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The Markets
"Sell in May, go away" wasn't a winning strategy last month. Investors regained interest in Nasdaq stocks, giving the index its strongest gains since February. The Russell 2000, which along with the Nasdaq had been pummeled in April, also managed to eke out a positive performance in May. Meanwhile, by the end of the month, both the S&P 500 and the Dow had set new record closing highs, even shrugging off a disappointing Q1 GDP report. And renewed confidence in emerging markets helped power gains in the Global Dow; for the second straight month, it had the second-best year-to-date performance of the five indices in the table below.
Bonds continued to rally, sending the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield to its lowest level since last June. After bouncing around on either side of $1,300 an ounce, gold resumed the downward path it's been on since mid-March; a nearly $50-an-ounce loss in May's final week took it to roughly $1,245. Meanwhile, oil prices rose solidly above $103 a barrel and settled there for much of the month.
The Month in Review
- The U.S. economy contracted at an annualized rate of 1% during Q1 2014; the Bureau of Economic Analysis said it was the weakest growth rate in three years. Consumer spending was up 3.1% during the quarter, but couldn't offset the impact of higher imports and declines in capital investments and spending by state and local governments.
- The unemployment rate saw its biggest drop since December 2010, falling from 6.7% to 6.3%; that's the lowest it's been since September 2008. Also, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said the number of new jobs created--288,000--was far greater than the last 12 months' 190,000 monthly average and represented the strongest job creation in more than two years. However, the report wasn't all good news; the drop in the unemployment rate also resulted partly from 806,000 people leaving the labor force.
- Warmer weather helped cut heating costs, which the Commerce Department said was a key reason for the first monthly decline in consumer spending in a year. The Commerce Department's May report also showed retail sales flattening out despite a 0.3% increase in consumer prices that put the consumer inflation rate for the last 12 months at 2%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics said wholesale prices also rose at a rapid pace; the 0.6% increase was the biggest monthly gain since September 2012.
- Manufacturing data was mixed. Durable goods orders saw their third straight monthly increase, with defense-related spending on transportation the most significant factor. However, business spending on capital equipment was down 1% for the month. And after two straight months of increases, the Federal Reserve's measure of industrial production fell 0.6%. However, the Institute for Supply Management's manufacturing survey showed expansion accelerating.
- As more homeowners put their houses on the market in April, the National Association of Realtors® said sales of existing homes saw their first monthly increase of the year, rising 1.3%. The Commerce Department's measure of new home sales also jumped 6.4%. However, both numbers were lower than a year earlier. Meanwhile, prices in the 20 cities tracked by the S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Index were up 0.9% and housing starts rose 13.2%, with a nearly 43% increase in apartment construction leading the way. Meanwhile, the average rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell to 4.12%. Mortgage giant Freddie Mac said that's the lowest it's been since last October, though it's still higher than last May's 3.81% (an increase that has been cited as one reason for recent sluggishness in the housing market).
- A Pennsylvania federal grand jury charged five members of a Chinese military unit with stealing industrial secrets by hacking computers at six U.S. enterprises in the nuclear, solar, and metals industries. The indictment is said to be the first involving a governmental body rather than an individual corporation.
- The eurozone economy grew 0.2% during Q1, roughly the same pace as the previous quarter, while the 0.3% growth in the 28-member European Union was slightly less than in Q4 2013. The inflation rate in both areas rose slightly to 0.7% in the eurozone and 0.8% for the EU, allowing the European Central Bank to leave its key interest rate unchanged at 0.25%.
Data sources: Economic: Based on data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (unemployment, inflation); U.S. Department of Commerce (GDP, corporate profits, retail sales, housing); S&P/Case-Shiller 20-City Composite Index (home prices); Institute for Supply Management (manufacturing/services). Performance: Based on data reported in WSJ Market Data Center (indexes); U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields); U.S. Energy Information Administration/Bloomberg.com Market Data (oil spot price, WTI Cushing, OK); www.goldprice.org (spot gold/silver); Oanda/FX Street (currency exchange rates). All information is based on sources deemed reliable, but no warranty or guarantee is made as to its accuracy or completeness. Neither the information nor any opinion expressed herein constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any securities, and should not be relied on as financial advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investing strategy will be successful.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) is a price-weighted index composed of 30 widely traded blue-chip U.S. common stocks. The S&P 500 is a market-cap weighted index composed of the common stocks of 500 leading companies in leading industries of the U.S. economy. The NASDAQ Composite Index is a market-value weighted index of all common stocks listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The Russell 2000 is a market-cap weighted index composed of 2,000 U.S. small-cap common stocks. The Global Dow is an equally weighted index of 150 widely traded blue-chip common stocks worldwide. Market indices listed are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment.


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Rotorua – New Zealand's Hotspot for Family Fun!
Famous for bubbling mud pools and fantastic cultural experiences, Rotorua has a vast menu of activities and adventure for the whole family to enjoy.
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Famous for its bubbling mud pools and fantastic cultural experiences, Rotorua has a vast menu of activities and adventure on offer for the whole family to enjoy.
Recently awarded Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice Award for 2015 top destination, an award that is bestowed on the top 1% from millions of travelers' reviews, there is a reason so many people are raving about Rotorua, so come and see what everyone is talking about!
Adventure – Rotorua is known for its adrenalin pumping activities.
• Skyline Rotorua Gondola & Luge is always a favourite with families. Take the Gondola up for awesome views out over picturesque Lake Rotorua and then race down the mountain on the Luge track. With three tracks to choose from, Luging is a blast for the whole family, young and old.
• Roll around (literally) laughing in the Zorb, an iconic Rotorua adventure where anyone from 6 years old can climb into a huge inflatable Zorb and roll downhill and become an official 'Zorbonaut'.
• Fly through native forest on the Rotorua Canopy Tours where you get to explore nature, keep an eye out for native birds and enjoy the thrills of zip lining, swing bridges and treetop platforms.
• Tackle the rapids and enjoy a Whitewater rafting trip down the Tongariro River. There are options suitable for everyone, from gentle scenic trips to the more full on and exhilarating adventures.
• Rotorua is a world class Mountain biking destination, with the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) awarding Rotorua with their most prestigious gold-level ride centre status. With awesome rides and trails through forests, down mountains and alongside streams to enjoy, there are rides for all levels of experience and fitness.
Family Fun - Soak in all the spectacular sights nature has to offer.
• Go exploring on a duck! Rotorua Duck Tours is a fun and unique way to see and learn about Rotorua by land and water. Your fully guided tour will take you to see the beautiful lakes of the area, geothermal wonders and all the stunning sights Rotorua has to offer. The tours are suitable for all ages and fun for the whole family.
• Discover Rainbow Springs, a truly special attraction. Here you can discover New Zealand's native forest and wildlife, ride the Big Splash, see a spectacular bird show and take in a kiwi encounter. Your ticket is valid for repeat entry for the day of the purchase so you can come back at night to listen to the bird calls and to watch the kiwi come out to play.
• Paradise Valley Springs is a stunning wildlife park set amongst beautiful native New Zealand bush. Here visitors of all ages can interact closely with a variety of New Zealand's wild animals, native birds, farm animals and trout. You can also view and get up close to a large pride of African Lions, and hand feed animals that are found wild around the country such as Deer, Goats, and Wallabies. Paradise Valley is a great spot that all ages will enjoy.
• Relax and soak in the hot mineral pools at Polynesian spa. There are adults only areas, private pools and a family spa. You can choose a spot that best suits your needs or you can get a bathing combo deal if you want to mix it up. Whatever you choose, there is no doubt you will leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
Cultural & Geothermal Wonders – Indulge yourself in all of Rotorua's cultural and Geothermal delights that it is famous for.
• Kuirau Park is New Zealand's only geothermal public park in the heart of Rotorua. Stroll around the park and discover bubbling mud pools and steaming geothermal activity that is all free to enjoy.
• Te Puia Maori Cultural Centre is situated in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley and is the ideal place to experience New Zealand Maori culture as well as see the famous Pohutu Geyser and more than 500 natural geothermal wonders. You can wander around on your own or take a guided tour to learn more about the vibrant culture and hear about the fantastic myths and legends.
• Hells Gate – is like a 'one stop shop' of all the fantastic experiences you hope to enjoy when you visit Rotorua. You experience the earth's amazing power through the vast geothermal activity, enjoy the great stories told about Hells Gate and learn more about the culture, soak in the revitalizing spa, take a mud bath or even have a go at traditional Maori carving.
It doesn't matter if you are a new visitor or someone who has been to Rotorua numerous times before, there is always something to see and a new experience to try, so come along and get ready to create your own memories of a lifetime.
Bachcare is New Zealand's leading holiday home rental management company, with the largest range of pre-serviced holiday homes available for rent. Book instantly online with our real-time availability!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
BabyCurlsDelivery Options
UK Delivery:
- Free Standard Delivery (Royal Mail Tracked 2-3 Days)
- Express Delivery £1.99 (Royal Mail Tracked 1-2 Days)
International Delivery:
- Australia Delivery £5.99 (Royal Mail Air Mail 7-14 Days)
- US Delivery £5.99 (Royal Mail Air Mail 7-14 Days)
- Europe Delivery £9.99 (International Tracked 5-10 Days)
- Rest Of World £9.99 (International Tracked 5-10 Days)
LiteCup - The Non-spill Sippy Cup that Lights Up! (Uber Blue)
By Litecup
Litecup is a unique non-spill sippy cup with an integrated nightlight - it's a new kind of toddler beaker!
Perfect for independent mess free drinking the patented circular valve allows free flow drinking from a cup edge whilst preventing tips and spills. The cup edge supports the bottle to cup transition and no straws or spouts eliminate the potential for comfort sucking.
The litecup has a light sensitive LED light unit that sits in the base of the cup which glows gently at night. The comforting glow can help children self soothe and ensures your child will always find their drink. Hopefully giving them fewer reasons to wake you up! The light unit clicks in and out of the base of the cup and once removed the cup can be washed by hand or popped in a dishwasher.
The nightlight is light sensitive and will only come on in the dark so the battery will hopefully not be worn down by inquisitive little fingers during playtime, but it can also be manually turned off if required.
Light and robust enough for use all day every day - the litecup is perfect for use as a travel cup for day trips, holidays or camping and for keeping by the cot or bed. litecup is great for kids but the clean and fun design does not look 'babyish' and works for anyone keen to access the great combined functionality of a no spill cup with a nightlight. It works well as an assisted living product.
It is important to note that the battery/light pack MUST be removed prior to wash.


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Bhutan Population: 750,125NO VISITORS FROM HERE YET!
Back to Flag Counter Overview
|Following Britain's victory in the 1865 Duar War, Britain and Bhutan signed the Treaty of Sinchulu, under which Bhutan would receive an annual subsidy in exchange for ceding land to British India. Ugyen WANGCHUCK - who had served as the de facto ruler of an increasingly unified Bhutan and had improved relations with the British toward the end of the 19th century - was named king in 1907. Three years later, a treaty was signed whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Bhutan negotiated a similar arrangement with independent India after 1947. Two years later, a formal Indo-Bhutanese accord returned to Bhutan a small piece of the territory annexed by the British, formalized the annual subsidies the country received, and defined India's responsibilities in defense and foreign relations. Under a succession of modernizing monarchs beginning in the 1950s, Bhutan joined the UN in 1971 and slowly continued its engagement beyond its borders. In March 2005, King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK unveiled the government's draft constitution - which introduced major democratic reforms - and held a national referendum for its approval. In December 2006, the King abdicated the throne in favor of his son, Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK. In early 2007, India and Bhutan renegotiated their treaty, eliminating the clause that stated that Bhutan would be "guided by" India in conducting its foreign policy, although Thimphu continues to coordinate closely with New Delhi. Elections for seating the country's first parliament were completed in March 2008; the king ratified the country's first constitution in July 2008. Bhutan experienced a peaceful turnover of power following parliamentary elections in 2013, which resulted in the defeat of the incumbent party. The disposition of some 18,000 refugees of the roughly 100,000 who fled or were forced out of Bhutan in the 1990s - and who are housed in two UN refugee camps in Nepal - remains unresolved.
Landlocked; strategic location between China and India; controls several key Himalayan mountain passes
|Southern Asia, between China and India
|Geographic coordinates:
| total: 38,394 sq km
land: 38,394 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Size comparison: about one-half the size of Indiana
|Land Boundaries:
|total: 1,136 km border countries (2): China 477 km, India 659 km
|0 km (landlocked)
|Maritime claims:
|none (landlocked)
|varies; tropical in southern plains; cool winters and hot summers in central valleys; severe winters and cool summers in Himalayas
|mostly mountainous with some fertile valleys and savanna
|Elevation extremes:
|Natural resources:
|timber, hydropower, gypsum, calcium carbonate
|Land use:
| agricultural land: 13.6% arable land 2.6%; permanent crops 0.3%; permanent pasture 10.7% forest: 85.5%
other: 0.9% (2011 est.)
|Irrigated land:
|320 sq km (2012)
|Natural hazards:
|violent storms from the Himalayas are the source of the country's Bhutanese name, which translates as Land of the Thunder Dragon; frequent landslides during the rainy season
|Current Environment Issues:
|soil erosion; limited access to potable water
|International Environment Agreements:
| party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Law of the Sea
|^Back to Top
| noun: Bhutanese (singular and plural)
adjective: Bhutanese
|Ethnic groups:
|Ngalop (also known as Bhote) 50%, ethnic Nepalese 35% (includes Lhotsampas - one of several Nepalese ethnic groups), indigenous or migrant tribes 15%
|Sharchhopka 28%, Dzongkha (official) 24%, Lhotshamkha 22%, other 26% (includes foreign languages) (2005 est.)
|Lamaistic Buddhist 75.3%, Indian- and Nepalese-influenced Hinduism 22.1%, other 2.6% (2005 est.)
|750,125 (July 2016 est.)
|Age structure:
| 0-14 years: 26.27% (male 100,672/female 96,368)
15-24 years: 19.21% (male 73,398/female 70,704)
25-54 years: 42.39% (male 169,079/female 148,873)
55-64 years: 5.94% (male 23,869/female 20,656)
65 years and over: 6.2% (male 24,301/female 22,205) (2016 est.)
|Dependency ratios:
| total dependency ratio: 46.9%
youth dependency ratio: 39.5%
elderly dependency ratio: 7.4%
potential support ratio: 13.4% (2015 est.)
|Median age:
| total: 27.2 years
male: 27.7 years
female: 26.6 years (2016 est.)
|Population growth rate:
|1.09% (2016 est.)
|Birth rate:
|17.5 births/1,000 population (2016 est.)
|Death rate:
|6.6 deaths/1,000 population (2016 est.)
|Net migration rate:
|0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2016 est.)
| urban population: 38.6% of total population (2015)
rate of urbanization: 3.69% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
|Major urban areas - population:
|THIMPHU (capital) 152,000 (2014)
|Sex ratio:
| at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.04 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 1.14 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1.16 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.1 male(s)/female
total population: 1.09 male(s)/female (2016 est.)
|Maternal mortality rate:
|148 deaths/100,000 live births (2015 est.)
|Infant mortality rate:
| total: 33.9 deaths/1,000 live births male: 34.2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 33.6 deaths/1,000 live births (2016 est.)
|Life expectancy at birth:
| total population: 70.1 years male: 69.1 years
female: 71.1 years (2016 est.)
|Total fertility rate:
|1.93 children born/woman (2016 est.)
|Contraceptive prevalence rate:
|65.6% (2010)
|Health expenditures:
|3.6% of GDP (2014)
|Physicians density:
|0.26 physicians/1,000 population (2012)
|Hospital bed density:
|1.8 beds/1,000 population (2012)
|Drinking water source:
| improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: 100% of population
total: 100% of population
urban: 0% of population
rural: 0% of population
total: 0% of population (2015 est.)
|Sanitation facility access:
| improved:
urban: 77.9% of population
rural: 33.1% of population
total: 50.4% of population
urban: 22.1% of population
rural: 66.9% of population
total: 49.6% of population (2015 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
|0.13% (2013 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
|600 (2013 est.)
|HIV/AIDS - deaths:
|Obesity - adult prevalence rate:
|5.9% (2014)
|Children under the age of 5 years underweight:
|12.8% (2010)
|Education expenditures:
|7.4% of GDP (2015)
| definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 64.9%
male: 73.1%
female: 55% (2015 est.)
|School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education):
| total: 13 years male: 12 years
female: 13 years (2013)
|Unemployment, youth ages 15-24:
| total: 9.6% male: 9.2%
female: 9.9% (2013 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Country name:
| conventional long form: Kingdom of Bhutan
conventional short form: Bhutan
local long form: Druk Gyalkhap
local short form: Druk Yul
etymology: named after the Bhotia, the ethnic Tibetans who migrated from Tibet to Bhutan; Bod is the Tibetan name for their land; the Bhutanese name "Druk Yul" means "Land of the Thunder Dragon"
|Government type:
|constitutional monarchy
| name: Thimphu
geographic coordinates: 27 28 N, 89 38 E
time difference: UTC+6 (11 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
|Administrative divisions:
|20 districts (dzongkhag, singular and plural); Bumthang, Chhukha, Chirang, Daga, Gasa, Geylegphug, Ha, Lhuntshi, Mongar, Paro, Pemagatsel, Punakha, Samchi, Samdrup Jongkhar, Shemgang, Tashigang, Tashi Yangtse, Thimphu, Tongsa, Wangdi Phodrang
|17 December 1907 (became a unified kingdom under its first hereditary king)
|National holiday:
|National Day (Ugyen WANGCHUCK became first hereditary king), 17 December (1907)
|previous governing documents were various royal decrees; first constitution drafted November 2001 - March 2005, ratified 18 July 2008; amended 2011 (2016)
|Legal system:
|civil law based on Buddhist religious law
|18 years of age; universal
|Executive branch:
| chief of state: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WANGCHUCK (since 14 December 2006); note - King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK abdicated the throne on 14 December 2006 to his son
head of government: Prime Minister Tshering TOBGAY (since July 2013)
cabinet: Council of Ministers or Lhengye Zhungtshog members nominated by the monarch in consultation with the prime minister and approved by the National Assembly; members serve 5-year terms elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary but can be removed by a two-third vote of Parliament; leader of the majority party in Parliament is nominated as the prime minister, appointed by the monarch
|Legislative branch:
| description: bicameral Parliament or Chi Tshog consists of the non-partisan National Council or Gyelyong Tshogde (25 seats; 20 members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by simple majority vote and 5 members appointed by the king; members serve 5-year terms) and the National Assembly or Tshogdu (47 seats; members directly elected in single-seat constituencies by proportional representation vote to serve 5-year terms)
elections: National Council election last held on 23 April 2013 (next to be held in 2018); National Assembly election first round held on 31 May 2013 and second round on 13 July 2013
election results: National Council - seats by party - independent 20 (all candidates required to run as independents; National Assembly - first round - percent of vote by party - DPT 44.5%; PDP 32.5%; DNT 17.0%; DCT 5.9%; second round - percent of vote by party - PDP 54.9%, DPT 45.1%; seats by party - PDP 32, DPT 15
|Judicial branch:
| highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 5 justices including the chief justice); note - the Supreme Court has sole jurisdiction in constitutional matters judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court chief justice appointed by the monarch upon the advice of the National Judicial Commission, a 4-member body to include the Legislative Committee of the National Assembly, the attorney general, the Chief Justice of Bhutan and the senior Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; other judges (drangpons) appointed by the monarch from among the High Court judges selected by the National Judicial Commission; chief justice serves a 5-year term or until reaching age 65 years, whichever is earlier; the 4 other judges serve 10-year terms or until age 65, whichever is earlier
subordinate courts: High Court (first appellate court); District or Dzongkhag Courts; sub-district or Dungkhag Courts
|Political parties and leaders:
|Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party or BKP [Sonam TOBGAY] Bhutan Peace and Prosperity Party (Druk Phuensum Tshogpa) or DPT [Pema GYAMTSHO] Druck Chirwang Tshogpa or DCT Druk Nymrub Tshogpa or DNT People's Democratic Party or PDP [Tshering TOBGAY]
|Political pressure groups and leaders:
|Druk National Congress (exiled) United Front for Democracy (exiled) other: Buddhist clergy; ethnic Nepali-Bhutanese organizations (exiled)
|International organization participation:
|ADB, BIMSTEC, CP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IMF, Interpol, IOC, IOM (observer), IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, MIGA, NAM, OPCW, SAARC, SACEP, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNTSO, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO (observer)
|National symbol(s):
|thunder dragon known as Druk Gyalpo; national colors: orange, yellow
|National anthem:
| name: "Druk tsendhen" (The Thunder Dragon Kingdom)
lyrics/music: Gyaldun Dasho Thinley DORJI/Aku TONGMI
note: adopted 1953
|Diplomatic representation in the US:
| none; note - the Permanent Mission to the UN for Bhutan has consular jurisdiction in the US; the permanent representative to the UN is Kunzang C. NAMGYEL (since February 2014); address: 343 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017; telephone [1] (212) 682-2268; FAX [1] (212) 661-0551
consulate(s) general: New York
|Diplomatic representation from the US:
|the US and Bhutan have no formal diplomatic relations, although frequent informal contact is maintained via the US embassy in New Delhi (India) and Bhutan's Permanent Mission to the UN
|^Back to Top
Bhutan's economy, small and less developed, is based largely on hydropower, agriculture, and forestry, which provide the main livelihood for more than half of the population. Because rugged mountains dominate the terrain and make the building of roads and other infrastructure difficult and expensive, industrial production is primarily of the cottage industry type. The economy is closely aligned with India's through strong trade and monetary links and is dependent on India for financial assistance and migrant laborers for development projects, especially for road construction. Bhutan inked a pact in December 2014 to expand duty-free trade with Bangladesh, the only trade partner with which Bhutan enjoys a surplus. Multilateral development organizations administer most educational, social, and environment programs, and take into account the government's desire to protect the country's environment and cultural traditions. For example, the government, in its cautious expansion of the tourist sector, encourages visits by upscale, environmentally conscientious tourists. Complicated controls and uncertain policies in areas such as industrial licensing, trade, labor, and finance continue to hamper foreign investment. Bhutan's largest export - hydropower to India - could spur sustainable growth in the coming years if Bhutan resolves chronic delays in construction. Bhutan currently taps only 5% of its 30,000-megawatt hydropower potential and is behind schedule in building 12 new hydropower dams with a combined capacity of 10,000 megawatts by 2020 in accordance with a deal signed in 2008 with India. The high volume of imported materials to build hydropower plants has expanded Bhutan's trade and current account deficits. However, Bhutan and India in April 2014 agreed to begin four additional hydropower projects, which would generate 2,120 megawatts in total. Bhutan also is exploring energy exports to Bangladesh.
|GDP (purchasing power parity):
| GDP (purchasing power parity): $6.432 billion (2016 est.) $6.066 billion (2015 est.) $5.766 billion (2014 est.)
note: data are in 2016 dollars
|GDP (official exchange rate):
|GDP (official exchange rate): $2.085 billion (2015 est.)
|GDP - real growth rate:
|6% (2016 est.) 5.2% (2015 est.) 3.8% (2014 est.)
|GDP - per capita (PPP):
| GDP - per capita (PPP): $8,100 (2016 est.) $7,800 (2015 est.) $7,500 (2014 est.)
note: data are in 2016 dollars
|Gross national saving:
|37.1% of GDP (2016 est.) 31.6% of GDP (2015 est.) 35% of GDP (2014 est.)
|GDP - composition, by end use:
| household consumption: 53.4%
government consumption: 18.7%
investment in fixed capital: 64.3%
investment in inventories: 0%
exports of goods and services: 42.4%
imports of goods and services: -78.8% (2016 est.)
|GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
| household consumption: 53.4%
government consumption: 18.7%
investment in fixed capital: 64.3%
investment in inventories: 0%
exports of goods and services: 42.4%
imports of goods and services: -78.8% (2016 est.)
|Agriculture - products:
|rice, corn, root crops, citrus; dairy products, eggs
|cement, wood products, processed fruits, alcoholic beverages, calcium carbide, tourism
|Industrial production growth rate:
|6.5% (2016 est.)
|Labor force:
|348,800 note: major shortage of skilled labor (2015 est.)
|Labor force - by occupation:
| agriculture: 57%
industry: 21%
services: 22% (2014 est.)
|Unemployment rate:
|2.6% (2014 est.) 2.9% (2013 est.)
|Population below poverty line:
|12% (2012 est.)
|Household income or consumption by percentage share:
| lowest 10%: 2.8%
highest 10%: 30.6% (2012)
|Distribution of family income - Gini index:
|38.7 (2012) 38.1 (2007)
| revenues: $640.4 million
expenditures: $703.3 million note: the government of India finances nearly one-quarter of Bhutan's budget expenditures (2016 est.)
|Taxes and other revenues:
|30.7% of GDP (2016 est.)
|Public debt:
|30% of GDP (2016 est.) 27.3% of GDP (2015 est.)
|Fiscal year:
|1 July - 30 June
|Inflation rate (consumer prices):
|Inflation rate (consumer prices): 2.9% (2016 est.) 4.5% (2015 est.)
|Current account balance:
|-$579 million (2016 est.) -$581 million (2015 est.)
|$500 million (2016 est.) $580.3 million (2015 est.)
|Exports - commodities:
|electricity (to India), ferrosilicon, cement, calcium carbide, copper wire, manganese, vegetable oil
|Exports - partners:
|India 83.8%, Hong Kong 10.8% (2013 est.)
|$1.1 billion (2016 est.) $997 million (2015 est.)
|Imports - commodities:
|fuel and lubricants, passenger cars, machinery and parts, fabrics, rice
|Imports - partners:
|India 72.3%, South Korea 6% (2013 est.)
|Debt - external:
|$2.261 billion (31 December 2016 est.) $1.911 billion (31 December 2015 est.)
|Stock of direct foreign investment - at home:
|$267.1 million (31 December 2016 est.) $238 million (31 December 2015 est.)
|Market value of publicly traded shares:
|$320 million (31 December 2013) $283.4 million (31 December 2012)
|Exchange rates:
|ngultrum (BTN) per US dollar - 68.39 (2016 est.) 64.15 (2015 est.) 64.15 (2014 est.) 61.03 (2013 est.) 53.44 (2012 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Electricity - production:
|7.2 billion kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - consumption:
|2.085 billion kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - exports:
|5.147 billion kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - imports:
|200 million kWh (2014 est.)
|Electricity - installed generating capacity:
|1.499 million kW (2014 est.)
|Electricity - from fossil fuels:
|0.7% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)
|Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
|0% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)
|Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
|99.3% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)
|Electricity - from other renewable sources:
|0% of total installed capacity (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - production:
|0 bbl/day (2015 est.)
|Crude oil - exports:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - imports:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Crude oil - proved reserves:
|0 bbl (1 January 2016 es)
|Refined petroleum products - production:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - consumption:
|3,000 bbl/day (2014 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - exports:
|0 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Refined petroleum products - imports:
|3,135 bbl/day (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - production:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - consumption:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - exports:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - imports:
|0 cu m (2013 est.)
|Natural gas - proved reserves:
|0 cu m (1 January 2014 es)
|Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
|300,000 Mt (2013 est.)
|^Back to Top
|Cellular Phones in use:
|total: 676,000 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 91 (July 2015 est.)
|Telephone system:
| general assessment: urban towns and district headquarters have telecommunications services
domestic: domestic service inadequate, especially in rural areas; mobile-cellular service, begun in 2003, is now widely available
international: country code - 975; international telephone and telegraph service via landline and microwave relay through India; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (2015)
|Broadcast media:
|state-owned TV station established in 1999; cable TV service offers dozens of Indian and other international channels; first radio station, privately launched in 1973, is now state-owned; 5 private radio stations are currently broadcasting (2012)
|Internet country code:
|Internet users:
|total: 295,000 percent of population: 39.8% (July 2015 est.)
|^Back to Top
|2 (2013)
|Airports (paved runways):
| total 2
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2013)
|Airports (unpaved runways):
| total 1
914 to 1,523 m: 1 (2012)
| total 10,578 km
paved: 2,975 km (includes 2,180 km of natonal highways)
unpaved: 7,603 km (2013)
|^Back to Top
|Military branches:
|Royal Bhutan Army (includes Royal Bodyguard and Royal Bhutan Police) (2009)
|Military service age and obligation:
|18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; militia training is compulsory for males aged 20-25, over a 3-year period (2012)
|^Back to Top
|Transnational Issues
|Disputes - International:
|lacking any treaty describing the boundary, Bhutan and China continue negotiations to establish a common boundary alignment to resolve territorial disputes arising from substantial cartographic discrepancies, the largest of which lie in Bhutan's northwest and along the Chumbi salient
|^Back to Top
Back to Flag Counter Overview
Source: CIA - The World Factbook


text:
Today was an exciting day. Country Home magazine came out to the farm and shot some photos of projects we've created. See if you can spot Old Crow projects in Country Home in the months to come. It amazing how many pictures they take of the same shot just to get the perfect lighting, shadow, and overall picture. It was so much fun to see how it all works.
I hope all of you have a fun & safe New Years! Happy Junking in 2009, jojo


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COOLANGATTA, QLD, Australia – Monday, March 10, 2014: After four consecutive lay days the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour resumed with Round 3 of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by BOQ at Snapper Rocks this morning. Today saw the elimination of 12 athletes and the level of competition intensify as the world's best surfers battled to set themselves up as front-runners for the 2014 ASP World Title. The predicted swell arrived in the form of three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) clean walls that set the stage for an epic day of competition.
Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) and Michel Bourez (PYF) went head to head in Heat 2 of Round 3 today, and the powerful pair didn't disappoint, finishing the heat separated by less than one point. Patacchia took the win, thanks to his heat high score of 7.00 (out of a possible 10), that he notched for a series of precise backhand turns.
"I'm glad we waited for these waves," Patacchia said. "It's still difficult out there, but it's pretty fun when you get the right waves. We've had a few days off so it was great to get back into competition. It's never easy coming up against Michel (Bourez), he's so powerful and has had good results here before so it's great to make it through to Round 4."
Mitch Crews (AUS), 2014 ASP WCT Rookie, caused the upset of the day when he eliminated fellow Queenslander Julian Wilson (AUS) in an exciting back-and-forth battle. Crews out positioned last year's ASP WCT No. 6, caught the best waves and sealed the heat win with an excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10) that he clocked for a long grinding Snapper wall that he attacked with reckless abandon with snaps and carves all the way down the line. Crews will face Taj Burrow (AUS) and Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) in Round 4.
"I knew I had to be on the best waves coming up against Julian (Wilson). He's one of the top guys, so I had to be smart and not make stupid decisions," said Crews. "I've been dedicated, eating better and looking after myself. I'm confident that I'm as fit as anyone else and it's good to see everyone support me."
Mick Fanning (AUS), reigning three-time ASP World Champion, dispatched Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast wildcard Dane Reynolds (USA) in one of the most exciting match-ups of the day. Reynolds defeated Fanning in Round 1 last week and this re-match has been the talk of the town ever since. The first half of the 30-minute encounter saw the two post a couple of average scores, leaving the heat open for the taking. The last few minutes saw a flurry of rides, but deep bottom turns and explosive snaps put Fanning in front with a high-scoring 8.50 (out of a possible 10) to send the Californian packing.
"The third Round is the most dangerous Round," said Fanning. "Coming up against competitors like Dane (Reynolds) can ruin your momentum for the rest of the year. It was really tricky out there. Out in the water I felt pretty good at the start. I was lucky enough to get the one near the rock, which allowed me to open up a little bit."
Kelly Slater (USA), 11-time ASP World Champion, defeated Portuguese surfer Tiago Pires in a performance that showed exactly why he's won this event four times. Slater wasted no time in asserting his dominance, blasting a 9.07 (out of a possible 10), for a series of razor-sharp carving turns, while Pires struggled to find the opportunity and the scores needed to defeat the formidable Floridian. Slater will move on to compete in Round 4, as Pires' Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast campaign comes to a close.
"It's tricky out there, it's one of those days where you have got to catch the good waves," Slater said. "Tiago (Pires) and I have had a lot of heats together. I don't underestimate Tiago at all. Obviously he has beaten me in really good waves, and I had him out here in the Semifinals a few years ago, so I know he is really good at this wave. He is one of those surfers who may not be the most dynamic guy on Tour, but he has got a lot of power. He is a great barrel rider and always puts himself on good waves."
Heat 8 saw Adriano de Souza (BRA) face off against Jeremy Flores (FRA) for the tenth time in WCT history. De Souza, having won seven of their previous match ups, posted a big score to open his campaign today, notching an excellent 8.33 with an impressive array of powerful forehand maneuvers. Flores tried to answer, but a costly interference by the Frenchman saw the Brazilian secure a pass to Round 4 and take his eighth WCT win against Flores.
"This is my ninth season competing in this event and I'm feeling great," said De Souza. "Jeremy (Flores) and I are good friends but we're also very competitive so I knew it was going to be a good heat. Unfortunately he was given an interference. I saw the potential on that wave and knew it was a great opportunity for him to get back on track so I used my priority, but when I saw his board under my feet I thought something was wrong."
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 3 Results:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.93 def. Travis Logie (ZAF) 9.93
Heat 2: Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 10.93 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 10.10
Heat 3: Mitch Crews (AUS) 15.16 def. Julian Wilson (AUS) 13.76
Heat 4: C.J. Hobgood (USA) 10.20 def. Adam Melling (AUS) 9.96
Heat 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 13.16 def. Adrian Buchan (AUS) 4.77
Heat 6: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.83 def. Dane Reynolds (USA) 13.46
Heat 7: Kelly Slater (USA) 16.57 def. Tiago Pires (PRT) 8.67
Heat 8: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 14.00 def. Jeremy Flores (FRA) 5.33
Heat 9: Josh Kerr (AUS) 12.57 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 11.33
Heat 10: Nat Young (USA) 15.17 def. Jadson Andre (BRA) 12.60
Heat 11: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 16.20 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 15.90
Heat 12: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.66 def. Dion Atkinson (AUS) 13.24
Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Round 4 Match-Ups:
Heat 1: Taj Burrow (AUS), Fredrick Patacchia (HAW), Mitch Crews (AUS)
Heat 2: C.J. Hobgood (USA), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Mick Fanning (AUS)
Heat 3: Kelly Slater (USA), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Josh Kerr (AUS)
Heat 4: Nat Young (USA), Miguel Pupo (BRA), Joel Parkinson (AUS)
The first stop on the 2014 Samsung Galaxy ASP World Championship Tour, the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast presented by BOQ, is webcast LIVE via www.aspworldtour.com.
Quiksilver and Roxy Pro Gold Coast event organizers will reconvene tomorrow at 7.30 a.m. local time (AEST).


text: Dear All, I'm Yuta Araki at Nihon University (JQ1YGV). First of all, thank you very much for much kind cooperation! We are grateful to you all. I'd like to inform you of the update of analysis software of SEEDS. A new version of the analysis software is "Downlink Code for Distribution Ver.2.0.3". Please download analysis software from the following website http://cubesat.aero.cst.nihon-u.ac.jp/english/download_e.html Please continue your favors toward the reception cooperation about SEEDS in the future. Thanks again! Best Regards, Yuta _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/ Nakamura&Miyazaki Lab., Department of Aerospace Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nihon University Yuta Araki E-mail: araki at forth.aero.cst.nihon-u.ac.jp _/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/_/


text:
Our meetings discuss Buddhism and related philosophies from many points of view.
We welcome participation by Buddhists of all traditions, and seek to cooperate with other groups that share our goals. Everyone is welcome!
We currently have members who are active in local prison meditation projects, and peace and political grassroots movements.
We want to share our collective voice through the practice of spiritual peace in words, thoughts and actions. We hope to offer ways that all Buddhists can work together towards common goals, as well as resources for those interested in Buddhist practice, traditions and local groups.
Please visit our discusion group:http://discusspeace.org
Below are some links to Burma sites of interest.
Facebook Burma Group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=24957770200
Burma Watch: http://www.burma-watch.org/
Read More About the BPF-Tampabayhttp://buddhism.meetup.com/552/about/
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text:
Assassin's Creed Movie "Definitely Happening" According To Lead Actor
An Assassin's Creed movie has been in the works for quite some time, but we haven't heard much about it since a writer was assigned, and a possible release date for the film appeared online. Recently, the movie's star, Michael Fassbender, offered a brief update on the film.
Speaking with The Daily Beast, Fassbender offered a few details on the film saying, "That's definitely happening. We're just developing the script at the moment." Fassbender also talked about his limited history with the game saying, "I'd heard of it but had never played the game. I don't have a video game player … that's not what they're called. [Laughs] I met up with the guys from Ubisoft and they told me the story behind it, and I thought it was very interesting—the idea of reliving memories."
We have our own ideas about what could make a good Assassin's Creed movie. Check them out here.
[Source: DailyBeast, via Polygon]
Our Take
It's disappointing to learn that Fassbender hasn't played any of the games, but he still seems like he could be a good fit for the Assassin's Creed universe. The narrative of the games always feel a little stretched to accomodate video game length and a much larger universe. I am interested to see how an Assassin's Creed film, which should be more focused by necessity, handles the plot.


text:
One of the greatest things drivers are able to take advantage of these days—besides GPS, heated seats, auto park mode—is roadside assistance. Thanks to outfits like AAA and Good Sam, you don't even have to worry about having enough gas to make it to your destination these days—one call, and they're there for you … for a nominal annual fee, of course.
It's sort of sad when you think about this, but I bet less than half the average drivers out there today change their own oil, let alone would even know where to put it if they did. And when I see new(er) vehicles that make it nearly impossible for their owners to access the spark plugs, that tells me the auto manufacturers are catering more toward the above-mentioned than they are those who can, and will, perform their own general maintenance, like you and I. (Don't get me started on the general state of auto parts store clerks of late … I don't believe they know where the oil goes in new cars either!) Why else would there be air pressure sensors right next to the oil/temp "warning lights"?! Notice I didn't say gauges, as that information would do little good to someone who couldn't process and translate it properly in the first place. Now you really get the "auto" out of automobile, suffice it to say.
Basically, all you're expected to do once behind the wheel of a truly "modern" vehicle is have somewhat of a pulse—the car does the rest. And what's that done for the average perception level and intuitiveness of today's drivers? In my opinion, it's taken most of that and left it up to the car instead. I'm sorry, but that's too much control out of my hands—when I drive, regardless of my mood, I'm the only one responsible for what that car does and how it behaves, not the car.
This is why I truly enjoy driving "real" cars, vehicles that not only demand your full attention, but that you always know their current state of affairs, if you get my drift. Would you jump in your old pride and joy without first ensuring all fluid levels are topped, including the fuel tank, and tires are properly aired up, including the spare? Of course not, and it's not just 'cause you've got a lot invested in your ride, either—it's 'cause you're concerned about the wellbeing of the car and its occupants when you're behind the wheel … always. And when you are on the road, you're typically a better driver than when behind the wheel of your newer car(s), aren't you? I know I am, and though it's a tough battle, I try and have the same attitude when I'm driving all the time.
I believe everyone should get their learner's permit AND driver's license behind the wheel of a '70s land yacht. Why? Because that way people learn to respect the automobile for the massive machine it is, and for the potential deadly weapon it can become if not properly operated. Hey, there's a bonus flip side to that as well—it keeps vintage vehicles on the road and, more importantly, has the great potential of preventing our younger generations from becoming tuners!
Would You Jump In Your Old Pride And Joy Without First Ensuring All Fluid Levels Are Topped, Including The Fuel Tank, And Tires Are Properly Aired Up, Including The Spare?


text:
Graduation Information
Undergraduate Graduation Information
Graduate School of Business Graduation Information
Degrees and certificates are awarded three times a year based on the meeting of the full Board of Trustees. Students that finish in the summer are awarded their degrees in October, Students finishing in the fall or winter session are awarded their degrees in February or March and those finishing in the spring term are awarded their degrees in May.
Commencement Exercises are held once a year and take place in May.


text:
Willie Lincoln
An early ambrotype of Willie (Chicago History Museum photograph) William Wallace Lincoln ("Willie") was born on December 21, 1850. He was the third son of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. Willie was named after Dr. William Wallace who had married Frances, one of Mary's sisters. Willie was more like his dad than older brother Robert; he had the same magnetic personality of Abraham Lincoln. A 16-year-old girl, Julia Taft, described Willie as "the most lovable boy I ever knew, bright, sensible, sweet-tempered and gentle-mannered."
In Springfield Willie attended a private school operated by Miss Corcoran. Like his folks, Willie loved learning. Willie developed lots of interests including writing poetry and drawing up railroad timetables. He had excellent natural ability in math. Additionally, Mary said Willie was "a most peculiarly religious child." He was more studious than his younger brother, Tad. In June of 1859 Willie went to Chicago with his father who had legal business in that city. Father and son stayed in the Tremont House. Willie wrote a letter to his friend, Henry Remann, about his wonderful experience. (The photographs of Willie are from the Chicago History Museum.) In his letter Willie said, "This town is a very beautiful place. Me and father have a nice little room to ourselves. We have two little pitchers on a washstand. The smallest one for me the largest one for father. We have two little towels on a top of both pitchers. The smallest one for me, the largest one for father. Me and father had gone to two theaters the other night."
The Lincolns moved into the White House in March of 1861. Willie and Tad had a great time in their new home. Willie was calmer and more conscientious than his younger brother. The boys loved animals, and gifts of dogs, rabbits, goats, and ponies poured into the White House. Because of the times, war-related games were popular with the boys, and they even constructed a fort on the White House roof. Willie and Tad often accompanied their father when he reviewed the troops in their camps. Additionally, they went with their mother when she took fruit, books, papers, etc. to the soldiers.
Pictured to the left are Horatio Nelson Taft, Jr. ("Bud") and Halsey Cook Taft ("Holly") who were close friends and playmates of the Lincoln boys in 1861 and early 1862.
Mrs. Lincoln hired a tutor for the boys. Willie's mind was amazingly mature for his age. Whereas Tad seems to have disliked the lessons, Willie loved learning. Just before Christmas, 1861, Willie turned 11. His future seemed extremely bright.
Shortly thereafter Willie became ill. His condition fluctuated from day to day. Mostly likely the illness was typhoid fever. Gradually, Willie weakened. Both parents spent much time at his bedside. Finally, on Thursday, February 20, 1862, at 5:00 P.M. the young boy passed away. Abraham said, "My poor boy. He was too good for this earth. God has called him home. I know that he is much better off in heaven, but then we loved him so. It is hard, hard to have him die!"
Willie lay in state in the Green Room adjoining the East Room. He was dressed as for the evening, his eyes closed, his hands crossed over his chest and holding a small bouquet of flowers. The funeral took place in the East Room on Monday, February 24. Reverend Phineas D. Gurley of Washington's New York Avenue Presbyterian Church conducted the services. Elizabeth Keckley, Mrs. Lincoln's friend and seamstress, described the scene as follows: "The funeral was very touching. Of the entertainments in the East Room the boy had been a most life-giving variation... He was his father's favorite. They were intimates - often seen hand in hand. And there sat the man, with a burden on the brain at which the world marvels - bent now with the load both at heart and brain - staggering under a blow like the taking from him of his child."
Willie's coffin was placed in a crypt of the Carroll tomb at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington. (The clerk of the Supreme Court, Thomas Carroll, offered space in the Carroll tomb for Willie.) After the assassination of President Lincoln in 1865, Willie's casket was removed from the crypt, and his coffin was placed on the Lincoln funeral train that traveled back to Springfield. Willie's remains were placed in the public receiving vault at Oak Ridge Cemetery along with his father on May 4, 1865. On December 21, 1865, the remains were moved to a temporary tomb. On September 19, 1871, the remains of Abraham, Eddie, and Willie were moved to the permanent tomb.


text:
I'm reading the Wikipedia page for the Dirac equation:
$J = -\frac{i\hbar}{2m}(\phi^*\nabla\phi - \phi\nabla\phi^*)$
with the conservation of probability current and density following from the Schrödinger equation:
$\nabla\cdot J + \frac{\partial\rho}{\partial t} = 0.$
The fact that the density is positive definite and convected according to this continuity equation, implies that we may integrate the density over a certain domain and set the total to 1, and this condition will be maintained by the conservation law. A proper relativistic theory with a probability density current must also share this feature. Now, if we wish to maintain the notion of a convected density, then we must generalize the Schrödinger expression of the density and current so that the space and time derivatives again enter symmetrically in relation to the scalar wave function. We are allowed to keep the Schrödinger expression for the current, but must replace by probability density by the symmetrically formed expression
$\rho = \frac{i\hbar}{2m}(\psi^*\partial_t\psi - \psi\partial_t\psi^*).$
which now becomes the 4th component of a space-time vector, and the entire 4-current density has the relativistically covariant expression
$J^\mu = \frac{i\hbar}{2m}(\psi^*\partial^\mu\psi - \psi\partial^\mu\psi^*)$
What exactly are $\partial_t$ and $\partial^\mu$?
Are they tensors?
If they are, how are they defined?


text:
President Obama went to the Daimler Truck Manufacturing Plant in Mount Holly, N.C., last week and proposed spending $1 billion to help 10 to 15 U.S. communities put in infrastructure to support electric and other alternative-fuel vehicles.
Obama also wants to spend $3.6 billion to raise tax credits for consumers who take the plunge and buy advanced-technology vehicles. The proposal would raise the current federal tax credit for purchasing an EV car or truck from the current $7,500 to $10,000 and turn it into a point-of-sale rebate.
"Here is the truth," he told workers who manufacture big rig Freightliner trucks that run on compressed natural gas. "If we are going to control our energy future then we've got to have an all-of-the above strategy. We've got to develop every source of American energy -- not just oil and gas, but wind power and solar energy, nuclear power, biofuels. We need to invest in the technology that will help us use less oil in our cars and our trucks, in our buildings, in our factories. That's the only solution to the challenge. Because as we start using less, that lowers the demand, prices come down."
Obama said his administration is working with the private sector to develop a high-tech car battery that can go 300 miles on a single charge at half the cost of current batteries.
"And that is why we are helping companies like this one right here and plants like this one right here to make more cars and trucks that use less oil," he said, adding that when he promised to raise vehicle fuel economy standards four years ago he didn't get a lot of support in Detroit.
"But you know what, after three decades of not doing anything, we got together with the oil companies, we got together with the unions, we got together with the folks who usually do not see eye-to-eye, and we negotiated new fuel economy standards that are going to make sure our cars average nearly 55 miles per gallon by the middle of the next decade," he said. "That's nearly double what they get today -- nearly double."
He said being able to go two weeks between fill-ups instead of a week, would save the typical family about $8,000 a year and cut U.S. oil consumption by more than 12 billion barrels annually. New mileage standards for heavy-duty trucks could save more than $15,000 in fuel costs a year, the president said.
The government's methodology used to determine possible fuel savings was not given.
The administration proposes spending $1.7 billion to fund a new tax credit to give commercial truck buyers credit for half of the additional cost of buying an advanced-technology truck.
A National Community Deployment Challenge fund would help up to 15 communities invest in the necessary infrastructure, like charging stations for electrics, and compressed natural gas fueling stations for advanced-technology vehicles and remove regulatory barriers.
"To cities and towns all across the country, what we're going to say is, if you make a commitment to buy more advanced vehicles for your community -- whether they run on electricity or biofuels or natural gas -- we'll help you cut through the red tape and build fueling stations nearby."
Obama promised to boost incentives to prime the pump on adoption of all-electric and hybrid vehicles.
"And we'll offer tax breaks to families that buy these cars, companies that buy alternative fuel trucks like the ones that are made right here at Mount Holly," he said. "So we're going to give communities across the country more of an incentive to make the shift to more energy-efficient cars."
Taking care of the CEO
Ford Chief Executive Officer Alan Mulally, who helped engineer Ford's turnaround and keep the company from declaring bankruptcy along with GM and Chrysler in 2008, has boosted his holdings.
Mulally was awarded 4.82 million shares as part of his 2009 performance incentives. Last week, his stock was expanded by 1.28 million shares for a total pre-tax worth of some $58 million, a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicated.
In 2009, Ford stock sold for just $1.96 a share.
Despite growing sales, Ford shares are down more than 13 percent this year, trading at $12.54 Thursday -- still a more than 500 percent increase.
Mulally made $1.4 million in salary last year plus a cash bonus of $9.45 million and realized $33.4 million in after-tax gains on his stock options, the Detroit Free Press said. Ford Motor President Bill Ford, the great-grandson of company founder Henry Ford, received $25.1 million in after-tax gains on his stock options.
"Our compensation philosophy is to align the interests of our leadership with those of our shareholders," Ford Motor Co. said in a statement.
Meanwhile, in nearby Auburn Hills, Chrysler revealed in its annual report that Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne received no salary or stock awards last year.
Marchionne is compensated by Italy's Fiat, which owns 58.5 percent of Chrysler. He was paid about $4.5 million from Fiat as Chrysler re-organized, developed new products, and repaid all its loans to the U.S. and Canadian governments. The annual report showed he got $600,000 in stock awards from Chrysler in 2010.
Dodge Dart delayed?
Maybe it's superstition, but Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne told reporters at the 82nd Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, Dodge may delay the production launch of the new Dart compact sedan.
The Dart, Chrysler's first car based on a Fiat platform, is assembled at Chrysler's Belvidere, Ill., plant. Full production was to begin April 1 but Marchionne said it may be pushed back "to avoid being jinxed" by a launch on April Fool's Day, the Detroit Free Press said.
Marchionne also took the wraps off the Fiat 500L at the Geneva car show. The longer version of the Fiat 500 reaches U.S. showrooms next year.
MyFord Touch upgrades
About 300,000 owners of newer Ford vehicles equipped with the optional MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch infotainment control systems will be getting a USB flash drive containing an update in the mail.
MyFord Touch, developed jointly with Microsoft, has drawn criticism for confusing graphics, a crash-prone interface and rebooting randomly, and was cited as a negative by subscribers of Consumer Reports.
The upgrade, which has been in the works for awhile, is more intuitive and improves the system's displays and spoken commands.
The software enlarges the fonts and virtual knobs and buttons on touch screens to reduce driver distraction. Important changes, since the system also incorporates the car's climate and navigation controls.
"We expect that these improvements will put us back on track in the quality ratings. It's more than just an update. This is a substantial upgrade," Derrick Kuzak, group vice president for global product development, told The New York Times.
Ford says the upgrade, which requires the car be running, will take about an hour. It can be done by a dealer if the customer prefers.
About 80 percent of new Ford Explorers and Ford Edges are equipped with MyFord Touch, and the system will be optional on seven more Ford models and four Lincoln models this year.
The latest version of MyFord Touch will come factory installed on the 2013 Ford Flex, Taurus, Escape, Fusion, Fusion Hybrid, Fusion Energi, Focus Electric, C-Max Hybrid and C-Max Energi and the Lincoln MKS, MKT, MKX and MKZ.


text:
One patient was killed and three others suffered slight injuries in a fire at Durham Regional Hospital in central North Carolina early Tuesday.
Firefighters were called to a report of an explosion on the sixth floor of the hospital around 2:15 a.m., Durham Fire Department spokeswoman Sierra Jackson said. The firefighters discovered there had been no explosion and the fire had been extinguished by the hospital sprinkler system.
The cause of the fire was still under investigation, Jackson said later Tuesday morning.
Hospital officials were still investigating exactly where the fire occurred and how, said Katie Galbraith, hospital chief of operations.
The hospital was operating normally several hours later.
The sixth floor of Durham Regional is a unit operated by Select Specialty Hospitals, a company that provides care for critical and complex cases that require more attention than conventional patients, the Raleigh News and Observer newspaper reported. Other patients in the 30-bed unit were moved to other parts of the hospital, which is owned by Duke University. The company did not immediately return calls for comment.
Some other patients were moved because of flooding caused by the sprinklers.
Watch US News videos on NBCNews.com
"They are safe and they are being well cared for," Galbraith said.
The three slightly injured patients, who had been on ventilators before the fire, were taken to the emergency room to be checked for smoke inhalation and then sent to the intensive care unit.
The names of the fatality and those injured were not immediately released.
Galbraith said the hospital staff practices for just such emergencies.
"Our focus is on making sure people are safe," she said. "They did exactly what they're trained to do."
Durham Regional is a 369-bed acute care hospital.
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NBC News' Jim Gold contributed to this report.
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text:
In the past 4 years I am riding Slingshot Revs and like them a lot.
Thinking of replacing them with Octanes which should be really similar.
Any one can tell the difference between the kites? Is the Octane as good as the Rev?
I read in older posts some claiming that the kite over flies and falls down in gusts. Same with you?bikesandboards wrote:I have a joyous quiver of Revs and one 11m Octane. The Octane is similar but somehow just not as good as the Revs. I'm afraid I can't quite out my finger on it. Dig out another Rev if you can and if you can find any still in decent condition.
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I've been catching up on a load of great independent films made recently that are trying to shed light light on some of the current problems and productive responses to them. One of those is Just Do It – a tale of modern-day outlaws. I highly recommend watching it and there's really no excuse as you can now download it for free from the Just Do It website and even stream it – which I've done, below.
Although I've been ever so slightly involved with the film, it really is a great British film that has taken time and courage to bring to life the surprising, funny and passionate responses of environmental activists to the frankly depressing and thuggish actions of business, the police and Government. Quoting the official blurb:
"behind the scenes of the secretive world of direct action, Just Do It is a unique look at the planning and plotting behind the mass media headlines."
Just… er….. it's too easy…. go and download it!


text:
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John Derbyshire tries to explain why we want unrestricted immigration in his "The Great Syllogism". I think he's mixing together pragmatic and principled arguments.
We should allow unrestricted immigration not because it will result in a more racially-balanced society, but instead because it's the right thing to do. Unrestricted immigration is right because free trade is right. No one should have the right to restrict my trading, or my movement.
If anyone tells you that there should be any restrictions on immigration, ask them why their argument doesn't apply to, say, New Jersey. If we should have the right to keep people from Russia out, why shouldn't we have the right to keep New Jerseyans out? Our country has been very successful by allowing unrestricted immigration between states.
Now to be specific about John's arguments. In his point #2, he says that we have developed an equally strong desire for racial equality. Perhaps we have, and perhaps any kind of successful action will have to take that into account. We should also be clear that the first and second part of #2 contradict each other. Maybe he's right, but if he is, then we have to give up one or the other parts of #2. He makes this point in #7.
John says in #3, "Our very best efforts at creating a meritocratic education". Get real, John. The vast number of K-12 students in America spend their day in the gulag. Stuck there, doing pointless activities, told what to wear, where to go, when to go, and expected to learn? This is not "our very best effort". Our school system is the very model of modern socialism. It is pitiful, and produces pitiful results, as John notices.
John gets to the meat of the problem with immigration: "10) Therefore the manual class is seriously under-staffed." Ironically, the people most likely to be against unrestricted immigration are those who have most recently come here. Expanding the labor pool will reduce the need to pay them more.


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Meconium is the first stool of an infant. Sometimes this stool is passed into the amniotic fluid that surrounds the baby in pregnancy.
Meconium aspiration is when the meconium is inhaled into the baby's lungs. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a set of symptoms that may result from meconium inhalation.
Not all infants who inhale meconium will develop these symptoms. It is not known why some infants develop MAS and others do not.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase your baby's risk of meconium aspiration include:
- Post-term delivery—delivery after 42 weeks of pregnancy
- Cesarean delivery
- Abnormal heart rate during labor
- Reduced amniotic fluid
- Low or high birth weight
- Meconium below the baby's vocal cords
- Low APGAR score after birth—assessment score of baby after birth
Factors in the mother that may increase the chance of meconium aspiration in the child include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Respiratory disease
- Heart disease
- Smoking
- Heavily meconium stained amniotic fluid
MAS may cause:
- Breathing that is too rapid or too slow
- Blue skin color due to lack of oxygen
- Grunting
- Nostrils that spread outward when breathing
- Reduced muscle tone or spontaneous movement
- A heart rate of less than 100 beats per minute
You will be asked about your baby's symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may be ordered to look for complications or causes.
The doctor may need to see pictures of your baby's chest. This can be done with:
- Chest x-ray —to look for changes caused by meconium aspiration
- Echocardiography —to look for changes in heart function caused by meconium aspiration
The doctor may also need to measure the level of oxygen in the blood. This can be done with:
- Pulse oximetry
- Blood tests
Meconium aspiration may not cause serious problems. Your doctor will monitor your baby. Other treatment may not be needed.
If your child is not vigorous in the delivery room the doctor may need to intubate your child to remove meconium from the trachea (breathing tube).
Supportive care may be needed if the aspiration is causing breathing difficulty. Your baby may need to be monitored in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan. Options include:
Oxygen Therapy
MAS can lower the amount of oxygen to your baby's body. Your baby may be given oxygen in the delivery room. The oxygen will be given through a mask or a hood that fits over the baby's head. This will improve the amount of oxygen in the body by making more available in the lungs.
The therapy may be continued if your baby continues to have problems breathing.
Fluid Therapy
Your baby may be given IV fluids to control blood pressure and glucose levels.
Your baby may be given medication. The medication will coat the lungs and help clear the airways. This will also help your baby's lungs mature.
Other medication may include antibiotics or heart medication. A special gas called nitric oxide may also be added. This gas can help open the blood vessels in the lungs. This will let more oxygen enter the body.
Support Care
In some cases, your baby may not be able to breathe properly on their own. Mechanical ventilation may be used to help your baby breathe.
Take these steps to help reduce your baby's chance of MAS:
- Manage chronic conditions. This includes high blood pressure, diabetes, respiratory disease, and heart disease.
- If you smoke, talk to your doctor about how you can quit .
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Kari Kassir, MD
- Review Date: 09/2018 -
- Update Date: 09/30/2013 -


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Peru the land of the Incas
Travel to Peru inevitably evokes images of Machu Picchu and the Inca empire, the country is also riddled with archaeological sites which are a legacy of even more ancient times. Located on the central West coast of South America, Peru is divided into three main regions - a narrow desert belt on the coast to the West, the wide Andean mountain range in the center and the Amazon River basin to the East. Travel within Peru is modern and convenient. A valid passport is usually all that is required to enter the country. Entertainment and live music are easy to find everywhere on a Peru tour. Clubs with contemporary Latin or Coastal criolla-style music are popular in Lima. Restaurants and hotels in Cuzco and other cities offer floor shows with folk music and dancers. Or visit a "Peña", a lively club with colorful performances and audience participation!
Peru tours aim for nature and ecology as major priorities. The Peruvian Amazon has been named one of the world's ten "bio-diversity hot spots" with an unusually high number of flora and fauna species. There are nine national parks, seven national reserves, three national and historical sanctuaries, two reserve zones and an increasing number of forest reserves, preserving the precious natural environment for future generations.
Peru tours allow you to learn about the first Pan-Andean civilization, Chavin (1500-400 BC), which featured stone temples riddled with labyrinthine galleries at altitudes over 3,100 meters above sea level. Discover the mystery of mud-brick/adobe citadels and pyramids built near the sea by the Mochica dynasty (200 BC-700 AD) as well as their royal tombs such as that of the Lord of Sipan, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century.
Follow in the footsteps of the fierce Chachapoya warriors (1000-1400 AD) along 25-meter-high ramparts in the Kuelap fortress or peer into the imposing tombs of their ancestors that lie near where the mountains plunge down to the forest. Stroll around Cuzco, the capital of the Inca empire (1300-1500 AD), the greatest pre-Colombian civilization in South America. Cuzco and its environs features colossal constructions such as the Machu Picchu citadel, hailed as the eighth wonder of the world.
Peruvian Cuisine - a wonderful and varied ethnic mixture.
With rich coastal waters and one of the largest fisheries in the world, seafood is typical. Pisco Sour is the national drink (made with white grape brandy that is a "must"for visitors to try) and Peruvian beer is excellent!


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Nov 18, 2013
By Heather Anerino
Women in Philanthropy of Ohio University (WIP) welcomed OHIO alumnae and friends back to OHIO's Athens campus Nov. 6 - 8 to commemorate their 10-year anniversary with three packed events…and to present an enlightened vision of what it means to be a "philanthropist."
The theme of WIP's anniversary was "Celebrate the Past, Embrace the Present and Focus on the Future" for OHIO alumnae, and kicked off with the premiere of Ohio University's newest documentary, "OHIO Women Through the Decades, 1940s-2010s." The film opened to a full house at Baker Theater on Nov. 6.
Executive Producer Peggy Viehweger's idea for the documentary was born out of memories shared by her mother, a 1948 alumna, whose rich stories about Ohio University's past inspired her to document how the lives of women at OHIO have changed over the past 70 years through interviews with female graduates from 1948 to 2012.
"It has been a labor of love," Viehweger said. "Love for the opportunity to do this and love for the broadening of horizons OHIO means for everyone."
Viehweger is an Athens native, 1971 English alumna, active WIP member, national trustee for the Ohio University Board of Trustees, member of The Foundation Board of Trustees, and granddaughter of former OHIO coach Don C. Peden for whom OHIO's football stadium is named.
You can view a trailer for the documentary on YouTube here. You can also purchase a copy for $10 from The Bobcat Store, here.
Prior to the premiere of the documentary, WIP Chair Arlene F. Greenfield thanked President McDavis and OHIO's First Lady, Deborah McDavis, for providing the introduction for the DVD and for their ongoing support of WIP. She also thanked University College Dean David Descutner for helping to fund the project and to the production team for providing their time and talent: Peggy Viehweger, executive producer; Andrea (Andie) Walla, producer, videographer, and editor; Sarah Herbert, chief editor; Amy Elyse Brighter, original project manager; Amanda Novak, research and operations; and Doug McCabe and Bill Kimok from the Robert E. and Jean R. Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections. Illustration by: Sarah Herbert.
Executive Producer Peggy Viehweger, middle, and her sisters, Pat Seitsinger, left, and Mary Helen "Babe" Turner, right, stand outside of Baker Theater prior to the premiere of "OHIO Women Through the Decades: 1940s-2010s."
"This film began modestly with my wanting to record the fascinating stories of the Ohio University experience in the 1940s – the WWII years – stories my sisters and I grew up with from our mom," Viehweger said. "As we shot those 1940s interviews, it became clear to me that the story was so much larger. It's the unique story of the American university campus experience, particularly for women in the dynamic years between WWII and now – when the possibilities for women's lives changed dramatically." Photo by Stephen Reiss.
Alumna and Assistant Video Producer for Ohio University Communications and Marketing Andie Walla produced, filmed and edited the documentary. She is pictured here with her son who is holding up the "Golden Globe" presented to her by WIP Chair Arlene F. Greenfield.
"As a recent graduate of Ohio University, Andie's involvement epitomized the spirit of the film," said Dorothy Schey, director of development for special fundraising initiatives. "She provided her time and talent to WIP, and in the process, captured profound stories and memories of 16 OHIO women whose lives were fundamentally changed by their time at Ohio University." Photo by Stephen Reiss.
Five of the 16 interviewees for the film posed for an impromptu photo following the documentary's premiere. From left: Cathy Roszell, Jeanne Gokcen, Joanne Prisley, Nancy Matthews and Gwen Weihe. Photo by Stephen Reiss.
The celebration continued Nov. 7 at Baker University Center with "The Woman's View Talk Show." The talk show-style format featured a panel of past, present and recent "new leader" WIP friends, who answered questions and provided their insights about the mission, vision and future of WIP.
WIP Chair Arlene F. Greenfield kicked off the event by providing an overview of some of WIP's accomplishments over the past 10 years. Since its inception by 22 Founders' Circle members 10 years ago, WIP has succeeded in raising $500,000 for the University, in addition to a $1 million planned gift in support of the WIP endowment. But the focus was not on the amount of money raised, but rather, what that money supports: Baker University Center Programming; the Career and Leadership Development Center; the Campus Involvement Center; Women's Athletics; the Chillicothe Campus; SCORE grants; student internship scholarships; and financial literacy and philanthropic education for OHIO students.
The "show" was moderated by WIP member Carolyn Bailey Lewis, director and general manager emerita of WOUB and the first African-American woman in the nation to be named general manager of a public television station. Bailey Lewis is a faculty member at the Scripps College of Communication where she teaches courses in media management and leadership, and cross-cultural communication, among other courses.
The first panel of guests consisted of three Founders' Circle members: Charlotte Eufinger, WIP vice chair; Sheila McHale, WIP treasurer; and Dorothy Schey, WIP secretary.
Bailey Lewis began the "show" by asking the panel how and why they became involved in WIP.
"We are friends first," Schey said. "WIP crosses all demographics and socioeconomic situations. What we have in common is a love of Ohio University."
McHale echoed Schey's sentiments, and pointed out that WIP is also about helping other OHIO students and alumnae find their way in a man's world. "We had to prove that we could make it rain," McHale said. "We see our roles now as fostering female empowerment. A woman donor in WIP is likely to make eight other gifts to other University groups."
"When WIP started, one of the things we talked about was dreaming," McHale continued. "We wanted a one million dollar endowment, and now we have it; but I still think we've only touched the tip of iceberg."
The panel then welcomed OHIO Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones to join them to discuss WIP's present. She talked about the support WIP has given to the Division of Student Affairs, including the Leona Hughes LeaderShape Endowment and SCORE grants in support of student organizations' service projects.
While unable to attend the event, student internship scholarship recipients, Lindsay Bork and Renee Hagerty, provided their remarks through a video in which they discussed how the WIP scholarship enabled them to take advantage of their internship opportunities.
The "show" then shifted to a discussion about the future of WIP, and two current OHIO students joined the panel: Ebony Porter, a graduate student in College Student Personnel; and Leah Adams, a junior in Child and Family Studies.
Bailey Lewis asked them what the future of philanthropy at Ohio University looks like to them.
"The future is bright," Porter said. "I see more students leaving their mark on this campus. The more opportunities there are for students to get outside in the community, the more they'll take those experiences back to their own communities."
The event wrapped up with a discussion on what it means to "give back" and a surprise performance by Title IX, OHIO's first female a cappella group.
From left: WIP Chair Arlene F. Greenfield, Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones and WIP member and moderator Carolyn Bailey Lewis. Bailey Lewis asked Hall-Jones about a blog she had written titled "Sexism and Gender Roles as a Dean of Students: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly."
"The good," explained Hall-Jones, "is the fact our women and men have come forward and want to connect. The bad is that I'm a female and there are still barriers that aren't broken down. The ugly is that sometimes the comments I receive as Dean of Students are centered on what I'm wearing, not what I'm saying." All panelists agreed that a great student experience is what sets OHIO apart from other Universities, and WIP's focus on female empowerment only adds to that experience for women who attend. "Something happens when you hit those bricks and it's hard to explain," said Hall-Jones. "The students just feel welcome here." Photo by Stephen Reiss.
"We began with a 'pay it forward' concept – not just to your fraternity or sorority – but to the community, and in the process we became aware of gender problems," WIP Founders' Circle Member Sheila McHale said. "Treasure, time, talent. Everyone has a moment where they have one these things. You are the promise of Ohio University – everyone sitting here today." Photo by Stephen Reiss.
Title IX helped wrapped up "The Woman's View Talk Show" with a couple of surprise performances, including a rousing rendition of OHIO's fight song, "Stand Up and Cheer." Title IX is an all-female group made up of members of Ohio University's Women's Chorale. It was the first female a cappella group formed on the Athens campus. Photo by Stephen Reiss.
The following evening, the Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees came together for a formal dinner to honor WIP's 10 years of broadening the base of women who give to Ohio University. Vice President for Advancement Bryan Benchoff served as the MC for the event, and welcomed guests including OHIO's President Roderick McDavis and First Lady Deborah McDavis.
Benchoff then welcomed Founders' Circle member Laura Brege to the podium, current chair of the Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees and 1978 Honors Tutorial College alumna.
"Why women?" Brege asked. "The statistics are telling."
"All told, 43 percent of the nation's wealthiest people are women, which translates to 3.4 women holding more than $5.2 trillion in assets," Brege explained. "Women are not only more educated than women were in the past, they also are surpassing their male counterparts across all levels of educational attainment. The bottom line, women are learning, working and controlling more wealth than ever before."
Brege pointed to a study done by Bank of America and The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, which indicated that "in 90 percent of high-net-worth households, women are either sole or joint decision makers when it comes to charitable giving."
But Brege ended by pointing out that "support" is not always financial, as she encouraged the crowd and fellow WIP members to engage, inform and connect.
The evening closed with remarks from Benchoff and Greenfield.
"Tonight, we stand on the shoulders of Leona Hughes, of Dolores Russ, of Beth K. Stocker, and of Jody Galbreath Philips – to name just a few members of the Founders Circle," Greenfield said. "It is to you that we dedicate this celebration of a decade of OHIO women making a difference in the lives of student, faculty, staff and alumni."
During her remarks at the Foundation Board of Trustees' dinner in honor of WIP, Founders' Circle member Laura Brege talked about the future of Women in Philanthropy at Ohio University.
"Consider this," she said. "According to a study by the University of Tennessee, while women earn 75 percent of men's total income, their overall contribution to charity is 93 percent of men's. So what does the future hold for Women in Philanthropy? The answer is in the simple, yet profound, mission on which the group was founded. We will broaden the base of women supporting Ohio University." Photo by Karissa Conrad.


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Pooping in crate
Training and behavior topics, guidelines, and tips for Chow Chows.
Moderator: chowadmin
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Pooping in crate
Hey I just got my 10 week old cinnamon chow puppy, Eden! She's been pretty good so far. She doesn't know her name too well yet, so dicaplining her is kind of hard. The problem I have is her potty training. When I brought her home the first night, I tried leaving her in her crate alone in a different room, but after a bunch of crying and barking, I gave in and let her sleep in my room. Now she uses her crate as a potty space and she pees and poops in there. I set potty pads down there to make cleaning easier. She has her first set of shots and is due for her next set soon. The problem is, I want to start bringing her outside in my backyard so she can get used to using the bathroom there, but I've been told numerous times that I cannot let her out. Is it too soon for her to be in my backyard? Pooping in her crate is a problem
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Norfolk Island Population: 2,2101 VISITOR FROM HERE!
« Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Flag Counter Overview
|Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856, the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders, descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.
Most of the 32 km coastline consists of almost inaccessible cliffs, but the land slopes down to the sea in one small southern area on Sydney Bay, where the capital of Kingston is situated
|Oceania, island in the South Pacific Ocean, east of Australia
|Geographic coordinates:
| total: 36 sq km
land: 36 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Size comparison: about 0.2 times the size of Washington, DC
|Land Boundaries:
|0 km
|32 km
|Maritime claims:
|territorial sea: 12 nm exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
|subtropical; mild, little seasonal temperature variation
|volcanic island with mostly rolling plains
|Elevation extremes:
|Natural resources:
|Land use:
| agricultural land: 25% arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; permanent pasture 25% forest: 11.5%
other: 63.5% (2011 est.)
|Irrigated land:
|0 sq km (2012)
|Natural hazards:
|typhoons (especially May to July)
|Current Environment Issues:
|^Back to Top
| noun: Norfolk Islander(s)
adjective: Norfolk Islander(s)
|Ethnic groups:
|Australian 79.5%, New Zealander 13.3%, Fijian 2.5%, Filipino 1.1%, English 1%, other 1.8%, unspecified 0.8% (2011 est.)
|English (official) 67.6%, other 32.4% (includes Norfolk Island 23.7%, which is a mixture of 18th century English and ancient Tahitian) (2011 est.)
|Protestant 49.6% (Anglican 31.8%, Uniting Church in Australia 10.6%, Seventh Day Adventist 3.2%), Roman Catholic 11.7%, other 8.6%, none 23.5%, unspecified 6.6% (2011 est.)
|2,210 (July 2014 est.)
|Population growth rate:
|0.01% (2014 est.)
|Sex ratio:
|Infant mortality rate:
| total: NA male: NA
female: NA
|Life expectancy at birth:
| total population: NA male: NA
female: NA
|Total fertility rate:
|HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
|HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
|HIV/AIDS - deaths:
|^Back to Top
|Country name:
| conventional long form: Territory of Norfolk Island
conventional short form: Norfolk Island
etymology: named by British explorer Captain James COOK after Mary HOWARD, Duchess of Norfolk, in 1774
|Government type:
|parliamentary democracy (formerly the Legislative Assembly); overseas territory of Australia; note - in May 2015, the Australian Parliament passed the Norfolk Island Legislation Amendment Bill 2015 which abolished Norfolk Island self-government and replaced it with an interim Advisory Council effective 1 July 2015
| name: Kingston
geographic coordinates: 29 03 S, 167 58 E
time difference: UTC+11 (16 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
|Administrative divisions:
|none (territory of Australia)
|none (territory of Australia)
|National holiday:
|Bounty Day (commemorates the arrival of Pitcairn Islanders), 8 June (1856)
|previous 1913, 1957; latest effective 7 August 1979; amended many times, last in 2015 (2016)
|Legal system:
|English common law and the laws of Australia
|18 years of age; universal
|Executive branch:
| chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator Gary HARDGRAVE (since 1 July 2014)
cabinet: Executive Council consists of 4 Legislative Assembly members elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor general appointed by the monarch; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia for a 2-year term and represents the monarch and Australia
|Legislative branch:
| description: unicameral Norfolk Island Regional Council (5 seats; members directly elected by simple majority vote to serve 4-year terms)
elections: elections last held 28 May 2016; next to be held 2020
election results: party by seats - independents 5 note: following an administrative restructuring of local government, the Legislative Assembly was dissolved on 18 June 2015 to be replaced by an interim Norfolk Island Advisory Council effective 1 July 2015; the Advisory Council consisted of 5 members appointed by the Norfolk Island administrator based on nominations from the community; following elections on 28 May 2016, the new Norfolk Island Regional Council commenced operations on 1 July 2016
|Judicial branch:
| highest court(s): Supreme Court of Norfolk Island (consists of the chief justice and several justices); note - appeals beyond the Supreme Court of Norfolk Island are heard by the Federal Court and the High Court of Australia judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the governor general of Australia from among justices of the Federal Court of Australia; justices serve until mandatory retirement at age 70
subordinate courts: Petty Court of Sessions; specialized courts including a Coroner's Court and the Employment Tribunal
|Political parties and leaders:
|Norfolk Island Labor Party [Mike KELLY] Norfolk Liberals [John BROWN]
|Political pressure groups and leaders:
|International organization participation:
|National symbol(s):
|Norfolk Island pine
|National anthem:
| name: "Come Ye Blessed"
lyrics/music: New Testament/John Prindle SCOTT
note: the local anthem, whose lyrics consist of the words from Matthew 25:34-36, 40, is also known as "The Pitcairn Anthem;" as a territory of Australia, "God Save the Queen" is official (see Australia); however, the island does not recognize "Advance Australia Fair"
|Diplomatic representation in the US:
|none (territory of Australia)
|Diplomatic representation from the US:
|none (territory of Australia)
|^Back to Top
Norfolk Island is suffering from a severe economic downturn. Tourism, the primary economic activity, is the main driver of economic growth. The agricultural sector has become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs. Norfolk Island is suffering from a severe economic downturn. Tourism, the primary economic activity, is the main driver of economic growth. The agricultural sector has become self-sufficient in the production of beef, poultry, and eggs.
|GDP (purchasing power parity):
|GDP (purchasing power parity): $NA GDP (purchasing power parity): $NA
|Agriculture - products:
|Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry Norfolk Island pine seed, Kentia palm seed, cereals, vegetables, fruit; cattle, poultry
|tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete tourism, light industry, ready mixed concrete
|Labor force:
|978 (2006) 978 (2006)
|Labor force - by occupation:
| agriculture: 6%
industry: 14%
services: 80% (2006 est.) agriculture: 6% industry: 14% services: 80% (2006 est.)
| revenues: $4.6 million
expenditures: $4.8 million (FY99/00) revenues: $4.6 million expenditures: $4.8 million (FY99/00)
|Fiscal year:
|1 July - 30 June 1 July - 30 June
|Exports - commodities:
|postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados postage stamps, seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm, small quantities of avocados
|Imports - commodities:
|Debt - external:
|Exchange rates:
|Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.352 (2016 est.) 1.3291 (2015 est.) 1.3291 (2013) 1.0358 (2013) 0.97 (2012) Australian dollars (AUD) per US dollar - 1.352 (2016 est.) 1.3291 (2015 est.) 1.3291 (2013) 1.0358 (2013) 0.97 (2012)
|^Back to Top
|^Back to Top
|Telephone system:
| general assessment: adequate
domestic: free local calls
international: country code - 672; submarine cable links with Australia and New Zealand; satellite earth station - 1
|Broadcast media:
|1 local radio station; broadcasts of several Australian radio and TV stations available via satellite (2009)
|Internet country code:
|Internet users:
|total: 765 percent of population: 34.6% (July 2015 est.)
|^Back to Top
|1 (2013)
|Airports (paved runways):
| total 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)
| total 80 km
paved: 53 km
unpaved: 27 km (2008)
|Ports and terminals:
|major seaport(s): Kingston
|^Back to Top
|Defense is the responsibility of Australia
|^Back to Top
|Transnational Issues
|Disputes - International:
|^Back to Top
« Previous Country | Next Country » Back to Flag Counter Overview
Source: CIA - The World Factbook


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Things have been a little quiet over here. That's because all of the FUN stuff is happening over on our new blog. Hope you can join us at our new little corner of the internet: www.platinumtoucheventsla.com/blog
We're sharing tons of wedding/party inspiration, tips, videos, tutorials, and lots more. So head on over, and leave a comment to let us know you made it!
Nikola Ahaiwe is a Los Angeles wedding /event planner and owner of Platinum Touch Events, a boutique event planning firm servicing southern CA. To learn more about Platinum Touch Events, please visit our website and become a fan on Facebook to stay connected.