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CHAKULA Issue #1
1. Editorial
2. Featured initiative: The Think Tank that Led the Way
3. Policy alerts: South African Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill
4. World Summit on the Information Society Update: Prepcom, Geneva 2002
5. National ICT Policy Fact File: Tanzania
6. The APC Hafkin Prize
7. Glossary term: ICT
1. Editorial
Chakula is the Swahili word for 'food'. We have named our Africa Policy Monitor newsletter Chakula because we believe that the information we will share will be a form of nourishment for organizations working in the field of ICTs for development in Africa.
Chakula is part of an APC project called the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor, the primary goal of which is to enable the consideration of civil society needs in ICT policy development. The ultimate aim being that governments and policy makers recognise that access to and the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is a basic human
The main knowledge outputs of the project include a website (http://africa.rights.apc.org) and newsletter. The primary aim of the newsletter is to build and support a network of organizations and individuals in Africa that are engaged with ICT policy developments at a local, regional and international level. The website will act as an ICT policy clearinghouse for African civil society organizations to make use of in advocating for equitable policy. The newsletter, thus, will become the predominant locus of discussion.
The Association for Progressive Communications (http://www.apc.org) is an international network of civil society organisations dedicated to empowering and supporting groups and individuals through the strategic use of information and communication technologies, especially Internet-technologies. APC and its members pioneer practical and relevant uses of ICTs for civil society, especially in developing Countries. APC is an international facilitator of civil society's
engagement with ICTs and related concerns, in both policy and practice.
h3(#2) 2. Featured initiative: The Think Tank that Led the Way
One muggy day in Dar es Salaam in early 2000, David Sawe decided that he had had enough of talking. He and a few friends who were interested in ICTs had been talking for a while about getting together to discuss their ideas for how Tanzania could move forward in ICT development.
Having met and worked together on the Tanzania Y2K committee, they knew that they made a good team and wanted to continue with other projects.
Wanting to give fruition to their ideas, they decided to get together once a week and present a paper on how societies in transition were making use of ICTs as a tool for development. The Thursday afternoon meetings became a lively space for debate.
According to Sawe, a shift of focus occurred when 'We realized that knowledge is power, but only if shared,' says Sawe.
This understanding led to a re-think of the group's objectives as they planned to chart out a vision and mission, developing a statement of who they were and what they needed to do. This led to birth of 'eThinkTank', an active network of committed individuals from the private, civil society and public service sectors in Tanzania as well as a number of
individuals around the world who offered advice and support.
A smaller working group then approached the UNDP for assistance and met with the head of the Tanzanian Civil Service Department in early August of 2001. Using a dynamic mailing list system, the group collaborated on developing a draft ICT policy framework for Tanzania. The document was handed over to government in November, edited and then launched in May this year.
Parliament will be debating the bill which should come into effect later this year.
The objectives of the policy are to provide a national framework that will enable the sector to contribute towards achieving national development goals by exploiting digital opportunities in a sustainable way. It also calls for a comprehensive e-government strategy to be put in place.
eThinkTankTz continues to do highly effective work around ICTs for development in Tanzania. Who knows what they might achieve together with their next project?
Interview with David Sawe, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 27 June 2002.
h3(#3) 3. Policy alert: South African Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill
What's all the fuss about?
The recent furor over the upcoming Electronic Communications and Transactions Bill in South Africa has brought to light important questions concerning the need to ensure the independence of Internet administration bodies worldwide.
.za Domain name administration was initially conducted by volunteer, Mike Lawrie. Since then, Lawrie has initiated a process to shift responsibility for the domain to Namespace ZA formed by the local Internet community for this task. Namespace is the chosen administrator of .za, selected by Mike Lawrie, supported by ISPA and ISOC, and established in consultation with DOC.
Chapter 10 of the ECT Bill proposes to set up a new .za Domain Name Authority with board members effectively chosen by the Minister of Communications. The new authority is being proposed in order to be more representative and to enable all South Africans to have a say in South African Internet administration, which is seen by many as an important national asset.
Those who oppose the Bill, however, say that government involvement, rather than control, would best serve the development of the Internet in South Africa. They also say that the International Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, ICANN, forbids the takeover of domain administration by any body that is not sanctioned by the local Internet
community. ICANN will most probably take no action to intervene in the conflict, says ITWeb journalist, Phillip de Wet.
The APC
The Association for Progressive Communications believes that both groups need to get together and reach a compromise in order to create a truly democratic, accountable and representative domain name authority in South Africa.
We recognise that this has been the intention of Namespace ZA and that they have endeavoured to involve the Department of Communications in the process from its outset.
We trust that DOC has the best interests of the Internet in South Africa at heart, and believe that they, and other sections of government, should play an active role in Internet development and administration. However, we believe that locating control of Internet domain name administration within government is not necessary, and not advisable. Government already has a huge burden in the form of ensuring that ICT infrastructure in South Africa expands equitably. It should not have to take on control of tasks such as domain name administration which can be easily and cheaply
managed by the Internet community, with active government involvement, and within a clear framework of policy and regulation.
APC believes that the Authority that registers domains in South Africa should be accountable, both to the South African Internet society, and to the public at large; be representative of a broad range of interests; be self-sufficient, being funded by licensing services rather than government; have a Board of Directors which is elected by members of the .za domain; and limit its responsibilities to the technical task of domain administration, leaving policy making to government.
The APC believes that the interest of Internet users, including those potential users that do not yet have access, can be served better by a domain name management system which is independent from government and from the Internet industry, but that works closely with both, and that includes civil society representatives.
- For an interesting read on this issue, go to http://africa.rights.apc.org/resources.shtml? And click on the article:
'Redelegation of Country Codes Top Level Domains'
- Visit www.africa.rights.apc.org (Policy resources page) and www.ectbill.co.za to find out how you can add your voice to the debate!
h3(#4) 4. World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Update: Civil society group makes small but sure inroads into the WSIS process, Geneva, Switzerland: 1 – 5 July
About 800 people, 150 of which belonged to civil society organizations, attended the WSIS Prepcom in Geneva, Switzerland at the beginning of this month.
The CRIS campaign for Communication Rights in the Information Society was the main mover for civil society, initiating discussions on how the group could influence the proceedings of the formal plenary before the Prepcom formally began on Monday, the 1st of July.
According to one of the African caucus representatives, and coordinator of the APC Africa ICT Policy Monitor Project, Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna, 'We agreed that we wouldn't be able to contribute to the formal agenda by participating in a separate plenary, so it was decided that the CRIS grouping would gather every morning at 8am to discuss a strategy for
turning things around and ensuring that civil society could participate in the WSIS process.'
The civil society plenary therefore arranged to make inputs to the formal plenary and modified the CSO group's prepared programme to address the issues that were most relevant for engaging and participating in the main processes of the Prepcom. Subcommittees were formed to address issues such as:
- Rules of procedure, accreditation and models of participation
- Content and themes
- Funding and supporting NGO participation in WSIS
Regional caucuses, including the Africa caucus consisting of about 15 people, were also formed. The Africa caucus met and worked tirelessly to prepare inputs which were then fed into the overall civil society group. The caucus also ensured that the Africa region was represented in all of the subcommittees and also various working groups, as well as the formal plenary running alongside the civil society activities.
At the end of the day, the results from the formal plenary were less than what was hoped for by the civil society organizations present. Much work still needs to be done and it is encouraging that may of the caucuses that were active during the Prepcom are continuing with their activities by sharing ideas and knowledge in order to achieve consensus.
Says Njuguna, 'We also really need to strengthen African participation in the upcoming Prepcoms by being well prepared for making inputs. Let's start talking about these issues and about how to move forward rather than merely waiting for the next Prepcom to start talking again.'
The formation group of the Gender Caucus consists of representatives of organizations, including the APC Africa Women's Programme, that responded to an invitation by UNIFEM to begin this work in the African Regional Preparatory Meeting in Bamako, May 25-30, 2002. The group is still hard at work to ensure that gender dimensions are included in the process of defining and creating a World Information Society that contributes to sustainable development and human security.
The work of the WSIS-Gender Caucus will involve lobbying and advocacy at national, sub-regional regional and global level; providing input into WSIS Preparatory process; conducting policy research to support policy and advocacy; drafting recommendations, resolutions etc as input to WSIS; making presentations on analysis of gender and ICT issues;
resource mobilisation; organising meetings; and sharing information on strategies, plans and preparations for WSIS and related events.
Contact: Gender Caucus
If you would like to know more about the work of APC WNSP and gender in the WSIS process contact Karen Banks on email karenb [at] gn [dot] apc [dot] org
To register your interest in working with the WSIS Gender Caucus, go to the following URL: http://www.wougnet.org/WSIS/globalpartnership.html
Contact: General
Press statements and discussions regarding next steps are all available on the website and mailing list archive specified below. Specific reports from the various subcommittees and caucuses are also available online or can be forwarded to those interested.
For those interested in joining in a specific discussion list related to WSIS issues, go to the Afrocn mailing list at
Source of quotes: Report on the WSIS Prepcom by Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna, 11 July 2002.
Website: http://www.wsis.info
Mailing list for discussions related to events, news and communiques: http://lists.cpsr.org/wsis-prep1/
Contact person: Emmanuel Njenga Njuguna (Njenga [at] apc [dot] org)
h3(#5) 5. National ICT Policy Fact File: Tanzania
Source: ITVision, June/July 2002, Issue 08
Policy: Draft document presented in May, should be debated in Parliament in July, ready for implementation in September.
Objectives: To provide a national framework that will enable the sector to contribute towards achieving national development goals by exploiting digital opportunities in a sustainable way. The policy also calls for a comprehensive e-government strategy to be put in place.
Key ratios:
Source: Country ICT Survey for Tanzania, November 2001, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
- Number of fixed line telecom operators: 2
- Number of mobile line telecom operators: 5
- Number of Internet Service Providers: 13
- Population: 30 900 000 (1999)
- Number of fixed lines: 165 000 (July 2000)
- Number of fixed lines per 1000 inhabitants: 5.3
- Percentage of digital switchboards: 95%
- Number of mobile phone subscribers: 250 000
- Number of mobile telephone subscribers per 1000 inhabitants: 8.1
- Number of Internet Subscriptions: 10 000 – 15 000
- Number of Internet Subscriptions in the Capital: 80% of the above
- Number of Internet Subscriptions per 1000 inhabitants: 0.26 to 0.38
- Number of Internet hosts: 816
- Number of Internet hosts per 1000 inhabitants: 0.02
- Number of Internet cafes: 1000+
- Teledensity – fixed line: 0.6%
- Teledensity – mobile: 0.0081%
- ISPs: 16
- Dial-up subscribers: 10 000 – 15 000 (+ Internet cafes)
- Internet cafes: Tanzania has the most in sub-Sarahan Africa
- National Internet Exchange Point: launch in June
A selection of civil society organizations involved in ICT for development:
DigIT (Digital Information Technology in Africa): Publishes ITVision, an ICT Magazine based on publishing issues relating to ICTs in Tanzania.
Email: itvision_tz [at] yahoo [dot] com
ESRF (Economic and Social Research Foundation): The main objective of ESRF is to build and strengthen human and institutional capabilities in economic and social policy analysis and decision-making and to enhance the understanding of policy options within the Government, public sector, donor community and in the growing national non-governmental
sector mainly, but not only in Tanzania. http://www.esrftz.org/
eThinkTank: The vision of eThinkTank is to offer ICT leadership by catalyzing policy changes and by supporting related developments aimed at enabling Tanzanians to participate effectively in the modern Internet-based global economy, benefiting their Nation and partners.
ICTTanzania: ICTTanzania, a project of the International Institute for Communication and Development is a portal that is meant to network the numerous ICT initiatives across Tanzania. Its where anything that concerns Information and Communication Technology in Tanzania is discussed, traded, criticized or applauded and passed on to share with others. http://www.icttanzania.org/
TAMWA: The Tanzania Media Women Association is a professional activist organisation established in 1987 with a vision "to use media to sensitize society on gender issues, and to advocate and lobby for policy and legal changes which favour the promotion of human rights of women and children". Apart from the general role of contributing to the development of the country through media advocacy, the main objective of the association is to educate women and children on their rights.
TANGO: The vision of TANGO is to create and maintain a strong and vibrant society in which NGOs are taking an active and effective role in promoting people-centered development. TANGO seeks to participate in advancing development initiatives that are based on the values of justice, peace, good governance, human rights, gender equality and equity, and sustainable human development.
Tanzania Online: Tanzania Online is a gateway to information on development issues in Tanzania. It is a UNDP/UN, Government of Tanzania and Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) initiative to address problems faced by Government officials, policy makers, private sector, civil society, donor community, researchers and academicians accessing information on development issues in Tanzania. Its objectives are to provide an interactive facility for easy access to a comprehensive set of documents about development in Tanzania, analytic work about priorities in development and progress towards poverty reduction and other development targets.
h3(#6) 6. THE APC AFRICA HAFKIN COMMUNICATIONS PRIZE 2002
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS: September 15, 2002
THIS YEAR'S THEME: People-Centred Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Policy in Africa
THE PRIZE IS OPEN TO: civil society organisations, government institutions, educational organisations, community-based groups, networks, social movements and individuals anywhere in Africa
- are people-centred and mobilise participation
- raise awareness and build capacity
- are Africa-driven and that develop Africa
- have positive community impact at community level
THE PRIZE: USD$7,500.00 will be shared amongst up to three winning initiatives.
MORE ABOUT THE APC AFRICA HAFKIN PRIZE or write to hafkin-
prize [at] apc [dot] org
h3(#7) 7. Glossary term: 'ICT'
Acronym for 'Information and Communication Technology', ICT replaced the common term, 'IT' (Information Technology) in order to incorporate the human component of communicating and interacting with one another as the ultimate aim of new technologies.
'ICT's are the technologies and tools that people use to share, distribute, gather information and to communicate with one another, one on one, or in groups, through the use of computers and interconnected computer networks.'
Source: APC
Another definition:
'ICTs are a diverse set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, and to create, disseminate, store and manage information. ICTs are not single technologies but combinations of hardware, software, media and delivery systems. They encompass a great range of rapidly evolving technologies such as: television and radio, phone lines with operators, phone lines with automated touch-tone answering systems, personal computers (PCs), networked PCs, and PCs with CD-ROMs, fax machines, electronic benefits transfer, smart cards, credit cards, Internet (e-mail, world wide web), kiosks, computer-mediated conferencing and videoconferencing, commercial applications (such as word processors, spreadsheets, simulations) and proprietary applications (such as decision support models and management information systems).'
Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), African Development Forum 1999: Information and Communication Technologies for Improved Governance in Africa
Newsletter of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC) Africa Internet Rights ICT Policy Monitor to mobilise African Civil Society for ICT policy for development and social justice
Chakula: Africa ICT Policy Monitor newsletter
Contact: heather [at] apc [dot] org for questions, comments and contributions
Africa IR Policy Monitor Project
The Association for Progressive Communications (APC)
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Oriental bittersweet might just be the "kudzu of the north". Since its introduction in 1860 as an ornamental plant, it has spread from Maine to North Carolina. Like kudzu, it's a vine that can grow over the tops of trees and cover fields. Oriental bittersweet grows in forests, along roadsides, and in open fields. It also grows along sand dunes and could lead to increased beach erosion. Oriental bittersweet can establish in shade and will grow rapidly in full sun. The vines twine around trees often killing smaller trees. The weight of the vines in the tree canopy make the tree susceptible to wind damage.
All photos in this article by Jil M. Swearingen, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org

subset: commoncrawl


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Women seeking abortion-inducing drugs would have to get ultrasounds first and the clinics that prescribe them would have to follow a new set of regulations under a measure approved by the Senate on Tuesday.
The bill passed on a 33-16 vote despite a chorus of complaints from opponents who said it's a step too far into doctors' offices without improving their patients' health.
"This bill is not about patient safety. It's about patient harassment," said Sen. Vaneta Becker of Evansville, who was one of only four of the Senate's 37 Republicans to join the 12 Democrats who opposed the bill.
Now, Senate Bill 371 heads to the House, where Republican Speaker Brian Bosma of Indianapolis said he expects it to win passage as well – perhaps after some changes.
The bill would make Indiana the ninth state to require ultrasounds before abortions. It would also require clinics that prescribe the abortion-inducing drug RU-486 to meet the same standards as surgical clinics, even though it would not impose that same requirement on private physicians.
That portion of the measure would directly affect Planned Parenthood's clinic in Lafayette, Ind. That clinic prescribes patients the drug, but does not offer surgical abortions.
"This bill is directly targeted to Plannd Parenthood in Lafayette, Ind. That's all it's about, is getting at Planned Parenthood in Lafayette, Ind.," Becker said.
"When you do this, you're not doing anything that will improve the health and safety of low-income women in the state of Indiana. All you're doing is forcing them to go other ways – in particular, to the internet – to get this same particular drug that you're talking about regulating."
Tuesday's debate on the Senate floor was controlled almost entirely by opponents of the bill.
Democrats argued that for women seeking abortions, the bill aims to "make it as difficult as possible, make it as intrusive as possible, and then maybe somebody will change their mind," said Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis.
"This is not going to help women be healthy. This is just going to make it harder for them to get an abortion," he said.
Another Democrat – Sen. Jean Breaux of Indianapolis – said the bill would lead women to order the drug online rather than visiting a doctor at all.
"The backers of this bill," she said, "are interested in making abortion, which is a safe and legal procedure, less accessible to Hoosier women."
The bill has been controversial because it could – especially in early stages of pregnancies, when the abortion-inducing drug is more likely to be prescribed – require doctors to perform more invasive transvaginal ultrasounds, rather than "jelly-on-the-belly" abdominal ultrasounds.
Though doctors say they recommend ultrasounds before any abortion, opponents said it's inappropriate to mandate the procedure.
The only senator to speak in the bill's favor was its author, Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle.
"I am not active in a Right to Life organization. I introduced this bill because my own religious conviction and my respect for life and the health of women," Holdman said.
"There has been no regulation of abortion-inducing drugs in the state of Indiana, and there are a number of us that believe that we need to have some regulation."


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How do the grasshopper and the grass interact?
Grasshoppers don't just hop on the grass. They also eat the grass. Other organisms also eat the grass, and some animals even eat the grasshopper. These interactions can be visualized by drawing a food web.
Food Webs
Energy must constantly flow through an ecosystem for the system to remain stable. What exactly does this mean? Essentially, it means that organisms must eat other organisms. Food chains (Figure below) show the eating patterns in an ecosystem. Food energy flows from one organism to another. Arrows are used to show the feeding relationship between the animals. The arrow points from the organism being eaten to the organism that eats it. For example, an arrow from a plant to a grasshopper shows that the grasshopper eats the leaves. Energy and nutrients are moving from the plant to the grasshopper. Next, a bird might prey on the grasshopper, a snake may eat the bird, and then an owl might eat the snake. The food chain would be:
- plant → grasshopper → bird → snake → owl.
A food chain cannot continue to go on and on. For example the food chain could not be:
- plant → grasshopper → spider → frog → lizard → fox → hawk.
Food chains only have 4 or 5 total levels. Therefore, a chain has only 3 or 4 levels for energy transfer.
This food chain includes producers and consumers. How could you add decomposers to the food chain?
In an ocean ecosystem, one possible food chain might look like this: phytoplankton → krill → fish → shark. The producers are always at the beginning of the food chain, bringing energy into the ecosystem. Through photosynthesis, the producers create their own food in the form of glucose, but also create the food for the other organisms in the ecosystem. The herbivores come next, then the carnivores. When these consumers eat other organisms, they use the glucose in those organisms for energy. In this example, phytoplankton are eaten by krill, which are tiny, shrimp-like animals. The krill are eaten by fish, which are then eaten by sharks. Could decomposers be added to a food chain?
Each organism can eat and be eaten by many different types of organisms, so simple food chains are rare in nature. There are also many different species of fish and sharks. So a food chain cannot end with a shark; it must end with a distinct species of shark. A food chain does not contain the general category of "fish," it will contain specific species of fish. In ecosystems, there are many food chains.
Since feeding relationships are so complicated, we can combine food chains together to create a more accurate flow of energy within an ecosystem. A food web (Figure below) shows the feeding relationships between many organisms in an ecosystem. If you expand our original example of a food chain, you could add deer that eat clover and foxes that hunt chipmunks. A food web shows many more arrows, but still shows the flow of energy. A complete food web may show hundreds of different feeding relationships.
Food web in the Arctic Ocean.
- carnivore: Organism that feeds on other animals.
- consumer: Organism that must consume other organisms to obtain food for energy.
- decomposer: Organism that obtains nutrients and energy by breaking down dead organisms and animal wastes.
- food chain: Diagram that shows feeding interactions in an ecosystem through a single pathway.
- food web: Diagram that shows feeding interactions between many organisms in an ecosystem through multiple intersecting pathways.
- herbivore: Animal that eats producers to obtain energy.
- producer: Organism that produces food for itself and other organisms.
- A food chain is a diagram that shows feeding interactions in an ecosystem through a single pathway.
- A food web is a diagram that shows feeding interactions between many organisms in an ecosystem through multiple intersecting pathways.
Use the resource below to answer the questions that follow.
- Build A Food Web at http://www.sciencesource2.ca/resources/SS_active_art/active_art/SEinteractive_gr09_ch01_pg31/index.html
- What do the Loons and Arctic Tern have in common in the food web?
- What do the Beluga and the sea duck have in common in the food web?
- What species in the food web feed on zooplankton (animal plankton)?
- When you build your own food web what must it contain to be healthy? How many healthy food webs could you build?
- What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
- What is the herbivore in the following food chain: algae -> fish -> herons?


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Thanks Tom.
Thanks Tom.
SouthFork Fly
Thank you to all judges, throwers, marshalls, contestants, for making this event a success! The grounds provided by Shady Grove Shooting Preserve and Kennels, as well as Deep Run Farm were excellent! Congratulations to all that placed and finished!
Thanks Again!
David Barrow FT Chairman Blue Ridge Retriever Club
Formerly registered as "Southernman"
David - made it back to SC for fathers day completing a good weekend after spending time in VA - wanted to say thanks again to you and all those involved in the hosting of a good event. Ralph Ardis, Will-Do Kennels
David, Congratulations on your well-deserved first place in the Q!!! It was nice to meet you. Lots of fun at the event...great job Blue Ridge and Back Bay!
Tracy Wight
FC AFC Wight's Goddess of Victory MH "Nike"
Wight's The Dark Side QA2 NDL "Vader"
HRCH UH Zucker's Wight Lightning MH QAA "Zucker"


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On this website we offer photography tips about digital photos.
If it is possible that your subject moves, bolts, disappears, stops smiling, or just becomes tired of waiting for you to take a photo, you should shoot once right away. You should practice getting quicker and quicker to the draw.
Don't fret about taking too many photographs and don't wait until you're completely certain all the knobs are in their right position.
As the motto of one old t-shirts states, "Shoot First, Ask Questions Later."
One of the most simple, overlooked, and exciting elements of photography is that you have the opportunity to slow time down or capture a split second.
One picture takes place so slowly that we couldn't see it and the other takes place so quickly in real time that we would never spot it so play with shutter speed!
Use a slow shutter speed and a tripod to achieve a pretty picture of any creek or stream. On the other hand, you can use a quick shutter speed (1/500 and up) to get an object in motion or video it.
Combining a fast shutter speed with a long lens, a sports buff can get a trophy of your own when you are able to capture the expression on your favorite running back's face as he moves past the final defense toward a winning touchdown. Catching the moment in fast-paced action photography may take more practice so hang in there.


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This thread can focus on the candy and bunny aspects of the holiday known as Easter, so it doesn't end up getting closed.
Yesterday, the Easter gathering I was invited to had a pinata... of the Easter Bunny?!? Beating the creature that brings your candy and gifts? I didn't get it. But the hidden eggs lasted for a decent time (last one found? in the flagpole holder on the roof edge), especially since the ages ranged from about 3-10 years old. Best dinner food items? Scalloped potatoes, rolls, pasta salad, orange sherbet drink. Good time.
Other fun times out there?


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Innovative Green Products
In 2010, green building contributed double-digit growth to an otherwise anemic construction and remodeling industry, so it's hardly surprising that manufacturers of every type of building material developed innovative new products to satisfy that growing demand. That meant new solutions that reduced a building's energy costs and water usage, minimized waste of resources, and provided new design options – at prices that have proven competitive to conventional practices. Here's our short list of new materials from 2010 that will likely prove influential in coming years:
Certified Wood
Thanks to the California's CARB-2 regulations, manufacturers were forced to introduce new technology which would drastically reduce formaldehyde in building materials. At the same time, however, demand for low-formaldehyde materials such as cabinets, doors, molding, and furnishings expanded nationally to meet end-user concerns about health and safety. This is particularly true in the kitchen; given a choice, who wants to store food in a formaldehyde laden pantry? That's one reason the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association now lists suppliers of CARB-2 compliant cabinets on their www.GreenCabinetSource.org website.
But eliminating formaldehyde, which provided biocidal benefits to wood panels, might lead to other air quality risks, and even lead to airborne mold. As a result, a growing number of products have materialized to solve that potential problem. For instance, the Collins Companies introduced FreeForm MR, a moisture resistant CARB-2 compliant particleboard with a special water-resistant resin added to the panel to ensure moisture resistant properties. The product contains 100% recycled post-industrial fibers, meets moisture resistant specs for ANSI MR-10, is FSC-certified, and is LEED compliant.
According to Mike Shuey, a product manager with Collins, "This product is particularly good for use in areas which are prone to wetness such as kitchen and bath applications and parts of the country which are subject to high humidity or consistent moisture such as the southeast and pacific northwest. The moisture resistant properties decrease the likelihood of finding mold or mildew in our product."
www.collinsco.com • 800-329-1219
Meanwhile, some of the nation's largest suppliers of wood panels began supplying products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council in 2010 – and that's a very big deal. Georgia-Pacific began shipping FSC versions of their DryMax High-Performance OSB and BlueRibbon Shield Specialty OSB. DryMax is a moisture-resistant sub-flooring that features ink-jet nail patterns. It is fully-sanded on both sides to ensure a uniform thickness tolerance and excellent tongue and groove fit. BlueRibbon Shield is a wall sheathing designed to reduce air infiltration and help customers in high wind areas meet building codes.
www.gp.com/build/ • 800-284-5347
Also in 2010, Boise Cascade's entire engineered wood product line became available nationally with an FSC-Certified option, including BCI Joist, AllJoist, Versa-Lam, Versa-Stud and Versa-Rim. The engineered joists are rated stronger than dimensional lumber, and use about 50% less wood fiber.
www.bc.com • 208-384-6161
But for pure innovation, it would be hard to top Cali Bamboo's Lumboo, a dimensional lumber made from rapidly renewable bamboo fibers. The product is available in a variety of popular sizes, including 2x4, 2x6, and 4x4. Lumboo is produced by compressing carefully selected strips of bamboo, treated with a low-VOC formaldehyde free binder. While the manufacturer speculates that the resulting product could eventually replace dimensional lumber in some applications, for now it will primarily be used for outdoor fencing and decking.
www.calibamboo.com • 858-200-9540
Until recently, there simply was no recognized certifying standard for bamboo materials, but that changed when Smith & Fong launched an FSC-certified line of PlybooStrand bamboo plywood and flooring. PlybooStrand is manufactured through a process in which bamboo strips are compressed into a super-dense block, which can then be converted into planks and panels. No urea-formaldehyde is used in the production process. The result is a product favored by designers for its beauty, durability and sustainability.
"Strand bamboo has long been popular among the architecture and design community for its performance and aesthetic qualities," said Smith & Fong president Dan Smith. "Adding FSC certification ensures managed forestry and the associated LEED MRc7 credit." FSC PlybooStrand is also urea formaldehyde-free.
"Strand bamboo has long been popular among the architecture and design community for its performance and aesthetic qualities," said Smith & Fong president Dan Smith. "Adding FSC certification ensures managed forestry and the associated LEED MRc7 credit." FSC PlybooStrand is also urea formaldehyde-free.
www.plyboo.com • 866-835-9859
If you're looking for character woods, this brightly colored wood offers contrasty grain patterns and large, rich maroon knots. Now it's available as Norfolk Pine Flooring, an floor line by Torzo. The product starts out as a soft Norfolk pine material harvested in Hawaii, which is then infused with a tough VOC-free acrylic polymer. The result is a hard and durable flooring product that has a janka ball test rating of over 5,000 pounds. That level of hardness makes the Norfolk flooring ideal for commercial applications such as office buildings, retail stores, or restaurant locations, so it's certainly appropriate for residential use as well. The line is available in two colors, natural and copper, and comes with highly durable UV floor coating system designed to hold up in heavy traffic locations.
The flooring line is made from 70% FSC certified pine, with the remaining 30% consisting of an inert non-hazardous acrylic polymer. There is no added urea formaldehyde so it is CARB-2 compliant, and the line is manufactured in the United States.
Torzo first developed this technology when it converted its popular Orient countertop surface into a tongue and groove flooring line. Available in any of the four standard color options, the prefinished Orient flooring has a janka ball test rating of almost 5,000 pounds. Orient is made from post industrial recycled wood chips, is CARB-2 compliant, and VOC-free.
www.torzosurfaces.com • 800-770-7523
Pearl's Premium Ultra Low Maintenance Lawn Seed needs no fertilizer, rarely needs water once established, and looks like a lush green lawn – even during winter. In addition, it grows at only one quarter the rate of blue grass, which means that it requires mowing only once a month. Reducing fertilizer use also protects communities from the health risks of chemicals used in lawn irrigation. That mix of features should make the product popular in areas like Southern California that are starved for rainfall and concerned with minimizing smog generated by lawn cutting equipment. Until recently, the company's primary distribution was close to its Massachusetts headquarters. "Pearl's Premium is an environment and economic game changer," said Jackson Madnick, the founder and CEO of Pearl's Premium. "Numerous scientific studies have linked lawn care chemicals with health risks, and lawn irrigation waste is a major drain on drinking water supplies in the U.S.
The photo above is a before and after example (right and left, respectively) of seed planting at a recent Boston area installation.
Gypsum Board
CertainTeed's AirRenew™ gypsum board is a first-of-its-kind product that uses two technologies to actively improve IAQ. First, AirRenew helps clean the air by capturing VOCs – specifically formaldehyde and other aldehydes – and converting them into inert compounds that safely remain within the board. Secondly, AirRenew features M2Tech® technology, which is specially engineered to provide enhanced protection against moisture and mold. Its air cleaning effectiveness was validated using ISO16000-23, an indoor air performance test for evaluating the reduction of formaldehyde concentration by sorptive building materials. In fact, AirRenew will absorb VOCs for up to 75 years.
AirRenew can be finished with water-based paints or breathable wallpaper without loss of its air cleansing properties, and it can ultimately be recycled just as readily as any other gypsum board. The product is designed for fire resistance, is lightweight for easy handling, does not require special tools for installation, and is easy to cut and install. AirRenew also helps building and design professionals meet the VOC concentration limits, mold resistance and recycled content criteria required by greeen building programs such as LEED and NAHB-Green.
www.certainteed.com • 800-233-8990
Building Envelope
When it comes to wall systems, sometimes simpler is better. Instead of a system that relies on contractors properly wrapping a building's OSB skin with plastic, the ZIP System from Huber Engineered Woods simplifies the proceess with a three-in-one material that is code recognized as a structural wall panel, a moisture barrier, and an air barrier. A water-resistant barrier is fused directly onto the panels during the manufacturing process. Once the panels are fastened into place, the seams are sealed with a ZIP System tape. As a consequence, there is no chance for water to get between the panels and the sheathing, unlike conventional air barrier assemblies where the water can penetrate and collect behind the housewrap.
The ZIP System recently surpassed the rigorous "ASTM E 2357 Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies," and is eligible for credits under the LEED and NAHB-Green programs.
The ZIP System recently surpassed the rigorous "ASTM E 2357 Standard Test Method for Determining Air Leakage of Air Barrier Assemblies," and is eligible for credits under the LEED and NAHB-Green programs.
In 2010, the system was enhanced by the introduction of High-Wind Region ZIP System wall panels, which are designed to resist uplift and shear as described in the "Standard for Residential Construction in High-Wind Regions" (ICC 600-2008).
www.zipsystem.com • 800-933-9220
Interior Finishes
EcoDeVita is a line of Japanese wall plasters that offers designer options once thought unique to wall coverings. Its SOA Sand Texture, for instance, is available in 24 natural pigment colors which integrate fine sand particles throughout the material. The result is a wall with substantially greater warmth and depth than conventional finishes.
But it's EcoDeVita KRM that's generating buzz in the green community. Made of diatomaceous earth, the finish aborbs odors and actually cleans indoor air. Studies show that KRM will reduce formaldehyde levels in a room to 1/7th. A natural fire retardant, it also helps balance humidity levels. Because it absorbs the odor of cigarette smoke, it's currently under consideration in the smokiest of locations, the Las Vegas casino community. And since it soaks up body odor, it may also be a natural choice for fitness centers.
KRM is available in 60 colors, which are carried throughout the body of the finish. EcoDeVita plasters can be spray applied and finished with conventional texturizing tools. The product line is eligible for LEED credits.
Water Heating
A. O. Smith's NEXT Hybrid® Water Heater blends tankless and conventional water heating technologies into an integrated system that improves on the benefits of each in terms of energy efficiency, convenience features, and performance. The system heats water instantly using a tankless engine, while additional heated water supply remains available in a compact buffer tank. That combination allows the unit to deliver an unlimited stream of hot water without risk of any sudden interruptions of supply – "cold water sandwiches" – that can occur with conventional tankless units. An easy to operate push button control panel with LED read-out makes temperature management easy for end-users.
Here's how it saves energy: the heater routes the heated exhaust gas from its tankless engine to a secondary heat exchanger, where it serves as a heat source for water in the buffer tank. As a result, the NEXT achieves 90 percent thermal efficiency, well ahead of a standard tank model's 78 percent or a conventional tankless unit's 82 percent thermal efficiency rating.
NEXT Hybrid installs about as easily as a conventional water heater. Installers won't need to upgrade to stainless steel venting or a ¾-inch gas line.
www.hotwater.com • 866-362-9898
WISP Window Systems feature integrated storm protection, thanks to a unique high-impact storm shade that's a permanent component of the system. The windows are constructed with robust 6-inch aluminum frames, industrial strength thermal breaks and insulated glass. When storm warnings sound, residents can simply pull down the unique high-impact storm shade and secure it to the windowsill. When not in use, the shade rolls neatly into place inside the window casing. The shade is made from a tough, flexible, tightly woven synthetic fiber and finished with a specially formatted coating that makes it weather resistant, water repellent, and pliable, with the strength and flexibility to protect properties from effects of hurricane-force winds of up to 205 mph.
In fair weather, coupling the windows' ¾ inch low-E glass with the translucent WISP shade can minimize solar heat gain while allowing light transmission in the summer, and providing an additional thermal break year around. WISP windows are certified by NAMI and recognized by the International Hurricane Protection Association.
www.wispwindow.com • 877-939-9283
You'd have a hard time finding many 2010 products that could prove more influential than VIRIBRIGHT's LED light bulbs. Parent company Matrix Lighting has achieved major design and production breakthroughs to meet their goal of improving LED quality and performance standards while dropping prices to a highly accessible level. For example, Matrix's new 5 watt VIRIBRIGHT LED light bulb has a lumen output equivalent to that of a 40 watt incandescent, illuminates evenly across a 270° spread, and has an expected life of over 20,000 hours.
But what's really grabbing people's attention is the price. Kathy Hawk, Marketing Director for Matrix Lighting, says that the bulbs are positioned to retail for as little as $10. In 2009, similar LED bulbs from some manufacturers sold for as much as $100.
According to Hawk, the 5-watt VIRIBRIGHT bulb is not only less expensive than last year's LED bulbs, it's better looking and it performs better as well. "There's no transformer in the base now (it uses a chip), and there's a better heat sink. The whole bulb, even the base, stays cool to the touch," said Hawk. "And now it's UL approved, which is something new for the LED industry." The bulbs are supplied as 5 watt or 11 watt (60 watt equivalent) in warm white, natural white, or cool white, with additional varieties scheduled for introduction soon.
LED lighting offers some key advantages over existing technologies. The first generation of energy saving lightbulbs – CFLs – are less energy efficient, start up slowly, contain toxic mercury, are easily breakable, and have a reputation for flickering. By contrast, VIRIBRIGHT's LED bulbs are mercury and toxin free, will not shatter if dropped, start instantly, last for a greater number of hours, produce more lumens per watt, and can be recycled or safely thrown away. That last advantage is important because as many as 90 percent of mercury-containing CFLs end up in landfills.
VIRIBRIGHT is also offering an economical 20 watt LED alternative to the traditional 40 watt fluorescent T8 tube. "One difference between our T8 LED tubes and a T8 fluorescent is that there's no ballast required," said Hawk. "When we talk to light fixture manufacturers, they get excited because not installing a ballast saves them $15 per fixture." The long-life LED tubes come in cool white, natural, or warm white, and can retail for under $40.
Why are the prices so low? Unlike other LED suppliers, Matrix Lighting manufactures their own bulbs and tubes, rather than just assembling them from off-the-shelf components. And according to Hawk, VIRIBRIGHT will make the most of that advantage. "We are dedicated to R&D, and we have a lot of new bulbs in the works that we hope to release in the next six months," said Hawk.
www.viribright.com • 877-847-4276
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|Pacific Northwest Sea Run Forum No such thing as rainbow trout, only landlocked steelhead
|Topic Review (Newest First)
I have not received anything from the Park Serviece to date despite having responded to their request for input. Those of us who do not live on the Peninsula may not get the regulations package, although I do desire for all of us who responded to receive same from the Park Service.
The argument about foregone opportunity is so maddening because Bolt very clearly on said that the treaty tribes (and not all treaty tribes, only those who had federal recognition intake at the time of the decision) were entitiled to 1/2 of the harestable number of salmon and steelhead. This means on its face that the treaty tribes cannot increase their harvest number simply because sportsfishers C&R. The language is very clear on the 1/2 of harvestable fish number, not more if another user group does not harvest the other half.
It seems that the WDFW attornerys are worried that if it enacts C&R for wild fish on all rivers, one or more of the treaty tribes will file suit or threaten to file suit to harvest more fish because of foregone opportunity, and that this would result a new round of court battles for years. I have a very strong sense that none of the treaty tribes wants to have Bolt reopened, which such a suit would do. As a means to bolster my suspician of the tribes not wanting Bolt reopened, look at how all the treaty tribes filed friend of the court briefs in opposition to the Samish Tribe's (which has lost its federal recognition at the time of the Bolt decision) attempt to be declared a treaty tribe with fishing rights under Bolt.
Flytyer, I am going to ask officialy for a viewing of the correspondence that the park received on the proposals. I actually would like to see just what the ratio is pro con and I will pass that on when and if I can assemble that info. The Park sent me the entire regulation package, as a respondent I assume everyone will receive the same, however they do not include the specifics that I am going to ask for.
On a modestly positive note they did actually increase the number of areas that are managed under C&R special rules in the proposal package it just stopped way too short of what the Staff Propsals were calling for. A little bird warned me that this might happen because of the Parks attorneys and there association with WDFW counterparts. I ignored the rumor and proceeded with the hope and conviction that this venue would be our best hope to finally test Fore Gone Op but alas screwed again.
See you in Jail.
I'm very disappointed to hear that only 70 people took the time to respond to the request for testimony. However, since 70 people care enough about the fishery to respond, one would hope that the Park Service would take these responses as indicative of how the fishing public feels and enact the regulations accordingly.
Perhaps you are right about the need to start negotiating from the standpoint of closing all fisheries on January 1. Then maybe more anglers would get involved and quite possibly WDFW would listen and enact C&R year round on wild fish in all river systems.
|It is pretty apalling that only 70 Individuals & organizations responded, but if subject viewing numbers are any indication of getting involved, anglers are more concerned about fly swaps and hooks than going to bat for the resource they so say they love.
Totally agree
Negotiations must start at the extream. Otherwise we keep losing a little more each time as the middle ground keeps being redefined. And the more "we" give, the more "they" ask for. As a good example, look at the gun control issue.
I fear you are right on the need to negotiate from the extreme. The WDFW commission certainly showed last year their willingness to find a center ground even when faced with overwhelming evidence and testimony.
There has been much talk on consensus building and protecting user interests while the interests of the wild stocks continue to be ignored. I fear we are coming to the point that the official motto will be "Kill all you want, we'll just make more".
A new negotiating stance!!!!!
Anyone who has ever had the job of negotiating has been made aware of the problem of starting with the position of what it is you want. This position is countered by what the other party wants. Disscusions started at the two poles result in some type of middle ground or in some cases the "Status Quo".
Regarding the intransiet position of Fishery Managers to move on what I view as adequate Wild Stock protection I have to wonder what extreme proposal would one have to start with in order to achive his real objective of adequate escapement.
The Anti C&R boys are quick to suggest a Februaury closeing date with no C&R season maybe we need to recomend a complete closure as a starting point realizing of course such an event is as unlikely as the scenario where there is no C&R season. Something that I read in the parks news release that I find saddening is that despite numerous post on several websites and calls for testimony in local and regional newspapers only 70 individuals responded to the request for testimony.
I will keep on responding and stay the course but when the Park Service disses its own proposal because of WDFW I wonder if it will ever come to pass.
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One Direction Our Moment One Direction (EDP, 30ml – 100ml)
£19.50 Product Code 3436994
- Overview
One Direction's debut fragrance Our Moment is both inspired by and dedicated to their fans.
The sparkling, juicy and feminine fragrance is made up of splashes of fresh fruit and seasonal flowers infused with undertones of warm musk. Pink grapefruit, wild berries and redcurrants, combine with the delicacy of jasmine petals, and frangipani before finally dry woody tones of musk and patchouli leave an enticing and playful scent on the skin. The bottle's intricate crown lid houses a stunning mesh 'pink flower' that hints to its floral notes.
Available in-store from 25th August, via a pop-up retail counter in the Childrenswear department on Harrods' Fourth Floor.
- Details
- Top notes: pink grapefruit, wild berries and redcurrants
- Middle notes: jasmine and frangipani
- Base notes: musk and patchouli
- Eau de parfum
Regrettably, this product is non-returnable and non-exportable.
- Delivery & Returns
International Delivery Charges
If paying in another currency your delivery charge will be calculated at checkout.
Delivery Option Duration Price Standard Delivery 3-5 days, Monday-Friday only. £5.95 Next Day Delivery Next working day on all orders placed before 3pm, Mon-Sat only. £12 Saturday Delivery Saturday only on orders placed before Friday 3pm. £15.95
International Deliveries
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Layers of flaky puff pastry show off the berries in a sherbet-topped shortcake.
Thaw the frozen puff pastry on the counter about 15 minutes. The pastry should be chilled but still pliable when you're ready to work with it. If the pastry gets too warm, the butter layers will flatten and the pastry won't puff as high when it bakes.
Store raspberries and blueberries in their original container or spread out in a dish or pan lined with paper towels. Raspberries are very fragile. Plan to use them within a day or so to avoid moldy berries.
© 2017 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved


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There are many different types of pesticides. Pesticides are substances used to kill or repel insects, weeds, bacteria, mold, or viruses. They are applied in homes and on lawns, in agricultural fields on fruits and vegetables, and in parks, golf courses, and buildings. They are also used on pets and people to protect them from insects. They can help grow crops more efficiently and protect people from diseases. Improper use of pesticides may lead to build up in the environment, pesticide poisoning, and other health problems.
Exposures to pesticides may cause a wide variety of both acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) health affects, depending upon the type of pesticide and the amount of exposure. Signs of acute poisoning may include diarrhea, pinpoint pupils, rashes, nausea, headache, and vomiting. Some pesticides may cause eye, skin, or throat irritation. Chronic exposure (greater than 1 year) to some types of pesticides may aggravate asthma symptoms; other types may increase the risk for certain types of cancers and birth defects, or cause damage to the genetic and immune systems.
Infants and children may be especially sensitive to health risks posed by pesticides because their internal organs are still developing and maturing. Children eat and drink more in relation to their body weight, possibly increasing their exposure to pesticides in food and water. In addition, playing on floors or lawns or putting objects in their mouths can increase a child's exposure to pesticides used in homes and yards.
Exposure to pesticides should be avoided whenever possible. CDPH recommends that people use common sense measures, such as washing fruits and vegetables before eating and carefully following the directions on products, in order to minimize their exposure to pesticides. Remember to wash skin and clothing promptly if contact with pesticides occurs.
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China Rural-Income Gains Aid Shift Toward ConsumptionBloomberg News
Chinese incomes rose faster in the countryside than in cities for a third straight year in 2012 as migrant workers boosted their pay and the government strengthened the social safety net.
Rural per-capita net income advanced 10.7 percent, compared with 9.6 percent for urban dwellers, partly on the rise in migrant laborers and their wages, the National Bureau of Statistics said Jan. 18. Rural residents' income from benefits payments rose 21.9 percent, almost double the urban pace, as the government boosted its budget for health-care handouts.
Rural spending power has been lifted by wages earned by peasants working in cities, underscoring the broader benefits of the urbanization drive championed by incoming Premier Li Keqiang. Spreading gains in consumption would help sustain a growth rebound and reduce the economy's reliance on exports, which rose last year at less than half 2011's pace.
"Rising rural incomes should definitely help boost consumption and aid rebalancing," said Zhang Zhiwei, chief China economist at Nomura Holdings Inc. in Hong Kong. "Growth will gear down a bit as rising labor costs diminish investment incentives, but such consumption-led expansion will be more sustainable."
The trend may persist for a while as a declining working-age population helps push up migrant laborers' pay and the government keeps improving social safety-net funds including for health care in the countryside, said Zhang, who previously worked for the International Monetary Fund.
Retail Sales
Rural per-capita net income, which includes migrant workers' pay, rose more than that of urban residents in 2010 for the first time since 1997. Retail sales in rural regions rose 14.5 percent last year, exceeding the gain in urban areas, which increased 14.3 percent, for the first time in three years. That compares with 17.2 percent growth for urban consumption in 2011 and a 16.7 percent advance for rural dwellers.
Rural spending, at 2.78 trillion yuan ($447 billion) last year, was still less than one-fifth of what urban households spent. Urbanites account for about 52.6 percent of China's population of 1.35 billion, according to the statistics bureau.
The central government's transfer-payment budget for rural health-care coverage in 2012 increased 36 percent to 106.3 billion yuan, according to the Ministry of Finance.
"Income and wealth reallocation favoring rural households should definitely help boost consumption, as the lower-income households normally have higher propensity to consume," said Ren Xianfang, a Beijing-based analyst with researcher IHS Inc. "This should help rebalancing."
Registration System
The situation highlights the urgency of measures such as overhauling a household-registration system that keeps 642 million rural dwellers from permanently joining the urban workforce, limiting their ability to contribute to the economy.
The State Council, or cabinet, said in February 2012 it will implement a policy of helping people register as urban residents in small and medium-sized cities and small townships and ensure equal benefits for countryside residents who have an urban registration. At the same time, the government will continue to "reasonably control" the population of bigger cities including Beijing and Shanghai.
China had about 230 million people by the end of 2011 who lived in cities without permanent residence, Chen Xiwen, China's top rural-policy adviser, said Nov. 29. The Chinese government has a huge challenge in providing education, health care and jobs for these people, Chen said.
Major Tasks
Strengthening consumption's role in boosting economic growth is one of the major tasks this year, the government said after the annual central economic work conference in December. Stephen Roach, former non-executive chairman for Morgan Stanley in Asia, said in a Project Syndicate opinion article this week that "without rebalancing and reforms, the days of the automatic Chinese soft landing may be over."
A resurgence in optimism for China's economy has given stocks a boost. The Shanghai Composite Index, the nation's benchmark gauge, advanced 20 percent through yesterday since its 2012 low on Dec. 3, a threshold used by some investors to signal a bull market. The index fell 0.1 percent as of 1:08 p.m. local time today.
While economic growth for the full year was the weakest since 1999, expansion rebounded in the fourth quarter to a 7.9 percent year-on-year pace following a seven-quarter slowdown.
Gree Electric Appliances Inc., China's biggest air-conditioner maker, may benefit from growing sales in the countryside, China International Capital Corp. analysts said in a Jan. 21 note. Gree said Jan. 18 that its 2012 profit may have increased 41 percent.
Japan Sales
Elsewhere in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan's retail sales rose 0.1 percent last month from November, less than economists forecast, a report showed today. South Korea's industrial production unexpectedly expanded in December from November as domestic demand offset weakness in exports. New Zealand building approvals surged to a 4 1/2-year high in December, adding to signs of a revival in the property market.
In Europe, Spain will release gross domestic product data today, with a Bloomberg survey showing the economy contracted last quarter. GDP reports are also due in Belgium and Lithuania, as are reports on Italian business confidence, euro-area consumer confidence and U.K. mortgage approvals.
The U.S. economy probably expanded at a 1.1 percent annualized rate in the fourth quarter, the weakest in almost two years, a Bloomberg survey showed before figures due today.
Bigger Cake
Even with the gains in China, per capita rural net income last year was 7,917 yuan, less than a third of per capita urban disposable income of 24,565 yuan, statistics bureau data showed. Ma Jiantang, head of the agency, said Jan. 18 that China must on one hand, "make the cake bigger, and on the other hand, we must do a better job in sharing the cake."
Under President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao, both set to retire in March, the government since 2003 has abolished agriculture taxes, expanded health-care coverage and increased minimum purchase prices of grains under efforts to boost rural development.
The difference between rural and urban income growth was smaller in 2012 than the 3 percentage-point gap in 2011.
"As the narrowing of the gap in the pace of gains shows, more needs to be done to reduce income disparities, and I expect the new government to move in this direction," said Dariusz Kowalczyk, senior economist and strategist at Credit Agricole CIB in Hong Kong.


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Friday, October 21, 2011
Steamed Pumpkin Kuih ( Kuih Labu Kukus )
The first time i made this kuih was quite sometime back, not too good as i found it more gummy on the texture. This time around, it's much much better after altering the flour and the water amount. I had eaten this kind of kuih many years back, at a coffeeshop but no longer selling now and actually quite forgotten what was the texture like. It's not easy to find this kind of a steamed pumpkin kuih in town, i don't know why but it's nice. I am quite satisfied with the kuih this time but i know the next time when i want to make this again, i will most likely use some combination of flours and see again. Now this you dont really have to eat with grated coconut cos it already has the wonderful fragrant that comes from the coconut milk .
If you are interested in this kind of steamed sweet pumpkin kuihs, do check out some other versions made by some of my blogger friends:
1) Quay Po Cooks - Steamed Pumpkin Kuih
2) My Little Space - Steamed Sweet Pumpkin Kuih
3)My Little Space - Marble Pumpkin Kuih ( latest update on Oct24 )
Ingredients ( made this in a 6"x6" square tin )
300gm pumpkin, peeled, cut and steamed
120gm sugar
150gm tapioca flour
200ml coconut milk
80ml water
1. After steaming the pumpkin, while still hot, blend the pumpkin and water till puree.
2. Transfer the puree into a large bowl and combine it with coconut milk, sugar and stir to dissolve sugar. Add in the tapioca flour and stir well to combine, pour into a steaming tin and steam for 40 minutes. Remove from heat.
( Let kuih cool completely before cutting and eating , it will take several hours)
*** update on March27, 2012***
i've made another batch of this kuih and here's a revised recipe as i got feedback saying that the kuih is very soft. The kuih in the revised recipe here is still soft but slightly harder than the original version. Let it cool down completely before cutting. Let me know the feedback if any of you made this kuih. Thank you.
300gm pumpkin
120gm sugar
180gm tapioca flour
200ml coconut milk
60ml water
method is the same as above.
I am also submitting this post to the Aspiring Bakers #12 - Traditional Kueh ( October 2011) hosted by the Small Small Baker and also sharing this in the Muhibbah Malaysia Monday Event hosted by 3 hungry tummies.
39 comments:
Thanks for sharing, eating too many kuih already , need to keep this for next time.ReplyDelete
haha! correct lor, all of us are putting on weight this month!!ReplyDelete
Wah, looks wonderful Lena! I am so jealous of all the kuihs everyone is making, got no time to make. Hopefully next week I can squeeze in some time! :)ReplyDelete
Lena...this looks good. I have eaten those coated with grated coconut. Vernice and I love pumpkin kuih from the kuih vendor. Thumbs up for yours :) Everyone is making kuih on blogosphere :)ReplyDelete
Wah! Kuih nampak sedap!ReplyDelete
It looks delicious!xxxReplyDelete
Wish I could have this now; I have quite an appetite for coconut milk recently : ).ReplyDelete
I've never tried this before. Love the colour and the texture looks soft too.ReplyDelete
Like Ann, I've never try this before. But I love the kind of kuih with that bouncy QQ texture :) This kuih for sure is the one that I would like to eat.ReplyDelete
okay very very very intersting. I have never heard or had this before but I am liking the idea of it. It sounds yummy and fun. I am like you with gummy textures though but I also trust you when you say it wasn;t that gummy. It looks deliciousReplyDelete
I wonder how it taste like. I imagine it will go well with grated coconut too. :)ReplyDelete
I must try to make Kuih if it's the last thing I do. It looks incredibly delicious and oh so pretty!ReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing, Lena...
I have been noticing all the other recipes too! Now I am excited to try making it since I won't be able to get the real thing! :) Yours looks real good!ReplyDelete
Interesting, but I've not tasted pumpkin kueh before. I love the bright orange color and from what you said, you have found the right texture of the kueh. My mum loves pumpkin, will attempt this for her when I get some time, thanks Lena!ReplyDelete
Pumpkin is a very healthy fruit.. can be boiled in soup, kueh or even as a dish...ReplyDelete
Gummy??? I like it gummy gummy!ReplyDelete
For this coconut lover, with coconut milk in it, I will still want to roll it in coconut shreds, LOL, so that I can enjoy the gumminess with the coconut. Dunno why, I just love coconut shreds.
such a pretty yellow color, definitely looks yummy :)ReplyDelete
I love recreating things which I've eaten somewhere else before ;) This sounds delicious!! I've never actually had kuih before but the flavours and the texture sound really good!ReplyDelete
Looks good and light. Would like this, plain with no coconut decor.ReplyDelete
gummy? aren't all kuihs gummy? hehe ... hmmm, if u are looking for the bouncy chewy texture, maybe try using glutinous flour. that's for u to experiment next time. hehe. i've never seen or tried this pumpkin kuih, it sure looks tempting!ReplyDelete
Sounds delicious with chewy texture, that's how I like my kuih, chewy:DReplyDelete
Love pumpkin kueh! Those look really lovely with light golden colour.ReplyDelete
These look fantastic! I always love cakes/kuih with chewy consistency :)ReplyDelete
I've not tried this before...ReplyDelete
and now there are abundance of pumpkin... thanks to Halloween... might give it a go :D
aiyah forgotten to buy pumpkin just now. If not, will try this one. thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
Oh yums! Looks like sticky sweet goodness - and the colour too! :DReplyDelete
hi, thanks everyone. i'm quite satisfied with the results this time but i think it can still be improved. Hope those who like will give this a try too!ReplyDelete
Hi lena, not only your kuehs are beautiful, but your photographs.....they really help enhance your cakes further!ReplyDelete
I am very impressed not only of your 2nd Dan Black Belt in cooking, baking, but your outstanding photography!
Pity some bloggers, they make beautiful cakes, but their photographs don't do justice to their display.
As well you have nice background to your pics too.
I love these beautiful cakes, but regret pumpkin not on my list of cakes I go gila for, ha ha. But my wife does.
Have a great week, Lena.
And make sure wear a fitting t-shirt....cannot hide chickens inside, arhaaaa ha ha ha.
I've never prepared pumpkin in this fashion. It sounds delicious. You asked about the pumpkin patch. The pumpkin is an integral part of our Halloween celebration and families with children almost always have a large pumpkin for the children to carve. Some buy, some pick it. I live in an agricultural area, so most children here get to pick a pumpkin from a patch. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...MaryReplyDelete
You are so modest lah. I do like it, but I doubt I'll give it a try unless Devil promises to help me out - I'm not very good in the kitchen! :PReplyDelete
- Eileen@Hundred Eighty DegreesOctober 24, 2011 at 10:31 PM
I've never tried or seen pumpkin kueh before. Yours look irresistible!ReplyDelete
This is a beautiful color of pumpkin kueh! I have never tried kueh before but I'd love to try pumpkin ones!ReplyDelete
Lena, you made this for me right? I love pumpkin kuih a lot. You use Tepung Ubi Kayu? I saw some people use Green Pea flour. But, tapioca flour is easier to get. I must try this one day.ReplyDelete
Oh dear, I've missed out this post. Btw, thanks for sharing this recipe. I was actually looking something like this too. I'll try to add in some tung fun. See if it will give the texture more bouncy touch.ReplyDelete
The best I've ever taste in my whole life! theres no doubt about it!ReplyDelete
Hey I missed this post lah. Hey thanks for the link!ReplyDelete
Hi Lena,ReplyDelete
This looks delicious. Thanks for sharing!
- AnonymousDecember 4, 2015 at 11:49 PM
Hi Lena. Would like to try this kuih.can I omit water n you just coconut milk? Tx. JinReplyDeleteReplies
yes, you can blend the pumpkin together with the coconut milk and the sugar.Delete


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By Ben Levisohn
Rockets often need twin engines to blast into orbit. The same could be said for gold miners today.
They're getting a boost on two fronts–Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke's dovish comments yesterday and some positive comments from management in regards to production.
First Bernanke. Yesterday, the he dialed back speculation that the U.S. would hike rates anytime soon, as the U.S. would likely need easy money for quite a while. Bloomberg explains:
Gold futures rose the most in a year after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said yesterday that the U.S. economy needs "highly accommodative monetary policy for the foreseeable future." Silver also gained…
…Gold futures for August delivery climbed 3 percent to $1,284.70 an ounce at 9:27 a.m. on the Comex in New York, heading for the biggest jump for a most-active contract since June 2012. Earlier, the precious metal touched $1,297.20, the highest since June 24, the last time the price topped $1,300.
Bernanke's comments also helped lift the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), which gained 2.6% to $124.13 today, and gold miners, who need higher gold prices to turn a profit. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) has jumped 5% to $24.35 so far today.
But that's not all. Newmont Mining (NEM) also disclosed its second-quarter production numbers, which looked to be in-line with forecasts.
Newmont Mining Corporation today reported preliminary second quarter attributable gold and copper production of 1.167 million ounces and 34 million pounds, respectively. Preliminary attributable gold and copper sales were 1.213 million ounces and 37 million pounds, respectively. Second quarter gold production was in line with expectations.
JPMorgan's John Bridges explains the significance:


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Mediastinal tumors are growths that form in the mediastinum. This is an area in the middle of the chest that separates the lungs.
Thymoma - mediastinal; Lymphoma - mediastinal
The mediastinum is the part of the chest that lies between the sternum and the spinal column, and between the lungs. This area contains the heart, large blood vessels, windpipe (trachea), thymus gland, esophagus, and connective tissues. The mediastinum is divided into three sections:
Mediastinal tumors are rare.
The most common location for tumors in the mediastinum depends on the age of the patient. In children, tumors are more common in the posterior mediastinum. These tumors often begin in the nerves and are non-cancerous (benign).
Most mediastinal tumors in adults occur in the anterior mediastinum and are usually cancerous (malignant) lymphomas, germ cell tumors, or thymomas. These tumors are most common in people ages 30 to 50.
Almost half of mediastinal tumors cause no symptoms and are found on a chest x-ray done for another reason. Symptoms that do occur are due to pressure on (compression of) local structures and may include:
A medical history and physical examination may show:
Further tests that may be done include:
Treatment for mediastinal tumors depends on the type of tumor and symptoms:
The outcome depends on the type of tumor. Different tumors respond differently to chemotherapy and radiation.
Complications of mediastinal tumors include:
Radiation, surgery, and chemotherapy can all have serious complications.
Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of a mediastinal tumor.
Park DR, Vallieres E. Tumors and cysts of the mediastinum. In: Mason RJ, Murray JF, Broaddus VC, et al., eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 76.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2013 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


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Results 41 to 44 of 44
Thread: Don't want Boomer to die
10-18-2012, 05:16 AM #41Member Platy
- Join Date
- Oct 2012
- Posts
- 31
Okay thank you I will have a read later when i get home from work about the cycling. :) re the ulcer on his face, It really did look like it was coming 'away' from his chin lastnight and i posted just that this afternoon when I got home, BUT, upon seeing him again I have noticed it is not coming away from his face like it was yesterday and appears to have grown 'fuzz', so now he has a little mound of fuzz below his chin.....like the same kind of fuzz mould grows on it.How can this happen when I have Pimafix in the water? it would seem it's actually worse. Thinking I have to go and get a 'real' Fungal treatment now that there's no snails in the tank to kill.
Still woukd like a reply about the heater...anyone? thank you kindly.
btw, been posting Boomer updates on my Facebook wall for the last week and a half...i have friends at work asking everyday and I'm sure, 'lol'ing behind my back hehe I can't help it I love the fish ;)
Yeah, my husband used to laugh about my new fish obsession...now he cries. ;)
Sorry, I'm not an expert on the technical stuff...I just buy a heater marked for my size tank and leave it at that. :-/
Fuzz could also be columnaris, which is bacterial. Pictures?20 gallon with a male betta, neons, glowlights, and red cherry shrimp. (work in progess) Recently added a few LIVE plants and driftwood, Woooohoooo!
10-19-2012, 05:18 AM #43Member Platy
- Join Date
- Oct 2012
- Posts
- 31
Hmmm well, I didnt know heaters came for different sized tanks, guess I will check that.
Aaaah re the fuzz....it was there bigger than ever this morning like a mound of white hair, was trying to snap pics this morning before work but nothing came up clear enough, thought i'd try when i got home from work but it's gone??? and left a red patch like an area that has no scales.
He is acting normal again now, very lively, eating, curious as usual compared to last week when he almost turned up his fins, BUT...remember this long transluscent white stringy thing he had coming from his butt????( posted pics last week) well it fell off a few days ago, thought I'd hold off on the parasite treatment and then this afternoon, whammo, thought it was just poo because it's got colour, but upon closer inspection it appears to be red in colour, like it's got some blood in it?
10-19-2012, 10:19 AM #44Member Platy
- Join Date
- Oct 2012
- Posts
- 31
Sorry for the repeated replies, but I keep coming across 'new' things. I came home from job #2 tonight and discovered in a matter of hours he has a piece of his tail coming off and it has what looks like fungus on it...tried to snap a pic, very hard, all blury sorry.What next ?*sigh* so now he still has this intestinal thing with what looks like blood in it AND the fungus on his tail, and I'm still using Melafix and Pimafix, how can this happen? I will head to the pet store tomorrow, please, just telll me what I need to buy.


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Not as Advertised 9/18/2013Terry from Frederick MD
This was advertised as having "Color Display". This is false. it has a monochromatic LCD display. I found it not easy to setup. Still having problem getting it to read external temperature. Unit was not new, had scratches on outside unit. Not worth returning as would have to pay shipping both ways. 2nd SVP product I am not happy with. Save your money.
nice unit 8/9/2013
works nice
Very Good 5/21/2013Toomy from NYC
Very Good
Weather indicator 3/29/2013Brian from Salem, NJ
Easy to set up. Picks up time automatically but doesn't account for day light savings or I haven't figured out how to set that yet. Its nice knowing the outside weather conditions without waiting on the news.
Good product, good price. 3/6/2013
Product was as advertised. As noted by other reviews, the instructions at times made no sense at all. Certain functions were either not explained at all or explained so it made no sense. You had to figure it out yourself. But it wasn't difficult. Cool product. Very handy.
Awesome 2/26/2013
Great Unit 1/4/2013
This weather station is easy to read , the set up is also user freindly.The L.E.D makes it worth the $$.
Good but not excellent 12/28/2012
A few suggestions for improvement. 1: The instructions that come with the item are nearly indecipherable for some functions. They appear to have been written by someone with very limited english skills. 2: The instructions say the remote sensor cannot get wet which would severely limit its usefulness, emailed seller and they suggested pttting under eave. Should be in instructions. 3: Have to push button to illuminate screen, guess it saves on batteries but is inconvenient.
Cool Product 12/21/2012
Works well. Directions are somewhat lacking however.
A waste of money. 12/20/2012harry from Florida
This item has many problems. AC converter plug & batteries fall out. Each time it looses power it needs to be set up again, and it's not an easy task. Instruction manual is in broken Chinese. The help web site in the manual does not exist. Junk.
Great Weather Station 12/18/2012Rick from Morganton,NC
This weather station has all the info you need to know for starting your day. Easy to set up and use. Cool display, easy to read. Pretty accurate on the forcast prediction also. Very satisfied with unit.
Good so far 12/16/2012
Only have had for a couple days but seems to work well.
WeatherStation-WS-0170T 12/14/2012
Plus: Works as defined and is actually surpisingly accurate as to it's forecast of the weather.
Attractive to look at, accurate in regards to time and temperature. Easy to read.
Minus: The instructions are not well written. You will need a jewelers screwdriver to install the batteries in the remote transmitter which makes me wonder how long it will last for battery changes. The remote is not "weather proof" so make sure you install it in a protected area or build a shield around it.
ok before using 12/13/2012


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Game Description: Instructions for Discover Japan
Copyright © 2013 - On this site you can play the best free online Mahjong Solitaire games on the Internet. You can find normal Mahjong Solitaire on our site where you need to match 2 tiles, but also Mahjong Connect games where you have to connect tiles. You can play 3 Dimensional Mahjong games like Mahjong Dimensions and Tower variants of this game. Mahjong Slide, Triple Mahjong Memory Mahjong can be found in the category Mahjong Variants. Every week a new Mahjongg game will be added to our huge list of online games. Mahjong Games Online - Play popular Mahjong games collecting from Internet.


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Clear LED Bulb - Tube
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Clear LED Edison Bulb - Short
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Clear LED Candelabra Bulb - Globe
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LED Bulb - Globe
LED Bulb - Silver-Tipped
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Halogen Candelabra Bulb
Industrial Pendant Conversion Kit
Chevron Cord Set - Gray/White
Metallic Cord Sets
Nylon Cord Set
At west elm, we understand that each person has their own vision for how they want their home to look. We want to help you to achieve that design concept, and create the desired ambience in each of your rooms. Illumination can play a big part in the way a space feels. That's why we offer a number of lighting accessories to make sure you find exactly what you need. For areas with a lot of richly toned furniture like living rooms or bedrooms, a combination of accent tables with distinctive lamps are a great choice. Serving both practical and decorative aspects, table lamps offer much in terms of personality for your room. To customize the lamps themselves according to your personal tastes, our shades are available in trendy drum styles or classic tapered selections. Choose from natural-colored shades to add a warmer, more intimate feel to a room. You can also go with ivory tones to create a spacious and clean look.
Our beautiful pendants create a distinctive atmosphere, and feature designs in which the light bulb itself plays a large part. That means that you'll want to select a light bulb shape that coordinates well with the rest of your space. Several styles of Edison bulbs or globe lights create an attractive mood in any room and generate instant sophistication that is sure to impress guests and inspire you and your family. Our bulbs fit standard sockets for convenience.


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Boys have a competitive spirit. We are born with it. We compete in just about anything.
Look at your Scout Troop and see how they compete. You will find that they are in a constant state of competition.
Thinking back at Summer camp. After grace, its a mad dash to see who can be first in line for Dinner. They sign up for more merit badges than their buddy, try to swim farther or faster, shoot more bulls eyes and see who can stay up latest.
The competitive spirit is a part of being a boy. We compete at camporee, we compete in School, we compete at home, just watch a set of siblings go at it.
Without competition we get lazy and lack creativity.
Allowing the Scouts to compete is a good thing. It creates an environment of healthy competition and good sportsmanship. It teaches the Scouts valuable lessons about life as a grown up, where we continue to compete, for jobs, status, and fun.
I have heard some Scout leaders say that competition is bad, they we need to make sure every Scout is a winner. Well I disagree. I think that we create winners through competition. Those that compete and loose win in the end through the valuable lessons learned. They strive to do their best.. and that makes them a winner. Trophy or not.
Let them compete..push themselves.. and become winners through hard work and fun.
Happy Scouting!