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- This article is about the military of the Fire Nation. For other similar uses, see Military (disambiguation).
The military of the Fire Nation is the unified armed forces of the Fire Nation. It was the world's most powerful military during the Hundred Year War, and saw many glorious victories in battle throughout the span of the conflict.[2]
The Fire Lord is the commander-in-chief of the Fire Nation military and delegates power through a select few generals and admirals of the army and navy, respectively. The War Minister develops and provides technology and equipment for the Fire Nation military and reports directly to the Fire Lord.[3] At least prior to the Hundred Year War's end, female Fire Nation soldiers mainly served in the homeland.[4]
The Fire Nation military is comprised of a large number of personnel, with an extensive propaganda campaign used to convince people to volunteer.[5] The nation's army is the second largest in the world in terms of numbers, after the Earth Kingdom, and it maintains the largest navy. The Fire Nation military also possesses advanced and powerful military equipment, giving it huge military capabilities and power projection solidifying itself as the most powerful military force in the world.[2] The only known force capable enough to match the Fire Nation military head-on was the military of the Earth Kingdom, though it very often experienced major losses against the Fire Nation.
The Fire Nation Army is comprised of both nonbending foot soldiers, who normally wield spears, swords, and shields, and firebenders. During the Hundred Year War, this army was the strongest in the world, capable of almost any military ground operation.[2]
The first colonies
Around 37 BG, the Fire Nation Army successfully attacked and occupied a region of the western Earth Kingdom on the order of Fire Lord Sozin. The conquered territories were designated as colonial possessions, and although Sozin had intents to take over more land, his plans were halted by Avatar Roku, who opposed aggression and imperialism. Nevertheless, the status of these first colonies did not change, and they continued to serve as bases of operation for the military.[6][7]
The Hundred Year War
However, the Fire Nation Army would eventually wage war for one hundred years.[2] After the death of Avatar Roku, they harnessed the power of Sozin's Comet to destroy the Air Nomads, though not without suffering their own casualties from the resisting airbenders. However, they failed to kill Avatar Aang, who escaped before the Air Nomads were all killed.[8] After destroying a whole nation, the Fire Nation troops began to fight the two remaining hostile nations, the Water Tribes and the Earth Kingdom. Using the colonies as bridgeheads, they destroyed many Earth Kingdom cities in the following years, devastating the western kingdom. The army won many battles during these early stages of the war, including the Battle of Han Tui, the Battle of Garsai, and the infamous destruction of Taku.
After Sozin's death and Fire Lord Azulon's crowning, the Fire Nation Army achieved even more victories. Around 40 AG, the army joined forces with the Fire Navy and attacked the Southern Water Tribe, killing or imprisoning all of the waterbenders there, leaving only the nonbenders to suffer constant Fire Navy raids for the next several decades.[9] For the rest of Azulon's reign, the army fought the Earth Kingdom and succeeded in conquering most of its western territory. The Fire Nation troops left much suffering and destruction in their wake.[2]
Six years before Aang's awakening, General Iroh led the army in attacking the Earth Kingdom capital of Ba Sing Se in a six hundred-day siege. The army breached the Outer Wall and attacked the Agrarian Zone, only to be pushed back soon after when Iroh called a retreat after earthbenders killed his son, Prince Lu Ten.[10] This failed attack would dishonor Iroh for years to come. Nevertheless, it was the first time that an army had been able to breach through the walls of Ba Sing Se, something even previous earthbending armies had not accomplished. Therefore, the siege had a major impact on the morale of both fighting armies – while the morale of the Fire Nation Army was boosted, the Earth Kingdom soldiers faced a terrible shock.[2]
During the year in which Avatar Aang awoke from the iceberg, namely late 99 AG, the Fire Nation Army prepared several several massive offensives to end the already crumbling resistance of the Earth Kingdom and the Northern Water Tribe. However, around this time and due to Team Avatar's involvement, uprisings of earthbenders and Earth Kingdom civilians in occupied territories began to occur. After several imprisoned earthbenders were able to escape from a Fire Nation prison rig, they formed a militia and began to fight the army in a guerrilla war at the western Earth Kingdom coast. Another obstacle to the Fire Nation rule that had arisen in the western kingdom were the Freedom Fighters, a guerrilla group determined to rid the world of all firebenders. While the latter was dissolved after a scuffle with the more moderate Team Avatar, the former remained active until summer 100 AG. The army faced considerable difficulties in hunting down these guerrillas and minimize the damage they did to logistics, infrastructure and colonies.
In early 100 AG, the army tried to conquer the Northern Air Temple a second time, since local refugees living in the temple had opposed the authority of the Fire Nation. The army employed hundreds of foot soldiers and a contingent of tanks to overwhelm the defenders in their almost inaccessible mountain fortress, accessible by only a single path. Despite considerable resistance from the refugees, their air forces, and Team Avatar, the tanks soon reached the walls of the temple. The battle ultimately ended in a defeat, however, as the defenders, in a last desperate act, intentionally caused a massive natural gas explosion under the temple; both the cliffs and path to the temple were destroyed, while almost all Fire Nation forces were killed in the explosion. The confrontation was not a complete loss, however, as War Minister Qin discovered an abandoned hot air balloon during the battle, technology that would give the Fire Nation a major advantage during the final stages of the war.[3]
Later on, Admiral Zhao launched a massive invasion force to attack the Northern Water Tribe in what is now known as the Siege of the North. Thousands of soldiers and dozens of tanks attacked the Water Tribe Capital, but they were met by the extremely powerful waterbenders who defended the city.[11] When Zhao killed the Moon Spirit, the Fire Nation Army had full control of the city, but they were annihilated by Avatar Aang when he became one with the all-powerful Ocean Spirit. Any remaining survivors retreated, while Zhao was imprisoned in the Fog of Lost Souls in the Spirit World.[12] The Moon Spirit was soon restored due to Yue's sacrifice and the Water Tribe was saved.[13]
Sometime later, the Fire Nation Army conquered the Earth Kingdom city of Omashu and replaced the imprisoned King Bumi with one of the Fire Nation's governors. Despite the Omashu Resistance, the Fire Nation forces had a strong hold on the city. With the fall of Omashu, later renamed New Ozai, the Fire Nation Army occupied almost all of the western and northern Earth Kingdom territories.[14] A few months later, after a successful coup d'état led by Princess Azula and the Dai Li, the Fire Nation Army occupied Ba Sing Se, finally conquering the capital of the Earth Kingdom.[15]
The Fire Nation Army was left in almost complete control of the Earth Kingdom with the fall of its mighty capital and Avatar Aang's defeat. However, even with Ba Sing Se in its control, the Fire Nation Army was met with a determined resistance who threatened the army's hold of the country, even pushing back the army in territories of secondary importance. On the Day of Black Sun, the Fire Nation Army suffered a crushing defeat when King Bumi broke out of prison in Omashu and took advantage of the army's temporary loss of firebending to single handedly liberate his city.
The Fire Nation Army's final defeat came with the liberation of Ba Sing Se on the return of Sozin's Comet, when the Order of the White Lotus assaulted the city and utterly crushed the occupying forces with their advanced bending skills. The defeat of Fire Lord Ozai in the concurrent battle at Wulong Forest and Azula's downfall during an Agni Kai with her brother effectively secured the surrender of the Fire Nation Army.
With the end of the Hundred Year War, Zuko was crowned the new Fire Lord, announcing world peace, while the army, now under his control, withdrew from the occupied territories all over the world. This action caused many military personnel to lose their occupations and set out on their own.[16]
Harmony Restoration Movement
Throughout the following year, the Fire Nation Army was reformed and remained inactive until the escalation of the Harmony Restoration Movement. After recognizing that reforming the Fire Nation colonies was a better and less disruptive solution than total abandonment, Fire Lord Zuko officially withdrew his support of the Harmony Restoration Movement. He barricaded Yu Dao, the most significant colony and main opponent of the movement, announcing that no one was to leave or enter the city without his permission. His order was enforced by the Fire Nation Army troops that were stationed in the city.
Zuko's decision resulted in protests of Earth Kingdom loyalists, especially the Freedom Fighters. However, nonbending guards of the Fire Nation Army protected Yu Dao from these protesters.
Later on, when Avatar Aang arrived, he and Katara easily entered the city via the Avatar's glider staff. In Yu Dao, they were warned by firebending guards to leave the city since they had no permission, but the Avatar demanded to speak with Zuko. The dutiful guards attacked the Avatar, but were easily defeated by Katara. One soldier tried to attack again, but the waterbender geared up to harm him before Zuko appeared, grabbing and admonishing her for attacking his people. His arrival led to a scuffle, during which Zuko agreed to another talk with Earth King Kuei in hopes of achieving future peace.[7]
However, when General Mak informed Zuko later on that Earth King Kuei was preparing to invade Yu Dao, the Fire Lord deployed his fleet and army to defend the colony from the Earth Kingdom Army.[17]
Due to the short time available to him, Zuko employed a small but effective task force of many infantrymen, komodo cavalry, and some tundra tanks to stop the Earth King's army and save Yu Dao. Even though his troops advanced quickly, the Fire Nation Army arrived after the Earth Kingdom Army. When both armies were about to attack each other, Sokka and Toph appeared from one of the tanks which they had secretly hijacked before, and upon Sokka's command, Toph metalbent all the screws from the tundra tanks around them, essentially disabling them. Fire Lord Zuko, outraged and determined, ordered his men to start fighting on foot and with the cavalry, beginning the battle for Yu Dao. In order to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, Team Avatar intervened, fighting both the Fire Nation and Earth Kingdom troops. However, the Fire Nation Army, even without the aid of heavy weapons, was able to withstand both the Earth Kingdom Army with its still operational heavy tanks and the elite fighters of Team Avatar. Nevertheless, Team Avatar's involvement resulted in a ceasefire and an agreement between Earth King Kuei and Fire Lord Zuko, allowing both armies to withdraw peacefully.[18]
The infantry, as part of a volunteer and standing army, has an excellent moral that borders on fanaticism, is highly trained and very effective. Notably, there are cases of Fire Nation infantrymen known that fought huge monstrosities and spirits head-on without the chance of victory or survival, rather than surrendering, deserting or fleeing. Another example of the almost fanatical mindset of Fire Nation infantrymen was given during the Air Nomad Genocide; to kill a single airbending master, dozens of soldiers gave their lives without retreating. The nonbenders and firebenders fight together in joint companies, often operating with tanks or cavalry. Overall, the Fire Nation infantry is flexible, and due to their high moral and good training, commanders can entrust them with several different tasks.[7][13][18]
However, before the end of the Hundred Year War the army was far larger, and a strict separation of benders and nonbenders both on the equipment and in combat existed. The infamous helmets with faceplates were worn exclusively by firebenders, while nonbenders got only cone helmets.[2] This separation ended under the reign of Fire Lord Zuko, and equipment was issued as needed and by competence. For example, nonbending guards got the infamous red and black armor and faceplates to scare off the Freedom Fighters during the Yu Dao-crisis in 101 AG. In addition to this, after the reforms of Fire Lord Zuko, the formerly vast Fire Nation Army became more compact, but also more effective.[7][18]
Fire Nation soldiers are recognizable by their red and black armor. However, there are two types of armor which are equipped for different purposes.
The first type, the heavy armor includes a cuirass, tassets, a combination of shoulder pads and armored collar, and heavy boots. However, most recognizable element is its special helmet with neck guard, a flame-like crest and an intimidating faceplate shaped like an abstract skull. This armor provides excellent protection and is also suited for psychological warfare. The heavy armor is mainly used by heavy infantry and tank crews. Even though ranking officers use this armor, they do not wear faceplates, as they make it difficult to speak properly. In cold climates, the heavy armor is supplemented by lined trousers and a warm jacket.[13][18]
The second type is the light armor. It includes a simple cone helmet with leather neck guard, a combination of shoulder pads and armored collar and a leathern, sleeveless robe, and heavy boots. As the most common armor, it is used by almost two thirds of the infantry. Even though the light armor does not provide excellent protection, it is largely fire resistant and provides adequate protection against projectiles. For the fighting in cold climates lined trousers, a gray overcoat, gloves, a scarf, and a woolen cloak are added to the light armor.[13][18]
Generally, the Fire Nation appears to update their uniforms every so often. In around 15 AG, uniforms had large, protruding shoulder spikes. In 100 AG, the uniforms are more streamlined.[11]
Despite the fact that the Fire Nation sometimes lacked enough soldiers to effectively secure conquered regions in the vast Earth Kingdom,[19] the Fire Nation Army never drafts their soldiers forcefully, but instead relies on massive propaganda to convince volunteers to join the military.
After joining the army, the volunteers are enrolled into several companies and thereafter taken into boot camps. In these camps, they have to endure harsh training, and sometimes also the capriciousness of their officers. However, even though the recruits are driven to the extreme, their training is also effective and strengthens their bodies and minds for the fight. They learn all kinds of different abilities, from necessities like how to handle their weapons or basic discipline to useful extras, like how to ride a komodo rhino in spite of being infantrymen. In addition, the officers often use verbal abuse and the hard training to break the civilian thinking of the recruits, only to raise them again as courageous and pugnacious soldiers. This training eventually form the fearsome Fire Nation soldiers.[5]
Equipment and weaponry
Nonbending soldiers typically use spears, but sometimes also swords, shields, crossbows, pu dao, halberds and knives as their means of warfare. Firebenders rely mainly on their bending abilities, but they can obtain weapons when it is required, for example in emergency situations like solar eclipse.[18]
As the most advanced nation of its time, the Fire Nation employed a multitude of heavy vehicles and machines for conventional warfare. Most of their technology also derives off of their firebending abilities, allowing them to power coal-based technology and weapons.
The most important heavy weapon the Fire Nation Army employs is the tundra tank, the first mass-produced tank in the world and a light tank. These tanks are heavily armored and equipped with fire ports to allow the crew to launch fireballs, as well as two grappling hooks on the front. However, the unmodified tundra tanks are only able to fight infantry due to the lack of anti-tank or generally heavy weapons, thus their classification as light tanks. They are built with the main body separated from the tracks with a complicated hydraulic suspension which enables them to right themselves if flipped over, but leaves them vulnerable to waterbending and metalbending.
Tundra tanks are great all-around vehicles, able to be used in tundras, mountains, deserts, grassland and urban area. Although they are inferior to their counterparts, the earthbending-powered tanks of the Earth Kingdom, they are a serious threat, especially when they are used in joint companies with infantry.[3][18]
The Fire Nation Army uses metal semi-automated catapults, or trebuchets, for larger operations. They work by using a large bar holding a metal net with a coal-ball inside it. The coal ball is ignited and a pedal is hit with a mallet causing the bar to fling over and toss the ignited coal-ball into the air.
The army makes use of komodo rhinos. Outfitted with heavy armor around the face, they are used as cavalry, for cart pulling, and can even be mounted with two catapults. Fire Nation soldiers mount these frightening beasts to terrorize their enemies.[2]
The drill
- Main article: Fire Nation drill
This siege engine was a massive drill, designed to breach the Outer Wall of Ba Sing Se. The drill was originally modeled by the mechanist and took over two years to construct. As large as a village, it housed an entire brigade of Fire Nation engineers, who were needed to make repairs and clean out pipelines. The drill was composed of two moving parts which were connected by a series of braces. It worked by tearing chunks of stone from structures and grinding them down, dispensing them into water and channeling them out the rear.[20]
The Fire Nation Army uses strategies that are similar to the characteristics of its representative element; it is highly mobile and aggressive in combat, but also acts clever and cunning, preferring complex strategies over brute force.
A typical Fire Nation Army strategy is as follows: Infantry companies of firebenders and nonbenders try to outflank their enemies, avoiding defenses too strong for them, using terrain and even environmental conditions like wind to their advantage. The infantry advances steadily, securing gained ground. At the same time, heavy units like tanks and cavalry act as spearheads and break the enemies' strongholds. If needed or available, artillery provides additional suppressive fire. In the best case the troops are able to encircle the enemy. When finally everything is ready to strike, the army carries the decisive attack out. Using all forces to overwhelm the enemy, the troops fight merciless and determined until the enemy is completely wiped out, securing another victory for the Fire Nation. In fact, the Fire Nation Army is infamous for accepting collateral damage on civilians and their own troops. Before Fire Lord Zuko's reign, it was even acceptable to sacrifice inexperienced troops to gain a battlefield advantage. This practice, however, ended under the populist Fire Lord. Nevertheless, there are few cases known about Fire Nation infantrymen surrendering, deserting or fleeing.
List of known members
High-ranking officers
- Fire Lord Azulon
- Fire Lord Zuko
- General Bujing
- General Iroh
- General Mak
- General Shinu
- General Shu, who served within the vicinity of the Si Wong Desert and was Zhao's commanding officer while the latter was a lieutenant.[13]
- Hei-Ran, who resigned her post to become Avatar Kuruk's firebending master.[21]
- Warden
- Captain Chey (prior to desertion)
- Prison rig captain
- Fire Nation company leader
Regular soldiers
Domestic forces
While most of its military forces are preoccupied with the conquest of the other Nations, the Fire Nation maintains a large and formidable domestic army to defend and enforce the law in both the homeland and a few of the larger mainland colonies. As opposed to the army, the domestic army employs a surprisingly large number of female warriors and firebenders, who usually do not serve on the front lines. They also serve to train new recruits for both the army and the navy, and as a result most of the military's forces are trained by high-level female firebenders.
They have been charged with guarding villages, schools, factories, dockyards, and prisons, and essentially act as a police force.[23] They keep the population in line and are responsible for apprehending criminals, traitors, pirates and anyone who defies the will of the Fire Lord.[24] These soldiers handle the basic training of army and navy recruits from the mainland, and the surrounding islands. Many of the higher officers are veterans from other branches of the military, and thus have significant front line experience and are highly trained.
The domestic army had several encounters with Team Avatar in the weeks following the conquest of the Earth Kingdom. They were first seen when a group of officers spotted Aang in his Fire Nation disguise. They thought that he was a student playing hooky, due to his wearing a school uniform recently stolen to replace his monk attire. They took him to a local Fire Nation school, where he was escorted to a classroom taught by Ms. Kwan. They later assisted the Headmaster when he raided Aang's secret dance party after another student told him about it. The guards tried to catch Aang, but the other students put similar headbands on to confuse them and help Aang escape.[23] Katara saved the local village of Jang Hui from the domestic forces whose nearby factory was polluting the river on which the village was situated. She did this by posing as the village's spiritual guardian, the Painted Lady.[25] Later on, the authorities of Fire Fountain City attempted to apprehend Toph after she used her earthbending to scam the city's local con men and dealers. They managed to capture both Toph and Katara in an attempt to lure in Aang so that an assassin could eliminate him on behalf of Prince Zuko.[24]
On the day before the Day of Black Sun, General Shinu of the army reported to Fire Lord Ozai that earthbender rebellions were preventing total victory in the Earth Kingdom, so he advised sending domestic forces to aid the army overseas. This plan was rejected in favor of a plan to simply burn down the Earth Kingdom using Sozin's Comet.[19]
The next day, the domestic army was called forth to defend the Fire Nation Capital in the attempted Invasion of the Fire Nation, led by Aang and his allies.[26] The domestic army was badly beaten as the invaders destroyed dozens of tanks and forced the army to retreat when the eclipse occurred, rendering them powerless. However, as the eclipse passed and the invasion subsequently failed, the domestic army retaliated by deploying their air force and bombing the invasion force.[27]
Finally, the domestic army attempted to prevent the traitorous Prince Zuko and his allies from escaping the Boiling Rock, the Fire Nation's most secure prison. This failed miserably when Mai stopped the guards from killing Zuko. When she and her friend Ty Lee betrayed Princess Azula, who was at the prison with them, they arrested the two girls and locked them away.[28] They were released after the War's end.[29]
These soldiers do not utilize the thick armor seen on front line soldiers, as few of the Fire Nation's enemies have ever managed to approach the homeland. Instead, these warriors only wear light armor with black shirts and pants underneath. Most of them wear headbands with various Fire Nation emblems on them, but Boiling Rock prison guards have been seen wearing helmets with golden visors as opposed to skull masks.[30] Male warriors are fully clothed, but female soldiers wear shirts that expose their midriffs. Also, all warriors wear short sleeves. This light armor serves their policing duties better, allowing the pursuit of suspects without heavy armor slowing them down.
The color of shoulder and chest-plate armor also denotes the rank of an officer in ascending order: rusty red, gold trim and bright red trim.
Equipment and weaponry
The domestic army has access to almost all of the weapons and vehicles used by the front line forces, among them tanks, airships, warships, etc. A vehicle exclusive to the domestic army is the jet ski, a two-man water vehicle that can travel at fast speeds in order to intercept trespassing vessels. The defenses of the Fire Nation capital showed extensive use of ballistae that fired harpoons and explosive shells.[26]
Nonbenders in the domestic army employ the use of swords and spears for basic defense.
List of known commanding officers
- General Mung
- The warden of the Boiling Rock
- Warden Poon
- Constable Sung
As a result of the Fire Nation being an archipelago, its navy is a key part of its armed forces as it is required to project the Fire Nation's power and soldiers to foreign territories. The Fire Nation thus maintains a large standing navy. The navy is composed of hundreds of coal-powered, ironclad vessels, manned by firebenders as well as regular troops. Using these massive warships, the Fire Navy can launch incredible amphibious assaults, like the great siege of the Northern Water Tribe.[11] The Fire Nation Navy is the largest and most powerful in the world, capable of dispatching over a hundred warships in larger operations.
The Fire Nation Navy is highly organized and stratified, with a clear hierarchy and efficient bureaucracy. All soldiers are expected to defer unquestioningly to their superiors. The navy's movements are coordinated by messenger hawk through various towers placed strategically throughout the ocean, and all towers are required to stay current on all navy movements.[31]
The Fire Nation owed many of its victories in the century-long War with the Earth Kingdom and Water Tribes to its navy. It deployed thousands of firebenders to the front lines to fight in the land war against the Earth Kingdom and was capable of bombarding enemy coastlines as well as raiding defenseless settlements.
One of the navy's most notable actions was its prolonged campaign against the Southern Water Tribe. In the opening stages, the navy bombarded the defenseless coastline, losing only a few ships to the valiant waterbenders. The Southern Raiders – a raiding group within the navy – were deployed to capture all waterbenders in the tribe, and their success resulted in the imprisonment of all Southern waterbenders, save for Katara. The tribe was left in ruins due to the actions of the navy.[9][31]
Prince Zuko used his personal ship to hunt down the Avatar. However, his ship was among the weakest and smallest in the fleet, and was eventually destroyed in a failed attempt on his life staged by Admiral Zhao.[32]
When Aang was in the Northern Water Tribe to learn waterbending, Zhao assembled a massive naval invasion force to destroy the Northern Water Tribe, and this fleet leveled much of the capital city and deployed hundreds of assault troops onto the shores.[11] Aang's timely intervention, however, allowed he and the Ocean Spirit to merge and annihilate this fleet. The loss of Zhao's fleet proved to be an enormous defeat for the Fire Nation, but did little to slow the Fire Nation's war effort.[13] However, the Fire Nation's interest in the Water Tribes waned.
Despite the loss of Zhao's fleet, the Fire Nation still clearly controlled Earth Kingdom waters and their ships prowled about within Ba Sing Se's vicinity.
During their journey across the Serpent's Pass to Ba Sing Se, Team Avatar and their allies were engaged by a single Fire Nation cruiser patrolling the local waters. However, Aang managed to damage this vessel and forced it to retreat.[33] Shortly before Ba Sing Se fell, Chief Hakoda of the Southern Water Tribe and his men were charged with defending Chameleon Bay, a body of water that led directly to the city. They used tangle mines to ward off Fire Nation warships, thus preventing any means of attacking the city by water.[34] One such engagement saw four Fire Nation warships fight Hakoda's warriors. The Southern warriors were successful in fighting these ships.
After Ba Sing Se fell to the Fire Nation, the Fire Nation sent troops with its massive fleets to occupy the city.[15] The Fire Navy remained at sea, picking off the Fire Nation's enemies, and hundreds of vessels remained active on the seas.
Ships and weaponry
Ship types vary from huge vessels like those of the empire class, to smaller vessels such as Zuko's ship. These vessels serve many purposes, from ferrying and disembarking troops to providing bombardment with their catapults to creating blockades and transporting cargo.[2]
The Fire Nation is a pioneer of warship design, using advanced metallurgy on all warships.
Most ships in the Fire Nation Navy have a heavy releasable bow at the front of the ship, which shares some characteristics with that of a real-life Icebreaker. As the bow also acts as a landing exit, it can be used to batter through walls to create a landing point for ground troops, as shown in raids on both the Northern and Southern Water Tribes.[11][31]
Many of the ships vary in size and appearance to reflect its status and role. For example, Admiral Zhao's flagship had a large dragon on the hull during the Siege of the North.[11] Princess Azula's royal sloop also had several spikes on its hull as well as a pagoda command tower or bridge.[35]
All warships are equipped with semi-automatic trebuchets for attack and defense.
The Fire Nation Navy uses metal semi-automated trebuchets on all warships, operated by trebuchet operators. These engines work by setting a ball of coal in a shovel-like placement that is attached to a machine and held stationary with rope. The coal-ball is ignited and the rope is cut; this causes the bar holding the placement to fling over and toss the ignited coal-ball into the air. Fire Navy ships can also be armed with ballistae that fire harpoons.[2]
The only named ship class is the empire-class battleship, a huge warship capable of carrying a crew of thousands.[36] However, other unnamed ship classes are also seen, here with non-canon classes according to function:
- Empire-class battleship - Admiral Zhao's vessel was the huge flagship of the Fire Nation armada that attacked the Northern Water Tribe capital. Twice the length of a standard cruiser, it possessed an ornate bow resembling the head of a dragon.[11]
- Fire Nation cruiser - The mainstay of the Fire Navy, these huge ships carry a large crew and armament. Some variants are armed with three trebuchets in a line, while others have five trebuchets. One cruiser was even seen armed with ballistae. The ships are steam-powered, with two smoke stacks and a massive command tower aft amidships. They have spike-shaped bows that can be used as rams and lowered to form ramps.
- Zuko's ship (outdated cruiser) - Zuko's ship, while fairly large in general terms, was small compared to standard cruisers (about half-size in all dimensions). It was an old ship from the early days of the Hundred Year War.[37] This ship appears to be the same class as the shipwreck, the old Fire Navy ship stuck in ice on the South Pole.[38] Zuko's ship was armed with a single catapult, rather than more modern trebuchets.
- Kayak - Some Fire Navy ships possess kayaks or small lifeboats deployable through a side hatch on the hull. Zuko used one of these ships to infiltrate the Northern Water Tribe.[11]
- Prison ferry - Used to transport earthbending prisoners in the western colonies to the prison rig.[6]
- River steamer - A metal, steam-driven river raft Zuko used first to chase Aang to the Avatar Temple on Crescent Island[39] and in his hunt for the gang after they steal a waterbending scroll from some pirates. The pirates later commandeer this particular boat when their own sloop is taken by the Gang, and run both down a waterfall.[40] Zuko's ship held at least this one steamer, and they may be standard issue in the Fire Navy.
- Riverboat - Admiral Zhao used a series of wooden riverboats to traverse through narrow rivers in his search for the traitor Jeong Jeong and the Avatar. All of these particular boats got destroyed by Zhao's reckless firebending, after some goading by Aang.[41]
- Royal sloop - Azula's royal sloop was fast and large, complete with a highly ornate bow and a large pagoda-style conning tower. However, the ship seems more representative than made for actual fighting, probably relying more on an armed escort, as it is sleek, has no visible armaments and the house-like tower looks rather fragile.[35] Fire Lord Ozai also possessed his own unique personal vessel, which was briefly seen before his departure to the Earth Kingdom prior to the arrival of Sozin's Comet. The ship appeared to be slightly larger than Azula's ship and again highly ornate. Like all Fire Nation vessels, it sports a large conning tower on a large base.[19]
- Southern Raiders frigate - The Southern Raiders make use of this warship variant. Smaller and faster than the traditional Fire Nation ships, the Raiders' ships are perfect for attacking coastal villages. Their smaller size and improved maneuverability allow the ships to pull up close to the shore and surprise the enemy. One of their special technologies is a large set of dual paddle wheels used to propel these ships through the waters.[31]
List of known commanding officers
- Admiral Chan, leader of the Eastern Fleet
- Admiral Jeong Jeong (prior to desertion)
- Admiral Liang, leader of the Western Fleet. He was reported to be in Ba Sing Se shortly after its capture, and also led Fire Navy forces in conquering the East Lake.[42]
- Admiral Zhao, overall leader of the navy[43]
- Captain Li
- Fire Navy officer
Air force
The Fire Nation was the first of the four nations to develop flying machines for military purposes; war balloons and airships. It should be noted that the war balloons were designed by the mechanist, an Earth Kingdom citizen,[3] and that the airships were made using the balloons as a base. Being able to control the skies gave the Fire Nation an almost insurmountable advantage over its enemies.[27]
Before the end of the Hundred Year War, all known personnel of the Fire Nation Air Force was male.[29] After the conflict's end, women began to serve in the air force as well.[44]
For most of the course of the Hundred Year War, the Fire Nation was not known to have utilized any true air force against its enemies. However, after the battle for the Northern Air Temple, the Fire Nation acquired a war balloon, a hot air balloon designed by the mechanist, an Earth Kingdom inventor who the Fire Nation had pressed into service by designing weapons and technology. As stated by War Minister Qin, "This defeat is the gateway to many victories."[3] Toward the end of the invasion of the Fire Nation, it was revealed that the Fire Nation had constructed many more war balloons which are now fueled by firebenders, as well as several massive metal airships.[27]
The Air Force aided Azula in tracking down Team Avatar after Sokka and Zuko freed Hakoda, Suki, and Chit Sang from the Boiling Rock. After a short battle at the Western Air Temple, the team managed to escape on Appa.[31]
The airships served a critical role in Ozai's plan to destroy the Earth Kingdom by harnessing the power of Sozin's Comet. Although the attack razed much of the western coastline, the airships were all captured or destroyed when Avatar Aang and his friends defeated Ozai and sabotaged the attack. This attack essentially destroyed the Fire Nation air force, as the bulk of its power had been invested in the airships.[29] The air force was reconstituted after the war's end and employed to quickly transport members of the royal family such as Iroh[44] and Fire Lord Zuko to important meetings.[45]
Hot air balloons
- Main article: Hot air balloon
The Fire Nation hot air balloon, also called the war balloon, is a simple airborne vehicle comprised of a large red balloon with the Fire Nation insignia and a personnel gondola underneath. The balloon is fueled by a coal furnace set alight by a single firebender while a second firebender launches projectiles at air or ground-based forces.[3]
- Main article: Fire Nation airship
Airships are massive aerial warships made of metal, with dozens of crew members. They are primarily used for bombing ground targets, and have dozens of small platforms from which firebenders can attack airborne enemies, and also defend the body of the ship. The airships float using large fuel cells on the bottom of the hull to heat the air inside.[27] The airships played a large role in the last stages of the war, as they made up the battle force with which Ozai planned to burn down the Earth Kingdom during the passing of Sozin's Comet.[19]
List of known commanding officers
- Fire Nation airship captain
- Princess Azula
- Phoenix King Ozai
Special task forces
Yuyan Archers
- Main article: Yuyan Archers
The Yuyan Archers are Colonel Shinu's highly skilled unit of archers, and are, according to Zhao, "capable of pinning a fly to a tree from one hundred yards away, without killing it".[46]
Imperial Firebenders
- Main article: Royal Procession
The Imperial Firebenders are an elite group of firebenders dressed in unique armor serving to protect members of the Royal Family.[35] They were banished by Azula just before Sozin's Comet arrived, as she belived they could not be trusted and would eventually betray her.[47]
Rough Rhinos
- Main article: Rough Rhinos
The Rough Rhinos were an elite group of Fire Nation cavalry, founded by Colonel Mongke. There were five members of the group, each of whom carried a different specialized weapon. They were highly skilled and able to ride their komodo rhinos silently through the brush.[41][48] After the Hundred Year War, the Rough Rhinos left the military to become mercenaries.[1]
Southern Raiders
- Main article: Southern Raiders
The Southern Raiders are comprised of an elite force of vessels and soldiers tasked with launching the numerous raids on the Southern Water Tribe.
Their insignia is a sea raven and their uniforms are slightly different from conventional Fire Nation armor. Their helmets have red eye shields that extend to the sides with two spikes on each side in the resemblance of flames or wings and the armor is all black except for red outlining along the edges. The commander has a more intricate helmet in that he has no eye shield but has three red spikes extending outward, a curved red spike outlining the eyes, a black nose guard that extends down, spikes near the mouth, and finally spikes on the arm guards.
Their flagship is fairly advanced, with an unusually large conning tower. The goal of the Southern Raiders is to eliminate all the waterbenders from the Southern Water Tribe, as well as stealing supplies for the Fire Nation.[31]
List of known commanding officers
- Southern Raiders commander
- Yon Rha (retired in 96 AG)
- "All warfare is based on deception."
- ―A widely known Fire Nation proverb.[49]
The Fire Nation military forces seem to favor a strategy that symbolizes their bending art. The Siege of the North showed that the Fire Nation uses heavy bombing with their fleets before overpowering the enemy with armored vehicles, heavy cavalry, and heavy infantry. After gaining a foothold the Fire Nation usually clears the area by advancing at great speeds with cavalry and tanks. After the first advancement, the Fire Nation military usually swarms over the area with infantry. Other strategies are not shown but they are known to make use of maneuver warfare and for encircling their enemy.


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Libby Malphrus
It was October 2010, and 33-year-old Libby Malphrus was juggling more than most people can handle. She was working full time as a genetic counselor for a perinatal practice, parenting a 4-year-old, balancing the demands of marriage and home life, and – perhaps most overwhelming – helping her mother go through treatment for primary peritoneal cancer. The last thing she needed was the phone call from her gynecologist's office stating that her recent Pap test results were abnormal.
"I had had normal Pap results for 17 years. This was the first time I had ever gotten a call back. The timing was awful," said Malphrus. The family was already reeling from her mother's battle with a difficult gynecologic cancer, and now Malphrus realized that she could be facing the same thing.
She scheduled a colposcopy procedure with her gynecologist, Kimberly Crute, M.D. During the procedure, her doctor examined her cervix with a special magnifying lens. Crute did not see any obvious warning signs, but she sent a tissue sample for further testing. The results indicated highly abnormal and potentially cancerous cells. Crute then performed a loop electrosurgical excision procedure, also known as LEEP. This procedure uses low energy current and a wire loop to remove abnormal cells from the cervix. In many cases, the LEEP can remove all abnormal cells before they spread. Malphrus underwent her LEEP on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The results stunned her – she had invasive cervical cancer.
"I had no symptoms when I was diagnosed. I was a runner. I exercised four or five times a week. A month earlier, you would have never convinced me that I had cancer," said Malphrus.
She met with James Burke, M.D., a gynecologic oncologist at Memorial Health University Medical Center. Burke explained all of Malphrus' options. She could undergo radiation therapy in an attempt to kill the cancerous cells, or she could remove the cancer surgically through a radical hysterectomy.
"I was already very worried because of my mother's history. I knew that a radical hysterectomy would dramatically lower my risk of future cancer. But at the same time, it's very difficult to have that choice – the choice to have more children – taken away from you," said Malphrus. In the end, she and her husband decided on the radical hysterectomy.
"I had one healthy child and I wanted to be cancer-free. I just didn't want to risk it," said Malphrus.
She then learned that she could be the first person at Memorial Health to have a hysterectomy with the new da Vinci Si robotic surgery system. The da Vinci Si is the very latest robotic surgical tool, and Memorial Health was the first in the region to offer the new technology. Malphrus researched the system extensively, spoke with Burke, and spoke with colleagues in other parts of the country. She determined that minimally invasive surgery with the da Vinci Si was the best choice for her.
"I had a full-time job and a 4-year-old. I needed to get in and out quickly. I trusted Dr. Burke's surgical skills and I knew it was the fastest and safest way to be cancer free," said Malphrus.
On January 4, 2011, Malphrus had surgery to remove the top third of her vagina, several lymph nodes, her ovaries, and her uterus. It was a very involved procedure that lasted nearly five hours. She had five small incisions that were about half an inch long and barely noticeable.
Her first night in the recovery room was difficult, but by the next day, Malphrus was able to eat a regular lunch and walk on her own. She had hoped to go home that same day. However, she had a swollen bruise near one of her incisions that her caregivers wanted to monitor. The bruise improved and on January 6, just two days after major surgery, Malphrus went home to begin recovering.
She was surprised at how quickly her body healed. Within a week, she was able to drive. Within two weeks, the pain and swelling were gone and she felt very good. She did experience a blood clot in her right leg about 11 days after surgery. She returned to the hospital and was prescribed a regimen of blood thinners to break up the clot. That proved to be only a minor hiccup for Malphrus, and within four weeks she returned to work.
"Women used to be out of work for six to eight weeks following a hysterectomy. In fact, giving birth required a longer recovery than this," said Malphrus.
Perhaps the best news of all was that pathology reports showed that the cancer had not spread to any other parts of her body. She is cancer free today. Shortly after Malphrus returned to work, her mother had her last chemotherapy treatment. Both women looked forward to a great year.
Today, Malphrus is using her experience with cervical cancer to help other others. She encourages parents to vaccinate their daughters and sons with the HPV vaccine that can prevent certain cancers. She also encourages women to get a Pap exam every year, even if they've received years of "normal" results. To promote her message and help raise funds for gynecological cancer research, Malphrus started a website and Facebook page called "Save the Hoo Hahs". Her goal is to help find a cure, so that her daughter will never have to face the same frightening diagnosis.

subset: commoncrawl


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Recruited by the Marquis of Tullibardine in 1902 from Scottish soldiers who took their demob in South Africa.
Affiliated to the Black Watch and have worn the Red Hackle since 1938.
Officers silver button by Fraser & Ross of Glasgow in the style of Scottish Horse badge.
This pattern was only worn 1902-3. afterwards adopting the thistle star pattern.


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Give-away: Mirror, mirror on the wall
I pulled the winner today and it's Erin who commented on Feb 2nd at 11:52 am! Congrats!
I love a good mirror. I think every room could use one or two of them. They add a bit of sparkle to a room and in small spaces help the room look bigger. Who doesn't love that!
Lately sunburst mirrors have been on all of our minds. I love how you can use them as center stage show stopper in a room.
Or they can be placed off to the side for a bit of added sparkle and glam.
You can group them together in a variety of sizes.
I also love them centered above a bed as I did in this room re-do.
Since everyone needs a little sparkle in their life my latest give-away is from Unique Mirrors. They not only feature Wall mirrors , but their partner company also sells bathroom vanities.
They gave me my pick and when I saw this mirror I knew it was the one!
Charlese Mirror with Antique Brushed Silver $169.00 value
So, what do you have to do in order to enter this give-away?
1. Make sure you are a follower either on this blog or via google reader.
2. Leave a comment and let me know where you would put it in your home.
3. If you tweet or mention this give-away on your blog you can come back and enter again.
Everyone is welcomed to enter. No need to have a blog to do so. Just make sure you leave an email address with your comment so you can be contacted if you win.
This give-away is open until: Sunday, Feb 7th at midnight EST.
Images 1-3 are via Decorpad
Labels: give-away


text: I hardly know anything about making a list or an array list in Java. I had to get the gist of it by searching around. So I'm trying to figure out how to get something like List(Integer) tableSet = new ArrayList<Integer>(); except I don't know if what I just made up actually exists or if there is some variant of that or if I have to make a String list then cast the contents of the list into integers.


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http://www.smh.com.au/world/the-great-c ... 2d3v5.html
The great China corruption fire sale
Date January 22, 2013
Malcolm Moore in Beijing
A wave of properties have hit the market in China as the government aims to clamp down on corruption
Thousands of Chinese communist officials have been panicked into a fire sale of their illicit properties and billions of pounds have been smuggled overseas as the country's new leaders intensify a campaign to root out corruption.
Luxurious properties are being dumped on the market in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou for anyone able to pay in cash as officials try to cover their tracks. A report by the party's anti-corruption unit, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said "a wave of luxury home sales began last November and has accelerated since December".
It said the volume of deals had intensified by "a hundred times" after Xi Jinping, the incoming Chinese president, warned that corruption could kill the party and put one of the country's most vigorous and resolute politicians, Wang Qishan, in charge of stamping out graft.
Fu Zongmo, an estate agent in Sanya, Hainan, said his colleagues had sold two houses recently for government officials. In recent years, the tropical beaches and golf courses of Sanya have attracted plenty of speculators but recently the market has stalled.
"They never register the houses in their own names and they use a string of agents to do the deals," said Mr Fu. He said one company had bribed an official by buying him a property at the Mountain Water International Complex. "The property was put in the name of the official's relative. After six months, it was sold for two million yuan ($302,000), around the same amount it cost. Then the official could cash out.
"The officials often use a special mobile number and when the deal closes they invite us for dinner to end the relationship. Then they throw away the number so we cannot contact them," he added.
The CDIC report, which was obtained by the Economic Observer newspaper, suggested that nearly 10,000 luxurious homes had been sold by officials in Guangzhou and Shanghai last year. It also claimed that $US 1 trillion, equivalent to 40 per cent of Britain's annual gross domestic product, had been smuggled out of China illegally in 2012. Economists and experts cast doubt on the figure, but said the flow of money was dramatic. Li Chengyan, a professor at Peking University, suggested that about 10,000 officials had absconded from China with as much as pounds $US100 billion.
Marco Pearman-Parish at Corporation China, a company in Beijing that helps clients find properties abroad, said there had been a strong rise in clients looking for homes in the Cayman Islands. "In Beijing, half our clients are government officials," he said. "Nine out of 10 claim to be businessmen, but it emerges over the course of the deal that they have government jobs."
The CDIC said 1,100 government officials had fled China during last year's national holidays in October and that 714 had been successful in getting away. In the United States, the National Association of Realtors said properties worth more than $US7 billion had been bought by Chinese in the US last year. Some high-end homes were now built for rich Chinese, with ponds for koi carp and a second kitchen for pungent cooking.
Jiang Ming'an, a professor at Peking University Law School and an anti-corruption adviser, said: "The government has been setting up a housing registration system and that may have scared some of the officials with too many houses. People will not take to the streets now because the economy is good. But when it slows down in the future, as the old saying goes, the fire cannot be covered with paper forever."
The Daily Telegraph


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- 2 Beds
- 1 Full, 2 3/4 Baths
Property TypeResidential – Condominium
SubdivisionThe Lion
Listing Date04/16/19
Year Built2017
ParkingUnassigned, Underground
Property Description
Residence E501 is the last remaining 2-bedroom residence with lock-off capability, allowing the generously sized second bedroom to operate independently from the rest of the home and fully capitalize on the strong rental potential demonstrated at The Lion. Enjoy ski slope views from the balcony. Luxury amenities include ski concierge/valet, infinite-current lap pool, fitness center and on-site management by East-West Resorts.
Presented By
- Bus Route
- In Town
- Walk to Slopes
- See Remarks
- Fitness Center
- On Site Management
- Pets
- Air Conditioning
- Cable Available
- Deck
- Fireplace - Gas
- Fitness Center
- Front Desk
- On Site Management
- Pets
- Pool
- Shuttle Service
- Spa and Hot Tub
- Cable TV
- District Sewer
- District Water
- Electricity Avail.
- Natural Gas Avail.
- Phone Available
- Satellite
- Trash Pickup
- Common
- Forced Air
- Zoned AC
- Dryer
- Washer
Financial Information
About Lionshead
Adjacent to Vail Village alongside Gore Creek, Lionshead - named after a rock formation atop the mountain - also offers tremendous dining and shopping in addition to convenient proximity to the Eagle Bahn Gondola. Lionshead Village has undergone major improvements over the past decade including the development of the Arrabelle - housing a luxury hotel and condominiums as well as shops and restaurants. Lionshead, with its Alpine architecture and cobblestone streets is equally as convenient to winter and summer events and activities as well as being a charming pedestrian village.
Area Market Data
We get asked this question a lot. Below is a tool that gives you the ability to see what the market is like in your community. Find out what homes like your own are selling for right in your back yard. Simply enter in your address, choose the proximity of the search and find out market data for other homes that are selling near you.
While we'll provide you with plenty of information, this is a snapshot of your market data and there are real people behind the high-tech and automated tools. If you would like more detailed information or help in understanding the results we are here to help.
Until then, enjoy the tools!
The data relating to the real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of the Vail Multi-List Service, Inc.
Copyright © 2020 Vail Multi List, Inc. (VMLS). The information displayed herein was derived from sources believed to be accurate, but has not been verified by VMLS. Buyers are cautioned to verify all information to their own satisfaction. This information is exclusively for viewers' personal, non- commercial use. Any republication or reproduction of the information herein without the express permission of the VMLS is strictly prohibited.
Listing courtesy of Slifer Smith & Frampton - Lionshead


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Steven Finn, Ishant Sharma out of first India-England Test
England and India both suffered setbacks in their bowling departments with pacers Steven Finn and Ishant Sharma being ruled out of the Ahmedabad Test.
India and England will be without the services of fast bowlers Ishant Sharma and Steven Finn when they open a four-Test series in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
Finn has not recovered from a thigh strain suffered in England's three-day tour opener in Mumbai last month, while Sharma was ruled out of the first Test due to viral fever he picked up on Tuesday.
The duo's absence was confirmed by rival captains Alastair Cook and Mahendra Singh Dhoni at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, even as speculation mounted over the likely nature of the newly-laid pitch.
Both Dhoni and Cook expected the dry surface at the Motera stadium to assist spin, but added its unknown quality would generate considerable interest for the two teams.
"Wickets could change a lot in 24 hours, but it looks quite dry," said Cook. "The pitch has been re-laid and so there are not many statistics available that are relevant to the wicket."Dhoni, who had openly called on groundsmen across India to prepare turning pitches against spin-wary tourists, termed it a "good wicket".
"It definitely looks dry and I feel it will turn," he said, but indicated India were unlikely to field a third specialist spinner in Harbhajan Singh to bowl alongside Ravichandran Ashwin and Pragyan Ojha.
"The fast bowlers could also get a bit of reverse swing. It's always advisable to have a bowling attack that has people available for different scenarios."
England have proved vulnerable against the turning ball this year, losing 3-0 to Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in January-February before forcing a 1-1 draw in Sri Lanka in March.
The tourists now confront an Indian side that usually makes up for its poor record abroad by dominating all comers on home soil, where it has lost just one series out of 16 in the past 10 years.
India are desperate to make amends for two successive 4-0 routs in England and Australia over the past year, but Dhoni refused to term the upcoming matches as a grudge series.
"When we go on to the field there will be a red ball and there will be two teams playing," he said. "You can name it whatever you want but it does not change the fact that this is another Test match.
"In your own country you are supposed to be good. But when you play abroad it's a fresh challenge. Every country feels the same. It's no different for England."
Cook said he was "nervous and excited" leading England as a full-time Test captain since taking over from Andrew Strauss, who retired after the 2-0 loss to South Africa at home in August.
"Whatever happens over the next Test match, I hope do a good job in the long run," said the left-handed opener, who turns 28 on Christmas Day. "I hope to get good results."
Cook was confident of taking on India in their own backyard, saying his team gained valuable practice in the three warm-up games prior to the Test.
"History shows that India has coped well with pressure which comes with playing at home," he said. "They have an excellent home record, but our job is to put them under pressure now."
Cook said the return of Kevin Pietersen to the England squad after he was banned in August for a text message row will lift the tourists.
"For a captain it is great to have a world-class batsman like him in the team," Cook said. "We have moved on and the whole side has adapted to the situation.
"What I don't want to change is his confidence, or his swagger when he bats, because that's what has made him such a great player."
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419 Items Tagged
yoga poses
Feeling Wonky? These 5 Centering Exercises Can Be Done Anywhere
They're excuse-proof!
Suffer From Lower Back Pain? These 3 Yoga Poses
A simple flow to support our entire physical structure, and through that stability, we're able to find more space.
The Chemicals In Your Yoga Mat Could Cause Infertility. Here's What To Do About It
Should you be worried?
4 Grounding Yoga Poses That Are So Much Better In The Mountains
Ready, set, dancer pose.
Listen Up, Yoga Teachers: Here's The Most Important Thing To Remember When Putting Together A Sequence
The key is to start slow.
How To Get The Most Out Of Your Yoga Practice
Here's everything you need.
Yoga Has Changed A LOT In The Last 5,000 Years. Here's How To Make It Work For You
Don't forget to ask questions.
Swap Your Sweat-Dripping Yoga Flow For This Relaxing Sequence
If you're dealing with any level of stress, give this a try.
Want To Spark Creativity & Drop All Your Stress? This Yoga Sequence Will Do The Trick
Guess what? You don't need to be stressed out to achieve your goals.
I'm A Former Football Player. Here's Why Yoga Is The Most Beneficial Exercise I've Ever Done
These days, I'm never not wearing my yoga clothes.
From The Perfect Lip Tint To TSA-Approved Coconut Oil, Here's What Top Yogis Have In Their Summer Tote Bags
Time to go shopping.
I Tried To Clear My Skin Using Yoga & This Is What Happened
Trust me, skeptics: Yoga is a powerful tool.
Is Your Approach To Success Actually Slowing You Down? Here's How To Find Out
Pushing hard isn't always the way to make things happen.
The No. 1 Thing I'm Asked As A Kundalini Yoga Teacher
Deep breathing comes in handy for this one.
Can't Sleep? This Relaxing Yoga Sequence Will Change That
No mat required.
5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Yoga Teachers
No, we can't do every single pose.
The Workout Move Everyone In The Fitness World Is Stealing From Yogis
They're not just doing it for the 'gram.
A 4-Step Sequence To Nailing Headstand — Without Hurting Yourself
Ready, set, invert.
I Was Dealing With Crippling Depression. Then I Found Yoga
"I made a vow to myself that day that I would incorporate yoga into my life every single day."
5 Ways To Use Yoga To Make Your Skin Glow


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A Trolling We Will Go Omnibus:The Latter Years
Not only do I write Regency and Romance, but I also have delved into Fantasy.
The Trolling series, is the story of a man, Humphrey. We meet him as he has left youth and become a man with a man's responsibilities. He is a woodcutter for a small village. It is a living, but it is not necessarily a great living. It does give him strength, muscles.
We follow him in a series of stories that encompass the stages of life. We see him when he starts his family, when he has older sons and the father son dynamic is tested.
We see him when his children begin to marry and have children, and at the end of his life when those he has loved, and those who were his friends proceed him over the threshold into death.
All this while he serves a kingdom troubled by monsters. Troubles that he and his friends will learn to deal with and rectify.
Here are the last two books together as one longer novel.
Trolling, Trolling, Trolling Fly Hides! and We'll All Go a Trolling.
Available in a variety of formats.
For $5.99 you can get this fantasy adventure.
Barnes and Noble for your Nook
The stories of Humphrey and Gwendolyn. Published separately in: Trolling, Trolling, Trolling Fly Hides! and We'll All Go a Trolling. These are the tales of how a simple Woodcutter who became a king and an overly educated girl who became his queen helped save the kingdom of Torahn from an ancient evil. Now with the aid of their children and their grandchildren.
Long forgotten is the way to fight the Trolls. Beasts that breed faster than rabbits it seems, and when they decide to migrate to the lands of humans, their seeming invulnerability spell doom for all in the kingdom of Torahn. Not only Torahn but all the human kingdoms that border the great mountains that divide the continent.
The Kingdom of Torahn has settled down to peace, but the many years of war to acheive that peace has seen to changes in the nearby Teantellen Mountains. Always when you think the Trolls have also sought peace, you are fooled for now, forced by Dragons at the highest peaks, the Trolls are marching again.
Now Humphrey is old, too old to lead and must pass these cares to his sons. Will they be as able as he always has been. He can advise, but he does not have the strength he used to have. Nor does Gwendolyn back in the Capital. Here are tales of how leaders we know and are familiar with must learn to trust the next generation to come.
If you have any commentary, thoughts, ideas about the book (especially if you buy it, read it and like it 😉 then we would love to hear from you.


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Corporate media completely silent on latest development with warming fraudsters
Steve Watson
Thursday, Jan 14, 2010
A leading scientist involved in the climategate scandal received over half a million dollars in federal economic stimulus funds from the Obama Administration last Summer, it has been revealed.
Professor Michael Mann of Penn State University, currently under investigation by the institution itself for his role in massaging climate data and hijacking the peer review process to advance the myth of anthropogenic global warming, was awarded a grant of $541,184 by the government in June 2009.
Mann, the creator of the now infamously discredited Hockey Stick Graph, landed money that came directly from the U.S. Treasury's economic stimulus package, reveals the Washington free-market think-tank group The National Center For Public Policy Research (NCPPR).
The official justification for the grant, authorized under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, was labeled as "climate change research".
An NCPPR press release, published today, calls for the funds to be returned:
"It's outrageous that economic stimulus money is being used to support research conducted by Michael Mann at the very time he's under investigation by Penn State and is one of the key figures in the international Climategate scandal. Penn State should immediately return these funds to the U.S. Treasury," said Tom Borelli, Ph.D., director of the National Center's Free Enterprise Project.
The funds Mann is receiving from the government come in addition to another award to Penn State University researchers of $1.9 million in stimulus funds to study the effects of climate change on the spread of infectious diseases.
NCPPR further commented in its press release:
"It's no wonder that Obama's stimulus plan is failing to produce jobs. Taxpayer dollars aren't being used in the ways most likely to spur job creation. The stimulus was not sold to the public as a way to reward a loyalist in the climate change debate. Nor was the stimulus sold as a way to promote the Obama Administration's position on the global warming theory…As is often the case, political considerations corrupt the distribution of government funds," said Deneen Borelli, a fellow with the National Center's Project 21 black leadership network.
Of course, the kind of economic stimulus Obama has in mind in awarding such grants to proponents of AGW may stem directly from his own intimate involvement in the carbon tax program he is now seeking to broadly implement.
The mainstream media, once again, remains completely silent on the matter as the vast majority did throughout the climategate controversy.
Warming alarmists are sure to point to the fact that NCPPR has a vested interest, being a member of the Cooler Heads Coalition, whose object is described as "dispelling the myths of global warming by exposing flawed economic, scientific, and risk analysis".
In 25 years of operation, NCPPR has received about $280,000 from ExxonMobil and presently receives about one half of one percent of its funding from the company.
However, as we have previously pointed out, the funding received by groups such as the NCPPR from companies like Exxonmobil pales in comparison to the gargantuan amounts, of mostly tax payer dollars, awarded to AGW proponents.
The leaked emails from the Hadley centre revealed that (now former) CRU chief Phil Jones received 55 endowments since 1990 from agencies ranging from the U.S. Department of Energy to NATO, worth a total of £13,718,547, or approximately $22.6 million.
$19 million alone came between the years 2000 and 2006.
The London based intergovernmental organisation The Commonwealth Foundation has called for an outside, independent investigation of Michael Mann and his involvement in climategate, a move that is further vindicated entirely by these latest revelations.
This article was posted: Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 11:03 am


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I cleaned up most of the loose edges. I still need to design and implement the GADT records syntax (should be easy) ; I was thinking:
Here is an example of haddock's record-display:
and here's for an ordinary data type:
Notice that records can have documentation per-constructor-argument.
So we need to decide what syntax we want, since there's a tension between displaying the type of the constructor itself (including any class contexts, as GHC just implemented syntax for!), and having a separate line on which to document each field.
I'm inclined to copy type information a bit and have it look like, for
data Foo a where
Bar :: Ord a => { f1 :: [a] — ^ Some values.
} -> Foo a
Bar :: Ord a => [a] -> Foo a
f1 :: [a] Some values.
Or maybe explicit forall "Bar :: forall a. Ord a => [a] -> Foo a" since it obviously needs to (conceptually) scope over the following fields.


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Blackburn prides itself on being an open, inclusive and friendly club. We welcome riders of all ages and abilities, and work to support all riders achieve their goals and get what they want from cycling, be it a fun ride on the weekend or help in reaching the Olympics. The Team App platform accompanies our Team App smartphone app available from the App Store or Google Play. Download Team App now and search for Blackburn Cycling Club to enjoy our team app on the go. Check out what's happening under Events. Further information about the Club is available by emailing email@example.com or call 0407 308 755.
To access all the features of this site you need to Log In or Sign Up.
This item has been archived and is no longer visible in the app or to any member except an admin.
Sun, 9 Aug
from 9:00am to 3:00pm
by Barry woods
Posted: 4 months ago
Updated: 4 months ago by Barry woods
Archived by: Barry woods
Visible to: public
Time zone: Melbourne
Reminder: 2 weeks before
Ends: 03:00pm (duration is about 6 hours)


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Mike Conway, the young and sexy British Indy car racer recently won the IndyCar race in Long Beach, this is the second time he won the race, the first time was in 2011. And we wonder with whom is mike Conway going to celebrate this win with? any pretty wife by his side? girlfriend perhaps? 30-year-old Mike started karting аt thе age оf еight аt Rye House in Hertfordshire. Aftеr that, hе wеnt оn tо bе thе Formula A British Karting Champion, race in Formula Ford with Van Diemen, bесоmе thе Formula Renault UK Champion in 2004 аnd thеn intо thе British F3 International Series in 2005, with thе ѕаmе Fortec Motorsport team thаt hе hаd bееn with in FRenault UK. In British F3, hе wаѕ thе highest … [Read more...]
You are here: Home / Archives for Mike Conway wiki


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President Obama is having a good week. He held court in Hawaii at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, pushed through a reduction on tariffs for environmental goods, and gained steam on what has become his signature regional free trade agreement, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), with interest from Japan, Canada, and Mexico. On to Australia, President Obama and Prime Minister Gillard agreed to enhance joint military training and provide the United States with access to Australian bases. Score two for the president. His last stop will be Bali for the East Asian Summit. For a home run, the president need only let Washington's allies take the lead in setting the agenda—thereby allaying quietly-voiced concerns among some of the smaller Asian nations that the United States would try to control the agenda—and reaffirm the willingness of the United States to support its partners' interests.
For many observers, President Obama's trip represents a "return to Asia." The truth is that the United States never left Asia; it was just focused elsewhere in the region. Mostly, Washington was busy banging its head against the wall trying to find ways to work constructively with China (translation: get the Chinese to change their economic, political, and security policies) and to persuade North Korea to step back from the nuclear brink. Suffice it to say that neither effort yielded a significant return. The president and his team have now realized that it is much more substantively productive and politically profitable to spend time with people whose overall political values, economic practices, and strategic interests are generally aligned with those of the United States—namely all the important players in the region except for China.
Beijing's reaction to President Obama's initiatives in the region, unsurprisingly, has been one of deep unhappiness. In conversations I had with Chinese officials last week in Beijing, it was clear that they believed the United States was 1) done with the Middle East and now turning its focus to the Asia Pacific in an effort to contain China, 2) stirring up trouble for China among otherwise friendly countries in the region, and 3) developing the "mysterious" TPP as an anti-China economic strategy. There was no official recognition that at the outset it was China's assertive behavior that created the circumstances in which the United States could play such an enhanced role in the region. Forgotten or ignored were Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi's comments at the 2010 ASEAN Regional Forum that "China is a big country and other countries are small countries, and that's just a fact"; the continued sparring between Chinese vessels and those of its neighbors in the East and South China Sea; and the general unattractive nationalist rhetoric of Beijing's official newspapers warning that if countries in Asia "don't want to change their ways" they will need to "prepare for the sound of cannons."
In some respects, Washington has done little more than to take advantage of Beijing's missteps. "Where to from here?" is the tougher question. Washington's vision of the 21st century Asia Pacific appears to marry U.S. leadership with Pacific partnership. China is consigned to the role of the outsider peering in, unless it starts to play by the norms that the rest of the region has established. But China's economic and military throw-weight is growing and, along with it, its capacity to write its own rules of the game. For the United States to play a long-term leadership role in the region, it needs to get its economic house in order both to maintain a serious military presence and to help drive regional economic growth. Only then can Washington ensure that its Asia Pacific vision is not only reassuring but also realistic.
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Still Ill: Create Your Own Illmatic Artwork
Celebrate the release of Illmatic XX, the 20th anniversary edition of Nas' album, Illmatic by creating your own Illmatic XX cover art. Create yours now for a chance to win Nas concert tickets! The Grand Prize winner will receive 2 tickets to a Nas performance and an autographed CD and merch prize pack. Two more First Prize winners will also receive autographed CDs and merch prize packs.
Create Your Artwork Now for a Chance to Win


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Spaghetti with Sauteed Chicken and Grape Tomatoes
Spaghetti with Sauteed Chicken and Grape Tomatoes, a pasta inspired by the abundance of tomatoes and basil in my garden this year.
Spaghetti with Sauteed Chicken and Grape Tomatoes
These grape tomatoes are so sweet and addicting. Toss them with some low carb pasta and diced chicken and you have a delicious, healthy meal in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Spaghetti with Sauteed Chicken and Grape Tomatoes
- 2 skinless chicken breast halves, diced in 1 inch cubes
- cooking spray
- 1/2 tsp each of dried oregano and dried basil
- kosher salt and fresh pepper, to taste
- 8 oz gluten-free, or whole wheat spaghetti
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed and coarsely chopped
- 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
- Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, oregano and basil.
- Heat a large skillet on high heat. When hot, spray with oil and add chicken. Cook about 3-4 minutes, until no longer pink.
- Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, add olive oil to skillet on high heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until golden brown (do not burn). Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté about 4-5 minutes.
- When pasta is drained, add pasta to tomatoes and toss well. If pasta seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water.
- Add fresh basil and chicken and toss well. Serve and top with good grated cheese.


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As embarrassing mistakes go, this one is up there with accidentally calling your teacher "Mummy", or unknowingly leaving your flies open during a bumpy bus journey.
Triple cringe!
[Ed. The Good Korea's back!]
This post, written by Josh Burt, is republished with permission from The Spoiler. Go there often if you like soccer stuff.


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About PACCAR Financial
With over 40 years experience in the transport industry, PACCAR Financial, as part of PACCAR Inc., is the main equipment financing source for all PACCAR customers.
PACCAR Financial is available at Channel Commercials PLC Sevenoaks, contact our team for details.
PACCAR Financial PLC is the principal financier of DAF Trucks in the UK, new and used. Based on knowledge and experience of the transport industry, PACCAR Financial are able to offer you professionally structured solutions and an extensive range of competitive finance and leasing options. That's why PACCAR Financial finance more DAF trucks than anyone else.
Because PACCAR Financial is exclusively committed to the transport industry, its aim is to understand the needs of your business and provide flexible solutions.
As members of the Finance and Leasing Association you can be assured of the highest professional standards and complete integrity in all dealings with you.
PACCAR Financial market its financial products and services from headquarters located centrally in the UK, at premises shared with DAF Trucks Limited.
If you want to know what PACCAR Financial can do for you, contact Channel Commercials PLC Sevenoaks and we will be pleased to answer all your questions.
For PACCAR Financial and Channel Commercials PLC Sevenoaks, the customer is always our number 1 priority
We are committed to working with our customers to provide you with the right finance or leasing solution which suits your business best. To help keep your business moving forward, PACCAR Financial provides you with these extensive benefits.
- A comprehensive and competitive product range for you to choose from, for new and used trucks, trailers and other transport equipment.
- Structured payment profiling enabling you to optimise your cash flow and costs.
- Monthly payments, deposits and contract lengths to suit your budget.
- An incremental credit facility releasing other facilities for you to use.
- A separate credit line not influenced by your bank.
- As DAF's financial services provider we give you the same commitment to quality and service that you would expect from any DAF product.
- We can provide additional services such as DAF Repair & Maintenance
- We have dedicated financial sales professionals ready to provide you with a personalised, focused and tailored service.
Paccar Financial PLC is a member of the Finance and Leasing Association assuring its customers of the highest professional standards in all dealings
Just contact the Channel Commercials PLC Sevenoaks Team who can help you find the right finance or leasing solution for your business.
Dedicated to transport
PACCAR Financial is exclusively committed to the transport industry and to contributing to the success of those customers who have chosen to acquire a DAF truck, whether new or used. We can give you the support and confidence to keep your business moving forward with us, based on our substantial credentials.
- In-house finance company of DAF Trucks: giving you the same commitment to quality and service that you would expect from any DAF product.
- Over 40 years of experience and dedicated to the transport industry: we know the transport business and we know the truck business.
- Easy and simple: we can ease your administrative burden by being your single source for vehicle finance, R&M and other related services.
- Professional organisation: we can give you prompt feedback on your credit status and provide you with professionally tailored finance and lease solutions.
- Expertise of the trucking industry: PACCAR Financial has a portfolio of 167,000 trucks and trailers globally giving us a comprehensive understanding of both the assets that we are funding and the transportation sector in general.
- Flexible solutions: We seek to know what is driving your business and can offer you a wide range of flexible finance and leasing solutions, not only for your new DAF trucks but for trailers, DAF used trucks and other transport equipment.
- Pan-European organisation: because we are present in many European countries, we are there where you need us, with local knowledge.
- Financial Strength: PACCAR's AA- credit rating means we can offer you competitive retail financing and leasing for your trucks, trailers and other transport equipment.


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Getting the most out of your fruits and vegetables starts at the store. Learn how to pick the freshest produce from someone who knows the tricks of the trade.
When you consider cost, taste, and time, is fresh always better? Find out as frozen dinners go head-to-head with their freshly made counterparts.
Discover the color code that will lead you to the freshest loaf on the store shelf every time.
What's the one thing worse than talking about a budget with your spouse? Grocery shopping. I live with a coupon cutter who insists we buy nothing that isn't bought with coupons. Bu
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Gallery > Album
Kimberley meets Peter Andre at Crealy
Kimberly Stacey from Liskeard is four years old but in her short life has already had to battle off a series of tumours.
Kimberly's mum was asked to make a decision between continuing to treat Kimberly, knowing that the aggressive therapy could lead to organ failure, or taking her home to Liskeard to enjoy what time she has left with her family.
Helped by Pirate FM listeners, Kimberly and her family went on an incredible holiday to Disneyland.
Further to this, on Saturday August 13th 2011 some local business people got together to help Kimberly meet another of her heroes: Peter Andre. A private helicopter picked Kimberly up from Liskeard, flew her to Crealy at Exeter for a meet and greet with Peter and they all watched his gig as part of Crealy Rocks from the top of a double decker bus filled with toys. At the end of his set Peter Andre sang a song to Kimberly rounded off with fireworks.
Showing images 21 to 30 of 67.


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The Pathfinder
Ghost (Karl Urban), a Viking boy, is raised by a Native American tribe when his clan is defeated in a battle. After learning the ways of his new family, Ghost, who is now a man, must protect his people from the Vikings, who have returned to conquer and settle in North America. Directed by Marcus Nispel. With Moon Bloodgood and Russell Means. Categories: Action, Adventure, Drama, Thriller, War. Year: 2007.


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went to the bar with some friends last night after class. girl told me some dude tripped on nothing supposedly looking at me and it was funny. now im sitting here mad that i didnt see and wondering if it was my dude. shrug.
i go to get my last drink and boy who had, like my friend, won a free happy hour walked up and was like "can i go in front of u?" i must have been in a good mood b/c i was gonna let him. mainly b/c free happy hr people already have cups so it would take no time to get whatever he wanted. but he was joking. he was interested in what i was ordering and i told him. he said he'd get it. that was my in.
i returned to my table like "should i, or shouldnt i?" he was attractive and he seemed nice enough. but im "shy" or maybe it's a confidence issue. but i had my "in". i would just casually walk by later and see if he liked what he copy catted off of me.
he was in mixed company and i couldnt tell what everyone's relationship to one another was. like some sort of predator, i waited til the woman he was seated beside left or went to the bathroom or wherever she went. i walked myself over there and asked him how he liked the drink and he probably feigned interest but we exchanged information.
if nothing else comes of this, at least i did it instead of wondering what COULD have happened if i didnt. plus i wouldnt have gotten the chance to pick up on his accent and learn that he was an ATLien (oh, i miss JAWJA).
i dont often like the dudes who approach me but i also do not like being the pursuer. what preference do you have? does it even matter? something about the personality of guys who approach me is just obnoxious. im also frustrated with dudes who never say anything and im convinced that old boy would have never said a word if i hadnt. does that mean he simply wasnt that interested despite the fact that someone said he'd been looking in our direction? maybe i wasnt the one he was looking at...


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featuring Martin Taylor, Martin Simpson, Bob Brozman, Larry Coryell, Steve Howe, Martin Carthy, Peppino D'Agostino, Tim Sparks and Gordon Giltrap
"This three DVD set features new and archival footage of performances by the preeminent names in steel-string fingerstyle guitar. Beginning with Peter Finger's breathtaking 'A Trip Through The Pyrenees', the collection boasts some real gems: a rare late 1960s clip of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady - a.k.a. Hot Tuna doing 'Hesitation Blues', Bert Jansch delivering a soulful version of 'One For Jo', John Fahey crooning while plucking a Gibson L-00 on a plaintive 'Poor Boy' and Adrian Legg at his peg-twisting best on 'Midwest Sunday'... It's a wonder seeing these greats do what they do up close without those often clumsy instructional asides, and without getting a lot of smoke in your face. A real treat." - Guitar Player
The "folk boom" which exploded in the wake of the Kingston Trio's 1958 hit, Tom Dooley, produced some surprising fallout. Acoustic guitar sales suddenly skyrocketed and a new generation of players quickly sized up the instrument's potential. It proved to be astonishing, once the secrets of fingerstyle guitar unfolded before the instrument's future masters. The performances in this DVD series present two generations of artists who have advanced the acoustic guitar's cause with formidable boldness. We clearly hear their folk, blues, and country roots even as they develop other distinctly personal harmonic and melodic pathways. Bonus material is included on each volume.
Titles Includes: MARTIN TAYLOR Medley: Dixie/Old Man River MARTIN SIMPSON Medley: The Banks Of The Bann/Bantry Girl's Lament/Jock O'Hazeldean, Charlie's Boogie BOB BROZMAN Man Of Steel Blues, Subtropical Stomp LARRY CORYELL Julia La Belle STEVE HOWE Clap, Second Initial MARTIN CARTHY The Siege Of Delhi, Byker Hill PEPPINO D'AGOSTINO Acoustic Spirit, Acoustic Funk MARTIN SIMPSON & BOB BROZMAN A Southern Grove TIM SPARKS Samiotisa, Oniro MARTIN TAYLOR & GORDON GILTRAP Colin's Meadow
Bonus Instructional Tracks: MARTIN TAYLOR Just Squeeze Me MARTIN CARTHY Old Tom of Oxford
Running Time: 84 minutes


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EMSI provides the most complete, current, and accurate employment data in Canada, the U.S., and the U.K., which is why publications like The Wall Street Journal, Forbes Magazine, and The New York Times regularly cite EMSI data.
EMSI's Canada dataset harmonizes labour market data from a variety of sources, providing it in a format that's easy to access, easy to understand, and easy to use. It aligns the geographical definitions of the data, from 2001 to the present. And it brings data from multiple Canadian Government datasets - including SEPH, LFS, CBP and Census - into conversation with each other so that users can get a comprehensive view of the Canadian labour markets.


text: St. Joseph Hospital First in Orange County to Perform MAKOplasty Hip Replacement Jul 12, 2012 Contributor: Fishing, golfing, playing with your dog in the backyard – these are all ordinary activities that for some may seem relatively easy, but when you're suffering from severe hip pain, even simple tasks can pose a great challenge. For 64-year-old Tracy Anderson, a former athlete and retired high school teacher and football coach, these tasks had become increasingly difficult due to the deterioration of his hip over the years. But last week, St. Joseph Hospital was able to change that. St. Joseph Hospital in Orange recently became the first hospital in Orange County to perform a MAKOplasty® total hip replacement surgery. The procedure was performed using the RIO® Robotic Arm Interactive Orthopedic System, a highly advanced surgical system that enables consistent, reproducible surgical precision and accurate alignment and positioning of implants. The physician performing the procedure, Board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ayaz Biviji, said the procedure went very well and the patient – Tracy Anderson – was up and walking the same afternoon. "I can't wait to get back to doing what I used to do," Anderson said, "the care I received in the hospital was outstanding, and I think it's going to work out really well." MAKOplasty® enables surgeons to reach a new level of reproducible precision in surgery, resulting in improved surgical outcomes, improved accuracy and alignment of implants and sparing of healthy bone. The RIO® system provides a patient-specific 3-D modeling of the patient's hip based on a pre-operative CT scan. During surgery, the system provides real-time data to help surgeons accurately place the implant within the desired orientation. Each hip replacement is tailored to the patient's unique anatomy, which improves surgical outcomes. Like other total hip replacement procedures, MAKOplasty Hip may be a treatment option for people who suffer from either non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease. "Getting implants positioned correctly is a critical element in improving surgical outcomes and the lifespan of the implants used for hip replacement," said Dr. Biviji. "This technology enables us to more accurately achieve the biomechanical alignments needed to fit each patient's unique anatomy." "We're very pleased to offer this advanced technology at St. Joseph Hospital," said Kevin Lundon, vice president of Operations for St. Joseph Hospital. "MAKOplasty is another way for our extremely talented surgeons to better care for our patients." St. Joseph Hospital is also the first in Orange County to offer MAKOplasty® partial knee resurfacing, a minimally invasive treatment option for adults living with early to mid-stage osteoarthritis that has not yet progressed to all three compartments of the knee. MAKOplasty is less invasive than traditional total knee surgery and is also performed using the RIO robotic arm system. For more information on MAKOplasty and St. Joseph Hospital's renowned orthopedic services please visit www.sjo.org. About St. Joseph Health – St. Joseph Hospital Founded in 1929, St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, is a nationally recognized, 525-bed, not-for-profit Catholic hospital dedicated to extending the healing ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. Fully accredited by The Joint Commission and designated as a Magnet hospital for nursing excellence, St. Joseph Hospital's reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate, family-centered care draws patients from all over the United States. This is one reason why St. Joseph Hospital was named one of the top 10 hospitals in the Los Angeles/Orange County area by U.S. News & World Report. With a highly recognized 1,000-member medical staff and more than 3,800 support staff, St. Joseph Hospital is home to more than 75 specialty programs, including The Center for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, the Heart and Vascular Center and a nationally acclaimed Orthopedics program that has been ranked among the top 50 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Equally important is St. Joseph Hospital's dedication to caring for the medically underserved through health education programs, a free-standing medical and dental clinic, and mobile health vans. St. Joseph Hospital depends on philanthropic support from the community to carry out its mission. These efforts are coordinated through the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation.


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New DWTS Photos Of Finalists Heading To Good Morning America, More Wrap Party Photos
I can't get enough of all the new pictures of our new Champs, finalists, and cast celebrating their wins and time on Dancing With The Stars this season. Pictured above is Amber Riley and Derek Hough in New York City heading to Good Morning America. You can view more takes of them and the other finalists at Zimbio Pictures and Getty Images. Getty Images also has more Dancing With The Stars Wrap Party pictures than what we showed you in an earlier previous posting.
Also, don't miss heading over to Pure Derek Hough for more coverage with Amber Riley and Derek Hough. Heidi and I are pacing ourselves trying to get everything up and for International viewers as well.
Too Fun! What a fantastic season it's been and here's to many more!!xxx


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Chinese Cement Companies Accounting for CO2 Emissionsby -
Last month, Chinese cement companies took the first steps towards measuring and managing CO2 emissions across the entire cement sector.
Cement production is a major source of carbon dioxide emissions: five percent of the global total. And China's cement sector all by itself accounts for 45 percent of global production.
Representatives from nearly 75 companies and organizations attended a first of its kind training workshop on January 21-23rd, which convened as part of the Asia-Pacific Partnership in Beijing. WRI was the lead organizer of the workshop along with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, built on Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI) and the ISO-recognized GHG Protocol.
The workshop coincided with the launch of the CO2 Centre of Excellence at the China Building Materials Academy (CBMA) in Beijing. The GHG Protocol will work to develop the capacity within the CBMA to provide technical assistance to China's 5,000 cement companies to both measure and manage GHG emissions and climate impacts.
Workshop Participants: Pankaj Bhatia (WRI) with Liu Ming (NDRC, China)
Why is this workshop significant?
For one, it represents a significant step forward by the Chinese government in its clean development and climate change strategies for the industrial sector. The Chinese government has planned a 3-phase strategy to collect data from the cement companies, starting with the multinationals and expanding to medium and small enterprises. The GHG Protocol is a perfect foundation for this strategy; it includes tools and methodologies for measuring emissions at both the corporate and cement sector level.
Furthermore, the initiative adds to other policies that China is developing in its attempts to address its fast-growing emissions. Other policies include an economy-wide efficiency target, along with aggressive renewable energy and vehicle efficiency standards. and The GHG Protocol is an excellent foundation for this work.
The next steps are to take lessons learned from the preliminary workshop and scale up to include China's approximately 5,000 cement companies. Virtually all of these companies need training in using the GHG Protocol.
Related Links
- GHG Protocol
- Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI)
- Making Cement Sustainable: Carbon and Other Emissions
- GHG Protocol tools for estimating GHG emissions from cement manufacture
- China Program Gains Significant Momentum
- WRI hosts workshop on Energy Savings and CO2 Reductions in the Chinese Cement Industry (November 2007)


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text: How about setting it so links in a post open in a new tab (or window)? This is the only forum board I've been to where the links open in the same window. I prefer the new tab because I can explore the link, then close the tab and still be here. I know I can right-click and choose new tab, but how many times have you forgotten to right-click and click instead? Just a suggestion. rmfr