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Blog of Dr. Miland Brown that features different aspects of world history. Not everything can be covered but sites dealing with any historical issue or topic are possible future posts. Also includes sites which discuss teaching history. Dr. Brown is an academic in North America.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
The Dominion of British West Florida and Tips for Creating an American Separatist Cause
Well, separatist fantasies never seem to go away in the USA. In past posts, I have made notes about dubious separatist causes in Alaska, Hawaii, and Texas. I have not posted on those claiming the Confederate States of America still legally exists but they are out there too. All make the same claims about violations of international law in the method the USA annexed the land and incorporated it into the USA. They use (I would argue misuse) the word "occupation" which is bandied around frequently by their followers and on their web sites.
I found a new one! It is the Dominion of West Florida. It claims to represent the people of the Republic of West Florida which existed briefly for 72 days in 1810.
Here is a brief summary of their legal claim courtesy of Wikipedia:
1) The Treaty of Versailles of 1783 granted the Territory of Florida (The British colonies of East and West Florida) to the Spanish King, who was deposed by Napoleon, leaving no rightful successor to claim the territory.
2) The Treaty of Transfer of Florida to France signed by the Spanish prohibited Third party transfer of the Territory and the territory claimed by the Dominion of British West Florida was not included in the transfer.
3) The annexation of West Florida by Presidential Proclamation, without the usual and required Congressional and Territory actions, was invalid under the United States Constitution, and international law.
Part 3 there is the interesting one. This is similar to claims by Texan and Hawaiian nationalists that their "nations" were acquired illegally by a joint resolution of the US Congress and Congress does not have the power to annex territory in that manner. Hence, the annexation is invalid under American and international law. Or so they theorize...
The United States sent the army down to secure West Florida for the United States. The government of the Republic of West Florida gave up under protest. Their partisans now claim that this constituted an invasion of the Republic of West Florida and was an act of war. The American presence in West Florida to this day then constitutes an illegal military occupation! The claim is then that the American government as represented in West Florida is de facto but not de jure.
Alas for these West Florida nationalists, the international community has recognized American sovereignty over West Florida since 1810 or shortly thereafter. As international recognition is the basis for determining sovereignty, there is nothing more to debate. I guess if a valid currently recognized sovereign nation wanted to grant the West Floridians recognition this could be reopened but I kind of doubt it.
Another wacky separatist cause pertains to the Wake Islands. There are a group of people in the Marshall Islands claiming the islands as the Kingdom of EnenKio. The Open Directory Project description of the site actually reads, "Site of the Government of the Kingdom of EnenKio. Information about the Aboriginal people, and the US occupation of the atoll." Of course, there never has been an aboriginal people of the Wake Islands. But again, I really enjoy how the word occupation is thrown about. The government of the Marshall Islands has disavowed this cause.
I guess if we get creative, every part of the USA is under illegal occupation by the USA. Here is a list of tips for creating your own American separatist cause! (These tips would work for non-American parts of the world too.)
1. Look over every treaty, agreement, document, or ruling that impacts the current legal status of the area in question. Go back as many centuries as you need to find the right dirt. Can you find even a single instance where someone forgot to dot an "i" or cross a "t"? Is there any technicality (no matter how minor) that could be highlighted? If so, congratulations! You can now claim that American sovereignty is illegal under American and international law and that all subsequent legislation by the USA is not binding.
2. Has even a single American military member been in your area since the time you can "prove" American ownership of you area is bogus? If so, you can now claim an invasion happened and can throw around the word occupation. It does not matter if shots were fired. The mere presence of American soldiers constitutes an act of war.
3. Did the people of your area actually vote to join the USA? If not, claim the annexation as illegal and undemocratic. If so, did it happen after the "occupation" began? Did people (or their descendents) who were not citizens of your area prior to American "occupation" participate in the vote? If so, dismiss the election and declare it invalid as the "occupiers" rigged the election by voting too.
4. Put up a web site bolding stating your "facts." Claim to be the legitimate representative of your nation under occupation. Be sure to put up lots of pages detailing the alleged violations of international law and showing American aggression. Be sure to get your site listed in as many places as possible. Be aggressive in search engine optimization. (Create a blog or two too!)
5. Have a forum at your site. Use it to repeat your claims over and over again and link to any website or news article which in any way could be twisted to support your arguments. Ruthlessly use ad hominem attacks on anyone who posts anything you disagree with. Calling them ignorant of international law and history or even racist should do the trick.
6. Head on over to Wikipedia, learn the ropes, and start inserting your version of history in every article you find! If you are subtle, good at edit wars, and have a lot of patience, you can make a real difference.
7. If you are brave, start up your own national bank and start issuing money and loans. You can also sell passports! When you get busted, use this as evidence of continued American aggression and attempts to silence your movement. Be sure to highlight on your site the "political prisoners" the USA puts in jail. (Go ahead and sell stamps too!)
8. Distance yourself from other separatists groups. Some Hawaiians, Texans, Alaskans, etc. may be claiming occupation but in your case it is real. You may all use the same arguments but there are important differences. Also, deny you are a separatist. Since your area was never legally American, you are not separating or seceding. You are asking to be restored. Further, make clear your area never has been and is not currently legally American.
And so on. Critical thinking skills are sorely lacking amongst a large portion of the American population. They also tend to believe in conspiracies and other crazy ideas. They also do not know much about international law or history so you can surely get many of them to accept your version as fact. You should have a lot of success in getting attention and believers!
I really should start my own separatist cause. With my knowledge of history, the Web, and how to play the separatist game, I could have a lot of fun! Or maybe not...
Update 19 July 2007: The list has been expanded to eleven at Illegally Occupy This! Miland Brown's Tips for American Separatists Updated.
12 comments:
- elementaryhistoryteacher said...
There is an interesting true story in Georgia history regarding Elijah Clark. He wanted to annex his own little world. It was a very embarrassing moment for George Washington since he had to send out troops to "take care of" Clark who had been a Revolutionary War hero.
- Jennie W said...
I love your list! So true! Being from AK I've heard the story...the current theory I think is that we should join Canada rather than the US - after all they would let us drill in ANWR!
- Jennie W said...
Oh, something else...ND could at one point (maybe still...I'm not nuclear warhead savvy) be the third nuclear power in the world if they started their own country.
- Miland said...
If Alaska ever successfully left the USA, I do not think it would join Canada. The taxes are too high there and Alaskans would not tolerate it!
I must admit thought that of all the American separatist groups, the Alaskans are the least obnoxious. The Texans are the most obnoxious. The Hawaiians are the most delusional. And the Confederate nationalists are the most irrelevant. Hello, the CSA lost!
Is there a North Dakota separatist movement? I had not heard of one before.
- Time Bandit said...
Miland, I seem to recall at one point there was a pretty active pro-Florida secession movement. But that one might not count, as it was a movement by non-Floridians hoping that Florida could just go away.
- bo said...
Minor Point: Unlike Texas and Hawaii, the Congress didn't approved the annexiation of Florida. The annexation by Presidential Proclamation isn't "valid" under the US Constitution. -- See I'm following your advice. (suggestion 8)!
Bigger Point, Sovereignty isn't based on recognition (Though we'd be glad to have it, as it SURE HELPS!!!) in the Montevideo Convention, to which the United States, and most other nations on the American Continents, is a signatroy, the first sentence of article 3 explicitly states that "The political existence of the state is independent of recognition by the other states."
A good proof that the above is actually true is the People's Republic of China. It was certainly sovereign in the 1960s, but most of the world still recognized the Nationalist Chinese Government, not that of the Communists.
(Now all we in the Dominion need to do is get about another billion supporting citizens, a major world economy, a few world class diplomats...)
Actions under suggestion 7 are for those more dedicated to the cause than I am. 7-12 in Club Fed just doesn't appeal to me.
Actions under suggestion 6 would likely backfire.
- Miland said...
"Unlike Texas and Hawaii, the Congress didn't approved the annexiation of Florida. The annexation by Presidential Proclamation isn't "valid" under the US Constitution. -- See I'm following your advice. (suggestion 8)!"
Actually, you are following suggestion #1 as well where I wrote, "Is there any technicality (no matter how minor) that could be highlighted?" But yeah, that is a good try at #8 too.
"Sovereignty isn't based on recognition (Though we'd be glad to have it, as it SURE HELPS!!!) in the Montevideo Convention, to which the United States, and most other nations on the American Continents, is a signatroy, the first sentence of article 3 explicitly states that "The political existence of the state is independent of recognition by the other states.""
West Florida was annexed in 1810. The Montevidoe Convention is from 1933. It can not be applied retroactively to US action in West Florida as this would be an ex post de facto application of international law.
Regardless, if no one recognizes a state, and it has no actual control of any land to even have a de facto existence, it does not exist except as a web activity.
Enjoy your fun separatist hobby. :]
- bo said...
OK, I'll check off both suggestions number 1 and number 8.
I wasn't trying to apply the Convention to the 1810 effort, but rather to the current 'third restoration effort'.
QUOTE Regardless, if no one recognizes a state, and it has no actual control of any land to even have a de facto existence, it does not exist except as a web activity. END QUOTE
Here we are in complete agreement.
I don't think the Dominion has a chance at recognition by anyone that has a seat at the UN. Now if they could actually get their own 'Citizens' to start calling themselves Dominion Citizens, and they developed an internal Economy, and had a recognizable government, they might have a chance. But as long as the majority of the people in the claimed territory don't consider themselves to be Dominion Citizens, all the 'loop holes, typos, and illegal actions' of the past wont matter one bit. (Even if they are "legally correct", the issue is moot with out a desire for sovereignty on the part of the people)
Actually for me the fun was in doing the research. The events listed on their history page are real. The 'Spin' they give them is 'open for debate' shall we say. But the Facts they claim, are real......
- Jennie W said...
I don't think there is a ND separatist movement - North Dakotans simply don't care that much. Isolationist movement would be a better description, if anything. But I was more just joking.
What I was referring to, though, in regards to the nuclear power was in 2003 there was an article in the Onion (which is a satirical newspaper...so of course the article is meant to be a joke):
ND, being so small in population, was a good place during the Cold War to stick our nuclear arsenal - so they got a reputation as a "nuclear" power.
- Michael said...
None of your listed steps seems to apply to one of the most successful separatist causes in history, that of Emperor Joshua Norton I. Can we point modern separatists to this other successful stratagem? As an expatriate Texan living in New Jersey, I know I would be pleased if we had an Emperor of Texas, rather than going to all the bother of throwing rigged elections every two years.
- Miland said...
Emperor Norton was a hoot wasn't he? I love reading about him.
However, he was never a separatist. He claimed to be the Emperor of the United States and many people such as Queen Victoria and the people of San Fransico humored him. He never tried to separate a single piece of American soil from American control even if he believed he was the legal government of the USA.
Had Norton been a separatist in those days after the American Civil War, he probably would have had a very different fate I think. Would people in California have humored him? I doubt it.
- A. J. Luxton said...
We need a better word, then, for folks like Emperor Norton. He had a power strategy of sorts, even if it was not a separatist strategy. It was ridiculous; it also worked. People were actually honoring his money.


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There's never been a better time to experience Chicago, Broadway's razzle-dazzle smash. This triumphant hit musical is the recipient of six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy® and thousands of standing ovations. A sensational tale of sin, corruption and all that jazz, it's no surprise that Chicago has wowed audiences from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. And now it's coming to your town!
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In this activity, teams of learners will model how scientists and engineers design and build spacecraft to collect, store, and transmit data to Earth. Teams will design a system to store and transmit topographic data of the Moon and then analyze... (View More) that data and compare it to data collected by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. (View Less)
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text: Zachary Taylor (1784-1850) served in the army for some four decades, commanding troops in the War of 1812, the Black Hawk War (1832) and the second of the Seminole Wars (1835-1842). He became a full-fledged war hero through his service in the Mexican War, which broke out in 1846 after the U.S. annexation of Texas. Elected president in 1848, Taylor entered the White House at a time when the issue of slavery and its extension into the new western territories (including Texas) had caused a major rift between the North and South. Though a slaveholder, Taylor sought to hold the nation together–a goal he was ready to accomplish by force if necessary–and he clashed with Congress over his desire to admit California to the Union as a free state. In early July 1850, Taylor suddenly fell ill and died; his successor, Millard Fillmore, would prove more sympathetic to the interests of southern slaveholders.


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This is an activity about the magnetic fields of the Sun and Earth, and the interplanetary magnetic field, or IMF. Learners will engage in a question and answer dialogue, make connections using bar magnet examples and overhead transparencies, and... (View More) ultimately write an assessment of concepts learned. This is Activity 1 in Session 3 of the Exploring Magnetism in the Solar Wind teachers guide. (View Less)
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One person was killed and seven people were injured Friday afternoon by lightning in Rocky Mountain National Park as a series of storms moved across the Front Range and on to the plains.
Kyle Patterson, park spokeswoman, said in a news release that staff members were notified about 1:20 p.m. about a lighting strike that happened on the Ute Crossing Trail.
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text: Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums :: View topic - Do you like KFC????????? Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Students and Teachers from Around the World!" FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in Do you like KFC????????? Goto page 1, 2 Next Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums Forum Index -> Food View previous topic :: View next topic Author Message K0307YJoined: 24 Apr 2006Posts: 8 Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:33 pm Post subject: Do you like KFC????????? Hi I'm Japanese I like KFC BUT !!!! Recentry I haven't ate KFC Next time I hope to go to KFC Let's Write here everyone Back to top mio42Joined: 24 Apr 2006Posts: 40 Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:38 pm Post subject: KFC I love KEC too!! when i was hometown, i often go to KFC!! But recently i dont go Back to top monchiJoined: 24 Apr 2006Posts: 21 Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:40 pm Post subject: monchi!! I like KFC too. I want to eat KFC now. Let`s go together now Back to top K0307YJoined: 24 Apr 2006Posts: 8 Posted: Mon Jul 10, 2006 10:50 pm Post subject: Re: monchi!! monchi wrote: I like KFC too. I want to eat KFC now. Let`s go together now OK Let's go to KFC Back to top MallaienJoined: 10 Jul 2006Posts: 61Location: Louisville, Kentucky USA Posted: Tue Jul 11, 2006 9:39 pm Post subject: I work in the town that invented KFC. Louisville, Kentucky. So I can have all the KFC I want. Don't eat too much, the oil they cook it in is not good to eat every day. it will make you fat. Where I live KFC is not a big deal, but there are few Japanese resturants, and alot of Chinese places. I think it is funny that I live in America and like Chinese food more then KFC. Back to top sakaeJoined: 29 Oct 2006Posts: 10 Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 2:57 am Post subject: KFC!!!!!!!! I like KFC. I have an urge to eat chicken of KFC once in a while. When I go to KFC, I usually order to "Kernel crispy" and "Biscuit". Especially Biscuit of KFC is very very delicious But I have not been KFC lately... Therefore, I will go to KFC to eat "Chicken pot pie"!! Back to top minmiJoined: 25 Sep 2006Posts: 29 Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 9:25 pm Post subject: Re: KFC!!!!!!!! Hi I love KFC I love to eat chicken ,it's SO delicious!! In addition, I love crispy Do you like it?? Back to top glow26Joined: 01 Dec 2006Posts: 21Location: Costa Rica Posted: Fri Dec 08, 2006 5:09 pm Post subject: I do too I love KFC and I am from Costa Rica. KFC is near to my university and I go when I have to stay long time there... Back to top Felix EstebanJoined: 18 Dec 2006Posts: 10 Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 8:23 am Post subject: i like a lot KFC here i Costa Rica a lot of people eat at KFC because its very fast and very delicious. could you tell me how is KFC in your country? how is the food? and everithing. thak you Felix Back to top mimie1008Joined: 25 Sep 2006Posts: 22 Posted: Mon Dec 18, 2006 11:19 pm Post subject: Hello guys I just thought it is interesting to talk about KFC! When christmas is coming, we see KFC's advertisement on TV, don't we? "Christmas is coming again~♪" you know? I love that song! That advertisement makes me happy somehow... Maybe, just because I love christmas and it makes me feel like christmas is coming soon Back to top glow26Joined: 01 Dec 2006Posts: 21Location: Costa Rica Posted: Tue Dec 19, 2006 3:50 pm Post subject: Wow... here in costa rica dont have those kind of advertaisment... Just like ilistrate the family and everyone eat and be happy Back to top ad-miralJoined: 01 Sep 2006Posts: 1488 Posted: Mon Jan 08, 2007 2:09 pm Post subject: Kentucky fried chicken! I ate it in China and I hate it !_________________If I say "I love you" to someone, then I also have to say "I also love everyone else inside you, I love the whole world because of you, I also love myself inside you." -- Erich Fromm, the Art of Love Back to top sayu0816Joined: 25 Sep 2006Posts: 41 Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 1:28 am Post subject: Hi☆ I like KFC too!!!! These are very delicious Back to top jessica0614Joined: 23 Oct 2006Posts: 16 Posted: Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:28 pm Post subject: Hi!! I like KFC I like eating chicken. KFC is the best of my favorite FC Back to top lausJoined: 14 Mar 2006Posts: 132 Posted: Tue Jan 16, 2007 12:55 pm Post subject: Its first time I'm hearing about 'KFC'!! I hope its tasteful and someday i will try it! 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Nothing to Hide
In his most recent book, "Nothing to Hide", Daniel Solove (John Marshall Harlan Research Professor of Law at George Washington University) makes compelling arguments about the false balance and trade-offs being made between privacy and security.
Although Prof. Solove is focused on the issue of 'privacy vs. national security', many of the same points made could apply to the tradeoff of 'privacy vs. commerce' as relates to social networking platforms and information aggregation by companies.
For example, he talks about the types of potential harm that can be done when massive amounts of information are collected, whether willingly (ie. in Facebook, LinkedIn, Foursquare, or any other social media related application), or surreptitously. He describes four categories of risk:
Aggregation: When small bits of information are combined to paint a detailed picture or profile of an individual, perhaps well beyond what that person would knowingly allow to be compiled about themselves.
Exclusion: Being prevented from knowing what information is being collected and/or how it is being used. (Who really reads the "Terms of Use"? Who knows how extensively your information is being shared with 3rd parties?)
Secondary Use: The use of information that is collected for one purpose that is then used for a different purpose without the consent of the data's subject. (People join social networks to share information and connect, no one really joins a social network to become a highly targeted marketing prospect or to have their data repackaged and sold).
Distortion: When information that is gathered is used to interpret a behavior or create a profile of a person that is incorrect or misleading. Especially when the data subject is unable to change how their profile is being used, interpreted or communicated.
Although Mr. Solove was pointing out the real and potential dangers of misuse of information by the government, the same principles and dangers apply when data is misused by corporations. Especially now when individuals are willingly giving up hordes of information about themselves without really understanding how that information is being used or even by whom it is being collected, shared, sold or manipulated.
Mr. Solove argues that the entire legal concept of privacy and laws designed to protect privacy need a rewrite.
I couldn't agree more at a time when social media platforms are pressed to turn a profit and this pressure pushes them often in the direction of excessively or unethically exploiting the information they have collected from the members in their communities.
To read more about "Nothing to Hide" visit Prof. Solove's blog "Concurring Opinions".


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Nokia unveils Lumia 1020 phone with 41-megapixel camera
Ed Baig talks with Nokia's Chris Weber about the Lumia 1020, a Windows smartphone with high-end photo capabilities.
NEW YORK — While demonstrating the remarkable photographic capabilities built inside its new Lumia 1020 Windows smartphone that will be hitting AT&T stores exclusively in the U.S. on July 26, Nokia showed how you could zoom in on a picture of a haystack and literally find the needle hiding inside. The eye of the needle in the picture was that sharp.
Of course, finding a needle in a haystack is an apt metaphor for Nokia, the struggling Finnish cellphone giant that is trying to regain a footing in the U.S. market by selling Windows phones. But if the Lumia 1020 is any indication—and I have to add the caveat that I haven't actually tested the phone yet—Nokia may have something special, at least for avid photographers who want a higher-pedigree camera phone.
AT&T is charging $299.99 for the device, with the customary two-year contract.
The latest Lumia boasts a second-generation 41 megapixel-image sensor, Zeiss optics, xenon flash, manual shutter, and other photographic smarts. And if you dig into higher end settings—changing the white balance, ISO, and more—you can see the impact that making those changes will have on the final image.
Two images are automatically captured each time you shoot—so in addition to the ultra-high resolution picture that is captured when you snap the shutter (either 34 or 38 megapixel, depending on whether it's in the 16 by 9 or 4 by 3 format), you also get a 5-megapixel image that can be more easily shared online.
What's more, you can zoom in on that high-resolution image after the fact to effectively create a whole a new 5-megapixel from a completely different vantage point. Nokia says you can zoom in on an image up to three times, with no visible loss of clarity. That was certainly the case with the images that were on display, though I'm anxious to try this out myself.
Nokia makes impressive claims for video too.
The phone has a 4.5-inch Super Amoled display, protected by the latest version of Gorilla Glass.
As Nokia CEO Stephen Elop said during the launch event at a New York City pier, the phone represents the "introduction of the next chapter in smart phone photography." That's marketing-speak for sure, but I can report that most of the other attendees at the device's unveiling seemed as eager as I am to put the 1020 through its paces.
Despite my initial enthusiasm there are questions. The phone comes with 32GB of internal memory but no card slot for expanding that memory. And anyone who takes an abundance of pictures—and isn't that the person who will be attracted to this device?—will have to factor that in when they're out and about shooting. Nokia says that although the highest resolution pictures will up to 38-megapixels in quality, but only eat a modest 8-megabytes in size. We'll see. Meanwhile for a limited time, it does come with 50GB of free online storage through the digital AT&T Locker.
Of course, the even bigger question is what impact the Lumia 1020 will have on Nokia's ultimate success?


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Samaritan's Purse
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Medical Doctor/Surgeon, South Sudan
at Samaritan's Purse
Job Description
Are you an experienced Surgeon with a heart for the hurting? Join us as a Medical Doctor/Surgeon at Samaritan's Purse! As a Medical Doctor/Surgeon at our clinic in South Sudan, you will assist the Medical Director with patient care in our 100-bed hospital, while providing supervision and training for our expatriate and national medical staff. Your compassionate expertise will strengthen the organization's ability to deliver continued Christ-like care to people in need. For an opportunity to serve a hurting world as the hands and feet of Jesus, let God put your talents to use for a humanitarian cause with an eternal purpose through Samaritan's Purse. Join us today!
Description of Job duties:
- Works with other doctors to provide overall care at the hospital including pediatric, obstetric/gynecological, medical, and surgical care.
- Responsible for daily ward rounds as frequently as the patients' conditions demand.
- Works with other doctors to supervise and maintains the operating theatre in regards to supply, staffing, upkeep, and procedures.
- Liaises with local Ministry of Health, UNHCR, and other representatives on local, state, and national level to support the organization's programmatic interests and activities.
- Oversees the general operations of the Hospital and reports any programmatic issues to Medical Director or Hospital Administrator.
- Involved in Human Resources processes of medical staff including hiring, contracts, performance reviews, salary standards, and terminations.
- Offers hands-on, clinical instruction to nurses and other doctors during ward rounds and in surgery.
- Must be available to assist the nurses with difficult procedures.
- May be called upon to offer classroom lectures to the nurses and or midwives as need arises.
- Participates in the annual work plan and budget development process.
- Available for calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Job Requirements:
- Maintains a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a consistent witness for Jesus Christ.
- Medicinae Doctor (MD) or Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) from a recognized University, post graduate degree in internal medicine/surgery strongly preferred.
- Must have a minimum of 5 years, post-internship working experience in resource-poor settings.
- One year of college-level Biblical studies strongly preferred.
- Proficient in basic Microsoft Office package and Internet.
- Able to lead and encourage teamwork among staff at the hospital.
- Ability to communicate and interact well with people of different educational, linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Previous work in Sudan or South Sudan preferred.
- Knowledge of Sudanese Arabic preferred, but not required.
24-month contract with the potential for renewal.
This is an unaccompanied position.
International Employee Benefits
Employees who choose to work internationally get to take advantage of the following benefits:
- Medical, prescription, dental & vision coverage
- Disability insurance
- Term Life insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Ten paid holidays (holiday observance will depend on the host country)
- Annual home leave
- Twelve vacation days per year
Samaritan's Purse Distinct Objectives:
PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL - EXALT Christ and share the Gospel while working in His Name around the world
SERVE WITH EXCELLENCE - EXCEED the world's standard while serving the purposes of God's kingdom
RESPOND WITH COMPASSIONATE ACTION - EXPEDITE our response to needs as the Lord reveals opportunities to minister
DEMONSTRATE BIBLICAL INTEGRITY - EXHIBIT character and integrity personally, at home and work
WALK IN BOLD FAITH - EXPECT God to do the impossible
Samaritan's Purse Mission Statement:
Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan's Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God's love through His Son, Jesus Christ. The organization serves the Church worldwide to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Samaritan's Purse Statement of Faith:
* We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative Word of God. (1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17)
* We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19; John 10:30; Ephesians 4:4-6)
* We believe in the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood on the cross, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory. (Matthew 1:23; John 1:1-4 and 1:29; Acts 1:11 and 2:22-24; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 2:5-11; Hebrews 1:1-4 and 4:15)
* We believe that all men everywhere are lost and face the judgment of God, that Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation, and that for the salvation of lost and sinful man, repentance of sin and faith in Jesus Christ results in regeneration by the Holy Spirit. (Luke 24:46-47; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Ephesians 1:7 and 2:8-9; Titus 3:4-7)
* We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, whose indwelling enables the Christian to live a godly life. (John 3:5-8; Acts 1:8 and 4:31; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Galatians 5:16-18; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:6-10)
* We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the saved unto the resurrection of eternal life and the lost unto the resurrection of damnation and eternal punishment. (1 Corinthians 15:51-57; Revelation 20:11-15)
* We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and that all true believers are members of His body, the church. (1 Corinthians 12:12, 27; Ephesians 1:22-23)
* We believe that the ministry of evangelism and discipleship is a responsibility of all followers of Jesus Christ. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:9-15; 1 Peter 3:15)
* We believe God's plan for human sexuality is to be expressed only within the context of marriage, that God created man and woman as unique biological persons made to complete each other. God instituted monogamous marriage between male and female as the foundation of the family and the basic structure of human society. For this reason, we believe that marriage is exclusively the union of one genetic male and one genetic female. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5-6; Mark 10:6-9; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9)
* We believe that we must dedicate ourselves to prayer, to the service of our Lord, to His authority over our lives, and to the ministry of evangelism. (Matthew 9:35-38; 22:37-39, and 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:9-15 and 12:20-21; Galatians 6:10; Colossians 2:6-10; 1 Peter 3:15)
* We believe that human life is sacred from conception to its natural end; and that we must have concern for the physical and spiritual needs of our fellowmen. (Psalm 139:13; Isaiah 49:1; Jeremiah 1:5; Matthew 22:37-39; Romans 12:20-21; Galatians 6:10)


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This International Harvester tractor is among the standards of farm equipment. A detailed 3" metal model, durable enough for daily play, this great toy is for anyone who likes farming in their room. Features swiveling front wheels for hills - just like the real ones! Fun for ages 3+.
© Copyright 2017 Kidstructive Fun
Ecommerce Website Design by Off the Page Creations


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I am a bit methodical, so I move slow. I will add new posts to this thread as I go along.
When I have played further I can begin to analyze game difficulty and balancing issues.
After some conversation with QCF administration I have made some changes to my post format to make it easier to "digest". All bugs or errors (at least things that seem like they could be such to me) will be first, and always be in bold.
Also, all new updates will appear in their own post, and not be included in the main post.
The last day this main post was updated was Aug 4th 2011.
Master List
xx-xx-xx.x = Day-Total-Category Total
1-1-1. Where does the save info go? Will CCleaner delete it? When the final version is out, will it import the saved data from the beta?
1-2-1. The "human" and "guard" icons appeared over/on top of the words "huts" and "outpost" in the kingdom screen. Are they supposed to appear to the side? Or in their own frame somewhere?
1-3-2. The smaller text for the spell information is garbled, letters are cut in half.
1-4-3. The blood spot from a dead enemy is not removed when a new wall segment is placed over it, giving the image of a blood spot on top of the newly created wall.
1-5-4. Dungeon edges are just black sections. It can be a little confusing/misleading regarding tiles that are still left to be reveled/explored. Is a "outer wall" supposed to be generated?
1-6-5. I could not target the final goblin with the pisorf spell in the positioning puzzle dungeon.
1-7-6. Don't know if this is caused by the internet browser, but when switching to fullscreen the mouse location is not always accurate and so sometimes the character can not be moved to particular tiles.
1-8-7. After finishing the "Thousand Cuts" dungeon 5x in a row, Expansion B was not awarded as completed. (If it matters, the Expansion B was finished before Expansion A)
1-9-8. I cant reenter the dungeon to see, but I'm pretty sure the Halfling took a health potion, when I didn't have any.
2-41-9. Cast weawut on level boss, and the attack prediction said "safe", moved the mouse off and back and it said "death". Im not even sure this is an actual error.
2-42-10. Are you supposed to be able to equip Taurogs equipment in magic slots?
2-49-10.2 Should Taurog forcefully change magic slots into physical slots?
2-45-11. Cycling mana potions does not grant piety for Taurog.
2-46-12. Was able to request Unstoppable Fury though only having 3 items equipped.
2-47-13. Foolish or not, being aware there will be a penalty, I want my conversion bonus for converting Taurogs (or any gods) gifts.
2-48-14. Details of exactly what Taurog did as punishment could not be found.
1-10-1.Will there be music in the final release?
1-11-1.2 Consider having the game play music from a music directory, so players can add their own mp3s.
1-12-2. Personal Opinion – I think the attack sword symbol should be another color other than green. The animation, the sound and the color combined strongly suggest a poison attribute that is not present.
1-13-3. Option to slow down attack and counter attack speeds. It happens so fast its hard to enjoy the sounds and animations separately.
1-14-3.2 Different vox effects on attack would be nifty. A deep "Urrg!" for a strong something, a high and light "Aha!" for a small something. Etc…
1-15-4. Add different SFX for different power ups.
1-16-5. Add an intelligence stat for characters, that affects how accurate the combat predictions are.
1-17-6. Add a walking or stepping sound to movement. It could be random, and only have a chance of playing 10% of the time so it can still add ambiance, but not get annoying. Players could set their own frequency preference as well.
1-18-7. Add sounds for …picking up glyphs and treasure.
1-19-7.2 … converting glyphs.
1-20-7.3 …retiring, using stairs, or any other dungeon transition (eg stairs).
1-21-7.4 … kills and badges at end of dungeon screen. The sounds could be unique for each creature and badge type.
1-22-8. Converting an item from the ground when all slots are full is a little awkward.
1-23-9. An "auto pickup" option with a lil indicator/info window would be a nice option. Or an "always pickup this item" check box, or "always pick up this item type" etc…
1-24-10. Is there some kind of shop for the town? Where you can bring back components to make special items?
1-25-11. Are multiple copies of spells supposed to appear on the same level?
1-26-12. Monster info boxes only appear on mouse over. Making it impossible to click or mouse over monster details. (granted, I already know what the goblin "first strike" does, buy other abilities may be more difficult to decipher.)
1-27-13. Are "ladders" always down and "stairs" always up?
1-28-14. Add item etc… for advanced instincts skill. It would reveal the level of the monster. Super advanced instincts (tracking?) would allow the level and exact type of a selected monster. (Is there a ranger class?)
1-29-15. A very dangerous monster ability could be added that allows the creature to attack you if you are adjacent to it while attacking any other monster.
1-30-16. Is there a "whirlwind" skill or item that allows the attacking of multiple creatures at once?
1-31-17. Are there secrets to be found? Sections of wall that if clicked on while adjacent give way to new dungeon areas? This would expand to heroes that have a "secret sense" ability etc…
1-32-18. Add ability to click on monsters listed in "kills" at end of dungeon to have access to creature stats and info.
1-33-19. Do any badges add a %bonus to gold or etc???
1-34-20. Spells turning red, or a "bad" sound when you do not have enough mana to cast them. Otherwise a quick click/click and you've physically attacked and gotten yourself killed instead of casting the spell you thought you had mana for. Granted, paying attention will fix that as well.
1-35-21. Add a small x/x number to a dungeon to signify how many times its been entered, and how many times its been completed.
1-36-22. Option to shut off sign auto read, especially for signs in the same level that have the same msg as you've already seen.
1-37-23. Instead of the exit appearing, a boss could drop a key, which opens the door to the exit. This way both the boss and the exit must be found.
1-38-24. Shouldn't Endiswal be named Absrbwal? Since it could be understood that you are absorbing the wall to gain some physical protection via integrating stone into your person?
1-39-25. Possible double click to attack (only for) creatures that you are not adjacent to. This will negate any accidental attacking when simply trying to move to a desired tile.
1-40-26. No level 11? Makes me sad. Lv 11 should be some kind of special bonus level, that bestows the Title of "Hero" and other such nifty things to satisfy overachievers everywhere.
2-43-27. God perks buffs/perks would benefit from an "are you sure" or something. I instinctively clicked one thinking to open up its details box. Again, I admit paying attention would fix this as well.
2-50-28. Wonafyt is a spell, but it summons a creature to fight. Shouldn't Taurog be neutral about that particular spells usage? Not gaining piety, but not losing it either.
Balance Issues
2-44-1. The cumulative death protections proved too much for a level 9 human fighter, but it was a breeze as a level 1 human fighter. I think the HP raise per level for golems is what causes that.
Days are listed below to correlate the above notes with Beta updates/changes.
Day 1 = Aug 2-2011 / Approximate Game Exposure (A.G.E.) = Saved Halfling
Day 2 = Aug 4-2011 / A.G.E. = Found Taurog


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MEXICO CITY -- Bodies found dumped in a well in northeastern Mexico may be those of the 18 musicians and staff of a band that went missing after a Thursday night performance, authorities said.
The members of Kombo Kolombia were reported missing Friday by family members who said they lost contact with the group after it performed at a bar along a highway about 30 miles north of Monterrey, the capital of Nuevo Leon state.
On Monday, Gov. Rodrigo Medina told reporters that early signs indicated the bodies discovered the day before in the community of Mina are probably the missing members of Kombo Kolombia. Medina said four bodies had so far been positively identified as members of the band but that authorities were holding off on confirming that the entire group was found until each victim was accounted for.
Jesus Valencia, a Nuevo Leon state spokesman, told The Times that 18 bodies were found in a well with a water wheel at an abandoned ranch near the group's last known whereabouts, a bar called La Carreta, where the band played Thursday night.


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Balloon Twisters Near You
Balloon twisting may seem like a simple task, but the professionals take entertainment to a whole new level! From balloon animals and characters to extravagant life-size creations, GigSalad Balloon Twisters can add festivity to your party like no other. Give your guests a delightful souvenir that's fun and created just for them!
Where do you need a Balloon Twister?
About booking Balloon Twisters
Balloon twisters and balloon artists have a knack for fascinating people of all ages. Whether you're planning a community event, children's party, or festival, these professionals provide the strolling entertainment you need to keep your guests excited! The price for balloon twisting services will depend on various factors like the number of guests (as well as the number of balloons each guest receives), requests for specific balloon characters and art, and any associated travel costs. Many professional balloon artists offer party packages with even more entertainment, so be sure to look at all your options. Contact local entertainers to compare quotes that are customized for your event!
Start by searching online for professionals in your area. Most balloon twisters have online profiles to show what they offer. Check out service descriptions and photos, and look for a professional with experience in events like yours. If possible, read through their reviews or testimonials. This is a great way to see how happy they've made their past clients! When you're ready to contact a balloon twister for their rates and availability, make sure to give them as much information about your event as possible. Discuss important details like event location, number of expected guests, age range, length of performance, and any unique aspect of your event. The more info you give, the easier it is for them to provide a customized quote! This is also a good time to inquire about specifics. If you're expecting a large group of kids, ask the professional how many balloons they twist per hour. If you're planning a smaller kids party, ask the balloon twister if they offer more elaborate creations or balloon art to fit the party theme. You'll likely find balloon twisters who offer additional services like face painting or magic, so inquire about their other talents. Once you've nailed down the details, make sure to confirm the agreement in writing. When you use GigSalad, the process is simple! Browse profiles, get free quotes, and book a balloon twister with the added security of our Worry-Free Guarantee. Get ready for some amazing balloon creations!
Balloon Twisters around Ashburn, VA:
Don Juan(25)
Magician / Balloon Twister
Washington, DC
53 Verified Bookings
Recent review: Don Juan performed for us at our neighborhood block party. He was truly amazing. Don Juan did…
Bubbles Productions(150)
Children's Party Entertainment / Balloon Twister
Bowie, MD
161 Verified Bookings
Recent review: Bubbles entertainment was Awesome!
Chuckles the Clown(45)
Clown / Balloon Twister
Rockville, MD
Recent review: Chuckles put on a great show for my boy's birthday party (ages 5 and 7). He was extremely responsive,…
Beaux Lou Events(1)
Emcee / Balloon Twister
Washington, DC
Recent review: She is an awesome event/party planner, she takes your idea to another level. Great with kids…
Balloon Twisters for hire across the U.S. and Canada:
United States:
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text:
KS1 Teachers
We are currently recruiting for two Key Stage 1 Teachers for one of our schools in the Leeds area. These are full time roles, starting in September and working on an ongoing basis.
Provide Education are a leading education recruitment agency placing Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Nursery Nurses into Schools and Nurseries across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and The East Midlands.
We are continually recruiting for qualified teachers and education support staff (Teaching Assistants, HLTA's, Nursery Nurses, Caretakers) in all of our geographical locations. We would highly recommend registering with us as soon so you can hear about the best placements available. All candidates must be DBS checked or be willing to undertake a DBS check.
We offer excellent rates of pay and can offer consistent, flexible work. We have a friendly and professional team and can offer flexible registration appointment times at your convenience.
We look forward to taking your call - evenings and weekends included!


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Winning the prestigious Bolton/Carothers Innovative Science Award is an honor for any DuPont employee, especially so when it is only your fourth year on the job. Such is the case for Zaiqi Pan, who received a master's degree from the University of Delaware Statistics Program in January 2008.
An employee of Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business, Pan received the award with his fellow team members — Laura Higgins, Lindsey Flexner and Natalie Hubbard — in January 2012 for their work developing and implementing an innovative method to deploy refuge for the Pioneer genetically modified corn plant.
Pan, who received a master's degree in statistics, credits the personal and educational support he received from the professors in the Department of Food and Resource Economics in UD's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources for not only helping him make it through to graduation, but also for starting him off on his successful career path.
When Pan started in the statistics program in 2005, a serious family situation made him question whether or not he wanted to continue with his studies. Luckily for him, the statistics faculty was there to help guide and support him through the rough patch.
"Dr. Ilvento encouraged me to stay in the program and keep connected when I had to go through such a very stressful time," said Pan, adding that he missed a lot of class time and studies that Tom Ilvento, professor in the Department of Food and Resource Economics, helped him make up.
After the difficult start, Pan said he soon began thriving in the Statistics Program, specifically in the StatLab, a statistics laboratory designed to help researchers in the use of effective and appropriate statistical techniques in different research areas. It was in the StatLab that Pan worked and formed a close friendship with Lidia Rejtö, professor of statistics in the Department of Food and Resource Economics.
That friendship was cemented, Pan said, when Rejtö spent a sabbatical at Pioneer, DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology, in 2008 and they worked together on a number of projects.
Rejtö said she enjoyed working with her former student and praised Pan for his statistical abilities. "What is very rare is that he knows not just the statistical theory but he's able to apply the theory and to develop a program," said Rejtö. "There are not many statisticians who can combine the two things."
Pan, who did his undergraduate research in mechanical engineering and then went to work as a software engineer in telecommunications before joining the UD Statistics Program, praised StatLab for providing him with the skills that ultimately led him to become a successful professional.
"It's a really hands-on experience," said Pan, adding that it helped improve his communication and collaboration talents.
Pan explained this comes in handy working at DuPont, where "you have to have excellent communication skills to present your ideas, so your audience will be able to understand your creative solutions quickly."
The program also helped Pan by providing him with an opportunity to intern at DuPont while still studying for his master's degree. He worked with Bruce Stanley in the Stine-Haskell Laboratory at DuPont Crop Protection, which gave him the first-hand experience that helped him get his current job with Pioneer studying agricultural biotechnology.
Pan has helped current students in the same way that he was helped as a student, saying that he currently oversees three interns from the UD Statistics Program.
"I think that the internship just helped me a lot to prepare for my career, so now I try to actually give back my experiences to my interns," said Pan. "We value their strength and capability and assign them real projects they can work on and build their professional skills on. We treat the internship as a learning experience so they can successfully prepare for their future career."
About the Bolton/Carothers Innovative Science Award
The Bolton/Carothers Innovative Science Award is named after Wallace Carothers, who is credited with inventing nylon in 1938, and Elmer Bolton, who helped encourage Carothers and commercialize the product. The award recognizes creative scientific invention or discovery that results in a recently commercialized new product, technology or business generating significant revenue with the potential for sustainable earnings.
About StatLab
StatLab provides statistical consulting services to UD graduate students, faculty, staff and researchers throughout the University, as well as non-University agencies and companies. The StatLab is jointly supported by the Statistics Program of the Department of Food and Resource Economics and Research and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Article by Adam Thomas
Photos by Danielle Quigley
This article can also be viewed on UDaily


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Here's my (new) recipe for this year, the other one was the flaky type which I did last year.
The name of this mooncake is so classy and I love it once I read the ingredients....hehe! Yup! This was easy to prepare with a classy name....."Golden Drops" (莲蓉核桃金露酥).
270g Cake flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
30g custard powder
90g icing sugar
1 egg
75g shortening
75g butter
50g walnuts
some white sesame seeds
~ Mix all ingredients together into a dough. Leave aside.
~ Prepare any fillings as you like and wrapped up with some baked duck egg yolks.
~ Divide pastry into 30g each and wrap with the fillings.
~ Brush with egg yolk, sprinkle some sesame seeds and top with one walnut.
~ Bake at preheated oven at 180'C for 20-25 minutes.
Nutty Ham Mooncakes & Piggy biscuits (below) from my mum....yummy!
Not to forget some ice cream mooncakes during this hot weather. A gift from my friend from Haagen-Dazs...:)


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Nokia is set to release its own map application for iOS. Called Here, the application will be part of a wider rebranding of Nokia's mapping product. Here won't be completely native, as Nokia announced that it is based on HTML5. Here will include voice-guided walking directions and some measure of offline functionality, among other features. Nokia says in its press release:
To further extend its location services, Nokia is launching a maps application for iOS under the HERE brand. Based on HTML5, it will include offline capabilities, voice-guided walk navigation, and public transport directions. The application is scheduled to be available for free download from Apple's App Store in the coming weeks.
With the problems faced by Apple Maps, many have looked to Google for a new native mapping experience on iOS, but it's not here yet. Nokia says Here will arrive "in the coming weeks."
There hasn't been serious maps competition on iOS before, so these next few months, with Google and Nokia releasing competing products, and Apple fixing errors and filling in missing data, are going to be interesting to watch. It is also important to remember that despite problems faced by many, Maps on iOS are still reliable for many others. When these alternative apps from Google and Nokia do eventually launch, if they are good, iOS will have not one but three viable mapping options available.
While some might question whether or not Apple would approve these apps, remember that having three major mapping apps on iOS is good for users, and makes iOS more attractive, and as long as you're using iOS, Apple wins.
Source: Nokia


text:
Infrastructure and Energy Alternatives LLC (IEA) has closed on the acquisition of renewable energy construction and engineering firm RMT Inc. from Alliant Energy Corp.
IEA is a provider of engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services to the renewable energy and fossil-fuel industries, and is also the parent company of EPC provider White Construction.
Under the transaction, RMT will become a subsidiary of IEA. RMT will remain headquartered in Madison, Wis., under the leadership of newly appointed President John Kennedy, who has over 25 years of engineering and construction leadership expertise. Throughout his career, he has worked in the energy and infrastructure markets, holding high-level positions at Exelon, InfraSource, Stone and Webster, and Roberts and Schaefer.


text:
Recovering from another hectic night shift! It was manic! We did 13 jobs in a 12 hour shift. It was the usual hotch potch mix of the weird and wonderful with a couple of real life threatening cases thrown in.
Starting at 1900 hours and 9 minutes into checking out the truck we got our first job…and that's when the fun and games began!
- 20 year old male with…flu like symptoms. He had…Flu!
- 93 year old lady fallen from a chair…no injuries.
- 22 year old male confused…totally drunk!
- Male early twenties assaulted…minor head injury. Drink related.
- One of our regular callers, assaulted…he is a knob! Drink related. I would assault him!
- Male laid out in the street, aggressive…drunk!
- 8 year female, neck injury…fell off swing…c spine immobilisation to be on the safe side!
- 58 year old male, diabetic hypo…unconscious with a BM of 1.1! Recovered after injection of Glucagon.
- 18 year old female with abdo pain…query ectopic pregnancy.
- Female in twenties?…heroin overdose…respiratory arrest!
- Female age unknown, collapsed…drunk!
- 20 year old female…tampon stuck! (you know where!)…Drunk!
- 61 year old male, SOB (shortness of breath)…resps 40 per min, BP down, heart rate 140 per min!
Only seven jobs out of thirteen that were drink related! That was good going, usually its more so I count myself lucky that we only had seven alcohol based jobs!
The heroin overdose was full on. We were directed into a dingy downstairs room where we found her…unconscious, cyanosed and in respiratory arrest. She looked like she was too far gone at first but she had a good radial pulse of approx 100 per min. I bagged her with the BVM to get some O2 into her body while my crew mate drew up the NARCAN for me. After giving her two lots of 400 'mikes' NARCAN I.M. she made a respiratory effort. It was assisted with the old 'sit up and yank'.
She finally started to breath for herself and then opened her eyes…I advised her to come with us to A/E as the NARCAN would wear off after a short while…with which she told us to 'F**k off!' We left advice with her 'friend' (who had been sharing a 'pin' (needle) with her that night but he said he did not know her…at all! Strange people some of these IV drug users! But…if he had not called us I'm pretty sure she would have died and become yet another statistic.
So…that was one lot of jobs for one crew on a typical night shift. And all the other crews were just as busy with similiar incidents. Some went to stabbings, others went to RTCs, a few went to serious assaults (where the patient eventually ended up in ICU) and one crew went to the classic…'foreign object up rectum!'
'Bimble on a Bulb'…
Driving 'on the light' with a sense of urgency but not in a fast manner.


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Wednesday, June 1, 2011
strawberry rhubarb crisp
In the 4th grade my teacher asked the class how many of us had grandparents living. I was one of the few in the class to raise my hand for having all four living. (Yes, I know, many people now in the age of blended or redefined families have 16 or so people they call grandparents, but back then, 4 was the normal maximum.) Many of my friends had only 1 or 2 grandparents living and this made gave me a strange impression that grandparents were ephemeral creatures who might at any time disappear without warning.
I decided that since time with the grandparents was obviously fleeting, I'd better invest in the relationships as much as was possible. Given that we all lived in different states, I started a letter writing campaign. I strove to write to my grandparents at least once a week, although it ended up being probably closer to once a month.
I would write long, chatty notes about what I was doing in school, my tough homework assignments, my dance classes, the boys I thought were cute, the onerous camping trips we went on, my bouts of stomach flu, and the funny things the dog did. In return I'd get nice, fulsome letters detailing their gardens.
Their letters would give status updates on the runner beans, how the tomatoes were coming along, and the awful things that late spring cold snap had done to the apricot blossoms. I decided that being an old person meant your life was extremely boring and you had nothing to live for except your garden.
My sister and I shared this view of gardening obsession and nodded knowingly to each other when our father's letters started being mainly garden-related. Yes, he was turning into an old person. Sure he can grow beans, carrots, and tomatoes like nobody's business, but it's kind of sad when you have nothing else to write about.
Then my sister and I were exchanging emails this past week, catching up on our schedules, the weather in our respective states, and how said weather was affecting our....gardens. Yes, it's true. We're old people now, too.
Luckily, I still have challenging, bewildering, frustrating, amazing, frustrating, and wonderful children to give me things to think about besides my garden. I say luckily because I'm a lousy gardener. Anything that goes into the ground is on its own out there. It had better be tough, hardy, and able to withstand unarmed assaults by armies of slugs. (Well, they don't have arms, do they? Just nasty, slimy feet and voracious, munching jaws.)
When my grandchildren write to me, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to hear back from me the details of how the blueberries, oregano, and rhubarb are doing, because that's all that survive my harsh gardening techniques (plant it and ignore it). Hopefully, they won't even have to have me write about it. If they live close enough, they can come over and pick blueberries to munch, oregano to put on a pizza, and rhubarb to put into a crisp. Because, really, wouldn't you rather eat from a garden than hear about it?
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
4 cups fresh rhubarb, 1-inch diced (4 to 5 stalks)
4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
1 cups granulated sugar, divided
1 Tbsp Stevia Extract (not pure Stevia)*
1-1/2 tsp grated orange zest
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 cup all-purpose flour (you can substitute 1/2 with white whole wheat flour)
1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup quick-cooking (not instant) oats
12 Tbsp (1-1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
*I buy the kind that's cut with lactose for table use. It's available at Trader Joe's. If you can only find pure Stevia, use about 1/4 tsp.
1- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees with rack in the center of the oven.
2- Toss together the rhubarb, strawberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, stevia, and the orange zest in a large bowl. In a measuring cup, dissolve the cornstarch in the orange juice and then mix it into the fruit. Pour the mixture into an 8 x 11-inch baking dish and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch drips, in case the crisp bubbles over.
3- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar, the brown sugar, salt, and oatmeal. With the mixer on low speed, add the butter and mix until the dry ingredients are moist and the mixture is in crumbles.
4- Sprinkle the topping over the fruit, covering it completely, and bake for 1 hour, until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
7 comments:
- Jennifer Jo said...
"In return I'd get nice, fulsome letters detailing their gardens."
Made me laugh out loud---so true!
- June 1, 2011 at 6:53 AM
- Marysol said...
Gee, that crisp looks delicious to me, topped with ice cream!
I have a confession to make. I used to hate rhubarb, up until about a year ago. Now, I can't get enough. I even froze last spring's rhubarb, just so I could enjoy it year-round.
Btw, I want a granddaughter just like you, when I grow up. Some may argue that ship has already sailed, but there may be hope for me yet.
- June 1, 2011 at 10:40 AM
- bellini said...
There was a day when I mailed many handwritten letters.I had 7 penpals from all over the world when I was in the 9th grade. I have since even met 2 of my "pals". Days of the letter are a thinjg of the past in my household , but we can still send chatty or quick e-mails every day.
- June 1, 2011 at 6:37 PM
- Barbara said...
You were a sweet granddaughter! I wish my grandchildren wrote to me! Everything is email and text, if I get anything at all. We used to be such great letter-writers. It's a lost art!
Now crisps and crumbles are the perfect summer food...although I must admit I'm a purist when it comes to rhubarb. No strawberries in mine!
- June 3, 2011 at 5:23 AM
- grace said...
...and now i'm feeling guilty that i haven't talked to any of my grandparents this week! they definitely have a lot of knowledge to impart, particularly when it comes to gardening. all right, all right, your words are duly noted. :)
meanwhile, this is a lovely treat. the color excites me most of all.
- June 4, 2011 at 12:10 AM
- Elle said...
Guess some of us are lucky enough to have gardening grandparents mine either lived in a New York City apartment or were more interested in antiques than gardens. So much better to eat the bounth of the garden, especially if it is yummy rhubarb! Strawberries and rhubarb probably shared a bunk on the Ark they go so well together. This sounds so yummy!
- June 4, 2011 at 9:06 PM
- Avanika [YumsiliciousBakes] said...
I've only got 2 grandparents left, this makes me want to go and spend some time with them. In our apartment living, nobody has gardens though :(
- June 10, 2011 at 11:52 PM


text:
Blog of Dr. Miland Brown that features different aspects of world history. Not everything can be covered but sites dealing with any historical issue or topic are possible future posts. Also includes sites which discuss teaching history. Dr. Brown is an academic in North America.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Despite my enjoyment of this series, I question how much of this series is history. There is a lot of oral folklore and reference to historical events but this show seems a lot like all those unhistoric UFO shows which seem to dominate the History Channel on some days. I really am OK with this for the most part. The History Channel needs to make revenue from ad sales for popular shows and much of the rest of the network's programming makes up for this. Plus, the UFO and monster shows are entertaining.
Some of the MonsterQuest episodes deal with real life "monsters." These include animals such as the giant squid and killer giant catfish. Some deal with the unlikely but still possible such as Bigfoot and unknown big cats in North America. Other episodes go off the deep end with monsters such as extra-dimensional atmospheric creatures and Thunderbirds.
Of course, this series may well prove to be historic. If Bigfoot or other another featured creature in the cryptozoology episodes proves to real, this show will be remembered fondly (or not so fondly) by historians and biologists. For example, if Bigfoot is proven it will have a huge impact on the trust of the public on scientists. It may be the equivalent as if science was proven wrong on global warming. If Bigfoot is out there, how did science miss it and why were the scientists so dismissive of the evidence that existed prior to the discovery? It would be a huge blow to public confidence in the scientific community.
MonsterQuest appears to be a hit on the History Channel. The second season premiers tomorrow with an episode on giant hogs in North America. It looks fun. I will keep watching.
4 comments:
- Jennie W said...
Gotta admit I feel the same way...some of those shows just go too far off into la-la land. I was looking through the History channel the other day and they do a lot of "non-history" shows anymore! Like Ax-Men. Very depressing to me.
- M-Dawg said...
The History Channel, also sometimes known as the WW II channel (it always seemed like they were showing everything about WW II), isn't always that accurate when it comes to History.
Sometimes, it's all about the entertainment factor. I guess they have to compete with all the reality shows on the other channels. Sad, isn't it????
- MQLover said...
I have to say I am somewhat of a MonsterQuest enthusiast. I have enjoyed many shows and actually salute the history channel for delving into the world of cryptozology. However I have begun to notice alot of episodes about the samething....Large Ape like creatures! Mostly in America? I found a spoof of the show, type in Monstergrooves on youtube to find it. It is spot on satire and hopefully the makers of the show will watch untill the end of part 2 and heade the message!......It is very funny.
- MQLover said...
I must be honest I am somewhat of a MQ enthusiast. However I have noticed a number of episodes where the team seem to such for Ape like creatures a great number of times? I am startled that they continue to do shows around the same type of mythic creature.... I thought I'd let all the MonsterQuest fans out there know about a MonsterQuest spoof on Youtube I found. To find it search Monstergrooves. It's about the british bigfoot. Surprisingly it's really funny! They've stayed pretty true to the MQ formula. I private msgd the makers and apparently they've actually sent it to the MQ team!. Anyway lets talk about it MQ fans.....


text:
Add a pop of colour to your home with these Eames Style lovely chairs, available in a range of different, vibrant colours.
Mix and match them to get the theme you want for your home. With a padded seat, these chairs not only look great, they are comfy too.
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We think that these chairs represent everything which is great about modern design – they are colourful, adaptable and offer you the chance to make them bespoke to you. Perfection!
Please note these chairs are sold in pairs
Please contact us for our Delivery & Returns Policy
We accept the following payment methods, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard or Debit cards only), BACs transfer in to our account, or PayPal. We do not except American express. Most items are in stock and will be dispatched immediately therefore full payment is required at point of sale.
We are also committed to ensuring that your information is secure. Our website is both PCI compliant and SSL Secure.


text:
I believe a successful career consists of doing something you love, while making a positive impact on others. I am fortunate to work with a great team at Cherry Creek Mortgage, where exceptional service is a way of life.
I look forward to meeting you and assisting you down your road to home ownership. When working with me, understand that I eagerly accept new challenges and understand that the mortgage industry is consistently changing. No matter how steep the rollercoaster ride may get within the mortgage industry, one thing will remain the same, my sincere desire to provide you with extraordinary service.


text:
THE SQL Server Blog Spot on the Web
As I drove to Dallas for this year's SQL Rally conference (yes, I like to drive) I got a call asking if I could step in for another presenter who had to cancel at the last minute. Life happens, and it's best to be flexible, and I said sure, I can do that. Which presentation would you like me to do? (I'd submitted a few presentations, so it wasn't a problem.)
So yesterday I presented "Gathering Performance Metrics With PowerShell" at 8:45AM, and my newest presentation, "Manage SQL Server 2012 on Windows Server Core with PowerShell" at 1PM at the conference here in Dallas. The room was packed for both sessions and I truly appreciate every one of you who attended and there were great questions in both sessions.
I've attached a zip file containing the slide decks from both presentations along with the demo scripts. I hope you get as much out of using PowerShell with SQL Server as I have, and Thanks!
Thanks for this, Allen. My stomach is still fighting with me, hence the reason I cancelled. There's a stomach bug going around my area and it finally hit me... right in time for SQLRally. Joy.
Allen, thank you so much for your dedication and sharing with the community. Your contribution to Dallas SQLRally 2012 was invaluable and we really appreciate you stepping in at the last minute.
I have completed my first installation of MS Windows Core 2008 R2 and will be dissecting your PoSh code over the weekend.
Thank you so much for filling in! It was great to see you present. The presentation shed some light on questions I had about PowerShell even after I have been using it for some time.
Allen, your Performance Metrics session was my first ever SQLRally session and the standard by all others will be measured. Thanks for getting things off to a great start and posting these resources.


text:
I would like to hire
Budget $250-750 USD
Action, love story
27 freelancers are bidding on average $618 for this job
Proposed Milestones $1500 USD - we will discuss
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text:
Here in Ireland we're knee-deep in Friday Night Lights thanks to DVD box sets and Netflix. The allure of throwing a pig-skin, snapping a play, having some kid bring you water at half-time, exciting stuff, although it's not as big in our culture as it is in America.
We want to change that.
If you or someone you know plays high-school American Football and wants to see exactly how green the grass on the other side can be then keep reading. Here in South Dublin, we have the fantastic Tallaght Stadium; it seats 6,000, has easy access to the heart of Dublin City and is central to The Gathering Dublin 2013. We have a lot of interest from teams of all different sports to use it for a game next year so we were thinking…why not reach out to Texas to see if any teams would be interested in playing? Our Managing Director Gail McGibbon went to college in San Antonio and even taught at MacArthur High School so we know how much the Texans love the Irish.
We're looking to speak to teams that would be keen to visit Ireland in 2013 and play a match here on Ireland's green football fields (not to brag but Tallaght Stadium won an award for the quality of the grass)(yes, alright, we are bragging). We've got great hotels at great prices, a whole country worth of history and culture to visit and you'll have more fun in a week than you'll have anywhere else in a year.
Think of it as a school excursion, except going somewhere green. We have one of Ireland's finest tour operators involved who'll handle the logistics and have guaranteed the cheapest and most straight-forward package for you. We have a crowd who are so excited to see you guys play (there's no entrance fees to the game so it's going to be packed). All we need to know is when you want to come over.
We're going to head over to Texas (only because Gail misses the Potato & Egg Breakfast Taco from Earl Abel's) to confirm teams next month in November. Where should we go? We want competitive teams who know how to have fun so if you're interested get in contact with us ASAP. If you want any further information, send an email to email@example.com. Don't worry, we've got our clocks adjusted for the time difference.


text:
There's an old story about Saint Basil the Great — the Bishop of Caesarea long, long ago and for my money the greatest man the Christian church has ever produced — and his meeting with the Eastern Roman emperor Valens. Valens was an Arian, while Basil was a passionate advocate for what would come to be acknowledged as orthodox Trinitarian theology, and Valens came to Caesarea for the express purpose of bringing the famous bishop into line with imperial policy. Basil flatly refused to budge from his convictions, which caused the Imperial prefect to cry, "No one has ever refused the Emperor before!" To which Basil replied, "Perhaps you've never met a real bishop before."
Please don't say, "Those were the days!" We remember Basil (and a handful of other bishops, like Augustine and Athanasius) not because he was common for his time but because he was utterly extraordinary — for his time and for any other. Good bishops are not much less rare than Jamaican snowflakes.
But what makes for a good bishop? That depends on time and place. Rowan Williams, the outgoing Archbishop of Canterbury, has been thought by many on the theological left and right to have been a poor bishop. To consider only the most controversial issue of his episcopacy, for the left he didn't go far enough to support the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the Church of England and in the worldwide Anglican Communion, and for the right he went far too far in that direction. Both groups thought him insufficiently decisive and commanding.
Both groups were wrong for the simple reason that the Archbishop of Canterbury has very little power to impose his will on the Church of England and no power at all over the rest of the Communion. Williams could have shouted louder, but that would have worn out his voice without accomplishing anything at all. He thought differently about his roles than his critics did — and the Archbishop of Canterbury does have two very distinct roles.
As the head of the Church of England, the Established Church in that country, Williams has sought to advocate for social policies that he believes consistent with historic Christian teaching. (I have sometimes agreed with his preferred policies, sometimes not; that's neither here nor there.) As primus inter pares in the Anglican world he has primarily tried to set an example of prayerfulness as opposed to politicking, for which he has been roundly despised by many Anglicans, especially my fellow theological conservatives.
My own position, shared by no one that I'm aware of, is that in these broad Communion matters Williams set precisely the example he should have set — the example Anglicans desperately needed — only to find that example pretty much universally rejected. So he was not a good bishop if that means being popular or admired or politically effective; but in my judgment a bishop is in full control of the example he sets, but not of whether it's followed. Perhaps he could have been more charismatic; but perhaps the world's Anglicans were in no mood to step back from politics and into contemplativeness, no matter who had recommended it.
Which leads me to the newly chosen Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby. I don't know much about Welby, but he is a friend of some friends of mine, and they think the world of him. It speaks very well of him that he used to work with Canon Andrew White, widely known as the Vicar of Bahgdad and one of the great Christians of our time. Welby worked with White in the extraordinary ministry of reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral, and indeed much of his pastoral work has involved helping enemies to be reconciled to one another.
It saddens me to have to say that many of the world's Anglicans consider other Anglicans their enemies, but it's true. And for that reason it may well be that Welby is the best possible man for the job. I pray, fervently, that he will be — that, like Basil the Great, though perhaps not in quite so remarkable a way, he will prove to be a real bishop.


text:
"These lines have been composed to underline my deep concern, and to call upon all people to make continuous efforts to preserve and remedy the degradation of our environment."
Lord Tathagata born of the Iksvakus tree
Peerless One
Who, seeing the all-pervasive nature
Of interdependence
Between the environment and sentient beings
Samsara and Nirvana
Moving and unmoving
Teaches the world out of compassion
Bestow thy benevolence on us
the Saviour
The One called Avalokitesvara
Personifying the body of compassion
Of all Buddhas
We beseech thee to make our spirits ripen
And fructify to observe reality
Bereft of illusion
Our obdurate egocentricity
Ingrained in our minds
Since beginningless time
Contaminates, defiles and pollutes
The environment
Created by the common karma
Of all sentient beings
Lakes and ponds have lost
Their clarity, their coolness
The atmosphere is poisoned
Nature's celestial canopy in the fiery firmament
Has burst asunder
And sentient beings suffer diseases
Unknown before
Perennial snow mountains resplendent in their glory
Bow down and melt into water
The majestic oceans lose their ageless equilibrium
And inundate islands
The dangers of fire, water and wind are limitless
Sweltering heat dries up our lush forests
Lashing our world with unprecedented storms
And the oceans surrender their salt to the elements
Though people lack not wealth
They cannot afford to breathe clean air
Rain and streams cleanse not
But remain inert and powerless liquids
Human beings
And countless beings
That inhabit water and land
Reel under the yoke of physical pain
Caused by malevolent diseases
Their minds are dulled
With sloth, stupor and ignorance
The joys of body and spirit
Are far, far away
We needlessly pollute
The fair bosom of our mother earth
Rip out her trees to feed our short -
sighted greedTurning our fertile earth into a sterile desert
The interdependent nature
Of the external environment
And people's inward nature
Described in Tantras
Works on medicine, and astronomy
Has verily been vindicated
By our present experience.
The earth is home to living beings;
Equal and impartial to the moving and unmoving
Thus spoke the Buddha in truthful voice
With the great earth for witness
As a noble being recognizes the kindness
Of a sentient mother
And makes recompense for it
So the earth, the universal mother
Which nurtures all equally
Should be regarded with affection and Care
Forsake wastage
Pollute not the clean, clear nature
Of the four elements
And destroy the well being of people
But absorb yourself in actions
That are beneficial to all
Under a tree was the great Sage
Buddha born
Under a tree, he overcame passion
And attained enlightenment
Under two trees did he pass in Nirvana
Verily, the Buddha held the tree in great esteem
Here, where Manjusri's emanation
Lama Tson Khapa's body bloomed forth
Is marked by a sandal tree
Bearing a hundred thousand images of the Buddha
Is it not well known
That some transcendental deities
Eminent local deities and spirits
Make their abode in trees?
Flourishing trees clean the wind
Help us breathe the sustaining air of life
They please the eye and soothe the mind
Their shade makes a welcome resting place
In Vinaya, the Buddha taught monks
To care for tender trees
From this, we learn the virtue
Of planting, of nurturing trees
In times of yore
Our forbears ate the fruits of trees
Wore their leaves
Discovered fire by the attrition of wood
Took refuge amidst the foliage of trees
When they encountered danger
Even in this age of science of technology
Trees provide us shelter
The chairs we sit in
The beds we lie on
When the heart is ablaze
With the fire of anger
Fuelled by wrangling
Trees bring refreshing, welcome coolness
In the trees lie the roots
Of all life on earth
When it vanishes
The land exemplified by the name
Of the Jambu tree
Will remain no more
Than a dreary, desolate desert
Nothing is dearer to the living than life
Recognising this, in the Vinaya rules
The Buddha lays down prohibitions
Like the use of water with living creatures
In the remoteness of the Himalayas
In the days of yore, the land of Tibet
Observed a ban on hunting, on fishing
And, during designated periods, even construction.
These traditions are noble
For they preserve and cherish
The lives of humble, helpless,
defenseless creatures
Playing with the lives of other beings
Without sensitivity or hesitation
As in the act of hunting or fishing for sport
Is an act of heedless, needless violence
A violation of the solemn rights
Of all living beings
Being attentive to the nature
Of interdependence of all creatures
Both animate and inanimate
One should never slacken in one's efforts
To preserve and conserve nature's energy
On a certain day, month and year
One should observe the ceremony
Of tree planting
Thus, one fulfills one's responsibilities
Serves one's fellow beings
Which not only brings one happiness
But benefits all
May the force of observing that which is right
And abstinence from wrong practices and evil deeds
Nourish and augment the prosperity of the world
May it invigorate living beings and help them blossom
May sylvan joy and pristine happiness
Ever increase, ever spread and encompass all that is.
This poem was released on the occasion of the presentation by His Holiness the Dalai Lama of a statue of the Buddha to the people of India on 2 October 1993, at New Delhi.