to 'seeing' things that aren't there," she says on the opening page of her memoir. "Or—to put it in a way more acceptable to me—I am used to seeing things that 'aren't there.' "
As a young woman, Mantel desperately wanted to make a mark in the world. That's why she went to law school. Her illness confined her to a sofa, and so she did the one thing she could think to do on a sofa: she started writing. (She says she probably would never have gone into literature otherwise.) She began research for a novel on the French Revolution, and when she moved to Botswana she took the note cards with her and wrote the book. A publisher expressed interest, but then sent the manuscript back. That happened at around the same time as her hysterectomy—which, removing any hope of children, wounded her deeply—and the collapse of her marriage. This, she says, was the most terrible moment in her life.
After her later successes, the novel on the French Revolution, "A Place of Greater Safety" (1992), was brought out. It is the fifth in the list of her published novels, but you can tell that it was written first. It is the most conservative of her books: a plain, excellent English psychological novel. Despite its setting, it is less violent than many of her other narratives. Its subject is three men who operated at the center of the revolution, Danton, Robespierre, and Camille Desmoulins: their personalities, their motives, their friendship. The dialogue is tart and natural, the pacing masterly. Even though we know what's going to happen, our hearts are in our throats. (Will Robespierre actually send his friends to the guillotine?) And the message is sorrow. At one point, Desmoulins, installed as a secretary of the provisional government, is sitting in his ministerial office. From the walls, portraits of the eminent old men who occupied this office before him, and whose regime he and his friends have just destroyed, look down on him. "It is all one to us," they say. "We are dead." As a child, Mantel was crazy about Shakespeare, and "A Place of Greater Safety" breathes his doleful knowledge, particularly about coups d'état. It is a very "grown-up" book—wise, skeptical, long (seven hundred and forty-nine pages)—of the kind that writers produce when they have not yet grown up and found their real story.
After finishing it, Mantel underwent the crisis of her late twenties (the surgery, the divorce), and then she discovered her story. Her next novel—her first published novel, "Every Day Is Mother's Day" (1985)—is utterly different from "A Place of Greater Safety." It is short, fast, and crazy. Here is the opening paragraph:
**{: .break one} ** When Mrs. Axon found out about her daughter's condition, she was more surprised than sorry; which did not mean that she was not very sorry indeed. Muriel, for her part, seemed pleased. She sat with her legs splayed and her arms around herself, as if reliving the experience. Her face wore an expression of daft beatitude. **
Muriel, thirty-three years old, is pregnant—by whom, God knows. The deed may have been done by one of the many devils that inhabit the Axon house or—so thinks the mother, Evelyn—by Muriel's long-dead father, who was the neighborhood pedophile. Evelyn believes that Muriel is simpleminded; in fact, she seems to be a sort of feral child. When she was born, Evelyn decided that there was something wrong with her, and Muriel, for much of her life, has been kept in the house, lest anyone see her.
Soon Muriel's baby is born, and in Evelyn's opinion it (the sex is never specified) is quite peculiar, with large ears and wrinkled skin. It also cries all the time. "You never cried, Muriel," Evelyn says. It is a changeling, she declares, and what you do with a changeling is this: you place it in a body of water and let it sink, and then your real child, a proper child, comes floating back to you. So Evelyn puts the baby in a cardboard box and throws an old sweater over its face. Then she and Muriel go to the canal in the vacant lot near their house, and drop the box in. It sinks quickly:
**{: .break one} ** Inexplicably, Muriel leaned down and put a finger into the slime, as if she were testing bathwater. There was a kind of avidity in her face. . . . They waited on the bank for ten minutes. It was quite dark now. "It must be dead," Evelyn said at last. "They won't give you anything in exchange for a corpse. Well, I did the best I could for you, Muriel." **
What is amazing about this scene is its dispassion. We may be sorry for that baby, but Mantel is not going to help us. There is only one hint of poignance: Muriel's testing the temperature of the water. Elsewhere, too, in the book, there are notes of pathos. At one point, we are given Evelyn's history. Her family broke up when she was thirteen; she was deposited with an aunt and uncle who found her expensive to keep; her uncle married her off to a strange man in his office, Clifford Axon. The uncle suspected Axon of being a sexual deviant, "but it was too late to do anything about that." Years later, as Evelyn thinks about all this, she silently addresses her daughter. "Muriel," she says, "if I could have mourned myself . . . I might have pitied you." Such moments go through one like a needle, partly just because they are so rare. Mantel, in her memoir, writes that when she approaches her house in the country at night there is always a scurrying in the bushes: "Something unseen is eating. Something is being consumed." That is what transpires in most of her novels, and she offers no blandishments.
Mantel has experimented with her gift; her books jump from genre to genre. After "Mother's Day" and an even blacker sequel, "Vacant Possession" (1986), she wrote a political thriller about Saudi Arabia, "Eight Months on Ghazza Street" (1988), which announced, if her previous books had not, her grievance over the status of women. The next novel was "Fludd" (1989), a theological mystery story. Here the Devil appears in person—he is handsome, has money, and is terrific in bed. Later, there was a coming-of-age novel, "An Experiment in Love" (1995), and, on its heels, something wildly different, "The Giant, O'Brien" (1998), which, like "A Place of Greater Safety," is set in the late eighteenth century, and concerns a freakishly tall Irishman who, starving at home (this was during the clearances), goes to London to make money by exhibiting himself as a curiosity. The book is biting in its politics and extravagant in its style. (The giant, a professional storyteller, often speaks in the language of Celtic romance.) In 2003, Mantel published her memoir, which, for all its useful information, I admire less than her other books, because it alone seems to complain. In her novels, Mantel is unflinching, and I like her that way.
In the middle of this series, she again wrote a rather traditional novel, "A Change of Climate" (1994), about an English couple, Ralph and Anna Eldred, who, while working in a mission in Botswana, become the victims of an appalling crime. Their infant son is kidnapped, to be sold, for body parts, to a spirit healer. On one level, "A Change of Climate" succeeds just as a thriller, but it is also a profound psychological novel. Ralph, despite what his family has suffered, refuses to admit the existence of evil; Anna, partly because of her husband's blindness, cannot forgive the world its evil. This is more than psychology, however. The Eldreds are Low Church Protestants and missionaries, people whose purpose in life is to do good. But why try to do good when evil, so much the greater power, keeps rising up and washing away your little meliorist efforts? This question is implicit in all of Mantel's novels—as a nun says in "Fludd," "God loves us. . . . He manifests it in cancer, cholera, and Siamese twins"—but it is never so soberly examined as in "A Change of Climate."
It's there in "Beyond Black," too. Alison is trying to help her clients. Meanwhile, day and night, devils speak filth in her ears. (Her dreams are such that in the morning her bed looks as though it has been struck by an earthquake.) There is also the matter of her childhood. Her mother was a prostitute and soon initiated Alison into the profession. Before that, Alison was often locked in the attic. She was lucky to be there. Downstairs, surrounding her mother, was a group of men (including Morris, alive at the time) carrying on some kind of horrible trade. There were sheds in the back yard, from which the men carried bloody parcels. The sheds were guarded by a pack of ferocious dogs accustomed to eating human flesh. Alison saw a severed head in a bathtub; she thought a disembodied eye was following her to school; her legs were slashed up, either by herself or by her mother's friends.
All of this, mercifully, is told only in flashes. We don't know what is real and what is imagined, because Alison doesn't know. But much of it, clearly, is real, and, as in "Mother's Day," it is related matter-of-factly. Only now and then does grief surface. At a certain point, one of the guard dogs attacks Alison. Her mother's friend Keith pulls the animal off of her and carries her over to the kitchen sink, where he washes the wound. There is no mention of how Alison felt as the dog sank its teeth into her forehead, but when Keith finishes ministering to her "she felt a sudden sick cold at her back as he pulled away, as his body warmth left her." (He then goes across the room and beats up her mother.) That tells us how much body warmth she has experienced. Meanwhile, she is still going to school:
**{: .break one} ** She must make it [home] before dark. Clay is encrusted on her feet, and beneath them the track is worn into deep ruts. Her garments, which appear to be made of sacking—which may, indeed, be sacks—are stiffening with the day's sweat, and chafing the knotty scars on her body. . . . She stops and drinks from the ditch, scooping up the water with her fingers. She squats there, until the moon rises. **
Again, such stabs of pathos are very sharp, in consequence of their rarity. Nor is the suffering all due to devils and criminals. I have stressed the dramatis diaboli, but in most of Mantel's novels there is a regular English reality going on that might make you wish for Hell instead. In "Mother's Day" a normal, middle-class household has a Christmas dinner that will console anyone whose recent holidays have been a disappointment. In "Vacant Possession" this same household's cleaning lady trudges upstairs to find all four children's rooms locked. Behind each door, someone is "sniffing glue and crying." The father of the family compares his ménage to the House of Atreus.
Ugly families, though, are only a subspecialty. Mantel is a master of ugliness in general. It is the engine of her satire on a world awash in fake respectability, fake cheer—a world of "closure" and "cycles of caring," of death as a cozy new job. And Mantel's ugliness is not the kind you can rationalize. It is not a matter of taste, or even, in many cases, of thought. It's physiological. In no other writer's work do people vomit as frequently as in Mantel's. We see their bad skin, their frightening coiffures. Alison's assistant, Colette, has hair that lies across her skull "like strings of white licorice." Alison is hugely overweight (size 26), a fact that Colette harps on cruelly and wittily. Much of the food in Mantel's books is disgusting; at one point Evelyn Axon eats a can of baked beans—"cold tan slime"—with her hands. The furniture could give you nightmares: curtains that look like knitted porridge, chairs warm from someone else's bottom. Cups are chipped, hedges bird-spattered; handkerchiefs often have something adhering to them. People walking in the dark tend to step on something they can't identify. And then, this being England, there is the weather. Children are blue-kneed; people rub their chilblains. Sunshine itself is sinister. In "A Change of Climate," when the sun peeps from behind the clouds it sends out a ray "like an arm reaching into a tent."
In Mantel's characters' lives, no emotion is more prominent than spitefulness—the wish that, in compensation for one's own pain, another person might suffer—but in these novels the environment itself seems to begrudge anyone's happiness. That Muriel should get her baby back (albeit in an unexpected form), and that the Eldreds should remain together, is a miracle. No one has any joy, but then, as Ralph Eldred's sister says, joy is a word for Christmas carols: "Survival, that's all—survival should be the ambition." Blessings do come, occasionally, but the characters barely know what to do with them. Here is Anna Eldred, who lost her first son, reacting to the birth of her second:
**{: .break one} ** When Julian was first placed in her arms . . . she felt a certain flinching, a pull away from him; she hated to place any burden of expectation on this fragile scrap of being wrapped in a shawl. She saw the tight folds of his lashless eyes, his sea-sponge mouth, forming and re-forming, the stiff mottled fingers that thrust through the cobweb knitting of the shawl: she tried to pretend she had no other son, that she was seeing a son for the first time. Julian had fair curls and soft eyes; he lay in his father's arms and trusted him. He did not remind her unnecessarily of her sharp, small, dark child, his fragile skull still showing when she lost him, the pulses visible, beating beneath that fluttering baby skin. **
This is bitter. At the same time, Mantel's writing is so exact and brilliant that, in itself, it seems an act of survival, even redemption. ♦


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Bush 41's Christmas meal was Chinese
Former President George H.W. Bush noshed on Chinese food with his wife and a few family members as he spent Christmas in a Houston hospital, where setbacks following a persistent cough have kept him from going home.
Bush, 88, remains in stable condition at The Methodist Hospital in Houston, spokesman Jim McGrath said Tuesday, adding that it is unclear when the 41st president might be released.
Doctors had expected Bush to be home in time for the holiday. But he felt weak recently and developed a fever.
"They're taking it one day at a time right now," McGrath said. "The doctors are cautiously optimistic that they have his current issues in hand. But they need to see more improvement before they start thinking about discharge."
On the holiday, Bush was visited by his wife, Barbara, his son Neil, Neil's wife, Maria, and his grandson Pierce. They brought Chinese food from Gigi's Asian Bistro in the Galleria area. Two of Bush's other sons, former President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, weren't at his bedside on Christmas, but both have visited him during his hospital stay and are planning to come again soon, McGrath said.
"Today was just really the Houston contingent," he said.
Bush was admitted to Methodist for bronchitis Nov. 7 and has been in and out of the hospital since then.
He was able to go home on Nov. 19, but was back in the hospital the day after Thanksgiving because of the cough.
His doctors have said Bush was hospitalized as a precautionary measure. His condition was never considered life-threatening.
Bush, a former vice president, congressman and CIA director, served as president from 1989-1993. He is the oldest living president.

subset: commoncrawl


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text: Go Ask Mom! Stories from the Upper Bunk Justin Matott Twelve Cases The Autobiography of Mary Magdalene by P.C. Nair Time and Tide by Seth Feldman To Dare by Ivan Kos, Ph.D. Permanent Happiness by Iyabo Ojikutu, M.D. Shore House Slumming Getting Older, Being Here by Ileana Bascuas, Ph.D. Leading the Unleadable by Alan Willett Love Reveals by Stev Fair The Mathematician and the Teddy Bear by Sara Field The Smarter Preschooler by Renee Mosiman, M.A. and Mike Mosiman The Many Loves of Mila by Inna Swinton The Dirt Bike Detective by Douglas L. Hoover Making Divorce Work by Diana Mercer, JD and Katie Jane Wennechuk, MA Jackie by Seth A. Feldman From Hell and Back: Survive and Thrive by Gussie (Norma J.) McRobert The Secret History of Weeds by Julia Hughes Jones The Practical Patient Below the Equator by Anna Scott Falcon Beyond Time Out by Beth A. Grosshans, Ph. D. and Janet H. Burton, L.C.S.W. The Gabriel Book of World Records by Justin Matott Chips A Hometown Hero by Nancy M. West Down the Aisle with Bridezilla by Carli Palmer Fenway Baby by Deborah White Go Ask Mom! Stories from the Upper Bunk by Justin Matott Oh No! I've Become My Mother by Sandra Reishus, MHS, ACS Into the Carpathians by Alan E. Sparks Kali Leads the Way by Nancy West Peace of Mind by Richard Watson How to Be a Positively Powerful Person! by Dr. Joel Martin The Resilience Formula by Donna M. Volpitta, Ed.D. and Joel Haber, Ph.D. Rock n Friend by Campbell Lawson Sharkey Meets Kittyhead by Susan R. Stoltz Shooting Stars by Jennifer Buhl Somebody by Campbell Lawson The Boys of Summer by Elizabeth Zack The Braided Locket by Michael J. Livolsi Yoga and Love by Vishwanath Iyer The World According to Gabe by Justin Matott Whereditgo? by Campbell Lawson Wired Child by Richard Freed, Ph.D.


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Lion Guardians Coordinator Eric writes on a very sad day for Lion Guardians:
My fear has been validated, and I have some very sad news to report. A beautiful lioness called Narika, who has 3 cubs less than a month old has been speared to death. We received this devastating news after our Lion Guardians team, Maasailand Preservation Trust game scouts and KWS rangers have succeeded in stopping a series of lion hunting parties, all of which were in retaliation for livestock depredation. But this time we were powerless to stop it. Here is the beautiful lioness Narika.
Two goats were killed by a lioness in Orngosua, one of the conflict-prone zones in Mbirikani Group Ranch. Our Lion Guardians and MPT managed to calm the situation, as we have done in the past, but this time political incitement made the situation very different. This time, the leadership of the group ranch was involved and all Lion Guardians and MPT game scouts were threatened and forbidden from working by group ranch officials. There was nothing they could do. Lion Guardians and MPT scouts were forced to stand down, and in their absence the situation quickly spiralled out of control.
By around noon the next day, the morans (warriors) and all other able-bodied men were out on a mission, while the frustrated and worried Lion Guardians and Game scouts were prevented from their work.
The morans followed the tracks of the lioness that had come to the bomas and found her peacefully resting under a tree. They chased her for about 500 metres, and on hearing their war cries she became angry and waited for them. Morans armed with spears surrounded her inside a thicket. She managed to put up a fight but she was clearly fighting a losing battle. She was killed by two spears through the heart and head. The hunting party removed her tail, paws and ears for celebration as is their traditional custom. They also removed her Living with Lions collar, destroyed it, and probably buried it underground. In any case, it is nowhere to be found.
An intensive ground operation ensued on news of a rumoured lion kill and KWS arrived at the site where the lioness was killed. When I saw the body of Narika missing some parts, it weighed strongly on my heart. Only a few days ago I had been watching her in the bush, tenderly caring for her 3 tiny cubs. The fate of these cubs, barely 4 weeks old, is clearly in the hands of the almighty, and the remaining pride members – Selenkay, Elikan and Lomunyak, the mighty male. Narika was the leader of the three lionesses who all have small cubs of around the same age. She was the strongest of the group and so beautiful by all accounts. She roams Mbirikani no more.
The imbalance between predators and plains game created by the last prolonged drought is resulting in high predation of livestock by lions and high tension. This calls for close co-operation between stakeholders within the ecosystem. As we wait for the law to take its own course with regards to the killing, it is my sincere hope that the situation will calm down quickly. But unless we address community tolerance towards lions, the fate of this pride with cubs will still be far from secure. Here is a photo of Narika with a cow she had killed on a previous occasion.
All the Lion Guardians are terribly sad right now as there was nothing that they could do to stop these morans, if they were to remain unharmed themselves. This is the first time in three years that the Lion Guardians have been forced to stop working and it seems that this is the sad result.
Since Narika's death, Lomunyak has been heard roaring through the day, calling to his lost pride member.
This is horrific and barbaric. I am deeply saddended to hear of such a tragedy. I truly belive what goes around comes around and that they find the same fate.
This is so sad, and so worrying that you were prevented from doing your job of protecting this beautiful lioness. I do hope that matters improve and you will be able to continue your wonderful efforts to persuade the local people not to take revenge on these animals when they kill livestock.
This is so sad!
It's such a shame that there it is difficult for the local tribes and the predators to live in harmony.
It's even more horrific because you were stopped from doing your job and could have saved her and no doubt her cubs!
I hope at least the rest of the pride shall care for them.
this is really sad for the lioness and definitely her cubs along with her now smaller or weaker pride. it is hard to blame on those whose once owned the goats and cows ( assuming the owners did a good job taking care of their cows/goats ). if the kenyan government really wants to keep the kenyan lions alive and well for the future generation, they must compensate all loss by predators and have a workable plan on land/water use as humans increasingly invading the lion's domain and poaching the lion's food source.
lastly why there is no rescue organization for these helpless lion cubs whose mother was killed? since there are people kind enough and care enough to rescue orphan elephants whose mothers have died from natural courses instead of man made. and lions in the whole africa is facing true extinction while elephant's number exceed half a million. i guess the leaders of that community were the ones whose livestock had been taken. maybe that was why they stopped any life saving mission by the Lion Guardians.
Awful ! I'm terribly sad ! poor girl !
and the little cubs ? certainly no chance to survive. I can't believe it. I'm terribly sad, but also angry.Why the little ones could'nt be rescued as babies elephants ? It's so hard to hear news like this…
I am deeply saddened by this news – it is heart breaking. I know that the guardians did everything they could. I hope they don't blame themselves in any way, and instead can somehow focus on all the good they have done over the years and the good they will continue to do in the future. For me, it just highlights again how important the work is that you are doing. You're all in my prayers -Anne
Shocking news. We are thinkimg of you Lion Guardians and support your work to the utmost.
I just wrote a comment on Baraza blog and I'm still too furious to say what really is in my mind.. Kenyan government officials have to act now and start taking responsibility over saving the precious wildlife. I can't help it, but in situations where a wild animal is killed this way, I can not feel anything but anger towards the men who killed her. Humans have taken over too much habitat/land from wildlife and it just can't go on like this..
This has crushed me to the core.. Its a sad fate, that no animal deserves. Lion Guardians, your doing a great job, please dont loose hope, failure can be looked upon as a steping stone to great sucess. Karma is the ultimate bitch.
This is very sad news. We must all join hands to stop this…
I am DEVASTATED!
It's not only that this conflicts get fueled by too many people living close to parks leading to shrinking wildlife habitat.
It's also these Massai people obviously don't understand what impact their actions have onto the whole lion population.
The government should put severe imprisonment to those who kill lions and other big cats.
Massai and other trives have to understand there is more at stake than just a cow or goat!
Also compensation should be paid for any lifestock loss.
There is sufficient money coming into the country. But obviously it isn't spent wisely and certainly not in the wildlife's interest.
I just don't seem to get over these bad news and have felt extremely sad the whole day. As I've been to Kenya and have seen these beautiful animals in their natural habitat it makes things even worse for me.. One feels totally helpless with situations such as this.
Eric, is there any possibility that the cubs would be taken care of by the other lactating lionesses in the group or are they doomed to die?
Who are the officials that one could get in contact with in order to protest the lion killings? I would like to get in contact with those people.
I also feel so sad to read this lioness has been killed like that. I believe with effort it is possible to change future but all sides need to be motivated. I don't agree when some of you are blaming masaï people. When Amboseli National Park has been created, masaïs have been deported outside. How this people can accept to see their livestock to be killed ? Us, we see that from far but for a masaï, livestock is so important.
Solutions will only come if we work together, if we can propose them a good protection for their livestock and if there is enough prey for lions. I don't think it is enough to say "I'm so sad, it's not good or they have to go fo prison".
Lions guardians are doing a wonderful work. Let's help us the more we can. Personnaly, I'll meet them next time I'll go to Kenya and we'll see together what I can do for them.
I really love lions and lionness, I'll do all my best to help them.
The Lion Guardians are doing fantastic work and, despite this recent very sad setback or indeed because of it, need supporting even more. The dialogue and negotiation with the livestock owners has to continue, even with frustrations, so that solutions can be found. This is the ONLY way forward; moving wildlife around can only treat the symptoms, like giving aspirin to someone with a brain tumour. Protection of livestock, compensation and insurance schemes, participation in planning of waterpoints and fixed settlements, establishment and agreement on protection/ enforcement mechanisms for wildlife; all these and more activities must continue and be given more resources and support from donors and government.
Thank you all for your supportive comments. It is possible that Narika's cubs may be taken care of by Selenkay and Elikan, but we do not know yet. We will certainly update you when we know more. We all really appreciate your support, particularly during this difficult time.
As long as humans BREED without the facilities of education…this is PLAIN SAVAGERY
Poor little one…
I am saddened to hear this news but I am also inspired by the work that the Lion Guardians are doing. We must all use undesirable incidents like this one as inspirations to continue the compassionate work that the Lion Guardians are doing. Focusing on all the good that is being done by the Lions Guardians is very important when an unfortunate incident like this one happens. We must all stay focused on our vision and forgive those who lack the ability to see the bigger picture !
I would like to know why the leadership of the group ranch was involved in this nonsense, and what action the police and the KWS are taking. In particular, I would like to hear comment from the KWS director.
Very Very sad!
KWS should move and arrest this guys!in any case we've a compensation policy in place!No one is allowed to kill wildlife!this is our JEWEL.For the Guadians keep up the good Job of protecting wildlife.
Actually, the male lion has the most important job of all. While he seems to be lianzyg about, he is simply saving himself. He is called to give his life at anytime for ANYONE in the entire pride. Male lions do not hunt because you can be easily injured of killed in the hunt, and it would be a waste of their time. Male lions are the ONLY ones who can fend off another Male lion (while you can see a bunch of female lions doing it, it only works if there are a bunch of them AND the male lion is not that interested in taking over the pride-otherwise they come in and kill all the babies and mate with all the females no matter what. And the females do it because they have no chance of living through a fight with a full grown male.)The females work in a chohesive unit and the male lion will often guard the cubs or oversee other females doing it while they are out. He is IMMEDIATELY available when called (and you can see this on Animal Planet regularly. One fun one is to watch where the female lions are being out manuvered by some particularly nasty hyena females and they call the male and he literally cuts the hyena leader in half with one blow.). Watching some of the more intersting shows you can actually see the females making requests of the Male lion and their reactions to it. It is funny stuff.Male lions APPEAR laid back because they assess threats. They are in charge because they live a sacrificial life. They get the first dibs on the meal because they will die for everyone there AND no one there could go on living without them.I know this wasn't the point of your post, but I think it is on topic. Many Women, in particular, react to news with emotions. Husbands are the ones who are tasked with leading this type of sacrificial life for their families. I would rather a Husband listen to God then his wife and many wives screw things up by over reacting in an emotional fashion on this issue. I know this from my own life. A Friend
It is good reading about this sad situation and some of the most unfortunate comments.
Some are borne of simple ignorance, other emotional while others are just outright arrogant and their views misplaced.
Wildlife is ecologically critical, an environmental component necessary for balance, an important natural resource and an economic entity that justifies its own existence.
Maasai people have never quite been a real threat to wildlife. They have coexisted with them so naturally the relationship puzzles many communities worldwide. Because of fraudulent misappropriation of maasailand and the historic injustices that continue to live the maasai vulnerable and poor the inevitable human wildlife conflict now rears its ugly head. With land continuing to shrink, pasture shrinks too and the perennial long dry spells are making things worse. To compound this already bad situation, 80% revenues raised from tourism, a wildlife based economic sector that is outgrowing most other sectors in East Africa today goes to central government leaving those that suffer the brand of the wildlife human conflict simply licking their wounds without compensation. And that brings us to the unfortunate killing of the lioness with small cubs. So what is the solution. This nauseating and unwarranted vilification of the maasai for protecting their meager source of livelihood? We hope NOT!
The lion protectors initiative is commendable and need to be strengthened. However, that is a mere stop gap measure and more need be done in the area of fully involving the communities neighboring wildlife areas in the conservation of their habitats and the environment generally and preservation of wildlife in particular. This must as a matter of course include requisite sharing of generated revenues within the local areas akin to plough back of tea and coffee cess to help local area infrastructural development. So stop being ambivalent on this great debate or seat on the fence and if you are not sure of what to do, work with the maasai on how best to improve the situation and protect the natural resource for posterity. Will you be on the side of bad governance that brought about this sad situation by neglecting enhance a great wildlife human time tested relationship or be with the down trodden local communities who like you love wild animals and literally live with them sharing all the scarce resources of water and pasture?
Wildlife lovers should work with the maasai in Amboseli/Tsavo and all other ecological systems neighboring wildlife sanctuaries for meaningful outcomes: Such conflicts can only be mitigated through proper management of such resources without an interest group being unfairly marginalized as is currently the case. About two years ago president Kibaki promised to return Amboseli to the management of the local Olkejuado County Council as is the case previously. It was billed as the riches county council in Kenya and such unfortunate occurrences were a rarity and Lion and other species numbers in the park were not under threat of extinction as seen today. This writer is a proud recipient of the largese of the said County Council while at High school at the time.
People like Mike Rainy would make for good role models in the local communities on the importance and good management of wildlife. I recommend the likes of Keith Lindsay who share our vision and the better way forward join him as we build a maasai/partners of goodwill caucus to help develop this debate further and take initiative to the next level. Corrupt central government must be told to stop impunity and meaningfully address what ails the environment conservation and wildlife protection and preservation business. This must be immediate or else we all shall have nothing to debate about in the next few years. The local communities are simply pushed to the wall and this must stop. The maasai intend to name and shame all pseudo conservationist doting local wildlife conservation areas but do very little other than heavily lining their pockets at expense of the local people and the wildlife they purport to conserve! Association of Maa Abroad/AMAA call on the maa people to help conserve our heritage and ask all people of goodwill to help build local capacity to conserve wildlife for posterity. Both livestock and wildlife, including lions, are a treasure we all should be proud of and balance for the good of all.
My heart goes out to the Lion Guardians who had to endure this sad loss that might have been averted. I also acknowledge the anguish, hardship and fear that must have driven good men to retaliate on this beautiful lion. I applaud the Lion Guardians for their always-compassionate approach to working on behalf of wildlife with the herdsmen, while honoring people's concerns for their livelihoods. Love for all concerned will be the lasting solution.
We all need to conserve wildlife and nature,Lion gurdians keep up the good job, but also the concerned authorities should map out strategies of protecting the locals and their cattle from having their livestock eaten by lions, we need both the livestock and the wildlife.
Kores ( Solo)
I feel so sad to hear that, can't believe people would do this kind of things to a beautiful lion, hope their cubs can make it……
Very Very sad !!!!!
I was in February still in the area and was able to photograph lions. This is also my article on the problem http://www.serengeti-wildlife.com/artikel_1-englisch.php
Thank you for your work to protect the lions.
Best regards from germany
Uwe + Dani
As upset and disheartened as I am about the killing of this lioness, I feel I must refrain from giving typical westerner pleas over the tragedy and condemnations of the men who killed her. Is it any different that people in the United States retaliating against urban wildlife who trespass on our homes and gardens or take fright at transient coyotes, bears, cougar, or even wolves? We should not be so quick to scorn those who kill lions out of what they see as a necessity, just as those who kill American wildlife kill out of what they see as a necessity. Just because we see lions as majestic, romantic beasts does not change the fact that many Maasai genuinely fear and begrudge the lion, and for good reason.
I am in no way condoning the killing of this lion. Lions are my most favorite animals, and it hurts to see these dwindling animals destroyed and hacked to pieces without dignity. I encourage the Lion Guardians in all their work and remain confident that with the continuation of education and thoughtful mediation, we can overcome these challenges.
Thank you for your work, Lion Guardians, and best wishes.
Thank you all for your heartfelt comments. We really appreciate your support.
Keep up the challenging work, Lion Guardians. The maasai, the lions, the world all need your talents and passion to make sure there is a harmonious solution to all stakeholders. I am sorry, dear lioness, we will miss you. Your spirit will guide the solutions.
Why do the Maasai not get dogs to protect the livestock. Strong guard dogs. No lion would dare go near with a guard dog. I would love to arrange it for the Maasai people if they wanted to utalize dogs who were bred to guard livestock & of course affection every day. The dogs would be free and all they would need is food and water. No great expense for the family.
Such sad news, we cannot stand to loose any lions now, especially here.
Please lets hope that a tolerance/truce can be reached amongst the locals. What about compensation in that area?
Strength to you guys that have to see this sort of thing all too often.
Don't let it get you down, you must keep protecting the other's.
How very sad, surely if they live in an area with wild animals that hunt they must accept that the occasional live stock will fall prey to these animals…..My condolences to all who carry out this great work protecting the lions, it is a shame that your hands were tied in this matter and were unable to help.
This is disgusting and barbaric, is there anything anyone can do to stop this? Who do they think they are? We are all animals and out of every animal that hunts and kills we are by far the only ones that are barbaric and heartless. So sad. We should be protecting what the world gave us.
We as humans are in the wrong, we are destroying the ecosystem with all our pollution and we forget that WE are moving closer and closer into THEIR natural habitate, that lioness did not deserve to die in such a cruel way.
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The overwhelming majority of hydraulic components and systems are designed to use oil-based hydraulic fluids. No wonder; these fluids rarely present significant operating, safety, or maintenance problems. Unfortunately, there are circumstances where using oil-based fluid should be avoided. One common fluid power application is in an environment with potential ignition sources &emdash; an open flame, sparks, or hot metal. In these environments, a leak spraying from a high-pressure hydraulic system could cause a serious fire and result in major property damage, personnel injury, or even death.
Even though most oil-based hydraulic fluids have relatively high flash/fire points (>300° F), small leaks in a high-pressure system can produce a finely atomized spray that can travel significant distances. If an ignition source is encountered, complete ignition of the spray envelope can occur. The alternative is to use a hydraulic fluid that eliminates or significantly reduces this hazard: any of several fire-resistant hydraulic fluids (FRHFs).
The decision to purchase a higher-priced FRHF is perhaps analogous to our income tax dilemma this month; you don't want to pay it, but the alternative is worse. However, there is more to know about FRHFs than just price; there are significant chemical and performance differences that must be understood before specifying a FRHF for any given application. To address this need, this article will briefly review the evolution of FRHFs, the types of fluids that are commercially available, and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each.
How far we've come
The history of FRHF is relatively simple and has been one of slow evolution. As the name implies, the original fluid medium in hydraulic applications was water, and it offered the highest degree of fire resistance possible. However, an acceleration in the performance potential of fluid power systems dictated a need for much better lubricating requirements that could be satisfied only by oil-based fluids.
Apart from isolated segments of basic research, little progress was made in developing suitable FRHFs until the end of World War II. During the war, tragic incidents related to hydraulic fluid fires and major property losses at steel mills and foundries graphically illustrated the urgent need for something to be done. Similar incidents in captive environments such as coal mines during the rapid post-war industrial expansion helped motivate a major joint research effort between government and industry. This work was directed at developing fluids that could replace oil-based hydraulic fluids at a reasonable cost and with no significant reduction in hydraulic system performance. Two basic approaches were undertaken. One involved the introduction of water into the fluid to act as a "snuffer" if the fluid ignited. The other involved synthetic, non-aqueous products whose chemistry resisted burning or generated products of combustion that helped extinguish any flame.
Commercial products in both categories evolved during the 1950s and '60s and are still in use today. In the early 1970s, an additional synthetic type of fluid was introduced to address many of the drawbacks inherent in the earlier types. Since the introduction of each type, many improvements have been made in fire resistance, anti-wear properties, and overall quality.
Where we are
Water glycol and invert emulsion constitute the major fluid types of water-containing products. Water glycol is a true solution of a glycol (such as ethylene glycol) in water, along with a variety of additives to impart viscosity, corrosion protection, and anti-wear properties. A shear-stable thickener, which has improved over the years, represents the novel technology aspect of the fluid. Water glycol contains approximately 40% water. Despite a number of drawbacks, water glycol is the dominant FRHF on the market today and is used in a wide variety of applications.
An invert emulsion also contains approximately 40% water but is a stable emulsion of water dispersed in oil. The outer phase, oil, represents the wetting surface; the inner phase, water, provides the fire retardant-element. Oil-soluble additives provide anti-wear properties, corrosion protection, and emulsion stability. Inverts, at one time, were commonly used but are losing favor in industry today.
Synthetic fluids initially were represented by a class of chemical compounds known as phosphate esters, which are reaction products between phosphoric acid and aromatic ring-structure alcohols. These fluids are extremely fire resistant and have widespread industrial use, as well as military and aircraft service. However, their popularity has declined because of environmental, cost, and compatibility factors.
The other type of synthetic fluids in use are synthetic hydrocarbons, more specifically, polyol esters. These fluids are the reaction products between long-chain fatty acids (derived from animal and vegetable fats) and synthesized organic alcohols. These products contain additives to impart anti-wear properties, corrosion protection, and viscosity modification. Fire resistance results from a combination of high thermal properties and physical characteristics. This is the most recent category of FRHFs and has gained widespread and growing use.
What is fire resistance?
The term "fire resistant" often is misunderstood or interpreted to be overly inclusive; it seems appropriate to standardize the terminology and review the accepted test methods for judging the fire resistance of a given fluid. First, there is no single property or test of a fluid, such as flash/fire point, auto ignition temperature (AIT), etc. that will quantitatively rate its relative fire resistance. This has led to a "simulated incident" approach in which tests are designed to replicate a worst-case scenario in typical applications where fluid power is used near a potential fire hazard. Fluids generally pass or fail these tests, and those that pass are incorporated into an Approval Guide or List of Qualified Fluids.
In the United States, two test protocols have evolved and are generally regarded as benchmarks in the industry. One was developed by Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC). Their original intent was to use the test results in the risk-assessment programs of those insurance companies under the Factory Mutual System umbrella. The test has since become the chief qualification for commercial companies using FRHFs; all fluid suppliers submit products seeking "FMRC Approval." The 1992 FMRC Approval Guide lists over 300 FRHFs from approximately 50 suppliers. Factory Mutual's program is now global in scope.
FMRC addresses the definition of FRHF in the following excerpt in their introduction to the hydraulic fluids sections of their Approval Guide:
Less flammable hydraulic fluids approved and listed here have been tested to evaluate fire hazard only. All presently available fluids will burn under certain conditions. In each case the fire hazard has been reduced to an acceptable degree, meeting the Approval Standards of FMRC; other fluid properties are not investigated.
This paragraph accurately puts the intent of FRHFs into the proper perspective. They are not fireproof but, rather, they significantly reduce the potential hazard associated with oil-based products. In the FMRC tests, the fluid is conditioned to 140° F, pressurized to 1000 psi in a steel cylinder, and discharged through an oil burner-type nozzle. The spray generated is intended to simulate a high-pressure hydraulic system leak. A gas flame is passed through (not retained in) the spray envelope at two distances downstream of the nozzle. There may be local burning at the point of flame entry, and the pass criteria dictate that any flame must self-extinguish when the ignition source is removed; no flame may propagate back to the nozzle. This process is repeated 20 times, and the burn duration timed. Any burn duration over 5 sec is considered a fail.
A second test uses the same spray directed at an inclined metal channelheated to 1300° F. In this test, the spray is continuous for 60 sec. The criteria are:
1. The spray in contact with the channel may not burn, or
2 If spray ignition takes place, fluid rolling off the channel cannot continue to burn, and the flame cannot follow the spray if directed away from the channel.
If these conditions are satisfied, the fluid is approved. Statistics are not available, but many products in all of the fluid categories described do not pass this test.
The Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) has had in place for many years an evaluation program for qualifying fluids that are used underground, primarily in coal mines. MSHA testing is similar to FMRC's in the sense that a spray mist of the candidate fluid is generated. However, the ignition mechanism is somewhat different in the MSHA test. Under this procedure, a spray mist is directed continuously at a variety of ignition sources that include an open gas flame, a welding arc, and burning rags. The passl criteria are that localized burning in the spray mist extinguish within 5 sec, and there can be no sustained propagation along the spray axis. They also have an AIT criterion and a wick test to assess the rate of evaporation of water from a candidate product. MSHA tests also have a relatively high rate of product rejections.
Since both of these tests involve fluids submitted by the supplier to the testing agency, both FMRC and MSHA have comprehensive manufacturer auditing programs in which quality-assurance programs are carefully evaluated and monitored by periodic, on-site inspections. This may include retests of approved fluids.
Other tests
In addition to these "third party" ratings of FRHFs, many companies have developed their own fire-resistance tests that must be considered in addition to a product having FMRC approval. Again, these tests generally follow the simulated incident philosophy and are specific to the type of industry involved. Examples of these include exposing the candidate fluid &emdash; in spray or non-spray form &emdash; to a hot manifold, molten metal, heated blocks of a representative metal, burning rags, hot sand, etc. The evaluation criteria may be no burning, limited burning, no smoke, non-propagation, etc. Minimum AIT and flash/fire point temperatures also are used either independently or in combination with a test described above.
In all of these tests, a product is either approved or rejected; there is no ranking or rating of approved products. This aspect, the occasional lack of reproducibility, and the absence of service history of a fluid has led FMRC to develop a new test that will quantify the relative fire resistance of various fluids. The test procedure involves measuring the heat release of a fluid under a fixed-burn condition and combining this value with a separately determined measurement of the energy required to initiate burning. These values are used to establish a Spray Flammability Parameter for each product evaluated. This test and a new approval standard currently are under review by FMRC and have not been formally adopted.
Other concerns
The major problem facing a designer converting a hydraulic system from an oil-based fluid to FRHF is selecting the particular type that will minimize the cost of conversion and maximize the operating and safety benefits. The choice becomes a trade-off of characteristics associated with each type. Each product group offers advantages and disadvantages for any given application. It is beyond the scope of this article to attempt to make recommendations for certain end-users, but the major attributes and shortfalls of the various fluid types can be addressed.
The table above summarizes these characteristics, price ranges, and some of the considerations associated with converting a system containing oil-based fluid to a FRHF. Many suppliers offer products for each type of FRHF, which may vary considerably in price, quality, and after-sale service.
Where we're going
With regard to future developments, there are no new products on the horizon which will make this process any easier. Significant improvements have been made in recent years with both water glycol and polyol ester fluids, and this trend should continue. Moreover, the impact of more-stringent environmental regulations will be more strongly felt in the next few years and may even restrict the choice. The motivation for converting from an oil-based fluid will also strengthen as waste control regulations expand for any product containing oil. In some areas, "hydraulic oil" already is considered a hazardous material. Fluids having the capability of being non-toxic and readily biodegradable will further expand the need to replace oil-based hydraulic fluids.
Bob Gere, retired, is a fluid power consultant, and Tom Hazelton is manager, fluid power, Quaker Chemical Corp., Conshohocken, Pa. For more information, visit www.quakerchem.com.
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zeemeerman2 wrote:Just saying that hardcore supporter is not the same as having the money or ability to buy the special edition, even if they love you that much.
As far as we're concerned, anyone buying the game at all is completely awesome! We really didn't expect things to take off like they did today. I can't properly express how great it feels finally putting something you've been working on for ages out there, especially when where we are in the world makes it just that much more difficult to do.


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In this post, I will introduce you to the Westgate Vacation Villas Resort & Spa. I will take you around the Resort and let you in on how my getaway weekend went and who knows maybe you will stop on by and see how amazing this resort is for yourself. I will be writing brief introductions on each part of the resort that I experienced which is most of it but still need to go back to do the things I missed around the resort.
Registration & Checking in process was very easy to find and complete. You are able to reserve your room right on their website and when you arrive all you need to do is pay and sign a few papers. Then you are off to your spacious hotel room if that is what you want to call it. I personally would call it your private little villa of your own. They will hand you a small folder which has phone numbers for everything in the resort, 2 key cards, and a parking permit.
Arriving at our room number, which was 5151B. We slide the key card and opened the door and it opened to a small hallway with another on each side. Our door 5151B was on the right. We slide the key card and opened that door. I do have to say that my husband and I were in shock. You walk into a type of hallway and on the right is the bedroom with a queen size bed, then the bathroom which is pretty good size. The best part of this bathroom is the jacuzzi hot-tub. Then you walk out into the hallway and the kitchen is on the right. Now the kitchen has a microwave, full-size refrigerator, silverware, dishes, bowls, toaster and a coffee pot. It is an open kitchen/living room type and it has a good size television, a nice, soft leather sofa, desk, coffee table and a glass slider to a back balcony. You are able to open and look out but can't go out on it and it is all screened in. It is really beautiful inside of the room. You seriously need to book a room and see for yourself.
Bathroom with jacuzzi tub.
Leather sofa
The 1 master bedroom.
These are just a few photos of the one we stayed in. As you able to see from these photos that these rooms are very spacious and very clean. All of the staff from the registration desk to the housekeepers are top notch and very friendly. They go out of their way to make sure your time here at the resort is a very pleasant experience. One thing I have to tell you all is about the bed. I really don't know the type of the bed or mattress, but it is truly awesome to sleep on. It literally just sinks your body into it. I have never been so comfortable while I was sleeping as I did this weekend. The truth is everything was perfect and amazing in the rooms we had.
What can you do at the Westgate Vacation Villas Resort & Spa? I am able to tell you everything you are able to enjoy at this resort in Kissimmee, Florida. Let's start with the 13 different pools throughout the whole resort. Yes, you read that right, 13! I was amazed too. We actually had a very nice pool right behind our building.
This is a 4-foot inground pool and it is a good size. As you can see they have this pretty neat water tower. The pool is very clean and water is clear. They have enough chase loungers for everyone. They also have an outdoor hot tub in the corner of the outdoor patio. I am going to include a list of everything you are able to do during your stay at this resort.
Like I said there is just about anything and everything right on the grounds of this resort. The boat rentals are amazing. I almost fell over when I noticed the kind of boats you will be riding in. They have swan boats and why I was shocked is because my dad and I always went on these when we vacationed in New Hampshire.
The Swan Boats!
Now for the ending of this post is the prices to stay here. You would think it would be some amazing high prices, but they aren't at all. Now for room 5151B we paid $66 per night plus tax. Yes, only $66! As you can tell they have rooms that are even bigger than the one we stayed in. The price is just perfect.
I hope you enjoyed and loved the post about Westgate Vacation Villas Resort & Spa . You seriously need to check this resort out for yourself and then let me know what you think. My husband and I had a very good weekend getaway trip here. Now to let you in on a little secret, we are already planning another weekend getaway to this resort in either 2 or 3 weeks. We went to the the attractions and restaurants we had for this getaway, but there are like 4 more places we want to visit and eat next time.


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1994 ES1 is an asteroid, a large rock that orbits the Sun mainly between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. They tend to be an irregular shaped but Ceres asteroid is known to be spherical in shape but because it doesn't clear its path round the Sun, it is only a dwarf planet. A close approach will occur on 1994 Mar 15 when it will get to within 0.0011 A.U. Its orbit takes 1.68 years to travel round the Sun.
The absolute magnitude of the object is 28.6 which is the brightness of the object. A higher absolute magnitude means that the object is faint whereas a very low number means it is very bright.
The Semi-Major Axis of the orbit is 1.411, which is the furthest point from the centre to the edge of an elliptical point.
The orbital inclination, the angle at which 1994 ES1 orbits in relation to the orbital plane is 0.9 degrees. The orbital eccentricity is 0.588, it is the degree at which 1994 ES1 orbits close to a circular (0) orbit as opposed to an elliptical (1) orbit.
|Asteroid Type
|Date of Closest Approach
|1994 Mar 15
|Distance on Closest Approach
|Orbital Period
|Absolute Magnitude
|Semi-Major Axis
|Orbital Inclination (degrees)
|Orbital Eccentricity
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For most of us, few things in life are as satisfying as the loving companionship our spinone provide us. By now, your older spinone has become a real member of the family, and with proper care, can live many more happy, healthy years.
The aging process brings about a gradual reduction in your spinone's physical capabilities. While they begin to undergo these changes starting at about age seven to ten years, different spinoni will show the various signs of growing old at different rates. The best time to recognize your spinone's "senior" status and need for extra TLC is long before advanced disabilities are apparent.
To increase the length and quality of your spinone's life, it is important to begin a process of Risk Factor Management. Risk Factors are characteristics of your spinone's background, environment or life style which put him or her at greater risk of developing various diseases or old-age changes. Some of these factors cannot be controlled, like the inherited predisposition of some dog breeds to certain diseases. Others however, like activity level, living conditions, quality of medical care, and level of nutrition, are all risk factors which a spinone owner can control. The extent to which such factors are managed to increase your spinones comfort and continued good health will help to determine the quality and quantity of your spinone's life.
I. Obesity is one of the single most important risks to the health of the older spinone. The tendency for the older spinone to gain weight is the result of a slowing of the body's metabolism at the same time that activity level decreases. Obesity is unhealthy in any spinone, but is especially harmful to the "senior's" joints, heart and other organs.
2. Because your spinone's metabolism is slowing, you may notice an increasing intolerance to heat and cold. This happens because your pet is now producing less of the hormones which are critical for maintaining the body's normal temperature, regardless of the outside air temperature.
3. Tooth loss and serious gum infections become more common as spinoni age. The loss of teeth is a problem; difficulty chewing food may result. However, the spread of bacteria from the mouth into the spinone's bloodstream when infections occur around the teeth is an even more serious risk to the senior spinone's health. Your veterinarian may recommend brushing or cleaning your spinone's teeth regularly with a toothbrush and water or special pet toothpaste (toothpastes for people should not be used). If necessary, your veterinarian may advise that your spinone's teeth and gums be cleaned professionally, as yours are by your dentist.
4. Skin problems may occur more frequently because the older spinone's skin is less elastic and repairs itself less rapidly. Hair loss is usually more pronounced because hair follicles are less active in later life. The functioning of the skin's immune system slows down and tumors within and under the skin become much more likely.
5. Your spinone's senses of sight, smell, taste and hearing will diminish to varying degrees as time passes. Many spinoni adapt to these losses very well, although some decrease in appetite may occur when taste and smell is affected. For such spinoni, a highly nutritious, well balanced diet is a must. Although spinoni show no unusual predisposition for certain diseases of the eyes, glaucoma and cataracts are more likely in aged pets, and infections or tumors of eyes and ears may also be serious problems.
6. If your spinone has not been neutered earlier in life, problems with various reproductive organs may occur later. Infection of the uterus is particularly likely in intact older female dogs, and unneutered male dogs frequently develop infections or tumors of the prostate gland. Breast tumors almost never occur in females spayed at a young age, but are a very serious health problem for older unspayed females. The older spinone may remain fertile well into old age, and unwanted pregnancies in geriatric females may be detrimental or even life threatening.
7. Diseases of vital internal organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys and bladder occur more frequently in the older dog. These organs have been working continuously for many years and will work more slowly or less effectively than before. Therefore, a complete health assessment of the geriatric dog will include considerable attention to these organs and even dietary recommendations to promote health. If your older spinone eats a food formulated for a much younger animal, the higher amounts of nutrients such as protein, phosphorus and sodium (salt) in those diets may harm the body over time. For this reason, you may want to consider a diet with proper levels and balance of all nutrients, including protein, phosphorus, and sodium, developed for the "senior" dog.
What you can do at home:
1. Balance your spinone's activity level and food intake to avoid excess weight gain. You may want to consider consulting your veterinarian to recommend exercise appropriate for your particular spinone as well as a diet with the proper balance of calories and nutrients which will keep the fat off, if necessary.
2. Keep your spinone's living and sleeping areas clean, dry and warm at all times. If you have several spinoni, make certain your "senior" spinone has ample opportunity to eat and drink without having to compete with younger dogs.
3. Periodically check the mouth for reddened gums, loose teeth or unusual swellings of any kind. Check eyes for redness, unusual cloudiness or discomfort, or discharges.
4. Thoroughly groom and inspect your older spinone regularly. Not only will this remove dead or tangled hair and debris from the coat, but it will allow you to notice sores, rashes, lumps, parasites (like ticks), unusual discharges or other physical changes which may be hidden from view in the coat. To protect and maintain healthy skin and hair, your older spinone will need an appropriate high quality diet with the right levels of certain essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E as well as zinc to promote proper hair growth and skin cell turnover
5. If your spinone's eyesight is impaired, avoid moving furniture or other familiar objects in the home unnecessarily. In general, older dogs seem to do better when their lives follow a consistent routine.
6. Note if your spinone has regular bowel movements and can urinate easily. If increased water drinking or unusually large or small volume of urine is passed for twenty-four hours or more, consult with your veterinarian, this may be a sign of kidney problems or diabetes.
7. Take your older spinone to your veterinarian regularly for geriatric check-ups, even if he or she seems perfectly well. A professional examination may uncover some problem in its earliest stages when it will be easiest to treat. If you notice some change in your spinone's behavior or appearance at home, call or see your veterinarian without delay. Small problems can quickly become big ones in older dogs. Follow your veterinarian's recommendations for regular exercise, administration of any medication, and proper diet very closely. Ask about the advisability of spaying or neutering your pet now.
8. Avoid feeding commercial "treats" and table foods which are generally high in sodium. If you want to reward your pet, feed kibbles of the dry food your veterinarian recommends.
The right diet is important at every stage of a spinone's life, but never more than during the senior years. Even though your spinone may not act much differently, his or her body is going through many changes. These changes influence the type of food an older dog should be fed. Through diet, you can help manage the risk of obesity, heart failure, kidney failure, skin and digestive problems and others, by controlling certain nutrients such as sodium, phosphorus, protein and fat. For example, dietary salt intake should be reduced for the older spinone while other vital nutrients must be present in a highly available form to meet the senior dog requirements. The proper diet provides just the right balance of nutrients needed for tissue maintenance and repair, like high quality protein, fatty acids, vitamins and certain minerals. Excesses of nutrients are avoided, reducing the strain on aging vital organs. If your older spinone has reduced calorie needs, the proper diet will provide essential nutrients balanced to a higher fiber, lower fat content to reduce the risk of obesity.
Keeping your older pet happy and healthy is a matter of regular medical check-ups, care, proper exercise and home care, and nutrition designed especially for your pet's healthy golden years. And care and love from you, of course!
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MOBILE | An agreement between union longshoremen and shipping companies on the key contract issue of royalty payments should avoid a strike that could have hurt Alabama's automotive industry, the head of the state port said Friday.
MOBILE | An agreement between union longshoremen and shipping companies on the key contract issue of royalty payments should avoid a strike that could have hurt Alabama's automotive industry, the head of the state port said Friday.
While issues remain to be negotiated on a dock workers' contract covering the East Coast and Gulf Coast, Lyons said they're "not that big" compared with previous topics. The national union agreed Friday to extend its contract for 30 days.
"I don't see anything that would prevent ... an agreement over the next 30 days," Lyons said.
An Alabama-based leader of the International Longshoremen's Association wasn't as optimistic.
"It is too early for people to be saying that the chance for a strike is over. We still have a ton of issues to bargain over nationally, and there is local bargaining for some that has to be achieved," said Mark Bass, president of Local 1410 in Mobile.
The union has about 800 members in Mobile, Bass said.
Lyons estimated union membership in Mobile at around 400 of the roughly 3,000 people whose jobs are tied directly to the port.
The extension agreement Friday averted a possible strike that could have begun Sunday. The protest will likely not take place now that the union and an alliance of port operators and shipping lines resolved a main issue involving royalty payments to longshoremen for each container they unload.
Lyons said a longshoremen's walkout would affect container shipments through Mobile, which handles about 2 million tons of such imports and exports annually.
While container shipments represent less than 10 percent of the total tonnage that moves through the port each year, Lyons said the cargo shipped in the big steel boxes includes important quantities of auto parts, manufacturing items and chemicals.
The docks rely on union members to move the containers on and off ships, and a walkout would cause problems far north of Mobile, Lyons said.
"Hyundai Manufacturing would have a tough time," Lyons said. "We do roughly 400 containers for them a week, so it would have affected them."
The union has five locals in Mobile, and workers had begun preparing for a strike before the extension, Bass said. He said a strike could have a ripple effect through the state.
"It would be a pretty big deal to have Hyundai, Mercedes, other auto companies, the paper industry, have an impact with this," he said.
Bass, a member of one of the union's national negotiating teams, said he hoped the sides can avoid a strike, but he isn't certain.
"There is still some important talking to be done," Bass said.
Lyons said a strike wouldn't hurt Mobile as badly as East Coast ports because the percentage of union members is far less in Alabama than other places.


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PHILADELPHIA – Andy Reid doesn't know if all nine of his picks can play.
But he's certain the Eagles had a good draft.
It was obvious when Big Red curbed his enthusiasm after trading up to get massive defensive tackle Fletcher Cox in the first round.
Clear when Reid couldn't stop yapping about quarterback Nick Foles, the third-round pick, almost until midnight the second day of the draft.
Confirmed when the Big Guy plugged general manager Howie Roseman on the final day. Reid makes the final decisions again, while Roseman has taken on a more supportive role in the draft and personnel matters compared to the previous two seasons, according to sources.
The preparation, the attention to detail and the execution in this Eagles draft was like an Andy Reid game plan the week after a bye.
The Eagles set themselves up for a solid draft by re-signing wide receiver DeSean Jackson, signing offensive tackle Demetress Bell to replace the injured Jason Peters, locking up other veterans long-term and even adding veteran defensive tackle Derek Landri for depth.
It gave the Birds flexibility to avoid drafting for need and go for the best players left on their draft board. In about four months we'll know if their ratings improved.
'I think the foundation that was set going into the draft allowed you to do that,' Reid said. 'So I go back and tell you that I thought (Roseman) did a heck of a job of re-signing our own players which then allowed you to go into this draft and say, listen, we don't have to force a thing. Let's just sit there and if somebody falls we have enough ammo to get you but yet we don't have to force one thing.'
The Eagles guaranteed themselves a solid draft trading up three spots to select Cox, the top-rated player still on their board. Plan B would have been defensive tackle Michael Brockers. Cox is about as safe a pick as you can get. His ceiling is scary. He dropped modestly due to trades.
On the second day the Eagles drafted slightly for need with their second pick as they grabbed Mychal Kendricks in the second round. The 5-11, 240-pound linebacker will be groomed to cover tight ends.
The Eagles got back to their best-player available philosophy in the second round, choosing Vinny Curry, a pass rusher a handful of other teams liked.
The addition of the 6-5 Foles completed the day. Look at his highlights, the way he gets rid of the ball, throws to spots and gets it there accurately and on time, and you're going to smile.
The third day of the draft was a lot like the second day.
The Birds chose cornerback Brandon Boykin (5-9, 182) of Georgia in the fourth round. Offensive tackle Dennis Kelly (6-8, 321) of Purdue was their guy in the fifth round. In the sixth round the Eagles selected wide receiver Marvin McNutt (6-3, 216) of Iowa, who had 28 touchdown receptions his last three seasons.
If Boykin's fractured fibula is OK he could be the slot corner of the future. He also returns punts and kickoffs. Boykin says he will be good to go in the Eagles' rookie camp in two weeks.
'I played in the slot a whole lot,' Boykin said. 'I played every third down situation. When we were doing nickel packages I would play. I played outside whenever it was first or second down and then I would slide from the outside to the nickel position. So I'm pretty comfortable with both.'
Kelly played every snap at left tackle in a 12-game season for the Boilermakers, who tied the school record with five straight games of 200or more rushing yards. The converted tight end is coveted by offensive line coach Howard Mudd. Last year Mudd liked sixth-round center Jason Kelce, who started every game.
Curry, the self-proclaimed Eagles fan, adds drama, for he's convinced his destiny was to play for the Birds. He said the Brian Dawkins retirement ceremony he attended made Saturday 'the best day of my life.'
Curry also was so overwhelmed talking to Eagles past and present that current quarterback Michael Vick pulled him aside.
'He said 'You're not a fan anymore, you're my teammate,' Curry said.
Curry was a Prop 48 student-athlete at Marshall. He was tutored pre-draft by Pete Jenkins, the former defensive line coach of the Eagles. Seems a lot like Trent Cole, just a few rounds earlier.
The Eagles took a seventh-round flier on Bryce Brown (6-0, 224), a highly recruited running back who transferred from Tennessee to Kansas State during a head coaching change. Brown sat out a year and apparently didn't like his part-time role enough to stick around last season. Reid's source told him as much. Brown won't make or break the draft.
Reid said he likes his safeties, and that's why he didn't draft one. The Eagles have time to get one if that plan doesn't work.
Speaking of work, Reid is encouraged with the effort players are putting into the offseason conditioning program.
Now it's time to bring it together. Instead of a lot of moving parts the Eagles can keep to the schedule of Andy Reid, the ultimate control freak. The 2011 free agent frenzy clearly didn't suit his style.
'It doesn't matter how much talent, it's coming together as a football team,' Reid said. 'When we were accumulating all the talent there's a process that has to take place and we're on a fast clock. It's not an excuse because everybody had the same clock.
'Sometimes it's getting slapped right upside the head. Sometimes that's what happens. That's what happened. Our guys rebounded. They didn't lie down and cry. They stood up and kept fighting and finished strong.'
For now, you can say the same thing about Andy Reid.


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About TheWebb
Down with the TSA.
Down with the Patriot Act.
End the bureaucracy! We need our liberties back!
So the terrorists now know to NOT drive through Tennessee. Good job TSA. What a brilliant plan!
Somehow the TSA must have caught the story about Tennessee law officers stopping cars and seizing any cash they "suspect" is drug money. So perhaps since the law in Tennessee is already violating the 4th amendment and getting away with it, then it must be ok?
The TSA has done nothing to PREVENT terrorist attacks. All the TSA has done is take away our Liberty. Now they are ignoring our 4th amendment.
It's about time to abolish the TSA. We have an election coming up, please vote for someone that is committed to abolishing the TSA. Ron Paul said he would, are there other candidates?
By Netflix being proactive with refunds, the company recognizes the art of customer service. Keeping customers is more important than gaining new customers and ,quite frankly, is much easier. Netflix has set a precedence so the next time it has an outage like this, their customers will expect an automatic refund, but I'm sure Netflix realizes this. In the world of business, good business ethics are hard to come by.
Disclaimer: I am not a Netflix subscriber and commend Netflix for their actions.
Couldn't the consumer rights organizations bring this to court or some sort of congressional hearing? Any 'treaty' to be made with other countries is not a 'state secret'. This isn't some sort of dictatorship and if actions like this should continue, then impeachment should be the end result.
The simplicity of Craigslist has made it popular in the same way that Goolge tries to keep things simple. People want simplicity, not flash advertisement that takes over your screen and even produces audio over your speakers. I use Craigslist with caution remembering the "buyer beware" motto.
I look at these sites like apartment complexes. An apartment manager is not liable for the actions of a tenant. If someone complains to the apartment complex manager, then the manager addresses the tenant. I'd like to see the police go after an apartment manager for criminal activies performed by a tenant. That just doesn't happen. I think this is the point that Mike was trying to make with his analogy.
I also agree with Mike on the point that Google provides a service not content. Using any of Google's services is much like taking a taxi cab. I certainly wouldn't blame the cab driver for a not so good meal at a restaurant.
Our country is becoming more service oriented and people are struggling with that, especially older generations that grew up during the industrial age. Porter should focus on companies that don't innovate or provide services their customers actually want. While the rest of corporate America struggles (and some crumble) in a down economy, Google is still going strong and will not be asking Congress for any bailout money.
Does this mean everyone should love Google? Absolutely not. There are plenty of other service providers out there for those that despise all things Google.
The Author's Guild has failed to realize that not everyone owns a Kindle. People still buy books and people still buy audio books. Text to speech is useful but does not replace a narrated story by a skilled actor.
One has to wonder if Microsoft focused more on Windows Vista and less on silly patents, then perhaps Vista could have turned out better? Focus effort on innovation. If someone copies your innovation, out innovate them.
I hope the new administration reforms the patent system. It is desperately over due!
If I were him, I would move to the US after completing probation.
People remove governors on their cars to get higher speeds and rpms. People even remove smog equipment and replace before smog inspections. Granted, not every person does that. But what makes them think that people won't disconnect their GPS devices? Or that they can't be cloned? I like the foil option, especially since it won't rust. :)
This baffles me because the cost to create the infrastructure and install equipment in every car does not justify the means. If the goal is to tax on mileage, then why not do that at registration time? Inspect the vehicle for mileage and tally the difference from the prior year. This would be more cost effective in my opinion.
And yes, people could crack their odometer, so there is no fool proof method.
Do as I say and not as I do. :)
I took extra measures to add the Google Lab in Gmail so the Reply All button appears by default. :)
In the business world, the Reply to All button should be removed from the quick menu bars but not the actual drop down menus. This doesn't prevent the use of reply to all, but rather makes it a more conscientious decision.
The university should reconfigure their email system. Most have an option to reject emails with more than X recipients. If this is a result of emailing a particular group, then that group should be eliminated or modified to allow allow emails from certain people. These problems occur in the business world as well, but the answer is not discipline, but rather teaching email etiquette.
Instead of modifying the policy for future abusers, why not be proactive and prevent issues like this by reconfiguring their email system?
I've been reading Techdirt for years and still love it. I love the way you guys instill humor by sharing your opinions. Journalism is an art that seems to be lost by many. Sure the facts are important, but reporting the facts without taking a personal position makes for a boring story. I say leave the facts and boring stories to the AP. Real journalists put a piece of themselves in the article. Good job!!
Once upon a time, the default on T-mobile was no passcode, although you could set one if you chose to. Now, T-mobile makes you set a passcode, with the option to not have one if you choose.
It's kinda like when Microsoft included a firewall in Windows XP but left it off by default, then turned around and made it on by default in SP2.
I have been using T-mobile for a few years now. I like not having a passcode set. I have no interesting voicemails, so I'm not worried about someone hacking them. LOL
Glad to see the FTC is stepping in and taking action. As a computer tech, removing these rogue programs can be cumbersome as they often open doors for other forms of malware to infect the system.
It would make more sense for BlockBuster to have a channel in my Entertainment On Demand with Charter Cable. Then I could just order the movie from it. Sure, cable is their competition, but why not form partnerships so they both win?


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Activision announces that Call of Duty: Black Ops has set a new entertainment industry record for five-day worldwide sell through in dollars, with $650 million in sales. This exceeds the $550 million taken in by Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, though all of this is based on "internal Activision estimates," as we're not sure anyone has ever focused so on sales for a five-day period. "Call of Duty has become the first entertainment property in history to set five-day launch records for two consecutive years across all forms of entertainment," said Robert Kotick, CEO, Activision Blizzard. "The title's success illustrates the mass appeal of interactive entertainment as millions of consumers are choosing to play Call of Duty: Black Ops at unprecedented levels rather than engage in other forms of media. The number of people playing online and the number of hours they are playing demonstrates how online gaming has become a mainstream form of entertainment and certainly validates Activision Blizzard's leadership role in online entertainment."
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