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State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland issued a statement today on North-South negotations related to Sudan. Spokesperson Nuland said:
"The United States is encouraged by the July 4 meeting between Sudanese President Bashir and First Vice President Kiir at the Extraordinary Session of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development on Sudan in Addis Ababa. We welcome the commitment that Sudan's leaders made to continue negotiations on outstanding issues following South Sudan's independence on July 9. We urge the parties to set a firm deadline -- no later than the end of July -- for the resolution of these issues. Leaving key issues unresolved risks undermining the prospects for a positive and cooperative future relationship between Sudan and South Sudan.
"We also welcome the leadership of Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi in convening the parties only five days before South Sudan's independence, and appreciate the on-going work of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel in facilitating ongoing discussions between Sudanese leaders.
"Recently the parties have made encouraging progress on interim arrangements for Abyei and security arrangements for the border zone between the North and South. Discussions on other areas, such as debt relief and currency, have also advanced. While these agreements reflect significant achievements, we remain concerned that several critical outstanding issues remain unresolved, including questions relating to the oil sector and the final status of Abyei.
"The United States also calls on the parties to end the fighting in Southern Kordofan, and to facilitate unfettered access for aid workers to deliver humanitarian assistance to innocent civilians affected by the conflict. We are concerned that President Bashir has raised objections to the political and security framework agreement previously negotiated by the National Congress Party and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North. We urge the Government of Sudan to work with the African Union High Level Implementation Panel urgently to overcome any objections so the vitally important discussions called for in that agreement can proceed."
You can also read the Spokesperson's statement here.
James in Nevada writes:
Hopefully, a cease-fire can be worked out soon for the skirmishes happening on the border between North and South Sudan.
Tionne in U.S.A. writes:
It is so refreshing to find a blog post where the author wants to communicate something of value without enticing the reader to buy their latest ebook.


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Los Alamos National Laboratory
A picture of leadership: portrait helps commemorate Los Alamos anniversary
- Fred deSousa
- Communications Office
- (505) 665-3430
Family of Gen. Leslie Groves donates official portrait to Historical Society
LOS ALAMOS, N.M., April 5, 2013—He was known as a gruff taskmaster – even called "arrogant" by some. But Gen. Leslie Groves teamed with some of the world's foremost scientists to run the Manhattan Project, which produced world-changing nuclear technology and brought an end to the last war of global scale.
Today, as part of commemorations of the 70th anniversary of Los Alamos National Laboratory, the family of Gen. Groves donated his official military portrait to the Los Alamos Historical Society. Groves was commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Manhattan Engineer District.
Charlie McMillan is the 10th director of the Laboratory, the latest in the line of successors to Groves' scientific counterpart J. Robert Oppenheimer. "In an astoundingly short period of time, Gen. Groves created the places where the world's best minds would solve our most pressing national security problems," McMillan said. "And that work continues today."
Also present at today's unveiling was Lt. Col. Antoinette Gant, commander of the Albuquerque District of the Army Corps of Engineers. "The Corps and Los Alamos were fortunate to have Gen. Groves," Gant said, "his drive, his expertise, and his experience. The Manhattan Project did not 'just happen,' as the author Robert Norris wrote. 'It happened in a certain way. The Groves way.'"
Today also marks the 70th anniversary of the first major scientific conference at Los Alamos, which began on April 5, 1943.
For more information on the Laboratory's history, click here.
About Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, BWXT Government Group, and URS, an AECOM company, for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.

subset: commoncrawl


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Dakota Zoo Photo Contest
Photo contests are for Dakota Zoo members AND visitors. Spring/Summer contest starts May 15, 2016 and ends September 5, 2016.
Prizes are awarded in three age categories: 12 and under, 13-18, and 19+
Photos must be taken at the Dakota Zoo from public walkways or viewing areas.
All Zoo safety rules must be followed including NO going over fences or other dangerous behaviors.
A maximum of three photos may be submitted by each photographer.
All submitted photos must be either 5" X 7" or 8" X 10" and dry mounted.
Each photo must have the photographer's name, address, phone and membership number (if applicable) clearly printed on the back of the mounting board.
Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd in each of the three age categories.
Photos will be judged on interest, composition, and technical quality.
All photographs will be displayed at the Dakota Zoo for one month after the contest end date.
Entrants will be notified when photos are available for pickup--we will not mail photographs.
Winners may be asked to allow the Dakota Zoo to use their photographs for publications and electronic communications.
Be sure to check the Schedule of Events for dates and times.


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Overcast ~
High: 57°F ~ Low: 56°F
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017
Walking in ShelbyvillePosted Monday, October 8, 2012, at 9:39 AM
I have never been abroad, so my first impression of America was this: it was far away in distance and close in heart. It was far away because it took me about 15 hours to arrive here by plane; it was close because when I stepped on the land of America which is a new place to me, I was deeply touched by the familiar feeling of "home".
After the tough examinations and intense training at Hanban, I became a Chinese teacher at the Confucius Institute (CI) and was assigned to the CI in Middle Tennessee State University to teach Chinese language. When I arrived here, my tiredness and drowsiness were driven away by the hospitality of Cheryl Harris, Cynthia Jones, Mindi Dewitt, and Dulcie Davis who met me in the airport.
Stepping out of the plane, I saw them waving to me in the distance, holding a yellow banner with red words "Welcome Wang Dongmei to Thomas Magnet School."
I walked towards them eagerly and took the beautiful flowers they passed to me. One thing I needed to remember was that they had been waiting for me for more than 3 hours since my plane was delayed. I felt so warm and moved at that moment. Later I went to my host family's home, Ms. DeWitt.
I am prepared for the new environment in America and have realized some possible difficulties that I will have to face here, such as different time zones, food, homesickness, cultural shocks and of course English language. To be honest, I am ready and quite excited for my new job which will be introducing Chinese language and culture to my wonderful students.
The second day I arrived in Shelbyville, I felt refreshed and got up very early. One of my colleagues, Kathy, took me to lunch. On the way, I was full of joy when I saw the beautiful scenery of Tennessee which was totally different from Hangzhou where I came from. It is so peaceful and quiet here! The vast grasslands with white fences and exquisite houses, which are typical of American rural scenery, are beautiful. Shelbyville, a quiet town, looks like a painting of Nature. To my surprise, I like food here, too, such as salad and potato skins which I ate at Legend's. I am so pleased that I have three years to enjoy all kinds of local food.
I will be a Chinese teacher in Thomas Magnet School which is an excellent primary school. The principal, Mrs. Davis, showed me around on the first day of my work and I was profoundly impressed by the different styles of decorations of each classroom, vivid and lively teaching ways of the teachers, and the lovely and active pupils here. Knowing that I would be their Chinese teacher, the students all greeted me in Chinese "Nihao" which made me so welcomed and moved. When they told me that they learned "Nihao" from TV, I felt their curiosity and interest about China and Chinese culture and I am determined to offer them more chances to know my homeland--China.
I've been here for only 3 weeks, and my new friends have helped and supported me a lot. They become my new family and I want to thank them again: they are Cindy, Cheryl, Mindi, Ms. Davis, Janice, Missy, Janet and her family, and Leandra and her family.
A new day will begin and embracing the brilliant sunshine we will move forward together.
Showing comments in chronological order
[Show most recent comments first]
I will be looking forward to reading your blogs!
-- Posted by bbbluebird on Mon, Oct 8, 2012, at 11:49 AM
WELCOME to Shelbyville, Mei! So many of us are very happy to have you here to work with our school children and our great school system. You will make many, many friends in Shelbyville.
Again, WELCOME to the USA and Shelbyville.
-- Posted by Mi on Mon, Oct 8, 2012, at 1:38 PM
Welcome to the USA and to Tennessee. May your stay be filled with much pleasure.
-- Posted by leeiii on Mon, Oct 8, 2012, at 4:00 PM
Welcome! I am truly pleased that you have joined us not only as a teacher, but a blogger as well.
I hope all your students absorb all you have to offer. It is an excellent opportunity.
-- Posted by stevemills on Tue, Oct 9, 2012, at 8:36 AM
Welcome to Shelbyville!! I love the Chinese culture and language. Would you be willing to teach some conversational classes to adults as well? I'd love to learn!
-- Posted by cherylrichardson on Tue, Oct 9, 2012, at 12:08 PM
I also welcome you to Shelbyville and the United States. I hope you have a wonderful experience staying here and that the students learn alot about China and its culture and while doing so, I hope you learn alot about us and our way of life. I think that is the best way for two countries to truly understand each other when situations like this occur. I hope you always feel welcomed during your stay here and that you get to enjoy what we have to offer here like the beautiful parks we have in the area and especially the great southern food (we definitely love to share food with new people). :-)
-- Posted by jaxspike on Tue, Oct 9, 2012, at 12:11 PM
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Dongmei Wang was selected as a teacher by a team of local educators who traveled to China to interview candidates. Wang, 41, is considered key to the formation of Chinese culture programs at TMS and throughout the county. Wang holds a degree in Chinese literature from Kaifeng College; a bachelor's degree in broadcasting and hosting and a master's degree for college teachers, both from the Shanghai Theatre Academy, China. In addition to being an instructor at Qianjiang College of Hangzhou Normal University for many years, she has also served as a professor at the Zhejiang University of Technology and the Zhejiang Jiangnan TV Arts College. She's a recognized face on television in her region, working as a hostess, planner and editor of television programs in Kaifeng and Suzhou.
Hot topicsDongmie Wang-Chinese Teacher at Thomas Magnet School
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Good morning.
We never forget a familiar face, especially when that face spans 14,000 square feet with eight bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. This week, our eyes are trained on homes made famous on the big screen and new listings that make a lasting impression.
– Neal J. Leitereg and Lauren Beale
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Cameo appearance
Given the movie's title, one would think that "Beverly Hills Cop" was shot exclusively in 90210. However, the final shootout scene was actually...


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EMC Appointment: Partners Positive About Sakac's New Post Atop VCE
Chad Sakac, a top engineering exec at EMC known for his smarts and his influential Virtual Geek blog, was made head of the converged division Wednesday.
Head-To-Head: Samsung Chromebook Plus Vs. HP Chromebook 13
The CRN Test Center compares two game-changing new takes on the Chromebook concept. Here's how the Samsung Chromebook Plus stacks up against the HP Chromebook 13.
10 Cloud Predictions For 2017
With 2016 in the rearview mirror, here are 10 developments that cloud industry experts tell CRN are in store for 2017.
5 Companies That Had A Rough Week
For the week ending Jan. 20, CRN looks at IT companies that were unfortunate, unsuccessful or just didn't make good decisions.
Of The Channel
Leadership, mentorship, career and life advice for women in the IT channel.


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Location: 3rd Floor - Library
Course ID: L10081402
Number of Sessions: 1
Credits: 1 1 MCLE Credit: 1 Skills; Transitional
Course Description: This course is designed to introduce Lexis.com users to tools and
techniques for more efficient, cost effective research using advanced features on Lexis.com. Users will learn how to conduct structured and strategic legal research using Lexis Head notes, segments, FOCUS® and terms and connectors. Users will also explore searching by legal topics, using alerts and advanced Shepard's® searching and be introduced to time-saving tools like Get and Print and Shepard's Brief check. Upon completion of the course, users will know how to zero in on specific areas of law and search across a wide variety of content types. They will also know how to easily modify and sharpen queries, find more relevant information, and get up to the minute alerts on new case developments. Note: CLE certificates will be issued to participants from the LexisNexis offices.
Faculty: Lexis Staff Attorney


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Peach faced lovebirds$60
Cockatoo gender: boy. About 3 years old it's very playful, friendly an loves to talk and whistle. Friendly with kids an loves meeting new people Likes…$1,300
Female goffin cockatoo adult semi tame but still good breeder cannot ship sorry$1,200
I have blue and green black masked one for 60 or 2 for 100 I also got baby black masked lovebirds for 75 tame$60
2 and half year old female cockatiel for sale with cage and stand $100.$100
I have one baby Macaw left, He/she is weaned now and ready to go. 3 months old. Dont be scammed by the adds on this site - I've looked over the site and…$1,300
African grey parrot, talks and sings is not hand tame but will fly on you needs time and attention to hand tame him but a lovely parrot, comes with cage…$600
For sale beautiful hand reared baby African grey 5month old . all ready started talking saying hello . With DNA Please no time waster. Can deliver for…$600
Seeking the right home for Maui, a two year old yellow sided green cheek conure. Maui is a funny, energetic, inquisitive little conure who loves to be…$400
Pet, hasn't been handled for a while but can be handled.$1,000


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If anyone had told me 16 years ago that I would be sitting in my high school auditorium with my husband, my bubbe, my father and my fatherâs... More.
Linens and things
March 17, 2008 | 12:04 pm
"We need towels."
I turn to my husband as we poke through the linen closet.
"How is it we don't have towels? We have a cabinet full of sheets for a bed we... More.


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Here's how RW members rated this race in the past (593 votes).
In full: Another year and a great race brilliant as always thanks to the organisers and all those smilin marshalls well done would not happen with out your effort keep up the good work Date of review: December 6, 2011
In short: Great fun muddy event - recommended In full: This legendary event is all it's cracked up to be. A race of friendly and helpful runners, excellently organised and marshalled by the friendly and helpful Bitton Road Runners and crew, what more could you want? Mud? Yup got that.... a fair bit of marshy stuffHills? At least one to challenge any tired legs. Confused cow? Yup a few of them. Certainly enough entertainment to keep you amused on an autumnal morning. Date of review: December 5, 2011
In short: Great fun, doesn't get any easier!!Date of review: November 29, 2011
In short: Someone told me it was a flat road race....In full: Hats off to Bitton Road Runners (although there was precious little "road" in the slog!) for organising such a superb event.This isnt a race where you can think about a PB, this isnt a race where having the newest kit matters - this is a stripped down, the reason we run sort of race and long may it continue!Date of review: November 29, 2011
In short: Fab race as always, mud, muck, filth and most of all fun!Date of review: November 26, 2011
In short: Great eventIn full: Enjoyed my first SlogDate of review: November 24, 2011
In short: This was my third Slog and it is definitely one of my all-time favourite races!! One of the reviewers said how it makes one feel alive - I'd agree wholeheartedly with that!! And thanks for the jelly beans too!Date of review: November 21, 2011
In short: Best race of the yearIn full: 2nd year completed, looking forward to number 3; I would travel from the other side of the world to be in the Slog.Great race filled with fantastic people, support, fun, pain and memories that will last a lifetime.Hats off to Gordon and Bitton RR.Date of review: November 19, 2011
In short: It is the 8th wonder of the world!In full: All 7 wonders of the world have to be visited and experienced, They are set in beautiful settings and structures are well maintained. Therefore the Slog is the 8th wonder of the world! i.e. the sheep dip is magnificently maintained full of stinky muddy water, the ditches are easily accessible by slippy, muddy sandbags. The surrounding landscape is picturesque, the livestock and crowds are well trained to observe, clap and cheer. The Slog is an experience to be revisited time and time again!Date of review: November 18, 2011
In short: Mad Glorious Mud!In full: Great race Bitton!Date of review: November 17, 2011
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GREEN BAY, Wis. — Cornerback Tramon Williams doesn't think the Green Bay Packers defense has something to prove in Sunday's NFC wild-card playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.
"We just need to win," Williams told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. "That's the only thing that's going to prove anything.
"They've put up big yards against us the past couple times we played. You're going to hear the same thing over and over — 'Those guys didn't play well.' But if they would've put up big yards on us and we still would've won the game, you really wouldn't have heard about it as much."
The 49ers ended the Packers' 2012 campaign Jan. 12, racking up 323 of their 579 net yards on the ground in a 45-31 divisional playoff win at Candlestick Park. The recipe was different but the result the same in this season's opener in San Francisco, with the 49ers passing for 404 of their 494 yards in a 34-28 triumph.
LONG-TERM RIVAL: Bears lock up Cutler through 2020
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers' return makes the Packers a postseason threat. But their 25th-ranked defense is a primary reason they're 2½-point underdogs Sunday at Lambeau Field.
"They're a physical team," Packers nose tackle Ryan Pickett said of the 49ers, who finished the season third in rushing and 30th in passing despite their impressive air show in the opener.
"They like to rely a lot on the offensive line and (running back) Frank Gore. We feel like we're a physical team, and we like our matchup with our defensive line (against) their offensive line."
VIDEO: 49ers-Packers preview
USA TODAY Sports' Tom Pelissero breaks down the game between San Francisco and Green Bay at Lambeau Field.
Then what happened less than four months ago, when quarterback Colin Kaepernick had one of his best games all season — 27-for-39 passing for 412 yards and three touchdowns — and mocked Packers pass rusher Clay Matthews afterward for his threats of physical play?
The book on Kaepernick is to make him stay in the pocket and go through his reads, rather than creating once the play breaks down. According to several Green Bay players, they were too consumed with containment and stopping the read-option San Francisco barely ran.
"We just gave him a lot of time," Williams said. "Obviously, Kaepernick's going to create time just by his ability. But you can't give him time.
"We tried to make him throw out the pocket and have guys surrounding him but not really rushing him at that point, and you give any quarterback time — no matter if they're a good thrower, a bad thrower — they'll find somebody open."
The 49ers converted nine of 18 third downs and had four scoring drives of 76 yards or more, even though their bell cow, Gore, was limited to 44 yards on 21 carries.
"I don't really care what they think or what their game plan is," Pickett said. "We're worried about what we're going to do and how we're going to execute. We feel like if they do want to pound it it's to our advantage."
That might have something to do with the challenge of getting to Kaepernick without Matthews, who broke his right thumb for a second time Dec. 22.
Plus, the 49ers have additional weaponry in the passing game with receiver Michael Crabtree back from his torn Achilles.
But Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers' fire-zone scheme can leave creases in the run game. The Packers rank 25th against the run, allowing 125 yards a game at a 4.6-yard average, and haven't finished better than 14th since 2009, Capers' first year on the job.
"We've played without Clay before," defensive end Mike Daniels said. "I like to think we have some pretty good players on this defense, from top to bottom. I think we'll be fine. We just have to stop the run and get after the quarterback."
That can be easier said than done, as allowing 79 points and over 1,000 yards in their last two meetings with the 49ers demonstrates.
The Packers spent extra time on the tape from those two games this week, trying to — in Williams' words — "come up with a better game plan and just try to get the win."
He added, "We feel that coaches are doing a good job with it. We all took responsibility for what we feel we did do and what we didn't do, and we're here together right now with another try ahead of us.
"We'll be ready."


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So if AMD has a purple cash cow drawing the attention of some customers, they'd better inject some steroids and even if it would look like they are trying to split open the golden goose, they should really overclock the "purple cash cow" !
The chief executive officer of Advanced Micro Devices said that the company would be able to ship more ATI Radeon HD 5000-series graphics cards in the coming weeks. AMD admits that at present the situation with availability of the latest DirectX 11 graphics cards is improper. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is partly guilty of insufficient shipments of ATI Radeon HD 5000-series graphics cards.
"TSMC has made good progress with the 40nm technology. At this point our new ATI Radeon HD 5000 family is pulling on 40nm and as is always the case with the hot new product early in the launch: we are hand and mouth on supply. I expect that situation to improve over the coming weeks and months," said Dirk Meyer, chief executive officer of AMD.
At present ATI, graphics business unit of AMD, ships Radeon HD 5700 and 5800-series graphics processors and aims premium segments of the market. Unfortunately, due to relatively low yields of 40nm chips at TSMC, the company cannot ship enough DirectX 11 graphics chips to satisfy the demand.
AMD last week reported revenue for the third quarter of 2009 of $1.396 billion. Third quarter 2009 revenue increased 18% compared to the second quarter of 2009 and decreased 22% compared to the third quarter of 2008. In the third quarter of 2009, AMD reported a net loss attributable to AMD common stockholders of $128 million, or $0.18 per share, which includes a net favorable impact of $54 million, or $0.08 per share, primarily from a $66 million gain from the repurchase of debt. AMD's operating loss was $77 million.
Sales of AMD's processors and chipsets equaled $1069 million, whereas sales of graphics processing units achieved $306 million.
"Strong demand for our product and platform offerings combined with disciplined execution resulted in AMD Product Company achieving profitability in the third quarter. Growth in microprocessor and graphics unit shipments drove an 18% sequential revenue increase, while improved factory utilization rates, higher microprocessor average selling price and an increase in 45nm product shipments resulted in a gross margin improvement from the prior quarter," said Mr. Meyer.
Tags: ATI, AMD, Radeon, Evergreen, 40nm, Cypress, Juniper


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Therapeutic rituals focus on clinical healing within different contexts and client populations. This article explores the use of therapeutic ritual at individual and collective levels to help survivors of rape to heal. This technique is applied to both levels through a discussion of two rituals developed for rape survivors. Results of a study that examined participant comments about a collective ritual for healing are discussed. Findings indicate that participants attend the ritual to be supportive of others and to be supported themselves. Family members attend to obtain information about rape. This article explores practice implications from a service planning and implementation perspective.
Therapeutic ritual; Rape survivors; Individual ritual; Collective ritual; Community ritual; Ritual elements
Full Text:PDF
Copyright (c)
Indiana University School of Social Work
902 West New York Street
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, 46202
Voice: 317.274.6705
Indiana University - Quality Education. Lifetime Opportunities.
Last updated: November 20, 2007
Comments: email@example.com
Copyright 2007, The Trustees of Indiana University
Content ©2007 IUSSW


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The Isle Royale 40 - Page 3
"Owww, geez," Greg grumbled, rubbing his knotted quads and calves, echoing my exact thoughts. So we stopped to savor the view: the endless lake, rolling hills and tree-lined island ridges. To rest our muscles, we walked a few steps, jogged a little, walked again and determinedly plodded onward. Inspired by the desolate beauty, we gained strength from our partnership and suffering, and, as twins, we did not need to speak. Instead we gave knowing glances as we strode side by side to complete the longest run either of us had ever done.
Greg's wife, Laura, met us at Windigo when we finished, in 7 hours 7 minutes. Greg thought our accomplishment might be an unofficial record time, since he and other long-time IRNP employees had not heard of anyone running the island's length in a day. But setting a record was not our goal.
The "Isle Royale 40" remains in my psyche as a potent motivator to explore the vastness of our National Parks in search of something greater.
Scott Drum, 40, is a professor of exercise and sport science at Western State College of Colorado in Gunnison, Colorado. He continually craves the uniqueness of National Park trails and gets his fix most summers.
Trailhead: Isle Royale National Park, Michigan
Getting there. Options include a ferry or seaplane from the mainland. For ferry costs and schedules, check websites at: www.grand-isle-royale.com (Voyageur II; Grand Portage, MN); www.isleroyale.com (Isle Royale Queen; Copper Harbor, MI); and www.nps.gov/isro/ranger-iii.htm (Ranger III—the National Park Service's largest moving asset ... yes, it's a ship!—Houghton, MI). Note, ferry fees include $4-per-day park user fee.
For seaplane flights out of Houghton, Michigan, go to www.royaleairservice.com.
Permits. Backcountry permits are required to camp or dock anywhere on the island overnight (www.nps.gov/isro). No permit is needed for running continuous routes in a day. Park user fee: $4/day per person.
Accommodations. Rock Harbor is home to Rock Harbor Lodge and Marina (www.rockharborlodge.com) with a restaurant. All other accommodations are primitive campsites.
Other. Carry a water filter. There is no cell-phone coverage, so plan on being self sufficient. Sparse food/grocery odd-and-ends are available at Rock Harbor and Windigo, so plan to stockpile/bring your own food.
More info. Visit www.nps.gov/isro/index.htm. Maps are here: http://www.nps.gov/isro/planyourvisit/maps.htm.


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Expectations exceeded in Scots Science Scholars summer program
Expectations exceeded in Scots Science Scholars summer program
Sept. 13, 2013
Contact: Karen B. Eldridge, Director of Communications
865.981.8207; email@example.com
When classes at Maryville College started Aug. 28, 13 freshmen had already decided that the school – and specifically the Scots Science Scholars summer program – had exceeded their expectations.
"It just blows my mind how much I learned these last three weeks," said Jamel Foster of Gatlinburg, Tenn. "[The summer program] was a great bridge from high school that helped me get adjusted to college life."
The students were selected for the Scots Science Scholars program (dubbed S3) last spring. Funded with a four-year, $400,000 grant from the National Science Foundation, S3 aims to increase retention and graduation rates of students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) majors, especially first generation students and students from underrepresented groups.
The curriculum for participants is designed to build community and provide academic support, including a specialized first-year sequence tailored to appeal to the interests and needs of S3 students. Over their four years at MC, participants also will participate in research and leadership experiences that are integrated with the Maryville College core curriculum.
But it all begins with a three-week summer bridge program.
The first S3 class moved to campus July 31 and immediately jumped into a schedule that involved orientation sessions, classroom presentations, laboratory exercises and field trips that showed STEM principles at work in the world.
"We wanted to give them a taste of what doing science was like, both in college and after college," said Dr. Maria Siopsis, associate professor of mathematics and a co-principal investigator of the grant. "We have also observed that students who persist in the sciences are the ones that find a supportive group of students to work with, so we tried to facilitate that."
Several Maryville College professors and staff members were involved in giving presentations and in leading field trips and related discussions. Four peer mentors – Maryville College juniors and seniors who are pursuing a STEM major – were selected to assist the new students in and out of the classrooms, laboratories and field trips.
"Doing STEM"
According to Siopsis, math preparation and proficiency – quantitative literacy – is the single best indicator for STEM persistence nationwide. With that in mind, she and Dr. Angelia Gibson, associate professor of chemistry and a co-principal investigator of the grant, built an itinerary that sharpened students' skills in that area, introduced them to new concepts and built confidence.
They made sure the itinerary was fun, too.
Mountain Challenge set the stage for the summer by customizing outdoor adventure and recreation experiences for this STEM-focused group. Director Bruce Guillaume '76 related the ropes course to challenges of lab classes or difficult exams, and he discussed physics and engineering as it pertains to load capacity as students prepared for their 60-foot Alpine Tower climb.
The students also formed tight bonds with each other as they worked to complete the challenges Guillaume put in front of them.
Meeting with the owners and operators of CLIMB Works in Gatlinburg, they "did STEM," collecting data while they completed a zip line canopy tour. They used an accelerometer to determine velocities and distances traveled. The students also heard about the business' commitment to sustainability and their efforts to recycle and preserve the natural area in which CLIMB Works operates. In addition to the physics, ecology and engineering lessons at CLIMB Works, the students learned lessons about facing challenges as they zipped across lines that stretched up to 1,200 feet between trees.
Physics was also the emphasis of a trip to Dollywood, where students discussed physics laws and mathematical models in relation to amusement park ride, and they collected data while riding rollercoasters and other rides. The students also learned ornithology and ecology as they prepped for their fieldtrip, later attending the Birds of Prey show and Eagle Sanctuary exhibit at Dollywood.
They talked statistics while enjoying a Tennessee Smokies baseball game and explored the connections between math and art in another presentation.
To prepare them for success in their biology and chemistry classes, the students completed several research projects in the lab and in the field. The students measured the fluorescence of extracts from opiliones (granddaddy longlegs), synthesized magnetic nanoparticles and prepared organic plant extracts that they tested for antibacterial activity.
At the Great Smokies Institute at Tremont and Camp Montvale, students conducted a survey of salamanders to determine the biological health of the area and, paddling the Ocoee River and touring TVA dams, they learned about the environmental impact of dams, as well as key engineering and physics concepts related to hydroelectric dams.
On the Maryville College campus, students learned how to use maps, global positioning systems and compasses for field biology research in an orienteering session.
"It was a completely different experience than what I thought it was going to be," said Thomas Moore, a freshman from Richmond, Va. "It was great to go out and apply what we were learning from the professors."
Gaining confidence
Prior to the summer bridge program, Moore was seriously considering a pre-med route with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician. But after exposure to field biology and related labs, he's now considering an ecology focus.
Foster plans to pursue environmental engineering. It involves construction, with which he is familiar, and the outdoors, which he loves. The bridge program, he said, gave him skills not just for college studies but for his vocation.
"We learned problem-solving skills and dealt with open-ended questions," he said. "In high school, teachers always want the answer. [With STEM problems], sometimes the answer isn't known."
Cheyenne Gies, a freshman from Maryville, intends to major in math with teacher licensure. Observing Siopsis, Gibson and many other MC professors during the bridge program confirmed her vocational choice.
"They helped me realize how much more I want to teach," she said. "The professors really care about education and preparing us through this program."
Admitting that she worried about being able to handle the assignments of college, she said the bridge program helped her realize that she can succeed. And if she struggles, she knows people are around to help.
"This program was a lot of fun, but it was also a great way to introduce students to Maryville College," she said. "I got to know at least 10 professors; the peer mentors became like family."
And they got to know each other very well.
"The group has bonded and we are still seeing them, after the summer experience is over, hanging out together on campus," Gibson said. "We wanted to provide an opportunity where students could form a community that would be supportive of each other throughout the year, and I think we succeeded at that."
Successful summer
Just as the program exceeded the students' expectations, the students exceeded the professors' expectations.
"They were adventurous, inclusive, enthusiastic and eager to learn," Gibson said. "I was impressed with how closely they bonded to each other and how responsible they were. They did everything we asked them to do, and we asked a lot."
Siopsis added "willing to take risks" to the class' description and said all signs point to success at MC. In addition to students' attitudes, the faculty saw marked improvement on pre- and post-program tests in math and chemistry.
With the fall 2013 semester underway, the students in the S3 program are together in two First-Year Seminar courses taught by Siopsis and Gibson. With the aid of field trips and guest speakers, students continue to sharpen their skills, broaden their knowledge and explore career paths.
"Current MC students will be coming in to talk about summer internships they have done, and we have several alumni who are going to talk about life after majoring in science, math, computer science or engineering at MC," Siopsis said. "We'll also be hearing from other scientists and entrepreneurs about their career paths after graduating college, so the students should have a broad understanding of the possibilities available to them if they continue in STEM fields."
Students have already met four people who may be, eventually, among the most influential in their STEM pursuits.
"I think one of the most valuable experiences for the 13 first-year students was getting to see where they will be when they are juniors and seniors," Siopsis said. "Our peer mentors were assets in the lab and the classroom and assets as models of professional behavior. They were able to coach our first-year students through choosing their courses for fall semester, any issue related to student life, and the final presentations, which were impressive."
And as Siopsis and Gibson have designed the S3 peer mentor program, Foster, Moore and Gies may have the opportunity to be that influence for other students in just a few years.
Applications taken now
The Maryville College Admissions Office is recruiting now for the next S3 class. To apply, contact the Admissions Office at 865.981.8092 or fill out the online form.
Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state's third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for offering its students a rigorous and highly personal experience that includes an undergraduate research requirement, Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning that successfully joins the liberal arts and professional preparation. Total enrollment for the fall 2016 semester is 1,197.


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For this week's Fueled By Ramen contest we teamed up with Stageit.com and are giving away 6 tickets to see Nick Santino of A Rocket To The Moon play his favorite cover songs Sunday, May 20th at 8pm EST. One lucky grand prize winner will also receive an awesome A Rocket To The Moon t-shirt!
Janna Schiavo
The Mandager
Claire Gautrois
Tara Lee Miller *Grand Prize Winner
You Got Your Daddys Wallet
A Billion Bees


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Skip to comments.After Senate setback, Obama quietly moving forward with gun regulation (Tyranny alert)
Posted on 04/26/2013 6:27:53 PM PDT by RWB Patriot
A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Final Rule published today in the Federal Register and a news release issued Friday by the Department of Health and Human Services, followed up with a notice to be published tomorrow, are two developments all but ignored by the mainstream press even though Vice President Joe Biden announced last week that the administration would be using executive orders to advance gun control goals following a Senate battle that could not muster the votes to do so legislatively.
The Importation of Defense Articles and Defense Services -- U.S. Munitions Import List references executive orders, amends ATF regulations and clarifies Attorney General authority to designate defense articles and defense services as part of the statutory USML for purposes of permanent import controls, among other clauses specified in heavy legalese requiring commensurate analysis to identify just what the administrations intentions are. Among the speculations of what this could enable are concerns that importing and International Traffic in Arms Regulations may go forward to reflect key elements within the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty.
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
Mr. Rawles at Survivalblog says it best:
The time has come to impeach this commie SOB.
This usurper is begging for an armed revolution.
Uh huh, and who will convict? Reid's Senate? Obama could be taped setting kittens on fire, it wouldn't matter.
Be realistic. We. Are. Screwed.
0bumble is evolving into a dictator. A dictator, by definition, does what he pleases, unchecked by opposition.That pretty much sums up the Great Usurper.
if you won't even do something as simple as check his id... why do you think you'll be able to stop an all out full court press for their agenda?
yes he is
Setting kittens on fire wouldn't matter? He could have started the engines of the aircraft that hit the World Trade Center, and it wouldn't matter. There is nothing on earth that would matter.
We will not comply. Period.
What? Obama's a pole smoker?
There`s a Chinese restaurant on 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, but they don`t do takeouts.
or he may start a trade war
Let's not forget that it isn't just AKs and SKSs. A lot of handguns are "mil spec". My Taurus PT 92, pretty much any CZ, Bursa, H&K, Sig and lots of others were designed for local military. Pres. Obama's executive order could affect all of those.
Impeachment indeed. Obama isn't a president, he's a warning. A warning gone unheeded by most.
It is impossible for me to understand a Congress that is witnessing this and doing nothing.Impossible to understand a Senate that goes along with harry Reid and his crazed stunts. It has become impossible for me to understand Republicans who are trying to buy Hispanic votes when they know they will get none.
They abandon their base and will lose.
It is a helluva mess we are leaving our Grandkids.
big govt types, both dem and gop, both love increased power and control
"We will not comply. Period."
You gonna smuggle the stuff?
The whole point is to not confront YOU, the point is to cut off your supply chain.
Alan Keyes had this man pegged long ago
All these agencies that have the ability to 'rule' just didn't happen overnight, all that authority was not given to them yesterday....
We're watching the culmination of a brilliantly orchestrated overthrow of American liberty.
Winning elections is not going to stop or change ANY of this. To stop this...we must tear apart the government, strip away all the rules and regulations until all that is left is the bare bones being picked apart by the rapid few. Ha! There is not a patriot alive today with that kind of courage!
No FRiends we will be still and know. We will let the progressive liberalism cook away and ferment in its own blood. History shows the liberal does not learn from his mistakes, he is a stubborn donkey's rearend and with his feet firmly planted in the burning barn he will be consumed by the lamp of liberty he so casually kicked over.
For some reason EVERY politician and all corporations seem to be afraid of obama.
The Commerce Department falls under the administration. An executive order can shut off imports of any commodity from any foreign nation. Bush 41 banned AK lookalikes from China in 1989, Clinton tightened the China arms ban further in 1994.
"Stroke of the pen, law of the land, kinda cool." - Paul Forehead Begala, 1999
Obama can ban imports as he pleases with his eye on firearms & ammo. Only terrified Red State Democrats can stop him: "Mr. President, do you want us to retake the House in 2014, or do you want us to lose even more seats!!?"
If Obama bans foreign made & milsurp guns and the Republicans fail to hang that around every Democrat's neck, then we are even worse off than we thought.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


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Clarkson Life
Clarkson Life
The best way to learn about Clarkson University is to visit the website or the virtual tour. All REU students are housed free of charge in the Townhouse or in Woodstock Apartments. Cable TV, telephone and computer network access are supplied free of charge. You have to supply the TV and the telephone of course. All apartments have full kitchen for your cooking needs. The apartments are a short walk from the Science Center, Rowley Laboratories, or Center for Advanced Materials Processing (CAMP), where you'll be working.
You can use your food stipend to eat at the Cheel Campus Center, dine out at one of the fine restaurants in Potsdam, or buy groceries to make your own food. I highly recommend the Potsdam Food Co-op. You can buy many items in bulk there. This reduces your environmental impact and saves you money. The Co-op also carries organic and locally grown fruits and vegetables in addition to conventional produce. There are also farmers' markets in Canton on Tuesday and Friday and in Potsdam on Wednesday and Saturday. If you haven't been to the farmers' market yet, it's a great place to go for vegetables, cheeses, and baked goodies.
There are a lot of fun things to do in and around Potsdam. Swimming in the Raquette River or cliff jumping in Parishville is a fun way to cool off after a hot day in the lab. There are free outdoor concerts in nearby Madrid, NY. Tuesday is Open Mic Night at the Fields Coffeehouse. It's also fun to go to local festivals, such as the Canton Dairy Fair, the Potsdam Summer Festival, or the Celtic Festival (in Canada). To find out about local events, check out the North Country Now or Village of Potsdam websites.
For the athletically inclined, the Clarkson area offers endless roads for distance running, biking, or walking. Also, the university sports 2 weight rooms (free weights and nautilus), a 25m pool (with spa and sauna), an indoor track, basketball court, racquetball courts, and a new room for aerobic exercise equipment. All facilities are free to REU researchers, and exercise is often a good way to relieve any stress/pent up energy.


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{fashion inspiration : shoes, shoes, shoes}
Friday 24th August, 2012
by Roséline
. . . and just in time for the weekend, these extravagantly stunning gold creations, inspired by the recent olympic games in london, made of gold leather and an exquisite, handcrafted rose — by a couturier in paris, of gold leaf fabric that is over a hundred years old — can you ever imagine? and if had even the faintest idea before that such a thing as gold leaf fabric existed, the place would already be covered in it . . .
{p.s.} also inspired by the olympics & more freya rose x
manolo blahnik // jill stuart // maison martin margiela // valentino // mugnai // chanel // lanvin // louboutin // sergio rossi // bruno frisoni // magic in the air // chloé // charlotte olympia // zara glitter heels
[image : shoes by freya rose london; photography by naomi kenton for love my dress via heavenly bottoms]
These are stunning!!
Those are the most incredible shoes I've seen in a very long time. wow!
The golden shoes are darling.
What a stunning pair of shoes! NEEEEED.
Beautiful post, hun, per the usual!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Those are some stunning shoes!
This is beautiful! I love all of the pictures you post.
Just a few things:
Comments are moderated for spam. Please be certain to include your website url in the space provided, and not in the body of your comment. xo


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Ready to ride: American Legion Riders forming new chapter
MARSHALL – Local American Legion members are looking for some riders for a cause this spring.
Motorcyclists who are members of the American Legion, or affiliated groups like the Sons of the American Legion or Legion Auxiliary, are eligible to be part of a new chapter of the American Legion Riders.
"It was something we had discussed for the last year and a half or better," said Jeff Gay, commander of Legion Post 113 in Marshall. The post has started looking for charter members to form an ALR chapter.
The American Legion Riders are a group separate from the Legion, but you need to be a member of the Legion, Auxiliary, or S.A.L. to join, Gay said.
The Riders attend different events and participate in charitable work. One example is the Legion Legacy Run, a fundraising ride for the Legacy Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to children of U.S. military personnel killed since Sept. 11, 2001. Gay said he plans for the Marshall group to also be involved with youth education programs.
"The nice thing about the American Legion Riders is that it covers all facets of the organization," Gay said.
There are more than 100,000 ALR members around the country.
Gay said the drive to start a group of Riders got started after local Legion members were visited by members of the Montevideo chapter of the ALR in February.
The Montevideo ALR has proved to be a positive addition to its post, as well as encouraging people to join the Legion, Gay said.
Gay said at least five people are needed to charter an ALR group in Marshall. Hopefully, he said, there will be enough interest to get the Riders on the road in April. So far, there's been some interest from both Legion and S.A.L. members, he said.
For more information on the American Legion Riders or how to join, call (507) 530-8378.


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Daniel Biaggi, the general director of Palm Beach Opera, lets his eyes do the talking—or, more accurately, the singing. Chatting at the PBO offices in downtown West Palm Beach, he meets each question with an enthusiastic eyebrow raise or a meditative blue stare. His eyes tell the story of a man in love with the art of opera.
Biaggi, a classically trained singer originally from Switzerland, has been with Palm Beach Opera since 2005, serving as general director since 2009. Armed with both an artistic and producing background, he approaches managing the company from a personal and enthusiastic place. He sat down with PBI to discuss his philosophy for running an opera company and what viewers can expect from the 2014 season.
PBI: What first sparked your interest in opera?
Biaggi: The overall experience, the overall combination between music and drama and design and construction and project management. I came originally as a singer to the field. So, clearly, it was vocally driven in the beginning, but then it turned into this overall fascination of the many puzzle pieces that have to come together in order to create the show. And the uniqueness of it, because it's live, because it's non-amplified, because it's only in that moment. You bring people together from all over the world for a short period of time, they create an incredible experience for the audience and, then, they go off to their respective positions elsewhere in the world again.
Who and what are some of your personal favorite composers and operas?
I'm a big Verdi fan. It's sometimes easiest to put it in context; I would choose Verdi over Puccini, I would choose Wagner over Strauss. I wish we could do more Baroque operas. I've found Baroque opera is sometimes easier to update because people don't have this preconceived dramatic notion of what it's suppose to look like. Any piece we're working on at that moment becomes my favorite, because there's so much good stuff.
What is your philosophy for running an opera company in the twenty-first century?
We have to think of ourselves as a cultural institution but also a service organization. We really have to make sure we anchor ourselves into the community, not only by what we put on the main stage but, primarily, what we also do outside of the opera house, so that no community could envision itself without the opera company. I think the most important aspect for us to underline is that it's incredibly important for people to experience it, to be a part of it because it will make them better people. So, overall, that is my biggest drive, to make sure that we are really bound to the community. That manifests itself through educational programming, outreach programming, through taking things out of the opera house, like this big waterfront concert in December.
Can you tell us a little more about the Opera at the Waterfront concert?
Oh, it's brilliant. First of all, one of the biggest points: It's free. Everyone can bring their blankets, they can bring their kids, they can bring their whole family if they choose. We created it as a one-and-a-half-hour concert of mostly favorite arias and ensembles. We have some of our Palm Beach Opera soloists, the orchestra, the chorus, everything at the amphitheatre. We're now trying to see [if we can] create a special app that pushes information on tablets to get a little background on the piece. Maybe we'll have the audience choose what last piece they want to hear or second to last piece as an encore where they vote via text messaging.
Education is part of PBO's mission statement, how do you accomplish this educational outreach component?
It happens on several levels. [In the school system] we have our concert in the classroom program where we go into the schools so the kids have an interactive experience with an opera singer and a pianist. Then, the second step in that is when the schools come to us to watch a rehearsal. We also have our PBO studios for our high schoolers who already have an interest in music; it's almost like an apprentice program. They come to us over the season with after-school programs where we give them an introduction and they can either become part of the technical track...or, if they happen to be performance oriented, they get some voice lessons with the young artists, sit in on rehearsals and, at the end of the season, we put them in one of the performances. So that, together with the family opera, becomes the flagship of the educational performances.
And what about your Young Artist program?
So, part of the education aspect is growing a future audience..part of it is growing a future generation of artists. And so, that's the Young Artist program; these young singers went through leading conservatories, have done one or two internships in Young Artist programs in other opera companies. And then, they come to Palm Beach for five months and sing the comprimario roles, they sing the concerts in the community, they do the family opera, they do our One Opera in One Hour project at the Harriet Himmel Theatre.
Can you speak about the One Opera in One Hour project?
It's a dual-education process. [The Young Artists] get to work on dramatic development of a character in a condensed time frame on a different musical style, different languages—we do German, Russian, French, English works that maybe we can't do on the main stage. And, at the same time, for the audience it's also an education because it exposes them to repertoire we otherwise couldn't do.
Continue to page 2 for more with Biaggi.


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I've just got my first gaiwan and try to experment with the gong fu methood. Till now i haven't drunk many oolongs and did it the western way . I have this tea Spring Nonpareil Mt. Wudong Song Variety Huang Zhi Xiang(Gardenia) Phoenix Dan Cong. I have tried many settings regarding the brewing lengths.
the settings were: my 120ml gaiwan was filled 1/3 of it| I used 90c water| wash/20s/30s/40s and wash 15s/25s/35s.
still can't figure it out. The tea tases bitter and flat (i'm sure no liquid is left between steeps). I even tried comparing to my usual 5 min brew pot in the western style, and that tasted less bitter and more complex, but less stronger. Any advice, what is the recommened settings for this tea? as i've found the internet is full of completely different versions claiming what is the best way this tea is prepared. thanks


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Hometown Heroes Magnetic Scene
- Overview
Send kids off on an adventure with their favorite hometown heroes. Featuring original artwork from illustrator Jared Chapman, this magnetic play set includes figures that can be dressed as police officers, firefighters, EMTs, teachers, safety guards and more.
- 6.5" wide x 8" high x 1" thick
- Magnet sheets include doll, clothes and accessories.
- Magnets adhere to tin case for compact, portable fun.
- Set includes three sheets of magnets, two cards printed with background scenes and a hinged tin box.
- Ages 6 and up.
- Dimensions & Care
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- Shipping & Return Info
This is a general shipping item.
View Our Shipping Information
Return Policy
At Pottery Barn Kids, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment; upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage. We will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
If your return for Merchandise Credit Cards is greater than $10,000, we will issue $10,000 in Merchandise Credit Cards to you that day, and then mail additional Merchandise Credit Card(s) for the amount in excess of $10,000 to you.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items, which are identified by a price that ends in $0.99.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn Kids registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
For assistance, please contact Customer Service at 800.993.4923
International Returns: Online returns are available only for items that were shipped to the United States. If you would like to return items that were shipped outside the US, please see International Returns and Exceptions.


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Paid Virtual Focus Group on GIST
As part of our ongoing mission to empower Health Activists, WEGO Health will be hosting a paid focus group on behalf of one of our sponsors. This focus group will focus on the needs of the online GIST communities.
- This one-hour focus group is done online and on the phone
- Join us to share YOUR experience
- Give insight on what needs to change or is missing
To join the focus group, please share a bit of information in our form at right. If you'd like to recommend someone else for this group, feel free to share this page!


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The Financial Risks of Ecological Limits (November 2012)
Some of the economic implications of resource constraints were introduced to the world of international finance this week in London, when Global Footprint Network and the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), in collaboration with leading financial institutions, launched the E-RISC (Environmental Risk Integration in Sovereign Credit) report at Bloomberg, a leader in global financial data.
The interactive event drew over 150 participants, including representatives from leading financial institutions, investors, asset management firms and rating agencies, including Caisse des Depots, SNS Asset Management, Standard & Poor's, J.P. Morgan, KfW Bankengruppe, Deutsche Bank, HSBC and Barclays.
To date, tightening resource constraints and their impacts on national economies have been largely absent from financial analyses. The E-RISC report fills this gap by exploring to what extent resource and ecological risks can impact a nation's economy and how these factors affect a nation's ability to pay its debts.


text: The Creative Writing Programs Shine at the Annual AWP ConferenceAlmost 50 Creative Writing Programs (CWP) faculty, students, staff, and alums flew, drove, trained, or bused to Chicago for the annual Associated Writing Programs (AWP) Conference February 29-March 4. The conference drew over 10,000 people. Hamline's creative writing programs and Water~Stone Review had a well-situated booth in the Book Fair and hosted an overflow happy hour crowd on Friday. Master of fine arts and master of fine arts in writing for children and young adults (MFAC) faculty, staff, and alums served on the following panels: • Sheila O'Connor: "Dual Citizenship—Writing for Both Children and Adults" (with MFA alum Geoff Herbach) and "A Novel Problem: Moving from Story to Book in the MFA Program"• Barrie Jean Borich: "Eminent Debuts: Four Authors Discuss Their First Nonfiction Book" and "American Tensions: Literature of Identity and the Search for Social Justice"• Mary Rockcastle: "The Art of the Successful Short Story Collection" and "Graywolf Press Reading"• Katrina Vandenberg: "The Creative Writing Fulbright Fellowship Information Session" and "Matriculation, Population, and Graduation: Three Advantages of Transfer Agreements"• Phyllis Root and Jacqueline Briggs Martin: "The Sound of Meaning, the Meaning of Sound: What Poets and Children's Book Writers Can Learn from Each Other" (with MFAC alum Christine Heppermann)• MFA alums Michael Kiesow Moore, John Medeiros, and Andrea Jenkins: "LGBTQ Caucus"• MFA alums Michael Kiesow Moore, John Medeiros, Andrea Jenkins, and Alison Morse: "Building Community with Nontraditional Voices: Minnesota's Models for Developing Successful and Diverse Reading Series"


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Gun laws just the beginning
I write this in hopes to find other like minded individuals. I write this knowing I may be arrested and prosecuted for my freedom of speech, even with a family to support.
The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of federal and state that it is the individuals right to bear arms and it shall not be infringed upon. However our State Legislature moved in the dark of night, fully disregarding these judgments, to impose harsher restrictions on law-abiding gun owners.
Gov. Andrew custom himself turned a blind eye to the fireman killed on Christmas Eve by a man who was released, for killing once before, nonetheless, a felon. Felons are not allowed to have firearms – period. Certainly not a handgun in which our state has the harshest means for a law-abiding citizen to obtain.
Has any news network followed up on how he obtained these weapons? Of course not, our media has political agendas and opinions too. This man killed firemen with the illegally possessed guns and yet nothing is done to stop it. Who's responsible for our safety? If you said the government, you are wrong. We, the people, are responsible for ourselves. Read the Supreme Court case about DC vs Heller. Our emergency services are not required to help us, so it is up to the people to protect themselves.
I have no military background or leadership skills, I ask that those who do to look inside themselves and follow the Constitution. We the people are obligated to restore power to the people when tyranny is present. It is the sole reason why the Second Amendment exists – not hunting, nor self-defense.
Thomas Jefferson stated that the Second Amendment is there for when tyrants try to take it. There are so may outraged, including myself, and yet who will lead us to stop this tyranny? Our legislators have committed treason against the people of New York.
A militia needs to be established to arrest those responsible and place them on trial, they too are entitled to due process of the law. I am not suggesting overthrowing our government but only restoring it.
If there are others that agree with my opinion please post on the website in response or word of mouth to others. A militia is legal, and it is not provided by our government.
The National Guard is not our militia, they are controlled by our governor. I know of many that either have to sell their arms, bury them where they can't be found, or be arrested for them without committing no crime.
We still can't prevent those who want to kill fireman or other innocents when our rifles are taken away.
Maybe those who possess weapons might be around before the police get there (who are not obligated under law to respond).
The school shooting in Connecticut was the second biggest massacre in American history. The first was 9/11 and only box cutters were used.
Will anyone lead this likemindedness? I do not possess the skills, only the heart and the gall to stop the tyranny. I don't even own an "assault" rifle. Those who would give up their essential liberties, to purchase little or temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Nor will they likely end up with either – Ben Franklin.
Who will stand?
Seth Ingalls is a Jamestown resident.


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What Do We Mean When We Speak of the "Sanctity of Human Life"?
from R.C. Sproul Jan 23, 2017 Category: ArticlesIn biblical terms, the sanctity of human life is rooted and grounded in creation. Mankind is not viewed as a cosmic accident but as the product of a carefully executed creation by an eternal God. Human dignity is derived from God. Man as a finite, dependent, contingent creature is assigned... Keep Reading
Twitter Highlights (12/19/10)
from Nathan W. Bingham Dec 19, 2010 Category: Ministry NewsHere are some highlights from the various Ligonier Twitter feeds over the past week. Keep Reading
Confronting Paganism
from R.C. Sproul Dec 19, 2010 Category: R.C. SproulNehemiah served in a pagan government as a believer in God. He was humble and respectful to the king, but proper fear of his king did not stop him from acting to save his people. He prayed to God and made a request of the king, asking for permission to go to Jerusalem to rebuild it. He also asked for letters that he might present to various governors for safe conduct, and even a grant for building materials. Keep Reading
Links We Liked
from Tim Challies Dec 18, 2010 Category: ArticlesHere is a round-up of some of the notable blogs and articles our team read this week. Keep Reading
The Magic Bullet
from Tim Challies Dec 17, 2010 Category: Tabletalk MagazineIn his contribution to this month's issue of Tabletalk, Sebastian Heck, pastor of the Selbständige Evangelish-Reformierte Kirche in Heidelberg, Germany, writes as a German national living in Germany. This gives him a unique perspective on the trials facing the church in his nation and across his continent. Keep Reading
Last Minute Shopping? Find a Gift for $5
from Karisa Schlehr Dec 17, 2010 Category: Ministry NewsWhere else can you find $5 resources on Calvinism, suffering, the sacraments, children, & John's gospel? Sale starts at 8 a.m. and ends Saturday at 8 a.m. EST. Keep Reading
A Gringo In Colombia
from R.C. Sproul Jr. Dec 15, 2010 Category: ArticlesCan an experience become a cliché? And if it does, does that make it invalid? I am writing because I have no access to the internet. I have no access to the internet because I am in a small town in a less developed country, Rio Negro, Colombia. I am here to speak to scores of pastors from around the country. And my frustration over the lack of internet once again exposes my frustration over my own sanctification. Which is what always happens when I find myself in less than comfortable surroundings. Keep Reading
Your Year-End Gift Helps Fulfill Our Mission
from John Petersen Dec 15, 2010 Category: Ministry NewsWe take biblical stewardship seriously and understand that we are mandated with honoring Christ with our God-given resources. As you plan your gifts to loved ones and review your spiritual, personal, and financial goals this year-end, please consider a gift to Ligonier. Help us enlighten the minds and hearts of men and women around the world with the knowledge of God and His holiness as we enter our 40th year of ministry in 2011. Keep Reading
Do We Believe the Whole Gospel?
from R.C. Sproul Dec 15, 2010 Category: Tabletalk MagazineUnbelief. This one word expresses the judgment Emil Brunner, the Swiss "crisis theologian," used to describe nineteenth-century liberal theology. The rise of such liberalism was a conscious synthesis between naturalism in the world of philosophy and historic Christianity. Liberalism sought to de-supernaturalize the Christian faith and to restrict the modern significance of Jesus and the New Testament to ethical considerations, particularly with respect to the needs of human beings, and especially with respect to their material needs. Keep Reading
Order Soon for Christmas Delivery
from Karisa Schlehr Dec 14, 2010 Category: Ligonier ResourcesAs Christmas Day draws near, we want to make sure you are able to get your resources in time. Thursday, December 16, is the last day to use standard (UPS Ground) shipping for online orders. Tuesday, December 21, is the last day for upgraded shipping to guarantee delivery by Christmas. Orders must be placed by phone — 1-800-435-4343 — to guarantee delivery. (Upgraded shipping consists of UPS 2nd Day Air or Overnight.) Keep Reading
5 Great Books We Read in 2010
from Tim Challies Dec 14, 2010 Category: ArticlesLast week we asked around the offices at Ligonier to see what staff members would consider 5 great books they read in 2010. And here are the answers we received. Maybe you'll find a treasure or two of your own. Keep Reading


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This hairstyle is cute and stylish. Emma Watson has her long hair styled off to the side in this side ponytail. There is hair at the back that has been left long with nice long bangs over at the side of her forehead.Emma's haircut is long.This hair colour is a medium auburn shade.
Pictures provided by Retna


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Nov 16, 2012
Research: 2013 Analytics & Info Management Trends
Predictive analysis is faster, more accurate and more accessible than ever before. And now, combined with big data, it's driving a new age of experimentation.
Five years ago many companies were standardizing on one or a few business intelligence products, and interest in advanced analytics was just starting to grow. But that's all changed.
Experimentation is back, according to our 2013 InformationWeek Analytics, Business Intelligence and Information Management Survey. Companies of all sizes and across many different industries are using analytics, and veteran users are going for new levels of sophistication. In addition, five years ago big data analysis was in its infancy; today it's a fast-growing niche within the analytics, BI and information management domain.
It's no surprise that respondents demonstrated a high level of interest in advanced analytics and big data, since the two trends are interrelated. Our respondents say they're embracing advanced analytics to proactively optimize business operations, identify risks and spot new business opportunities. They can't do this by simply reporting on what happened yesterday, last week or last month. Instead, they're applying sophisticated algorithms to historical data in order to see what's coming, and the more data they use, the more accurate the predictions.
It's not just about using more data. The big data movement is about embracing new data types, like social media, clickstreams and log files, low-latency data, sensor information and other real-time feeds. Among the benefits our respondents are hoping for from big data are the ability to better predict customer behavior, product and service sales, as well as fraud and financial risks. Experienced analytics practitioners are incorporating cutting-edge approaches such as in-database analytics, text mining and sentiment analysis to outdo their competitors.
The University of Kentucky and Taylor University are among the new users of advanced analytics. Both schools are using predictive modeling to improve student retention, and their work offers lessons for any business trying to minimize customer churn. Insurers UnitedHealth Group and Allstate are old hands at advanced analytics, but that doesn't mean they're resting on past achievements. In addition to these use cases, this report explores how emerging techniques, including in-database analysis, text mining and crowdsourced competitions, are yielding breakthrough results. (R5061112)
Survey Name InformationWeek 2013 Analytics, Business Intelligence and Information Management Survey
Survey Date October 2012
Region North America
Number of Respondents 541; 417 at organizations using or planning to deploy data analytics, BI or statistical analysis software
Purpose To examine adoption trends and strategies around analytics, business intelligence and information management
Methodology InformationWeek surveyed business technology decision-makers at North American companies. The survey was conducted online, and respondents were recruited via an email invitation containing an embedded link to the survey. The email invitation was sent to qualified InformationWeek subscribers. This report focuses on the 417 respondents at organizations using or planning to deploy data analytics, BI or statistical analysis software.
Research Report


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Rugby Canvas Storage Totes
- Overview
We borrowed the bold colors and wide stripes of an athlete's shirt to create this sturdy storage solution. It's made with strong handles so it's easy to tote clothes, toys, linens and more.
- Medium: 12" diameter, 10.25" high
- Large: 18" diameter, 18" high
- Crafted of a metal frame with a cotton canvas cover.
- Removable cover is machine washable.
- Detailed with sturdy canvas handles and rivets.
- Medium Canvas Totes fit well in our Cameron Wall System, including Cubbies, Open Bases and Shelf Bookcases.
- Dimensions & Care
- Fabric is 100% cotton canvas.
- Frame and rivets are crafted of metal.
- Dust bucket with a soft, dry cloth.
- Machine wash cover in warm water, gentle cycle.
- Do not bleach.
- Tumble dry on low heat.
- Warm iron as needed.
- Shipping & Return Info
This is a general shipping item.
View Our Shipping Information
Return Policy
At Pottery Barn Kids, we take great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our products. Attention to design, materials, safety and construction is our priority. We carefully inspect your order prior to shipment; upon receipt, please inspect your purchase and notify us of any damage. We will arrange for a prompt replacement. If, within 7 days for Quick Ship upholstery and 30 days for all other products, you are dissatisfied for any reason, you may return your purchase for a refund of the merchandise value.
If your return for Merchandise Credit Cards is greater than $10,000, we will issue $10,000 in Merchandise Credit Cards to you that day, and then mail additional Merchandise Credit Card(s) for the amount in excess of $10,000 to you.
We cannot accept returns on monogrammed, personalized, special-order items, or on items damaged through normal wear and tear. We also cannot accept returns of final-sale items, which are identified by a price that ends in $0.99.
For returns of items purchased from your Pottery Barn Kids registry, we will gladly provide a refund or exchange for the merchandise within 90 days of your event or within 90 days of purchase, whichever date is later.
For assistance, please contact Customer Service at 800.993.4923
International Returns: Online returns are available only for items that were shipped to the United States. If you would like to return items that were shipped outside the US, please see International Returns and Exceptions.


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The Pizza Party oven people should buy your video. Much better looking pizzas than they have. Good job!
That crumb is like a work of art, Kermit...
Awesome looking pies, Kenneth. Nice leoparding, great crumb. You dough looks like it handles very nicely. One thought, shaking the peel under your raw pie after you strech it but before you put in in the oven will make it shrink inwards.
I played around with your avatar photo and made it a little sharper. Feel free to use this one if you like. No worries if you don't.CL
Kermit, a fellow Frenchie fan! This is Morty, the Frenchie I live withwhat's the name of yours?Morty LOVES pizza, and gets very excited when I go out to light up my LBE...!
I have a cat called Dave, he's not a great pizza fan though.
Try some anchovies on your piesthat might entice that handsome feline...!
Now that is something Miss Piggy would be proud of!!
Hi Kermit ,Fun stuff!It appears the precast fireplace in the background has taken a back seat to the Pizza oven Finally had a chance to watch it ALL good ! Dough looks very similar to what I end up with. and Pizza look great! My only note Just watch the GI peels (head) on the floor or patio the health dept wont go for that. and they are tempermental little critters that get banged up pretty easy. You probably have a stand (or just a Hook on the wood?) in the works.Keep em coming!!John
I received my dried sourdoughs from Sourdo.com a couple of days ago, and got to activating the Ischia starter 2 days ago. Being a metric kind of guy, I was a bit put off by the instructions using cup as a measure. I googled it and found out that a cup was about 200 grams. What I forgot was that it's a measure that relies on volume, and not weight So I mixed up a 50/50 portion of water and flour, and found it a bit thick. It wasn't until I today read the instructions on the webpage that I figured out that it should have been something like 110 grams flour, and 220 grams water. I guess I'll thin it out eventually.
My Ischia starter is fully active now. Now I'm just wondering how I should use it. Should i be fed, let it rise for a couple of hours and then incorporate it into a recipe, or should I use it after it has fallen again and use it in a recipe?
Try to use it right before it falls, when it's at it's peak. When fully active like this, it should be a head of frothy bubbles standing on top of a column of very large and open bubbles. IME, Ischia gets very frothy. It should about triple when really active, and be very frothy all way through out.
Kermit--Did you find your first Ischia pie noticeably better or different tasting than your previous pies with commercial yeast? I really like my Ischia pies, and they almost always have better flavor than commercial yeast. But they are not as flavorful (but not tart) and spongy and GREAT as my loaves of sourdough bread I make with the Ischia...! You will find working with, and in particular proofing, with the wild starters much trickier. Temperature seems a lot more critical with Ischia in my experience. Doughs made with it hate the cold, in particularly in the fridge, and sometimes it rises great and makes wonderful pies for me, but every once in a while the pies are flat (but tasty) and have no oven spring... Sigh...!Redshirt--GREAT post! I would never have posted pics of my first pies either. AWFUL! In fact I was so ashamed I went onto the Net and found this great site where I have learned so much. It was several months of decent pies before I posted any pics, I'll tell ya...!
Just an update live from Sorrento. . . .


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Moderator: Mike
efghijiloveyou wrote:The older I get, the less and less I like this song. The music is beautiful, the musicianship is top notch and John's singing is great, but the lyrics don't do it for me. I don't mean to offend anyone here, but phrases like '"imagine there's no heaven", "no possessions" and "no religion" seem hollow coming from a man who seemed to always be looking for meaning to his life. He also says "you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us and the world will be as one". What does it mean? Is he saying we should all be godless communists? It seems like an anthem for Marxism and as much as I love the man's music, I can't abide his politics. Also, for a man who belived in the truth as he did, the lyrics remind us of how disingenuous the song's message is in regard to the way John himself lived his life. To those who say "yeah, but it's a good song, John meant well", I say John would have ripped this song to shreds if it came from someone who didn't mean it. This song really is a powder keg, but it's slathered in honey and good intentions. It's a pretty big political statement that doesn't capture my heart or my soul.
efghijiloveyou wrote:You may not view it as political, James and I understand that , but I can't help but hear it as political. I'm not averse to political ideas in music, but Imagine just isn't my cup of tea anymore. I love Lennon's catalogue for the most part and he got a whole lot right on Imagine.
efghijiloveyou wrote:If it isn't political, James what is it? The message is about changing social order isn't it? I could write a book on the politics of "Imagine". Lennon described himself as a utopianist. Utopianism is a political stance. It is defined as "the views or habits of mind of a utopian, having impractical schemes of political or social reform. Reforms based on the belief that a peaceful society can be brought about by persuading those in power to accept peace". Sounds like "Imagine" to me. Now, put that it context with all of John's political activity at the time it was written and it becomes obvious that "Imagine" is charged with ideology and has a distict political bent.
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Teeter Dex II Decompression and Extension Machine
Product Information:
The Teeter® Dex II Decompression and Extension Machine is a forward-rotating, user-controlled machine. Securing the individual from the hip joints rather than the ankles, it incorporates inverted decompression into a workout and enables strengthening of the core. Also provides back pain relief and improved joint health.
Click here for additional information relating to the Manufacturer's Warranty.
- Vinyl covered cushion comfortably holds user in a fixed position
- Multi-purpose handles offer support and resistance when stretching
- Provides back pain relief, improved joint health, renewed energy and flexibility
- Incorporates inverted decompression into a workout
- Strengthens the core through crunches, back extensions, reverse dips, modified push-ups and band work
- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Recommended for users 4'8" - 6'6"
- Dimensions: 41" length x 29" width x 45" height
- 5-year manufacturer's warranty
- Teeter
Click here for additional information relating to the Manufacturer's Warranty.
Country of Origin: ChinaWeb ID: 11778076
Customer Reviews:
Rated 5 out of 5�by 1 reviewer.
Rated 5 out of 5�by Prism Good investment in pain management Easy to assemble, quality components, and other uses to strengthen your body. Well done! March 26, 2016
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Full name Matthew Stuart Hughston
Born November 6, 1983, Kogarah, Sydney, New South Wales
Current age 33 years 73 days
Major teams New South Wales Under-17s, New South Wales Under-19s
Batting style Right-hand bat
Bowling style Right-arm medium
|Bat & Bowl
|Match Date
|NSW U23s
|v WA U23s
|2 Nov 2010
In 1999 examinations prevented him accepting selection in the Combined High Schools team to play Catholic Schools. He also plays soccer. (Warwick Torrens, Jan 2001)
Club: Sutherland
Schools: Caringbah Primary; Woolooware High, where he will be school
captain in 2001.
As Hashim Amla prepares to play his 100th Test, his former and current team-mates offer insight into the making of a great batsman
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Another record chase, another Kohli special
Stats highlights from the first ODI between India and England in Pune
Persistent Nadeem keeps knocking on the door
The left-arm spinner, who has taken 107 wickets in the last two Ranji seasons, has played cricket at every level but the India call has eluded him. Still, his hunger hasn't died
Transitions in leadership are very much a talking point at the moment. India's ODI handover had hallmarks of the old and new ways
Australia looking for new path to success in Asia (106)
Australia's selectors are set to announce the squad for the Test series in India on Sunday
Five questions for Shakib Al Hasan (77)
The shot Shakib Al Hasan played to be dismissed on day five at Basin Reserve defies explanation. It also prompts a few questions
Who is Hashim Amla, really? (76)
As Hashim Amla prepares to play his 100th Test, his former and current team-mates offer insight into the making of a great batsman
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Junaid finds redemption on return (46)
Junaid Khan's journey over the last two years has not been an easy one but at the MCG on Sunday, he paired with Mohammad Amir to script an important win for the side


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New research predicts the future of coral reefs under climate change 05/01/2017 00:00:00
Mushrooming Cooperation 05/12/2016 00:00:00
Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme addresses the African high level Conference on Green Economy
Your Excellency, Dalila Boudjeema, Minister of Land Use Planning and Environment,
The Honourable High representative of the African Union,
Excellencies, Colleagues,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply honoured to have been invited to speak at this distinguished gathering.
The African Ministerial Conference on the Green Economy is taking place at a time when the international community is working towards a Post-2015 development agenda and a new set of Sustainable Development Goals.
This meeting also comes days before the convening of the first global conference on Partnerships for Action on Green Economy (PAGE) in the UAE in early Marchto support and promote the adoption of the green economy at the international level.
The green economy transition is already underway in Africa.
From harvesting geothermal energy in Kenya and plugging into solar power in Algeria and Tunisia, to investing in green funds in South Africa, and building wind projects in Ethiopia; diverse pathways to greener and more inclusive economies are being pursued across the continent.
On account of its geographical location, Algeria, for example, holds one of the highest solar potentials in the world which is estimated at 13.9 TWh per year. The country receives annual sunshine exposure equivalent to 2,500 KWh/m2. Daily solar energy potential varies from 4.66 kWh/m2 in the north to 7.26 kWh/m2 in the south. Algeria is in a good place to harness this significant potential to lower carbon emissions and support clean power generation.
In the area of green economy, Algeria has already started a program to promote the recovery, recycling and valorisation of waste, especially plastic waste.
The inauguration by the Prime Minister, on 15 February 2014, of a processing plant of plastic waste with a capacity of 30 tons per day, reinforces the recycling capacity of five other plants already in operation.
The ongoing program of rehabilitation of landfill sites enables the generation of energy from biomass. In this respect, the case of the large discharge of OuedSmar in Algiers is edifying.
The next wave of investment and innovation in Africa will be driven by the need for new energy sources, wealth generation and job creation.
Currently, projections point to broad-based acceleration in growth in Sub-Saharan Africa to around 5.5 per cent in 2013-2014, reflecting robust domestic demand and increased investment in export-oriented sectors as the main economic drivers, according to the IMF World Outlook 2013.
As the continent undergoes such unprecedented development, wealth accounting and the valuation of ecosystem services are critical to Africa's future growth.
Natural capital is a critical asset, especially for low-income countries, where it makes up around 36 per cent of total wealth, according to recent World Bank estimates.
The Mau Forest complex in Kenya, for example, provides goods and services worth US$1.5 billion a year through water for hydroelectricity, agriculture, tourism and urban and industrial use, as well as erosion control and carbon sequestration. Alternative accounting has helped spur the government of Kenya to invest in rehabilitating the area and its vital ecological services.
Forestry in Tanzania is officially close to 2.3 per cent of GDP, however research suggests that if the wider benefits are factored in, the real contribution is over 4 per cent of GDP.
Emerging research suggests that the contribution of the value of forests to the GDP of Uganda is around US $136 million, which amounts to about 4 per cent of GDP.
Since 1995, an estimated 486,000 work opportunities were created in South Africa in environmental rehabilitation programmes. In addition, 85,000 jobs were created through formal conservation of protected areas in game ranching and ecotourism.
Natural accounting and valuation, therefore, is not a fringe activity, but a cornerstone of the wealth of nations upon which sustainable, equitable and prosperous societies will be built.
But notwithstanding the fast pace of development, Africa's countries continue to face persistent challenges.
A fast-growing urban population, globalization and climate change, alongside a need to boost governance, are among the challenges facing Africa if the continent is to put itself firmly on the path to a sustainable future.
According to the World Bank, Africa's population is expected to increase by approximately 800 million people by 2040. This projected increase will put even more pressure on the continent's natural resources.
As of 2005, half of Africa's most biologically rich terrestrial areas shrank by more than 50 per cent due to cultivation, degradation or urbanization.
In Kenya deforestation stripped the country's economy of an estimated US $68 million in 2010, dwarfing the economic benefits gained from industries such as forestry and logging.
Placing a value on natural resources also demands a rethink of the traditional links between resource use and economic prosperity - separating environmental "bads" from economic "goods".
By 2050, humanity could devour an estimated 140 billion tonnes of minerals, ores, fossil fuels and biomass per year - three times its current appetite - unless the economic growth rate is "decoupled" from the rate of natural resource consumption.
According to a report by the International Resource Panel, total resource use grew eight-fold, from 6 billion tonnes in 1900 to 49 billion tonnes in 2000.
In May 2012, 10 African countries, along with various public and private organizations, adopted the Gaborone Declaration, which outlines a set of concrete principles and development goals that include valuing natural capital in the development planning process.
One month later, the Rio+20 Summit outcome document, The Future We Want, called for broader measures of progress to complement conventional indices, such as GDP.
Released alongside the Rio conference in 2012, UNEP's Inclusive Wealth Report provided a rethink of traditional economic and development yardsticks. It introduced a new indicator, known as the Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI), which is aimed at revealing the true state of a nation's wealth and the sustainability of its growth, beyond GDP.
If measured by GDP, the economies of China, the United States, Brazil and South Africa grew by 422 per cent, 37 per cent, 31 per cent, and 24 per cent respectively between 1990 and 2008. However, when assessed by the IWI, the Chinese and Brazilian economies only increased by 45 per cent and 18 per cent. The United States' grew by just 13 per cent, while South Africa's actually decreased by 1 per cent.
In fact, a full 25 per cent of the countries studied by the report showed a positive trend when measured by GDP per capita and by the Human Development Index (HDI) were found to have a negative IWI per capita. The primary driver of this difference in performance was those countries' declines in natural capital.
Almost 2 years ago, at Rio+20, more than 190 nations gave the green light to an inclusive Green Economy in the context of sustainable development and poverty eradication.
An inclusive Green Economy has the potential to improve human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.
In a Green Economy, growth in income and employment is driven by public and private investment that reduces carbon emissions and pollution, enhances energy and resource efficiency, and prevents the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services.
These investments need to be catalyzed and supported by targeted public expenditure, policy reforms and regulation changes.
As leading financial institutions increasingly appreciate the imperative of climate change, resource scarcity and other environmental challenges, the current financial 'rules of the game' may not be well suited to accelerate this transition.
The World Economic Forum estimates suggest that globally, investment in infrastructure of an estimated US$6 trillion annually to 2030 is needed to deliver a low-carbon economy. Of this, nearly US$1 trillion is over and above the business-as-usual trajectory.
Such evidence shows that when investments are targeted towards greening key economic sectors, they can produce multiple benefits for the economy, the environment and society.
Last month, I launched in Davos an Inquiry into policy options for guiding the global financial system to invest in the transition to a green economy.
In the wake of the global financial crisis, there is growing recognition that the financial system must be not only sound and stable, but also sustainable in the way it enables the transition to a low-carbon, green economy.
The Inquiry, extending over 18 months to mid-2015, aims to engage, inform and guide policy makers, financial market actors and other stakeholders concerned with the health of the financial system and its potential for shaping the future economy.
In addressing its core aim, it will map current best practice, draw together principles and frameworks, catalyze new thinking and ultimately lay out a series of options for advancing a sustainable financial system.
It will also engage with global financial experts and commission-relevant research, as well as contribute to related initiatives across the UN system and elsewhere.
The green development path should maintain, enhance and, where necessary, rebuild natural capital as a critical economic asset and source of public benefits, especially for the poor whose livelihoods and security depends strongly on nature.
The time has now come to ensure that by 2015 - when the UN's Millennium Development Goals transcend into the Sustainable Development Goals - the global community has the strategies and the policies in place to ensure that nature is fully integrated into economies.
Thank you.


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- Description
- Organization
These handouts provide basic information about the seven different areas to focus on when you are trying to manage your diabetes. Each one includes facts, tips, advice, and activities that will get you started on your self-care and reinforce the lessons you learn in diabetes education sessions. This page contains links to handouts that are available in both English and Spanish.
American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE)
This handout provides basic information about monitoring your blood sugar to help manage your diabetes.
American Association of Diabetes Educators (AADE)
This booklet addresses the special challenges for very large people who are physically active and provides tips and ideas to become more active and healthier—no matter what your size.
Weight-Control Information Network (WIN)
Diabetes Forecast is a lifestyle magazine for people with diabetes. It provides people with diabetes and their families with comprehensive, accurate, and timely information and support on all aspects of diabetes, including diet, fitness, self-care, and research.
American Diabetes Association (ADA)
This video includes activities to help health care professionals recognize the importance of empathy in fostering physician-patient partnerships and improving patient adherence to therapies for type 2 diabetes. It also presents solutions for overcoming barriers to patient adherence to therapies for type 2 diabetes.
This web-based program is for health care professionals and any other professionals who work with older adults. It provides education on important aspects of medication adherence in older adults and encourages collaboration to identify, resolve, and prevent medication nonadherence in older adults. Multiple tools and resources are provided.
American Society on Aging and American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Foundation
This website provides information on how stress impacts health along with steps to take to stay emotionally balanced and lay the foundation for complete wellness.
American Psychological Association
This guide uses visual representations to show the benefits of regular exercise to those with diabetes. It gives suggestions to get more active and includes places for you to write your ideas and create your own physical activity plan.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
This flipbook helps teach patients to identify ways to become more physically active. It provides color illustrations with two- to third- grade level text on the patient pages and simple teaching points on the corresponding instructor pages.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
This guide will help you fit physical activity into your life—your way. Decide the number of days you'll exercise, the types of activities you'll do, and the times that fit your schedule.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
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